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Warhammer
Ancient Blood
Driven out of the Empire, nomadic feral vampires make an epic trek through the Black Mountains in search of their ancient homeland, ignorant of the vampire kin that trail them as prey.
409 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 21, 2022
This is a book that suffers immensely from false advertising. From its cover and the name "Ancient BLOOD", you'd think it was about the blood sucking fiends, the Strigoi, and it's even included in the Vampire Counts omnibus, leading you to believe it'd be about, you know, vampires. But in reality, it's mainly about the Strigany, Warhammer's equivalent of gypsies(Romani if you want to be politically correct). The Strigoi are there, but as sort of an afterthought.
The novel follows a band of strigany as they defend themselves from the onslaught of persecution by greedy elector counts and bloodthirsty mercenaries. This premise, though not pivotal to the lore, is interesting in and of itself; characters such as Chera who struggles with her own ugliness and Brock who is torn by anxiety over the fate of his people provide neat subplots to follow and people to root for.
By the third chapter though, I, like most people probably, was asking myself, "Where the bloody hell are the vampires?" They're there, but they only appear in an unnecessary subplot involving the aforementioned elector counts that goes nowhere.
That's the main issue with this book, in my opinion. It has good writing, good characters, the Strigany are interesting, but the main premise feels like it's building up to something that never occurs. There's a major conflict that doesn't go anywhere, the Strigany make as if to migrate but we never see it happen, the Strigoi, Ushoran, makes plans to reunite with his people but never does; it feels very much like an incomplete story.
The novel follows a band of strigany as they defend themselves from the onslaught of persecution by greedy elector counts and bloodthirsty mercenaries. This premise, though not pivotal to the lore, is interesting in and of itself; characters such as Chera who struggles with her own ugliness and Brock who is torn by anxiety over the fate of his people provide neat subplots to follow and people to root for.
By the third chapter though, I, like most people probably, was asking myself, "Where the bloody hell are the vampires?" They're there, but they only appear in an unnecessary subplot involving the aforementioned elector counts that goes nowhere.
That's the main issue with this book, in my opinion. It has good writing, good characters, the Strigany are interesting, but the main premise feels like it's building up to something that never occurs. There's a major conflict that doesn't go anywhere, the Strigany make as if to migrate but we never see it happen, the Strigoi, Ushoran, makes plans to reunite with his people but never does; it feels very much like an incomplete story.
May 27, 2018
This Warhammer Vampire book was my favourite because it focused on my two favourite groups, the Strigani (Like the romani gypsies of old) and the Strigoi Vampires. This novel had a very eastern european atmosphere to it.
December 24, 2017
I admit, I bought this based off the cover blurb, thinking it was about the Strigoi vampire clan. After all, the blurb says it's about them being pursued across the old world by their kin. Instead, what you get is an entire book about the Strigany, Warhammer's version of the gypsies.
Earl has written an interesting book detailing the lives of the Strigany and their flight from prosecution in the Empire. The story itself does contain vampire elements, and those are handled really well, Earl managing to keep them beasts while also having the noble elements of their ancient bloodline. But these are overshadowed by the rest of the story.
Overall, the story itself is rather slow and uninteresting. There is a large battle involving mercenaries, which I thought was odd as they are an older element of the Warhammer world and no longer really relevant, kind of like the Strigany themselves. Rather, they are side fluff that, though interesting, really only work as side elements in stories, not full elements themselves.
In the end, while not a terrible book, it was not what the book blurb promised, nor was it about vampires at all. The writing is fairly good, the overall story does have its moments, and it's worth a read if you want to learn more about some of the side details of the Warhammer fantasy world, but just be warned that this book is not what it says it is. If you are looking for vampire fiction, there are other books out there that handle it far, far better.
Earl has written an interesting book detailing the lives of the Strigany and their flight from prosecution in the Empire. The story itself does contain vampire elements, and those are handled really well, Earl managing to keep them beasts while also having the noble elements of their ancient bloodline. But these are overshadowed by the rest of the story.
Overall, the story itself is rather slow and uninteresting. There is a large battle involving mercenaries, which I thought was odd as they are an older element of the Warhammer world and no longer really relevant, kind of like the Strigany themselves. Rather, they are side fluff that, though interesting, really only work as side elements in stories, not full elements themselves.
In the end, while not a terrible book, it was not what the book blurb promised, nor was it about vampires at all. The writing is fairly good, the overall story does have its moments, and it's worth a read if you want to learn more about some of the side details of the Warhammer fantasy world, but just be warned that this book is not what it says it is. If you are looking for vampire fiction, there are other books out there that handle it far, far better.
August 7, 2022
Another great tale by Robert Earl. That's the main point.
First in went to Lustria now we learn about about the Striganny and the Strigoi. For what I know, the other Lorenzo books he goes to Brettonia and Ogre Kingdoms. The Corrupted (which I have already read) is set on a empire city and The Chaos Wastes.
If you like to learn about the Olde World inhabittants and beasts then this is a book for you. If you like Striganny and Strigoi then this is the book for you. Here you will learn about their life, their problems, the relation with the Strigoi (Old Fathers) and their god Ushoran. You will also learn more about Their past and future.
The book sets as the elector count of Averland and Stirland want to rid the Olde World of the Striganny. For that he enlists other powerful lords and amass a huge army of mercenaries led by a ruthless commander. The Striganny in the other hand just want to continue their life but are pushed together to Flintmar where they are told they will be safe. There they must join, instead of fighting independently, because each caravan is led by a Domnu (leader) and a Petru (a magic person) and renew old pacts. The Strigoi which we learn are the protectors of the Striganny people (pay attention to chapter 13, to me one of the best fluff scenes in any warhammer books) aid them from the shadows. Here Ushoran the leader of the Strigoi and God of the Strigany make a decision to reinstate the old court of Morkhai, destroyed by Orcs several millenia before. The Striganny also make the decision if they go to Morkhai or stay and be hunted in the Empire. The ending is good and leaves the author with the possibility of another book but I don't think he will do it because the ending is quite good this way.
The characters are solid and remind me of Gypsies (of course) of old times. Not the nowadays gypsies but the gypsies of europe that travel between cities in circus and traders. Averland and the commander of the mercenary army are quite good as well but Ushoran is undoubtly the best character there. I didn't knew about him and now... I do.
The battle scenes are fast and good, never dwelling much on independent fights but as a whole.
I recommend as I said to anyone who wants to learn more about the Vampire Strigoi, Ushoran, Strigany, Dogs of War and the Empire in the time of the Three Emperors.
First in went to Lustria now we learn about about the Striganny and the Strigoi. For what I know, the other Lorenzo books he goes to Brettonia and Ogre Kingdoms. The Corrupted (which I have already read) is set on a empire city and The Chaos Wastes.
If you like to learn about the Olde World inhabittants and beasts then this is a book for you. If you like Striganny and Strigoi then this is the book for you. Here you will learn about their life, their problems, the relation with the Strigoi (Old Fathers) and their god Ushoran. You will also learn more about Their past and future.
The book sets as the elector count of Averland and Stirland want to rid the Olde World of the Striganny. For that he enlists other powerful lords and amass a huge army of mercenaries led by a ruthless commander. The Striganny in the other hand just want to continue their life but are pushed together to Flintmar where they are told they will be safe. There they must join, instead of fighting independently, because each caravan is led by a Domnu (leader) and a Petru (a magic person) and renew old pacts. The Strigoi which we learn are the protectors of the Striganny people (pay attention to chapter 13, to me one of the best fluff scenes in any warhammer books) aid them from the shadows. Here Ushoran the leader of the Strigoi and God of the Strigany make a decision to reinstate the old court of Morkhai, destroyed by Orcs several millenia before. The Striganny also make the decision if they go to Morkhai or stay and be hunted in the Empire. The ending is good and leaves the author with the possibility of another book but I don't think he will do it because the ending is quite good this way.
The characters are solid and remind me of Gypsies (of course) of old times. Not the nowadays gypsies but the gypsies of europe that travel between cities in circus and traders. Averland and the commander of the mercenary army are quite good as well but Ushoran is undoubtly the best character there. I didn't knew about him and now... I do.
The battle scenes are fast and good, never dwelling much on independent fights but as a whole.
I recommend as I said to anyone who wants to learn more about the Vampire Strigoi, Ushoran, Strigany, Dogs of War and the Empire in the time of the Three Emperors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2014
This was my first book by Robert Earl, in short, it's an extremely violent portrayal of a violent world.
While the book is centered around violence, there are a few memorable characters in this book, which is not always the case in Warhammer fiction.
With that being said, there isn't TOO much introduction time, it's just enough to get a connection with the protagonists and antagonists, and to care about the blood that they spill.
I'll be looking up more of Robert Earl's books, I find the way he describes combat and violence to be just tasteless enough for me to thoroughly enjoy every line he writes.
It gets a strong 4 out of 5, stopping just short of 5, only because I've been able to lay it down rather than read it through in one sitting.
If you sometimes feel as if though Warhammer books lack in gritty violence, you'll love this book.
While the book is centered around violence, there are a few memorable characters in this book, which is not always the case in Warhammer fiction.
With that being said, there isn't TOO much introduction time, it's just enough to get a connection with the protagonists and antagonists, and to care about the blood that they spill.
I'll be looking up more of Robert Earl's books, I find the way he describes combat and violence to be just tasteless enough for me to thoroughly enjoy every line he writes.
It gets a strong 4 out of 5, stopping just short of 5, only because I've been able to lay it down rather than read it through in one sitting.
If you sometimes feel as if though Warhammer books lack in gritty violence, you'll love this book.
July 26, 2020
Ok, until now, my favorite book from Warhammer Fantasy universe was Witch Hunter, but right now, I'm not sure anymore. This book is excellent. Dark, violent, but with memorable characters. Also, this middle/easter European theme adds more spice than typical Good Empire and Bad Chaos.
Earl is not a fantastic writer, but I didn't find any amazing writer to write stories for games themed books. But he has the talent to write an easy-to-follow book, with tasteful combat scenes and an exciting plot. A fight for the Khazarkhan title was one of the better-written duels I have read. You can felt the violence, the fear, and lack of happiness from the victory there.
Do I recommend it? Well, yes, if you like Warhammer, otherwise there are many other books on the market.
Earl is not a fantastic writer, but I didn't find any amazing writer to write stories for games themed books. But he has the talent to write an easy-to-follow book, with tasteful combat scenes and an exciting plot. A fight for the Khazarkhan title was one of the better-written duels I have read. You can felt the violence, the fear, and lack of happiness from the victory there.
Do I recommend it? Well, yes, if you like Warhammer, otherwise there are many other books on the market.
December 12, 2021
While I'll agree with the general consensus about the title and cover art misleadingly suggesting this is a Warhammer novel about vampires when most of the text has to do with the Strigany, it makes narrative sense to follow that path. This isn't an armybook and a heavier focus on vampires for these 400+ pages would reduce the magic and mystery that surrounds them. Just go into the book knowing what to expect (and what not) and stick with it, everything is tied together in the end and makes sense.
April 17, 2020
This is a genuinely bad book. It's not only poorly written and not proofread, it lacks a third act, ending abruptly with no actual conclusion. But, the real problem is that his fantasy Roma just perpetuate the actual stereotypes that lead to real persecution of the Roma in our world.
August 28, 2024
I honestly wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I do. This is a classic dark fantasy novel and I love how relatable the characters are, even when situations escalate out of control. Only complaint is that there isn't a sequel.
August 13, 2016
Robert Earl is not an amazing writer, but I really dig his style (weirdly, I tried Florin & Lorenzo years ago & didn't enjoy it as much). Both of his non-F&L tales I've read so far have a kind of rambling, ensemble manner about them ... oftentimes plotlines get dropped or thrown in your face out of anywhere.
Essentially this is the tale of the Strigany in one specific region of the Old World (I can't remember precisely where) getting a death warrant against them unless they go to one specific "town" (really just a desolate abandoned area near the mountains. All sorts of fun sideplots emerge - one young man is kind of a prodigal son, while he & another man fall in love with a girl, etc., etc. The creature on the cover only appears in like three scenes, but they're probably the most fun out of the whole book.
Not something I'd ever want to read again, but definitely a fun, swift ride.
Essentially this is the tale of the Strigany in one specific region of the Old World (I can't remember precisely where) getting a death warrant against them unless they go to one specific "town" (really just a desolate abandoned area near the mountains. All sorts of fun sideplots emerge - one young man is kind of a prodigal son, while he & another man fall in love with a girl, etc., etc. The creature on the cover only appears in like three scenes, but they're probably the most fun out of the whole book.
Not something I'd ever want to read again, but definitely a fun, swift ride.
August 8, 2011
Pretty good, though misleading back cover. It's much more about the Strigany than the Strigoi. An unexpected look at several regiments of reknown, though I hope this isn't how GW is planning on ending the DOW for the game...
May 26, 2017
Gypsies & Vampires. Good stuff. =)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews