Book Review 205 // The Lords of Silence by Chris Wraight

I've been attempting to enjoy the Horus Heresy via the audible app, thus freeing up my time to read other novels. But it seems even my Heresy listening is leaching into my other reading. Having just finished a few Chris Wraight White Scar tales I found myself reaching for his Death Guard novel The Lords of Silence.

Title: Warhammer 40,000 - The Lords of Silence

Author: Chris Wraight

Blurb: The galaxy has changed. Armies of Chaos march across the Dark Imperium, among them the Death Guard, servants of the Plague God. But shadows of the past haunt these traitors…

The Cadian Gate is broken, and the Imperium is riven in two. The might of the Traitor Legions, kept shackled for millennia behind walls of iron and sorcery, has been unleashed on a darkening galaxy. Among those seeking vengeance on the Corpse Emperor’s faltering realm are the Death Guard, once proud crusaders of the Legiones Astartes, now debased creatures of terror and contagion. Mighty warbands carve bloody paths through the void, answering their lord primarch’s call to war. And yet for all their dread might in arms, there is no escape from the vicious legacies of the past, ones that will pursue them from the ruined daemon-worlds of the Eye of Terror and out into the smouldering wastes of the Imperium Nihilus.

Buy on Amazon.ca

Format: 400 pages, Paperback

Review

I find it so intriguing to read a villain's novel, the last was Huron Blackheart and now the Deathguard. Chris Wraight does a great job at making you want to support them. There is plenty of grimdark about this tale but Wraight also sneaks in comedy via the "Little Lords", which has me remembering the golden era of Rogue Trader and 2nd Edition.

Things I've come to realize about a Chris Wraight novel is the pacing, it reads slower, and the story develops at a more natural pace, but due to this, we get so much more insight and descriptions. It is an interesting change for Black Library authors. Wraight does a great job of fleshing out the Death Guard, their serfs and beyond. The rooms feel alive and disgusting. I found every character to be unique and interesting. And though the plot seemed simple it still had some surprising twists in it.

Ultimately this is a fluff book, a must-buy for Death Guard fans. It also showcases how much the force has changed. We seem to have Mortarion and his forces - viewed as lazy and bickering like childern. Typhus - an upstart just seeking glory and then finally the others - displaced forces made of old and new Death Guard Marines who struggle to find a balance with each other (the book follows this third arm).

Overall an interesting read, that has made the Death Guard seem more interesting than just a plague-ridden villain. Well done Chris Wraight.

Audio Review 97 // Eye of Terra: Inheritor (Short Story) by Gav Thorpe

Love a good Word Bearer story and I seriously hope Gav Thorpe delivers me one. I am sure he will as he has yet to let me down. So come on let's get heretical!

Title: Inheritor (The Horus Heresy #Short Story)

Author: Gav Thorpe

Buy on Amazon.ca

Blurb: The Word Bearers and World Eaters clash over the Ultramarines world of Kronus.

On the world of Kronus, deep within the grand realm of Ultramar, Torquill Eliphas of the Word Bearers brings his grand designs to fruition. As part of Lorgar’s Shadow Crusade, the Ark of Testimony Chapter has fought alongside their berserker allies from the World Eaters for many months. But the slaughter of Ultramarines is not their only goal – Eliphas seeks to harness the power of the warp, in the construction of the mighty Templum Daemonarchia...

In the Shadow Crusade, two Traitor Legions united to set Ultramar aflame, but inevitably, they were gonna end up fighting each other, weren't they? Well, here we go...

Review

Fun Fact: Eliphas the Inheritor is actually a Dawn of War computer game character (ha). Who would have thought of that as a cross-over point? Eliphas the Inheritor became a fan favourite of that game, so it is really interesting to see his story filled out in this manner. It showcases what he is up to in the Ultramar System and how disappointed he is being recalled back to join the legion before completing his work. The story is pretty cool and we even get some interesting World Eaters thrown in to. I genuinely hope this is not the last we see of him in Black Library as I felt he was a cool character.

Blood Bowl 2 League 2 - Union Elves vs Dark Elves Gameplay

 

The second game in league 2, the Winter league. It is an all-elven game today as I face off against the dreaded Dark Elves. For more Blood Bowl action, click here: YouTube Playlist - Come follow me

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

This was a brutal match-up!

I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers

Necron Warriors Painted plus lore.

"Wit is not required in my vassals: they need only the ability to fight and die in the furtherance of my boundless glory. Only the most merciful and beneficent of rulers would spare their subjects from the burden of independence, do you not agree?"

— Thaszar the Invincible, Phaeron of the Sarnekh Dynasty, Supreme Warbringer of the Crownworld of Zapennec

Necron Warriors are the primary infantry troops of the soulless, undying mechanical monstrosities known as the Necrons. They were created from most ancient humanoid Necrontyr species who agreed to be bound to the will of their Star Gods, the terrible entities known as the C'tan. The Necrontyr's consciousnesses were transferred into robotic bodies made of the living metal called necrodermis. Over time, the new unliving bodies dulled the Necrontyr's minds and abilities to feel emotion or pleasure. Over many millennia, the ultimate outcome of this process of gradual desensitization was that the Necron Warriors became little more than soulless automatons, the warrior-slaves of the still-sentient Necron royalty and military elite who sought to rebuild their star-spanning empires across the portions of the galaxy now controlled by the "lesser races."

Hundreds of thousands of Necron Warriors form the cold heart of a Tomb World's armies. They are implacable, emotionless and terrifying soldiers -- the inexorable emissaries of death itself. Yet on closer inspection of a Necron Warrior, aberrant details become visible that act against the image of the inevitable reaper. Its reactions, though precise, are slow. Its limbs, though solid and sleek, are pitted and corroded, covered with an oily fluid seeping from aged joints. Its movements are jerky; every so often, it struggles as corroded and eons-old engrammic synapses misfire. In truth, the Necron Warrior would almost be pitiable were it not for the merciless gleam flickering in its eyes and the pervasive sense that it is less a sentient creature than one of the walking dead.

Grim and remorseless machine-creatures, each Necron Warrior carries the dimly echoed remains of a living mind bound into eternal servitude. They are implacable and ruthless killers, largely ignorant of their nightmarish condition. But despite their shambolic gait, they are all but unstoppable; their bodies able to repair almost any harm done to them and compelled by the will of their lords, they are tireless as agents of destruction.

Quiet! - Alien Isolation Walkthrough Part 24

Quiet - Alien Isolation Walkthrough Part 24 is part of an ongoing series as I attempt to beat Alien Isolation. More jumps and scares this way: YouTube Playlist - Check it out and follow.

Maybe the tensest section of the game for me, and the gameplay audio messes up! I have not had luck with this alien series, lol! Anyway, you can listen to me and some excellent music instead.

Seriously appreciate all the support of late. Thank you for taking the time to become a subscriber. Smash the follow button if you haven't already.

Equipment I regularly use.

Audio: Blue Yeti Nano // Camera: Sony Alpha ZV-E10

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

Book Review 204 // Aliens: Infiltrator: A Novel by Weston Ochse

What is it and the Alien franchise that keeps me coming back? This time I enter another body horror tale with the xenomorph threat called Infiltrator by Weston Ochse. Let's see how bad this gets!

Title: Aliens: Infiltrator

Author: Weston Ochse

Blurb: The official prequel to the huge new Alien video game from Cold Iron Studios, as a Weyland-Yutani scientist arrives at Pala Station and finds the researchers there courting disaster... of the Xenomorph kind.

Dr. Timothy Hoenikker arrives at Pala Station, a Weyland-Yutani facility. Lured there by the promise of alien artifacts, instead, he finds a warped bureaucracy and staff of misfits testing the effects of Xenomorph bio-materials on living creatures. Unbeknownst to the personnel, however, there is an infiltrator among them whose actions could spell disaster. Also on staff is Victor Rawlings, a former marine who gathers together other veterans to prepare for the worst. As the personnel receive delivery of alien eggs, the experiments spin out of control, and only the former Colonial Marines can stand between the humans and certain death.

Alien: Infiltrator TM & © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

Buy on Amazon.ca

Format: 299 pages, Kindle Edition

Review

I didn't realize this until after, but Aliens: Infiltrator is actually a prequel to the game Aliens: Fireteam (is this worth playing?). This novel is an excellent stand-alone book, and little knowledge is needed to get into it as it is well explained. This ease of joining in also holds it back; we aren't really getting anything new, aliens get loose, people die, etc. But this is what I needed, so I was pleased with the results.

Now of course it can't be an Aliens story without the dreaded Weyland-Yutani company being involved. And involved they are. We join Dr. Timothy Hoenikker as he arrives at the Weyland station Pala. He had believed he was coming to study alien artifacts but instead, he discovers a darker reason. Turns out the base is a Colonial Marine testing site, and here the scientists are tasked with developing better equipment. Their goal once honourable was to create acid-resistant armour and save lives, sadly power corrupts, and soon the team is creating deadlier xenomorphs! Why would you do this?

Of course, the shit hits the fans and the bugs are soon loose causing mayhem and only with the aid of some ex-marines turned rent a cop are the bases survivors able to last as long as they do. 

I loved the chaos and action of this title, the characters were well thought out and portrayed even if they are the traditional archetypes. It was also nice to get a little change in pace by having the scientists tamper with the genetics of the hosts to manipulate the Xenos (an idea tested in Prototype). These little twists worked really well. I was engaged the entire time and by the end felt very satisfied with the title. A great filler book.

Think I need to paint a white Xenomorph that cover image is ace!

Audio Review 96 // Eye of Terra: Brotherhood of the Moon by Chris Wraight

Continuing our way through the Eye of Terror collection of short tales. Today has a White Scar tale! They seem to be getting a lot of love at the moment. They are among my least favourite legions, so I hope a story will change my opinion.

Title: Brotherhood of the Moon (Black Library Advent Calendar 2014 #22)

Author: Chris Wraight

Blurb:

Accused of treachery, Torghun Khan of the White Scars tells his tale...

Find out how the warrior lodges that lead so many Legions to treachery took root in the White Scars Legion. A must-read for any fan of Chris Wraight's Horus Heresy White Scars fiction, such as Brotherhood of the Storm and Scars.

In the aftermath of the rebellion within his Legion, Jaghatai Khan ordered the trials of his wayward sons to determine whether or not they would atone. The proud Terran legionary Torghun Khan now stands before his accusers and must account for the events that could have led him into outright heresy... 

Review

This story didn't change my opinion about the Scars, but it was interesting.

Following the open rebellion within his legion, the Great Khan ordered a trial for all his 'Wayward Sons". One son is Torghun Khan, and while he is interrogated, he attempts to reason his actions with the hopes of turning the Great Khan to Horus' side. The story does provide some great insight and lore into why the rebellion happened, showing how some of the legions forged bonds with the Luna Wolves. And they would instead follow their honour than the command of the Emperor!

Overall some fascinating insight into this legion, but nothing that sways me into like them. What am I missing with the Scars? Why can't I get on board with them? Do they improve in the series soon? Send me your opinions.

Blood Bowl 2 League 2 - Elven Union vs Chaos Dwarves Gameplay

 

An all-new winter league has begun with the Elven Union in Blood Bowl 2. For more Blood Bowl action, click here: YouTube link. Go watch and subscribe

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

After a surprise win in the Autumn cup, we moved on into the winter season. I knew it wouldn't be easy with an opening match against a Chaos Dwarf team (lessons learnt last week). Luckily this team only has one centaur, a lot of Hobgoblins and a crazy star player with a blunderbuss! 

I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers

Comic Review 211 // Slaine: Book of Invasions Volume 2 by Pat Mills.

Can't leave Slaine alone for too long! He gets into trouble way too fast. This week's read is Slaine: Book of Invasions Volume 2 by Pat Mills. So sharpen your axe, and let's dive in!

Title: Sláine: The Books of Invasions, Volume 2.

Author: Pat Mills

Artist: Clint Langley

Blurb: Barbarian warrior and former High King of Ireland Sláine continues the epic battle against the fearsome sea demons, but now he finds an ally from an unexpected source. Together they must rid Tir Nan Og of the Fomorian scourge, using every means at their disposal, including calling on help from the Earth Goddess herself!

Collects:

- The Books of Invasions III: Scota (Progs 2004 and #1371–#1376)

- The Books of Invasions IV: Tara (Progs 2005 and #1420–#1425)

Format: Kindle, 100 pages

Buy Now on Amazon.ca

Review

Unsurprisingly this title swiftly follows on from Volume One. Having just defeated the first round of Formanians and Moloch, Slaine returns to Ireland to once again another invading force. As warned by Moloch, the children of Atlantis have returned and plan to take Ireland.

We are introduced to a new race of Fomorian sea demons who have to meld with a host to be able to walk on the land, and we get a genuinely fearsome-looking enemy! The leading group has taken on a host of warriors who seem noble in spirit but have no will of their own anymore. Once more battle is joined, skulls are taken, and blood is everywhere. We get action, betrayal, a love story and a lot of sadness.

The new characters are fascinating, and we start to see some new lore slipping in from outside the traditional Celtic tales. Scota, for example, brings some Egyptian folktales over with the inclusion of Atlantis. The villains also seem extra villainous, willing to sacrifice the hosts if it means a final chance at a backstab. They can also wholly reanimate injured and damaged bodies, meaning you must completely put them down to stand a chance against them! Following some brutal battles, this tale ends with the Fomorians at the Gates of the City Tara. If this city falls, so will all of Ireland!

Overall, this title has something for everyone; I enjoyed it so much. This series has definitely felt like a move away from traditional Slaine. But I don't think that is a bad thing. If Slaine were to stay the same, his stories would become repetitive and dull, so I feel the Invasion series was much needed to refreshen the series. What are your thoughts? Let me know!

​2000 AD & Warlord Games // Kleggs! A quick & Dirty Paint Job

Heading back to my roots with a 2000 AD and Warlord Games Video. For more 2000 AD/Warlord Games content, follow this link: YouTube and hit subscribe.

"Klegg-Hai!, Klegg-Hai!, Klegg-hai!" This chilling alien battle cry has echoed across a universe of battlefields, heralding the arrival of the nightmarish Klegg. Mercenary warriors over ten feet tall and resembling an enormous bipedal Crocodile. The Klegg are utterly ruthless in the art of war; surrender is futile as prisoners are not taken – they are eaten!

In this video, I take you through my quick and dirty paint job on these brutal killers for this video. I list the paint used during the video, but please ask in the comments below if you have any questions. As always, I truly am grateful for the support.

Book Review 203 // Gaunt's Ghosts: Necropolis

Back at the Dan Abnett stories, people! Dan Abnett, for me, has been creating some of the best lore books for Black Library. No other author has managed to take a short story from a magazine and grow it into such a collection of books that are now official lore within the setting. With much excitement, we dive into book 3 - Necropolis.

Title: Gaunt's Ghosts: Necropolis (Book 3)

Author: Dan Abnett

Buy on Amazon.ca - first three novels collected.

Blurb: On the shattered world of Verghast, Gaunt and his Ghosts find themselves embroiled in an ancient and deadly civil war as a mighty hive city is besieged by an unrelenting foe.

On the world of Verghast, a grinding war between two hive cities - one loyal to the Imperium, the other fallen to the worship of the Dark Gods - is bolstered by the forces of the Astra Militarum, spearheaded by the Colonel-Commissar Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only. But bitter rivalries and treachery threaten to derail the defence of Vervunhive, and it falls to Gaunt to take command of the Imperial forces and forge victory from an almost certain defeat.

Format: Out of Print Hardback Omnibus:320 pages.

Review

This book holds a particular spot in my heart. I remember when I first read it being blown away by the scale of the city and the war itself, and every time since, I have been taken back to that feeling of awe and wonder. This is possibly the 7th or 8th time reading this, and I am still absorbed into the setting like I was then. I love this book. But it does have its faults.

The setting of Necropolis is a hive world, a city the size of a mountain. Meaning we have such a prominent location to cover. It is full of life; it is rough, poor, rich, and everything else. We have miners, guilders and merchants, dock workers, gangers, nobles and everything between. This setting alone could be a series of stories. You then throw into this the military, and the off-world forces and the environment gets bogged down. Abnett does a good job narrowing the information and focusing on the main aspects. This allows the reader to not get lost in the chaos but does lead to less focus on the heroes of Tanith.

The combat is fear-inducing as the build-up to an attack has the tension set to 1001%, then it hits like a battering ram and is a brutal and close quarter. Leaving you reeling from the intensity, for it all to start building again. At times it feels like the city is lost, and Abnett does a great job at keeping you hanging on for that next page.

Overall an excellent sci-fi war action book. Lots of action, politics, backstabbing and good honest Ghost action. This, for me, will also be a standout novel and one of the best alongside Horus Rising in the entire Black Library collection.

Tell me if you agree, and remember to follow me on YOUTUBE.