Ragnar Blackmane by ADB

[Roomsky]

I was going to resurrect the old thread with my foul necromancy, but anyone who remembers that thread also knows doing so would be a horrible mistake.

 

So, this is in normal hardback now! What did the rest of the late readers think?

 

Review forthcoming.

 

 

[veterannoob]

Another book I bought and am yet to read. Though, with author interview schedule it's slotted in as first (next) non-interview book. I think I could tackle it in a week. Painting commission SW right now so it's tempting me to hurry.

[Roomsky]

The review:

 

 

 

 

Ragnar Blackmane by ADB

 

I admit I've never read William King's Ragnar stuff, so I went into this ignorant, but hopeful that Aaron would provide not only a strong summation of the character, but also why I should like him. I can say with confidence that he mostly delivered.

 

Certainly, Ragnar doesn't stand out to me too much compared to other Space Wolves, if ever a loyalist would have a temper, I would probably assume they were one of the 6th. Still, he never once began to blend into his fellow, nor did they into Ragnar. The real strength of the story, I find, is in the supporting characters.

 

Once again, I wish Aaron would write more Dark Angels, because in so short a time he perfectly captured everything I imagined them to be to an outsider: stoic, honourable knights IIINNNN SPAAAAACCCEEEE. The other wolves too were fun, and while I can't remember the ringbearers all that well, they all felt like distinct people instead of devices to further the plot. Razortongue was all-around great, a wonderful combination of dickishness and well-earned self-righteousness.

 

The real stars of the story, for me at least, were the Flesh-Tearers.

 

 

I didn't pay the chapter much mind before reading this, but now I want to know everything I can about the sons of Amit. The fatalism and sheer difference of opinion between them, as well as the prominence of morbidity in their culture, made the two of them a joy to read.

 

The plot itself was enjoyable, if not especially ground-breaking, and I did find myself growing a little tired of some of the Cadia stuff. Overall it was a compelling read, however, and I'm more than happy I picked it up. 

 

The final point I'd like to make is how glad I am that Aaron leaves so many things open-ended. The only brief description of Thunderfists' death, or the complete non-appearances of Seth, Grimnar and Abbadon, despite their frequent mention, hammered home that 40k is a big setting, and that even for some of its posterboys, so much goes on beyond their scope. 

 

All in all, a pretty darn good read, and as always I look forward to the next ADB book I get to consume.

 

 

 

 

TL: DR- it was good

[Scribe]

Lol I need to know what that comic panel is from...

[Apothecary Vaddon]

If ADB jumps into this thread, just one question: Can void shields help in stopping ramming attacks and if not can ships accelerate to extreme speeds so that void shields will interact in ramming actions?

[Jarl Kjaran Coldheart]

I personally think it is one of the best books to ever be released for the Vlka Fenryka

[b1soul]

I personally think it is one of the best books to ever be released for the Vlka Fenryka

I second that

 

I think SW fans and fans of the Young King will find it highly satisfying

 

The pacing and quality of writing are very high, as expected from ADB

[Augustus]

Seconded. Outside of the Warmaster audio it's my favorite thing published by BL.

[Mechanicus Tech-Support]

Lol I need to know what that comic panel is from...

 

Old doom comic given away at a video game convention in the 90's, this is pretty much where rip and tear comes from and aside from spawning a meme it's a great soundtrack done by Mick Gordon for the new doom game.

 

I have yet to read the novel but it's on my "to buy" list, glad it was an enjoyable read having read the king novels I look forward to reading more about Ragnar.  

[Redrandy93]

Will add this to my buy list. I have 5 HH books to read and 4 other WH40k books with a bunch more coming from Amazon. I always enjoy the way he writes. .

[HeritorA]

The review:

 

 

 

 

Ragnar Blackmane by ADB

 

I admit I've never read William King's Ragnar stuff, so I went into this ignorant, but hopeful that Aaron would provide not only a strong summation of the character, but also why I should like him. I can say with confidence that he mostly delivered.

 

Certainly, Ragnar doesn't stand out to me too much compared to other Space Wolves, if ever a loyalist would have a temper, I would probably assume they were one of the 6th. Still, he never once began to blend into his fellow, nor did they into Ragnar. The real strength of the story, I find, is in the supporting characters.

 

Once again, I wish Aaron would write more Dark Angels, because in so short a time he perfectly captured everything I imagined them to be to an outsider: stoic, honourable knights IIINNNN SPAAAAACCCEEEE. The other wolves too were fun, and while I can't remember the ringbearers all that well, they all felt like distinct people instead of devices to further the plot. Razortongue was all-around great, a wonderful combination of dickishness and well-earned self-righteousness.

 

The real stars of the story, for me at least, were the Flesh-Tearers.

 

 

I didn't pay the chapter much mind before reading this, but now I want to know everything I can about the sons of Amit. The fatalism and sheer difference of opinion between them, as well as the prominence of morbidity in their culture, made the two of them a joy to read.

 

The plot itself was enjoyable, if not totally ground-breaking, and I did find myself growing a little tired of some of the Cadia stuff. Overall it was a compelling read, however, and I'm more than happy I picked it up. 

 

The final point I'd like to make is how glad I am that Aaron leaves so many things open-ended. The only brief description of Thunderfists' death, or the complete non-appearances of Seth, Grimnar and Abbadon, despite their frequent mention, hammered home that 40k is a big setting, and that even for some of its posterboys, so much goes on beyond their scope. 

 

All in all, a pretty darn good read, and as always I look forward to the next ADB book I get to consume.

 

 

 

 

TL: DR- it was good

 

'totally ground-breaking' - heh, probably the least good of all A D-B books.

 

I think he has 2 bad books himself (everything else is a really good or awesome stuff)  - 'Ragnar' and 'The Emperor Gift' (it has some amazing scenes - but part after Armageddon was so weak, truly disappointing).

 

If ADB jumps into this thread, just one question: Can void shields help in stopping ramming attacks and if not can ships accelerate to extreme speeds so that void shields will interact in ramming actions?

 

Seconded the question.

From the point of logic (in HH/W40K - yeah I know) void shields should be disabled/lowered for the ramming ship to achieve his objective/goal. On the other hand - the mass of an object (capital ship) would overhelm any voids after several seconds. But at the same time - W40K ships has the ability to overcharge their void shields for them to be impenetrable.

The point is - a lot captains would do that, cause until they used up all the options they do not want to commit suicide.

[Roomsky]

 

The review:

 

 

 

 

Ragnar Blackmane by ADB

 

I admit I've never read William King's Ragnar stuff, so I went into this ignorant, but hopeful that Aaron would provide not only a strong summation of the character, but also why I should like him. I can say with confidence that he mostly delivered.

 

Certainly, Ragnar doesn't stand out to me too much compared to other Space Wolves, if ever a loyalist would have a temper, I would probably assume they were one of the 6th. Still, he never once began to blend into his fellow, nor did they into Ragnar. The real strength of the story, I find, is in the supporting characters.

 

Once again, I wish Aaron would write more Dark Angels, because in so short a time he perfectly captured everything I imagined them to be to an outsider: stoic, honourable knights IIINNNN SPAAAAACCCEEEE. The other wolves too were fun, and while I can't remember the ringbearers all that well, they all felt like distinct people instead of devices to further the plot. Razortongue was all-around great, a wonderful combination of dickishness and well-earned self-righteousness.

 

The real stars of the story, for me at least, were the Flesh-Tearers.

 

 

I didn't pay the chapter much mind before reading this, but now I want to know everything I can about the sons of Amit. The fatalism and sheer difference of opinion between them, as well as the prominence of morbidity in their culture, made the two of them a joy to read.

 

The plot itself was enjoyable, if not totally ground-breaking, and I did find myself growing a little tired of some of the Cadia stuff. Overall it was a compelling read, however, and I'm more than happy I picked it up. 

 

The final point I'd like to make is how glad I am that Aaron leaves so many things open-ended. The only brief description of Thunderfists' death, or the complete non-appearances of Seth, Grimnar and Abbadon, despite their frequent mention, hammered home that 40k is a big setting, and that even for some of its posterboys, so much goes on beyond their scope. 

 

All in all, a pretty darn good read, and as always I look forward to the next ADB book I get to consume.

 

 

 

 

TL: DR- it was good

 

'totally ground-breaking' - heh, probably the least good of all A D-B books.

 

I think he has 2 bad books himself (everything else is a really good or awesome stuff)  - 'Ragnar' and 'The Emperor Gift' (it has some amazing scenes - but part after Armageddon was so weak, truly disappointing).

 

 

Ah, I meant "especially" rather than "totally". Fixing now.

 

And even though I don't think its his strongest book, I think calling it "bad" is rather unfair. If Ragnar Blackmane was the baseline BL quality, I'd be a much happier camper.

[HeritorA]

 

 

The review:

 

 

 

 

Ragnar Blackmane by ADB

 

I admit I've never read William King's Ragnar stuff, so I went into this ignorant, but hopeful that Aaron would provide not only a strong summation of the character, but also why I should like him. I can say with confidence that he mostly delivered.

 

Certainly, Ragnar doesn't stand out to me too much compared to other Space Wolves, if ever a loyalist would have a temper, I would probably assume they were one of the 6th. Still, he never once began to blend into his fellow, nor did they into Ragnar. The real strength of the story, I find, is in the supporting characters.

 

Once again, I wish Aaron would write more Dark Angels, because in so short a time he perfectly captured everything I imagined them to be to an outsider: stoic, honourable knights IIINNNN SPAAAAACCCEEEE. The other wolves too were fun, and while I can't remember the ringbearers all that well, they all felt like distinct people instead of devices to further the plot. Razortongue was all-around great, a wonderful combination of dickishness and well-earned self-righteousness.

 

The real stars of the story, for me at least, were the Flesh-Tearers.

 

 

I didn't pay the chapter much mind before reading this, but now I want to know everything I can about the sons of Amit. The fatalism and sheer difference of opinion between them, as well as the prominence of morbidity in their culture, made the two of them a joy to read.

 

The plot itself was enjoyable, if not totally ground-breaking, and I did find myself growing a little tired of some of the Cadia stuff. Overall it was a compelling read, however, and I'm more than happy I picked it up. 

 

The final point I'd like to make is how glad I am that Aaron leaves so many things open-ended. The only brief description of Thunderfists' death, or the complete non-appearances of Seth, Grimnar and Abbadon, despite their frequent mention, hammered home that 40k is a big setting, and that even for some of its posterboys, so much goes on beyond their scope. 

 

All in all, a pretty darn good read, and as always I look forward to the next ADB book I get to consume.

 

 

 

 

TL: DR- it was good

 

'totally ground-breaking' - heh, probably the least good of all A D-B books.

 

I think he has 2 bad books himself (everything else is a really good or awesome stuff)  - 'Ragnar' and 'The Emperor Gift' (it has some amazing scenes - but part after Armageddon was so weak, truly disappointing).

 

 

Ah, I meant "especially" rather than "totally". Fixing now.

 

And even though I don't think its his strongest book, I think calling it "bad" is rather unfair. If Ragnar Blackmane was the baseline BL quality, I'd be a much happier camper.

 

'If Ragnar Blackmane was the baseline BL quality, I'd be a much happier camper' - WITH THAT I could only totally agree

[Taliesin]

I read it last year. It was a quick read. 

I enjoyed the sections set on Cretacia the best, interesting stuff set on that planet with the exotic beasts.

[Old-Four-Arms]

 

The review:

 

 

 

 

Ragnar Blackmane by ADB

 

I admit I've never read William King's Ragnar stuff, so I went into this ignorant, but hopeful that Aaron would provide not only a strong summation of the character, but also why I should like him. I can say with confidence that he mostly delivered.

 

Certainly, Ragnar doesn't stand out to me too much compared to other Space Wolves, if ever a loyalist would have a temper, I would probably assume they were one of the 6th. Still, he never once began to blend into his fellow, nor did they into Ragnar. The real strength of the story, I find, is in the supporting characters.

 

Once again, I wish Aaron would write more Dark Angels, because in so short a time he perfectly captured everything I imagined them to be to an outsider: stoic, honourable knights IIINNNN SPAAAAACCCEEEE. The other wolves too were fun, and while I can't remember the ringbearers all that well, they all felt like distinct people instead of devices to further the plot. Razortongue was all-around great, a wonderful combination of dickishness and well-earned self-righteousness.

 

The real stars of the story, for me at least, were the Flesh-Tearers.

 

 

I didn't pay the chapter much mind before reading this, but now I want to know everything I can about the sons of Amit. The fatalism and sheer difference of opinion between them, as well as the prominence of morbidity in their culture, made the two of them a joy to read.

 

The plot itself was enjoyable, if not totally ground-breaking, and I did find myself growing a little tired of some of the Cadia stuff. Overall it was a compelling read, however, and I'm more than happy I picked it up. 

 

The final point I'd like to make is how glad I am that Aaron leaves so many things open-ended. The only brief description of Thunderfists' death, or the complete non-appearances of Seth, Grimnar and Abbadon, despite their frequent mention, hammered home that 40k is a big setting, and that even for some of its posterboys, so much goes on beyond their scope. 

 

All in all, a pretty darn good read, and as always I look forward to the next ADB book I get to consume.

 

 

 

 

TL: DR- it was good

 

'totally ground-breaking' - heh, probably the least good of all A D-B books.

 

I think he has 2 bad books himself (everything else is a really good or awesome stuff)  - 'Ragnar' and 'The Emperor Gift' (it has some amazing scenes - but part after Armageddon was so weak, truly disappointing).

 

If ADB jumps into this thread, just one question: Can void shields help in stopping ramming attacks and if not can ships accelerate to extreme speeds so that void shields will interact in ramming actions?

 

Seconded the question.

From the point of logic (in HH/W40K - yeah I know) void shields should be disabled/lowered for the ramming ship to achieve his objective/goal. On the other hand - the mass of an object (capital ship) would overhelm any voids after several seconds. But at the same time - W40K ships has the ability to overcharge their void shields for them to be impenetrable.

The point is - a lot captains would do that, cause until they used up all the options they do not want to commit suicide.

 

 

Adeptus Titanicus fluff (and I'm sure I've read something similar in one of the 40k novels) mentioned

the possibility of void shields "merging" (game-wise, voids didn't help during close combat attacks).

 

Could this imply that slow-moving objects (relatively speaking) are not impeded by void shields ?

 

With regards to the book itself, the cultural details (such as the description of the Flesh Tearers

ship interior) really show the idiosyncrasies of the various chapters. Here's hoping that ADB will

write more BA stuff...

 

 

Old-Four-Arms

[HeritorA]

 

 

The review:

 

 

 

 

Ragnar Blackmane by ADB

 

I admit I've never read William King's Ragnar stuff, so I went into this ignorant, but hopeful that Aaron would provide not only a strong summation of the character, but also why I should like him. I can say with confidence that he mostly delivered.

 

Certainly, Ragnar doesn't stand out to me too much compared to other Space Wolves, if ever a loyalist would have a temper, I would probably assume they were one of the 6th. Still, he never once began to blend into his fellow, nor did they into Ragnar. The real strength of the story, I find, is in the supporting characters.

 

Once again, I wish Aaron would write more Dark Angels, because in so short a time he perfectly captured everything I imagined them to be to an outsider: stoic, honourable knights IIINNNN SPAAAAACCCEEEE. The other wolves too were fun, and while I can't remember the ringbearers all that well, they all felt like distinct people instead of devices to further the plot. Razortongue was all-around great, a wonderful combination of dickishness and well-earned self-righteousness.

 

The real stars of the story, for me at least, were the Flesh-Tearers.

 

 

I didn't pay the chapter much mind before reading this, but now I want to know everything I can about the sons of Amit. The fatalism and sheer difference of opinion between them, as well as the prominence of morbidity in their culture, made the two of them a joy to read.

 

The plot itself was enjoyable, if not totally ground-breaking, and I did find myself growing a little tired of some of the Cadia stuff. Overall it was a compelling read, however, and I'm more than happy I picked it up. 

 

The final point I'd like to make is how glad I am that Aaron leaves so many things open-ended. The only brief description of Thunderfists' death, or the complete non-appearances of Seth, Grimnar and Abbadon, despite their frequent mention, hammered home that 40k is a big setting, and that even for some of its posterboys, so much goes on beyond their scope. 

 

All in all, a pretty darn good read, and as always I look forward to the next ADB book I get to consume.

 

 

 

 

TL: DR- it was good

 

'totally ground-breaking' - heh, probably the least good of all A D-B books.

 

I think he has 2 bad books himself (everything else is a really good or awesome stuff)  - 'Ragnar' and 'The Emperor Gift' (it has some amazing scenes - but part after Armageddon was so weak, truly disappointing).

 

If ADB jumps into this thread, just one question: Can void shields help in stopping ramming attacks and if not can ships accelerate to extreme speeds so that void shields will interact in ramming actions?

 

Seconded the question.

From the point of logic (in HH/W40K - yeah I know) void shields should be disabled/lowered for the ramming ship to achieve his objective/goal. On the other hand - the mass of an object (capital ship) would overhelm any voids after several seconds. But at the same time - W40K ships has the ability to overcharge their void shields for them to be impenetrable.

The point is - a lot captains would do that, cause until they used up all the options they do not want to commit suicide.

 

 

Adeptus Titanicus fluff (and I'm sure I've read something similar in one of the 40k novels) mentioned

the possibility of void shields "merging" (game-wise, voids didn't help during close combat attacks).

 

Could this imply that slow-moving objects (relatively speaking) are not impeded by void shields ?

 

With regards to the book itself, the cultural details (such as the description of the Flesh Tearers

ship interior) really show the idiosyncrasies of the various chapters. Here's hoping that ADB will

write more BA stuff...

 

 

Old-Four-Arms

 

Strangely A D-B did the least stuff about Blood Angels but his Blood Angels are the most BA like

[Jarl Kjaran Coldheart]

@HeritorA: the two A D-B books you like the least both feature the Space Wolves

 

Yea, that sounds more like your bias ("any story where Wolves die is a good one") than a legit stance

[HeritorA]

@HeritorA: the two A D-B books you like the least both feature the Space Wolves

 

Yea, that sounds more like your bias ("any story where Wolves die is a good one") than a legit stance

It had nothing to do with the SW - now it's you being bias.

They are the least good - cause you could almost see  where rewrites went into them. And narratives struggle. That would have happened even if that was another Legion/Chapter.

[Jarl Kjaran Coldheart]

 

 

@HeritorA: the two A D-B books you like the least both feature the Space Wolves

 

Yea, that sounds more like your bias ("any story where Wolves die is a good one") than a legit stance

It had nothing to do with the SW - now it's you being bias.

They are the least good - cause you could almost see where rewrites went into them. And narratives struggle. That would have happened even if that was another Legion/Chapter.

Sure.

[Runefyre]

@HeritorA: the two A D-B books you like the least both feature the Space Wolves

Yea, that sounds more like your bias ("any story where Wolves die is a good one") than a legit stance

It had nothing to do with the SW - now it's you being bias.

They are the least good - cause you could almost see where rewrites went into them. And narratives struggle. That would have happened even if that was another Legion/Chapter.

Dude, given your rather obviously negative stance on the Wolves, forgive us if we don't take your word for it

I've got a copy reserved at my FLGS waiting for pickup, I can't wait! As soon as I'm done with Primogenitor I'll dig right in!

[HeritorA]

@HeritorA: the two A D-B books you like the least both feature the Space Wolves

Yea, that sounds more like your bias ("any story where Wolves die is a good one") than a legit stance

It had nothing to do with the SW - now it's you being bias.

They are the least good - cause you could almost see where rewrites went into them. And narratives struggle. That would have happened even if that was another Legion/Chapter.

Dude, given your rather obviously negative stance on the Wolves, forgive us if we don't take your word for it

I've got a copy reserved at my FLGS waiting for pickup, I can't wait! As soon as I'm done with Primogenitor I'll dig right in!

If the book is bad - it is bad and not because i DON'T like something. Ragnar has a very blank and uninteresting story. Sane with the EG - second part of it.

I could live with that - and I wouldn't have spoken about SW at all, if Wolf Lord Kieran hasn't reminded me

[Jarl Kjaran Coldheart]

@HeritoA: You're commentating in a thread specifically about Space Wolves, I didnt need to remind you of your bias here, it was already on display.

[Guest]

@HeritorA: the two A D-B books you like the least both feature the Space Wolves

Yea, that sounds more like your bias ("any story where Wolves die is a good one") than a legit stance

It had nothing to do with the SW - now it's you being bias.

They are the least good - cause you could almost see where rewrites went into them. And narratives struggle. That would have happened even if that was another Legion/Chapter.

Dude, given your rather obviously negative stance on the Wolves, forgive us if we don't take your word for it

I've got a copy reserved at my FLGS waiting for pickup, I can't wait! As soon as I'm done with Primogenitor I'll dig right in!

Cancerous as usual HeritorA... Its a wonder you are still here at times.

[HeritorA]

@HeritorA: the two A D-B books you like the least both feature the Space Wolves

Yea, that sounds more like your bias ("any story where Wolves die is a good one") than a legit stance

It had nothing to do with the SW - now it's you being bias.

They are the least good - cause you could almost see where rewrites went into them. And narratives struggle. That would have happened even if that was another Legion/Chapter.

Dude, given your rather obviously negative stance on the Wolves, forgive us if we don't take your word for it

I've got a copy reserved at my FLGS waiting for pickup, I can't wait! As soon as I'm done with Primogenitor I'll dig right in!

Cancerous as usual HeritorA... Its a wonder you are still here at times.

Good to be you Arkley - sometimes british are so Dickens 'cancerous' style...

@HeritoA: You're commentating in a thread specifically about Space Wolves, I didnt need to remind you of your bias here, it was already on display.

You see what you want to see. That particular book is bad cause of story and prose. It has nothing to do with the Space wolves. Whom - let me remind you just in case - I liked in Wolf King, Leman Russ, TS and Stormcaller.

Right now the only bias being made is by you - cause someone doesn't like your Legion (who mind you has their moments of glory which they totally deserve)

And Arkley is you toxic fan - you should drink beer sometimes

[Jarl Kjaran Coldheart]

Hey Ark, if you're ever in Florida shoot me a pm and we can grab some beers

 

Just because it came from HeritorA doesn't make it a bad idea

 

And Harry, it has to suck to be called out in near every thread you poison.

but continue posting Brother. One day you may be right by accident