amrogers3 Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Hello, I am trying to find a couple novels on Space Wolves and/or Blood Angels. I have a SW army now but have been thinking about running a BA army also. Looked at the Black Libarary site but I don't know who are the good authors and books. Audio would be great as I do a lot of driving and would be perfect for the car. Don't think a lot of their books have an audio version though. :cuss Any feedback would be appreciated. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Juan Juarez Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Most audio is tied into the Horus Heresy series at the momento. Space Wolves: Anything by Bill King. Blood Angels: Avoid James Swallow like you would Papa Nurgle. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2636637 Share on other sites More sharing options...
amrogers3 Posted January 27, 2011 Author Share Posted January 27, 2011 Is the Horus Heresy series any good? I read a few of those books made it to the best sellers list. What book does that series start with? I saw about 20 listed under the Horus Heresy tab. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2636833 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Juan Juarez Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 1.Horus Rising - Dan Abnett 2.False Gods - Graham McNeill 3.Galaxy in Flames - Ben Counter 4.The Flight of the Eisenstein - James Swallow 5.Fulgrim - Graham McNeil 6.Descent of Angels - Mitchel Scanlon 7.Legion - Dan Abnett 8.Battle for the Abyss - Ben Counter 9.Mechanicum - Graham McNeill 10.Tales of Heresy - Compilation, Nick Kyme & Lindsey Priestley, editors 11.Fallen Angels - Mike Lee 12.A Thousand Sons - Graham McNeill 13.Nemesis - James Swallow 14.The First Heretic - Aaron Dembski-Bowden 15.Prospero Burns - Dan Abnett That is all the novels currently available, as stated there are audio books but I haven't listed them because I don't acknowledge them :) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2636840 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarapham Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 And note that nr 15. Prospero Burns is about the Space Wolves, and the Wolves figures quite a bit in A Thousand Sons as well. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2636861 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growler67 Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Specifically about the Space Wolves, you HAVE to read the Ragnar Saga. Space Wolf Onmibus one contains the first three paperbacks: Space Wolf Ragnars Claw Grey Hunter The Second Space Wolf Omnibus contains the second three paperbacks: Wolfblade Sons of Fenris Wolf's Honor As others have stated, Thousand Sons from the Horus Heresy series, though it's not critical to read it in any particular order within. Prospero Burns which is basically the same story as Thousand Sons but from the opposite perspective, from the Space Wolves. I have both of these but haven't gotten to them yet. I have read the Ragnar Saga twice. I have several others in my queue before getting to these two though. ETA: The best thing about the Ragnar Saga is that it informs you about how the Space Wolves are so different from the rest of the Astartes. The way they are recruited from the sole source of their Homeworld of Fenris, and the process from beginning to end. The things those aspirants go through to eventually become a Son of Russ. Not sure there is anything like it for the BA or any of the rest of the Chapters, but the Space Wolves being so different as to do things their own way dictate this series as a MUST read, IMO. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2636881 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Ragnarok Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Start with space wolf. It lays a good foundation of what it is like to go from aspirant to sw. Thunder from ferns is an excellent sw audiobook IMHO. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2636885 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Juan Juarez Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 And note that nr 15. Prospero Burns is about the Space Wolves, and the Wolves figures quite a bit in A Thousand Sons as well. Actually no; the consensus amongst alot of the people who have read the book - even Space Wolves fans/players - is that it isn't actually about the Legion at all, its about what took place. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2637311 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarapham Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 And note that nr 15. Prospero Burns is about the Space Wolves, and the Wolves figures quite a bit in A Thousand Sons as well. Actually no; the consensus amongst alot of the people who have read the book - even Space Wolves fans/players - is that it isn't actually about the Legion at all, its about what took place. I am a Space Wolf player which have read the book and strongly say it is about Space Wolves. It is my opinion of course but since it deals with the whole mindset and mentality of Wolves and the transformation of a normal human to fit in with the Wolves the idea that it is not about Wolves is absurd to me. It might not show every minute detail about Space Wolves kicking ass, but the "feel" for the Wolves is emminent. But lets not start that discussion here again since it already has a thread :( Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2637551 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CainTheHunter Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Battle for Abyss features pre-heresy Space Wolves, as well as one of the short-stories in the Tales of Heresy. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2637620 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aeddon Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 And note that nr 15. Prospero Burns is about the Space Wolves, and the Wolves figures quite a bit in A Thousand Sons as well. Actually no; the consensus amongst alot of the people who have read the book - even Space Wolves fans/players - is that it isn't actually about the Legion at all, its about what took place. I am a Space Wolf player which have read the book and strongly say it is about Space Wolves. It is my opinion of course but since it deals with the whole mindset and mentality of Wolves and the transformation of a normal human to fit in with the Wolves the idea that it is not about Wolves is absurd to me. It might not show every minute detail about Space Wolves kicking ass, but the "feel" for the Wolves is emminent. But lets not start that discussion here again since it already has a thread :P I second this. The Thousand Sons novel had very strong ties to the Space Wolves IMO. Also, I'm not sure what the problem with James Swallows is, I read The Flight of the Eisenstein and thought it was very well done. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2637645 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adarul Greystalker Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Regarding Prospero Burns: It's not about the legion in the same way that the Ragnar series is about the chapter. That's for sure. However, I think that claiming that it isn't about the legion at all is inaccurate. In my opinion, the proper way to put it is that Prospero Burns depicts an earlier, harsher, less disciplined legion than the current chapter as we know it and it does so not in a complete way from the perspective of an insider, but rather from the perspective of an outsider from the world of encyclopedias and peer-reviewed journals. It is as much about portraying the events that took place at Nikaea and Prospero as it is about portraying the way in which a civilized, scholarly individual can come to terms with the philosophy of the sixth legion and how the duality between intellectualism and savagery can and does exist among the legion. As such, some people don't like it very much, I gather because it isn't just a collection of war stories from the point of view of astartes. Obviously, that kind of book is also good and can be very entertaining if well-written, but Prospero Burns is excellent for what it is and what it does and I feel that it shouldn't be criticized for not being something that it does not claim to be but rather fits the expectations of the reader. I would definitely recommend Space Wolf. It serves to immerse the reader in the Fenrisian psychology very effectively in my opinion. If you're looking for mostly action, the rest of the six-part series is also good. You might also get Tales of Heresy specifically for Wolf at the Door, although I thought that many of the other stories were better, as the plot breached the realm of credibility several times. If you think that my description of Prospero Burns sounds appealing, I recommend that as well. I haven't read A Thousand Sons, so I can't comment there. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2637760 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulweih Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 For the driving hours I would also recommend the "Heart of Rage" Audiobook. It's about BA and from James Swallow, but still good. The thing about James Swallow as I understand it is, that he made a BA omnibus which is considered to be bad, real bad. But his work on the HH "Flight of the Eisenstein" was good i.m.o. -after you read that, I recommend the "Garro-Oath of moment" Audiobook which is the sequel and also good i.m.o. :P . Also, not BA or SW but still a good audiobook is "Raven's Flight", it's about the HH events at Istvaan from the Raven Guard perspective. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2639001 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Juan Juarez Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 James Swallow = Good Author. James Swallow + Blood Angels = Like eating a Play Doh Hamburger; at the time it seems interesting and you think "What's the worst that could happen..?" Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2639014 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranwulf Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Wanna good Blood Angels novel? Go for Red Fury and Black Tide. Well written and the characters stopped being stupid. Ran Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2639016 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor's Scourge Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 My opinion: If you're looking for good reads involving Space Wolves or Blood Angels...you're out of luck. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2639766 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plague Angel Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 If you can find it, Abnett did a graphic novel called Lone Wolves, in which the eponymous Astartes save a Guard troop from Tyranids. I've always been of the opinion that Abnett's comics are better than his novels, and this one in particular is quite good. Also, if it were up to me, at the very least the Prose Edda would be required reading for anyone playing Space Wolves, if not the sagas. I'm not generally a fan of Swallow's BA novels, though I don't regret purchasing my copy. I like to have what's out there, and it's not so bad I pretend it doesn't exist. Heart of Rage, his audio, was a decent listen. How is Thunder from Fenris? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2639836 Share on other sites More sharing options...
amrogers3 Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 James Swallow = Good Author. James Swallow + Blood Angels = Like eating a Play Doh Hamburger; at the time it seems interesting and you think "What's the worst that could happen..?" Is that good or bad? Anyone listened to the HORUS RISING audio book? I am looking for a good listen during a long roadtrip. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2640654 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niiai Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I did not like the first ragnar book. I thought the plott was very goofy and the writing was meant for a 13 year old. The way that ragnar ogeled at all the new sights was not wery wolfish. Worst was perhaps the way that the story began. "And then ragnar though about that time" *cut to flashback* That in my eyes was not a very good turn ower. I am reading through dan abnets last horus heresey book now. It is very well written so far. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2641085 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Remus Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 The whole Horus Heresy series is a good read, nice big background to bring you into 40k, defantly suggest reading from the start instead of jumping to Prospero Burns. (Just to note, Pre-heresy Blood Angels feature in Fulgrim, if I remember correctly.) As previously stated, the Space Wolves Omnibus, 1 and 2 provide some good background on Space Wolves themselves, but the last few novels arn't as widely appriciated. If you're looking for good Audio novels for driving though, Thudner from Fenris - Nick Kyme, probabaly the most enjoyable 40k audiobook I've listened to. And if you're interested, Waiting Death - Steve Lyons a Imperial Guard Audiobook, good listen if you ask me. As for the Blood Angels side of things, I'm not too sure where the hate for James Swallow comes from, I find his stuff alright. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2641117 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vassakov Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Oh boy... good books with Blood Angels or Space Wolves? Well, the Space Wolf series by Bill King (and later, Lee Lightner) is not bad per see, but its a product of a different age. Someone said it was childish - I disagree. But it is "cartoonish" - it lacks the grim, unrelenting darkness that has characterised 40K for the past few years. Ragnar is hopeless optimistic, jokes are 2 a page (and usually not great.) Overall, given it's a decade old it shows - the universe has moved on since then. That's not to say its bad, but it's a bit... jarring compared to more recent offerings. The Blood Angels series is just not very good. It's well written, reasonably paced and has some good moments, but all of this is outweighed by the characters and plot, which can only be described as dire. Spoilers may be below, but it's my take on things. Blood Angel protagonist is a whiny, angst ridden teen. Their Sanguinary Priest is a vain, incompetent idiot who behaves like a spurned lover. The Word Bearers are pantomine villians channeling Captain Hook via comic relief whilst the Inquisitor is a pantomine villian channelling Cruella De Vil via Lex Luther will a bit of body horror for good measure. Oh, and noone appears to be able to tell the difference between Sanguinius and a daemon. Except Mephiston, who decides that the best way to deal with said problem is to stand back and see what a Tactical Marine can achieve. Prospero Burns, A Thousand Sons and Tales of Heresy feature the Wolves a fair bit, and are all good (even if Prospero Burns wasn't what people were expecting - that doesn't make it less good.) Battle for the Abyss is best avoided, to be honest. Failing that, Battle for the Fang is out in a couple of months. And it shall be awesome. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2641122 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Juan Juarez Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 James Swallow = Good Author. James Swallow + Blood Angels = Like eating a Play Doh Hamburger; at the time it seems interesting and you think "What's the worst that could happen..?" Is that good or bad? You, sirrah, have obviously never eaten said "hamburger". Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2641169 Share on other sites More sharing options...
amrogers3 Posted February 1, 2011 Author Share Posted February 1, 2011 James Swallow = Good Author. James Swallow + Blood Angels = Like eating a Play Doh Hamburger; at the time it seems interesting and you think "What's the worst that could happen..?" Is that good or bad? You, sirrah, have obviously never eaten said "hamburger". Yes sir, that is correct. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2642155 Share on other sites More sharing options...
amrogers3 Posted February 1, 2011 Author Share Posted February 1, 2011 Would it be ok to listen to the Thousand Sons and Propero Burns audiobooks? Those are the only two books in the Horus series that are audio and unabridged. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/220789-book-recommendations/#findComment-2642160 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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