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Space Marine Legends
Ragnar Blackmane (1)
A brand new series of novels begins, featuring the legendary heroes of the Space Marines.
Ragnar Blackmane is a legend of the Space Wolves, the youngest warrior ever to rise to command a Great Company. As he battles the forces of Abaddon the Despoiler on the war-ravaged world of Cadia, Ragnar remembers the events that brought him to this place and time, and relates two great sagas from his past, each bringing him into conflict with brother Space Marines from other Chapters, the secretive Dark Angels and savage Flesh Tearers. As these tales influence the events of the present, Ragnar comes to realise that his past actions have consequences.
Ragnar Blackmane is a legend of the Space Wolves, the youngest warrior ever to rise to command a Great Company. As he battles the forces of Abaddon the Despoiler on the war-ravaged world of Cadia, Ragnar remembers the events that brought him to this place and time, and relates two great sagas from his past, each bringing him into conflict with brother Space Marines from other Chapters, the secretive Dark Angels and savage Flesh Tearers. As these tales influence the events of the present, Ragnar comes to realise that his past actions have consequences.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2015
37 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 31, 2015
A very fine book about the Vlka Fenryka and one of their most famous heroes, I enjoyed this book immensely. Also, on the very last day of the year, a precise hit for my reading challenge :)
Usually, I like properly written Chaos stories much more, even more so if they are less bolter porn and more Lovecraftian in style, but in this book we follow Ragnar as... Ah, no, I won't write this, better read all about it yourself :)
Usually, I like properly written Chaos stories much more, even more so if they are less bolter porn and more Lovecraftian in style, but in this book we follow Ragnar as... Ah, no, I won't write this, better read all about it yourself :)
May 2, 2017
Not a whole lot of time to read lately. Been falling behind.
Really enjoyed this book though. Not only is it about one of my favorite characters to play in the game, but the old Bill King "Space Wolf" novels were some of my first introduction into the world of 40k fiction. And amazingly enough ADB gives a bit of a nod to those books, to make sure we know that they still count.
Good character development, and a good look at what Ragnar was like during his time in the Wolf Guard under Berek Thunderfist.
Really enjoyed this book though. Not only is it about one of my favorite characters to play in the game, but the old Bill King "Space Wolf" novels were some of my first introduction into the world of 40k fiction. And amazingly enough ADB gives a bit of a nod to those books, to make sure we know that they still count.
Good character development, and a good look at what Ragnar was like during his time in the Wolf Guard under Berek Thunderfist.
January 10, 2026
Definitely 4.5
The universe of Warhammer 40K is unlike any other. It feels like it’s a living, breathing thing. You could be reading about a certain battle, but you know thousands of others are raging across the galaxy. It makes reading these stories so unique and so fulfilling.
Ragnar Blackmane is Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s take on the legendary Space Wolf. He divides the book into past and present sections. In the past portion of the book, we see Ragnar still growing, learning, and maturing, while the present shows him as a Lord of his own Company, leading his men on the surface of Cadia.
We get to see Ragnar when he’s still young and hot-headed. We see him flexing his diplomatic muscles and learning the intricacies of Chapter politics. We see how his temper still gets him in trouble, and how he must learn to control it or fail to meet his full potential. On the flip side, we see Ragnar as a Lord of his own Company, leading his men on the surface of Cadia, pushing back against the Thirteenth Black Crusade.
It’s a great book for any Warhammer fan, but especially for those of us who have grown attached to Ragnar. None of this should come as a surprise—it’s an ADB book, and he just knows how to write incredible stories. Each plot in this book—there are three—was captivating and engaging. Will always recommend ADB.
The universe of Warhammer 40K is unlike any other. It feels like it’s a living, breathing thing. You could be reading about a certain battle, but you know thousands of others are raging across the galaxy. It makes reading these stories so unique and so fulfilling.
Ragnar Blackmane is Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s take on the legendary Space Wolf. He divides the book into past and present sections. In the past portion of the book, we see Ragnar still growing, learning, and maturing, while the present shows him as a Lord of his own Company, leading his men on the surface of Cadia.
We get to see Ragnar when he’s still young and hot-headed. We see him flexing his diplomatic muscles and learning the intricacies of Chapter politics. We see how his temper still gets him in trouble, and how he must learn to control it or fail to meet his full potential. On the flip side, we see Ragnar as a Lord of his own Company, leading his men on the surface of Cadia, pushing back against the Thirteenth Black Crusade.
It’s a great book for any Warhammer fan, but especially for those of us who have grown attached to Ragnar. None of this should come as a surprise—it’s an ADB book, and he just knows how to write incredible stories. Each plot in this book—there are three—was captivating and engaging. Will always recommend ADB.
July 18, 2023
A good 40k yarn, well worth a read. I tend to steer clear of Space Wolves stories as the whole 'Vikings in Space' thing tends to feel a bit one dimensional and silly, and it certainly can be. In this book, however, even though its only 200 pages ADB successfully weaves a fast-paced, compelling story. I was initally a bit annoyed there wasnt more honest-to-god space marines vs. Traitors action, but as i read on i came to appreciate the balance of this story: two smaller tales, woven into a larger narrative that ends with a brilliant, satisfying scene, tying everything together in a manner that doesnt feel forced or contrived. There is definitely action aplenty in this book, but it is balanced well with chapter politics, power struggles, and personal battles, and in that ADB has doubtless achieved his aim of crafting more of a saga-type story, as would be tradition for the Wolves of Fenris. A great book, my only gripe was that it ended too soon!
May 29, 2016
The first Space Marine Legends title – not to be confused with the Lords of the Space Marines series – Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s Ragnar Blackmane is a short novel tackling perhaps the most well known of all Space Wolves, the titular Ragnar. Released in Limited Edition hardback and standard ebook formats back in 2015, it takes the form of two interlinked stories set approximately 40 years apart but both taking place towards the very end of the 41st millennium. In one strand we see Ragnar as Wolf Lord, leading his Great Company in the defence of Cadia against the 13th Black Crusade, while in the other we see him as a newly promoted Wolf Guard, still headstrong and clashing variously with Dark Angels, Flesh Tearers and his own pack mates.
Read the rest of the review at https://trackofwords.wordpress.com/20...
Read the rest of the review at https://trackofwords.wordpress.com/20...
October 31, 2015
What can I say? I am soooo happy to be able to read this one. One of my favorite wh40k characters meets my favorite wh40k author. It's as great as I thought it would be. Aaron Dembski-Bowden kept the style we are already familiar from William King's and Lee Lightner books, part of the story we experience from Ragnar's memories part in present time and the story intertwines beautifully. I don't want to write anything about the story itself as to not spoil the reading for you all, so I'll just say this. It has everything we love about Ragnar Blackmane and Space Wolves and it has everything we expect and love about Aaron Dembski-Bowden's writing. The only flaw is that it is too short, but aren't they all :)
February 8, 2021
I received a copy of Ragnar Blackmane in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In the world of Warhammer 40K, the Space Wolves are well known for their epic stories – that much is actually quite the understatement. Yet Ragnar Blackmane is one of the many heroes who made a name for himself and earned the rights to his own story, and series.
Written by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, Ragnar Blackmane is part of the Space Marine Legends series by Black Library. He, along with all of the others, really did earn that title of legend, that much is made clear over the course of this novel.
They say that our pasts make us the people we are today. That we can never run from our history. That is true for Ragnar Blackmane, a Space Wolf with an epic past, and an even more impressive future on the horizon.
Ragnar has found himself embroiled in a battle on Cadia – a world destroyed by war. Ironically, the events happening around him bring to memory certain moments of his past. All of which led him directly to the place he stands today.
“I have said that I will hold this wall until sunset,' Ragnar replied. 'So I will hold this wall until sunset.”
If you're looking for a solid novel that embodies the Space Wolves, look no further than Ragnar Blackmane. This is a rich tale, made all the more intense by the inclusion of events past and present. The two weave together in beautiful fashion, resulting in a powerful story.
One of the things I really enjoyed about Ragnar Blackmane is how approachable the story as a whole was. While I know a decent amount about the Space Marines, I'm far from an expert. This novel doesn't quite hold your hand through it all, though it won't make any attempts to mislead or confuse newer readers. It's the perfect balance, really.
He killed not with his blade, with his bolter, with his fist, or even with his boot. These were merely tools. Ragnar killed with his heart and soul, pouring himself into every desperate movement, sucking in life with every sawing breath.”
Overall, this was an intense and richly detailed read. One that was exciting from the very first page, with the introduction of Ragnar and the current battle he must deal with. The excitement ramps up as his past comes into play, allowing certain events to unfold in ways that explain how we got to this point. It was wonderfully done.
Check out more reviewers over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
In the world of Warhammer 40K, the Space Wolves are well known for their epic stories – that much is actually quite the understatement. Yet Ragnar Blackmane is one of the many heroes who made a name for himself and earned the rights to his own story, and series.
Written by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, Ragnar Blackmane is part of the Space Marine Legends series by Black Library. He, along with all of the others, really did earn that title of legend, that much is made clear over the course of this novel.
They say that our pasts make us the people we are today. That we can never run from our history. That is true for Ragnar Blackmane, a Space Wolf with an epic past, and an even more impressive future on the horizon.
Ragnar has found himself embroiled in a battle on Cadia – a world destroyed by war. Ironically, the events happening around him bring to memory certain moments of his past. All of which led him directly to the place he stands today.
“I have said that I will hold this wall until sunset,' Ragnar replied. 'So I will hold this wall until sunset.”
If you're looking for a solid novel that embodies the Space Wolves, look no further than Ragnar Blackmane. This is a rich tale, made all the more intense by the inclusion of events past and present. The two weave together in beautiful fashion, resulting in a powerful story.
One of the things I really enjoyed about Ragnar Blackmane is how approachable the story as a whole was. While I know a decent amount about the Space Marines, I'm far from an expert. This novel doesn't quite hold your hand through it all, though it won't make any attempts to mislead or confuse newer readers. It's the perfect balance, really.
He killed not with his blade, with his bolter, with his fist, or even with his boot. These were merely tools. Ragnar killed with his heart and soul, pouring himself into every desperate movement, sucking in life with every sawing breath.”
Overall, this was an intense and richly detailed read. One that was exciting from the very first page, with the introduction of Ragnar and the current battle he must deal with. The excitement ramps up as his past comes into play, allowing certain events to unfold in ways that explain how we got to this point. It was wonderfully done.
Check out more reviewers over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
June 19, 2017
You can read the full review over at my blog:
https://shadowhawksshade.wordpress.co...
One of the great mysteries of William King’s Space Wolves series was how the young Blood Claw Ragnar Blackmane, the protagonist of the series, became an elite of the Wolf Guard without ever attaining the rank of Grey Hunter, a seasoned warrior, in Wolf Lord Berek Thunderfist’s Great Company. This was especially teased in the novel Grey Hunter when in the prologue one of Ragnar’s warriors calls him out on it and the young Wolf Lord dissembles. While Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s Ragnar Blackmane doesn’t answer that burning question (when will it happen!!??) what it does give us is a very thoughtful and introspective look at Ragnar when he was still new to the Wolf Guard and still making a name for himself in his Lord’s company. While not the finest of Aaron’s work nor his most subtle, it does come close and is a damn fine read.
There are three differing narratives in the novel. The primary contextual narrative is of the Thirteenth Black Crusade, the thirteenth great attempt by the forces of Chaos to break out from the Eye of Terror and lay waste to the Imperium, starting from great Cadia itself. Ragnar’s Great Company has deployed to the planet in support of the Imperial forces and as the Wolf Lord prepares his men to hold one of the city-forts, he remembers some of the turning points of his life that have brought him to that point. The first of these is a traditional honour duel against the Space Wolves’ secretive rivals the Dark Angels, and the second is a journey to the homeworld of the savage and animalistic Flesh Tearers. Aaron weaves them all together in a cohesive story that tells some of Ragnar’s defining moments, but while the stories themselves are well-told, there is little in the way of pay-off, especially for the Flesh Tearers’ part of the narrative.
In the primary narrative, we see a thoughtful and introspective Ragnar who has grown in his command over an entire Great Company. With the legendary hero Ulrik the Slayer at his side in the Cadian campaign, Ragnar is rather maudlin here, and I loved that approach. This hearkens back to William’s excellent prologues and shows just how entertaining this look at Ragnar can be. I certainly approve of this. He is said to be the youngest warrior ever to ascend to command of a Great Company, and I felt that throughout this narrative Aaron did a great job of showing how it wasn’t just his martial skills that got him there, but something more. He really focuses on Ragnar’s journey here and I loved it. The narrative, when it ends, is also rather spectacular and something that he built up from the first of the secondary narratives. Not often that a scene like this gets written, and I applaud Aaron for it.
https://shadowhawksshade.wordpress.co...
One of the great mysteries of William King’s Space Wolves series was how the young Blood Claw Ragnar Blackmane, the protagonist of the series, became an elite of the Wolf Guard without ever attaining the rank of Grey Hunter, a seasoned warrior, in Wolf Lord Berek Thunderfist’s Great Company. This was especially teased in the novel Grey Hunter when in the prologue one of Ragnar’s warriors calls him out on it and the young Wolf Lord dissembles. While Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s Ragnar Blackmane doesn’t answer that burning question (when will it happen!!??) what it does give us is a very thoughtful and introspective look at Ragnar when he was still new to the Wolf Guard and still making a name for himself in his Lord’s company. While not the finest of Aaron’s work nor his most subtle, it does come close and is a damn fine read.
There are three differing narratives in the novel. The primary contextual narrative is of the Thirteenth Black Crusade, the thirteenth great attempt by the forces of Chaos to break out from the Eye of Terror and lay waste to the Imperium, starting from great Cadia itself. Ragnar’s Great Company has deployed to the planet in support of the Imperial forces and as the Wolf Lord prepares his men to hold one of the city-forts, he remembers some of the turning points of his life that have brought him to that point. The first of these is a traditional honour duel against the Space Wolves’ secretive rivals the Dark Angels, and the second is a journey to the homeworld of the savage and animalistic Flesh Tearers. Aaron weaves them all together in a cohesive story that tells some of Ragnar’s defining moments, but while the stories themselves are well-told, there is little in the way of pay-off, especially for the Flesh Tearers’ part of the narrative.
In the primary narrative, we see a thoughtful and introspective Ragnar who has grown in his command over an entire Great Company. With the legendary hero Ulrik the Slayer at his side in the Cadian campaign, Ragnar is rather maudlin here, and I loved that approach. This hearkens back to William’s excellent prologues and shows just how entertaining this look at Ragnar can be. I certainly approve of this. He is said to be the youngest warrior ever to ascend to command of a Great Company, and I felt that throughout this narrative Aaron did a great job of showing how it wasn’t just his martial skills that got him there, but something more. He really focuses on Ragnar’s journey here and I loved it. The narrative, when it ends, is also rather spectacular and something that he built up from the first of the secondary narratives. Not often that a scene like this gets written, and I applaud Aaron for it.
July 18, 2018
Surprisingly good given its 1) A warhammer 40k novel and 2) Space Wolves. It's rare to see good Space Wolf fiction, as their Wolf upon Wolf upon Viking theme often overrides any chance for good writing. The fact that two other often one-sided space marine chapters are depicted without problems is some kind of Black LIbrary hat trick. The character and his companions are interesting, pretty well developed, and suited to their roles. As always with Black Library, you aren't going to see anything really deep, but it was a very enjoyable read.
December 9, 2020
I requested this book from NetGalley based solely on the fact that Aaron Dembski-Bowden was the author.
I’m not disappointed with the writing or the story in general, but these Space Marine Legends books all appear to be quite short by Black Library standards, and that was my biggest problem with the book - I can’t help but feel that given another hundred pages, this could have been a much better story. Still, it’s a good standalone that’s definitely worth a read for 40k fans in general and Space Wolf fans in particular.
I’m not disappointed with the writing or the story in general, but these Space Marine Legends books all appear to be quite short by Black Library standards, and that was my biggest problem with the book - I can’t help but feel that given another hundred pages, this could have been a much better story. Still, it’s a good standalone that’s definitely worth a read for 40k fans in general and Space Wolf fans in particular.
January 4, 2021
Another fantastic work by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, this re-release is fantastically timed with the new GW release of ninth edition models. Dembski-Bowden’s skill of presenting two stories intertwined allows the reader to see the events that shaped Ragnar into his current form, while brining the reader into his current situation. A great read, it is one that I’ll definitely push on any Space Wolf friends.
June 11, 2019
This book sucked. While reading g it ft like the author did no research from William Kings 6 book series. Could not connect with this version of Ragnar at all. This is what solidified for me that the Black Library houses no good authors anymore. The book now sits in my closet now because I'm ashamed that I spent good money on it.
June 3, 2018
Haven't found a book by ADB that I dislike, and this one is no different. Takes a little too long to really get into the action, hence the 4 star review. If you enjoy Wolf lore and sagas you will enjoy this without a doubt.
August 13, 2018
So I am not surprised to see that the dark angels and the space wolves are still at each other's throats. The flesh tearers coming into the mix was nice to see as well. I enjoy the sagas of Ragnar Blackmane, but this book seemed a little unnecessary. It was still entertaining though.
December 10, 2018
Amazing
I am not a fan of the space wolf legion. But Aaron is such an amazing writer. His chapters and his characters have life. This is all about character development. Not bolter and slash junk. Read this book.
I am not a fan of the space wolf legion. But Aaron is such an amazing writer. His chapters and his characters have life. This is all about character development. Not bolter and slash junk. Read this book.
December 20, 2018
It's a good introduction to Space Wolves, which are basically werewolf Vikings in this universe. The tales meet together beautifully and worth every page turn although your heart breaks for each one. Worth the read.
September 28, 2020
My first ranger tale
And I have to say it was worth the wait, a truly enjoyable story of lost honour amongst the chapters who seem to spend as much time killing each other as they do xenos or heretics, ADB does it again
And I have to say it was worth the wait, a truly enjoyable story of lost honour amongst the chapters who seem to spend as much time killing each other as they do xenos or heretics, ADB does it again
January 1, 2023
Utterly adored this book. Aaron Dembski-Bowden smashes it again.
Every pages exudes Space Wolf. He paints such vivid pictures and his style makes it so easy to completely immerse yourself in the world.
Was an easy read with very short chapters but found I couldn't put this one down.
Every pages exudes Space Wolf. He paints such vivid pictures and his style makes it so easy to completely immerse yourself in the world.
Was an easy read with very short chapters but found I couldn't put this one down.
November 19, 2017
Excellent! I love how Mr.ADB's portarit of sharptongue.
December 9, 2018
Exceptional Space Wolves story.
March 27, 2020
Great read
Really enjoyed it. Rather has been a favourite character since Bill King wrote about him .read all the rather books so far.
Really enjoyed it. Rather has been a favourite character since Bill King wrote about him .read all the rather books so far.
December 17, 2021
Holy hell what an ending
August 2, 2023
Started out a Space wolves telenova, ended up a Flesh Tearer sympathy card. Bro trust me.
September 9, 2024
I liked how this books show us how Space Wolves think and behave but...it was too short. It end up like in middle and can't find continuation of it....
October 23, 2024
After reading Ragnar's original trilogy as a 5th and 6th grader, it was awesome catching up with him 20 years later and seeing him kicking butt at the end of time.
February 15, 2025
Quite well written, fun read.
Short on story and character depth but as expected for one of the better Warhammer 40K novels.
Short on story and character depth but as expected for one of the better Warhammer 40K novels.
January 2, 2017
I loved this book, if you're a Space Wolves fan at all pick it up.
February 9, 2017
I waited a long time to read this book and was slightly disappointed. I felt it didn't have the same kind of cleverness or depth of drama as ADB's usual work. It was still a fine more introspective style story of Lord Blackmane and it expresses powerful themes of regret, consequence and cooperation. Unfortunately for me, as a Space Wolves fan, it continued to take the polish off my favourite chapter as they behave dishonourably.
January 25, 2017
Or: How Ragnar Blackmane became best friends with a Flesh Tearer
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews