Hey guys, I'm back with one notice. I'm expanding into non-black library books to review. The First Book that'll be non black library should be a re-read of Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment, a personal favourite. also, after that my Ultramarines books should've arrived, so expect reviews for The Killing Ground and onwards in the UM series.
Also, to all those non-40k readers that are browsing, this'll be good news :).
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Mechanicum: Graham McNeill
Mechanicum: Graham Mcneill
IN THE 31ST Millennium, as the flames of treachery spread outwards across the Imperium, Horus mobilises those forces who are loyal to him, and plots to subvert those who stand against him. A Battle is being fought for the heart and soul of the Imperial forces, the Astartes, the Imperial Army, the Titan Legions and more. In this epic tale, author Graham McNeill tells the story of the civil war on Mars, and the genesis of the Dark Mechanicum.
Mechanicum is the last book I’m yet to read on the Horus Heresy, featuring the mysterious occupants of Mars rather than the Astartes legions such as the Sons of Horus that we’re used to.
Like Legion, Mechanicum is a standalone in the Horus Heresy, so you don’t have to read the whole series beforehand. (8 books before this)
Nonetheless, this is another good entry to the Horus Heresy series, starting with the arrival of the Emperor on Mars with his golden legions and takes us on a ride through civil war, friendship and believe it or not, there’s also romance between two characters.
The hero of Graham McNeill’s novel is a woman named Dalia Cythera, a transcriber, servant of the Mechanicum, arriving on Mars from Terra. Shortly after, we’re introduced to the characters, civil war breaks out as the Warmaster Horus betrays the Emperor and the origins of the Dark Mechanicum is revealed, and we also get some Imperial Fist action towards the end, as well as some Titan vs Titan battles.
If you’re confused about the timeline when Mechanicum is set, it takes place immediately after the events of Isstvan III, (See Galaxy in Flames, Flight of the Eisenstein, Fulgrim), and the Furious Abyss, the ship that appears in Battle for the Abyss, is still being constructed. So overall, it doesn’t move the series along, only drags it out.
High Point: The Battle between Cavelerio’s Warlord Titan and an Imperator. Epicness.
Low Point: Not seeing enough of the Imperial Fists
Rating: 6/10
Should you buy this book? If you’re looking for some Titan vs Titan action and the back-story of the Mechanicum, then feel free.
Legion: Dan Abnett *Spoilers*
I'm baaacckk, with two reviews for Legion and Mechancium. Legion's First.
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.
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.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
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.
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.
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!
link to "Of Books and Wargames 2"
Yeah, basically what the title says. If you want to check out my reviews before I switched to OBAW3, click the link below:
http://ofbooksandwargames2.blogspot.com/
Next review will be part one of the Blood Angels omnibus.
http://ofbooksandwargames2.blogspot.com/
Next review will be part one of the Blood Angels omnibus.
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