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Gotrek and Felix: The Anthology

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Gotrek & Felix Anthology

A host of tales of adventure and excitement featuring the infamous Slayer Gotrek Gurnisson and his human companion Felix Jaeger. From the tunnels beneath the Worlds Edge Mountains to the Ogre Kingdoms and the sands of Araby, these stories shed new light on the duo's exploits.

READ IT BECAUSE
A whole squad of authors get to tell stories about the Warhammer World's greatest heroic pairing, and the results are spectacular. From the tale of a cowardly skaven's encounter with the adventurers to epic action in an ancient dwarf realms, there's something here for everyone.

DESCRIPTION
Gotrek and Felix: unsung heroes of the Empire, or nothing more than common thieves and murderers? The truth perhaps lies somewhere in between, and depends entirely upon whom you ask...

Within these pages you will find the untold tales of the adventuring duo, some of which undoubtedly even they would rather remain a secret. From the wastelands of the north to the mystical cities of Araby, and from the orcs of Karak Azgal to the ogres of Skabrand – their exploits are recalled and their legend grows. Featuring the brand new novella-length tale Slayer's Honour by Nathan Long, this anthology also contains a swashbuckling selection of great stories including a previously unpublished tale by renowned SF writer John Brunner.

CONTENTS
Slayer's Honour by Nathan Long
A Cask of Wynters by Josh Reynolds
A Place of Quiet Assembly by John Brunner
Kineater by Jordan Ellinger
Prophecy by Ben McCallum
The Tilean's Talismn by David Guymer
Last Orders by Andy Smillie
Mind-stealer by C L Werner
The Two Crowns of Ras Karim by Nathan Long
The Funeral of Gotrek Gurnisson by Richard Salter

412 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 27, 2012

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344 people want to read

About the author

Christian Z. Dunn

140 books62 followers
Christian Dunn, sometimes credited as C.Z. Dunn, is a senior editor for Black Library.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

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5 stars
181 (39%)
4 stars
151 (33%)
3 stars
102 (22%)
2 stars
15 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
138 reviews16 followers
June 12, 2012
This is 10 shorts put together into one anthology (as the name suggests!) Gotrek and Felix are to me, by far, the most outstanding characters in the small amount of Warhammer novels I have read. Absolutely hell bent on destruction dwarf with a massive axe on a mission to kill or be killed and his best mate, hell bent on making sure that it is never the latter option. I know that this is not the first in a LONG collection on this pair but that really does not matter, every short in here is bloody brilliant carnage. Put together by Christian Dunn this could have really benefited from a bit of a time line or maybe a bit of background into what happened previously to each tale but all the same, action packed and fast paced it still makes for 10 great stand alone separate blasts of overly indulgent violence and amusement. A real stand out in this one is Mind Stealer by C.L. Werner which is a follow on from the boneripper novel I also had a great pleasure in reviewing. The only one that seemed to fall behind was Last Orders by Andy Smillie, not particularly because it is a bad story but more because of the fact that while Gortek and Felix aren't the central focus here the portrayal of them does not seem to fit in with the portrayal of them within the other 9 in here. I don't really want to break it down past this but in truth each separate tale included is well worth a read on it's own and as a value for money release I doubt you will find another to rival it in a hurry.
Profile Image for Milo.
870 reviews107 followers
April 11, 2012
Some really enjoyable stories, some not-so enjoyable ones. I might get around to writing a full review on this anthology. It's a nice mix of stories though, and worth picking up despite the fact I've only read the three Ulrika books and the first Gotrek and Felix Omnibus. Which reminds me, I need to pick up the second and the third soon.
Profile Image for Jason Waltz.
Author 41 books72 followers
July 12, 2020
Richard Salter closes this bloody fun anthology with the almost-death of our Great Slayer Hero Gotrek in a fun-filled tale.

Overall enjoyable, containing a variety of storytelling styles, POVs, and thrills. Going adventuring with Gotrek is often quite entertaining, and this book delivers entertainment galore.
Profile Image for Abhinav.
Author 11 books70 followers
January 4, 2018
You can read the full review over at my blog:

https://shadowhawksshade.wordpress.co...

Shadowhawk reviews the first ever Gotrek and Felix anthology, containing stories from current series writer Nathan Long as well as some new blood.

“A good mix-up of stories spanning the entirety of the duo’s career, the anthology has something for everybody.” ~Shadowhawk, The Founding Fields

Gotrek and Felix: The Anthology is the first such compilation that features the most famous slayer-remember duo in the Old World, Gotrek Gurnisson and Felix Jaeger. And truth be told, it has been a long time in coming because there are only so many full-length novels that either William King or Nathan Long could have put out in an in-universe career that spans nearly two decades and a bit extra. Not to mention that there are just so many fantastic stories to be told. And that’s where the anthology fits right in.

The first story is the novella length Slayer’s Honour by my favourite Warhammer fantasy writer, Nathan Long. Nathan is one of those few Black Library freelancers whose work oozes perfection. At least for me. Like I mentioned in my Jane Carver of Waar review, I have yet to read any of his work that I did not like (in fact, the aforementioned novel forced me to redefine what I thought of as being the perfect novel!). So I had extremely high expectations of this novella and I was certainly not disappointed.

Slayer’s Honour is far more than just a regular Gotrek and Felix novel because Nathan uses a pair of new characters to shine a much-needed introspective light on the career of the two titular heroes. Agnar Arvastsson and Henrik Daschke are another slayer-rememberer duo, although they are far less famous and are comparatively young in terms of experience. Where the story is concerned, they provide Felix with an outside yet personal perspective on the years he has spent with Gotrek, fighting one monster after another, one army after another. It is a technique that resonated very well with me and even though we have had another slayer join the two on their journeys before, Snorri Nosebiter, Nathan has managed to set Slayer’s Honour well apart from that.

The pacing of the novella is, as is usual from Nathan, excellent and punchy with not a boring moment in sight. I was basically racing to finish the novella because I was totally hooked into the narrative and wanted to find out what was about to happen next throughout. A real page-turner. The twists and mysteries are well done, as is the action, which is extremely varied and has just the right dose of danger and humour mixed in. Two thumbs up to Nathan and Slayer’s Honour!

Rating: 10/10

Next up we have Josh Reynolds’ A Cask of Wynters. This short story is quite a departure from the previous one as it focuses on Snorri Nosebiter and some new (temporary) comrades of his as this addled slayer continues to seek his doom. The always lovable (as only a slayer can be) Snorri is joined by another slayer, brand-new to the job of seeking a glorious death in battle, Grudi Halfhand. What’s unusual about the novel is that it is an equal tale about both Snorri and Grudi rather than the former being the chief protagonist as one would initially expect, like I myself did. However, that did not take away from the purpose and intent of the anthology for me and neither was I bored because of that omission.

A Cask of Wynters is fast, and it is punchy. Josh sets a real quick pace and what he has really succeeded here is in making this as much of a humour piece as it is an action piece. Going up against the most common menace in the Old World, the Orcs, the two slayers and their knightly companions are a curious mix of comrades on their quest to redeem Grudi’s deceased family. I certainly quite enjoyed their banter and Josh’s own take on Snorri and slayers in general, because it was rather fresh. It is certainly amongst the best of the bunch although it does suffer from not showing enough of Snorri. Perhaps Josh can fix that in his next piece!

Rating: 8.5/10
Profile Image for Barry.
496 reviews32 followers
September 10, 2015
This is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of short stories featuring everyone’s favourite Trollslayer and his long suffering Rememberer. As with many short stories this is a bit of a mixed bag – some are very good and some are only so-so but the book works as a collection. Where the collection struggles a little is that Gotrek and Felix are peripheral characters in many of the stories. Whilst there are some welcome cameos from many characters from other stories it doesn’t always work.

Slayer’s Honour – Nathan Long – This is the stand out tale in the book. Nathan Long’s novella here is excellent. Gotrek and Felix meet another Slayer and Rememberer as they descend into an abandoned Dwarf hold. I did see the plot coming from a far way off but the story was pretty exciting with lots of action and tension with the body count ramping up to the usual ridiculous levels. Thoroughly enjoyable and to be honest I think only Nathan Long has ‘got’ Gotrek and Felix like William King did.

A Cask of Wynters – Josh Reynolds – I really enjoyed ‘Road of Skulls’ by Reynolds but this is a so-so. Gotrek and Felix are not in this one but never fear, this story features Snorri Nosebiter as the hero. Everyone loves Snorri and it’s great to see him get his own tale but it falls a little flat towards the end.

A Place of Quiet Assembly – John Brunner – This story doesn’t really feature Gotrek and Felix that much, it’s not really about them. It is interesting in that it explores a Solkan monastery. I really like the concept here and there is a good story in here somewhere but towards the end it tails off. I kind of feel the story didn’t need the Slayer and felt tacked on to perk interest in the story.

Kineater – Jordan Ellinger – Good fun! The story is about saving a woman from a tribe of Ogres. I find in the Warhammer world Ogres are portrayed in numerous ways which I think works. Again, the story has a fair amount of ultraviolence which is over the top. I really liked the resolution of the story too.

Prophecy – Ben McCallum – I enjoyed this one although again Gotrek and Felix are just in the background. If you’ve not read Dragonslayer or Manslayer then there are definitely some spoilers in here. This story is from the perspective of Kelmain and Lhoigor, two Tzzeentch sorcerors whose paths have crossed Gotrek and Felix before. The story is really a synopsis of the two aforementioned novels from the Chaotic wizards perspective.

The Tilean’s Talisman – David Guymer – I just can’t get into David Guymer at all. This story has skaven in a bar pinching a magical item before coming into contact with our heroes. Gotrek and Felix are in the background again and I don’t think the story passes the sense check. Just not a fan of David Guymer.

Last Orders – David Smillie – Another bar room brawl following on from the last story and yet once again our pair are really on the periphery and not needed. That said, there is a good story in here with a nice ending.

Mind-Stealer – C.L. Werner – Okay, yet again no Gotrek and Felix in this one but never mind, this is a story about everyone’s favourite Grey Seer – Thanquol. I really want to read the Thanquol series as I think the author really captures the skaven personality – cowardly, cunning, boastful, deceitful, clever yet fearful. Thanquol comes into contact with another magic force which causes him problems. Lots of fun this one which pushed all the right buttons for me.

The Two Crowns of Ras Karim – Nathan Long – Another story from Nathan Long set in Araby. I do like Warhammer stories written outside of The Empire – it helps to bring the world to life. There is a real Arab Spring element to this and perhaps a nod to Sinbad. Long’s two stories in the book are both great with action from start to finish.

The Funeral of Gotrek Gurnisson – Richard Salter – This was the story I didn’t want to read and I won’t review the book. That said, the story is good and has a very welcome cameo.
Profile Image for Arizona Spartan.
200 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2017
Though it had 2 great stories the other stories left a lot to be desired. They didn't have the same edge as many of the books had and 1 story didn't even have our intrepid heroes in it at all, merely mentions of them. Some old nemeses and allies turn up in a few stories. I'd recommend this for fans of the books only.
Profile Image for Gareth Pengelly.
Author 26 books44 followers
July 2, 2013
The Gotrek and Felix books are a masterclass in ripsnorting, adrenaline fuelled brutality.

Gotrek, a dwarf sworn to seek death in glorious battle yet seemingly cursed(?) with invincibility, forever dragging around his unwilling companion Felix Jaeger, sworn to record the dwarf's doom.

A great duo; one sullen, menacing, eager for battle; the other smart, cautious, wishing for a quiet life yet knowing he'll never get it.

Two great themes run through these stories; the first is the irony of Gotrek - he wishes to find an honourable death in battle, yet the fearsome magic axe he wields has blessed him, over the years, with such strength and power that he is now all but invincible. The second, the changing character of Felix Jaeger; once a scholar, a student of Nuln University, son of a wealthy trader; now a hardbitten warrior. Even should his adventures finally cease, will he still be the same Felix and be able to settle back into the same humdrum life?

This pairing of Gotrek's brutal violence and Felix's cynical introspection are what, for me, make this series of stories a compelling read.

If you enjoy epic battle, interesting characters and a roaming journey that takes the reader across a vast, well-developed fictional world, then this series of books is for you.
Profile Image for Richard Wright.
Author 28 books50 followers
January 26, 2014
Short stories following doomed Slayer Gotrek Gurnisson's perilous adventures as he seeks a worthy doom, accompanied by the reluctant poet Felix Jaeger, who once drunkenly swore to record the dwarf's end in an epic poem. The anthology includes the best and worst of their stories. Gotrek suffers from a 'Hulk Smash' problem as a character. He seeks out the most dangerous things he can, and fights them to the death. He's very single-minded about it, and his obsession leaves little else of interest to write explore in the character. It's Felix who brings shade and story to what would otherwise be a series of scraps with little to recommend them. The best tales here remember this, including Nathan Long's two excellent entries and Richard Salter's romping final story. Many of the others replace Felix's point of view with other characters, and only John Brunner's journey into a cult gone wrong succeeded in holding my interest. A mixed bag, then. Some excellent adventuring, held back by some unsuccessful experimenting with what makes these characters work.
118 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2014
It's great at times, but a few of the stories were uneven in my opinion. I'll read all things Felix and Gotrek, but the stories that were focused off center of the two left me wondering where they were and when I'd get to the next story.
Profile Image for Paul.
4 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2015
Change of pace in terms of full length novel to short stories but in a way a good pace - content itself stayed true and it was good to revisit old friends
Profile Image for Leslie Williamson.
77 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2015
An utterly ridiculous yet fun collection of stories. Bad-ass dwarf with kick-ass axe makes monster chop suey. Token blond cultured barbarian type occasionally talks. Cool.
Profile Image for Iain.
696 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2022
A solid collection of stories about our favorite duo of heroes. As others have mentioned, some of the characterizations are rather weak and some of the stories barely involve Felix and Gotrek. At the end of the day, it's a pleasant read for fans of the series, but by no means an essential read nor one of their best outings.
100 reviews
Read
January 23, 2022
Didn't read them all, but enough to get a good idea of what these two get up to, and inspired me to get the Gotrex figure, who is an absolute beast on the battlefield!
143 reviews
September 14, 2023
A good mix of short stories from a number of different perspectives. A refreshing change mostly good short stories.
164 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2012
I didn't think anyone could fill William King's shoes after he stopped writing for Black Library, but Nathan Long has impressed me. His first book or two needed work, but Elfslayer was a great addition to the series and the rest have been equally enjoyable. While I've been in Gotrek-withdrawal without a new novel last autumn, this anthology gave me a much needed dose of action with my favorite Warhammer characters.
Profile Image for Maximilian Surjadi.
Author 4 books6 followers
August 17, 2013
At first (the first 2 page of Slayer's Honor) I felt an enormous amount of description and kinda put negative expectation on my head. But things just get better. It's my first book of Gotrek and Felix, so it kinda amaze me, how everything will end up with Gotrek killing everything in the end. But, there's still some interesting plot twist in the book.

Not an amazing read. But still, fun to read. I enjoy it.
680 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2012
bad guys turned good.
an ok series of books of the hack and slash fantasy genre.

i read the first omnibus which was three books.

i began losing interest as i completed each one.
i should have read something in between, maybe then i would not have soured on the series.

give it a try, just dont overdose on it.
Profile Image for Kasper Vesth.
2 reviews
December 14, 2017
I think it was dissapointing. I read it thinking it was a bunch of stories featuring the adventuring duo, but instead it is a bunch of stories featuring the characters from their adventures, and it spoiled it a bit for me.
Profile Image for Dave.
53 reviews47 followers
July 16, 2012
Excellent collection of short stories about Gotrek and Felix, makes me angry that Games Workshop doesn't seem to have plans for any more of their individual novels.
Profile Image for Sean.
90 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2013
The degree to which this cover is rad matches the level of enjoyment from the stories.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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