Quick Review: VAULTS OF OBSIDIAN (Black Library)

October 29, 2020 Civilian Reader Review Black Library, Blackstone Fortress, Darius Hinks, David Annandale, Denny Flowers, Guy Haley, JC Sterns, Josh Reynolds, Nicholas Wolf, Nick Kyme, Sci-Fi, Thomas Parrott, Vaults of Obsidian, WH40k

A collection of stories set on and around the Blackstone Fortress

For uncountable ages the Blackstone Fortress has kept its watchful silence. It patiently waits, willing those brave enough to gamble everything exploring its halls. Only the most determined of adventurers will return with riches – the unworthy are never seen again. But to many, the rewards far outweigh the risks. Among the denizens of Precipice, ratlings, robots, and rogue traders all pursue their own agendas, pitting themselves against the myriad forces of darkness that have claimed the fortress as their own. Deadliest of all is Obsidius Mallex, who aims to twist another Talisman of Vaul to Chaos’ unholy cause. Unless this traitor is stopped, the galaxy will burn beneath the wrath of the Ruinous Gods.

CONTENTS
Talisman of Vaul by Darius Hinks
Shapes Pent in Hell by Josh Reynolds
Fates and Fortunes by Thomas Parrott
Past in Flames by J C Sterns
Negavolt by Nicholas Wolf
The Three-Edged Blade by Denny Flowers
Motherlode by Nick Kyme
Purity is a Lie by Guy Haley
The Oath in Darkness by David Annandale
Man of Iron by Guy Haley
The Beast Inside by Darius Hinks
The Last of the Longhorns by Nick Kyme

I recently read Darius Hinks’s Blackstone Fortress, which served as a great introduction to this setting. Naturally, I was interested in reading more, and Vaults of Obsidian was available for review. It’s an interesting collections of stories, offering a variety of perspectives on the Blackstone Fortress and its unusual place in the WH40k setting. I enjoyed it. Continue reading →

Quick Review: MANFLAYER by Josh Reynolds (Black Library)

July 31, 2020 Civilian Reader Review Black Library, Fabius Bile, Josh Reynolds, Manflayer, Most Anticipated 2020, Sci-Fi, WH40k

The conclusion to the Fabius Bile trilogy

As his Homo Novus project comes to fruition, Fabius Bile faces a new threat – the dreaded haemonculi of the Thirteen Scars. Can he marshal his forces to protect his creations, or are the New Men doomed to death?

In the centuries since his return from Commorragh, Fabius Bile has distanced himself from the affairs of friend and foe, content only to oversee the cruel evolution of his New Men. But when his creations are threatened by the monstrous haemonculi of the Thirteen Scars, the Manflayer is forced to seek out new allies and old enemies alike in an effort to preserve all that he has built. Homo Novus must survive… even if Fabius Bile must die to ensure it.

Josh Reynolds brings his Fabius Bile trilogy to a dramatic close. Bile is one of the most intriguing WH40k characters, one of multiple contradictions and eccentricities. The author once again brings him to life on the page, displaying in full his narcissism, mania, and insatiable thirst for knowledge. I really enjoyed this. Continue reading →

New Books (February-March)

February 29, 2020May 12, 2021 Civilian Reader New Books Adrian Tchaikovsky, Adrienne Miller, Asaf Ashery, Carrie Vaughn, Daniel Kraus, Drew Williams, Emily Tesh, Eric Van Lustbader, Gav Thorpe, George A. Romero, Jeff Noon, Josh Reynolds, Lavie Tidhar, Nick Martell, Paul Vidich, Robert Dallek, S.A. Hunt, Sue Miller, Tim Lebbon, Zen Cho

Featuring: Asaf Ashery, Robert Dallek, S.A. Hunt, Tim Lebbon, Nick Martell, Adrienne Miller, Sue Miller, Jeff Noon, Josh Reynolds, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Emily Tesh, Gav Thorpe, Lavie Tidhar, Paul Vidich, Drew Williams

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Quick Review: LORDS AND TYRANTS by Various (Black Library)

October 21, 2019 Civilian Reader Review Alec Worley, Ben Counter, Black Library, Cavan Scott, Chris Wraight, Gav Thorpe, Ian St Martin, Josh Reynolds, Justin D Hill, LJ Goulding, Lords and Tyrants, Mike Brooks, Peter Fehervari, Rob Sanders, Robbie MacNiven, Sci-Fi, Short Stories, Steve Lyons, WH40k

A substantial, engaging collection of WH40k short fiction — perfect for long-time fans and newcomers

Many are the horrors of the 41st Millennium, from alien tyrants to dark lords in the grip of Chaos. But arrayed against them are champions of humanity, who fight to defend all that is good in the galaxy.

Wracked by the ravages of war, the galaxy has known no peace for untold millennia. To exist is to fight. To thrive is to conquer. Once-proud worlds lie in ruins at the hands of traitorous warlords and vile alien despots. Cowed by the unstoppable march of the Ruinous Powers, humanity stands on the precipice of oblivion. All hope is banished. Yet, there are many who take up arms against these horrors. Noble heroes of the Imperium sally forth to do battle while enigmatic Inquisitors explore the shadowy secrets of this benighted era. In the terror of the 41st Millennium, righteous lords and iron-willed tyrants clash to decide who is worthy of inheriting the galaxy.

Contents:
Argent by Chris Wraight
Lucius: Pride and Fall by Ian St Martin
Whispers by Alec Worley
The Battle for Hive Markgraaf by Justin D Hill
A Brother’s Confession by Robbie MacNiven
Rise by Ben Counter
Flayed by Cavan Scott
A Memory of Tharsis by Josh Reynolds
Left for Dead by Steve Lyons
Unearthed by Rob Sanders
The Aegidan Oath by L J Goulding
Hidden Treasures by Cavan Scott
Carcharodons: The Reaping Time by Robbie MacNiven
The Greater Evil by Peter Fehervari
The Path Unclear by Mike Brooks
Shadows of Heaven by Gav Thorpe

This is a pretty substantial collection of short fiction set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Sixteen stories, drawing together some fan-favourite characters and some new, I think it would serve very well as an introduction for anyone who has not yet delved into the extensive body of WH40k fiction, while also satisfying long-time fans of the IP looking for some quick-hits of sci-fi action and adventure. Continue reading →

New Books (September)

October 17, 2019May 14, 2021 Civilian Reader New Books Andrew Grant Jackson, Anna Fifield, Antony Loewenstein, Brian D Anderson, Cavan Scott, Danny Tobey, Doug Beason, Elton John, Fred Kaplan, Guy Haley, John Grisham, John Hodgman, Jonathan Gill, Josh Reynolds, K.B. Wagers, K.S. Villoso, Katie M Flynn, Kevin J. Anderson, Kyle Mills, Max Barry, Patricia Cornwell, Paul Krueger, Ronan Farrow, Vicki Jarrett

Featuring: Brian D. Anderson, Kevin J. Anderson, Max Barry, Doug Beason, Patricia Cornwell, Ronan Farrow, Anna Fifield, Katie M. Flynn, Jonathan Gill, John Grisham, Guy Haley (x2), John Hodgman, Andrew Grant Jackson, Vicki Jarrett, Elton John, Fred Kaplan, Paul Krueger, Antony Loewenstein, Kyle Mills, Josh Reynolds, Cavan Scott, Danny Tobey, K.S. Villoso, K.B. Wagers

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New Books (July-August)

August 6, 2019August 7, 2019 Civilian Reader New Books Agatha Christie, Andrew Skinner, Claire North, Dan Bevacqua, Dan Carlin, Dave Hutchinson, Derek Künsken, Drew Williams, Hannu Rajaniemi, Jacob Weisman, James Grippando, Jason Aaron, Jason Arnopp, Jason Pinter, Jeffrey Archer, Josh Reynolds, Kate Elizabeth Russell, Kim Newman, Kristyn Merbeth, Mary Robinette Kowal, Matt Ruff, Michael Rutger, Mike Pearl, Olivia Laing, Paul Richter, Rachel Maddow, S.C. Emmett, SC Emmett, Sheena Kamal, Steven Wright, Susan Rice, Tade Thompson, WL Goodwater

Featuring: Jeffrey Archer, Jason Arnopp, Dan Bevacqua, Dan Carlin, Agatha Christie, S.C. Emmett, W.L. Goodwater, James Grippando, Dave Hutchinson, Sheena Kamal, Mary Robinette Kowal, Derek Künsken, Olivia Laing, Rachel Maddow, Kristyn Merbeth, Kim Newman, Claire North, Mike Pearl, Jason Pinter, Hannu Rajaniemi (ed.), Josh Reynolds, Susan Rice, Paul Richter, Matt Ruff, Kate Elizabeth Russell, Michael Rutger, Andrew Skinner, Tade Thompson, Jacob Weisman (ed.), Drew Williams, Steven Wright

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Quick Review: GODS & MORTALS (Black Library)

July 16, 2019 Civilian Reader Review Age of Sigmar, Andy Clark, Anthology, Black Library, CL Werner, David Annandale, David Guymer, Evan Dicken, Fantasy, Gods & Mortals, Guy Haley, Josh Reynolds, Nick Horth, Short Fiction, Warhammer

An anthology of Age of Sigmar short fiction, which serves very well as an introduction

For too long, the Mortal Realms have suffered under Chaos’ twisted crusade. Tainted lands writhe in agony and once great cities lie in ruins, the hopes of their people extinguished. But the storm winds rise. Sigmar’s greatest creation, the Stormcast Eternals, strike with His vengeance. Their lightning drives the darkness away and their thunder drowns out the screams of the Foul Gods’ acolytes as they fall to sword and halberd. The sons and daughters of the storm know they cannot fail. For now is the time where the fate of a world will be decided. Where Gods and mortals must rise and fight, or face their final damnation.

CONTENTS
The Dance of the Skulls & Obsidian by David Annandale
Blacktalon: Hunting Shadows by Andy Clark
Vault of Souls by Evan Dicken
Bear Eater, Force of Personality, Gods’ Gift & The Hardest Word by David Guymer
Pantheon by Guy Haley
Callis & Toll: The Old Ways by Nick Horth
Pilgrim’s Trial by Robbie MacNiven
Auction of Blood, Eight Lamentations: The Tainted Axe, The Library of Forgotten Moments, Order of the Fly: Tourney of Fate & The Road of Blades by Josh Reynolds
Gravesend Gold & The Witch Takers by C L Werner

The Age of Sigmar is a pretty massive fantasy setting, one that continues to grow. It could be a bit daunting to find a way into it. If you are looking for a way in, this is a substantial collection of short fiction may be your best bet. Including stories featuring some established characters, as well as touching upon many of the myriad facets of the Mortal Realms, reading Gods & Mortals will give readers a nice, broad glimpse of the Age of Sigmar. Continue reading →

Quick Review: MALEDICTIONS (Black Library)

April 12, 2019 Civilian Reader Review Age of Sigmar, Alec Worley, Black Library, C.L. Werner, Cassandra Khaw, David Annandale, Fantasy, Graham McNeill, Horror, J.C. Stearns, Josh Reynolds, Lora Gray, Maledictions, Paul Kane, Peter McLean, Richard Strachan, Sci-Fi, WH40k

The first Horror collection from Black Library

Horror is no stranger to the dark worlds of Warhammer. Its very fabric is infested with the arcane, the strange and the downright terrifying. From the cold vastness of the 41st Millennium to the creeping evil at large in the Mortal Realms, this anthology of short stories explores the sinister side of Warhammer in a way it never has been before. Psychological torment, visceral horrors, harrowing tales of the supernatural and the nightmares buried within, this collection brings together a grim host of tales to chill the very blood…

CONTENTS
Nepenthe by Cassandra Khaw
The Widow Tide by Richard Strachan
No Good Deed by Graham McNeill
Crimson Snow by Lora Gray
Last of the Blood by C L Werner
Predation of the Eagle by Peter McLean
The Last Ascension of Dominic Seroff by David Annandale
Triggers by Paul Kane
A Darksome Place by Josh Reynolds
The Marauder Lives by J.C. Stearns
The Nothings by Alec Worley

The first collection of horror stories from Black Library’s recently-launched new imprint. It’s a great collection of dark WH40k and Age of Sigmar stories, each of which brings something new and distinct to the settings. While there are some stand-out stories, the collection as a whole is really good. I enjoyed it. Continue reading →

New Books (March-April)

April 5, 2019March 31, 2019 Civilian Reader New Books Adrian Tchaikovsky, David Annandale, David Wellington, Elizabeth Bear, Jack Skillingstead, Jin Yong, Josh Reynolds, Kali Wallace, Kameron Hurley, Lavie Tidhar, Marie Arana, Oliver Bullough, Owen Laukkanen, Paul French, Peter Cleave, Peter McLean, Phil Kelly, R F Kuang, Sherwood Smith

Featuring: David Annandale, Marie Arana, Elizabeth Bear, Oliver Bullough, Peter Cleave, Paul French, Kameron Hurley, Phil Kelly, R.F. Kuang, Owen Laukkanen, Peter McLean, Josh Reynolds, Jack Skillingstead, Sherwood Smith, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Lavie Tidhar, Kali Wallace, David Wellington, Jin Yong

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Upcoming: THE WICKED AND THE DAMNED by David Annandale, Phil Kelly and Josh Reynolds (Black Library)

December 4, 2018 Civilian Reader Upcoming Black Library, David Annandale, Horror, Josh Reynolds, Most Anticipated 2019, Phil Kelly, Sci-Fi, Warhammer Horror, WH40k, Wicked and the Damned

Next year, Black Library are going to kick off their range of horror fiction, and I for one can’t wait! It looks like the series is going to include re-issues of Kim Newman’s Genevieve novels, as well as some brand new works. First up is The Wicked and the Damned by David Annandale, Phil Kelly and Josh Reynolds. A portmanteau novel, here’s the synopsis:

Drawn together by mysterious circumstances, three strangers meet in the mists of a desolate cemetery world. As they relate their stories, the threads of fate are drawn around them, and destiny awaits…

On a misty cemetery world, three strangers are drawn together through mysterious circumstances. Each of them has a tale to tell of a narrow escape from death. Amid the toll of funerary bells and the creep and click of mortuary-servitors, the truth is confessed. But whose story can be trusted? Whose recollection is warped, even unto themselves? For these are strange stories of the uncanny, the irrational and the spine-chillingly frightening, where horrors abound and the dark depths of the human psyche is unearthed.

The Wicked and the Damned will be available to pre-order from Black Library on March 23rd, 2019, and will arrive in stores on April 4th.

Follow the Author (Annandale): Website, Goodreads, Twitter
Follow the Author (Kelly): Website, Goodreads
Follow the Author (Reynolds): Website, Goodreads, Twitter