Lukas the Trickster Review

[DogWelder]

So the first thing that strikes you about the book is its light hearted tone. There really isn't any galaxy-destroying events going on here but rather a simple Dark Eldar raid on Fenris. Now things are taken seriously and there are a lot of grim moments where the DE enact their terrible will on the Fenrisians but tbh the stakes are pretty low since the DE are going to retreat anyway. Which is a pleasant change of pace from the universe shattering events that have been in the recent BL books.

 

Another thing is this: it definitely feels like a Dark Eldar book but in a good way. The Space Wolves are fun but the Dark Eldar cast blow them out of the water in terms of character personality and intrigue.Especially the Dark Eldar MC: Duke Ssliscus who I feel outshines Lukas himself several times over despite having slightly less screentime.

 

Meta (Ssliscus' courtesan who wants him dead), Sleg the Sslyth bodyguard, Lady Malys the DE Queen that Ssliscus spends the whole book flirting with in a hilarious manner as they invade Fenris.

 

Ssliscus' character itself is just so hilariously over the top evil/comical that he's a genuine pleasure to have around since he does something outrageous and fun everytime he appears. Like shooting one of his Archons in the head because he wore something similar to his outfit that day. Not to mention he has a phenomenal wit that leave you hanging on his words.

 

There is a couple of fun stuff about the SW too so I do recommend it to SW players who are looking for a more light-hearted look at their Chapter. From an old woman that serves as the director of the Aett's kitchen staff disciplining some rowdy Bloodclaws to Lukas covering a Wolf Lord in animal dung and setting on fire while he was giving a major speech to his Great Company as a prank.

 

Anyways, I'm going to fangirl a bit about Ssliscus so SPOILERS.

 

This man has apparently:

 

-Overseen the conquest, destruction and looting of an entire Imperial world from a hot spring in his giant, exotic battleship while his harem of consorts 'serviced' him.

 

-Slaughtered/Enslaved the entire population of a major Hive World because its planetary governor mispronounced his name.

 

-Spent the novel succesfully flirting with and eventually sleeping with Lady Malys herself.

 

-Led a Dark Eldar invasion of Fenris and escaped with his prize just because it was 'fun.

 

He might just be my new favourite xenos character tbh.

[Guest Triszin]

 

So the first thing that strikes you about the book is its light hearted tone. There really isn't any galaxy-destroying events going on here but rather a simple Dark Eldar raid on Fenris. Now things are taken seriously and there are a lot of grim moments where the DE enact their terrible will on the Fenrisians but tbh the stakes are pretty low since the DE are going to retreat anyway. Which is a pleasant change of pace from the universe shattering events that have been in the recent BL books.

 

Another thing is this: it definitely feels like a Dark Eldar book but in a good way. The Space Wolves are fun but the Dark Eldar cast blow them out of the water in terms of character personality and intrigue.Especially the Dark Eldar MC: Duke Ssliscus who I feel outshines Lukas himself several times over despite having slightly less screentime.

 

Meta (Ssliscus' courtesan who wants him dead), Sleg the Sslyth bodyguard, Lady Malys the DE Queen that Ssliscus spends the whole book flirting with in a hilarious manner as they invade Fenris.

 

Ssliscus' character itself is just so hilariously over the top evil/comical that he's a genuine pleasure to have around since he does something outrageous and fun everytime he appears. Like shooting one of his Archons in the head because he wore something similar to his outfit that day. Not to mention he has a phenomenal wit that leave you hanging on his words.

 

There is a couple of fun stuff about the SW too so I do recommend it to SW players who are looking for a more light-hearted look at their Chapter. From an old woman that serves as the director of the Aett's kitchen staff disciplining some rowdy Bloodclaws to Lukas covering a Wolf Lord in animal dung and setting on fire while he was giving a major speech to his Great Company as a prank.

 

Anyways, I'm going to fangirl a bit about Ssliscus so SPOILERS.

 

This man has apparently:

 

-Overseen the conquest, destruction and looting of an entire Imperial world from a hot spring in his giant, exotic battleship while his harem of consorts 'serviced' him.

 

-Slaughtered/Enslaved the entire population of a major Hive World because its planetary governor mispronounced his name.

 

-Spent the novel succesfully flirting with and eventually sleeping with Lady Malys herself.

 

-Led a Dark Eldar invasion of Fenris and escaped with his prize just because it was 'fun.

 

He might just be my new favourite xenos character tbh.

 

I snagged teh book myself and plan to read it later this week, sounds like fun.

[Manchu warlord]

Is as funny as the Ciaphas Cain books?  

[Lord_Caerolion]

Well, Sliscus is basically Bowie in Space, so it's only right that he's that awesome.

[Sandlemad]

Is as funny as the Ciaphas Cain books?  

 

Different kind of funny. Like there's a repeated gag where a DE character will sip from their goblet and then cast it aside, snarling 'poison!', while another DE character smirks at them. They are of course all constantly poisoning each other and thus practically immune. It's so-so at first but after the third or fourth time it's hilarious.

 

I agree with Dogwelder, the DE stuff is brilliant, Sliscus in particular. They make up nearly half the book and the comparison between Sliscus and Lucas is a central thread. The whole plot is essentially an extended party for them so a lot of it reads like a comedy of manners between easily bored alien psychopaths. Everyone is scheming on multiple levels, all to some degree in Vect's distant shadow. Sliscus isn't even portrayed as insane, just... without any limits on indulging his slightest whim.

 

There really is a lot for SW fans too. Reynolds clearly took care his portrayal of the chapter and Fenris. This is a lot closer to Wraight's better SW work than, say, King's Ragnar books, the 8th ed. background or what I've heard of Ashes of Prospero. It's largely set on Fenris and presents a closer look at the inner workings of the Aett than any book since Battle of the Fang, without falling into the space-Hogwarts trap. It's not a huge galaxy-changing story but a close study of a handful of characters at a particular moment.

 

Lukas himself is fascinating, witty and amusing but more an embittered Stańczyk-style character (although disliked by most of his brothers) than a goofy jokester. When he shows his nasty grin, it's because he's seething or particularly nihilistic. Chap's got some strong views about the SW's purpose and Russ's legacy. He sees "old Russ" as a master trickster, "A trick, played on those long-dead warriors by their Wolf King. Russ had taken a legion of brutal killers and convinced them that they were heroes. He had twisted the ancient superstitions and sagas of Fenris into a cage of words to contain his wild sons."

 

As far as he's concerned this is a messed up. His tricks are a way of irritating his brothers, of forcing them to grudgingly admit that their way is not the only way, to stop them losing themselves in their own sagas. Or...

 

"He shrugged, and smiled. ‘Or maybe this is all a lie, a ruse to make my pranks seem more than they are. Maybe I am simply the spiteful Jackalwolf, content to rip at the guts of my own pack for my own amusement.’"

 

 

What I really liked about Reynolds' approach though was that he put this all across in Lukas's character without portraying the other wolves as the idiots or unreflective tradition-bound savages Lukas occasionally accuses them of being. The Rune Priests understand his point and disagree but see the worth in these lessons to temper the other blood claws, and so they talk of his wyrd and stop the jarls from having him executed. 

 

Kjarl Grimblood, the lord who has to put up with Lukas, could have been portrayed as the crusty old dean from an Animal House movie but instead is a thinking character who butts heads with Lukas about actual issues: how much honour should blood claws be allocated by their elders? How rigid is the chain of command in a chapter where everyone is pushed to be a hero in their own saga? He sees Lukas's points and argues well against them.

In a lesser portrayal Lukas could have been dropped into the narrative as an all-knowing wise-cracking mary-sue that everything else orbits around but amazingly he's not.

[Guest Triszin]

 

Is as funny as the Ciaphas Cain books?  

 

Different kind of funny. Like there's a repeated gag where a DE character will sip from their goblet and then cast it aside, snarling 'poison!', while another DE character smirks at them. They are of course all constantly poisoning each other and thus practically immune. It's so-so at first but after the third or fourth time it's hilarious.

 

I agree with Dogwelder, the DE stuff is brilliant, Sliscus in particular. They make up nearly half the book and the comparison between Sliscus and Lucas is a central thread. The whole plot is essentially an extended party for them so a lot of it reads like a comedy of manners between easily bored alien psychopaths. Everyone is scheming on multiple levels, all to some degree in Vect's distant shadow. Sliscus isn't even portrayed as insane, just... without any limits on indulging his slightest whim.

 

There really is a lot for SW fans too. Reynolds clearly took care his portrayal of the chapter and Fenris. This is a lot closer to Wraight's better SW work than, say, King's Ragnar books, the 8th ed. background or what I've heard of Ashes of Prospero. It's largely set on Fenris and presents a closer look at the inner workings of the Aett than any book since Battle of the Fang, without falling into the space-Hogwarts trap. It's not a huge galaxy-changing story but a close study of a handful of characters at a particular moment.

 

Lukas himself is fascinating, witty and amusing but more an embittered Stańczyk-style character (although disliked by most of his brothers) than a goofy jokester. When he shows his nasty grin, it's because he's seething or particularly nihilistic. Chap's got some strong views about the SW's purpose and Russ's legacy. He sees "old Russ" as a master trickster, "A trick, played on those long-dead warriors by their Wolf King. Russ had taken a legion of brutal killers and convinced them that they were heroes. He had twisted the ancient superstitions and sagas of Fenris into a cage of words to contain his wild sons."

 

As far as he's concerned this is a messed up. His tricks are a way of irritating his brothers, of forcing them to grudgingly admit that their way is not the only way, to stop them losing themselves in their own sagas. Or...

 

"He shrugged, and smiled. ‘Or maybe this is all a lie, a ruse to make my pranks seem more than they are. Maybe I am simply the spiteful Jackalwolf, content to rip at the guts of my own pack for my own amusement.’"

 

 

What I really liked about Reynolds' approach though was that he put this all across in Lukas's character without portraying the other wolves as the idiots or unreflective tradition-bound savages Lukas occasionally accuses them of being. The Rune Priests understand his point and disagree but see the worth in these lessons to temper the other blood claws, and so they talk of his wyrd and stop the jarls from having him executed. 

 

Kjarl Grimblood, the lord who has to put up with Lukas, could have been portrayed as the crusty old dean from an Animal House movie but instead is a thinking character who butts heads with Lukas about actual issues: how much honour should blood claws be allocated by their elders? How rigid is the chain of command in a chapter where everyone is pushed to be a hero in their own saga? He sees Lukas's points and argues well against them.

In a lesser portrayal Lukas could have been dropped into the narrative as an all-knowing wise-cracking mary-sue that everything else orbits around but amazingly he's not.

 

to add to this, although the writing of "ashes of prospero" isn't the greatest.

 

It portrays Lukas in a similar manner, Where he is a "perpetual" bloodclaw, but he is essentially a teacher that forces the new recruits to make decisions and think for themselves, then he'll chime in with his thoughts on there plan/ideas, tell them if its idiotic or not.

 

Also Lukas has some cohons because he bluffed against magnus and made a primarch blink

[Xin Ceithan]

This...might be a fun read. I was tempted by the DE cast already, but this sounds actually quite entertaining. Has anybody checked the audio? If it's well done, this might be a fun audio book to listen to while painting, less drama and more banter.

[Sandlemad]

This...might be a fun read. I was tempted by the DE cast already, but this sounds actually quite entertaining. Has anybody checked the audio? If it's well done, this might be a fun audio book to listen to while painting, less drama and more banter.

 

It's heavy on the banter for sure but there are also some short but nicely staged action scenes near the end. In theory it should translate well to audio.

 

Listening to the sample on the BL website, John Banks seems to be deploying some vaguely Scandinavian accent for Lukas. He talks a lot so it might be best to listen and see how it works for you.

[Xin Ceithan]

Thanks for reminding me. I am so going to try this.

Embarrassingly enough, I had forgotten you can download audio previews as well, even if it's a normal book release.

[Sulemain]

"A trick, played on those long-dead warriors by their Wolf King. Russ had taken a legion of brutal killers and convinced them that they were heroes. He had twisted the ancient superstitions and sagas of Fenris into a cage of words to contain his wild sons."

 

That is, all in all, exactly what Leman Russ did. 

[Knockagh]

I’ve just started this so I’m not reading your posts but popping in to say really enjoying it so far.... love a wee bit of dark Eldar

[Roomsky]

Enjoyed it well enough, though I wouldn't say it's one of Reynolds' stronger works (which I suppose is encouraging since I still thought it was good.)

 

As I've mentioned before, I think he has a great handle on the 40k universe and nothing he's done has made me raise an eyebrow. I certainly appreciated his Dark Eldar, playing them for black comedy is easier to enjoy than trying to play them straight; much as a loathe the term they're too edgy to take seriously. Characters were distinct, there wasn't any intense melodrama, and there was plenty of time to breathe as well as enjoy the action. 

 

I don't know quite how to articulate it, but there's always something a bit shallow about his works for me. Not the characters, certainly, even the most ridiculous like Sliscus have depth, but the plotting and themes usually strike me as rather shallow. Even The Palatine Phoenix didn't entirely escape this, but it benefited from being an excellent supplement to another story. And I suppose this story is the same way: it's everything it needs to be, giving potentially misconstrued characters their time of day, but it doesn't do much beyond that.

 

Prose is good though.

[Lord_Caerolion]

Enjoyed it well enough, though I wouldn't say it's one of Reynolds' stronger works (which I suppose is encouraging since I still thought it was good.)

 

As I've mentioned before, I think he has a great handle on the 40k universe and nothing he's done has made me raise an eyebrow. I certainly appreciated his Dark Eldar, playing them for black comedy is easier to enjoy than trying to play them straight; much as a loathe the term they're too edgy to take seriously. Characters were distinct, there wasn't any intense melodrama, and there was plenty of time to breathe as well as enjoy the action. 

 

I don't know quite how to articulate it, but there's always something a bit shallow about his works for me. Not the characters, certainly, even the most ridiculous like Sliscus have depth, but the plotting and themes usually strike me as rather shallow. Even The Palatine Phoenix didn't entirely escape this, but it benefited from being an excellent supplement to another story. And I suppose this story is the same way: it's everything it needs to be, giving potentially misconstrued characters their time of day, but it doesn't do much beyond that.

 

Prose is good though.

 

To be honest, that's how the Dark Eldar should be done, in a sense. Too many times they're portrayed as just being moustache-twirlingly evil, with the soul energy they consume being called "Dark Energy" in one book for some reason, and everything is Dark X, etc. I more see them as along the lines of Unseelie Fae. They're not evil for the sake of it, they just don't see why they should limit themselves.

[Knockagh]

Getting through this slowly as I haven’t much reading time at the minute, but I’m absolutely loving it. JR hasn’t been a favourite of mine but for me this is his best.

He has created a really interesting character in Lucas, something that’s not easy to do with space marines. Lucas has personality. You nearly feel sorry for the guy having to put up with the wolves and their rubbish.

I love the way the DE are being portrayed too. Great fun book which I’m glad I bought. I only bought it because I I liked the look of the limited edition! Which is, I have to say one of the best they have put out.

Hopefully I haven’t jumped the gun and the ending let’s a great book down. But half way through it’s all good

[Morovir]

I agree with the comments already posted, but I had one tiny nitpick with the book. Gunnar Red Moon wasn't a Wolf Lord at this time, he only became Wolf Lord after the events of Tyrant of the Hollow Worlds.

[Knockagh]

Finished this over a cup of coffee this morning. Brilliant book, loved every inch of it. It had the feeling of a tale of wolves and warriors. JR has done a marvellous job with Lucas. Turned what could have been a terrible character in the wrong hands into a wonderful, likeable (not if your a wolf!) and interesting marine. Which I repeat is very very difficult.

I haven’t been a fan of JR to date but this has definitely pushed him firmly back onto my reading list. Really hope we get some more Lucas from him. But I would also love to see him work on a DE novel after this. He has a great handle on their mindset. Super job.

 

Still have the short to read, looking forward to it!

[Laughingman]

Got to read the book, found it reasonably interesting. Took two characters that were extremely hard to pull off and did a admirable job with both... Made out Lukas to be a Post-human Stańczyk who enjoyed extra trolling on occasion... Interestingly the fang apparently has a hall of silences, where the crimes and failures of legion and chapter are remembered... Including the preserved armor of a Conusl-Opiquari... The field overseers of the Pre-Russ legion who enforced discipline with a bolt-round. Apparently a wolf lord wanted to position reactivated after 9000+ years to deal with the singular problem of the trickster....

[Red_Shift]

I thought the book was great. Fingers crossed for a sequel. It really did well to not be overly serious without lurching into the slapstick of the ragnar books. A difficult balance well struck.

[Guest Triszin]

finally read this. it was fantastic.

 

SO Lukas, I think is going to play a huge role in the future of the space wolves chapter.

 

He wants to lift Fenris and its people out of the nomadic savage lifestyle, and teach/educate protect them. help them prosper on this world. It would still breed the same people of the same strength, but it would also allow "new blood" into the space wolves, as in, marines who werent all that physically strong, but were smart and clever. as He views Fenris is a planet that defines change. and Nothing is forever, and the future of the space wolves isnt what they are doing now.

 

I found it interesting that they brought up the terran marine police that were in teh wolves that killed anyone out of line, comboing that with lukas, I think Lukas might end up as a mentor as he is now, but helps push the change in the wolves.

 

Part of me wonders, and my thoughts wander about lukas. he really reminds me of RUSS, sometimes. its weird.

[Panzer]

He views Fenris is a planet that defines change. and Nothing is forever

* laughs in Tzeentch *

 

[Knockagh]

Enjoyed this book. Simple uncomplicated solid read. Still awaiting a sequel.

Also we haven’t seen much from the dark Eldar in fiction since this. Pitty

[Guest Triszin]

Enjoyed this book. Simple uncomplicated solid read. Still awaiting a sequel.

Also we haven’t seen much from the dark Eldar in fiction since this. Pitty

Hmm.

 

Isn't there one last trick to be played on slaanesh to save the eldar?

 

What if that trick is to be played by Lukas?

[mr.crusader]

Still awaiting a sequel

 

Josh said on twitter he's not gonna write about Lukas 

[Lord_Caerolion]

Well, if he writes more about Sliscus, then I'm happy.

[Knockagh]

Well, if he writes more about Sliscus, then I'm happy.

Yes indeed. That would be fabulous