What do you think?
Rate this book
Warhammer 40,000
Survival Instinct
In the nightmare industrial underworld of Necromunda, brutal gangs clash in desperate battles to increase their standing with the rich decadent families who occupy the uppermost spire of their teeming hive city.
D'onne "Mad Donna" Ulanti is a loose cannon, an unhinged maniac with a vicious streak a mile wide. Yet, unknown to many, she began her life as the daughter of a noble, high up in the spire. When a mysterious guilder approaches her with secrets to her past, D'onne and her Escher allies are thrust into a fight for survival where treachery, deceit and murder are the least of her troubles!
Gritty, extreme science fiction with no holds barred, Survival Instinct is Necromunda at its best: dark, bizarre and dangerous as hell.
D'onne "Mad Donna" Ulanti is a loose cannon, an unhinged maniac with a vicious streak a mile wide. Yet, unknown to many, she began her life as the daughter of a noble, high up in the spire. When a mysterious guilder approaches her with secrets to her past, D'onne and her Escher allies are thrust into a fight for survival where treachery, deceit and murder are the least of her troubles!
Gritty, extreme science fiction with no holds barred, Survival Instinct is Necromunda at its best: dark, bizarre and dangerous as hell.
- GenresScience Fiction40k
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 24, 2005
13 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 4, 2023
Started strong, but it slowed a lot towards the end. Not a bad read in the 40k world.
September 24, 2023
Hits a 4/4.5
This is the first full novel in the Necromunda universe, written by Andy Chambers who is also a game designer behind the scenes. This is also Chambers' first full length novel. Survival Instinct comes out quite a few years after the initial anthology Status: Deadzone, which was a book that covered short stories written for the first edition of the game. However, this book launches a new string of novels after the release of the 2nd edition of the game: Necromunda: Underhive.
This novel is the first to introduce us to the character D'onne Ulanti, who fled from the noble house Ulanti into the Underhive to carve a new name for herself with chainsword in hand as Mad Donna. Chambers brings us on a tale of revenge that is some what more uniquely arranged. In order to follow Donna's motivations Chambers intersperses chapters of her history which drove her to leave the Underhive and go even deeper.
Chambers does an excellent job of making this a solidly exciting tale with great characters throughout. It's a great first showing for a first novel, even if the writing can get a little bit clunky at times. However, as far as the story goes it's everything you'd want out of a Necromunda novel. It starts with someone tracking down Mad Donna and using her real name, which prompts her to go hunt down the original culprit. This seems strange, until we get deeper into Donna's background history of why she left the Spire and the circumstances surrounding that.
I was kind of surprised the journey brings us to so many various places. We go through a few different settlements and eventually get all the way to Down Town which is near the Sump Sea. Along the way we meet some Escher friends of Donna's that help her on her quest and I thought their inclusion was a great addition to the story. A major player in this was a Delaque duo that was a real thorn in her side. So, as far as a the game goes, we could kind of imagine this as a battle between the Delaque and the Escher.
The one and only criticism I can really level at this is that we never get to find out what happened to Donna's Escher friends at the end. We can sort of imagine they get away, but while the ending is wrapped up well for Donna, I felt like Chambers was a bit long winded on some descriptions and ran out of room to tell us everything in the end. However, this is merely the first installment, so maybe we will find out in future novels?
Either way, I thought this first foray into a Necromunda was a lot of fun. If you're a fan of that universe, you'll find this enjoyable to some degree I'm sure. I did like it a lot more than the short story anthology that first appeared. I'm glad they're going into full length novels, because this kind of setting really deserves it, just as Warhammer 40k does. I'm really looking forward to reading the next Necromunda novel at this point as well, so, till next time!
This is the first full novel in the Necromunda universe, written by Andy Chambers who is also a game designer behind the scenes. This is also Chambers' first full length novel. Survival Instinct comes out quite a few years after the initial anthology Status: Deadzone, which was a book that covered short stories written for the first edition of the game. However, this book launches a new string of novels after the release of the 2nd edition of the game: Necromunda: Underhive.
This novel is the first to introduce us to the character D'onne Ulanti, who fled from the noble house Ulanti into the Underhive to carve a new name for herself with chainsword in hand as Mad Donna. Chambers brings us on a tale of revenge that is some what more uniquely arranged. In order to follow Donna's motivations Chambers intersperses chapters of her history which drove her to leave the Underhive and go even deeper.
Chambers does an excellent job of making this a solidly exciting tale with great characters throughout. It's a great first showing for a first novel, even if the writing can get a little bit clunky at times. However, as far as the story goes it's everything you'd want out of a Necromunda novel. It starts with someone tracking down Mad Donna and using her real name, which prompts her to go hunt down the original culprit. This seems strange, until we get deeper into Donna's background history of why she left the Spire and the circumstances surrounding that.
I was kind of surprised the journey brings us to so many various places. We go through a few different settlements and eventually get all the way to Down Town which is near the Sump Sea. Along the way we meet some Escher friends of Donna's that help her on her quest and I thought their inclusion was a great addition to the story. A major player in this was a Delaque duo that was a real thorn in her side. So, as far as a the game goes, we could kind of imagine this as a battle between the Delaque and the Escher.
The one and only criticism I can really level at this is that we never get to find out what happened to Donna's Escher friends at the end. We can sort of imagine they get away, but while the ending is wrapped up well for Donna, I felt like Chambers was a bit long winded on some descriptions and ran out of room to tell us everything in the end. However, this is merely the first installment, so maybe we will find out in future novels?
Either way, I thought this first foray into a Necromunda was a lot of fun. If you're a fan of that universe, you'll find this enjoyable to some degree I'm sure. I did like it a lot more than the short story anthology that first appeared. I'm glad they're going into full length novels, because this kind of setting really deserves it, just as Warhammer 40k does. I'm really looking forward to reading the next Necromunda novel at this point as well, so, till next time!
February 1, 2018
Andy Chambers’ classic 2005 Necromunda novel Survival Instinct is the story of spire-born noblewoman turned underhive legend D’onne Ulanti, otherwise known as ‘Mad’ Donna. After receiving a message which dredges up ancient history, Donna finds herself on a danger-filled journey that leads ever-deeper into the underhive, and the dark corners of her past.
It’s very much a child of its time, so it’s not particularly sophisticated; the plot is simple but effective, the writing is very readable if not technically outstanding, and the supporting characters aren’t especially well developed…but everything is so well rooted in the setting that it just doesn’t matter. While it’s harsh to call those flaws considering the nature of this book – its objectives at the time were surely to sell Necromunda and tell an entertaining tale – those…characteristics…rather bely the fact that this is actually a pretty well-constructed story. It’s all just great fun – a bit silly, and hardly original, but hugely entertaining all the same.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/01/...
It’s very much a child of its time, so it’s not particularly sophisticated; the plot is simple but effective, the writing is very readable if not technically outstanding, and the supporting characters aren’t especially well developed…but everything is so well rooted in the setting that it just doesn’t matter. While it’s harsh to call those flaws considering the nature of this book – its objectives at the time were surely to sell Necromunda and tell an entertaining tale – those…characteristics…rather bely the fact that this is actually a pretty well-constructed story. It’s all just great fun – a bit silly, and hardly original, but hugely entertaining all the same.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/01/...
August 7, 2022
This novel was the first alongside CS Goto Salvation about Necromunda. The most famous Hive planet in the galaxy. It's here that the Imperial fists draw their recruits.
This tale is composed with 11 named chapters and each one divided with memories from our protagonist which added depth and history to her.
This tale we follow the adventures of Mad'Donna Ulanti, a hive noble living in the underhive to escape a past. From the beginning of our tale we begin to learn about the life in the Underhive and the schemes of the Hive City. We learn about the Houses and gangs and how are they related albeit superficially. We follow her as she tries to uncover who his after her and why. We visit plenty of sites in the Underhive as Glory Hole, Cliff Wall, Dust Falls, Two Tunnels and then Downtown. The end is near the Sump. There is plenty of confrontations, battles against ratskins, scavies and other strange beings. There is also a huge battle against scavies led by Mad'Donna with the help of all the gangs and enforcers. Quite interesting.
If you want to read about the Necromunda life or Mad'Donna, or the game itself then go ahead. Or if you want to read each and every book Black Library printed, as I, then go straight ahead. Andy Chambers wrote a interesting tale but at times it was a bit confusing. The characters besides the main characters are blank and weak. There are also some typos (Delaque, Delauqe and such) but nothing that make you wanna stop.
This tale is composed with 11 named chapters and each one divided with memories from our protagonist which added depth and history to her.
This tale we follow the adventures of Mad'Donna Ulanti, a hive noble living in the underhive to escape a past. From the beginning of our tale we begin to learn about the life in the Underhive and the schemes of the Hive City. We learn about the Houses and gangs and how are they related albeit superficially. We follow her as she tries to uncover who his after her and why. We visit plenty of sites in the Underhive as Glory Hole, Cliff Wall, Dust Falls, Two Tunnels and then Downtown. The end is near the Sump. There is plenty of confrontations, battles against ratskins, scavies and other strange beings. There is also a huge battle against scavies led by Mad'Donna with the help of all the gangs and enforcers. Quite interesting.
If you want to read about the Necromunda life or Mad'Donna, or the game itself then go ahead. Or if you want to read each and every book Black Library printed, as I, then go straight ahead. Andy Chambers wrote a interesting tale but at times it was a bit confusing. The characters besides the main characters are blank and weak. There are also some typos (Delaque, Delauqe and such) but nothing that make you wanna stop.
January 16, 2018
As a big fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, I'll usually give these novels a pass and see them for what they are: pulpy science-fiction set in an utterly grimdark world, with mediocre writing but cool characterization of the characters and units we love from the tabletop game.
...
This novel does not get a pass. It's poorly written, poorly characterized (MAD Donna? More like average angsty young adult Donna), and quite honestly boring. The plot is extremely weak, and drags on with little-to-no explication, no hook, no nothing.
...
This novel does not get a pass. It's poorly written, poorly characterized (MAD Donna? More like average angsty young adult Donna), and quite honestly boring. The plot is extremely weak, and drags on with little-to-no explication, no hook, no nothing.
March 4, 2018
A decent book with an interesting story structure let down by the last third. The hints did turn out to be true for a bit of a cliche backstory and the use of slurs out of nowhere which add nothing to the scene spoil what was until then an enjoyable romo
August 3, 2020
Prior to reading this, the character of Mad Donna Ulanti had never held much interest, she seemed over the top and the ridiculous sculpt gw put out furthered that but this made for a fun engaging read. Not high brow fiction but enjoyable enough for what it is.
October 7, 2021
Really enjoyed it, great to read a 40k story that isn't all about how wonderful the Emperor is and how glorious his Astartes are. Love Mad Donna as a character, and hope there'll be more of her in future Necromunda books!
January 6, 2024
I wish it kept going.
Amazing book. Great characters, great story telling, great tension building and payoff. I'm just very sad it's a standalone with no sequel, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Amazing book. Great characters, great story telling, great tension building and payoff. I'm just very sad it's a standalone with no sequel, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 7, 2024
Possibly the best Necromunda novel. Lots of cool world building about the setting that was desperately needed at this point in the setting's history, and explores a really unique and cool character with a humorous name that went from the top of the Spire to the Sump.
Lots of great action, twists and turns in the plot, and memorable moments.
Lots of great action, twists and turns in the plot, and memorable moments.
September 21, 2017
This book actually takes place on Necromunda which is technically in the 40k verse but is more of a stand alone.
January 6, 2024
Really awesome book, great plot, and great characters. I'm just sad that it ended and there's no sequel, I'd love to read about more of Mad Donna's adventures.
February 8, 2024
Quality stuff. Great to learn about Mad Donna’s backstory!!!
The Underhive at its best!
The Underhive at its best!
October 13, 2024
Couldn't finish
It started well, but halfway through I began to get a bit bored as there didn't seem to be anything happening
It started well, but halfway through I began to get a bit bored as there didn't seem to be anything happening
August 11, 2024
Good! surprising good!
March 16, 2015
This was my second time reading Survival Instinct, and I enjoyed it as much this time as I did the first. Even though these days, most people barely remember Necromunda, the fiction is still as entertaining as it was when the game was new.
Chambers presents a story about Mad Donna, a special character gangs could hire in the Necromunda table top game. In the description, she was described as a violent hyper-bitch, and not much of her background was explored. After reading this book, the reader gains a new found respect for Mad Donna's character and her history. Chambers does a really good job making Donna easy to relate to, and the reader gets a good understanding of how she got to where she is within the Necromunda world.
Long term Necromunda fans will even catch small easter eggs that Chambers has placed within the novel, such as the inclusion of his own Necromunda gang the Dog Soldiers. These add to the flavor of the novel and will please any fan.
One of the things that doesn't work well within the novel is how Chambers will introduce certain characters late in the novel who are supposed to be significant to Donna's character, then show a flashback of why they are significant to add to the importance of them. Though this sort of works, it also seems like Chambers was just adding them willy-nilly rather than having it planned out.
Either way, Chambers has written an entertaining novel that any fan will enjoy. If you are new to the Necromunda world, this is a good novel to cut your teeth on as Chambers does build the world up for those who don't know anything about the world. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who was a fan of Necromunda when it was around, or to anyone interested in an almost post apocalyptic world theme.
Chambers presents a story about Mad Donna, a special character gangs could hire in the Necromunda table top game. In the description, she was described as a violent hyper-bitch, and not much of her background was explored. After reading this book, the reader gains a new found respect for Mad Donna's character and her history. Chambers does a really good job making Donna easy to relate to, and the reader gets a good understanding of how she got to where she is within the Necromunda world.
Long term Necromunda fans will even catch small easter eggs that Chambers has placed within the novel, such as the inclusion of his own Necromunda gang the Dog Soldiers. These add to the flavor of the novel and will please any fan.
One of the things that doesn't work well within the novel is how Chambers will introduce certain characters late in the novel who are supposed to be significant to Donna's character, then show a flashback of why they are significant to add to the importance of them. Though this sort of works, it also seems like Chambers was just adding them willy-nilly rather than having it planned out.
Either way, Chambers has written an entertaining novel that any fan will enjoy. If you are new to the Necromunda world, this is a good novel to cut your teeth on as Chambers does build the world up for those who don't know anything about the world. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who was a fan of Necromunda when it was around, or to anyone interested in an almost post apocalyptic world theme.
May 15, 2014
This is really Wicked for the Underhive and since it was published 5 years after Wicked, it really could be an influence. I really didn't like Wicked, couldn't even get though it, as I really don't care for the world of Oz and really just wanted my wicked witch to be wicked & not troubled, but I did like Survival Instinct. I do love all things Necromunda, but didn't really care where Mad Donna came from. Still don't really and can't understand GW's infatuation with people fleeing the spire into the Underhive, but I did like the story here. I did find it weird that there was a ekranoplan on the sump (Google it, it's weird vehicle). The author must have seen a picture of it and just decided that a contraption that weird needed to be in the story. Really good description of The Sump at the end that was practically worth the price of admission alone. Nice to see some of our old standbys of Escher, Delaque, the Goliath Dog Soldiers gang, Pit Slaves and Guiders.
October 3, 2021
I enjoyed it. It read reasonably well. Nothing overly scientific as it was a straight story of Mad Donna. If you have played the game then it helps to understand more of the Hive and how the beaurocracy works.
February 28, 2014
I really enjoy a good tale about Necromunda, and this book lived up to my expectations.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews