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Space Wolves #2
Stormcaller
The feral warrior-kings of Fenris, the Space Wolves are the sons of Leman Russ. Savage heroes, few can match their ferocity in battle. As events on the plague-wracked world of Ras Shakeh spin out of control, the Imperium descends upon the world in force. Njal Stormcaller, Space Wolves Rune Priest, arrives to reinforce the embattled Jarnhamar pack, and finds his battle-brothers at one another’s throats, each pursuing their own agendas. Meanwhile, the forces of the Ecclesiarchy arrive to retake their world and uncover the sinister secret behind Ras Shakeh’s corruption, a secret that threatens the survival of the Imperium itself…
It's Njal Stormcaller! One of the galaxy's mightiest psykers lets loose on the servants of Nurgle. If that's not enough, there's intrigue and danger from within as Nurgle's corruption worms its way into the Space Wolves and their allies and no one can be trusted (except Njal, of course...).
It's Njal Stormcaller! One of the galaxy's mightiest psykers lets loose on the servants of Nurgle. If that's not enough, there's intrigue and danger from within as Nurgle's corruption worms its way into the Space Wolves and their allies and no one can be trusted (except Njal, of course...).
Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
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364 people want to read
About the author
Chris Wraight
220 books387 followersChris Wraight is a British author of fantasy and science fiction.
His first novel was published in 2008; since then, he has published books set in the Warhammer Fantasy and Stargate:Atlantis universes, and has upcoming titles in the Warhammer 40K setting.
He is based in the south-west of England.
His first novel was published in 2008; since then, he has published books set in the Warhammer Fantasy and Stargate:Atlantis universes, and has upcoming titles in the Warhammer 40K setting.
He is based in the south-west of England.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 16, 2026
Wraight ups his game with Stormcaller, the second of the Space Wolves trilogy. Well, the 'pack' sent to aid the Sisters of Battle survived, largely thanks to the arrival of relief in the form of a Cardinal of the Ecclesiarchy with his battle wagon and more Space Wolves, headed by the titular rune priest Stormcaller. Together, they manage to 'cleanse' of planet of plague. Shortly thereafter, however, they hear of an ancient, chaos plague ship on route to a hive world, with the population in the 10s of billions.
Stormcaller, along with about 40 wolves, reaches a pact with the Ecclesiarchy Cardinal. The Cardinal had planned on destroying the hive world as the ancient plague ship is just too powerful to fight in the void; better to kill all the population than have them turned into plague zombies! Well, Stormcaller has a plan; they will board the ship and mine the engines, blowing it up before it can reach the hive world. Nice plan, but can they do it in time?
Yes, all kinds of action here, but what made this stand out concerns the dynamics of the wolves and the Ecclesiarchy. Stormcaller swore and oath with the Cardinal, to give them time to destroy the plague ship before he destroys the hive world, and warns him that oath breakers will be hunted down ruthlessly. Meanwhile, Stormcaller and the wolves under Gunnlaugur know that the church was searching for something on the besieged planet; some ancient records? What? The trust factor is not very high. Kudos for the intrigue and I am primed for the final installment. 3.5 howling wolves, rounding up!
Stormcaller, along with about 40 wolves, reaches a pact with the Ecclesiarchy Cardinal. The Cardinal had planned on destroying the hive world as the ancient plague ship is just too powerful to fight in the void; better to kill all the population than have them turned into plague zombies! Well, Stormcaller has a plan; they will board the ship and mine the engines, blowing it up before it can reach the hive world. Nice plan, but can they do it in time?
Yes, all kinds of action here, but what made this stand out concerns the dynamics of the wolves and the Ecclesiarchy. Stormcaller swore and oath with the Cardinal, to give them time to destroy the plague ship before he destroys the hive world, and warns him that oath breakers will be hunted down ruthlessly. Meanwhile, Stormcaller and the wolves under Gunnlaugur know that the church was searching for something on the besieged planet; some ancient records? What? The trust factor is not very high. Kudos for the intrigue and I am primed for the final installment. 3.5 howling wolves, rounding up!
January 17, 2015
After the mountain of problems which buried the sheer potential within Blood of Asaheim’s story ideas, Stormcaller was a chance to turn things around. It was set to truly finish off the prior novel’s events, which was little more than a “to be continued”, and perhaps accomplish more than disgracing both the Sororitas and Space Wolves alike. Combined with mention that Njal Stormcaller himself was appearing, who had remained something of enigma even among fans, this one looked to be an improvement. In all fairness it was, correcting a few prior issues, but as before this is one thoroughly undermined by a few distinct failings.
Having managed to hold back the Death Guard onslaught, word reaches Jarnhammer and their allies that reinforcements are inbound from both their chapter and the Ecclesiarchy. As heartening as this news is, each among them knows that they will face judgement for their failings and questions surrounding the near corruption of one of their brothers. Even beyond this, the Imperial Church has its own interests in this world, and will stop at nothing to ensure that the Space Wolves never learn of their sins.
If there is one word to truly describe Stormcaller it would be this: Rudderless. It’s the same sort of situation you may well have seen in media many times over, where a story is trying to move forwards but not everything is quite fitting together. The narrative doesn’t quite know what to do with certain characters, some sub-plots are dragged out without ever truly weaving into the main plotline, many characters are obvious sulfurous to the story, and even the protagonist lacks a distinctive arc. The entire book reads like this, and while to his credit Wraight seems to have acknowledged and accounted for criticisms of the prior book, this oddly manages to only hurt the story further.
Blood of Asaheim’s main failing was that it repeatedly beat the reader over the head with the idea that the Space Wolves were little more than a backwards failure. While this was apparently a reaction to their Houdini-esque nature in repeatedly butting heads with Imperial organisations and pulling off insane stunts, its failing was it went to the other extreme, turning the chapter effectively into an embarrassment on par with Betrayer’s World Eaters. Here, this is thankfully far more tempered and we see a more even presentation of their strengths and failings. While the story moves onto their flaws in terms of comprehending the Warp, elements of the story depict the Space Wolves as competent combatants capable of doing more than fighting among themselves. Even the idea of the Warp itself is thrown somewhat into question with a few minor points suggesting that, while they are most likely failing to grasp the bigger picture, The problem is that it seems that, in trying to temper his criticisms of the chapter, much of Wraight’s original concept or story seems to have been lost.
While this might have been part of the issue, further failings stemmed from the fact that the novel had no obvious idea what to do with its Ecclesiarchy characters or who to make the protagonist. In the prior installment, the focus was strictly leveled at Ingvar. While the other characters of his unit played out their roles, it was his separation which caused the drama within the group. Here though? There’s really none of that truly present, and the story lacks a distinct figurehead to anchor onto and drive the tale forwards, instead unevenly distributing focus between over a dozen Space Wolf characters, none of who manage to stand out from one another with any true distinction. This is only further damned as the entire Ecclesiarchy plot is effectively swept under the rug. The major Sororitas characters are sidelined and while a priest proves to be a major foe, the actual revelations about their activities are never addressed. Like so much here, it’s present but never seems to be truly amounting to anything.
As before the story ends on a “to be continued” note and very little feels as if it has been resolved or even accomplished. If there is something to truly compliment, it’s that Wraight delivers some expectedly fun battle sequences between the Wolves and forces of Chaos, and an odd turn by the followers of Nurgle. While the character is unfortunately fleeting, regulated to only a few chapters, the main villain is a spin on the Death Guard we have rarely seen and it would be interesting to have Wraight expand upon his story, or even handle the history of a Death Guard warband. Overall though, Stormseer at best manages to be unremarkable. It had potential to be good but it still sadly falls short of the mark.
Unless you’re a true completion when it comes to Black Library products, this is one to skip. What little it does offer here which is good is nothing we’ve not seen done just as well in more cohesive and more focused tales. Save your cash instead for something else, and just hope that if this story does continue we see a dramatic jump in overall quality.
Having managed to hold back the Death Guard onslaught, word reaches Jarnhammer and their allies that reinforcements are inbound from both their chapter and the Ecclesiarchy. As heartening as this news is, each among them knows that they will face judgement for their failings and questions surrounding the near corruption of one of their brothers. Even beyond this, the Imperial Church has its own interests in this world, and will stop at nothing to ensure that the Space Wolves never learn of their sins.
If there is one word to truly describe Stormcaller it would be this: Rudderless. It’s the same sort of situation you may well have seen in media many times over, where a story is trying to move forwards but not everything is quite fitting together. The narrative doesn’t quite know what to do with certain characters, some sub-plots are dragged out without ever truly weaving into the main plotline, many characters are obvious sulfurous to the story, and even the protagonist lacks a distinctive arc. The entire book reads like this, and while to his credit Wraight seems to have acknowledged and accounted for criticisms of the prior book, this oddly manages to only hurt the story further.
Blood of Asaheim’s main failing was that it repeatedly beat the reader over the head with the idea that the Space Wolves were little more than a backwards failure. While this was apparently a reaction to their Houdini-esque nature in repeatedly butting heads with Imperial organisations and pulling off insane stunts, its failing was it went to the other extreme, turning the chapter effectively into an embarrassment on par with Betrayer’s World Eaters. Here, this is thankfully far more tempered and we see a more even presentation of their strengths and failings. While the story moves onto their flaws in terms of comprehending the Warp, elements of the story depict the Space Wolves as competent combatants capable of doing more than fighting among themselves. Even the idea of the Warp itself is thrown somewhat into question with a few minor points suggesting that, while they are most likely failing to grasp the bigger picture, The problem is that it seems that, in trying to temper his criticisms of the chapter, much of Wraight’s original concept or story seems to have been lost.
While this might have been part of the issue, further failings stemmed from the fact that the novel had no obvious idea what to do with its Ecclesiarchy characters or who to make the protagonist. In the prior installment, the focus was strictly leveled at Ingvar. While the other characters of his unit played out their roles, it was his separation which caused the drama within the group. Here though? There’s really none of that truly present, and the story lacks a distinct figurehead to anchor onto and drive the tale forwards, instead unevenly distributing focus between over a dozen Space Wolf characters, none of who manage to stand out from one another with any true distinction. This is only further damned as the entire Ecclesiarchy plot is effectively swept under the rug. The major Sororitas characters are sidelined and while a priest proves to be a major foe, the actual revelations about their activities are never addressed. Like so much here, it’s present but never seems to be truly amounting to anything.
As before the story ends on a “to be continued” note and very little feels as if it has been resolved or even accomplished. If there is something to truly compliment, it’s that Wraight delivers some expectedly fun battle sequences between the Wolves and forces of Chaos, and an odd turn by the followers of Nurgle. While the character is unfortunately fleeting, regulated to only a few chapters, the main villain is a spin on the Death Guard we have rarely seen and it would be interesting to have Wraight expand upon his story, or even handle the history of a Death Guard warband. Overall though, Stormseer at best manages to be unremarkable. It had potential to be good but it still sadly falls short of the mark.
Unless you’re a true completion when it comes to Black Library products, this is one to skip. What little it does offer here which is good is nothing we’ve not seen done just as well in more cohesive and more focused tales. Save your cash instead for something else, and just hope that if this story does continue we see a dramatic jump in overall quality.
January 28, 2019
I don't understand the backs of these books. They refer to the "Wolves being at each other's throat" and "Each pursuing their own agenda" but I didn't really get that from the... content of the book.
I think Chris Wraight is a good enough author, but I found this and Blood of Asaheim hard to get into. I'm happy I finished them though.
I think Chris Wraight is a good enough author, but I found this and Blood of Asaheim hard to get into. I'm happy I finished them though.
March 29, 2024
In the grim darkness of the far future just about everyone worth writing a novel about is a genetically engineered supersoldier of some sort, so they need a good theme to help them stand out from the crowd. This, then, is the second novel following the Jarnhamar Pack of wolf-viking themed genetically engineered supersoldiers as they lope around finding new and inventive ways to bury their axes in the craniums of their enemies.
The presence of an enigmatic but powerful famous name adds a little extra gravitas but overall this follows the beats of the previous book a little too closely. Lots of fun action sequences and colourfully rendered evil henchmen to be overcome, but a little more limited on plot and character development.
The presence of an enigmatic but powerful famous name adds a little extra gravitas but overall this follows the beats of the previous book a little too closely. Lots of fun action sequences and colourfully rendered evil henchmen to be overcome, but a little more limited on plot and character development.
December 20, 2020
As a direct sequel, this really ought to be read after Blood of Asaheim- I doubt it would work any where near as well as a stand-alone title.
As part of a serial, it’s excellent- it picks up almost immediately where it’s predecessor left off, and maintains a breakneck pace throughout. Less of this book is given over to character exploration, but in terms of story, pace and action it more than makes up for this.
The pack do develop as the book progresses, with the focus on the transition from Blood Claw to Grey Hunter being notably good.
All in all, another good title from Wraight and one that I regret leaving so long to read.
As part of a serial, it’s excellent- it picks up almost immediately where it’s predecessor left off, and maintains a breakneck pace throughout. Less of this book is given over to character exploration, but in terms of story, pace and action it more than makes up for this.
The pack do develop as the book progresses, with the focus on the transition from Blood Claw to Grey Hunter being notably good.
All in all, another good title from Wraight and one that I regret leaving so long to read.
January 19, 2024
Where Blood of Asaheim finished strong, Stormcaller begins even stronger. It's a truly exhilarating story to read with characters the reader truly cares about. I've read it in a day, barely able to put it down. Excited for the third part of the series.
July 21, 2025
It was a good book with a lot of unexpected moments and interesting characters, great sequel and pretty smoothly continues the story of the last book, but my one issue was that there was just too much going on at moments. The amount of story lines was a bit too much sometimes, with up to five different perspectives all happening at the same time sometimes, and even though the story lines themselves were interesting - it would get kind of confusing. The story itself was great and I really felt the sense of danger and uncertainty in everything that was going on, as well as the fact that everything was on a time limit, made it feel like the story had higher stakes and there were moments I actually wondered if the characters would fail.
November 25, 2025
I didn't like book 2 as much as 1, but it is still a solid book.
That said this is still a solid adventure book about how awful the Ecclesiarchy can be. They feel like more of a threat and more dangerous that the massive plague hulk that is being directed by Deathguard to eradicate an entire Hive World.
Njal is omega level powerful makes even movie marines look like chumps. However, the book still manages to humanize him.
The space battles are cool as are the boarding actions.
This book gives us a lot about Baldur, even showing him when he was a child living as a normal human on their crazy death world.
This time though the action definitely took centerstage and the characters took a back seat and where along for the ride. Maybe they were overshadowed by Njal...
That said this is still a solid adventure book about how awful the Ecclesiarchy can be. They feel like more of a threat and more dangerous that the massive plague hulk that is being directed by Deathguard to eradicate an entire Hive World.
Njal is omega level powerful makes even movie marines look like chumps. However, the book still manages to humanize him.
The space battles are cool as are the boarding actions.
This book gives us a lot about Baldur, even showing him when he was a child living as a normal human on their crazy death world.
This time though the action definitely took centerstage and the characters took a back seat and where along for the ride. Maybe they were overshadowed by Njal...
June 1, 2023
Chris Wraight is a superstar! I'm not even a fan of the Wolves and here he is, making them interesting, likeable and vital to telling this particular story. Plus, the big villain of the next big phase of 41k is clearly being fleshed out. What a read!
December 24, 2021
The business.
Really good. This story is one of the best I've read for a long time. Read it you will not be disappointed. Savage.
Really good. This story is one of the best I've read for a long time. Read it you will not be disappointed. Savage.
April 9, 2023
Solid
Better than BoA. Njal is great. Plague marines are great. This is an awesome Plague Hulk battle with a countdown.
Better than BoA. Njal is great. Plague marines are great. This is an awesome Plague Hulk battle with a countdown.
August 14, 2023
Definitive Post-Bill King Space Wolves novel
Complex, nuanced, as real feeling as any 40k novel can be. Some of the best depictions of space wolves you'll find.
Complex, nuanced, as real feeling as any 40k novel can be. Some of the best depictions of space wolves you'll find.
November 27, 2023
Man! What an ending
Man, what an ending! Some slow spots in the middle. But it picks up at the end. Spectacular book. Definitely a good read.
Man, what an ending! Some slow spots in the middle. But it picks up at the end. Spectacular book. Definitely a good read.
November 11, 2025
So the book is fine. I still very much like Chris Wraight as an author but I find it not as compelling to find out what happened next in other Wraight books.
August 17, 2015
That was a great 40k book! i really enjoyed the first book in Chris Wraight's new Space Wolves series "Blood of Asaheim", but this one was hands down MUCH better. Very exciting, lots more characterization for our main protagonists, and it was really exciting getting to see a character i've been fond of since the early 90s finally get some action in a novel. I hadn't realized it before, but Njal Stormcaller hasn't actually shown up in any of the books yet. And verily, he is a badass. Ever since Dan Abnett kindof reinvented the background of the Space Wolves in his Horus Heresy novel "Prospero Burns", i've been totally in love with this new concept, and Chris Wraight has consistently embraced and run with it very very well. Each of his books about the Sons of Russ have been amazing and I can't freaking wait for the next novel to be published!
August 30, 2014
Another excellent Space Wolves novel by Wraight. He captures the strong but likeable personalities from the first book in the series and expands on them. The action and plot are well paced, exciting and straightforward. Wraight is able to write within the 40K universe and also add little twists that might shock traditionalists such as having an Eldar Wraithknight corrupted by Nurgle and by the decisions the main characters take to break away from their Chapter.
October 23, 2014
Well, this is the second book in the Jarnhammer series, and very different to the first. It's good don't get me wrong, but I think it could have been so much more. Some great characters, especially the Cardinal and Njal, but the stars are Ingvar and Gunnlauger. I would like to have found out more about Ingvar's past with the Death Watch, but that might still come I guess. Can't wait for the final book to see where Klaive leads them...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2015
Finally finished! Half the book in three days!!!
I can't for the life of me figure out why I put this down. Christ Wraight's style absolutely gushed at the end of this book, finally describing with apt force the primal warriors of Russ with as much visceral language as he had the plague warriors of the prior novel in this series. The action was far more intense and the characters well driven.
Better than its predecessor, I fully look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
I can't for the life of me figure out why I put this down. Christ Wraight's style absolutely gushed at the end of this book, finally describing with apt force the primal warriors of Russ with as much visceral language as he had the plague warriors of the prior novel in this series. The action was far more intense and the characters well driven.
Better than its predecessor, I fully look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
May 12, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this entry in the series. The promise of the first book was lived up to in the second, with a huge space battle, intrigue, and heroism and tragedy from multiple characters. I'm looking forward to the third book with bated breath to find out the fate of Gunnlaugr and his pack, and I highly recommend picking this series up. Wraight has done a great job of making the Space Wolves breathe with feral danger.
January 31, 2015
Not in the same league of perfection as Wraight's 'Scars' or his 'Swords of the Emperor' stories, but this series of meandering, well-tempered, almost serene Space Wolf stories has a deep melancholy to it that leaves me itching for more. Very characterful, perhaps not to everyone's taste, but right up my street in a way I never expected to be with Space Wolves.
August 30, 2014
Quite a good read with well thought through and coherent links to Space Wolf backstory. The ending was a little bleak but I suppose the second book in a series should always leave us a little apprehensive about how the pack will be able to acquit themselves with glory in book 3.
Hjölda.
Hjölda.
September 12, 2014
Want to read this book but not sure which book is the first book to read
November 24, 2015
Another good read for the warhammer 40K universe
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews