Jonny Wolf Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Hail, brothers. Long time no talk. Just picked up the new Aaron Dembski-Bowden novel: Ragnar Blackane No spoilers here, but Brother Aaron - known as Dembski-Bowden by his kith and kin - has nailed it again. I still regard his The Emperors Gift as the best WH40K novel...and quite frankly, the best sci-fi novel I've ever read. Ragnar Blackmane picks up with Ragnar as a young initiate into Berek Thunderfist's Wolf Guard and his growth and development during trials and adventures. Mixed with just enough action, Brother Aaron - known as Dembski-Bowden - weaves a worthy saga of Ragnar's growth as a fledgling Wolf Guard towards becoming a Wolf Lord. It is an excellent saga (novel), my brothers. Five stars. GW does however charge you twenty bucks for the pleasure of it though. That is the only fault I found with the book. Ha ha. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Guard Dan Posted November 10, 2016 Share Posted November 10, 2016 Thanks for the heads-up. I will definitely be picking this one up when I have the time/money. ADB is a talented author and I have been waiting for more literature on that part of Ragnar's life. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4558483 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarl Kjaran Coldheart Posted November 10, 2016 Share Posted November 10, 2016 The novel is amazing. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4558544 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozeryk_Sleipnijr Posted November 10, 2016 Share Posted November 10, 2016 Yeah it`s a good novel. I love the way he remembers all the names of his fallen Brothers. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4558932 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 10, 2016 Share Posted November 10, 2016 Isn't this a re-release of the book? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4558945 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny Wolf Posted November 12, 2016 Author Share Posted November 12, 2016 No. It's a new novel. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4560369 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wraithwing Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 Ive read a book where he remembers the names of his fallen brothers a while ago, I'm sure of it? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4560372 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny Wolf Posted November 12, 2016 Author Share Posted November 12, 2016 My apologies...came out in 2015. New to me then lol Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4560429 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 My apologies...came out in 2015. New to me then lol Thought I missed a book release lol, was searching everywhere for a new one. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561330 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasper_Hawser Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I heard in this book, Ragnar comes out as a jerk though. Does it portray him as anything other than a hot headed Blood Claw with little self control who somehow became a Wolf Lord? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561356 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I heard in this book, Ragnar comes out as a jerk though. Does it portray him as anything other than a hot headed Blood Claw with little self control who somehow became a Wolf Lord? That's the reason I usually stay away from Ragnar stuff. He is being hyped as the next big protegy, yet he does not show any sign of good leadership qualities. He can control a bunch of Blood Claws by hyping the up, he can fight very well, but those are not all that a true leader needs. Maybe it'll change though ;) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561499 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWolfLord Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I heard in this book, Ragnar comes out as a jerk though. Does it portray him as anything other than a hot headed Blood Claw with little self control who somehow became a Wolf Lord? That's the reason I usually stay away from Ragnar stuff. He is being hyped as the next big protegy, yet he does not show any sign of good leadership qualities. He can control a bunch of Blood Claws by hyping the up, he can fight very well, but those are not all that a true leader needs. Maybe it'll change though ;) He does come across as a hot headed jerk but that particular section is when he's a Wolf Guard and newly promoted from Blood Claw, it's at least 20 years prior to the current timeline. Overall it shows his progression from immature Blood Claw to an older and wiser Wolf Lord. The fact he recites the names of all the Space Wolves killed under his command is a hugely cool and touching moment, even Ulrik respects him greatly for it. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561514 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 Didn't know that. That is really cool. How is he portrayed in this book now, anyway? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561519 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wraithwing Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I loved Ragnar in his book, and cemented him in place as one of my all time favourite Wolf Lords. To the point that I'm even contemplating doing a second 40K Wolves force for him to go alongside the Deathwolves. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561538 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I loved Ragnar in his book, and cemented him in place as one of my all time favourite Wolf Lords. To the point that I'm even contemplating doing a second 40K Wolves force for him to go alongside the Deathwolves. How come? Was it the characterization? Actions? Or just the quality writing? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561542 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWolfLord Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I loved Ragnar in his book, and cemented him in place as one of my all time favourite Wolf Lords. To the point that I'm even contemplating doing a second 40K Wolves force for him to go alongside the Deathwolves. How come? Was it the characterization? Actions? Or just the quality writing? Difficult to say, his reciting of names was a huge factor for me. To me it showed just how important he considered his men, the responsibility he felt for those he'd lead to their deaths. When fighting the blood duel at the end of the book he chooses to spare his opponent even though it's a fight to the death, he gains the respect of the DA Captain as a result and ends the resentment from his original rash action. During his time as a Wolf Guard they find a Flesh Tearers ship that's unmanned other than some frozen Flesh Tearers, there's huge animosity between the SW and FT at the time and the SW want to claim the ship for their own use, only Ragnar proposes it's returned to them in an attempt to build relations again, in the process he learns that both the FT and SW were at fault for the troubles, like the SW the FT were trying to hide their curse and survive. Again it shows a level of thinking uncommon in Space Wolves. He understands he doesn't win his fights and battles because he's the best but because he's lucky, he remembers an old rivals words that 'luck can't last forever' and agrees that eventually his luck will run out, it shows humility that many Space Wolves characters don't have. Many people focused on the negative aspect of him killing the DA in the honour duel when he was a Wolf Guard but in my opinion it was only written to show how much he has matured since that moment. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561575 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frater Cornelius Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 Humility is the keyword that got me going. He used to be characterized as a glory-hog. If he starts to mature and shows humility, one of the traits I value very highly, then I will reconsider my stance towards Ragnar and maybe come to like him. All in all, sounds good so far. I may even pick it up on Christmas. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561585 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasper_Hawser Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I loved Ragnar in his book, and cemented him in place as one of my all time favourite Wolf Lords. To the point that I'm even contemplating doing a second 40K Wolves force for him to go alongside the Deathwolves. How come? Was it the characterization? Actions? Or just the quality writing? Difficult to say, his reciting of names was a huge factor for me. To me it showed just how important he considered his men, the responsibility he felt for those he'd lead to their deaths. When fighting the blood duel at the end of the book he chooses to spare his opponent even though it's a fight to the death, he gains the respect of the DA Captain as a result and ends the resentment from his original rash action. During his time as a Wolf Guard they find a Flesh Tearers ship that's unmanned other than some frozen Flesh Tearers, there's huge animosity between the SW and FT at the time and the SW want to claim the ship for their own use, only Ragnar proposes it's returned to them in an attempt to build relations again, in the process he learns that both the FT and SW were at fault for the troubles, like the SW the FT were trying to hide their curse and survive. Again it shows a level of thinking uncommon in Space Wolves. He understands he doesn't win his fights and battles because he's the best but because he's lucky, he remembers an old rivals words that 'luck can't last forever' and agrees that eventually his luck will run out, it shows humility that many Space Wolves characters don't have. Many people focused on the negative aspect of him killing the DA in the honour duel when he was a Wolf Guard but in my opinion it was only written to show how much he has matured since that moment. Hope you are right on this. Based on your review, I will now buy the book Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561733 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarl Kjaran Coldheart Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 I honestly think the book is a must buy for any denizen of the Aett Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561798 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWolfLord Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 Be prepared to hate the honour duel part though, he really isn't portrayed well and it wasn't needed in my opinion. They could have shown his development in a better way. It's not as good a book as the new Russ book but is a good read. It will also reassure you about the Wolves being wiped out in WZ Fenris 2 as at the end the Wolves are on Cadia during the 13th Black Crusade, it's written recently enough to support the SW involvement in the defence of Cadia still. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561909 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarl Kjaran Coldheart Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 That's what I liked about it, the complexities of the character and the growth of Ragnar He does some major mess ups but over the course of the story learns and matures. It's makes a more well rounded character Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327687-ragnar-blackmane-new-novel/#findComment-4561914 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.