40k Book Review - Chapter's Due

So today's post will on the topic of books. Specifically, science fiction. I just got through reading The Chapter's Due by Graham McNeill.

I had trouble getting into the Uriel Ventris books, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the book. Without getting into some sophisticated ultra-analytical review, I thought it was a great, great read. It really delved into the chapter as a whole and featured a wide variety of the heroes of the chapter. The battles were great and I'm a big fan of the Iron Warriors, so that was a plus. Finally, just in general it was action all the way through. Oh and the fleet battles. There was some of that too!

Anyway, check the book out. If you're a space marine fan, you won't be disappointed.

40k Book Review - Horus Heresy

In an effort to inspire my kids to read more, I spent considerable time over the last few weeks trying to catch up on the ridiculously tall stack of books that I have accumulated over the last year. I recently finished two of the Horus Heresy books: Legion by Dan Abnett and The Battle For The Abyss by Ben Counter. I was a bit disappointed in both stories, to be honest. I struggled to maintain my interest in Legion, finding the book to be somewhat dull and not nearly enough action. The story focuses on the Night Legion, one of the Traitor Legions. I was hoping for some epic battles, but it was more (to me, at least) of an uninteresting political novel.

Battle For The Abyss was a tad better, with a little more combat than the previous book, but I had some difficulty keeping some of the characters straight. I also expected to see a bit more of the Ultramarines featured in this book, but again, I was disappointed.

This series started off well, but it seems to have wavered somewhat. I will continue to read the series and finish it, because I don't like leaving books unfinished (weird, I know), but I've just picked up the new Space Marine Battles Novel, Battle of the Fang by Chris Wraight. I hear this one's pretty awesome.

40k Book Review - Victories of the Space Marines

I just finished reading Victories of the Space Marines, the latest edition in the series of short story anthologies from Black Library. I really enjoyed this third volume. Some of the tales featured a great piece about the Grey Knights and sacrifices made to battle daemons. Excellent story. Loved it. It was also good to see the Blood Angels audio drama, Heart of Rage in print. That one's my favorite Blood Angels story. Some of the chapters features were the Crimson Consuls, Warbringers, Imperial Fists and a Deathwatch Kill Team. I finished this book just in time to pick up the latest Space Marines Battle novel, Battle of the Fang. Of course, this will probably launch me back into Space Wolves (yes, I've prepared a 750-point list). With the rumors about the next Imperial Armour volume featuring the sons of Russ, I couldn't resist.

On the hobby front, I got three of my Grey Knight Strike Squad painted today. I mean completely painted. That includes basing and a couple of coats of sealer. I can't remember the last time I painted three models in a single day.

Tomorrow, I'm playing a game of Warhammer Fantasy against my buddy Jon. 1500 points of High Elves against Warriors of Chaos. I'm guessing I'll get stomped, but it'll be a fun time in any case.

Love that GW Art...

One of my favorite things about GW and the 40k Universe is the artwork. As you know, I am a big Space Marines fan and as a result, a big fan of the Space Marines Battles novels series. Well, GW's daily post has announced another addition to this great series from Black Library. The Purging of Kadilus, by Gav Thorpe featuring the Dark Angels. Check out this cover!

It's fantastic art like this that makes a guy want to start a whole new project!

Next on the Docket

I just finished reading Legends of the Space Marines and now I'm about to dive into the next book in the Space Marines Battles series. Helsreach by Aaron Dembski-Bowden recounts the Black Templars battle against an Ork Horde on the world of Helsreach. Should be a good one. I enjoyed the first book in the series, Rynn's World - so I'm guessing this one will be equally entertaining. But being a fanatic of all things Space Marines, that's no surprise. Who knows, maybe I'll find myself starting a Black Templar army.......just kidding.........maybe.......probably.....

Finished Rynn's World

Hi All,

It's been a while, but I cleaned out my work area and organized my models, supplies, paints, tools, etc. My daughter's volleyball season is over and now work can begin anew. In all of my travels (volleyball tournaments, dance competitions, etc). I was able to actually finish reading Rynn's World. By far one of the most exciting and entertaining 40k books in some time. The dramatic story of the Crimson Fists and their struggle to survive was awesome. The background information in this story is a must for any Crimson Fist player. For those of you who aren't much into reading, it also serves as great resource material. I took pages of notes while reading the book. I'm going to actually read it again, but this time for pure enjoyment.

The book lists every company captain and dozens of Crimson Fists battle brothers. I recommende this book for all 40k enthusiasts. I only hope the rest of the books in the series are as good. So now, I'm inspired to pick up my brush and some Regal Blue paint and start cranking out more Crimson Fists.

Coming Soon - Rynn's World

Tne new novel by Steve Parker, Rynn's World is due to release next month and I'm already chomping at the bit. While surfing the web earlier ('cause I can't do it at work anymore), I stumbled upon Steve's website and noticed the blurp about the new book. Check it out.

Sons of Dorn

Reading the new space marine novel, Sons of Dorn by Chris Roberson. As 40k novels go, the first 200 pages or so, are pretty weak. Why Roberson feels the need to re-hash the process by which candidates are selected and trained is beyond me. I say bring on the action. Finally, the scouts of the 10th Company, Imperial Fists hit dirt side and the action ensues.

I know, I know, they are not the Crimson Fists, but coming from the same geneseed, I thought that I would cut them some slack. The action does pick up later on in the book and becomes a pretty entertaining read. It did whet my appetite for the impending release of Rynn's World.

New Audio book from Black Library

Last week, I picked up the new audio book from Black Library, Thunder from Fenris by Nick Kyme. In short, I loved it. A great Space Wolf short story. The story focuses on the Thunder Wolf cavalry and their hunt for a battle brother who has succumbed to the Curse of the Wulfen.

It's also works great as a motivational tool when building or painting space wolves.

Review - Heart of Rage

I picked up Black Library's first 40k Audiobook, Heart of Rage by James Swallow. While it wasn't about my favorite chapter, it was a great story nontheless. It's a 'short story' about an encounter between the Blood Angels and a dormant Tyranid space hulk. Very 'Aliens'-esque if you like that sort of thing. Plenty of background music, sound effects and bolter fire in the background. Cool stuff.

My guess is with the re-release of Space Hulk just a couple of months away, the boys in marketing felt that it was the perfect time for the release of this CD.

New Release - Black Library

Look what I found at Barnes & Noble on the way home from school last night! the Heroes of the Space Marines. Its the new book of short stories about the coolest 40k armies in the world, the Adeptus Astartes. Just got it last night and I was too tired to start it, and I ended up crashing on the couch watching UFO Hunters, but I'm taking my lunch hour to start this baby today.

They say not to judge a book by it's cover, but this is one bad ass cover! Can't wait to get stared.

Book Review: Dawn of War II

I finished reading DoWII last night and if any of you are one of those readers that require action to keep your interest, this is definitely a book for you. Not huge on plot, but loads and loads of action as members of the Blood Ravens 5th Company engage in assault after assault with endless hordes of Tyranids. The story seems to be a bit 'messy' as the Blood Ravens seemingly travel from one planet to the next in attempts to quash the infestation. But form a simpleton like me, it works. The battles were awesome with one heroic act after another.

If you're a Blood Ravens player or want to be, the book does a great job in mentioning notable characters in the chapter. It even comes with a 'Dramatis Personae' page in the back.

I definitely recommend it. It's a fast read and full of 40k excitement.

Books: Dawn of War II

Started reading Dawn of War II about a day and a half ago and I can't put it down. This one, so far is a definite favorite. Much like Brothers of the Snake, it's non-stop 40k action. I'm definitely putting the Blood Ravens down as my next Space Marine project when I'm finished with my Crimson Fists (much later).

Books: Rebel Winter

I finished reading Rebel Winter the other day and as Imperial Guard books go, this one's pretty good in my opinion. The story was a little short on plot, mostly sticking to a very simple story with no twists or complex themes. I think it was more to introduce the Vostroyan Firstborn culture in the IG - which it did well. Lots of shooting. Lots of action.

Got Books?

I've finally picked up a book and started reading. I've been having trouble falling asleep at night, but I'm usually so wired from my day, I can't settle down. So I've decided to take pick up a gook and get back into it again. At one time, I was an avid reader, but haven't found much to time to do it regularly, except for the occasional battle report. But all that's going to change this year. In order to relax a bit in the evening and also to encourage my kids to read, I picked a book off of the stack above my work bench and devoted some time to quiet peacefulness.

So, I just started reading Rebel Winter by Steve Parker, an Imperial Guard novel, set in Warhammer 40k universe. I just started it, but so far it's a great read. I'll post a proper review when I'm done.