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Warhammer Fantasy
Gilead's Blood
Re-release of classic Black Library fantasy title
Gilead Lothain, shadowfast warrior and last of the line of Tor Anrok, travels the land slaking his thirst for vengeance on the dark creatures that stalk the forests and mountains of the Old World. With his faithful retainer Fithvael at his side, the doom-laden Gilead battles corrupt humans, beastmen, warriors of the Dark Gods and more in this collection of action-packed tales.
Gilead Lothain, shadowfast warrior and last of the line of Tor Anrok, travels the land slaking his thirst for vengeance on the dark creatures that stalk the forests and mountains of the Old World. With his faithful retainer Fithvael at his side, the doom-laden Gilead battles corrupt humans, beastmen, warriors of the Dark Gods and more in this collection of action-packed tales.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 14, 2014
-Fantasía bajo franquicia amplia.-
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Un desconocido narrador nos habla de la venganza que el elfo guerrero Gilead buscó y encontró pero que no sació nada en su interior. Al contrario, dejó su alma vacía y sin un propósito. Fithvael, su amigo, consigue casi a costa de su propia vida que salga de Tor Anrok, la antigua torre de su familia, para que cumpla con un viejo compromiso elfo y tal vez se aleje de su aflicción. A través de sus diferentes aventuras, tratará de que su vida tenga un sentido.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Un desconocido narrador nos habla de la venganza que el elfo guerrero Gilead buscó y encontró pero que no sació nada en su interior. Al contrario, dejó su alma vacía y sin un propósito. Fithvael, su amigo, consigue casi a costa de su propia vida que salga de Tor Anrok, la antigua torre de su familia, para que cumpla con un viejo compromiso elfo y tal vez se aleje de su aflicción. A través de sus diferentes aventuras, tratará de que su vida tenga un sentido.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
March 18, 2024
ilead's Blood it's a combine of several stories. VI to be precise.
The main character in our story it's Gilead te tuin Lothain, ut Tor Anrok...
Well let us call it only Gilead. Gilead has a Twin that we watch him die in the first story while saving Gilead from some robers. We get to know that the brothers are so linked that the fall of his twin Gilead becomes totally apathic.
From then on it's how Gilead face the rest of his life alone. Well not alone in the term, cause he has his faithful retainer Fithvael, but alone in soul 'cause ever since his brother died he lost some part of his soul.
Here you don't see an elf from Lord of The Rings nor Forgotten Realms. (He is still beautiful, look at the cover of the book). You see an elf with existencial problems. He is a Shadow of a being. I don't think he has ever smile in this book.
After passing his mourning time he follows(leads) his retainer and look desperly to find another of her kind. As anyone who follow Warhammer world, the elves are gone from the Old World. The high elves to be precisely. (only a handful of them remain) Only the wood elves remain in a forest near Bretonnia. The first book we see someone telling a tale of Gilead.
About the chapters precisely. The first we see how Gilead come to be what he is. It's a good beggining. The second it's about him after completing his vengeange (to annihalete completly the attackers and killers of his brother) and his retainer trying to make him understand that he cannot just lay down and die. He must do something. Here in this story it's my favourite phrase of all times (Well except the phrase where Raistlin says "Hope is the denial of reality")
Page 40
Gilead thought fast. He faced certain death unless he tried to evade, but death... death was what he wanted! At that moment he could do anything. Even if he failed, he would still be rewarded with the thing he most craved. Calm swept through him.
This summarize everything that this book represents... I've read it a long time ago and I never forgot this sentece. There are three more stories before the last. One about a dream. A dream he wanted so badly to believe. Other about a rescue of a girl and another about respect. My favourite story it's the last one (The biggest one). It has everything you will find in every warhammer books. You've got norse, elves, knights, common humans, kieves.. etc. The story begins with an half-elf recruiting adventures to defend a village. Along with Gilead and the retainer are 10 or so. It has carnage and blood. It has honor in death and brave acts.
The resume : it's the first book I would recommend to someone who wants to enter not only warhammer world but fantasy. I wish Dan Abnett and Nik Vicent would write more books about this character. I WISH.. I WISH.. I WISH...
(It seems that my wish was granted) :)
The main character in our story it's Gilead te tuin Lothain, ut Tor Anrok...
Well let us call it only Gilead. Gilead has a Twin that we watch him die in the first story while saving Gilead from some robers. We get to know that the brothers are so linked that the fall of his twin Gilead becomes totally apathic.
From then on it's how Gilead face the rest of his life alone. Well not alone in the term, cause he has his faithful retainer Fithvael, but alone in soul 'cause ever since his brother died he lost some part of his soul.
Here you don't see an elf from Lord of The Rings nor Forgotten Realms. (He is still beautiful, look at the cover of the book). You see an elf with existencial problems. He is a Shadow of a being. I don't think he has ever smile in this book.
After passing his mourning time he follows(leads) his retainer and look desperly to find another of her kind. As anyone who follow Warhammer world, the elves are gone from the Old World. The high elves to be precisely. (only a handful of them remain) Only the wood elves remain in a forest near Bretonnia. The first book we see someone telling a tale of Gilead.
About the chapters precisely. The first we see how Gilead come to be what he is. It's a good beggining. The second it's about him after completing his vengeange (to annihalete completly the attackers and killers of his brother) and his retainer trying to make him understand that he cannot just lay down and die. He must do something. Here in this story it's my favourite phrase of all times (Well except the phrase where Raistlin says "Hope is the denial of reality")
Page 40
Gilead thought fast. He faced certain death unless he tried to evade, but death... death was what he wanted! At that moment he could do anything. Even if he failed, he would still be rewarded with the thing he most craved. Calm swept through him.
This summarize everything that this book represents... I've read it a long time ago and I never forgot this sentece. There are three more stories before the last. One about a dream. A dream he wanted so badly to believe. Other about a rescue of a girl and another about respect. My favourite story it's the last one (The biggest one). It has everything you will find in every warhammer books. You've got norse, elves, knights, common humans, kieves.. etc. The story begins with an half-elf recruiting adventures to defend a village. Along with Gilead and the retainer are 10 or so. It has carnage and blood. It has honor in death and brave acts.
The resume : it's the first book I would recommend to someone who wants to enter not only warhammer world but fantasy. I wish Dan Abnett and Nik Vicent would write more books about this character. I WISH.. I WISH.. I WISH...
(It seems that my wish was granted) :)
January 13, 2017
More aptly named; Gilead's convenient scenic trip through old earth...
When I picked up Gilead's blood I had expected it to be real good, its an Abnett after all right?, it was co written by his wife, should be real good right? Well, sadly I was kinda dissapointed, it wasnt as great as I thought it was gonna be, it wasnt shit, but it wasnt good either for me personaly. Ive always been interessted in reading about Elves in the warhammer fantacy setting, but if all elves are gonna be as dickheaded as Gilead de tuin of Tor Anrok(hated having to read that in full every couple of pages), then elves will not be finding their way onto my bookshelf, sadly...
There was alot of blood spilled in this book, but none of it was Gilead's. I think he lost a little when his finger was cut of in the first few pages. Other than that he was just so good in battle going "shadowfast"(it makes some sence to me, but how about explaining what it actualy means , you know, say someone that has just been introduced to warhammer).
Personaly, this book was not too well thought out well, Gilead looses his identical twin, goes on a 10 year vengance spree, killing every and all that had something to do with it. After that he goes home to a house where his dad already died(there was no murder, or war, pap just faded, wtf?),and starts drinking, Ive been there, doesnt help... There was an attempt at a love story, but didnt work(damsell in distress and love at first sight, what blasphemy is this?)
I did have fun reading this tho, I was able to make my fiance laugh a few times.
When I picked up Gilead's blood I had expected it to be real good, its an Abnett after all right?, it was co written by his wife, should be real good right? Well, sadly I was kinda dissapointed, it wasnt as great as I thought it was gonna be, it wasnt shit, but it wasnt good either for me personaly. Ive always been interessted in reading about Elves in the warhammer fantacy setting, but if all elves are gonna be as dickheaded as Gilead de tuin of Tor Anrok(hated having to read that in full every couple of pages), then elves will not be finding their way onto my bookshelf, sadly...
There was alot of blood spilled in this book, but none of it was Gilead's. I think he lost a little when his finger was cut of in the first few pages. Other than that he was just so good in battle going "shadowfast"(it makes some sence to me, but how about explaining what it actualy means , you know, say someone that has just been introduced to warhammer).
Personaly, this book was not too well thought out well, Gilead looses his identical twin, goes on a 10 year vengance spree, killing every and all that had something to do with it. After that he goes home to a house where his dad already died(there was no murder, or war, pap just faded, wtf?),and starts drinking, Ive been there, doesnt help... There was an attempt at a love story, but didnt work(damsell in distress and love at first sight, what blasphemy is this?)
I did have fun reading this tho, I was able to make my fiance laugh a few times.
June 2, 2022
If you liked the Gotrek and Felix series, you'll probably like this book, since it's sort of the same concept. An elf gone slayer seeks his doom battling the forces of evil across the breadth of the old world, accompanied by his faithful companion. Much like Gotrek, Gilead is a morose and moody person, given to occasional fits of violence, and in combat he's basically invincible. He's also kind of deranged, more so than even Gotrek. In one instance he even drives himself into a coma from sheer madness-induced fatigue.
What sets this book apart from the Gotrek books though is its style and tone. It has a style of writing that makes it feel more like a tragic epic, whereas Gotrek and Felix books feel more like Saturday morning cartoons. The sense of loss and inevitable doom hangs heavy over the protagonists. You can feel that their actions are guided by a painful longing for something that they'll never have. This gives the book a layer of poignancy that makes it a compelling read.
At least until the last chapter, where it devolves into one long, protracted battle sequence which I could not have cared less about. To me, it was just so much background noise. I prefer to see characters philosophizing, not just beating things up.
To sum: first half, good; second half, meh.
What sets this book apart from the Gotrek books though is its style and tone. It has a style of writing that makes it feel more like a tragic epic, whereas Gotrek and Felix books feel more like Saturday morning cartoons. The sense of loss and inevitable doom hangs heavy over the protagonists. You can feel that their actions are guided by a painful longing for something that they'll never have. This gives the book a layer of poignancy that makes it a compelling read.
At least until the last chapter, where it devolves into one long, protracted battle sequence which I could not have cared less about. To me, it was just so much background noise. I prefer to see characters philosophizing, not just beating things up.
To sum: first half, good; second half, meh.
July 9, 2025
Good stories, good characters. I love the story about a few fellas defending a small town, which gets your blood pumping. And the story where Gilead follows the call of an Elven lady who's supposed to be the love of his life. But eventually she's taken by the Chaos. I had to feel bad for the guy, who lost pretty much everything precious in his life and is basically a walking hollow roaming the Old World without a purpose. That's depressing. I truly hope Gilead's quest could end with a happy tone, but I guess just like everything else in that world, it's very unlikely
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
Sentimientos encontrados. Abnett siempre es un valor seguro pero el otro...
6 historias independientes que se desarrollan demasiado rápido.
Demasiada acción sin una tensión que la preceda y te ayude a querer ver su desenlace. Sólo mamporros.
6 historias independientes que se desarrollan demasiado rápido.
Demasiada acción sin una tensión que la preceda y te ayude a querer ver su desenlace. Sólo mamporros.
October 24, 2018
One of the worst cases of outright plagiarism (Michael Moorcocks Corum & Elric characters & books), with entire paragraphs taken almost verbatim with only some GW references thrown in :-(
April 23, 2022
Letto a 20 anni esatti dalla pubblicazione italiana! Una bella lettura per gli appassionati di warhammer e di fantasy grimdark ed heroic
May 10, 2020
I really wanted to finish this book. But I just couldn't. I put it down and picked it back up so many times and finally I have given in. The story is so depressing and slow. Theirs a lot of action going on than actual world or character building. I also found my self reading the action parts really quick as I they we're long and dragged out.
January 31, 2015
This book is a collection of short stories detailing the adventures of Gilead, an elf, and his companion Fithvael. The first story details the tragedy of Gilead losing his twin brother, and that pretty much sets the stage for everything else.
Overcome with grief Gilead starts on a quest of vengeance, which takes 10 years. The culmination of which is not what he had hoped, and does not bring the closure he needed.
Gilead is fairly tragic character, horrible things seem to happen to him on a pretty regular basis. He always manages to push on, but is always more weary than before.
Each story leads in to the next one, and all are enjoyable if not amazing. Decent character development and lots of action.
Overcome with grief Gilead starts on a quest of vengeance, which takes 10 years. The culmination of which is not what he had hoped, and does not bring the closure he needed.
Gilead is fairly tragic character, horrible things seem to happen to him on a pretty regular basis. He always manages to push on, but is always more weary than before.
Each story leads in to the next one, and all are enjoyable if not amazing. Decent character development and lots of action.
March 29, 2014
A sub-par Elric knock off, following Gilead (a typically emo Elf) as he wanders the new world of men while his race is in decline.
This is a collection of short stories set in the Warhammer Fantasy world, as Gilead and his more pragmatic companion Fithvael wander around having adventures.
The fight and battle scenes, especially in the last story, pick the book up a notch. You can tell which ones are Dan Abnett stories.
This is a collection of short stories set in the Warhammer Fantasy world, as Gilead and his more pragmatic companion Fithvael wander around having adventures.
The fight and battle scenes, especially in the last story, pick the book up a notch. You can tell which ones are Dan Abnett stories.
April 5, 2016
To be honest I couldn't finish it. It was too dark for me. Really sad, followed by really sad and then misery... Each chapter is a new "tale" in the life (if you can call it that) of Gilead but having got to about the 5th I decided I was just glad I wasn't Gilead or his long suffering companion, Fithvael.
I just need a bit of happy!!
I just need a bit of happy!!
June 22, 2010
This is easily one of my all-time favorite novels of the Warhammer-verse. I have read this thing several times over the years. Initially it was a gift from one of my army-buddies. I've loaned it out, lost it, and replaced it a half-dozen times now. Love this book.
April 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this. Nice stories with individual plots that lead up to a larger story and the climax of the novel. I would like to hear more about Nithrom's band of warriors, what happened to then et cetera but it was a nice ending. Looking forward to the sequel.
March 1, 2014
Overall it was a really good read. The characters were good and the tales were written well. My personal favourite was probably the last tale, which was also the longest. I'll need to track down a copy of Gilead's Curse now.
April 23, 2014
Actually I'm not finished, but I can't take it anymore. This is a very depressive book and not enjoyable at all. Besides, it doesn't seem to connect well with the rest of the Warhammer verse. Very disappointed.
July 17, 2014
He leído el libro en español. Creo que la novela es un grupito de historias interesantes, aunque las batallas están narradas de forma mediocre. Puede que la culpa de todo la tenga la traducción, que es bastante mala.
August 26, 2016
The first three parts of this book nearly made me put the book down! But i kept going and glad i did the last part of the story had me hooked and could not stop reading what would happen. Just a shame about the first 200 pages :D
January 30, 2012
Review forthcoming
December 6, 2012
Fantasy bez špetky fantazie. Emo elfové a barvité, o to nudnější, popisy už prostě netáhnou.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews