Relocating

Hey all. I have good news, and I have bad news.

The Bad news is that I will be no longer updating Of Books and Wargames 3 with reviews, I'm afraid.

However, the good news is, that I'm relocating websites to this blog, which i'll admit, is a lot better than my own. http://www.thefoundingfields.com/, is where I'll be posting all my reviews in the future.

So yeah, this should be the last ever post on this Blog by me. On another, more happier note -  Merry Christmas.

Bane of Kings Out.

Helion Rain: George Mann - Read by Toby Longworth - Advanced Review

Helion Rain: George Mann

Read by Toby Longworth

The world of Idos is on the verge of destruction, wracked by catastrophic storms and plagued by ravening tyranids. Into this maelstrom come the Raven Guard 4th Company, the warzone perfectly suited to their lightning-strike methods of combat. Led by Veteran Sergeant Grayvus, their mission is simple – to rescue the planet’s last survivors. But in the midst of this nightmare, they receive new orders to locate and destroy a power station. The station is built upon a fault line, and the resulting quake would swallow thousands of tyranids and turn the war in the Imperium's favour. Grayvus and his company must fight their way through genestealers, acid spore mines and a deadly biomorph if they are to succeed and reclaim Idos for the Imperium.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/all-products/coming-soon/Helion-Rain.html

Note: This is an advanced review for Black Library and this novel is not available for purchase until February 2011. 

Now then, this is my third audiobook, and it’s also the first outside of the Horus Heresy Series (See Raven’s Flight) to give the sons of Corax a starring role. This is also written by George Mann, who as far as I’m aware, has not written any other Black Library novels or audio books for that matter, to date. However, the reader, Toby Longworth, has been the voice actor for several Black Library audiobooks, including Garro: Oath of Moment, and Heart of Rage.

Now, because it’s an Audiobook, I’m going to start with the voice acting, which in my opinion is not very good at all. Sure, there are few characters in this audiobook, but shouldn’t they each have different voices? Even if they are astartes?

Each character’s voices, and no I am not counting the vox-casting, which at some points I couldn’t even understand what the characters were saying when they were speaking through the vox, which caused me to lose track of the conversation.

Moving onto the next part of the review, Helion Rain, you will find, has a very predictable storyline. It basically sums up the plot in the blurb above, so yeah- and you will know the ending before you get to the final chapter.

Now, this was the first audiobook that I’ve listened to in which the sound effects also helped to get in the way of the voices. The background fighting scenes were loud and disruptive, which didn’t help.

However, if there’s one thing that does salvage Helion Rain is description, which gives detail about the setting, the people and the monsters in M41. However, just because one thing is good doesn’t make the whole thing worth getting.

Moving on once more, I’m going to talk about character development. As one might have expected by the short length of the audiobook, there is not much time to give a chance to develop the character’s personality when the focus is more on the setting and the mission, and of course – the enemy.

Now, the Tyranids are possibly one of my most favourite ‘bad guys’ in 40k and it’s because of their awesome portrayal in the fluff. They don’t conquer worlds, they eat them. They have no understanding of mercy, honour or surrender, and will not stop until the galaxy is completely devoid of life.

But on the other hand, opposing them, are also one of my favourite astartes chapters, the XIX Legion themselves, the Raven Guard; experts at stalking in shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike, and when they do – they strike quickly, leaving no enemy of the Imperium alive.

And that is what they are doing in this audiobook.

Now, there are two more things I would like to touch on before I conclude my review of Helion Rain. The first is the fighting – it’s great to listen to, and suits the style of the Raven Guard, and is well described.

The second, and the last, is the artwork on the cover of the audiobook. It’s just awesome.

And, on that bombshell, I will leave you with this:

Rating: 7/10

Should you buy this audiobook? If you are a Raven Guard fan, or a Tyranid one, then the answer is yes. However, if you aren’t, then you can give this book a miss.

Sword of Vengeance - Chris Wraight - Advanced Review

Sword of Vengeance: Chris Wraight

A Warhammer Heroes Novel

Averland is aflame. An army of cultists rises in the corrupted city of Averheim. The Theogonist Volkmar marches towards the city in a race to snuff out the rebellion before it grows too widespread to defeat. Schwarzhelm races to return to the site of his recent battles, as does the spy Pieter Verstohlen, evading assassins while trying to discover the truth of the conspiracy that drew him away. But none of these holds the key. Out in the wilderness is Kurt Helborg, Grand Marshal of the Reiksguard. Only he has the indomitable strength of will to hold together the province in its hour of need. Only he can rally the terrified citizens of Averland to resist the infernal powers that beset them.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/all-products/coming-soon/Sword-of-Vengeance.html

Note: This is an advanced review for Black Library and this novel is not available for purchase until February 2011. 

Now then, let’s begin. This is the third instalment in the popular Warhammer Heroes series, and the second Warhammer book that I’ve read, the first, being Wulfrik, also a Warhammer Heroes Novel.

And as it turned out, Sword of Vengeance is a great book, and Chris Wraight is an excellent author. Despite the fact that this novel is a sequel to Sword of Justice, there is a short synopsis of the events in the previous book that brought me up to date on what happened last time around.

I probably should have picked up Sword of Justice, but as I was behind in my review on God King, I decided to plough on regardless, and I’m glad I did, as this novel is a page-turning, well written, plot-twisting book that is easily my new favourite Warhammer Novel.

There’s character development, but mainly in the ‘bad guys’, however I won’t spoil things for you. As well has having character development, Sword of Vengeance is well paced out, drawing the reader in and then going out with one last hurrah in the final battle, that will tie up all loose ends.

And of course, there’s plenty of action. You get to see Daemons fight men; men fight Daemons and so forth.  The description is fantastic as well; you really get a feel of the surroundings and the events happening, even though they are in a completely different world.

Now, I’d like to discuss the predictability. Sure, you know what the overall outcome is going to be, but you won’t be able to guess what happens to the secondary characters that are Helborg’s allies.

Now, overall, The Sword of Vengeance is a fantastic read, and I am eagerly awaiting Chris Wraight’s next novel. I apologize for the short length of the review, but I hope you enjoyed it regardless.

And, on that bombshell, it’s time for what I usually finish with:

Rating: 9/10 – a fantastic read, but not a perfect book.

Should you buy this book? Yes, especially if you are a fan of Empire,  Sword of Justice, Warhammer Heroes, or Chris Wraight,

The Purging of Kadillus - Gav Thorpe - Advanced Review

The Purging of Kadillus: Gav Thorpe

 A Space Marine Battles Novel

“Indeed it is Brothers. Today it is truly victory or Death.”

Faced with an ork invasion of Piscina IV, the 3rd Company of the Dark Angels believes the threat to be minimal. As enemy numbers continue to increase, their commander, Captain Belial, insists that his Company are strong enough to resist. But Scout-Sergeant Naaman knows just how dangerous this foe can be, and when a renewed greenskin offensive takes the Dark Angels by surprise, the orks swarm towards Kadillus Harbour. Little do the Dark Angels know of the technological power available to the xenos, and the true scale of the threat they face. Belial, Naaman and their fellow Astartes fight a desperate siege at Kadillus, knowing that they must hold out until Imperial reinforcements arrive or the planet will be lost.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/all-products/coming-soon/The-Purging-of-Kadillus.html

Now then, it’s time for me to tell you what I thought of The Purging of Kadillus, the latest instalment in the Space Marine Battles series, written by Gav Thorpe, who also brought us novels like Path of the Warrior and Malekith. Now, before I read this book, out of the Space Marine Battles novels, I’ve only read Rynn’s World and Helsreach.

Because one book was excellent (Helsreach), and the other not so excellent (Rynn’s World), I was wondering whether the Dark Angels book would actually be any good, after eagerly waiting for it.

And was I entertained? Well, in a manner of speaking, yes. I was given a bolter-porn packed book that had some enjoyable fighting scenes, but apart from that, this book was defiantly no Helsreach.

The Purging of Kadillus didn’t really come of as a good book for me, as it lacked numerous things which make a book good, first of all – it lacked character development, and as mentioned earlier, was mainly bolter-porn, fast paced action that didn’t really put it above all others.

Now, the description in this novel was relatively okay, however Mr. Thorpe doesn’t really go into detail that much.

Back to the character development. Although, does people going from rivalries to respected companions throughout the whole novel count as character development? Because this does happen in the book, between Scout-Sergeant Naaman, as mentioned in the blurb, and Ravenwing-Sergeant Aquila.

Ah, now, Sergeant Aquila. This brings me onto the subject of names, and let’s just say, Gav Thorpe doesn’t keep them all original. Take the name of the Master Chaplain, for example. And, guess what he’s called: Uriel. Last time I checked, a Space Marine named Uriel Ventris just happened to be the main character of the Ultramarines series, written by popular author Graham McNeill.  

But wait, there’s more. Another Chaplain, an Interrogator this time, oh just so happens to bear the name of a Soul Drinkers character Sarpedon.

Now, moving on from the character names, I’m going to talk about the Orks. It’s our third Space Marine Battles novel out of four which features them as the opposition, and at long last, we finally get a bit from their point of view, in the prologue, and the epilogue. And it’s not just any Ork who we get a point of view from, oh no – it’s the almighty Hand of Gork and Mork himself, the Beast of Armageddon, Ghazghkull Thraka, and it’s pretty awesome, let me tell you this. From my point of view, it was one of the highlights of the book.

And on that bombshell, I leave you with this:

Rating: 6/10, an action packed book leaving little room for character development.

Should you buy this book? Unless you are a Space Marine Battles, Dark Angels or Gav Thorpe fan then you can probably give this book a miss.

Prospero Burns - Dan Abnett - Advanced Review

Prospero Burns: Dan Abnett

A Horus Heresy Novel

"There are no Wolves on Fenris."

The Emperor is enraged. Primarch Magnus the Red of the Thousand Sons Legion has made a terrible mistake that endangers the very safety of Terra. With no other choice, the Emperor charges Leman Russ, Primarch of the Space Wolves, with the apprehension of his brother from the Thousand Sons home world of Prospero. This planet of sorcerers will not be easy to overcome, but Russ and his Space Wolves are not easily deterred. With wrath in his heart, Russ is determined to bring Magnus to justice and bring about the fall of Prospero.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/Horus-Heresy/Prospero-Burns.html

Before we start, I’d just like to point out this is an advanced review of Prospero Burns, don’t expect the copy to be out until Late December, or early January.

Now then, onto the actual Review, and I must say that Dan Abnett’s done fantastically well, delivering loads of background to the characters, fleshing them out and making them well likeable. My favourite character in Prospero Burns is actually Bear, a Space Wolf.

Surprisingly, Prospero Burns focuses more on the human companions than the Space Wolves, who prefer to be called the Vlka Fenrya, which is such a more badass name than the Space Wolves. Like previous Abnett Horus Heresy novels, he doesn’t just make these characters cardboard cut-outs though – remember he was responsible for Karkasy, Soneka and others, including the ‘Saint’, Keeler.

All though these are long gone, Abnett gives us a whole host of new characters to add to an exciting new story that gives a load of information about the Space Wolves, and brings me back to the awesome Vlka Fenrya.

Now, as this book is a tie-in to A Thousand Sons, I should probably give you lot my judgment on which is better. Well, let me tell you this, for all of you who thought Graham McNeill couldn’t be beaten, then you’re wrong. Dead wrong. Prospero Burns gets the top mark from me because, of a few reasons – 1 – I prefer Space Wolves to A Thousand Sons, - 2 – Dan Abnett is better than McNeill, - 3 -, Prospero Burns is a page-turning, plot twisting, epic book of awesomeness and I can give no higher praise to Abnett’s latest road down the Horus Heresy.

The characterization of the Space Wolves is superb, and Abnett really understands what they are and what they do best.

If I have one criticism, it is that Abnett doesn’t focus too much on the Battle of Prospero itself, leaving only a few pages, but I suppose that McNeill already delved into that part heavily.

Also, there are a few parts in this book that you won’t see coming. Sure, the twists are mainly at the end, but Prospero Burns was the first Black Library book in a long time that I’ve read to actually make me put the book down and take a few minutes to realise what had just happened.

You’ll know what it is when you get there, trust me.

Also, the description in this novel is awesome, much better than some BL books that I’ve read. Abnett describes not just the people, but the places. The pacing was fantastic as well, and it all lead up to a big climatic finish. You guessed it, The Space Wolves view of the infamous Battle for Prospero.

 And, on that bombshell, I’m going to have to leave you there. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the review, and trust me on this, the book will be amazing.

Rating: 10/10 – If I could take back the 10/10s for The First Heretic and A Thousand Sons, then I would, as this book is above and beyond both of them, sorry McNeill and A-D-B.

Should you buy this book? Well, isn’t it obvious?

Wulfrik: CL Werner

Wulfrik: CL Werner

A Warhammer Heroes Novel

Emerging from the mists, Wulfrik the Wanderer brings destruction and death everywhere he treads. Cursed by the Ruinous Powers, the champion must travel across the Old World and seek prizes to appease the forces of Chaos. But now dark forces plot against Wulfrik, and he must discover the enemy within or else his soul will be lost to the Dark Gods forever.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/Warhammer/Warhammer-heroes/Wulfrik.html

Now, as this was my first adventure into the realms of the Warhammer World, I was a bit confused at the start, like I was when I read my first 40k Novel, which was in fact Emperor’s Mercy by Henry Zou. However, I quickly got used to it and quickly enjoyed it, which was defiantly a promising start.

Now, In case you’re wondering, Warhammer Heroes is kind of similar to the Space Marine Battle Series for 40k, however it focuses upon Heroes (and anti-heroes, in Wulfrik’s case), instead of the adeptus astartes. This means that you don’t have to pick up its predecessor, Sword of Justice by Chris Wraight to understand what’s going on here – however, I might pick it up anyway, judging by this book.

Anyway, onto the actual review. The characters, especially the Wanderer himself, are really flushed out and well developed, and, not everyone is your typical Chaos Marauder, either, as Wulfrik is fighting for something that not many fight for (Or at least I think, because I’m not an expert on Chaos Marauders, or Warhammer in its whole), although they are portrayed as a sort of Viking-type people. I don’t really know if that’s common or not.

There’s also great description of both the characters and the settings, as well as the backstories, and CL Werner does this without spoiling the pace of the novel for us. Also, the action is fantastic, as the author splits it up well and delivers loads of twists and turns to keep us hooked.

The Pacing of Wulfrik is great, and an enjoyable read overall. I’m looking forward to reading more works from CL Werner, who is the author of the Thanquol & Boneripper series, by the way.

Maybe I would have enjoyed Wulfrik even more if I was a Warhammer Fantasy veteran, but I must say its tempted me to buy more Fantasy books nonetheless.

Rating: 8/10 – Great Read, a bit confusing for new fantasy readers (like me), but I’m sure a seasoned fantasy reader will love it.

Should you buy this book? Yes.

The Emperor's Finest: Sandy Mitchel

The Emperor’s Finest: Sandy Mitchell

A Ciaphas Cain Novel

Commissar Cain is called to duty once more, saving a governor’s daughter from a planet over-run by rebels. The uprising hides something far more sinister however – Genestealer hybrids! The search for the source of the alien threat leads Cain to a drifting space hulk – a far safer place than beside the obsessed governor’s daughter. But when the Reclaimer Space Marines suffer devastating losses at the hands of the Great Devourer, Cain and his trusty aide Jurgen must go it alone. With the tyranids waking and a group of stow away orks on the loose, there are no safe places to run or hide, and Cain must use all his ingenuity and cunning to escape the space hulk alive.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/Warhammer-40000/Ciaphas-Cain/Emperors-Finest-The.html

Now then, Having not read the two Omnibuses that come before The Emperor’s Finest, I expected to not understand what was going on much, after all, this is the seventh book in the series, however, this was not the case. Sandy Mitchell, using the notes at the bottom of the page explains any previous encounters that Cain brings up that a new reader would miss, allowing me to keep moving along quickly.

However, one thing that did hold me back was that every time I found a note on something, I was drawn to the bottom of the page and distracted from my course of reading. And this happened on a lot of the pages.

Anyway, moving on, despite this, I enjoyed The Emperor’s Finest. It was a funny, entertaining read that proved not all Commissars are as ruthless as they look. And, It also gave an insight into one of the lesser known Space Marine chapters, the Reclaimers, however it didn’t give that much of a depth into the Chapter, unfortunately – it was more focused on Cain getting in and out of trouble.

Which he does, a lot. A good side of this book was that it was funny, and more light hearted than the rest of the 40k novels, which was a welcome break from the grim-dark Dead Men Walking Death Korps of Krieg novel which I enjoyed.

The Emperor’s Finest was also my second glance into a first person Black-Library written book, the first being Xenos, the first instalment in the Eisenhorn trilogy. I read it about a month ago and never got around to reading the other two parts in the omnibus, (sigh), and I found that I personally thought that Xenos was a better read.

In future, I will probably have to pick up the previous two omnibus for the Ciaphas Cain series, as I enjoyed this book overall, despite all its flaws.

Rating out of 10: 7/10 – Not the best book out there, but not the worst. Somewhere in the middle.

Dead Men Walking: Steve Lyons

Dead Men Walking: Steve Lyons

When the Necrons rise, a mining planet descends into a cauldron of war and the remorseless foes decimate the human defenders. Salvation comes in an unlikely form – the Death Korps of Kreig, a force as unfeeling as the Necrons themselves. When the two powers go to war, casualties are high and the magnitude of the destruction is unimaginable.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/all-products/Dead-Men-Walking.html

Okay, Dead Men Walking is my second venture down the road that is Imperial Guard Black Library Novels, not counting The Gaunt’s Ghosts series. It is also my first fluff encounter with the Death Korps, and my first novel with Necrons as the main opposition. And, if I’m honest, Dead Men Walking focuses more on the inhabitants of the world under attack by the Necrons. The world is in fact Hieronymous Theta, and it is a doomed world, as the Iron Gods have risen to reclaim the planet that was once theirs.

Now, moving on, this story was a great read, and gave some great information to the background of the Death Korps of Krieg, and equally about the Iron Gods, the Necrons, and how they are viewed from a normal person’s point of view in the forty-first millennium.

Dead Men Walking was an enjoyable Imperial Guard Novel, and as this is the first time I’ve read a novel by Steve Lyons, who wrote Ice Guard and a Novel in Imperial Guard Omnibus, Vol. 1. The main characters were all flushed out and well-developed, given plenty of background and plenty of time in the spotlight. There’s also one or two heroic sacrifices, and the Death Korps of Krieg are portrayed brilliantly.

Yes, I know, some of the main characters will die, perhaps even your favorite ones, but Steve Lyons does make sure that nobody is safe – every time you turn the page you wonder, will this character die? Will he or she live? In that way, Lyons keeps the reader hooked as they want to try and find out about their favorite, as each character escapes one problem and is immediately thrown into the next.

Dead Men Walking may seem slow at the beginning, but when the Death Korps arrive, and the Necrons turn up in full force, it suddenly turns into an action packed, fast paced and a great page-turning Imperial Guard adventure, that really captures the grim-dark setting that the 40k universe is known for.

I’m pleased to say that Dead Men Walking contains no errors that I noticed, and overall there were little bad points about this novel, easily one of the better Black Library books out there that I’ve read.

Indeed, the only major downside to this novel was that I found the front cover to be a bit dull compared to the newly released ones, like The First Heretic and Garro: Oath of Moment. (Both of which I’ve reviewed, by the way).

Rating: 8/10

Should you buy this book? If you’re a fan of the Death Korps of Krieg, Imperial Guard, Necrons or just want to expand your knowledge of the 40k ‘verse, then this book’s for you.

Garro: Oath of Moment by James Swallow. Read by Toby Longworth

Garro: Oath of Moment : James Swallow / Toby Longworth

“My name is Nathaniel Garro, and I am a Legion of One.”

In surviving the horrors on board the Eisenstein, Nathaniel Garro proved his courage and absolute loyalty to the Emperor. On his return to Terra, Garro is dispatched on a mission of even greater importance – a mission given to him by Malcador the Sigillite himself. He soon finds himself back amongst the stars and on the fields of battle, thrust into a warzone where the Ultramarines are purported to be battling a greenskin invasion. Once again Garro must fight for survival, but now he also fights to achieve a higher purpose...

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/Horus-Heresy/Garro-Oath-of-Moment.html

Now then, where to start? I guess; as this is an audiobook, I will be doing a few things differently to a novel review, just to let you know. This is the second audiobook that I’ve ever brought, the first being Throne of Lies and I can say that I found it interesting, very interesting, particularly since it focuses on Nathaniel Garro, whom many of you will remember from Swallow’s non-audiobook, also a Horus Heresy novel, called The Flight of the Eisenstein.

Although Oath of Moment seemed short compared to standard Black Library novels, being 70 minutes in length, it was a nice listen.

Oath of Moment is a fast-paced, action packed listen, and although it had a weak plot (come on, it’s basically Garro searching for somebody to help Malcador), it does feature the Battle of Calth, which was touched on in The First Heretic, and is of course the Battle between the Word Bearers and the Ultramarine loyalists.

However, there are a few bad things about this audiobook; an error that I noticed is the first one. It’s an error that not many new 40k fans will notice really, but it’s something the die-hard fluff followers will be annoyed about. Swallow mentioned Adeptus Astartes instead of Legio Astartes, which was what they were called during the Heresy. However, maybe I’m just nitpicking – after all, it’s something that I missed out on during the bit on the Black Library Website.

Another disappointing thing in this audiobook is that the scene changes & flashbacks are hard to spot, as one second I was with Garro and the Ultramarines, and the next I found myself with Garro and Malcador the Sigillite. 

Oh, and saying Malcador’s name reminds me of a key thing that happens in this audiobook that sheds some light on one the Imperium’s past (past from present 40k, not past from Horus Heresy).

Now, you’ll probably be wondering by now what the sound effects are and whether the voice acting is any good or not – well, let me tell you, it’s a lot better than the extract from Horus Rising: Abridged Audio, and the A Thousand Sons: Abridged Audio extract. Garro, and Olan, the lieutenant of the Ultramarines PDF at the start has been done very well. Toby Longworth, who is the reader, manages to make each person’s voice fit their description.

Also, if you haven’t read The Flight of the Eisenstein, Swallow explains a rough outline of what happens in this audiobook, but I would still recommend you get the novel first.

Oh yes, a disappointing part is that we don’t find out what happens to the Rembrancers (not sure if this is spelt right or not, could someone please check for me?) and the other Marines, including Iacton Qruze, who joined Garro on the Eisenstein, and I found this annoying as I wanted to know what happened to the people who accompanied him.   

And on that bombshell, I will leave you with two final bits, ones that you'll all be familiar with if you've read my reviews in the past.

Rating: 7/10

Should you buy this book? Well, if you’re a fan of Garro or the audio Horus Heresy books , or simply want to hear Ultramarines getting cut down by Word Bearers, or see Word Bearers in action – then this is for you.

Angels and Demons: Dan Brown [Minor Spoilers]

Angels and Demons: Dan Brown

When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol -- seared into the chest of a murdered physicist -- he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati... the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth.

The Illuminati has surfaced from the shadows to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy... the Catholic Church.

Langdon's worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican's holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces he has hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.

Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long-forgotten Illuminati lair... a secret location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.

An explosive international thriller, Angels & Demons careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war...

~http://www.danbrown.com/

Hello, and once again I’m here with another review, this time it’s Angels and Demons, by Dan Brown, the very first novel starring the Harvard Symbologist, Robert Langdon.

Langdon comes from a unique background rarely seen in other novels, for example, you’ve all heard of wizards, assassins, aliens and Space Marines, but who’s heard of a symbologist? From Harvard?

Now, you’re thinking, how does Dan Brown tie in a Harvard Symbologist, the reappearance of the Illuminati, and a plot to destroy Vatican City? Well, let me tell you this, he does. And he doesn’t just do it well, he does it very well. Too bad I read the Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol, the next two books on the series before this. However, it still didn’t spoil me of the ending.

Dan Brown is possibly one of the smartest authors out there, and not only is he smart, he knows how to write a page-turning novel.

I found that the pace was very fast, mainly because I was desperate to get to the end to work out what the conclusion was. Would Vatican City get destroyed, or would Langdon and Vetra manage to save the day?

Yes, it was that unpredictable. Sure, I knew that Langdon wasn’t going to die because I’d read The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol, but the other characters, I had no idea. That aside, the twists in this story were excellent, as well as the background. I should point out, that if you lose your bookmark, or page, and lose out on the story, maybe skip a few pages or so, you won’t understand what’s happened, so you’ll have to go back and find where you were.

Despite this, Angels and Demons was an amazing read, and I can’t wait to read Digital Fortress, unfortunately not starring Robert Langdon but, based on what I’ve read, I have high expectations.

But I also had high expectations for The Chapter’s Due.

Also, may I point out, there’s a lot of gory details in this novel, and a bit of romance, but they still all make Angels and Demons interesting – they don’t ruin it.

Rating: 10/10 – I’ve been giving away a lot of 10’s recently, but I feel everything is deserved as normal.

Should you buy this book? You don’t need me to tell you that.

Nick Kyme has finished Fall of Damnos First Draft.

Yes, he has. This Space Marines Battles Novel is expeted to come out in April 2011. Here's the link.

http://www.nickkyme.com/?p=1464

Discuss.

Also, I edited a few of my coming soon review section. There will be a Gone review by Michael Grant, a Digital Fortress review by Dan Brown, and I think that is all that I've changed.

The First Heretic: Aaron Dembski-Bowden [Spoilers]

The First Heretic: Aaron Dembski-Bowden

Amidst the galaxy-wide war of the Great Crusade, the Emperor castigates the Word Bearers for their worship. Distraught at this judgment, Lorgar and his Legion seek another path while devastating world after world, venting their fury and fervor on the battlefield. Their search for a new purpose leads them to the edge of the material universe, where they meet ancient forces far more powerful than they could have imagined. Having set out to illuminate the Imperium, the corruption of Chaos takes hold and their path to damnation begins. Unbeknownst to the Word Bearers, their quest for truth contains the very roots of heresy…

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/Horus-Heresy/First-Heretic-The.html

Having finished The First Heretic around lunchtime, I enjoyed it greatly, and now holds the prize of being my favourite Horus Heresy Novel, outclassing even A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill.

And believe it or not, this is Dembski-Bowden’s first step down the Horus Heresy series and he’s pulled it off brilliantly. In this novel, as many have guessed, the focus is mainly on the XVII Legion, the scions of Lorgar, the Bearers of the Word. Yes, the Word Bearers are back.

Even though I haven’t read Anthony Reynolds’s Word Bearer Trilogy, I was wondering if ADB could still pull it off, and judging by the other reviews that I’ve read – he has.

There are several great moments in this book, and I especially like the fact that we see the discovery of a planet near the Eye of Terror that will prove such an important role in the 41^st Millennium, but is literally nothing in the 31^st. If you’re a fan of 40k then you’ve probably guessed what planet it is already. (Note for Heresy Online Readers: I cross-post this on other websites where people who read it might not always be 40k fans).

Another revelation in this novel is the identity of the first person to utter the words, “Death to the False Emperor.”

The First Heretic was well written, well paced and contained great action towards the end, although seemed to be more political in the beginning. Also, this novel was the first book that felt similar to the earlier novels that focused around the Sons of Horus, so I enjoyed it even more for that.

As well as being focused on the Word Bearers themselves, you also get a hint as to why the Ultramarine Legion might be so huge and a bit of information of the twenty Primarchs creation.

There is also a lot of character development, as the Word Bearers go from over-zealous followers, devout worshippers of the God-Emperor to renegade upholders of the Chaos Gods.

High Point: Returning to the Isstvan system again and learning about the backstory to the Word Bearers, learning about the Primarchs as well.

Low Point: What low point? There is no low point in this novel, a great book and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Rating out of 10: 10/10, Great stuff.



Firedrake: Nick Kyme

Firedrake: Nick Kyme

When Chaplain Elysius of the Salamanders is taken captive by Dark Eldar, he faces a fight for survival at the hands of these cruel aliens. The Firedrakes of 1st Company attempt a daring rescue mission, but much more is at stake than the Chaplain’s life. He holds the key to secrets buried beneath Mount Deathfire, secrets that could reveal the damnation – or salvation – of their home world. The Salamanders must penetrate the Port of Anguish and defeat the xenos threat there if they are to unveil the mysteries within the Tome of Fire. Meanwhile, Dak’ir battles to survive the brutal Librarian training, and in his visions liesan even darker future…

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/Warhammer-40000/Firedrake.html

Okay, here we go, and I’m back with the second instalment in the Tome of Fire Trilogy, appropriately titled Firedrake, and Tsu’gan and Dak’ir are thrown back into the action once again.

As Salamander was one of my favourite Black Library books, I had very high expectations for Firedrake, and I’m pleased to say that I got them. Kyme delivers a breathtaking page-turning novel that will leave you eagerly awaiting the ending, which will conclude in Noctrune, part three of the Trilogy.

I found Firedrake to be a great read, and not only does it bring back old characters from Salamander and also introduces a whole host of new ones, the main newbie, well, only a newbie to the Tome of Fire Trilogy, is Vulkan He’stan, and he’s just as awesome as I imagined him to be, and, not only are the characters written well, they also develop, which helps make this novel a great read.

The pacing is fantastic, not rushed, but still allows room for some great scenes, particularly where Elysius squares off against a Dark Eldar Leader, and you also get a few plot twists to keep this story interesting. Having picked up Firedrake & The First Heretic at the same time, I am glad that I read Firedrake first, as I really enjoyed the novel.

Now, unlike a few other books that I’ve read, Firedrake gives us enough description to let us imagine where the Salamanders are at, how they’re fighting and how they look, and who they’re up against.

In this novel, rather than being Iron Warriors and Orks like it was in Salamander, the enemies are Dark Eldar, and of course the Dragon Warriors, lead by Nilihan (I think that’s how you spell it, I don’t have the book on me at the moment).

Rating out of 10: 10/10, Great book and an awesome read. Fully deserves its title.

Should you buy this book? Well, If you’ve read Salamander then you defiantly should. Trust me on this, you will enjoy it.

Traitor General: Dan Abnett

Please note this book is now part of a four book omnibus entitled "The Lost," and cannot be purchased on Black Library as a single book. I brought it as part as an Omnibus. With that in mind, enjoy the review.

Traitor General: Dan Abnett

A Gaunt’s Ghosts Novel

“Whilst Reading The Lost I was reminded why Abnett is the King of 40K.”

The forces of Magister Sek have captured a high raking Imperial Lord General and Commissar Ibram Gaunt and a team of men have been tasked with the re-capture of this vital officer. Dropped onto the world of Gereon, Gaunt and his Ghosts witness first hand, the horrors of a world being enslaved by Chaos. Can the Ghosts track down and save the lost General before his resolve is broken or will they have to silence him?

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/all-products/Traitor-General-Softback.html

Well, here’s my first Gaunt’s Ghost Review, and it’s the opening novel in The Lost story arc, and puts Colonel Commissar Gaunt back in the spotlight in Dan Abnett’s most popular series. It’s also been a long time since I’ve journeyed to the Realm of Space known as the Sabbat Worlds, and now I wish I’d picked The Lost Omnibus up instead of the Three Ultramarines books.

Because Dan Abnett isn’t just better than McNeill. He runs rings around him, and whilst reading The Lost I was reminded why Abnett is the King of 40K. And 30k, and I have to say that was a weekend well spent.

Unlike other books published by Black Library, Traitor General lacks the epic battle between Loyalist and Chaos forces. However, what it lacks is made up in writing quality. The book wasn’t rushed, and was paced out to give us a great read that’ll drag you in on a hook and keep you there.

There is a fantastic scene in Traitor General, where we see Gaunt’s Ghosts (of which there are only twelve on this assassination mission), take on five Chaos Space Marines. It’s a great moment, and one of my highlights whilst reading this book.

Also for the first time, Abnett puts in humour, which he has avoided in the last two Omnibuses as of the more serious background. I mean, how can you crack a joke after your planet has been destroyed by the Ruinous Powers?

Rather than focus on several of the Gaunt’s Ghosts, Abnett has put them in a situation where there is only twelve, Gaunt, Rawne, Feygor, Cridd, Curth and more come together for this all star line-up of a well paced book which is one of the best of the Gaunt’s Ghosts that I’ve read. Although, I have to say, If there’s one thing which stops it from getting a ten out of ten, it’s the rather sudden ending.

Rating out of 10: 9/10 – Great Read, easily worth it.

Should you buy this book? Yes especially if you’re a Gaunt’s Ghosts fan.

The Chapter's Due: Graham McNeill

The Chapter’s Due: Graham McNeill

War is unending in the life of a Space Marine. After defeating tau forces, Captain Uriel Ventris of the Ultramarines has returned to the Chapter’s Homeworld of Macragge, but there is little respite. The Ultramarines are thrust back into battle, and this time the enemy is the Chapter’s greatest nemesis. The traitorous Iron Warriors, led by renegade Warsmith Honsou, have gathered together a massive and brutal Warband. Their target is the realm of Ultramar. Their objective is total annihilation. It is a final showdown between legendary Space Marines, and Uriel Ventris must take on the might of Honsou if he is to save his Chapter’s Homeworld.

~http://www.blacklibrary.com/Warhammer-40000/Chapters-Due-The.html

At Long last, we come to the sixth installment in the epic Ultramarines series, known as The Chapter’s Due. After everything I’ve read so far, I was hyped up to reading this book, and I expected it to be one of the best Ultramarines books so far.

318 pages later, and I’m deeply disappointed. I was tired of noticing small spelling mistakes and things like full stops and commas missing. Guess the Black Library editors were asleep on the job, and McNeill didn’t bother (It seems) to double check.

Sure, there were epic battles and the long awaited clash between 4^th Captain Uriel Ventris and Warsmith Honsou. However, I feel that the fight between the two champions wasn’t done as well as it could have been. As you have seen in Fulgrim, Graham McNeill gave us a similar clash of traitor and loyalist – only then it was Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus, not Uriel and Honsou. That was written a lot better, whereas McNeill fails to deliver what could have been an epic showdown.

Even though McNeill has learnt one lesson from Courage and Honour and not splashed the warcry of the Ultramarines across every page, he’s certainly still stuck down the Bolter Porn route. But still, what could you expect from a war this epic?

Yes, the war was epic with the battle being fought across four planets, Calth and Talassar (Spelling check needed) included, which both spawned famous Ultramarines Captains; Sicarus of the 2^nd and Ventris of the 4^th.

Sure, given more time I reckon McNeill could have produced a better book, as I reckon he rushed this so it come out alongside the paperback version of Courage and Honour.

And has anyone else noticed that the books seem to go downhill as the series progresses? I mean, Ultramarines Omnibus was a great read, but then The Killing Ground wasn’t as good as that, and Courage and Honour wasn’t as good as The Killing Ground, and this proves the theory with The Chapter’s Due.

It was nowhere near as good as the Ultramarines Omnibus, actually, even Courage and Honour was better than this, and I was astounded to see that some people on Black Library had rated this book four or even five out of five. It’s a rubbish, rushed book. Sure, you will want to read to the end to see the outcome, but you just know who will win. It’s one of those predictable endings.

Also, there is a twist in this novel revolving around the innermost core of Honsou’s allies. I won’t tell you who, but a smart reader will probably guess.

Did I mention that we see some Raven Guard action as well? It’s weird, but I found Fourth Captain Shaan to be more likeable than any of the Ultramarines including Uriel and Pasanius, the two main characters. Shaan’s just become my favorite character out of the whole Ultramarines series.

Rating out of 10: 5/10

Should you buy this book? Not unless you want to find out what happens between Honsou and Uriel, and watch Ultramarines get thrashed.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to reading the last few pages of Dan Abnett’s third Gaunt’s Ghosts Omnibus: The Lost.