I have to say - if you want pulp science fiction or fantasy, there are none better than Black Library right now. In my opinion, you can gain just as much pleasure reading these books if you have never tried the tabletop games. In fact, I'd guess there are now many readers of Black Library books who don't realise that the tabletop games came first, and that the novels they're reading are based on background material first presented in army books.
I think we need to remember that Black Library now have a number of NY Times bestselling titles, and have award winning authors. They are also diligent in showcasing titles, covers and information about their novels in advance. And their audio books are second to none. (Yes, I know I sound like part of their marketing team - that's why I felt I had to preface this post with that first sentence!)
The long running Horus Heresy series (which goes from strength to strength) has two entries on the following list, but there is much to look forward to over the coming months.
I'd urge you to try out some Black Library fiction - start with Horus Rising by Dan Abnett if you prefer science fiction, and I would suggest Heldenhammer by Graham McNeill if you're more of a fantasy afficionado.
(Release dates/cover images might be subject to change)
Deliverance Lost - Gav Thorpe
2nd January 2012
The Outcast Dead - Graham McNeill
When an Astropath has a vision about the end of the heresy, it falls to a group of renegade traitors to get him off Terra.
10th November 2011
Nocturne - Nick Kyme
The Salamanders fight to defend their home world against the traitorous Dragon Warriors in the blistering conclusion to the Tome of Fire trilogy.
(Previous novels in the trilogy are Salamander and Firedrake)
10th November 2011
The Gildar Rift - Sarah Cawkwell
In the depths of space, the Silver Skulls take on the might of Huron Blackheart and his Red Corsairs.
8th December 2011
Hammer and Anvil - James Swallow
The Sisters of Battle are the Emperor's most devout worshippers, fierce warriors preaching the purity of the Imperium and scourging their enemies with bolter and flamer. On a distant world, the Ecclesiarchy outpost of Sanctuary 101 was wiped out by an implacable foe - the fearless, soulless necrons. Now, a mission of the Sisterhood has returned to reconsecrate the site - but the metallic nightmares still lurk in the darkness, guarding a secret that has lain dormant for millennia. A vicious battle will be fought - one that can only end in the total destruction of the unrelenting xenos, or the annihilation of the proud Sororitas.
8th December 2011
Path of the Seer - Gav Thorpe
The ancient eldar are a mysterious race and each devotes their life to a chosen path that will guide their actions and decide their fate. Thirianna abandons her simple existence to embark upon the mysterious Path of the Seer. She will tread a dark and dangerous road that leads her to the otherrealm of the warp, where daemons are made flesh and nightmares are manifest, for only there can she realise her psychic abilities. After unleashing her powers in battle and communing with the spirits of her craft world, Thirianna turns her skills to discerning the future amidst the myriad strands of fate. Her visions reveal a great threat descending on Alaitoc, and both the living and the dead will march to war to defend it.
1st September 2011
Sons of Ellyrion - Graham McNeill
30th August 2011
Thanquol's Doom - Clint Werner
Grey Seer Thanquol uses his deadliest invention to battle the dwarfs in their mountain holds.
13th October 2011
The Red Duke - Clint Werner
Bloodthirsty vampire lord the Red Duke is resurrected from his ancient slumber to terrorise the lands of Bretonnia.
10th November 2011
Age of Legend - edited by Christian Dunn
2nd January 2012
Are there any here tickling your fancy?
Do you read Black Library novels? Which is your favourite?
Er, I've read a few. But which is my favourite?
ReplyDeleteAnything by Dan Abnett is a must and I loved Prospero Burns, although it was a very different book from the one I was expecting. But I think a lot of people had that.
Aaron Dembski-Bowden's become my favourite author writing for BL, I think. Although, it's very hard to fault anything Graham McNeill, Dan Abnett, CL Werner and Nathan Long write. It'll be interesting to read Bill King's next one for BL - it's been a long time since he wrote anything in the Warhammer world.
ReplyDeleteNever read a black library book yet...I plan on it, but I haven't grabbed one yet. I was told to start with the Gaunt books...
ReplyDeleteI like what I've read from BL, SALAMANDER, by Nick Kyme, the first book in the series which concludes with Nocturne was quite good.
ReplyDeleteA lot of their stuff looks like fun, I've got a pile of it to catch up with.