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Darkblade #5
Lord of Ruin
In the world of Warhammer, no race is as cruel and treacherous as the dark elves, and no member of this race is more infamous than Malus Darkblade. Now that he has retrieved the five missing artefacts, Darkblade must return them to the daemon before the year is up. But can Tz'arkan be trusted to honour his part of the bargain or will he try to trick Darkblade one last time?
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 25, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 16, 2023
Epic.
Malus Darkblade, the evil dark elf, only needs one more relic to reclaim his soul back, the Amulet of Vaurog, which is said renders its wearer impervious to all weapons; yet sadly neither him or the demon Tz'arkan knows its true location. To make matters worse, he is captured by the Witch King Malekith to be judged for his past crimes, not to mention, his half-sister Nagaira leading a Chaos Army in route to destroy everything, and everyone.
This was a fantastic conclusion to the original pentalogy, full of action, violence and a fair amount of surprises; so grand and epic in scale that it heavily reminded me of LOTR and the Battle of Gondor; and the final confrontation against the demon Tz'arkan magnificent and otherworldly. Highlights of this last installment were the Siege of Ghrond , the duel with the Champion of Chaos , and a final visit to the Temple of Tz'arkan, devourer of Worlds. Naive doofus that I am I excepted some sort of “hea”; well, I can certainly confirm you that didn’t happen!
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2007] [413p] [Fantasy] [4.5] [Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ 1. The Daemon's Curse
★★★☆☆ 2. Bloodstorm [3.5]
★★★★☆ 3. Reaper of Souls
★★★☆☆ 4. Warpsword [3.5]
★★★★★ 5. Lord of Ruin
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Epico.
Malus Darkblade, el malvado elfo oscuro, sólo necesita una reliquia más para reclamar su alma devuelta, el Amuleto de Vaurog, que se dice hace a su portador inmune a cualquier arma; pero lamentablemente ni él ni el demonio Tz'arkan sabe su ubicación. Para hacerlo peor, es capturado por el Rey Brujo Malekith para ser juzgado por sus crímenes pasados; sin mencionar, su media hermana Nagaira liderando un ejército del Caos en camino a destruir todo, y a todos.
Esta fue una fantástica conclusión a la pentalogía original, llena de acción, violencia y una decente cantidad de sorpresas; tan grandioso y épico en escala que me recordó mucho a LOTR y la Batalla de Gondor; y la confrontación final contra el demonio Tz'arkan magnífica y de otro mundo. Lo más destacable de esta última entrega fueron el Asedio de Ghrond , el duelo contra el Campeón del Caos , y una visita final al Templo de Tz'arkan, el devorador de Mundos. Inocente ingenuo que soy esperaba alguna especie de “final feliz”; bueno, puedo ciertamente confirmarles ¡que eso no sucedió!
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NOTA PERSONAL :
[2007] [413p] [Fantasía] [4.5] [Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
Malus Darkblade, the evil dark elf, only needs one more relic to reclaim his soul back, the Amulet of Vaurog, which is said renders its wearer impervious to all weapons; yet sadly neither him or the demon Tz'arkan knows its true location. To make matters worse, he is captured by the Witch King Malekith to be judged for his past crimes, not to mention, his half-sister Nagaira leading a Chaos Army in route to destroy everything, and everyone.
This was a fantastic conclusion to the original pentalogy, full of action, violence and a fair amount of surprises; so grand and epic in scale that it heavily reminded me of LOTR and the Battle of Gondor; and the final confrontation against the demon Tz'arkan magnificent and otherworldly. Highlights of this last installment were the Siege of Ghrond , the duel with the Champion of Chaos , and a final visit to the Temple of Tz'arkan, devourer of Worlds. Naive doofus that I am I excepted some sort of “hea”; well, I can certainly confirm you that didn’t happen!
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2007] [413p] [Fantasy] [4.5] [Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ 1. The Daemon's Curse
★★★☆☆ 2. Bloodstorm [3.5]
★★★★☆ 3. Reaper of Souls
★★★☆☆ 4. Warpsword [3.5]
★★★★★ 5. Lord of Ruin
-----------------------------------------------
Epico.
Malus Darkblade, el malvado elfo oscuro, sólo necesita una reliquia más para reclamar su alma devuelta, el Amuleto de Vaurog, que se dice hace a su portador inmune a cualquier arma; pero lamentablemente ni él ni el demonio Tz'arkan sabe su ubicación. Para hacerlo peor, es capturado por el Rey Brujo Malekith para ser juzgado por sus crímenes pasados; sin mencionar, su media hermana Nagaira liderando un ejército del Caos en camino a destruir todo, y a todos.
Esta fue una fantástica conclusión a la pentalogía original, llena de acción, violencia y una decente cantidad de sorpresas; tan grandioso y épico en escala que me recordó mucho a LOTR y la Batalla de Gondor; y la confrontación final contra el demonio Tz'arkan magnífica y de otro mundo. Lo más destacable de esta última entrega fueron el Asedio de Ghrond , el duelo contra el Campeón del Caos , y una visita final al Templo de Tz'arkan, el devorador de Mundos. Inocente ingenuo que soy esperaba alguna especie de “final feliz”; bueno, puedo ciertamente confirmarles ¡que eso no sucedió!
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2007] [413p] [Fantasía] [4.5] [Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
September 27, 2023
This is a captivating Warhammer Fantasy novel that delves into the world of the Dark Elves, known as the Druchii. It is the fifth installment in a larger story arc centered around Malus Darkblade, a Dark Elf noble possessed by a demon. Malus isn't completely consumed by the demon; instead, the demon occasionally exerts its will, overriding Malus's own desires. However, for the most part, Malus is driven forward on a quest by the demon through threats of punishment, which manifest as what others perceive as his schizophrenic tendency to converse with himself.
The novel boasts extensive worldbuilding, not limited to the rich Warhammer Fantasy lore. Authors Abnett and Lee provide an immersive experience, unveiling intriguing and unexpected details that draw you viscerally into this captivating world. A standout moment occurs during a protracted sequence depicting the Chaos horde's siege of the Black Tower of Ghrond, the primary military outpost safeguarding the Dark Elf realm of Naggaroth from the Chaos Wastes. Throughout this segment, the authors' descriptions transported me right into the heart of the action.
However, the novel's plot, like its predecessors in the Malus series, suffers from an episodic and scattered structure. It often feels like each chapter presents a new crisis, with these individual crises serving as stops along a ride filled with spectacular events.
Overall, Lord of Ruin stands as my favorite installment in the Malus series. While it's possible to enjoy this book as a standalone, I recommend reading the preceding four novels. Doing so will imbue the story with a deeper resonance, as you'll appreciate the numerous callbacks and connections that become more meaningful when you follow the entire narrative.
One intriguing aspect towards the novel's conclusion is the development of Malus's conscience. At times, he exhibits behavior akin to that of a good person, which raises questions about its alignment with Warhammer Fantasy lore. Dark Elves are described as irredeemably corrupted by generations of hatred.
The novel boasts extensive worldbuilding, not limited to the rich Warhammer Fantasy lore. Authors Abnett and Lee provide an immersive experience, unveiling intriguing and unexpected details that draw you viscerally into this captivating world. A standout moment occurs during a protracted sequence depicting the Chaos horde's siege of the Black Tower of Ghrond, the primary military outpost safeguarding the Dark Elf realm of Naggaroth from the Chaos Wastes. Throughout this segment, the authors' descriptions transported me right into the heart of the action.
However, the novel's plot, like its predecessors in the Malus series, suffers from an episodic and scattered structure. It often feels like each chapter presents a new crisis, with these individual crises serving as stops along a ride filled with spectacular events.
Overall, Lord of Ruin stands as my favorite installment in the Malus series. While it's possible to enjoy this book as a standalone, I recommend reading the preceding four novels. Doing so will imbue the story with a deeper resonance, as you'll appreciate the numerous callbacks and connections that become more meaningful when you follow the entire narrative.
One intriguing aspect towards the novel's conclusion is the development of Malus's conscience. At times, he exhibits behavior akin to that of a good person, which raises questions about its alignment with Warhammer Fantasy lore. Dark Elves are described as irredeemably corrupted by generations of hatred.
November 18, 2023
Rereading some of my old favourites from Black Library in anticipation of Warhammer The Old World...Malus Darkblade remains one of my favourite antiheroes in dark fantasy and the novel series penned to flesh out his original graphic novels have been some of my favourite reads and major inspirations on my own writing, and the finale, Lord of Ruin, remains one of my favourite dark fantasy reads of all time...
"For almost a year, Malus Darkblade has roamed the world, lost everything he held dear and aspired to attain, and spilled oceans of blood in his quest to recover the artefacts needed to free his soul from the clutches of the malevolent daemon T'zarkan. With four in his possession, now he must find the last; the Amulet of Vaurog, an enchanted torc that renders its wearer immune to mortal weapons. But when he's captured by the personal guard of the Witch King Malekith, lord and master of the Dark Elves, what Malus initially assumes will be a one way trip to his execution takes a strange turn. A colossal barbarian army has invaded Naggaroth, commanded by a barbarian warlord who possesses the Amulet, so Malus and Malekith have a mutual goal in defeating this threat. Sent to the city of Ghrond, heart of Naggaroth's defences against the barbarian tribes of the Chaos Wastes, which the horde is moving to besiege, Malus must hold back the invasion long enough for reinforcements to arrive, fend off the multitude of enemies he's made over his year's exploits, and deal with the growing concern that T'zarkan's possession of him may be too far advanced to stop..."
With some of the best battle scenes I've ever read (a huge inspiration on my own writing), spectacular highs and lows as the whims of battle repeatedly swing back and forth both in Malus's favour and against him, the return of some familiar faces (Hauclir's return was a delight to read) and a rip-roaring conclusion as Malus and T'zarkan face off, this adaptation of the original graphic novel was a spectacularly good conclusion to the series (My only regret is that Warhammer Fantasy came to its end before the rest of the graphic novel series could be fully adapted into novels...)
"For almost a year, Malus Darkblade has roamed the world, lost everything he held dear and aspired to attain, and spilled oceans of blood in his quest to recover the artefacts needed to free his soul from the clutches of the malevolent daemon T'zarkan. With four in his possession, now he must find the last; the Amulet of Vaurog, an enchanted torc that renders its wearer immune to mortal weapons. But when he's captured by the personal guard of the Witch King Malekith, lord and master of the Dark Elves, what Malus initially assumes will be a one way trip to his execution takes a strange turn. A colossal barbarian army has invaded Naggaroth, commanded by a barbarian warlord who possesses the Amulet, so Malus and Malekith have a mutual goal in defeating this threat. Sent to the city of Ghrond, heart of Naggaroth's defences against the barbarian tribes of the Chaos Wastes, which the horde is moving to besiege, Malus must hold back the invasion long enough for reinforcements to arrive, fend off the multitude of enemies he's made over his year's exploits, and deal with the growing concern that T'zarkan's possession of him may be too far advanced to stop..."
With some of the best battle scenes I've ever read (a huge inspiration on my own writing), spectacular highs and lows as the whims of battle repeatedly swing back and forth both in Malus's favour and against him, the return of some familiar faces (Hauclir's return was a delight to read) and a rip-roaring conclusion as Malus and T'zarkan face off, this adaptation of the original graphic novel was a spectacularly good conclusion to the series (My only regret is that Warhammer Fantasy came to its end before the rest of the graphic novel series could be fully adapted into novels...)
June 6, 2020
The Malus Darkblade series is pretty good. It follows the bastard son of a Druchii noble, who ends up getting possessed by a demon. The demon makes a bargain with him: find the five ancient relics needed for a ritual to fully free the demon, and he will give Malus' soul back. Each book concerns Malus' struggle to get one of those relics.
One thing that irritated me throughout the series, however, is that Malus would never use any of these relics after he got them. There's an amulet that negates any magic aimed at him, a cursed dagger that obliterates the soul of whoever it touches, a totem that can bend space allowing for teleportation etc. Yet Malus never uses them? He always keeps them in his saddle bags and, as you can guess, they sometimes get stolen or become inaccessible. Why on earth he wouldn't keep them on him at all times, as they make him essentially invincible, I have no idea.
One thing that irritated me throughout the series, however, is that Malus would never use any of these relics after he got them. There's an amulet that negates any magic aimed at him, a cursed dagger that obliterates the soul of whoever it touches, a totem that can bend space allowing for teleportation etc. Yet Malus never uses them? He always keeps them in his saddle bags and, as you can guess, they sometimes get stolen or become inaccessible. Why on earth he wouldn't keep them on him at all times, as they make him essentially invincible, I have no idea.
June 3, 2018
5 Años me tomo terminar esta saga, evitando spoilers en Internet, y me dices que todo termina donde empezó?
March 8, 2014
Truly epic finale of the Malus Darkblade saga. Nagaira, his sister, who is also a devotee of Slaanesh, has gathered a monstrous army of beastmen and northmen, and dared to threaten the Witch King himself - to give him Malus or the whole race of the dark elves will suffer the consequences. But Malekith gives nothing and appoints Malus as a commander of his armies. Now Darkblade must defeat his demonshost sister - and find time to save his own soul from the demon Tza'arkan.
The only con of this book is that Abnett and Lee have hyped their own characters at the expense of Malekith and Morathi, which is quite cheap - I hated it in "The Force Unleashed", when Vader was embarrassed by Starkiller and while here everything is done more subtly and has reasons, I still don't like it. However, the rest of the books more than makes up from this. Non-stop bloody battles, cataclysmic dark magic, insane plot twists, brilliant merging of storylines, started in book one and grim ending, which is in tone with the whole world of Warhammer - all of this makes "Lord of Ruin" a five star book. Strongly recommended.
The only con of this book is that Abnett and Lee have hyped their own characters at the expense of Malekith and Morathi, which is quite cheap - I hated it in "The Force Unleashed", when Vader was embarrassed by Starkiller and while here everything is done more subtly and has reasons, I still don't like it. However, the rest of the books more than makes up from this. Non-stop bloody battles, cataclysmic dark magic, insane plot twists, brilliant merging of storylines, started in book one and grim ending, which is in tone with the whole world of Warhammer - all of this makes "Lord of Ruin" a five star book. Strongly recommended.
August 8, 2011
Pretty good wrap up; though I remember being left a bit hanging for the next part...
September 17, 2021
I started my adventures with Malus Darkblade at the end of August, 2020. A little more than a year with this bad boy. At the review for the first book I wrote "I hope Malus will reach soe sort of redemption by the end" and he did.
The thing is that guided the whole series is that even tought Malus was a bad guy he was still very loveable. The troops he guided loved him and some died for him. Hauclir believed he was a hero (and he was, he saved him!! Malus had a heart all along I knew it!). Lhunara loved him and he betrayed her. I'm pretty sure even T'zarkan loved him. And sure a lot of people hated him (see the lords who was debating on how to execute him which delayed all their taling).
From his first journeys when he set set sails to his last when he saved himself - and the world - not only from his sister, a horde of demons and an old demon - it was the greatest tale I've ever read. Those who saw the potential and great mind in him, became his allies and even friends (Hauclir, the Witch King and Spite I guess... and a couple generals and cutthroats... and T'zarkan I guess), those who didn't, perished (like all of his family, lol).
The thing is that is hard for me to put into words is that this book was a great closing for this series. I wish it wouldn't have ended, but dang, it was so good.
The thing is that guided the whole series is that even tought Malus was a bad guy he was still very loveable. The troops he guided loved him and some died for him. Hauclir believed he was a hero (and he was, he saved him!! Malus had a heart all along I knew it!). Lhunara loved him and he betrayed her. I'm pretty sure even T'zarkan loved him. And sure a lot of people hated him (see the lords who was debating on how to execute him which delayed all their taling).
From his first journeys when he set set sails to his last when he saved himself - and the world - not only from his sister, a horde of demons and an old demon - it was the greatest tale I've ever read. Those who saw the potential and great mind in him, became his allies and even friends (Hauclir, the Witch King and Spite I guess... and a couple generals and cutthroats... and T'zarkan I guess), those who didn't, perished (like all of his family, lol).
The thing is that is hard for me to put into words is that this book was a great closing for this series. I wish it wouldn't have ended, but dang, it was so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
Tied for my second favorite with "Bloodstorm", it's basically "Malus under siege". It copies a lot from my favorite book in the series, "Reaper of Souls", with big action set pieces and good character and storyline progression.
In regards to the 400 page quota that affects each book in the series, this book meanders the least of any. Each event leads to the next in a natural progression and very few pages are wasted. If anything, the story comes to an abrupt end.
The big question in a series like this is if the last book ties up the loose ends. This one does not. It's a satisfactory enough ending to the "five relics" storyline, but there is so much more story to be mined and explored and so many loose ends to tie up. And of course the ending sets up an entirely new series.
Let's just hope there's something else in the pipelines besides the ill-received "Deathblade" follow-up. I really enjoyed the series and Malus as a character.
In regards to the 400 page quota that affects each book in the series, this book meanders the least of any. Each event leads to the next in a natural progression and very few pages are wasted. If anything, the story comes to an abrupt end.
The big question in a series like this is if the last book ties up the loose ends. This one does not. It's a satisfactory enough ending to the "five relics" storyline, but there is so much more story to be mined and explored and so many loose ends to tie up. And of course the ending sets up an entirely new series.
Let's just hope there's something else in the pipelines besides the ill-received "Deathblade" follow-up. I really enjoyed the series and Malus as a character.
September 10, 2025
He alargado todo lo posible la lectura de esta maravillosa saga, pero tenía que terminarla sí o sí. No podía aguantar más.
Me ha encantado. Maldito Malus Darkblade, qué puta maravilla de personaje.
Espero que haya más libros de este druchii odioso y rencoroso, tantos como hizo y sigue haciendo Salvatore de Dritzz do Urden, porque son una jodida maravilla.
No hay mucho que decir de este final, han sido unas aventuras tremendas, donde el elfo la ha liado pardísima para sobrevivir. Sí que es verdad que siento que se han quedado en el aire varias cosas, como el destino de Hauclir, el de su otra hermana diosa de la guerra, el Rey Brujo, la situación de Malus para con el mundo, etc., pero bueno, no ha sido mal final. De hecho, lo estaba temiendo, pero bueno, con todo lo que ha pasado, quedarse sin alma no es el mayor de sus problemas.
Acabo de ver que no hay más libros, así que nada, pachasco. Al menos el viaje ha sido bonito :(
Mis dieses a esta maravilla.
Me ha encantado. Maldito Malus Darkblade, qué puta maravilla de personaje.
Espero que haya más libros de este druchii odioso y rencoroso, tantos como hizo y sigue haciendo Salvatore de Dritzz do Urden, porque son una jodida maravilla.
No hay mucho que decir de este final, han sido unas aventuras tremendas, donde el elfo la ha liado pardísima para sobrevivir. Sí que es verdad que siento que se han quedado en el aire varias cosas, como el destino de Hauclir, el de su otra hermana diosa de la guerra, el Rey Brujo, la situación de Malus para con el mundo, etc., pero bueno, no ha sido mal final. De hecho, lo estaba temiendo, pero bueno, con todo lo que ha pasado, quedarse sin alma no es el mayor de sus problemas.
Acabo de ver que no hay más libros, así que nada, pachasco. Al menos el viaje ha sido bonito :(
Mis dieses a esta maravilla.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2020
Última entrega de las andanzas de Malus Darkblade, el más malísimo y cabrón de los elfos oscuros en su eterna pugna contra el demonio Tzarkan que posee su cuerpo, convirtiéndolo en un extraño de sí mismo.
Ya vamos por la quinto volumen de sus aventuras y la formula parece agotarse y volverse repetitiva. Casi un 80% del libro esta dedicado a batallas y peleas varias -claro, esto es literatura Warhammer, ¿Qué esperaba? Pero a mí me resulta más interesante el Malus aventurero e intrigante que el Malus súper guerrero.
En cualquier caso este supone un broche más que digno a esta serie a la que me aproxime por primera vez con muchísima precaución pensando que sería una tontería más, pero que ha resultado ser bien entretenida. Para leer mientras se escucha a Bolt Thrower.
Ya vamos por la quinto volumen de sus aventuras y la formula parece agotarse y volverse repetitiva. Casi un 80% del libro esta dedicado a batallas y peleas varias -claro, esto es literatura Warhammer, ¿Qué esperaba? Pero a mí me resulta más interesante el Malus aventurero e intrigante que el Malus súper guerrero.
En cualquier caso este supone un broche más que digno a esta serie a la que me aproxime por primera vez con muchísima precaución pensando que sería una tontería más, pero que ha resultado ser bien entretenida. Para leer mientras se escucha a Bolt Thrower.
July 2, 2017
Amazing end to the five book saga. Without going into details, this book too has a changed narrative from the constant travelling and politics into a more action one, a deserved one. It almost overstays its welcome but then it gets even better.
As for the story as a whole: it gets better. It starts off a bit on the slow end as far as the overarching story goes and even dips into the "I hope this ends soon" category, but then it emerges more glorious than before. Definitely a different narrative in the genre of power fantasy than the usual.
As for the story as a whole: it gets better. It starts off a bit on the slow end as far as the overarching story goes and even dips into the "I hope this ends soon" category, but then it emerges more glorious than before. Definitely a different narrative in the genre of power fantasy than the usual.
December 13, 2023
The malus darkblade series has become one of my favorites period. The tale of a highborn dark elf put on a grueling journey of high fantasy to save himself from the possession of the daemon tzarkan. This is a series I know I will re read a few times over and recommend it to any warhammer or fantasy fan in general. Malus has become one of my top favorite characters. This would make a great tv series.
April 10, 2020
Po piatich knihách som (konečne) dal poslednú knihu.
Ako zvykol som si na tohto šľahnutého Legolasa. Možno mi bude aj chýbať.
Len, trocha ma naštval otvorený koniec. Ako chápem princípu zadných dvierok, ale po tak dlhéj série som čakal riadne uzavretie.
Síce som do knižného Warhammer sveta naskočil pomerne nedávno, stále ma baví objavovať nové a nové postavy/príbehy.
Ako zvykol som si na tohto šľahnutého Legolasa. Možno mi bude aj chýbať.
Len, trocha ma naštval otvorený koniec. Ako chápem princípu zadných dvierok, ale po tak dlhéj série som čakal riadne uzavretie.
Síce som do knižného Warhammer sveta naskočil pomerne nedávno, stále ma baví objavovať nové a nové postavy/príbehy.
January 7, 2023
One of the surprise best series in the WH IP. While Malus is an emo edge lord, he is "likeable", to an extent. At least as far as his race goes...he has honor to a degree, he is somewhat loyal to his friends and he does get a comeuppance of a sort. This was possibly the best in the series. Certainly a worthwhile read for fans of the IP.
December 7, 2021
I really liked this book, the world building was great and the characters were fleshed out.
The only thing I don't like is to continue the story (as far as I know.) Is to read the graphic novels on Darkblade. But that just means it left me wanting to read more.
The only thing I don't like is to continue the story (as far as I know.) Is to read the graphic novels on Darkblade. But that just means it left me wanting to read more.
November 10, 2017
through hate all things are possible
June 27, 2018
My life is pointless now that I have completed this amazing book series. lol
December 27, 2019
Excelente Libro.
April 28, 2020
This is an excellent conclusion to the saga of Malus Darkblade. Lots of twists and turns in the story and the action is non-stop. I am sorry to this series end but it does finish on the high note.
August 24, 2021
Satisfying conclusion to the series!
March 12, 2023
Malus finally get the daemon out of him but loses something else.
November 30, 2023
Good addition adds new legendary characters to the series and blasts from the past
March 16, 2025
Buen libro. Me ha gustado mucho, creo que es el mejor hasta ahora. Tiene muy buen ritmo y buenos giros de guión. A malus le ha tocado que pasarlo muy mal en este libro aunque no es nada nuevo.
February 3, 2017
La última parte de la saga de Malus Darkblade, al menos, hasta la fecha.
Lo primero que hay que decir es que esto es WARHAMMER, en todo su esplendor. Si hasta ahora habíamos visto combates y pequeñas batallas, culminamos esta obra con una verdadera guerra. Una batalla por la supervivencia, digna del universo de Warhammer.
Los personajes finalmente dejan ver su verdadera personalidad, podemos ver cómo se quitan las mascaras y muestran lo que se esconde en lo más hondo de su ser. Y, al mismo tiempo, descubrimos personajes de los que nos gustaría saber más, por ejemplo el Rey Brujo. Sus actos nos llevan a ponernos las manos en la cabeza y preguntar en qué está pensando, qué planea con sus súbditos y, sobretodo, con nuestro protagonista.
De la misma manera, el demonio por fin muestra sus cartas y nos conduce hasta una batalla final en la que no puedes despegarte del libro para saber qué sucederá no solo con Malus, sino con el resto del mundo que le rodea.
Debo hacer una mención especial a Rencor, el fiel gélido de batalla, puede que sea una criatura tonta (aunque más lista que sus congéneres, como bien nos dicen a lo largo de la saga). Pero esta historia no podría llegar hasta el punto final sin su ayuda, nos demuestra que no solo es un animal de batalla, sino que es uno de nuestros protagonistas principales.
Para concluir, ¿recomendaría esta saga?
Mi respuesta es, SÍ, sin lugar a dudas.
Da igual si nunca has leído una novela de Warhammer, no es necesario para apreciar el mundo que rodea a los personajes y, son pocas las historias que nos muestran a un protagonista como Malus Darkblade. Ese villano que busca sobre todas las cosas la supremacía y el poder a cualquier precio; que solo se preocupa por el mismo, tengan que morir 100, 1000 o 10000 hombres para cumplir sus propósitos.
Y espero con ansias que Dan Abnett continúe la saga pues, como bien dice el final: Nuestro viaje ha concluido. Ahora comienza la cacería.
Lo primero que hay que decir es que esto es WARHAMMER, en todo su esplendor. Si hasta ahora habíamos visto combates y pequeñas batallas, culminamos esta obra con una verdadera guerra. Una batalla por la supervivencia, digna del universo de Warhammer.
Los personajes finalmente dejan ver su verdadera personalidad, podemos ver cómo se quitan las mascaras y muestran lo que se esconde en lo más hondo de su ser. Y, al mismo tiempo, descubrimos personajes de los que nos gustaría saber más, por ejemplo el Rey Brujo. Sus actos nos llevan a ponernos las manos en la cabeza y preguntar en qué está pensando, qué planea con sus súbditos y, sobretodo, con nuestro protagonista.
De la misma manera, el demonio por fin muestra sus cartas y nos conduce hasta una batalla final en la que no puedes despegarte del libro para saber qué sucederá no solo con Malus, sino con el resto del mundo que le rodea.
Debo hacer una mención especial a Rencor, el fiel gélido de batalla, puede que sea una criatura tonta (aunque más lista que sus congéneres, como bien nos dicen a lo largo de la saga). Pero esta historia no podría llegar hasta el punto final sin su ayuda, nos demuestra que no solo es un animal de batalla, sino que es uno de nuestros protagonistas principales.
Para concluir, ¿recomendaría esta saga?
Mi respuesta es, SÍ, sin lugar a dudas.
Da igual si nunca has leído una novela de Warhammer, no es necesario para apreciar el mundo que rodea a los personajes y, son pocas las historias que nos muestran a un protagonista como Malus Darkblade. Ese villano que busca sobre todas las cosas la supremacía y el poder a cualquier precio; que solo se preocupa por el mismo, tengan que morir 100, 1000 o 10000 hombres para cumplir sus propósitos.
Y espero con ansias que Dan Abnett continúe la saga pues, como bien dice el final: Nuestro viaje ha concluido. Ahora comienza la cacería.
June 4, 2015
El cierre de la saga nos trae más aventuras sangrientas de Malus, vamos, que viene a ser más de lo mismo.
La novedad viene de la mano de los enemigos, que ya están desatados y sin las máscaras puestas, lo que hace que el nivel de acción y desesperación de Malus suba un escalón más.
El asedio y las formas de enfrentarse a él hacen de éste libro algo ligeramente diferente, pero al final todo sigue reduciéndose a ver al protagonista enfrentarse a peligros mortales (ya sea conversaciones o combates) de los que parece salir milagrosamente en el último momento.
Y es por esa repetición constante de patrones (exagerada en la primera novela de la saga, y que vuelve en la última con fuerza) que me sigue pareciendo una historia bastante secundaria dentro de la literatura fantástica.
La novela en sí no es mala, es como un blokbuster normalito humor negro y mucha sangre, además de un protagonista carismático. Pero esperaba algo más del final.
En cuanto a la saga en sí, lo mismo que he dicho en el párrafo anterior puede aplicarse al conjunto: buenas ideas, personajes con gancho, situaciones interesantes… pero demasiada acción, un personaje al que le rompen algo cada veinte páginas y que sigue adelante hace que pierdas el interés por lo que le pase: sobrevivirá siempre, y se recuperará en tiempo record.
Vamos, que no puedo recomendárosla, tiene sus momentos buenos, le sobra mínimo 1/3 de su extensión y sólo la disfrutarán aquellos que busquen algo ligero, les guste el personaje o sean fans de Warhammer. El resto absteneros.
Reseña completa en: http://darlantan8.blogspot.com.es/201...
La novedad viene de la mano de los enemigos, que ya están desatados y sin las máscaras puestas, lo que hace que el nivel de acción y desesperación de Malus suba un escalón más.
El asedio y las formas de enfrentarse a él hacen de éste libro algo ligeramente diferente, pero al final todo sigue reduciéndose a ver al protagonista enfrentarse a peligros mortales (ya sea conversaciones o combates) de los que parece salir milagrosamente en el último momento.
Y es por esa repetición constante de patrones (exagerada en la primera novela de la saga, y que vuelve en la última con fuerza) que me sigue pareciendo una historia bastante secundaria dentro de la literatura fantástica.
La novela en sí no es mala, es como un blokbuster normalito humor negro y mucha sangre, además de un protagonista carismático. Pero esperaba algo más del final.
En cuanto a la saga en sí, lo mismo que he dicho en el párrafo anterior puede aplicarse al conjunto: buenas ideas, personajes con gancho, situaciones interesantes… pero demasiada acción, un personaje al que le rompen algo cada veinte páginas y que sigue adelante hace que pierdas el interés por lo que le pase: sobrevivirá siempre, y se recuperará en tiempo record.
Vamos, que no puedo recomendárosla, tiene sus momentos buenos, le sobra mínimo 1/3 de su extensión y sólo la disfrutarán aquellos que busquen algo ligero, les guste el personaje o sean fans de Warhammer. El resto absteneros.
Reseña completa en: http://darlantan8.blogspot.com.es/201...
April 4, 2012
Malus Darkblade is a Druchii(Dark Elf) warrior, even among the vile Druchii, Malus stands out among them in ruthlessness. Malus steals a map and learns of a secret hidden power ripe for the taking. Malevolent and ambitious Malus and his band of cut-throat warriors set off into the madness and horror of the chaos wastes. There Malus find the power only too late to realize the power is truly a curse. Possessed by a demon known as Tz'arkan, Malus is given a year to find five artifacts of great power or his soul will be forfeit.
Dan Abnett and Mike Lee are great authors on their own but together they have spun a tale filled with; madness, betrayal, darkness, violence, hopelessness, evil, patricide, horror, fratricide, slaughter, war, and prophecy. This is a great read filled with unbelievably powerful imagery, the stuff great nightmares are made of.
Dan Abnett and Mike Lee are great authors on their own but together they have spun a tale filled with; madness, betrayal, darkness, violence, hopelessness, evil, patricide, horror, fratricide, slaughter, war, and prophecy. This is a great read filled with unbelievably powerful imagery, the stuff great nightmares are made of.
November 17, 2013
I finished the book in an evening - a major plus mark. But Abnett, one of my favourite authors, has never seemed to me as comfortable in the magic and mayhem world of Warhammer as he is in the aliens and annihilation world of Warhammer 40k. Lord of Ruin lacks the sure touch with terminology that distinguishes his 40k work - 'scrapcode' says everything in two syllables - whereas here I finished the book still uncertain what some of the terms meant (why 'druchii' for Dark Elves?). The book also lacked the cast of fine supporting characters that characterises Abnett's 40k work, and there was nothing like the sense of imaginative immersion in the world that Abnett achieves with 40k. So, while it deserves stars for its narrative drive, I'm knocking it down to two stars - two less than Abnett's average.
January 19, 2016
A dark elf possessed by a demon and wielding a sword/relic of the God of murder rides a tiny T-Rex into battle to kill his siblings, ex-girlfriend, zombies, and Minotaurs. What else do you need to know?
December 17, 2007
Malus Darkblade finally looks for the final relic: the talisman of Vaurog.
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