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 - Imperial Glory

Until a couple of weeks ago, I was between jobs and beginning to climb the walls. So to maintain my sanity, I got back into reading. I had a stack of books almost as tall I was, so I figured I'd work on that. About 4 days ago, I finished the newest IG book, Imperial Glory by Richard Williams and I enjoyed that one immensely. Some great firefights and running battles with a host of colorful characters. I kind of envisioned as Band of Brothers episodes as they fought their was through various battlefields...and the ending was great. Best I've read in a while. Well, now I'm nearly half way through The Chapter's Due by Graham McNeill. This one is the latest book in the Uriel Ventris series (Captain of the Ultramarines 4th Company). Up until now, I was not a huge fan of the series, having a difficult time getting into it, but this latest installment is nothing less than awesome!! I'm having a tough time putting it down and I even get cranky when someone (aka, wife and kids) forces me to put the book down.

The book needless to say has got me on an Ultramarine kick, so don't be surprised to see some Ultramarines minis pop up hear at Kantor Base. Oh, and I actually finished painting a 750 point Grey Knights army AND played my first game over the weekend. It did no go well, but I had fun playing with a painted army for a change, so I'm hoping there will be more of that.

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.

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.....

Oh Happy Monday!

I jetted out to the Battle Bunker on my lunch hour today and sure enough - Rynn's World was in stock, so naturally I picked it up as well as the new Tyranid Codex. I have not intentions of starting a Tyranid army (yes, you heard right), but I still wanted the codex. Thumbed through that really quick and the new art is awesome. I'll read through it as soon as I get about a hundred pages of Rynn's World under my belt.

I like the format of the new Space Marines Battle series. It's a larger book and contains battle maps of the campaign. Two others are due out: Helsreach (Black Templars) and The Hunt for Voldorius (Raven Guard).

Okay, off to read Rynn's World. Thanks for the heads up, fellow gamers.

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.

Review - One Hate

I finally got around to reading the Crimson Fist short story in Heroes of the Space Marines. There's nothing like reading stories about the army that you're collecting to motivate you. Though the story was short on action, it did give some interesting insight on the chapter and allowed for the introduction of several characters, inlcuding the grizzled old scout sergeant (which is the counterpart to Sgt Telion of the Ultramarines).

While not without it's contradictions, I really enjoyed it. If you haven't already, I'd give this one a read. It provides some detail on the background of the chapter as it exists today (post Rynn's World campaign).

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.

Crimson Fists 4th Company

One of the funnest parts of the hobby is gathering the history and background of your collection.

In recent posts, I may have stated that I am currently building and collecting the Crimson Fists 2nd Company. As a result, I had conducted research to use as background information on that element of the chapter. However, as you may have guessed there is little to no information regarding company history, colors, battle honors or notable characters. I've even tracked down some inquiries at the B&C that state due to the chapter's near destruction, they have forsaken unit designations and thus bear none on their armor. But I persevered. While searching through Volume 2 of the Imperial Armour books, I came across a couple of images of Crimson Fists Rhinos...and lo and behold one of them bore the company insignia of the Fourth Battle Company. Granted, it was prior to the Rynn's World campaign, but there it was in color. The Fourth Company's badge is a simple circle divided by a horizontal line. White on top and red on the bottom. So what does that mean?

I've decided to collect the 4th Company instead. I'm currently skimming through the entire volume, hoping to find more background or history beside the Rynn's World campaign. If anyone knows of any official (GW) background sources for the Crimson Fists, please let me know.

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.