Knockagh Posted August 6, 2018 Share Posted August 6, 2018 Read this after debating with myself over buying it at all. It’s terrible, Vulkan is a side character, it’s non stop bolter porn at its worst. You could skip pages and hardly notice. Terrible book from a terrible author. Never should have been part of an iconic series like the Primarchs. Lazy un inventive writing, even pathetically bringing an ork attack moon from beast arises into it. Zero insight into Vulkan, zero stars for good writing. Worst in the series to date. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roomsky Posted August 6, 2018 Share Posted August 6, 2018 I totally get that this is supposed to make something of a statement about the book in the totality its condemnation, but I would appreciate if you could illuminate me on the following: (In your opinion) -So you would say it is worse than Guilliman? Even less of a look at the titular character? -I've discovered recently that (though I'm not a huge fan of it), Annandale does examine themes through excessive violence, Ruinstorm being a good example. Would you say it's similar in combat introspection, or simply empty violence? -How do his Salamanders compare to Kyme and Thorpe's? Do they have any personality beyond being nice-marines? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139426 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izlude Posted August 6, 2018 Share Posted August 6, 2018 Hmm...I may not even get as an ebook. I have every Primarch book either as a hard copy or an ebook. As a whole I have been happy with it. I am not shocked Vulkan is not good, his take on RG wasn't that good...just orc bolter porn. I have not enjoyed most of his book except DoP (which is not even a central book). I only got Ruinstorm since it "progressed" the story but was a choir to read. I definitely enjoyed Kyme's Old Earth immensely for the Meduson and Cabal arc...not shockingly the Vulkan's bits were sort of boring. I feel Kyme has progressed as a author and his more current stuff is better and certainly worth a read. At this point, I am not sure what can save Vulkan et al. With so many takes on them, they are just boring. It is a shame since I feel Vulkan could still be a "nice" guy but still be a ass-kicker. Anyways probably won't get this one... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139456 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calas Typhon Posted August 6, 2018 Share Posted August 6, 2018 I had a few hopes for this book, however I refuse to purchase anything Salamanders due to all the writing being absolute trash outside of the 40k Omnibus which I did not mind too much and a pretty great Audio-short which I can't remember the name of detailing the group of marines during the Massacre. I have a few questions with some added mess attached 1) Is it heavily Salamanders viewpoint focused? I get that Vulkan might take a bit of a backseat (Although he probably should not in his own bloody book, unless written fantastic which does not seem to be the case) but The thing that irritates me with Legion specific books, even in the actual HH series is the constant rolling to human perspectives, other Legion perspectives and descriptions rather than showing the actual Legion. Some of the best books for me were those that were heavily focused on the Legion the book was about. How they interacted with their brothers and how they themselves looked at other factions, rather than people on the outside looking in. Its why Perturabo, Flight of the Eisenstein and a little bit of Fear to Tread (as bad a wrap it gets) were pretty great. I don't want to hear about John Smith the Imperial Army Ironing Instructor getting a bit scared because some Death Guard marine looked at him like he was trash. Its one of the reasons why the books are getting a bit boring for me now and I'm lacking the will to buy new stuff outside of the things I would really be interested in. Please tell me it is at least 80% Salamanders focused. 2) Regardless of Vulkan getting a good or bad show, how are the Leigion shown, Do we finally get to see the Unbreakable Line that the Salamanders are supposed to be? Does it focus on them being lovely nice lads with the hearts of Gold who will happily titrush a Titan to save a baby from getting stomped? Or are they more what everyone would expect an actual Legion of superhuman death machines bred to exterminate the foes of the Imperium. 3) Any showings of Vulkan interacting in a decent way with his brothers? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139499 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knockagh Posted August 6, 2018 Author Share Posted August 6, 2018 I totally get that this is supposed to make something of a statement about the book in the totality its condemnation, but I would appreciate if you could illuminate me on the following: (In your opinion) -So you would say it is worse than Guilliman? Even less of a look at the titular character? -I've discovered recently that (though I'm not a huge fan of it), Annandale does examine themes through excessive violence, Ruinstorm being a good example. Would you say it's similar in combat introspection, or simply empty violence? -How do his Salamanders compare to Kyme and Thorpe's? Do they have any personality beyond being nice-marines? If I had a choice between this or Gulliman to read on a long distance flight, I think I would choose sleep. Probably Vulkan features less in this book than Gulliman did. However I can’t be sure it’s a while since I read Gulliman and strangely I haven’t re read it.Ruinstorm sadly is the next book I have to read in the Heresy series....it’s on my shelf awaiting me so I can’t comment on similarities. Parts of the combat arnt I suppose straight forward Dakka Dakka, they do have to work out a plan to keep back the ork hordes. It’s not particularly overly violent (in 40k context!). The salamanders themselves do come across as the unbreakable line, there is little (none) human interaction so they don’t really have a chance to get cuddly with them. Although I suppose the whole point of their battle is to save the humans and they are portrayed as willing to be completely exterminated to delay any more human deaths. The book is split between two stories. One based on a planet being overwhelmed by orks. These guys are the remnants of the old terra recruited legionaries. The second story is Vulkan awaiting his orders and then heading off and rescuing the few that are left. As for interacting with his brothers that isn’t dealt with. We get a short scene of a physic link to the emperor but it doesn’t get to deep. Apart from the ongoing battle scenes in story one, the most annoying thing is story one. It dominates the book. It just goes on and on. The primarch series I thought was designed to give insight into the history and character of the primarchs. In a 150 pages the only way your going to do that is by writing about the primarch. All we really learn is that Vulkan is a really good fighter and loves everyone in his legion. It’s s story you could get away with as a battle book (still wouldn’t be my thing, but some might like it), but not in a series like this. The salamanders do seem to be a chapter that writers struggle with so we can make allowances here. But having bought quite a few of Annandales books now I can truthfully say I haven’t enjoyed one of them. I really should stop buying them.... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139585 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indefragable Posted August 6, 2018 Share Posted August 6, 2018 For what its' worth, Ruinstorm (IMO) is not bad. Is it the peak of the series? No. It is the Apocalpyse Now of the HH series and should be approached/treated as such for whenever you get to it. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139607 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedor Posted August 7, 2018 Share Posted August 7, 2018 Sounds like the focus of this could be close to what i was worrying it would be a few months ago when i first read the synopsis. I've been entertained by all of the Primarchs series books i've read and there's a place for a no-nonsense battle book, but i was hoping most would stay away from that and be either more tightly focused character study or at least based around more unusual(or classic defining moment lore like Olympia purge and Angron being forced to the Butchers Nails) setups that were created to highlight character. Perturabo, Fulgrim, Lorgar, maybe Russ(i would say no) and possibly the Khan(not read it yet but sounds promising) took that route, but we're also getting a lot of generic battle report with ensemble cast scenarios that don't seem to be always be inspired choices of setting for really delving into the character of the Primarchs. Some of this stuff would be better off left as battle lore from Forgeworld black books or wherever where it adds that bit of legion\primarch character in it's own context without necessarily being events so important as to be demanding of a retelling in another longer format. The upcoming Corax book seems to be also based around Forgeworld battle lore. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139801 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluntblade Posted August 7, 2018 Share Posted August 7, 2018 For what its' worth, Ruinstorm (IMO) is not bad. Is it the peak of the series? No. It is the Apocalpyse Now of the HH series and should be approached/treated as such for whenever you get to it. This seems like an odd comparison to me, as I consider Apocalypse Now to be the absolute pinnacle of Vietnam War films. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139893 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc warhammer Posted August 7, 2018 Share Posted August 7, 2018 well, apoc now was almost equally panned and lauded on release. it's only with time that it's been elevated to classic Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139909 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b1soul Posted August 7, 2018 Share Posted August 7, 2018 If can't say that applies to Ruinstorm, i.e. I don't think we'll be lauding it years from now I could be wrong though...PB and Legiom won me over after re-reading years after initial release Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5139977 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indefragable Posted August 7, 2018 Share Posted August 7, 2018 For what its' worth, Ruinstorm (IMO) is not bad. Is it the peak of the series? No. It is the Apocalpyse Now of the HH series and should be approached/treated as such for whenever you get to it.This seems like an odd comparison to me, as I consider Apocalypse Now to be the absolute pinnacle of Vietnam War films. That be Platoon in my (humble) opinion. To clarify, what I meant is that Ruinstorm is surreal and trippy and not your typical “war story” so to speak, just like Apoc Now. I think we can agree on that. So people approaching it should know that going in, that’s all. But back to Vulkan... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5140104 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluntblade Posted August 7, 2018 Share Posted August 7, 2018 Ah. I do think this is another example of adapting FW lore marking a missed opportunity. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5140229 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indefragable Posted October 20, 2018 Share Posted October 20, 2018 No audio format for this one? In the words of Zorg: "I am very disappointed!" Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177074 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Angel Posted October 20, 2018 Share Posted October 20, 2018 No audio format for this one? In the words of Zorg: "I am very disappointed!" I’ve got the limited edition but I still want it has an audiobook, feelsbadman Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177075 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkChaplain Posted October 20, 2018 Share Posted October 20, 2018 The banner on the BL site has been advertising it for audio as well, for the past week. What I'm supremely miffed about is the lack of audiobook for Heralds of the Siege, seeing how most stories have not had audio editions and I was hoping to re-read a few via Audible (along with a few I skipped so far, knowing the anthology was coming). Honestly baffling moves from BL again, especially seeing how both the Realmslayer drama and Blacktalon: First Mark were added to Audible as preorders for November just yesterday. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177079 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knockagh Posted October 21, 2018 Author Share Posted October 21, 2018 The book is so terrible I doubt there will be demand for audio. I know if I read a book I really enjoy I will do it again on audio as I know I probably won’t get to reread it again any time soon, I’ve heard others say they do the same. I can’t see many who read this needing or having any desire to reread it. It a filler of the worst possible standard. If you haven’t read it I wouldn’t waste money, time or an audible credit on it. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177497 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izlude Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 Yeah this maybe the only Primarch book I won't get in any format. The only really disappointment thus far has been Ferrus (probably the worse for me) and Guilliman (to my annoyance) was also not good. Otherwise all the others have been solid to outstanding. I saw Corax is it out soon, I'll get as a ebook. I think Gav has been solid in the recent years and have enjoyed his stuff. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177590 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knockagh Posted October 21, 2018 Author Share Posted October 21, 2018 Yeah this maybe the only Primarch book I won't get in any format. The only really disappointment thus far has been Ferrus (probably the worse for me) and Guilliman (to my annoyance) was also not good. Otherwise all the others have been solid to outstanding. I saw Corax is it out soon, I'll get as a ebook. I think Gav has been solid in the recent years and have enjoyed his stuff. Gulliman and Ferrus weren’t great I agree and I’m with you the others have all been really good. Gav Thorpes my favourite BL author of all so I’m biased here and licking my lips at the thought of him tackling corax. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177593 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roomsky Posted October 21, 2018 Share Posted October 21, 2018 I think you guys mean Guy Haley. Cynical as I am, I'm also a giant sucker, so I'll still be checking this book out. Whatever you may argue, it cannot be worse than what the Salamanders have gotten so far in the HH. Good thing I'm waiting for the inevitable omnibuses for these, or I might even regret that purchase. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177599 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashur Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 What a dissapointment. I was expecting great things from this one. It seems there cannot be a good Vulkan novel. I wonder why every attempt has failed so far. Is it because they focus to much on the "nice" part of their personality without giving them anything else to care for? It might explain why in every novel they focus so much on bolter porn. There is no personality to develop. A shame in any case. Thank god for the forgeworld books where we get the salamanders we should see in novels. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177674 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc warhammer Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 i'm weird...i'm really enjoying the ferrus novel so far (50% in) so maybe i'll be that freak who likes this too? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177678 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelborn Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 Tastes are different, eh? Maybe I'll borrow it from a friend and give it a try. Listened to David's Guiliman. Though it's not on the same level as the Khan, Lorgar or Perturabo, it was not thaaaaaat bad. I would have wished for more inter Legion actions instead of the majority of bolter porn but I enjoyed the issues regarding the Nemesis chapter. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177710 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orwell84 Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 And here I was thinking that this was one series I'd buy every volume for, but passing on Vulkan's entry seems like dodging a bullet. A shame too, as Vulkan is arguably the Primarch who most needed a great entry in this series. I'm not sure if the flaws are simply down to Vulkan being the 'nice' Primarch. Angron was once stereotyped too and then Matt Farrer gave us 'After De'shea', partly as a direct response to the stereotype, with ADB following that up with Betrayer. Jaghatai Khan and the White Scars were also stereotyped as 'Space Mongols', then Chris Wraight got ahold them with what results we all know and love. Just unfortunate that none of them (or French, Haley or Abnett) ever got to handle Vulkan too. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177728 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izlude Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 I think you guys mean Guy Haley. Cynical as I am, I'm also a giant sucker, so I'll still be checking this book out. Whatever you may argue, it cannot be worse than what the Salamanders have gotten so far in the HH. Good thing I'm waiting for the inevitable omnibuses for these, or I might even regret that purchase. Omg your right, I assumed it was Gav for this one. Hmmm definitely more interested but would have bought the ebook anyways. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177894 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Angel Posted October 22, 2018 Share Posted October 22, 2018 i'm weird...i'm really enjoying the ferrus novel so far (50% in) so maybe i'll be that freak who likes this too? I liked it too! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/349398-vulkan-lord-of-drakes/#findComment-5177978 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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