Comic Review 198 // Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 10: Driving Force

Welcome back with the end of the Obi-Wan series. I find my Star Wars interest waning too. We had a good run on these titles, but I feel I need a break. So after today's review, expect me to hop back into the works of 2000 AD again.

Title: Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 10: Driving Force

Author: Delilah S. Dawson

Fluff: Join Princess Leia, Poe Dameron, BB-8, Rey, and more in these middle-grade graphic novel adventures!

First, with hotshot Resistance pilot Poe Dameron captured by pirates, it's up to BB-8--and Rapier Squadron--to save the day! Then, in this story set before A New Hope, Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her young life: teaching Amilyn Holdo how to drive a speeder! But both learn an important lesson after finding themselves in the dangerous lower levels of Coruscant. And finally, witness one of the many lessons Rey learned from Luke Skywalker during her time on Ahch-To. 

Format: Paperback, 80 pages

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Review

I feel the series has lost its way. Though obviously aimed at a younger audience, the first few comics offered action, intrigue and some more depth to the universe we all love. But the later issues just seem to push the same formula repeatedly, and it comes across as lazy and forgettable, sadly.

This issue is average at best. This one has no stand-out story, just a lot of action, light, kid-friendly adventures. Now I'm not saying it is all bad. In no way is this the worst one in the series, and it did have some high points. For example, the Leia and Holdo story was funny and managed to stay true to the characters. Along with this, we get a BB-8 rescuing Poe again story (yawn) which though formulaic, did start to share more info on Kare Kun, which was excellent.

But sadly, these snips were not enough to save the comic. The Rey story was disappointing, to be honest, and not worth the page time. The stories are way too short to hold attention or be necessary. This leads us to an ultimately average comic. If a completionist do read, if looking for something fun, go elsewhere.

Audio Review 81 // Virtues of the Sons by Andy Smillie

Well, considering how short yesterday's listen was, I just had to jump into the next story!

Title: Virtues of the Sons - The Horus Heresy Short Story

Author: Andy Smillie

Fluff: Amit duels Khârn and Azkaellon to face Lucius as Sanguinius's chosen sons explore the twin aspects of their nature.

This story gives an insight into the twin nature of the Blood Angels Legion: their outward nobility and the rage that lurks in the heart of all sons of Sanguinius. You also get two action packed fight scenes as the finest warriors in the Blood Angels Legion take on two of their (soon-to-be) bitterest enemies.

Want to buy? Amazon

Review

I must be honest and say I know very little about the Blood Angels. Beyond the Lamenters in The Badab War and the Terminators from Space Hulk, I have rarely jumped into stories about them. So I was interested to see how these characters faired.

Based on one of their traditions, we join Amit, aka "The Flesh Tearer," and Azkaellon of the Sanguinary Guard as they partake in the Tempest of Angels. This is to showcase attack and defence, as one son, Amit, must attempt to attack Sanguinius while Azkaellon must defend. To be honest, Sanguinius seems bored of the festival and has already predicted the outcome, but his sons might not surprise him yet!

It is a good Horus Heresy prequel as we see how the two captains have learnt new skills by challenging warriors of other legions. Nassir, normally an offensive powerhouse, is forced to practice restraint against his opponent Kharn of the World Eaters. Azkaellon has no choice but to go on the offensive against a superior swordsman in Lucius of the Emperor's Childern. With these newly learnt skills, they can show Sanguinius that there is hope for his sons yet!

It also may hint at the future combats to come, and I hope we see rematches amongst these characters, maybe on Terra?

Definitely an enjoyable listen and well worth your time and money.

Beer Review 189 // Jelly King: Mango, Guava and Passionfruit by Bellwoods

What's this beer review! Remember when I used to do these all the time? Lol. I managed to share a bottle with a friend over the weekend and felt like writing a review. I hope you enjoy it.

Beer: Jelly King: Mango, Guava and Passionfruit.

ABV: 5.6%

Brewery: Bellwoods Brewery Ontario, Canada

Style: Sour - Fruited Kettle Sour

Notes: He is a ruler, an overlord, a top dog, and a crowned head. In the richly varied domain of prokaryotic microorganisms, Jelly King reigns supreme. Rather than choosing between sour or hoppy, we decided to create a beer that would be both simultaneously. Showcasing the aromatic benefits of a generous dry hop (Citra, Amarillo, and Cascade), harnessing the pleasing acidity of lactic acid-producing bacteria (we use a 5-strain house blend), and coming to a bottle near you without a pesky 2-year slumber in oak, Jelly King is the fermented embodiment of having your cake and eating it too.

Review

It's been a while. This beer pours a hazy, golden, almost mango colour. It is a lively beer with a white head that doesn't linger too long. But this is normal for the style, so no issues there. With my first sniff, I get a lot of mangoes and some hoppy notes like grapefruit, peach, and lemon. Then I get a mix of tropical fruits, which I assume are passionfruit and guava notes. The fruits are bold, and the sourness is hidden behind these notes.

Ah, the first sip, I don't think I miss drinking, but I do miss that first sip. This beer delivers big. Though initially, I didn't really smell it, I now get the guava notes for sure. Once again, I get more peach taste than mango, but maybe my brain is mixing the two? I also get some refreshing citrus which makes for a perfect pairing with the sharp acid. Overall a lovely tart, dry finishing beer. This was great on a warm day.

Hope you enjoyed the review, and cheers to reading.

Book Review 191 // Sharpe's Skirmish by Bernard Cornwell

Managed to get myself into another Love Books Tour and was gifted a quick read Dyslexia-friendly title by Bernard Cornwell OBE. The book in question was Sharpe's Skirmish which is a little further into the series than I am currently, but it doesn't hold too many spoilers for me as I have seen the TV show. So let us dive into the Historical fiction piece.

Title:  Richard Sharpe #19: Sharpe's Skirmish: Richard Sharpe and the Defence of the Tormes, August 1812

Pages: 161

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Format: eBook

Accessible to all readers - dyslexic friendly - eBook. Link for more info: https://www.booksonthehill.co.uk/dyslexic-friendly-books-for-adults-/

Fluff:

Richard Sharpe and the Defence of the Tormes, August 1812

It is the summer of 1812, and Richard Sharpe, newly recovered from the wound he received in the fighting at Salamanca, is given an easy duty; to guard a Commissary Officer posted to an obscure Spanish fort where there are some captured French muskets to repair. But unknown to the British, the French are planning a lightning raid across the River Tormes, and they reckon the obscure Spanish fort, which guards an ancient bridge across the river, will be lightly guarded. Sharpe is in for a fight.

Review

As mentioned, I am currently working through the Sharpe titles, and after receiving this title, I checked to see how far ahead it is, and it seems to be set straight after the title: Sharpe's Sword. Set during Sharpe's time in Spain fighting the French. We join Sharpe and his mismatch regiment as they secure a fort to oversee the securing and redistributing of some captured French rifles. But in classic Sharpe retelling history, he finds himself and his men in the path of a sizable French force.

We also get some recurring characters like Sharpe's Wife Teresa, a member of the Spanish resistance, who plays a pivotal role in the story. And who would have thought the wine would play such a crucial role in the novel? 

Cornwell does well to give us some insight into the conditions of the forces as well as a fun end twist. But with a lack of page count, the story sometimes seemed rushed and not filled out enough. The dyslexic friendliness of the title helped with my reading of the title, and I am compiling a list of other titles I wish to get next. It is nice to see a company producing titles in this format, and I highly recommend checking them out and supporting Kickstarter.

As always, I appreciate your following and reading along! Until next time cheers. 

Blood Bowl II - Union Elves vs Amazons

I truly have the Blood Bowl bug these days. With the new version coming out I thought I would make the most of the old game by starting up a league. In the opening game my Elven Union team the Dawnlight Raiders faceoff against an Amazon team. I have zero knowledge of this team as I never played against them in the tabletop version. Turns out they can dish out one hell of a hiding!

If you play, reach out; maybe we can have a match together?

Feel free to use any of these links to Amazon to help support the blog.

Blue Yeti Nano

Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Cheers

Book Review 190 // The Wolf and The Rat by C.L. Werner

Look at me, a double book review in one week. Since slowly down on the drinks, I have managed to find more time for the things I love! But less about me and more about this week's short story. A vampire tale set in the Age of Sigmar by C.L. Werner. A trusted Warhammer writer, in my opinion.

Title: The Wolf and The Rat

Author: C.L. Werner

Fluff: A Radukar the Wolf Story

Radukar's tyrannical rule of Ulfenkarn does not go unopposed. Many wish to see the Wolf destroyed, and not all of his foes are found among the living.

From within his own Thirsting Court, a conspiracy is hatched to draw him into a trap, where a tenacious enemy from his past lies in wait…

Review

Another board game tie-in novel. This time it is linked to the Cursed City games, which was a kind of dungeon crawler - I've never seen much from this game apart from some figures, so the setting is very new to me.

For the most part, this title is one of politics. The Wolf, aka Vampire Lord Radukar, has seized control of the city and seemingly pissed off the nobility. In an attempt to unseat the Wolf, Kritza the Rat Prince sets a deadly trap with the help of other disenchanted vampires. The only problem is that Radukar has a better spy network than Kritza and can get ahead of the trap and spring his own on those who would dare challenge his rule.

Soon the rebel Vampires are shown the error of their ways, and Radukar can strengthen his grip on the city even more.

Ultimately a Vampire story of betrayal and revenge. You don't even need to know anything about warhammer, which is nice. This could easily be set in any fantasy world and, as such, allows anyone to enjoy it.

For my personal tastes, it was a solid tale. I just don't get into Fantasy stories as much as sci-fi, but that is more on me than the writing. Check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Want to buy and read: Use this link to Amazon to support the blog

Audio Review 80 // Black Oculus by John French

Could this be the shortest short story from Black Library? Probably not, but it is close.

Title: Black Oculus - The Horus Heresy Short Story.

Author: John French

Fluff:

After Fulgrim's ascension to daemon hood at Iydris, Perturabo and his Legion were trapped by the singularity at the heart of the so-called 'Eye of Terror.' Their only option? To thread the needle and dive into the heart of the black hole. Perhaps by sheer blind luck, they were transported far across the warp to the Tallarn System – but the Navigators in service to the Iron Warriors fleet were irreversibly corrupted by that harrowing experience. Now they serve a new purpose, and Perturabo's plans for revenge come closer to fruition...

Bridging the gap between Angel Exterminatus and the Battle of Tallarn, this short story focuses on the Navigators assigned to the Iron Warrior Legion fleet. After their journey through the Eye of Terror, many of their numbers are... changed. This story also contains some hints as to the Iron Warriors' motivation for their attack on Tallarn.

Review

Okay, I was not kidding. This is a short story. But damn, was it interesting. We get to see the galaxy through the eyes of a Navigator assigned to the Iron Warriors. It describes how the fleet is plunged into a black hole within the Eye of Terror following Fulgrim's Ascension in Angel Exterminatus (a great book, by the way). We also start to see a more vindictive side to Perturabo, who hates everyone these days.

This book does a great job of showcasing what is happening to the navigators and how the warp affects them. It also is a great precursor to the Tallarn book and has actually been released before that title! But it is not perfect. It is way too short and not worth purchasing alone. Try to pick this up in a collected set rather than solo buying.

Side note: As an ex-Iron Warrior collector, I love these stories. They are such an exciting legion. They deserve more page time in the books, and I can't wait for Tallarn to come around on my reading list.

Book Review 189 // The Pro by Rock Forsberg

I'm excited today as we get the second entire novel for the Anti-gravity League Racing by Rock Forsberg. After working with Forsberg on reviewing his first book, The Entrant, I was very fortunate to be gifted this title.

Let's jump into this exciting title:

Title: The Pro 9 (Antigravity Raving League #2)

Author: Rock Forsberg

Fluff: He knew the life of a professional racer was hard, but he didn't expect to be dodging lasers and missiles.

Zane Silvering, the youngest professional racer in the Antigravity Racing League, competes with his powerful craft on vertigo-inducing rollercoaster circuits across the galaxy.

He signed up for the toughest racing in the universe, and this season he has a new coach, who is more like an army drill instructor, and new teammates, who seem more like enemies. Soon Zane finds himself out of the racing lineup and at odds with his girlfriend.

To get a chance at the championship, he must navigate intergenerational power games, use his flying skills in dogfights with killing lasers, deal with the shady women of his past and, of course, beat the best of the universe on the track.

When it all comes together, Zane must make a hard decision: how far is he willing to go?

If you like underdog stories, awe-inspiring galactic trekking, and high-adrenaline racing (think F1 in space), The Pro will keep you strapped to your seat until the finish line.

Want to buy? Go direct to Forsberg's website: Rock Forsberg Website

Review

Firstly this title is part of the Anti-gravity League series; so far, I have only read The Entrant (book 1) and The Street (book 1.5, a short story). If you haven't read those reviews, please do. I quickly fell for the setting, which reminds me a lot of the old computer game Wipeout. Set in a future with multiple worlds and humaniod alien races. 

The lead character is Zane Silvering, a young racer with dreams of winning the championship. After an intriguing first season (The Entrant), Zane has realized there is a much wider galaxy out there and that being a racer will be rough. With the second season drawing near, Zane finds himself in a newly merged team where he has to fight once more for a spot on the starting line. With this, he has a new coach that seems to favour his own racers. Will Zane get back onto the team in time to win the championship?

If his professional life was complicated, then his personal life is absolute chaos! Zane may lose it all with a failing relationship, new love interests, criminal activities, and family drama, taking up necessary practice time. Can this young man do what it takes to survive and win the ARL.

Overall I loved the title. As I started reading the first page, I was instantly absorbed into the racer lifestyle. The pacing was fast and exciting, and the ending was action-packed and heartbreaking at times. I really hope this isn't the last we hear of Zane. Compared to book one, I would say the racing took a bit of a back seat with the main story happening out the grid, but this in no way took away from the drama. It was nice to see returning characters and new ones appear within the tale and help keep the story fresh and exciting. Overall a stunning read, and now to read the opener, The Racer.

I highly recommend giving Rock Forsberg a chance, and I hope you will enjoy his titles as much as I have. If you have read any of the titles, drop me a comment. I want to know!

Cheers for reading.

**Rock Forsberg: If you are reading this. Thank you for including me in this amazing chance to read such a stunning series. I can't wait for the next one.

Comic Review 197 // Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 5: Mechanical Mayhem

Need a quick read after Slaine the King last week so grabbed another Star Wars Adventure novel from the library. I know they are designed for kids, but sometimes you learn something.

Title: Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 5: Mechanical Mayhem

Author: John Barber

Art: Chad Thomas

Fluff: These ARE the droids you're looking for! Your favourite dysfunctional droid team, R2-D2 and C-3PO, bumbles through the Star Wars universe in these kid-friendly tales.

First, R2-D2 tries to stop an Imperial spy from revealing a Rebel secret. But will C-3PO help, or just get in the way? Then, in a story set in the time of the Clone Wars, Anakin and Padme are desperate to escape the endless fights, both on the battlefield and on the floor of the Senate. But when their vacation goes haywire, will Artoo and Threepio be able to set things right?

Continuing the family-friendly stories Star Wars Adventures is known for, Volume 5 collects issues #9, 12, and 13.

Review

This had a solid start and faded towards the end. The first short story follows R2D2 and C3PO, with C3PO discovering a droid acting strangely. Leading to the discovery of a spy droid. Though entirely filler, it did showcase C3PO's unique fuss-making skills.

We then dive into the main feature, which stars Anakin and Padme. Still hiding their love, they manage to sneak away on vacation under the guise of a diplomatic retreat. But soon discover an aging actress is more than she seems. A great politics-style story showcases it is not always about the Jedi regarding the dark side.

Then we hit the wall. The Wild Space Tales have been a colossal failure for me, and these continue that trend. It feels like a morals/learn a lesson tale, but I struggled to discover any real meaning with all three. Highlights from these are limited to the cameos seen within the pages, and I recommend skipping these tales altogether.

Overall it's a solid "okay" book. Skip the second half, and you are actually above average. 

As always, I appreciate the viewership. It means a lot. Thank you!

Alien Isolation: Working Joes

We once more enter the dark corridors of Alien Isolation. For episode sixteen it would seem we have to face off against the Working Joes! To catch up on the series, use this link: Youtube Alien Isolation Playlist.

Finally rid of the Xenomorph and heading back to the Marshall's office. What could possibly go wrong? Hang on. What's that alarm? What do you mean Apollo has raised the risk level? Why are the Working Joes being extra strange? Why are you looking at me that way?

Working Joes!!!

As always, thank you all for the love I've been getting. It means the world.

Been asked a few times what equipment I am learning to use, well here they are on Amazon CA.

Blue Yeti Nano

Sony Alpha ZV-E10

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Necrons - Novokh Dynasty

 

Looks like the Necrons are here to stay. This will become my main source page for all things to do with my Necrons. Though I doubt I will go down the hole like my Aeldari page I did want to make sure everything was easy to find. I hope you enjoy it!

Name: Novokh Dynasty

Phaeron: Galmakh

Capital: Dhol VI

Colours: Silver and Red

Overview

The distinctive colour scheme of the Novokh derives from their battle rituals in the time before biotransference. Having slain their enemies in battle, Novokh warriors would daub their faces and arms in the blood of the vanquished, a practice now echoed in the crimson carapaces of their soldiery. Today, the Novokh are brutal butchers who do not stop until all organic foes have been completely annihilated and are one of the most terrifying Necron dynasties to face. Though initially mellow, upon witnessing blood the warriors of the Novokh will be overcome by their engrams and go into an unstoppable killing frenzy. The Novokh specialize in close combat, utilizing large numbers of infantry and Lychguard. They also do not hesitate to deploy large numbers of Destroyer Cultists.

The territory of the Novokh dynasty is found in Ultima Segmentum and includes the crown world of Dhol VI and the active tomb world Draven. The dynastic symbol of the Novokh represents the six wars of conquest which emanated from the dynasty's original core; this is a simple design of the type often seen in aggressive younger dynasties. The Novokh Dynasty is currently fighting against numerous Ork hordes. Since the formation of the Great Rift, they have begun a campaign against the forces of both the Imperium, Orks, and Chaos within Imperium Nihilus.

During a battle with the Death Guard Warband known as the Pallid Hand on Hollowfall, forces from the Novokh Dynasty were infected by Mortarion's bio-mechanical Ferric Blight. The disease spread to their Tomb Worlds and has created a devastating epidemic.

The Dynasty is currently embroiled in a war with the Tyranid Hive Fleet Arachnae.

Notable Members

Phaeron Galmakh, the Moon Killer. He gained fame before the Great Sleep by destroying moons to forever shatter the gravity of worlds that defied his rule. Galmakh's Decurion recently put a Militarum Tempestus strike force to flight, and even now amasses more power in the Ultima Segmentum.

Overlord Crimson King — Commands the C'tan Shard, known as the Crimson God.

Ultep — Warrior

Crimson God — A C'tan Shard commanded by the Crimson King. It is an unwilling vassal though, that metes out destruction in battle with its incredible powers, but never quite in the way that the Novokh Dynasty would wish for.

Known Tomb Worlds

Dhol VI — Crownworld

Draven

Adventures Novokh Dynasty

HQ

• Royal Warden