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.

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.

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.

The Killing Ground: Graham McNeill

Okay, here's the next installment of the Ultramarines Saga like I promised. Enjoy!

The Killing Ground: Graham McNeill

In the Nightmare world of Warhammer 40,000, no servants of the Imperium are more dedicated than the Ultramarines, who follow the teaches of the legendary Codex Astartes to the letter. Having escaped from the Eye of Terror, Uriel Ventris and Pasanius now face a greater challenge – they must fight their way home to their Chapter, for safety and redemption.

Okay, it’s been a long time since I’ve read and reviewed any new purchased 40k stuff, and I’m leaping back into action with The Killing Ground, the Fourth instalment in the six novel strong Ultramarines series, written by one of Black Library’s more popular authors, and one of my favourites – Graham McNeill.

As I found out whilst reading The Killing Ground, you don’t have to read the Ultramarines Omnibus beforehand despite McNeill referencing several incidents from the three novels Nightbringer, Warriors of Ultramar and Dead Sky, Black Sun. However, it certainly helps you to understand the two main characters, and you get a load of information about the Unfleshed.  

Ah, now the Unfleshed. For any readers of Dead Sky, Black Sun, you’ll remember these beings worship the God Emperor despite being on Medrengard, fortress of the Iron Warriors, and they actually help Ventris and Pasanius to escape from The Eye of Terror.

Now, onto the actual novel. Aside from the return of the fourth Captain of the Ultramarines and his Sergeant, we get the Lord of the Unfleshed back along with several humans that each have a background linked with the mysterious area of the planet Salinas, known as The Killing Ground, which is off limit to humans and regularly patrolled by the Planetary Defence Force known as “Screaming Eagles”.

And these are the first Imperial humans that Uriel and Pasanius meet since before the Eye of Terror, but they don’t believe the exiled Ultramarines are still Astartes, as if you remember, they look like Renegades, as stated by Colonel Kain, a woman who is commander of the Screaming Eagles and one of the main figures in the Killing Ground Massacre.

As you start The Killing Ground, not much is revealed about the back story to Salinas, but turn more pages and it kind of drags you in by a hook and keeps you there.

Before I started these Ultramarines novels, I’ve been a hater of the “Ultrasmurfs,” but after reading the first three books, my mind has changed and now, having finished the fourth and midway through Courage and Honour, I am now torn between collecting the Ultramarines 4^th and my beloved Blood Angels.

Also, Uriel and Pasanius are not the only astartes we see in this book, but that’s all I’m going to give away. This thing’s already got Minor Spoilers written all over it. Don’t make me go back and change it to Full Spoilers, okay?

Well, one thing’s for certain when you pick up the Fourth instalment of this Ultramarines series - Plot twists. And plenty. Again, this is a touchy subject that I don’t want to reveal too much about it.

It’s kind of a shame that most people won’t read these series simply because they’re plain, dull and boring Ultrasmurfs. They often place two and two together and think that the Chapter is boring, so the book must be boring. Trust me on this, it’s not. (If anyone can guess this reference to the “Trust me on This”, then they get a virtual cookie!)

High Point: The High Point for me in this novel was all the rich background to the Killing Ground and its earlier inhabitants.

Low Point: I read the book too quickly; it’s a curse that I seem to have. I can get through most books that I really like in an evening or so, despite trying to drag it out.

Rating: 7/10 – Great, but not as good as A Thousand Sons and other fantastic Black Library books out there.

Should you buy this book?: Defiantly, especially if you want to know what happens in the next instalment of the Ultramarines series. Also, stay tuned for my review of Courage and Honour, the 5th Installment in Graham McNeill's potrayal of the Ultrasmurfs.

Legion: Dan Abnett *Spoilers*

I'm baaacckk, with two reviews for Legion and Mechancium. Legion's First.

Legion: Dan Abnett

A GREAT WAR is coming, and it will engulf the Imperium of Man. The Space Marines of the Alpha Legion, last and most secretive of all Astartes brotherhoods, arrive on an heaven world to support the Imperial Army in a pacification campaign against strange and uncanny forces. But what drives the Alpha Legion? Can they be trusted and what side will they choose when the Great War begins? Loyalties are put to the test and the cunning schemes of an alien intelligence revealed in this latest instalment of the ground-breaking SF series as the fate of mankind hangs in the balance.

Okay, so I’m reviewing Legion by Dan Abnett, author of the Gaunt’s Ghosts this time. It’s the first Horus Heresy Novel I’ve read in ages, so I found it once again confusing at the start, but once again, the Dramatis Personae helped with that.

In this Horus Heresy novel, we follow Peto Soneka, a hetman of the ‘Dancers’, a group of Imperial Army soldiers of the 670th Imperial expedition fleet, as they attempt to liberate Nurth, two years before the Heresy begins.

Legion also features a lot of plot twists, as one could guess from the subheading, called Secrets and Lies. This novel also features a twist towards the end which I didn’t see coming myself. (Very rare, I know).

And, this novel also stars the Alpha Legion, one of the few legions I’ve never read anything about (fluff wise), before. And this also features a Cabal Agent John Grammaticus, who can steal identities of the dead.

High Point: (Spoiler Alert!) The Twist at the end where Soneka fools the Cabal agent.

Low Point: The name “John” used by Grammaticus. It doesn’t feel very, 40kish. If you get what I mean.

Rating: 7/10

Should you buy this Book?: Yes, especially if you like the Alpha Legion. The best part is, Legion is a standalone in the Horus Heresy series, so you can start with it if you wish.

Rynn's World: Steve Parker

Okay, here's possibly my final review for a couple of weeks as I'll be on holiday in that period of time. During that, I'll be listining to Throne of Lies, reading Legion, Mechanicum, Tales of Heresy, Ultramarines Omnibus, Eisenhorn Omnibus and The Saint: A Gaunt's Ghosts Novel.

Rynn's World: Steve Parker

++Activate All frequency vox-net++

++Auth Gamma Five-Five-Two++

++Override Naval STS Relay++

++To all Imperial Forces in the Loki Sector++

++Rynn’s World orbital defence grid breached,

Surface-to-orbit batteries insufficient.

Crimson Fist battlefleet has sustained massive losses and cannot hold.

The Orks are landing upon Rynn’s World.

Situation Critical. Without aid, the planet will surely fall.

Request despatch of reinforcements from...++

++Transmission failed++

++There is only the Emperor, He is our shield and protector++

Okay, after reading Helsreach and enjoying it (see Of Books and Wargames 2), I decided to pick up Rynn’s World. And needless to say, I was disappointed.

I expected intense action, which I got. Pedro Kantor and the last few surviving Crimson Fists battling against all odds. I expected the Crimson Fists characters to be memorable, like the Helsreach novel. However, I was disappointed. These characters were entirely one dimensional. The battle for Rynn’s World had been one of my favourite 40K battles (behind The Siege of Terra and The Battle for Prospero), and I was glad that they at least made a book about it.

However, Steve Parker could have done better, for instance the invasion lasts for several months but it feels as though, per the book, it lasted only a week, and I didn’t feel as though the Chapter had any sort of way that made it unique, and I’m sure Brother Subtle of Drop Site Massacre will agree with me there.

I guess, there isn’t really any more to say about this, other than that I struggled to finish. I found myself skipping through pages to find out whether Alessio Cortez survived his clash with an Ork Warboss, and yeah, not an enjoyable book overall.

High Point: Kantor and Cortez’s bickering. They are two entirely opposite characters that have different views on everything (Kantor wants to save his chapter, Cortez wants a glorious last charge), but Cortez still respects his old friends will, as Pedro Kantor is the master of the Chapter after all.

Low Point: One Dimensional Characters, no uniqueness of the Crimson Fists.

Rating: 3/10 ¬ The lowest rating that I’d have to give a Black Library book yet.

Should you buy this book? If you want to have a collection of Space Marine Battles or enjoy one dimensional characters fighting against Orks.

~Bane of Kings, over and out. Expect loads of reviews when I get back hopefully.

The Blood Angels Omnibus: James Swallow (Part Two: Deus Sanguinus)

Okay, here's the second part in the Blood Angels Omnibus. Having spent the whole afternoon reading Deus Sanguinius, I reckon I should review it before I forget anything. But, I don't think I'm forgetting anything from this book, though.

Blood Angels Omnibus: James Swallow

Part Two: Deus Sanguinius

In this two-book sequence, author James Swallow brings the Blood Angels chapter to life. In an epic story of heroisim, corruption and betrayal, battle-brothers Rafen and Arkio find themselves pitted against each other in a battle for the very soul of the Chapter.

When Brother Arkio claims to be a reincarnation of Sanguinius, the Blood Angel's spiritual father, the message is clear: Follow me or die. Rafen kneels before Arkio and swears an oath of devotion - but the words are ashes in his mouth, and in his heart, he knows that he and his brother will have a reckoning that only one of them will surrive...

Okay, as mentioned above, this is the second part in the Blood Angels Omnibus, which follows the exploits of Brothers (not just because they are Space Marines, mind you) Arkio, who now claims to be the reincarnation of Sanguinius, and Rafen, who's seemingly alone against his former brother, who he has believed has beent tainted by chaos.

As a sequel to an already fantastic book, I had high expectations for this one, and I wasn't dissapointed. Although I worked out what would happen midway through Deus Encarmine, reading the book was still an enjoyment, as it continues the fast pace from the first book, and features an epic showdown at the end and plenty of sweet Dante and Mephiston action.

We also see a Lord of Change, who appears at the hieght of the grand finale to what could mean doom to the Blood Angels force, and plenty of cunning means used to turn the Blood Angels against each other.

High Point: The final showdown between Arkio and Rafen, in a fantastic brother vs brother duel.

Low Point: It was a shame that there was no major twist at the end, as mentioned above it seemed a tad bit predictable.

Rating: 9 / 10

Should you buy this book: Well, If you haven't already got the Omnibus and are buying the books individualy, then defiantly buy this book.

The Blood Angels Omnibus: James Swallow (Part One: Deus Encarmine)

Blood Angels Omnibus: James Swallow

Part One: Deus Encarmine

In this two-book sequence, author James Swallow brings the Blood Angels chapter to life. In an epic story of heroisim, corruption and betrayal, battle-brothers Rafen and Arkio find themselves pitted against each other in a battle for the very soul of the Chapter.

When Brother Arkio claims to be a reincarnation of Sanguinius, the Blood Angel's spiritual father, the message is clear: Follow me or die. Rafen kneels before Arkio and swears an oath of devotion - but the words are ashes in his mouth, and in his heart, he knows that he and his brother will have a reckoning that only one of them will surrive...

Okay, here's my first review of an Omnibus and I'm going to do it in two parts. Having spent the last day reading Deus Encarmine, the first part in the Blood Angels omnibus, I decided to review it. Now, back to the story. Being the first Blood Angels novel, and I being such a fan of the Blood Angels, I had to read it.

It's a tale of two brothers, Rafen and Arkio, Rafen being the older brother, and the more experienced, but after a battle on Cybele and the invasion by the Word Bearers, Arkio leads a stirring counter attack to drive the Chaos Marines from their homeworld.

Shortly after there are whispers. Whispers that Arkio may be a incarnation of the Primarch, Sanguinius. But I'm not going to give you away everything, you'll going to have to read and find out yourself. When I read This omnibus, It was easy to spot the differences that the Blood Angels had from another chapter, rather than in some other books, as they've got a lust for battle and it shows a great example of the Black Rage.

This book also introduces the bad-ass Inquisitor Stele, ally of the Blood Angels, and a whole host of memorable charachters. Unlike when I reviewed Battle for the Aybss, I couldn't remember the charachters names after the novel. However, in this, I can. I can even name a Sergeant who's a secondary charachter: Sergeant Koris, who plays the role of Rafen's mentor.

High Point: Seeing Blood Angels in fiction, the charachters being memorable and Rafen's choice: Loyalty to the Blood Angels or his brother. If you were in that position, what would you choose?

Low Point: Too action packed, If I might say. Even though it was a fantastic book, there seemed to be lots of fighting in the first half of Deus Encarmine, but I'm only nitpicking, as I like action.

Rating: 9/10 Great book, and enjoyed it a lot.

Should you buy this book: Yes, If you want to see some Blood Angel action!