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Warhammer Heroes #10
Skarsnik
The goblin chieftain Skarsnik’s name is known and feared throughout the Old World. When a greenskin horde threatens the borders of the Empire, the greatest military minds in Altdorf seek assistance from a most unlikely source – the disgraced poet Jeremiah Bickenstadt. Though long since consumed by madness, he claims to have spent a great deal of time in the company of the feared Warlord of the Eight Peaks, and can offer a unique insight into what it is that drives and motivates him. From humble beginnings, a monstrous legend is born.
416 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2013
27 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Guy Haley
288 books718 followersGuy Haley is the author of over 50 novels and novellas. His original fiction includes Crash, Champion of Mars, and the Richards and Klein, Dreaming Cities, and the Gates of the World series (as K M McKinley). However, he is best known as a prolific contributor to Games Workshop's Black Library imprint.
When not writing, he'll be out doing something dangerous in the wild, learning languages or gaming.
When not writing, he'll be out doing something dangerous in the wild, learning languages or gaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 12, 2013
Skarsnik, as it turns out, was a much needed breath of fresh air for me.
Its narrative style, the gobliny wit, wrapped in humorous banter, and the stunning competence of Skarsnik, Warlord of the Eight Peaks, but also the incredible amount of detail put into describing the world under the mountains and greenskin society, make this novel one of my personal favorites of 2013.
The story is wrapped in multiple layers, from the overall point of view of the Doktor Wollendorp, who interviews a mad playwright in an asylum, to said madman's retelling of his experience in Skarsnik's realm, and the things the Goblin Warlord told him. Despite this, the book flows very nicely from one point of view and scene to the next.
Being a book about the life of Skarsnik at the core, this made sure that minor pieces in the story would not need to drag on unnecessarily, while still allowing for the creative freedom of the playwright.
In the end, it serves to blur the line between fact and fantasy, making Skarsnik appear like a real threat to be reckoned with, but also made sure to leave things ambiguous and leave room for interpretation.
Multiple times throughout the novel Wollendorp and his companion would discuss the veracity of the madman's tale, and agree that it must be truthful in some regard, yet is undoubtedly embellished by the poet's vivid mind, and not everything should be taken at face value.
This should very well please those people who voiced concerns over the Warhammer Heroes series demystifying the special characters they portray, by taking away from the tabletop players' own interpretation of the hero. It feels to me that Guy Haley did a fantastic job at disspelling those concerns by telling his story in this particular way.
This quote from the book frames the whole novel very accurately:
"‘Make sure you tell all those humies, humie, make sure you tell ’em good, make sure you tell ’em about the king in da mountain. Tell ’em all about me, Skarsnik, tell ’em all about my life, leave nuffink out.’
[...]
‘And then, when you’ve told them all that,’ he whispered, his eyes blazing with menace, ‘tell all the other humies that I’m coming for them too.’"
That being out of the way, it is safe to say that Skarsnik's life was more than just eventful. It was a joy to read, to see the runt develop into a warlord to rival Grom the Fat, and follow in his footsteps. There have been many occassions when I just could not help but laugh about the suitably mean presentation of the goblin race, and can do nothing but applaud Guy Haley for his spot-on representation of the greenskins.
As with Baneblade, Guy Haley impressed me once more. His in-depth take on the Warhammer universe is so well put, I cannot come up with a good reason not to pick this book up if you have any interest in Black Library's Fantasy range.
In clear greenskin fashion, I give this book lots of stars. Purchase recommendation!
Its narrative style, the gobliny wit, wrapped in humorous banter, and the stunning competence of Skarsnik, Warlord of the Eight Peaks, but also the incredible amount of detail put into describing the world under the mountains and greenskin society, make this novel one of my personal favorites of 2013.
The story is wrapped in multiple layers, from the overall point of view of the Doktor Wollendorp, who interviews a mad playwright in an asylum, to said madman's retelling of his experience in Skarsnik's realm, and the things the Goblin Warlord told him. Despite this, the book flows very nicely from one point of view and scene to the next.
Being a book about the life of Skarsnik at the core, this made sure that minor pieces in the story would not need to drag on unnecessarily, while still allowing for the creative freedom of the playwright.
In the end, it serves to blur the line between fact and fantasy, making Skarsnik appear like a real threat to be reckoned with, but also made sure to leave things ambiguous and leave room for interpretation.
Multiple times throughout the novel Wollendorp and his companion would discuss the veracity of the madman's tale, and agree that it must be truthful in some regard, yet is undoubtedly embellished by the poet's vivid mind, and not everything should be taken at face value.
This should very well please those people who voiced concerns over the Warhammer Heroes series demystifying the special characters they portray, by taking away from the tabletop players' own interpretation of the hero. It feels to me that Guy Haley did a fantastic job at disspelling those concerns by telling his story in this particular way.
This quote from the book frames the whole novel very accurately:
"‘Make sure you tell all those humies, humie, make sure you tell ’em good, make sure you tell ’em about the king in da mountain. Tell ’em all about me, Skarsnik, tell ’em all about my life, leave nuffink out.’
[...]
‘And then, when you’ve told them all that,’ he whispered, his eyes blazing with menace, ‘tell all the other humies that I’m coming for them too.’"
That being out of the way, it is safe to say that Skarsnik's life was more than just eventful. It was a joy to read, to see the runt develop into a warlord to rival Grom the Fat, and follow in his footsteps. There have been many occassions when I just could not help but laugh about the suitably mean presentation of the goblin race, and can do nothing but applaud Guy Haley for his spot-on representation of the greenskins.
As with Baneblade, Guy Haley impressed me once more. His in-depth take on the Warhammer universe is so well put, I cannot come up with a good reason not to pick this book up if you have any interest in Black Library's Fantasy range.
In clear greenskin fashion, I give this book lots of stars. Purchase recommendation!
February 22, 2014
I DEVOURED this book. It's been a long time since I've felt such sheer joy reading. No doubt I am a bit biased because I've been a Warhammer Orcs and Goblins aficionado all my life, and I've been waiting for the Black Library to finally break down and throw us greenskin fans a bone. Well, SKARSNIK was more than just a bone, it was a meaty fleshroom banquet that answers all sorts of lingering questions about how greenskins survive, thrive, and, yes, even reproduce.
The heart of the story is the autobiography of Skarsnik, Warlord of Karak Eight Peaks, and the most powerful Night Goblin in history. His tale, though, is nestled like a matryoshka in a series of framing tale to the point where the reader is never quite sure how much of the account is true, how much is Skarsnik embellishing, how much is lost in the game of whisper-down-the-lane, and how much is just pure shaggy dog story. Skarsnik told Bickenstadt the mad playwright, Bickenstadt told Wollendorp the greenskin academic, and Wollendorp's story was recounted by the almost entirely offscreeen Guido Kleinfeld. At first I wasn't sure what the point was of having so many framing stories, but when Haley finally pulls the rug out from under you in the last chapter, I realized it wouldn't have the same impact any other way.
Still, at the core this is the story of a goblin, perhaps the greatest goblin of his age, but a goblin nonetheless. And in that Haley achieves something remarkable. He reclaims goblins from the ranks of comic relief and puts them on full display as sadistic, lunatic monsters and yet somehow still makes us root for one of them. Skarsnik's long, hard road from the runtiest of runts to the mightiest of warlords (cowing even Orc bosses like Gorfang Rotgut) is a fascinating ride. I can't recommend it highly enough for any fans of fantasy, but this should be mandatory reading for Warhammer Orc and Goblin players.
The heart of the story is the autobiography of Skarsnik, Warlord of Karak Eight Peaks, and the most powerful Night Goblin in history. His tale, though, is nestled like a matryoshka in a series of framing tale to the point where the reader is never quite sure how much of the account is true, how much is Skarsnik embellishing, how much is lost in the game of whisper-down-the-lane, and how much is just pure shaggy dog story. Skarsnik told Bickenstadt the mad playwright, Bickenstadt told Wollendorp the greenskin academic, and Wollendorp's story was recounted by the almost entirely offscreeen Guido Kleinfeld. At first I wasn't sure what the point was of having so many framing stories, but when Haley finally pulls the rug out from under you in the last chapter, I realized it wouldn't have the same impact any other way.
Still, at the core this is the story of a goblin, perhaps the greatest goblin of his age, but a goblin nonetheless. And in that Haley achieves something remarkable. He reclaims goblins from the ranks of comic relief and puts them on full display as sadistic, lunatic monsters and yet somehow still makes us root for one of them. Skarsnik's long, hard road from the runtiest of runts to the mightiest of warlords (cowing even Orc bosses like Gorfang Rotgut) is a fascinating ride. I can't recommend it highly enough for any fans of fantasy, but this should be mandatory reading for Warhammer Orc and Goblin players.
February 17, 2022
I loved this SO much!
I've not enjoyed reading a book this much in a long time. Not only is it a fantastic telling of goings-on under the Eight Peaks and background on one of Warhammer's most infamous characters, the dialogue is brilliant!
I found myself reading it aloud just to enjoy how well it was done! I liked to imagine that Skarsnik was a little green version of Brick Top from Snatch.
I've not enjoyed reading a book this much in a long time. Not only is it a fantastic telling of goings-on under the Eight Peaks and background on one of Warhammer's most infamous characters, the dialogue is brilliant!
I found myself reading it aloud just to enjoy how well it was done! I liked to imagine that Skarsnik was a little green version of Brick Top from Snatch.
April 20, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved it, even.
The perspective shifts worked well and were never confusing. From Herr Doktor, to Bickenstadt, to Skarsnik - it was never forced. The potential unreliable narration behind it all also made me appreciate it more. While I'm sure there were some parts that were exaggerated by Skarsnik, he did own Karak Eight Peaks - no small feat. His military tactician-ship could rival Thrawn's (EU, not canon).
I loved learning more about greenskin and goblin culture. They are lowkey my favorite race of the Warhammer universe, and Haley pulled no punches in displaying the nitty-gritty cutthroat culture they are forced to live in. Watching the meteoric rise from Runt, to Runtgit, to Skarsnik, was oh-so-satisfying. Even though these are vile and debased creatures, I felt myself openly rooting for Skarsnik. He was just that damned charismatic and likable. I also appreciated Haley not hiding Skarsnik behind what I like to call, "likability plot armor," in that he did gruesome things, such as torture and backstab. Thas jus' de gobbo way of life, mate.
I started a Skarsnik campaign in Total War: Warhammer 2 because of this book. WAAAAAGHH!!
The perspective shifts worked well and were never confusing. From Herr Doktor, to Bickenstadt, to Skarsnik - it was never forced. The potential unreliable narration behind it all also made me appreciate it more. While I'm sure there were some parts that were exaggerated by Skarsnik, he did own Karak Eight Peaks - no small feat. His military tactician-ship could rival Thrawn's (EU, not canon).
I loved learning more about greenskin and goblin culture. They are lowkey my favorite race of the Warhammer universe, and Haley pulled no punches in displaying the nitty-gritty cutthroat culture they are forced to live in. Watching the meteoric rise from Runt, to Runtgit, to Skarsnik, was oh-so-satisfying. Even though these are vile and debased creatures, I felt myself openly rooting for Skarsnik. He was just that damned charismatic and likable. I also appreciated Haley not hiding Skarsnik behind what I like to call, "likability plot armor," in that he did gruesome things, such as torture and backstab. Thas jus' de gobbo way of life, mate.
I started a Skarsnik campaign in Total War: Warhammer 2 because of this book. WAAAAAGHH!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
Goblin Kino
Skarsnik really is cunning and brutal would read again
Skarsnik really is cunning and brutal would read again
August 23, 2025
I apologize Guy Haley I wasn't familiar with your game
November 20, 2014
"As a biography, the book details Skarsnik's rise to power from his humble roots. Skarsnik was spawned runty, and remained runty for most of his ascension. What he did have a surplus of was the cunning that is such a large facet of the goblin psyche. He was also gifted with a higher intelligence than his peers. Lastly, and most importantly, he possesses an uncanny amount of luck (as to whether it is luck, or being chosen by Gork and Mork is ultimately up to the reader to decide). Being born a goblin in Karak Eight Peaks, the young runt matures in an environment filled with not only the perennial violence between greenskin factions, but with other races as well; the noble dwarfs in the upper levels, and the verminous Skaven in the lower holds.
What follows is an account of Skarsnik's (then known as Runtgit) schemes and ploys as he uses not only his gifts, but everyone and everything around him to advance his cause. In theory, this sounds like a thin premise, but it is fleshed out richly. No matter how clever he might be, Runtgit was still a little body in a largely strength-dominated society, so the entire trip is an uphill climb. And so, everyone who comes in contact with him is used, betrayed, and discarded, be they friend or foe. It's all part of the goblin mentality; any friendly gesture comes with a knife in the back, metaphorical, literal, or both."
You can read my full review of this great title here:
http://hachisnaxreads.blogspot.com/20...
What follows is an account of Skarsnik's (then known as Runtgit) schemes and ploys as he uses not only his gifts, but everyone and everything around him to advance his cause. In theory, this sounds like a thin premise, but it is fleshed out richly. No matter how clever he might be, Runtgit was still a little body in a largely strength-dominated society, so the entire trip is an uphill climb. And so, everyone who comes in contact with him is used, betrayed, and discarded, be they friend or foe. It's all part of the goblin mentality; any friendly gesture comes with a knife in the back, metaphorical, literal, or both."
You can read my full review of this great title here:
http://hachisnaxreads.blogspot.com/20...
February 21, 2016
This book was well thought out, it does the name Warhammer proud, with lots of fighting. Skarsnik is clever and his rules are rules I can see myself living by.
March 28, 2021
I don't know if this happens to anyone else besides me, but at times I just don't want to finish a book. I want to revel in it. I feel so enraptured that I don't want to finish it. Maybe it's a fear of ending something that I am enjoying or fear that the ending will not be as good. I don't know. That's another reason I have some issues finish trilogies, series and so on.
Crazy...
Well this story is probably the first told in the perspective of a goblin. We've seen cultists perspectives, elves, dwarves but always this "smart" bunch (evil or good). This time we've got a goblin perspective (There is also some skaven books Thanquol's and headtaker). This goblin is smart, it's not a dumb like all his peers. It's evil, cruel but a goblin. True be told, at times it look like some evil looking person but at times some of his actions were goblinesque.
This story is being told by a playwright who, although quite crazy, want to tell the world the tale of the Goblin Warlord Skarsnik. Two other people are investigating goblins and they know there exists some warlord in Eight Peaks but not much is known.
So, this playwright (althought in the cover say poet) is telling his tale as warning and we follow the adventures of Skarsnik since birth (they are like mushrooms) until his rise. No, not downfall.
He was smart but small for a goblin, and so the first 200 pages it's basically his first take on life and how he use his wits to learn languages, actions and so on. He also deals with skaven, humans and dwarves fighting each one in turn. Then after the innitial intake on the world and being betrayed he goes outside the mountain. As you might know, night goblins are not "night" oriented goblins but goblins that usually spend their entirely life under the mountains. It was also interesting to see his first take and dealings with other hill goblins which although goblins are quite different (bigger in one instance). Then after some take being in confination he rises within goblins/orc society (interesting a dialogue between him and another one where they talk that from time to time some goblins appears that are smarter than the rest - as you know in 40K some orks have a keen to me medicae (well, their kind of medicae;
Crazy...
Well this story is probably the first told in the perspective of a goblin. We've seen cultists perspectives, elves, dwarves but always this "smart" bunch (evil or good). This time we've got a goblin perspective (There is also some skaven books Thanquol's and headtaker). This goblin is smart, it's not a dumb like all his peers. It's evil, cruel but a goblin. True be told, at times it look like some evil looking person but at times some of his actions were goblinesque.
This story is being told by a playwright who, although quite crazy, want to tell the world the tale of the Goblin Warlord Skarsnik. Two other people are investigating goblins and they know there exists some warlord in Eight Peaks but not much is known.
So, this playwright (althought in the cover say poet) is telling his tale as warning and we follow the adventures of Skarsnik since birth (they are like mushrooms) until his rise. No, not downfall.
He was smart but small for a goblin, and so the first 200 pages it's basically his first take on life and how he use his wits to learn languages, actions and so on. He also deals with skaven, humans and dwarves fighting each one in turn. Then after the innitial intake on the world and being betrayed he goes outside the mountain. As you might know, night goblins are not "night" oriented goblins but goblins that usually spend their entirely life under the mountains. It was also interesting to see his first take and dealings with other hill goblins which although goblins are quite different (bigger in one instance). Then after some take being in confination he rises within goblins/orc society (interesting a dialogue between him and another one where they talk that from time to time some goblins appears that are smarter than the rest - as you know in 40K some orks have a keen to me medicae (well, their kind of medicae;
December 10, 2018
I read this on suggestion by my brother. He is a huge Warhammer fan and really liked Guy Haley's, Skarsnik. I picked it up knowing nothing at all about Warhammer beyond his tellings of lore and gameplay. Instantly it reminded me of Dracula in style. The whole journal style approach, telling of a monster, from a writers perspective. It was flashes of Bram's characters visit to the mansion of Dracula, except this time it was a cave for a goblin named Skarsnik. I would say that the read was an easy one, taking its time to develop a solid story. The overall book was well done, however, beyond the tales of the Plains Gobbos, I was not as interested in the latter half of the book. I really enjoyed Skarsnik's beginning and the development Guy brought forth to begin his legend. I really enjoyed the middling section. I enjoyed getting to know the plain's gobbos, orcs, and trolls. I even enjoyed his revenge plot and finding his giant squig. After that, it seemed to focus only on the rats war and I felt that it ended without that big boom! It ended on a part that I figured would be only a portion, and not the big finish to Skarsnik. Although, Guy does leave you to believe he will be coming afte the humans eventually.
August 12, 2015
An enjoyable fantasy romp, told by way of an interview with a playwright in an insane asylum, who claims to met the titular Skarsnik, the goblin king known as the Warlord of the Eight Peaks.
The book has aspects of a rags to riches story in that Skarsnik starts out as the lowest of the low, the smallest of his brood (usually a death sentence) but gradually through care and cunning the goblin carves out his destiny as one of the greatest of his kind (no mean feat when trying form battleplans with a force that struggles to understand the basic concept of a map.) when the only creature that thinks of him as possibly just POSSIBLY more than an expendable runt is Duffskull, a particularly batty old shaman with a penchant for smoking and fungus beer.
My only criticism is that the occasional climatic moment happens off page and the odd long awaited showdown with an opponent is cut short by a low blow from the protagonist, while certainty in character it does makes the scene a bit of a damp squib.
Though slightly (and enjoyably) visceral in places "Skarsnik" shys away from outright or gratuitous gore. Suitable for anyone who bares in mind stabbin' will still happen.
The book has aspects of a rags to riches story in that Skarsnik starts out as the lowest of the low, the smallest of his brood (usually a death sentence) but gradually through care and cunning the goblin carves out his destiny as one of the greatest of his kind (no mean feat when trying form battleplans with a force that struggles to understand the basic concept of a map.) when the only creature that thinks of him as possibly just POSSIBLY more than an expendable runt is Duffskull, a particularly batty old shaman with a penchant for smoking and fungus beer.
My only criticism is that the occasional climatic moment happens off page and the odd long awaited showdown with an opponent is cut short by a low blow from the protagonist, while certainty in character it does makes the scene a bit of a damp squib.
Though slightly (and enjoyably) visceral in places "Skarsnik" shys away from outright or gratuitous gore. Suitable for anyone who bares in mind stabbin' will still happen.
April 13, 2023
Horrible world to explore. I didn't like the disgusting, evil creatures. I didn't like hearing about their atrocities. But, then it reminded me of the horrible place I grew up. My school in Liverpool, was just like the goblin world. (except for mass murder). Dog eat dog, bullying animals, biggest beating up the smallest, constant fear of what around the corner.
Then the story of Skarsniks rise to power was fascinating. His manipulation of his fellows and other races, his rise through the ranks, despite knock backs, was so interesting and believable in that evil world.
Then the story of Skarsniks rise to power was fascinating. His manipulation of his fellows and other races, his rise through the ranks, despite knock backs, was so interesting and believable in that evil world.
November 5, 2015
'The goblin chieftain Skarsnik’s name is known and feared throughout the Old World' - and it is known even after the End Times. Guy Haley are truly the most prominent author in Black Library and Fantasy genre in general. He truly shines with the greenskins. Only he would be ever able to create such a hated and at the same time amazing character. If you haven't read it - you should. And don't wait - do it now. Your ride would be fun and very very entertaining.
September 16, 2014
Finally a book on Warhammer's finest villain. It was always a worry how someone would tackle the greenskins, but Guy Haley has done a superb job. And he's made the 'hero' just as nasty as possible for everyone to get behind him. Awesome read, I just wish there were more stories to tell.
August 4, 2015
Talk about my cup of tea.
As a fan of stories about villains and underdogs, Haley did a wonderful job creating a character who was evil from the start and evil at the end without ever losing the support of the reader.
Excellent use of greenskins. Very true to their nature. Loved it.
As a fan of stories about villains and underdogs, Haley did a wonderful job creating a character who was evil from the start and evil at the end without ever losing the support of the reader.
Excellent use of greenskins. Very true to their nature. Loved it.
April 24, 2014
First Warhammer fantasy novel I've ever read and I must say that I am very impressed. I desperately want to know what happens afterwards which is a very good thing. The story was great and nicely written. I am going to read other books by that guy.
November 23, 2018
A Great Tale of Goblins
It's always tricky to write a tale of the weasely goblin folk given their penchant for cowardice and underhand dealing but Haley does it well. Interesting and particularly strong in the battle narratives. A Great book, well worth the read.
It's always tricky to write a tale of the weasely goblin folk given their penchant for cowardice and underhand dealing but Haley does it well. Interesting and particularly strong in the battle narratives. A Great book, well worth the read.
November 21, 2019
A very good book. I am a huge fan of Warhammer and I thought that this story was wonderful. If more people read it I feel that it would be as famous as The Hobbit. It has all the great qualities of a classic fantasy tale but from the bad guy's perspective. It was well written and easy to read.
December 13, 2013
A fantastically funny and entertaining read about one of the less well documented races of the Warhammer universe: the goblins!
http://www.weberseite.at/buecher/skar...
http://www.weberseite.at/buecher/skar...
January 18, 2014
I greatly enjoyed this, the Skarsnik is amoral and cruel and somehow you root for him, because he surrounded by beings just as cruel and a little less intelligent.
June 15, 2023
After cca 100 Warhammer novels, this was certainly a pleasure - easy to read, great story, a keen insight into greenskin's world AND language! Beautiful, will surely read again!
December 30, 2022
goblins life story - epic
Do you want to know what it is like growing up as a goblin? Skarsnik tells you.
Do you want to understand the goblin hierarchy? Skarsnik tells you.
Do you want an epic tale with rats, dwarfs, and goblins winning? Skarsnik tells you.
Epic adventure of our beloved goblin Skarsnik.
Do you want to know what it is like growing up as a goblin? Skarsnik tells you.
Do you want to understand the goblin hierarchy? Skarsnik tells you.
Do you want an epic tale with rats, dwarfs, and goblins winning? Skarsnik tells you.
Epic adventure of our beloved goblin Skarsnik.
May 1, 2025
Incredible read. So vivid and intense. It manages to balance comedy, action and horror brilliantly. It has you constantly bouncing between admiration and revulsion as our evil “hero” claws his way, inch by bloody inch, towards the throne. Basically it’s peak and Guy Haley is the king.
May 7, 2021
Watch my spoiler-free review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Y6L...
August 13, 2021
Warhammer book about goblins, specifically the Goblin Skarsnik. A bit over the top at times, but I have been told that is to be expected from Guy Haley.
March 18, 2023
A great insight to the most brutally cunning greenskin in the old world. He’s on a mission to be the next Grom and Mørk and Gork are with him.
February 15, 2024
This book was awesome! I really recommend it.
March 23, 2024
Ebic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
That runt is going places
January 6, 2025
Don't care I was 14, actually loved this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews