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Warhammer: The End Times #3
The Curse of Khaine
The End Times are coming. With Naggaroth besieged by the hordes of Chaos, the Witch King Malekith makes the decision to abandon the Land of Chill and make one final attempt to seize the throne of Ulthuan. As the druchii march upon the soil of their ancestral home once again, long-laid plans come to fruition and treachery blooms, bringing Malekith closer than ever to his goal. All that stands in the Witch King’s way is the Regent of Ulthuan, Prince Tyrion, and the darkness within Malekith’s own soul, the call of the Curse of Khaine.
The End Times have come to Ulthuan. This in absolute must read for any fan of the elves, or for that matter, pretty much anyone who reads Warhammer fiction. In this epic tale, a destiny denied for thousands of years will come to pass, the realm of the phoenix kings will fall, and a new order will rise from the ashes. Written by veteran elf author Gav Thorpe, this book is in many ways the conclusion of the Sundering series, set at the very birth of the elven nations.
The End Times have come to Ulthuan. This in absolute must read for any fan of the elves, or for that matter, pretty much anyone who reads Warhammer fiction. In this epic tale, a destiny denied for thousands of years will come to pass, the realm of the phoenix kings will fall, and a new order will rise from the ashes. Written by veteran elf author Gav Thorpe, this book is in many ways the conclusion of the Sundering series, set at the very birth of the elven nations.
390 pages, Hardcover
First published November 21, 2014
16 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Gav Thorpe
377 books576 followersGav spent 14 years as a developer for Games Workshop, and started writing novels and short stories in the worlds of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 when the Black Library imprint was launched in 1997.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 17, 2015
Be warned, this will be a spoiler free review of « the curse of Khaine ». The opinions expressed in it are my own, and will probably differ from some other reviews.
I have seen many reviews praising the story of the curse of Khaine, but after reading it, I feel like there is a misconception surrounding it. The events depicted in the book are epic in scope, world-changing, but in no way is it a great tale to read. It is like having a grade-B actor being praised for a great role, while he was just carried by the scenario.
First and foremost, this book differs in its structure from the other end times books. While in “Return of Nagash” and “The fall of Altdorf” we were constantly changing point of view between the different protagonists, here we are following Malekith at every pages. This a waste, since the destinies of so many heroes from the Warhammer universe are settled here. Teclis, Tyrion, Malus, Imrik, Alarielle, Alith Anar, Kouran, Morathi and so many others.
Many times I wanted to understand what they were thinking, how they felt about the war, and about Malekith. For exemple (and again, spoiler alert), when I was first introduced to the fact that Imrik and Teclis now sides with Malekith, all I wanted to know was how the felt, how they were dealing with their internal conflict and such. But no, you will be stuck behind the Witch King eyes for 400 pages.
And as the protagonist is imprisoned in the armor of midnight, I too felt stuck inside a virtual prison. I don’t know if it’s the author’s characterization of him, the character in itself, or my personal tastes, but Malekith is not a very charismatic protagonist. He is bitter, act like a self-important asshole, prone to burst of anger, and so intent on ruling the high elves that he did not consider he knows nothing of what he consider his people after 6000 years of estrangement. He does not feel competent as a leader, or seems outsmarted by the whole cast most of the time.
One thing to note is that I never read any novel featuring Malekith before, my knowledge of him being limited to the various army books published over the last 15 years. Still, I didn’t recognized the brilliant and malefic battle mage I liked all those years.
Anyway, back to this “prison” feeling.
There are some points in this book where you are being told some awesome events are happening far away, but you are never given the option to experience them. At one point in particular, you feel for yourself the boredom of Malekith who is waiting for news of the war without actually participating in it.
And that’s an important point, because for the ultimate battle of the Elven race, well… you barely see anything of it. Most battles are quickly described in a few pages, any hint of how epic they are supposed to be conveyed. Like many aspect of the book, I felt the author didn’t know how to build up the tension before throwing a big event at the reader.
For exemple : Like all the end times books, this one is divided into three parts (with no chronological hints this time, too much work I guess). At the end of part 1, you’re being told the Dark Elves are leaving Naggaroth and going to war. Part 2 begins directly during the first battle. No set up, no hints of what’s at stake, their objectives, and so on. This felt lazy. Like the battle parts were mandatory and the author wanted to get rid of them quickly. One good exemple is the appearance of Skarbrand during the first part. The greatest bloodthirster of Khorne is featured on 2 pages, the actual fight between him and Malekith being settled in a few lines (He stuck his sword in his head. The end).
If the characterization was good, it could have been overlooked, but I felt like the character of Malekith didn’t grow at all during the story. Or at least not enough. At some point he meditate on how pride sabotaged all his earlier chances of winning his war, and how he will not let this particular trait of his ruin is life anymore. Which is a step in the good direction. Sadly, 10 pages later, while he is escaping a temple collapsing on him, he stops short, telling Teclis he will not move any further if he doesn’t kneel before him. Great way to apply your new resolution, Malekith.
This “rushed” feeling during some parts of the book is worsened by the flashbacks.
Oh yes, the flashbacks.
Because instead of switching points of view like the other end-times novels, each chapter is interrupted half-point by a Flashback of Malekith’s life, which is supposed to reflect the current events of the chapter. Although they were welcomed in the first part of the book, it quickly become tiresome to see the action interrupted to read about the past, particularly because most of the time, it adds nothing to the perception of the story. Again, this point could have been overlooked, if the third part of the book didn’t felt so rushed.
What should have taken at least half of the book is described in the last 30 pages. Many seasons of war are described in a few lines. You barely know who does what, where are the characters, or what the hell is happening. Even the grand finale, the sinking of THE WHOLE KINGDOM OF THE ELVES is barely touched.
One thing I won’t spoil are the final lines of the book, which for me was the equivalent of a middle finger raised to my face.
I had an awful time reading this book. It was painful, frustrating, and worst of all, it cost me a fortune to even get it, due to being published in a very limited number. What’s even worst, is that this incredible event in the Warhammer universe has now been described in this book. It won’t ever been touched again.
I do not recommend this book. If you want to know about the story, just buy the game book. The events are told much more accurately, and you will spend less time on it for more enjoyement.
What a waste of potential.
[Edit] : I decided to grab the campaign rulebook for the game, and strongly recommend it to fully understand the events. Plot-hole free.
I have seen many reviews praising the story of the curse of Khaine, but after reading it, I feel like there is a misconception surrounding it. The events depicted in the book are epic in scope, world-changing, but in no way is it a great tale to read. It is like having a grade-B actor being praised for a great role, while he was just carried by the scenario.
First and foremost, this book differs in its structure from the other end times books. While in “Return of Nagash” and “The fall of Altdorf” we were constantly changing point of view between the different protagonists, here we are following Malekith at every pages. This a waste, since the destinies of so many heroes from the Warhammer universe are settled here. Teclis, Tyrion, Malus, Imrik, Alarielle, Alith Anar, Kouran, Morathi and so many others.
Many times I wanted to understand what they were thinking, how they felt about the war, and about Malekith. For exemple (and again, spoiler alert), when I was first introduced to the fact that Imrik and Teclis now sides with Malekith, all I wanted to know was how the felt, how they were dealing with their internal conflict and such. But no, you will be stuck behind the Witch King eyes for 400 pages.
And as the protagonist is imprisoned in the armor of midnight, I too felt stuck inside a virtual prison. I don’t know if it’s the author’s characterization of him, the character in itself, or my personal tastes, but Malekith is not a very charismatic protagonist. He is bitter, act like a self-important asshole, prone to burst of anger, and so intent on ruling the high elves that he did not consider he knows nothing of what he consider his people after 6000 years of estrangement. He does not feel competent as a leader, or seems outsmarted by the whole cast most of the time.
One thing to note is that I never read any novel featuring Malekith before, my knowledge of him being limited to the various army books published over the last 15 years. Still, I didn’t recognized the brilliant and malefic battle mage I liked all those years.
Anyway, back to this “prison” feeling.
There are some points in this book where you are being told some awesome events are happening far away, but you are never given the option to experience them. At one point in particular, you feel for yourself the boredom of Malekith who is waiting for news of the war without actually participating in it.
And that’s an important point, because for the ultimate battle of the Elven race, well… you barely see anything of it. Most battles are quickly described in a few pages, any hint of how epic they are supposed to be conveyed. Like many aspect of the book, I felt the author didn’t know how to build up the tension before throwing a big event at the reader.
For exemple : Like all the end times books, this one is divided into three parts (with no chronological hints this time, too much work I guess). At the end of part 1, you’re being told the Dark Elves are leaving Naggaroth and going to war. Part 2 begins directly during the first battle. No set up, no hints of what’s at stake, their objectives, and so on. This felt lazy. Like the battle parts were mandatory and the author wanted to get rid of them quickly. One good exemple is the appearance of Skarbrand during the first part. The greatest bloodthirster of Khorne is featured on 2 pages, the actual fight between him and Malekith being settled in a few lines (He stuck his sword in his head. The end).
If the characterization was good, it could have been overlooked, but I felt like the character of Malekith didn’t grow at all during the story. Or at least not enough. At some point he meditate on how pride sabotaged all his earlier chances of winning his war, and how he will not let this particular trait of his ruin is life anymore. Which is a step in the good direction. Sadly, 10 pages later, while he is escaping a temple collapsing on him, he stops short, telling Teclis he will not move any further if he doesn’t kneel before him. Great way to apply your new resolution, Malekith.
This “rushed” feeling during some parts of the book is worsened by the flashbacks.
Oh yes, the flashbacks.
Because instead of switching points of view like the other end-times novels, each chapter is interrupted half-point by a Flashback of Malekith’s life, which is supposed to reflect the current events of the chapter. Although they were welcomed in the first part of the book, it quickly become tiresome to see the action interrupted to read about the past, particularly because most of the time, it adds nothing to the perception of the story. Again, this point could have been overlooked, if the third part of the book didn’t felt so rushed.
What should have taken at least half of the book is described in the last 30 pages. Many seasons of war are described in a few lines. You barely know who does what, where are the characters, or what the hell is happening. Even the grand finale, the sinking of THE WHOLE KINGDOM OF THE ELVES is barely touched.
One thing I won’t spoil are the final lines of the book, which for me was the equivalent of a middle finger raised to my face.
I had an awful time reading this book. It was painful, frustrating, and worst of all, it cost me a fortune to even get it, due to being published in a very limited number. What’s even worst, is that this incredible event in the Warhammer universe has now been described in this book. It won’t ever been touched again.
I do not recommend this book. If you want to know about the story, just buy the game book. The events are told much more accurately, and you will spend less time on it for more enjoyement.
What a waste of potential.
[Edit] : I decided to grab the campaign rulebook for the game, and strongly recommend it to fully understand the events. Plot-hole free.
December 1, 2014
I feel numb after the ending of this book and the whole saga about the Elves from Warhammer. Majestic epic fantasy in which Gav Thorpe masterfully turned all tropes of the genre and his own story upside down. For the rest, words fail me! For now I will only say that this is probably the ending of the best epic fantasy I have ever read.
December 19, 2014
A lot better than Fall of Altdorf. The story is intriguing and fairly well written. The book does a great job at introducing the history of the Elves as well in a way that doesn't feel annoying even to people who know much about it already. I read this simultaneously with the big book Khaine and the two really do a great job in completing each other. Together I give them full 5/5.
November 26, 2014
Ulthuan goes down in the Viking death ship! Mass hysteria, cats and dogs living together... great stuff.
May 30, 2020
Some good high fantasy, but could do with more than one POV
November 12, 2021
I do not like elves. Now, when I cleared that, it may have something with the rating and experience overall :) :)
Well, the story, as much as I wanted liking it, felt forced and convulted. It revolved around Malekith and Moratti all too much. There are other great characters that are left out of the game and, thruthfully, some of them deserve more apreciation than this book gave them (like Teclis
Well, the story, as much as I wanted liking it, felt forced and convulted. It revolved around Malekith and Moratti all too much. There are other great characters that are left out of the game and, thruthfully, some of them deserve more apreciation than this book gave them (like Teclis
May 4, 2020
CAUTION HERE MAY BE SPOILERS!
First of all, I just want to say what a treat these End Times books are. So far every single one has been a five star read for me. A Warhammer fan couldn't be happier with the way the series is ending. And the Curse Of Khaine is no different. I thought it was going to be a slam dunk win for the elves, I mean, no way was the writer going to let the Druchi win? The good guys have to win the day right? Well if there is one thing these End Times novels are doing right it's taking your expectations and throwing them out the window. For the better.
The Good Stuff
- As I said I thought the good guys were going to win so imagine my surprise when just about everyone on the game board switches sides! I read the opening chapter before the book starts and it said that Teclis was working with Malekith and trying to stop Tyrion. And at first, I thought I must have been reading something wrong. Why is the good guy working with the bad guy to stop the supposed hero of the good guys?! Great twist, loved it.
- Some people have said there were too many flashbacks to the 3 Sundering books and I completely disagree. All in all, there was maybe 30 pages of flashbacks and all we're scattered throughout the book and we're completely necessary. Don't worry guys this isn't a Stephen King novel where we have chapters and chapters of flashbacks taking up one-third of the book. It was great getting to re-reading important events from those books that have their counterparts happening in modern times, especially if like me you haven't read those books in almost 10 years.
- Malekith was by far the MVP of this book, I loved how it was always his destiny to become the Phoenix King, I loved how he ended up becoming the saviour of the race he always -in his own twisted way- loved and tried to protect. Such a spin I never saw coming.
- This book had everything I want in an End Times novel, huge battles, great storylines, some series plot twists that I never saw coming and a good cliffhanger for the next books to pick up. And the ending of this one was...not what I expected, what with them finding safety as such but finding somewhere to hideout. But as the end lines said this is the end times and nowhere is safe for long. Great. It means Malekith has some time to lick his wounds and for him and his people to prepare because the final battle is coming and there is nowhere left to run or hide.
- Gotta say I did not like the Malis Darkblade book Deathblade and I tore it a new asshole on my review but after reading this I feel I need to go back and change it, this book saved it for me in some ways as the two are definitely supposed to be read together. Good job Gav Thorp👍🏻
- Oh, Morathi such a shame to see you die but good riddance, I always said that Malekiths weak spot was his mother. Good luck on the other side 😜
A great book and one definitely worthy of the title End Times, these three books have definitely set a high standard that I'm almost worried that the final two -3 including the final Gotrek and Felix tie in- books will not be able to resolve everything in a tidy acceptable way. But I have hope because in these End Times hope is all we have left 😜🙌🏻🙏🏻
First of all, I just want to say what a treat these End Times books are. So far every single one has been a five star read for me. A Warhammer fan couldn't be happier with the way the series is ending. And the Curse Of Khaine is no different. I thought it was going to be a slam dunk win for the elves, I mean, no way was the writer going to let the Druchi win? The good guys have to win the day right? Well if there is one thing these End Times novels are doing right it's taking your expectations and throwing them out the window. For the better.
The Good Stuff
- As I said I thought the good guys were going to win so imagine my surprise when just about everyone on the game board switches sides! I read the opening chapter before the book starts and it said that Teclis was working with Malekith and trying to stop Tyrion. And at first, I thought I must have been reading something wrong. Why is the good guy working with the bad guy to stop the supposed hero of the good guys?! Great twist, loved it.
- Some people have said there were too many flashbacks to the 3 Sundering books and I completely disagree. All in all, there was maybe 30 pages of flashbacks and all we're scattered throughout the book and we're completely necessary. Don't worry guys this isn't a Stephen King novel where we have chapters and chapters of flashbacks taking up one-third of the book. It was great getting to re-reading important events from those books that have their counterparts happening in modern times, especially if like me you haven't read those books in almost 10 years.
- Malekith was by far the MVP of this book, I loved how it was always his destiny to become the Phoenix King, I loved how he ended up becoming the saviour of the race he always -in his own twisted way- loved and tried to protect. Such a spin I never saw coming.
- This book had everything I want in an End Times novel, huge battles, great storylines, some series plot twists that I never saw coming and a good cliffhanger for the next books to pick up. And the ending of this one was...not what I expected, what with them finding safety as such but finding somewhere to hideout. But as the end lines said this is the end times and nowhere is safe for long. Great. It means Malekith has some time to lick his wounds and for him and his people to prepare because the final battle is coming and there is nowhere left to run or hide.
- Gotta say I did not like the Malis Darkblade book Deathblade and I tore it a new asshole on my review but after reading this I feel I need to go back and change it, this book saved it for me in some ways as the two are definitely supposed to be read together. Good job Gav Thorp👍🏻
- Oh, Morathi such a shame to see you die but good riddance, I always said that Malekiths weak spot was his mother. Good luck on the other side 😜
A great book and one definitely worthy of the title End Times, these three books have definitely set a high standard that I'm almost worried that the final two -3 including the final Gotrek and Felix tie in- books will not be able to resolve everything in a tidy acceptable way. But I have hope because in these End Times hope is all we have left 😜🙌🏻🙏🏻
December 23, 2014
I enjoyed this story a lot, but I'm giving it a lower rating due to it feeling like over a third of the book was copy & pasted from Time of Legends rather than new End Times material
May 28, 2023
Malekith is an extremely boring protagonist and the book is exclusively told from his viewpoint. He is entirely useless anytime he has to stand up to a named character and it gets predictable and boring to follow him around. In addition, a being that is thousands of years old is constantly throwing tantrums, that a twelve-year-old would consider overdramatic.
In general, the elven storyline in End Times is one of the worst ones, because it made 180 turn from what was established throughout the lifespan of Warhammer Fantasy. This is not Gav Thorpe's fault, but it surely does not help with the suspension of disbelief. The idea of Malekith being the true Phoenix King had merit in it, but (due to time shortage, as GW wanted to set fire to the universe, I think) it isn't explored and developed nearly enough, with proper reactions from the parties involved.
The strength of Gav Thorpe for me lies in short epic speeches and scenes, which here he is not allowed to do, as we have to follow Malekith hiding and only hear about major battles (which is another cons of the book). All in all, the weakest book in the series, had to take a break mid-read, as it got tiring listening to the whining of the Witch King and reliving the death of my favorite setting (and favorite part in it).
In general, the elven storyline in End Times is one of the worst ones, because it made 180 turn from what was established throughout the lifespan of Warhammer Fantasy. This is not Gav Thorpe's fault, but it surely does not help with the suspension of disbelief. The idea of Malekith being the true Phoenix King had merit in it, but (due to time shortage, as GW wanted to set fire to the universe, I think) it isn't explored and developed nearly enough, with proper reactions from the parties involved.
The strength of Gav Thorpe for me lies in short epic speeches and scenes, which here he is not allowed to do, as we have to follow Malekith hiding and only hear about major battles (which is another cons of the book). All in all, the weakest book in the series, had to take a break mid-read, as it got tiring listening to the whining of the Witch King and reliving the death of my favorite setting (and favorite part in it).
April 13, 2018
Wow, I was really shocked by how much I enjoyed this, since I find elves in the Old World pretty dull, and the kinda-sorta crossover book, Darkblade, I didn't much care for.
This book gets a lot of scorn, it seems, and I THINK the reasoning is because Malekith, one of the big bads of the WHF world, is pretty quickly proved "right" in this final entry, and Tyrion, of the much-beloved Tyrion & Teclis, does actually fall to the curse of Khaine (as ... I thought was the obvious end for at least one of them) and becomes the big bad guy.
As much as the fans love their grimdark, I think they have soft spots deep down for certain characters.
There were a LOT of sections in this that felt like they MUST have been covered elsewhere, especially the Malekith "old old times" trilogy. I wondered if the italicized sections were just snippets from other books, or what. It felt like Cliff's Notes of a lot of other books jammed in here. I'm worried that I've ruined my hopeful eventual read of the Malekith books because of this. Oh well. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to finishing off the Old World soon.
This book gets a lot of scorn, it seems, and I THINK the reasoning is because Malekith, one of the big bads of the WHF world, is pretty quickly proved "right" in this final entry, and Tyrion, of the much-beloved Tyrion & Teclis, does actually fall to the curse of Khaine (as ... I thought was the obvious end for at least one of them) and becomes the big bad guy.
As much as the fans love their grimdark, I think they have soft spots deep down for certain characters.
There were a LOT of sections in this that felt like they MUST have been covered elsewhere, especially the Malekith "old old times" trilogy. I wondered if the italicized sections were just snippets from other books, or what. It felt like Cliff's Notes of a lot of other books jammed in here. I'm worried that I've ruined my hopeful eventual read of the Malekith books because of this. Oh well. In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to finishing off the Old World soon.
March 2, 2024
Libro distinto a los anteriores de la saga, enfocado en un único protagonista en torno al cuál gira la trama, y donde se empiezan a ver las repercusiones de los sucesos de los anteriores. La primera mitad se me hizo algo lenta, pero fue compensada con una segunda parte mucho más intensa, con una muy interesante redirección de la historia y una conclusión muy satisfactoria. Como punto positivo adicional, me encanta la perversión y redescubrimiento de la historia del héroe que fundamenta al personaje de Malekith, sin duda lo mejor que ofrece esta novela.
November 7, 2024
This is such a Thorpian novel in every single way. The protagonists look like chumps, elves are made to die in droves due to bullshit reasons, the characters behave in manners inconsistent with how they were previously written, and nobody comes out of it looking good.
The End Times was some of the worst writing, and this book is a demonstration of that.
Gav, you need to not touch anything related to Elves, ever. Not Eldar, not Warhammer Fantasy Elves, not AoS Aelves. Elves are banned for you.
The End Times was some of the worst writing, and this book is a demonstration of that.
Gav, you need to not touch anything related to Elves, ever. Not Eldar, not Warhammer Fantasy Elves, not AoS Aelves. Elves are banned for you.
May 13, 2024
A good book, and yet…
This was a very good book. It took a character that seemed to be the firm antagonist of the elves and made him into a somewhat redeemed being. While you can’t get rid of 6000 years of bitterness and hatred, it was good to see Malekith become what he was always meant to be.
And yet…just like Game of Thrones, it’s hard to see such a great story unfold when you know the ending will the last thing you ever wanted.
This was a very good book. It took a character that seemed to be the firm antagonist of the elves and made him into a somewhat redeemed being. While you can’t get rid of 6000 years of bitterness and hatred, it was good to see Malekith become what he was always meant to be.
And yet…just like Game of Thrones, it’s hard to see such a great story unfold when you know the ending will the last thing you ever wanted.
August 13, 2019
retcons so much of high elves / dark elves lore that it is hard to tell it is the same universe. And the characters are seem to just be doing what is necessary to get from point A to B regardless if it makes sense.
November 8, 2021
The thing is, this book was quite hard to read. And in addition, since I'm not that well-versed in the Warhammer universe, a couple explanations of the world would've been nice.
But then, even thought this book was hard to follow, I had an amount of fun reading it and it was quite epic.
But then, even thought this book was hard to follow, I had an amount of fun reading it and it was quite epic.
October 22, 2019
Malekith vol zwei. everything I wrote to review of Malekith is also applied here. It is a nice book with nice story but oftentimes feels like a history lesson
October 1, 2020
Good with the backstory is disclosed
July 5, 2023
Wow, this was an extraordinarily boring book. Every character behaved nothing like their past would suggest, and were just dumb at all times. Just skip it.
January 5, 2024
This book is a LONG trudge. This book is entirely inter-character political intrigue and I had to reread several portions because the back and forth in sections is really heavy.
August 24, 2024
Epic ending to Malekith's saga
Great story, wraps up the drama of the asur and druchi. Malekith's story arc is resolved and it all comes to a head.
Great story, wraps up the drama of the asur and druchi. Malekith's story arc is resolved and it all comes to a head.
March 25, 2025
Algo mejor que los dos anteriores pero sigue siendo más de lo mismo, se deja leer
June 7, 2025
Elven bickering at its most tedious.
June 30, 2025
Amazing
Maybe one of the best books I have read, brilliantly tying the stories of Ulthuan together. An excellent read for any fantasy enjoyer.
Maybe one of the best books I have read, brilliantly tying the stories of Ulthuan together. An excellent read for any fantasy enjoyer.
October 30, 2025
slow start.
September 18, 2018
Esta épica novela narra el desenlace de la historia de los elfos de Warhammer Fantasy, un último episodio en el que el conflicto entre elfos oscuros y altos elfos llega a su fin. Con Malekith como protagonista principal, Gav Thorpe sumerge al lector de lleno en el personaje del Rey Brujo y en las reflexiones de su amargo pasado, todas ellas paralelas a los eventos que se van desarrollando en su guerra final sobre la isla de Ulthuan.
Sin duda uno de los mejores libros de la saga de El Fin de los Tiempos. El personaje de Malekith es sublime y su evolución a lo largo de la historia lo hace aún más interesante. La novela entrelaza los eventos del presente con "flashbacks" del pasado, todos ellos desde el punto de vista de Malekith, dando como resultado una historia que encierra el inicio y el desenlace de los más de seis milenios de amargo conflicto entre elfos.
Totalmente recomendada para los fans de Warhammer Fantasy.
Sin duda uno de los mejores libros de la saga de El Fin de los Tiempos. El personaje de Malekith es sublime y su evolución a lo largo de la historia lo hace aún más interesante. La novela entrelaza los eventos del presente con "flashbacks" del pasado, todos ellos desde el punto de vista de Malekith, dando como resultado una historia que encierra el inicio y el desenlace de los más de seis milenios de amargo conflicto entre elfos.
Totalmente recomendada para los fans de Warhammer Fantasy.
November 16, 2015
The Curse of Khaine liegt auf den Nachfahren des Aenarion. Malekith strebt nach der Krone und der Herrschaft über ganz Ulthuan. Im entgegen steht der grosse Held, Tyrion.
In diesem weiteren Teil der End Times Serie geht die Handlung wunderbar weiter, man merkt, dass die End Times sich dem Höhepunkt - dem Ende - nähern.
Störend sind jedoch die vielen Rückblicke auf das Leben des Malekith im Buch. Das kommt ca. zwanzig Mal vor und stört ein wenig den, hm, nein nicht den Lesefluss, aber die Geschwindigkeit der Handlung an sich. Manches davon hat man auch schon in der Sundering-Trilogie gelesen und manches wird sogar im Buch zweimal gebracht. Daher doch ein wenig Punkteabzug, auch wenn ich mich schon auf den nächsten Teil der End Times freue.
In diesem weiteren Teil der End Times Serie geht die Handlung wunderbar weiter, man merkt, dass die End Times sich dem Höhepunkt - dem Ende - nähern.
Störend sind jedoch die vielen Rückblicke auf das Leben des Malekith im Buch. Das kommt ca. zwanzig Mal vor und stört ein wenig den, hm, nein nicht den Lesefluss, aber die Geschwindigkeit der Handlung an sich. Manches davon hat man auch schon in der Sundering-Trilogie gelesen und manches wird sogar im Buch zweimal gebracht. Daher doch ein wenig Punkteabzug, auch wenn ich mich schon auf den nächsten Teil der End Times freue.
March 6, 2015
We’ve seen Nagash rise and Altdorf fall, and now it’s the turn of the elves to get involved in the events of the End Times. Accompanying the Khaine background book comes The Curse of Khaine by Gav Thorpe, which follows Malekith, the Witch King of the dark elves, as he leads his entire race in battle against his high elf cousins. It’s the natural continuation of his long-running arc as in the chaos and confusion of the End Times, Malekith sees the opportunity to finally claim what he sees as his birthright, although along the way things don’t quite end up how he expected.
Read the rest of the review at https://trackofwords.wordpress.com/20...
Read the rest of the review at https://trackofwords.wordpress.com/20...
January 28, 2015
Epic in scope, but I found the constant flashbacks to be unnecessary, and their interruption of the present narrative to be a detriment. The pacing is uneven at times, especially toward the end where were the story becomes a blur. I would have liked to see additional perspectives on the events/ distant action that is only briefly described...perhaps these will be fleshed out short stories/novellas to be released in the future.
January 4, 2022
So much Elven lore is brought forth, which is great for me as much I have forgotten. Enjoyed the read, and following more of my favorite characters. It will never get easy reading about so many cool characters falling in battle. But The End Times are truly living up to their name.
May 17, 2015
Too many flashbacks...
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