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Warhammer 40,000
Warlord: Fury of the God-Machine
When the battered and bloodied Pallidus Morr demi-legio of the Adeptus Titanicus is assigned to defend a forge world from Chaos, they find their battle made more difficult by the allies they must fight alongside…
READ IT BECAUSE
It's what you've (maybe) been waiting for: a new novel focusing on the mightiest war machines of the 41st millennium! David Annandale turns his eye for characters to the crew of Battle Titans and tells a truly epic tale of large-scale action.
THE STORY
The Battle Titans of the Adeptus Titanicus are towering war engines, striding to war as holy effigies of the Omnissiah. Greatest of all are the mighty Warlord Titans, their weapons bringing righteous death to alien and heretic alike. Still reeling from a near disastrous battle against tyranids, the Pallidus Morr demi-legio is assigned to a new warzone, a nearby forge world which has fallen under the sway of Chaos. Here their battered war-machines must fight alongside another Titan Legion, the Imperial Hunters. As city after city falls before the relentless tread of Chaos war machines, the Imperium’s only chance of victory lies in the two legios putting aside their differences and fighting as one.
READ IT BECAUSE
It's what you've (maybe) been waiting for: a new novel focusing on the mightiest war machines of the 41st millennium! David Annandale turns his eye for characters to the crew of Battle Titans and tells a truly epic tale of large-scale action.
THE STORY
The Battle Titans of the Adeptus Titanicus are towering war engines, striding to war as holy effigies of the Omnissiah. Greatest of all are the mighty Warlord Titans, their weapons bringing righteous death to alien and heretic alike. Still reeling from a near disastrous battle against tyranids, the Pallidus Morr demi-legio is assigned to a new warzone, a nearby forge world which has fallen under the sway of Chaos. Here their battered war-machines must fight alongside another Titan Legion, the Imperial Hunters. As city after city falls before the relentless tread of Chaos war machines, the Imperium’s only chance of victory lies in the two legios putting aside their differences and fighting as one.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 5, 2017
March Titanas
That's what we can call the latest novel from David Annandale Warlord: Fury of the God-Machine. March 2017 was in some general sense a month of Titans action in Horus Heresy or W40K - with a lot of titan-centric shorts. So David finished the month (actual release on April 1st) with a full fledged, non stop novel about the fury of the God-machine. Titans, glory hungry princeps, planets to save - what do you need more to emerge reader into the setting. So - let's check the results. Separately I want to mention an epic audio version narrated by John Banks with a run time of 9 hours.
Plot and characters
It's what you've (maybe) been waiting for: a new novel focusing on the mightiest war machines of the 41st millennium! David Annandale turns his eye for characters to the crew of Battle Titans and tells a truly epic tale of large-scale action. Or so the BL site synopsis tells us. Does it delivered? The answer is - more yes than no, with some points to mention.
David Annandale is a long listed BL author now. He has done a lot of character building, used famous figures, depicted famous events and glories void warfare. Even has done his own Horus Heresy novel The Damnation of Pythos. And now he got his full attention to the Battle Titans of the Adeptus Titanicus in the W40K setting. Previously he did a short story Gates of the Devourer for the Advent Calendar about the same towering war engines, striding to war as holy effigies of the Omnissiah for the world of Khania. To save it from the tyranids menace. It was a short but lovely piece of mechanicus greatness, true Deus Ex machina. And a direct prequel for the Warlord: Fury of the God-Machine. So probably it would be a good suggestion to go and read it.
The story of the novel took pace almost right after the short's ending. Our almost main character - princeps Ferantha Krezoc of a Warlord Titan "Gloria Vastator" from Pallidus Morr demi-legio bring righteous death to the scuttling xenos swarms and bio-titan organisms. But eventually with the losses and in spite of the bitter rivalry and stupidity of princeps Adrel Syagrius of a Warlord "Augustus Secutor" from Imperial Hunters - Adeptus Titanicus has won near the capital city of Khania - Gelon.
But as a story progress (or as it runs parallel to it - cause David Annandale showed us already that he can do it brilliantly), still reeling from a near disastrous battle against tyranids, the Pallidus Morr demi-legio is assigned to a new warzone, a nearby forge world Katara, which has fallen under the sway of Chaos. Here their battered war-machines must fight alongside the Imperial Hunters again. And worse of all - under their command. As city after city falls before the relentless tread of Chaos war machines, treachery and chaos, the Imperium’s only chance of victory lies in the two legios putting aside their differences and fighting as one. Will that happen? Well, you need to read for yourself - no major spoilers here :)
Anyway, plot-wise novel goes with a prominent start. Especially with that 'Does he really believe this is almost over?' And then the suffering of battered and bloodied Pallidus Morr demi-legio of the Adeptus Titanicus has began. Especially if the Imperial Hunters always tries to undermine their campaign/strategy and Legion honor.That's why they find their battle made more difficult by the allies they must fight alongside… Which is much worse than even the enemy Titans.
As for the characters David Annandale always was consistent and brilliant in creating a truly believable human characters. Main protagonists and antagonists of the novel are truly feels like a real breathing persons.
Main of all are a truly brilliant depiction of princeps Ferantha Krezoc and Eras Balzhan which truly epitomize the soul, spirit and strategy of the Pallidus Morr.
Same goes for the princeps Adrel Syagrius in Warlord "Augustus Secutor" from the Imperial hunters, through he is truly created as one unlikeable person. Whose glory hounding and royal behavior truly shows that most of the times Imperium with it's multi-cultured armed forces is it's biggest enemy.
Secondary characters are also well written and you want to 'worry' for them and their well-being. This goes for the brave captain Deyers from the Leman Russ 'Bastion of Faith' of the 66th Kataran Spears regiment; magos of the demi-legio; protective secutarii like Hoplite Alpha Venterras etc.
But the truest brilliant character and hero of the novel is not some Titan's princeps - but Confessor Lehrn Ornastas, who totally epitomize the belief of Imperium of man and it's Immortal God-Emperor. His road during the novel are what actually makes Annandale a good author. His struggle, his internal doubt, self-sacrifice and belief in his faith is what makes him truly human and one of the best characters ever written by David Annandale. And the point with his stuff cemented his legacy reminding me of some Innsmouth dark horror.
Knock. Knock. Knock. His staff struck the ground with sharp raps. It bounced off the high, smoke-darkened walls. The echoes ran far ahead of his advance. Ornastas turned a corner, and this alley was completely empty. The walls were blank expanses of rockcrete. Heaps of refuse as high as a man lined both sides of the pavement. The passageway should have been pitch-dark, but Ornastas could see his way forwards, very faintly. A crimson haze, like the promise of a fire to come, hung in the air. It grew stronger as he walked further into the alley. The light was no brighter, but the haze began to hum with tension
At the least, he is much more believable as a character than one big ape-like canoness.
Which also leads us to the next point author is famous for - depiction of Chaos in all it's corruption and 'glory'. Which is done again - through the eyes of a pious and religious person:
Confessor Lehrn Ornastas shook his head, trying to push the images away. He was starting to feel as if the walls themselves were thirsty for blood. He shivered, his skin running cold. The danger was much worse than he had thought. Something was eating into the soul of Creontiades, and now he feared he had come to the realisation too late. There was power here, something he dared not try to understand fully. It was lethal, and it was contagious. The psychic pressure of the runes squeezed harder. The haze pulsed with gathering violence
All that moments of the city corruption feels real. It's like a starting point of Dead space - with khornate mob instead of xenomorphs:
It was worse than he thought. In the industrial districts of Creontiades and beyond, the shadows were boiling with heresy. Figures lurked in the recesses of doorways, «their features shrouded, their heads turning to watch his passage with hidden, hostile eyes. In narrow alleys, silhouettes contorted. They left Ornastas with the impression of self-mutilation, of people tearing their own faces, transforming themselves into bloody grotesques, the distorted apostles of a monstrous creed. The heresy was even reaching into the light. Brawls were breaking out on the main avenues. The first ones Ornastas saw were fights between individuals. If he had not known better, he might have dismissed them as nothing unusual. Soon, though, he was seeing clusters of combatants, and the fights were savage, gouging affairs. Blood spread on the rockcrete pavement. These were battles to the death. Citizens passed the fights without reacting, and that was a cause for concern in and of itself. Others stopped to watch. Still others joined in. At one intersection, at least a score of citizens were locked in brutal frenzy. It was the beginning of a riot...
But most of all, what the novel do amazingly - it shows that is needed to achieve victory, a road that's lead to hell and destruction through ideals of honor and self-sacrifice, which is a loadstone of the W40K but at the same time one of it's biggest problems.
Addition mention deserve a battle for the bridge, which was really good, same as the bridge 'reconstruction' process.
Cons
And here we are to talk about what was 'bad' about that novel.
And the main point is - the novel is definitely not the strongest book of Annandale, sadly. It's more straightforward and simplistic comparing to Abnett 'Titanicus'. But at some points it's TOO simplistic. It's like author tried to 'explain' the obvious things to a kid.
Also all the action scenes at some points seems very uninteresting. Not once I was rooting for 'good guys'. Cause even a main 'she' character wasn't given a proper shine. It is brilliantly written - but leave a feeling Most of the Titans actions are too 'bolter-pornish' to my liking.
The most 'good' parts of the book - is then the author tries to discuss/write about fate/belief and chaos.
And that was the only one major point. But there are a lot of minor ones too.
Again at some points, like with Rob Sanders 'Tech-Priest' duology, it feels like an advertisement for the cool 'new' units, instead of making a solid narrative entrance.
Also, what is sad through - that the enemy 'Iron Skulls' Titan Legion does not have a POV to represent them. Which makes the menace a little bit underwhelming. Strangely the war with the tyranids is more vivid than with the Chaos Titans, which seems lacking something. Tyranid hierophants seems more alive than poorly depicted Banelords or Ravagers.
Another problem is with the Titan classes of the enemy - don't know why, but author has chosen to use only Khornate titans. If the Iron Skulls went that far that all became feral Ravagers or Banelords - how the heck they survived thus far into W40K?
Also there are several editorial mistakes. For example at «CHAPTER 3 THE FEASTS» - Krezoc think about losses in the battle against tyranids. «...twelve remained. Ferrum Salvator, two Reavers and five Warlords had fallen to the hierophants. Killed by pride, Krezoc thought.» But it was five Warhounds titans, only Ferrum Salvator was a 'Warlord' Titan...
Score
For a fun Titanicus actions, great non-titanicus/mechanicus characters, interesting setup and a story that could have been much better but have the real roots of grandeur I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Anyway, thank you for the read David and hope to read 'Ruinstorm' soon.
That's what we can call the latest novel from David Annandale Warlord: Fury of the God-Machine. March 2017 was in some general sense a month of Titans action in Horus Heresy or W40K - with a lot of titan-centric shorts. So David finished the month (actual release on April 1st) with a full fledged, non stop novel about the fury of the God-machine. Titans, glory hungry princeps, planets to save - what do you need more to emerge reader into the setting. So - let's check the results. Separately I want to mention an epic audio version narrated by John Banks with a run time of 9 hours.
Plot and characters
It's what you've (maybe) been waiting for: a new novel focusing on the mightiest war machines of the 41st millennium! David Annandale turns his eye for characters to the crew of Battle Titans and tells a truly epic tale of large-scale action. Or so the BL site synopsis tells us. Does it delivered? The answer is - more yes than no, with some points to mention.
David Annandale is a long listed BL author now. He has done a lot of character building, used famous figures, depicted famous events and glories void warfare. Even has done his own Horus Heresy novel The Damnation of Pythos. And now he got his full attention to the Battle Titans of the Adeptus Titanicus in the W40K setting. Previously he did a short story Gates of the Devourer for the Advent Calendar about the same towering war engines, striding to war as holy effigies of the Omnissiah for the world of Khania. To save it from the tyranids menace. It was a short but lovely piece of mechanicus greatness, true Deus Ex machina. And a direct prequel for the Warlord: Fury of the God-Machine. So probably it would be a good suggestion to go and read it.
The story of the novel took pace almost right after the short's ending. Our almost main character - princeps Ferantha Krezoc of a Warlord Titan "Gloria Vastator" from Pallidus Morr demi-legio bring righteous death to the scuttling xenos swarms and bio-titan organisms. But eventually with the losses and in spite of the bitter rivalry and stupidity of princeps Adrel Syagrius of a Warlord "Augustus Secutor" from Imperial Hunters - Adeptus Titanicus has won near the capital city of Khania - Gelon.
But as a story progress (or as it runs parallel to it - cause David Annandale showed us already that he can do it brilliantly), still reeling from a near disastrous battle against tyranids, the Pallidus Morr demi-legio is assigned to a new warzone, a nearby forge world Katara, which has fallen under the sway of Chaos. Here their battered war-machines must fight alongside the Imperial Hunters again. And worse of all - under their command. As city after city falls before the relentless tread of Chaos war machines, treachery and chaos, the Imperium’s only chance of victory lies in the two legios putting aside their differences and fighting as one. Will that happen? Well, you need to read for yourself - no major spoilers here :)
Anyway, plot-wise novel goes with a prominent start. Especially with that 'Does he really believe this is almost over?' And then the suffering of battered and bloodied Pallidus Morr demi-legio of the Adeptus Titanicus has began. Especially if the Imperial Hunters always tries to undermine their campaign/strategy and Legion honor.That's why they find their battle made more difficult by the allies they must fight alongside… Which is much worse than even the enemy Titans.
As for the characters David Annandale always was consistent and brilliant in creating a truly believable human characters. Main protagonists and antagonists of the novel are truly feels like a real breathing persons.
Main of all are a truly brilliant depiction of princeps Ferantha Krezoc and Eras Balzhan which truly epitomize the soul, spirit and strategy of the Pallidus Morr.
Same goes for the princeps Adrel Syagrius in Warlord "Augustus Secutor" from the Imperial hunters, through he is truly created as one unlikeable person. Whose glory hounding and royal behavior truly shows that most of the times Imperium with it's multi-cultured armed forces is it's biggest enemy.
Secondary characters are also well written and you want to 'worry' for them and their well-being. This goes for the brave captain Deyers from the Leman Russ 'Bastion of Faith' of the 66th Kataran Spears regiment; magos of the demi-legio; protective secutarii like Hoplite Alpha Venterras etc.
But the truest brilliant character and hero of the novel is not some Titan's princeps - but Confessor Lehrn Ornastas, who totally epitomize the belief of Imperium of man and it's Immortal God-Emperor. His road during the novel are what actually makes Annandale a good author. His struggle, his internal doubt, self-sacrifice and belief in his faith is what makes him truly human and one of the best characters ever written by David Annandale. And the point with his stuff cemented his legacy reminding me of some Innsmouth dark horror.
Knock. Knock. Knock. His staff struck the ground with sharp raps. It bounced off the high, smoke-darkened walls. The echoes ran far ahead of his advance. Ornastas turned a corner, and this alley was completely empty. The walls were blank expanses of rockcrete. Heaps of refuse as high as a man lined both sides of the pavement. The passageway should have been pitch-dark, but Ornastas could see his way forwards, very faintly. A crimson haze, like the promise of a fire to come, hung in the air. It grew stronger as he walked further into the alley. The light was no brighter, but the haze began to hum with tension
At the least, he is much more believable as a character than one big ape-like canoness.
Which also leads us to the next point author is famous for - depiction of Chaos in all it's corruption and 'glory'. Which is done again - through the eyes of a pious and religious person:
Confessor Lehrn Ornastas shook his head, trying to push the images away. He was starting to feel as if the walls themselves were thirsty for blood. He shivered, his skin running cold. The danger was much worse than he had thought. Something was eating into the soul of Creontiades, and now he feared he had come to the realisation too late. There was power here, something he dared not try to understand fully. It was lethal, and it was contagious. The psychic pressure of the runes squeezed harder. The haze pulsed with gathering violence
All that moments of the city corruption feels real. It's like a starting point of Dead space - with khornate mob instead of xenomorphs:
It was worse than he thought. In the industrial districts of Creontiades and beyond, the shadows were boiling with heresy. Figures lurked in the recesses of doorways, «their features shrouded, their heads turning to watch his passage with hidden, hostile eyes. In narrow alleys, silhouettes contorted. They left Ornastas with the impression of self-mutilation, of people tearing their own faces, transforming themselves into bloody grotesques, the distorted apostles of a monstrous creed. The heresy was even reaching into the light. Brawls were breaking out on the main avenues. The first ones Ornastas saw were fights between individuals. If he had not known better, he might have dismissed them as nothing unusual. Soon, though, he was seeing clusters of combatants, and the fights were savage, gouging affairs. Blood spread on the rockcrete pavement. These were battles to the death. Citizens passed the fights without reacting, and that was a cause for concern in and of itself. Others stopped to watch. Still others joined in. At one intersection, at least a score of citizens were locked in brutal frenzy. It was the beginning of a riot...
But most of all, what the novel do amazingly - it shows that is needed to achieve victory, a road that's lead to hell and destruction through ideals of honor and self-sacrifice, which is a loadstone of the W40K but at the same time one of it's biggest problems.
Addition mention deserve a battle for the bridge, which was really good, same as the bridge 'reconstruction' process.
Cons
And here we are to talk about what was 'bad' about that novel.
And the main point is - the novel is definitely not the strongest book of Annandale, sadly. It's more straightforward and simplistic comparing to Abnett 'Titanicus'. But at some points it's TOO simplistic. It's like author tried to 'explain' the obvious things to a kid.
Also all the action scenes at some points seems very uninteresting. Not once I was rooting for 'good guys'. Cause even a main 'she' character wasn't given a proper shine. It is brilliantly written - but leave a feeling Most of the Titans actions are too 'bolter-pornish' to my liking.
The most 'good' parts of the book - is then the author tries to discuss/write about fate/belief and chaos.
And that was the only one major point. But there are a lot of minor ones too.
Again at some points, like with Rob Sanders 'Tech-Priest' duology, it feels like an advertisement for the cool 'new' units, instead of making a solid narrative entrance.
Also, what is sad through - that the enemy 'Iron Skulls' Titan Legion does not have a POV to represent them. Which makes the menace a little bit underwhelming. Strangely the war with the tyranids is more vivid than with the Chaos Titans, which seems lacking something. Tyranid hierophants seems more alive than poorly depicted Banelords or Ravagers.
Another problem is with the Titan classes of the enemy - don't know why, but author has chosen to use only Khornate titans. If the Iron Skulls went that far that all became feral Ravagers or Banelords - how the heck they survived thus far into W40K?
Also there are several editorial mistakes. For example at «CHAPTER 3 THE FEASTS» - Krezoc think about losses in the battle against tyranids. «...twelve remained. Ferrum Salvator, two Reavers and five Warlords had fallen to the hierophants. Killed by pride, Krezoc thought.» But it was five Warhounds titans, only Ferrum Salvator was a 'Warlord' Titan...
Score
For a fun Titanicus actions, great non-titanicus/mechanicus characters, interesting setup and a story that could have been much better but have the real roots of grandeur I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Anyway, thank you for the read David and hope to read 'Ruinstorm' soon.
June 22, 2017
Fury of the God Machine does not really have THAT deep a story. But that's ok-it is still a lot of fun.
This is a tale set in the 41st century. It really is a tale about two different Titan Legions: the Pallidus Mor and the Imperial Hunters. It's about their different styles, methodology and even outlook on combat. This is obvious in the initial start of the story where the two Titan Legions are operating together on Khania against the Tyranid Hive Swarm. It is on these battlefields we see the steadfast and almost fatalistic style of the Pallidus Mor versus the aggressive and nihilistic style of the Imperial Hunters.
But while that operation is being conducted, on the sister world of Katara, there is a terrible corruption that is spreading. Seen from the viewpoint of Confessor Lehrn Ornastas, an ecclesiarch of the Imperial Church, there is a terrible heresy spreading like a virus. He asks for help, as things begin to fall apart and before the Imperium can respond the situation gets worse. The Traitor Titan Legion, the Iron Warriors, has come to storm the capital city. It seems they are here to help spread the will of Khorne, the Blood God.
The Pallidus Mor and Imperial Hunters are sent into combat against them. This was a great departure from the usual Space Marine story. In fact, there wasn't a single Adeptus Astartes in this story and that was actually rather unique. The battle between Titans is epic. These machine are enormous and this is a great look at how these "god-machines" and their crew really work. Some of the greatest large scale machine battles I've yet read in any sci-fi format. Well done.
I also like the Confessor. He shows a side of the Imperial Cult that is also sometimes not evident in the normal run of the story.I enjoyed the fact that the enemy switches from the Tyranid Hive to the daemonic forces of the Traitor Legions. Is the story deep? No..not at all. There are some great looks inside the mind of the two different Titan units. Different leaders, different styles..it is rather instructive. It shows that not always do units work well together.
If you like a great and violent mecha story-then you will love this story. I certainly did. A great, fun and exciting read.
This is a tale set in the 41st century. It really is a tale about two different Titan Legions: the Pallidus Mor and the Imperial Hunters. It's about their different styles, methodology and even outlook on combat. This is obvious in the initial start of the story where the two Titan Legions are operating together on Khania against the Tyranid Hive Swarm. It is on these battlefields we see the steadfast and almost fatalistic style of the Pallidus Mor versus the aggressive and nihilistic style of the Imperial Hunters.
But while that operation is being conducted, on the sister world of Katara, there is a terrible corruption that is spreading. Seen from the viewpoint of Confessor Lehrn Ornastas, an ecclesiarch of the Imperial Church, there is a terrible heresy spreading like a virus. He asks for help, as things begin to fall apart and before the Imperium can respond the situation gets worse. The Traitor Titan Legion, the Iron Warriors, has come to storm the capital city. It seems they are here to help spread the will of Khorne, the Blood God.
The Pallidus Mor and Imperial Hunters are sent into combat against them. This was a great departure from the usual Space Marine story. In fact, there wasn't a single Adeptus Astartes in this story and that was actually rather unique. The battle between Titans is epic. These machine are enormous and this is a great look at how these "god-machines" and their crew really work. Some of the greatest large scale machine battles I've yet read in any sci-fi format. Well done.
I also like the Confessor. He shows a side of the Imperial Cult that is also sometimes not evident in the normal run of the story.I enjoyed the fact that the enemy switches from the Tyranid Hive to the daemonic forces of the Traitor Legions. Is the story deep? No..not at all. There are some great looks inside the mind of the two different Titan units. Different leaders, different styles..it is rather instructive. It shows that not always do units work well together.
If you like a great and violent mecha story-then you will love this story. I certainly did. A great, fun and exciting read.
April 30, 2017
It seems David Annandale is unstoppable right now, just belting out great stories left and right. I hear often that people don't enjoy his style of writing, they find his books boring and other such nonsense. This is one of the best authors in the current Black Library line-up, he handles human and transhuman players alike perfectly, has an understanding of Chaos that few writers can manage and a horror element to his prose that just matches the Warhammer grim dark.
Now it would seem he has turned his hand at crafting some remarkably conceived and brilliant loyalist Imperial characters. As well as he wrote the insidious nature of Chaos in other novels, is as well as he portrays the righteous, just, and zealous. Amazing work, to say the least. The book is full of legendary, epic moments, featuring massive Tyranid Heirophants and Warlords going head to head, reminiscent of the great Kaiju monster flicks. There are scenes involving traitor Legios and brutal street fights, and a mad veteran priest who rallies defenders to the cause of saving their world.
The Pallidus Mor demi-legion are some heroic bastards, pushing themselves and their machines to the very limit time and time again. The princeps Krezoc also happens to be the single most bad ass lady to storm the battlefields of the 41st millenium. I cannot say enough good things about it without soiling far too much, suffice to say that I enjoyed this book even more so than the incredible "Titanicus" by Dan Abnett. It is no easy feat to knock that tome down a peg, but its the truth. This book flew by, I loved every moment of it, and highly recommend it.
Now it would seem he has turned his hand at crafting some remarkably conceived and brilliant loyalist Imperial characters. As well as he wrote the insidious nature of Chaos in other novels, is as well as he portrays the righteous, just, and zealous. Amazing work, to say the least. The book is full of legendary, epic moments, featuring massive Tyranid Heirophants and Warlords going head to head, reminiscent of the great Kaiju monster flicks. There are scenes involving traitor Legios and brutal street fights, and a mad veteran priest who rallies defenders to the cause of saving their world.
The Pallidus Mor demi-legion are some heroic bastards, pushing themselves and their machines to the very limit time and time again. The princeps Krezoc also happens to be the single most bad ass lady to storm the battlefields of the 41st millenium. I cannot say enough good things about it without soiling far too much, suffice to say that I enjoyed this book even more so than the incredible "Titanicus" by Dan Abnett. It is no easy feat to knock that tome down a peg, but its the truth. This book flew by, I loved every moment of it, and highly recommend it.
May 22, 2017
Warlord: Fury of the God-Machine is ultimately a novel of contrasts. Proud and reserved, loyal and traitor, faithful and heathen. David Annandale crafts a dynamic and compelling warfront with rich and involved characters and then proceeds to tear it all to pieces so very expertly.
Beginning in media res and following directly on from Gates of the Devourer, Warlord sets the scene for brutal and gruelling war against the tyranids. Alien bioforms brim with menace and a sinuous alien efficiency that is utterly at odds with the mighty war engines of the Titan Legions. As different as Princeps Krezoc of the Pallidus Mor and Marshal Syagrius of the Imperial Hunters. While the former is stalwart and fatalistic, the latter is arrogant and pompous- unable to acknowledge his own failings.
As these two are further thrust together in yet another war, the tapestry broadens. We have different residents of the world of Katara to consider. Captain Deyers of the Kataran Spears begins eager and hopeful about saving his world, and begins his descent while Confessor Ornastas drags himself from shock and despair to the heights of zealous determination.
For all its duelling war engines and massive scale, Warlord is an immensely human novel. Fears, flaws and failings are writ large and explored- across all strata of society. The novel burns with sensational action but also a raw emotional current that sweeps through the narrative.
In all, this is another triumph for Annandale; a novel that punches harder and deeper than it might first appear, to make you contemplate the nature and necessity of sacrifice.
It's also worth mentioning that the gorgeous limited edition comes with an extra story; a character piece about Krezoc's early days as a moderati. Much like Gates of the Devourer, this story adds to the main novel and buoys our understanding of our lead.
Beginning in media res and following directly on from Gates of the Devourer, Warlord sets the scene for brutal and gruelling war against the tyranids. Alien bioforms brim with menace and a sinuous alien efficiency that is utterly at odds with the mighty war engines of the Titan Legions. As different as Princeps Krezoc of the Pallidus Mor and Marshal Syagrius of the Imperial Hunters. While the former is stalwart and fatalistic, the latter is arrogant and pompous- unable to acknowledge his own failings.
As these two are further thrust together in yet another war, the tapestry broadens. We have different residents of the world of Katara to consider. Captain Deyers of the Kataran Spears begins eager and hopeful about saving his world, and begins his descent while Confessor Ornastas drags himself from shock and despair to the heights of zealous determination.
For all its duelling war engines and massive scale, Warlord is an immensely human novel. Fears, flaws and failings are writ large and explored- across all strata of society. The novel burns with sensational action but also a raw emotional current that sweeps through the narrative.
In all, this is another triumph for Annandale; a novel that punches harder and deeper than it might first appear, to make you contemplate the nature and necessity of sacrifice.
It's also worth mentioning that the gorgeous limited edition comes with an extra story; a character piece about Krezoc's early days as a moderati. Much like Gates of the Devourer, this story adds to the main novel and buoys our understanding of our lead.
April 17, 2017
Enthralling, exciting, and balls to the wall action. I loved it!
August 22, 2017
Review in Progress!
July 16, 2024
I should open by confessing that I'm not the greatest fan of titans. They look incredible, obviously, especially on the tabletop, and are a key element of the late 80s gothic, grimdark aesthetic. But they're also among the most proposterous military units in a galaxy jam-packed with aliens, monsters and genetic mutants of ever-increasing absurdity, so don't necessarily lend themselves to novel form.
This one starts well though; the humongous bipedal stomp-robots facing off against the monstrous Tyranids, forced onto the back foot and having to adapt their tactics to counter the extreme alien threat in order to survive. After that though it all becomes a bit by-the-numbers; 'good' titans battling 'evil' titans, and far too much time being spent on ground troops who feel almost entirely irrelevant with all these 100 ft tall behemoths strutting around.
Annandale produces a dramatic atmosphere and many an exciting battle scene, but ultimately the character work is unspectacular. A good reminder that it takes more than just ever-bigger guns to craft a compelling story.
This one starts well though; the humongous bipedal stomp-robots facing off against the monstrous Tyranids, forced onto the back foot and having to adapt their tactics to counter the extreme alien threat in order to survive. After that though it all becomes a bit by-the-numbers; 'good' titans battling 'evil' titans, and far too much time being spent on ground troops who feel almost entirely irrelevant with all these 100 ft tall behemoths strutting around.
Annandale produces a dramatic atmosphere and many an exciting battle scene, but ultimately the character work is unspectacular. A good reminder that it takes more than just ever-bigger guns to craft a compelling story.
March 26, 2018
The battle of Khaina, where the demi-legio of the titans of Pallidus Mor, the armored might of the Kataran 66th Spears and maniples of Secutarri from the Mechanicus is winding to a close. Pride causes unnecessary loss of titans and tempers and emotions flare as the Tyranid invasion of the planet is routed. From the end of this battle we hear of the forces of Chaos openly warring on the nearby forge world of Katarra. The Pallidus Mor and accompanying forces are carried to the planet to defy the servants of the Blood God as they intend to claim the planet for their foul lords. The Iron Skulls titan legion, sworn to Chaos rampage across the planet.
Besides this story we have the tale of Ornastus, a Ecclesiarchy Priest finding his city descending into bloodshed and heresy. His tale is as potent as the Titans above him, for he is in the thick of dealing with the human contingent allied against him and the faithful. The priest used to be a soldier with the Katarran Guard, so he knows how to fight, though he has to be refreshed in the most brutal and direct way, thrown right back into hand to hand combat. He finds a fellow officer has turned to Chaos and energizes the heretics under his banner and his message where the planet is to be devoted and turned over to the Blood God. The battles across no less than three of the planet's main hive cities carries Ornastus and his Company of the Bridge into conflict with the Chaos heretics.
The Pallidus Mor walk across Katarra, fighting devastating battles with the Iron Skulls that destroy most of the machines of both sides. One particular challenge is getting to the city of Therimachus, wherein the titans and the tanks of the 66th Spears have to cross the flooded plains of Kilvanos, where promethium has breached the surface and turned the Plains into a fiery hellscape. Only losing one titan the force makes it to Therimachus and battles to the bitter end, losing almost the entirety of Pallidus Mor and the Imperial Hunters legio from Katarra itself. But the Iron Skulls and the Chaos forces are defeated. Contingents of the Death Korps of Kreig land and mop up the residual heretics and execute them all, a exercise taking weeks. Losing its capital city and much more than can be imagined, but avoiding Exterminatus, barely Katarra lives, but is forever changed and diminished.
This book was really awesome. I love how the author really puts the battle among walking god machines in parallel with the fanatical and faithful battles below the feet of these machines. The pace and detail in this book ept me burning through it, just to see what else would happen. The characters are strong and vibrant, easy to clap for and pity when they fail or are killed. Overall, this is a wonderful addition from the Black Library, and I wish there was another one to read right now. Such a great book.
Danny
Besides this story we have the tale of Ornastus, a Ecclesiarchy Priest finding his city descending into bloodshed and heresy. His tale is as potent as the Titans above him, for he is in the thick of dealing with the human contingent allied against him and the faithful. The priest used to be a soldier with the Katarran Guard, so he knows how to fight, though he has to be refreshed in the most brutal and direct way, thrown right back into hand to hand combat. He finds a fellow officer has turned to Chaos and energizes the heretics under his banner and his message where the planet is to be devoted and turned over to the Blood God. The battles across no less than three of the planet's main hive cities carries Ornastus and his Company of the Bridge into conflict with the Chaos heretics.
The Pallidus Mor walk across Katarra, fighting devastating battles with the Iron Skulls that destroy most of the machines of both sides. One particular challenge is getting to the city of Therimachus, wherein the titans and the tanks of the 66th Spears have to cross the flooded plains of Kilvanos, where promethium has breached the surface and turned the Plains into a fiery hellscape. Only losing one titan the force makes it to Therimachus and battles to the bitter end, losing almost the entirety of Pallidus Mor and the Imperial Hunters legio from Katarra itself. But the Iron Skulls and the Chaos forces are defeated. Contingents of the Death Korps of Kreig land and mop up the residual heretics and execute them all, a exercise taking weeks. Losing its capital city and much more than can be imagined, but avoiding Exterminatus, barely Katarra lives, but is forever changed and diminished.
This book was really awesome. I love how the author really puts the battle among walking god machines in parallel with the fanatical and faithful battles below the feet of these machines. The pace and detail in this book ept me burning through it, just to see what else would happen. The characters are strong and vibrant, easy to clap for and pity when they fail or are killed. Overall, this is a wonderful addition from the Black Library, and I wish there was another one to read right now. Such a great book.
Danny
December 1, 2018
An unexpected gem of a 40k book, gripping the setting's oft-mocked "grimdark" nihilism with both hands and producing an exciting and kinetic tale with an apocalyptic ending which - of all things - made me think of The Triumph of Death by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1562).
May 6, 2018
Anyone familiar with David Annandale’s writing for Black Library will know he likes to tell big stories. There’s not much bigger in 40k than a Warlord Titan…except lots of Warlord Titans, which you’ll find in Warlord: Fury of the God-Machine. The legios of Pallidus Mor and the Imperial Hunters couldn’t be much less alike in philosophy or approach to warfare, but on Khania they forge an uncomfortable alliance against the tyranid hordes. When rebellion arises on nearby Katara they’re forced further still into uneasy cooperation, exposing dangerous cracks even as Chaos rises and a world falls.
This is unashamedly grandiose, an appropriately OTT story that’s sort of daft, and occasionally a little contrived narratively…but at the same time hugely satisfying. For the most part Annandale’s style gels nicely with the story he’s telling, going heavy on the dizzying scale of these battles taking place on almost another plane of existence, so far beyond ‘normal’ human warriors. His tendency to go for lots of very short, snappy sentences does detract a little, but thankfully it’s mostly restricted to the action scenes and the rest of his writing flows much more smoothly. It’s as epic as you’d expect, but in the grim, stoic Pallidus Mor there’s a perspective on everything which strips away the ‘glory’ of this sort of bonkers conflict, and gives it all an appropriately dark, brooding sense of 40k style. It’s probably not going to be for everyone, and it’s certainly not perfect, but it’s undeniably powerful.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/04/...
This is unashamedly grandiose, an appropriately OTT story that’s sort of daft, and occasionally a little contrived narratively…but at the same time hugely satisfying. For the most part Annandale’s style gels nicely with the story he’s telling, going heavy on the dizzying scale of these battles taking place on almost another plane of existence, so far beyond ‘normal’ human warriors. His tendency to go for lots of very short, snappy sentences does detract a little, but thankfully it’s mostly restricted to the action scenes and the rest of his writing flows much more smoothly. It’s as epic as you’d expect, but in the grim, stoic Pallidus Mor there’s a perspective on everything which strips away the ‘glory’ of this sort of bonkers conflict, and gives it all an appropriately dark, brooding sense of 40k style. It’s probably not going to be for everyone, and it’s certainly not perfect, but it’s undeniably powerful.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/04/...
July 8, 2024
Grimdumb
Preacher thinks he's seeing the signs of heresy everywhere. Maybe he's going crazy, that's kind of interesting. Oh no, there actually is a cult, just no one noticed somehow, except for the guy who noticed.
Oh, the enemy is ALL at one of three cities. Let's not stand ready at the next city that is the only choke point for the enemy to get out, and instead split the stronger half of our force at the furthest away city. Good plan.
Oh, promethium fields were set alight. There is extreme heat and waves of promethium and flames. Extremely unstable.
So bad are the conditions that the enemy isn't even guarding the approach because it'd be suicide to march through it.
Actually, getting through will be super easy. Barely an inconvenience. In fact, the armored company will even be able to do it (somehow). Apparently there were even Basilisk and Manticore in the armored company.
Warlord tries to be larger than life but it just comes off as stupid and poorly thought out.
Preacher thinks he's seeing the signs of heresy everywhere. Maybe he's going crazy, that's kind of interesting. Oh no, there actually is a cult, just no one noticed somehow, except for the guy who noticed.
Oh, the enemy is ALL at one of three cities. Let's not stand ready at the next city that is the only choke point for the enemy to get out, and instead split the stronger half of our force at the furthest away city. Good plan.
Oh, promethium fields were set alight. There is extreme heat and waves of promethium and flames. Extremely unstable.
So bad are the conditions that the enemy isn't even guarding the approach because it'd be suicide to march through it.
Actually, getting through will be super easy. Barely an inconvenience. In fact, the armored company will even be able to do it (somehow). Apparently there were even Basilisk and Manticore in the armored company.
Warlord tries to be larger than life but it just comes off as stupid and poorly thought out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
I really dig Annandale’s style. He has a way with the action scene, functional prose that occasionally delivers moments of real beauty, and a knack for plotting that delivers the genre goods while still being hard to predict. This book is him at near top form. It’s not a classic of literature or anything, but if you want to read about giant robots blasting the hell out of each other, it’s got a lot to recommend it. And he’s also willing to engage with the Imperium’s brutal and dystopian nature in a way that most authors of these types of books won’t touch. I was very impressed by this, and look forward to reading more of Annandale’s work.
May 24, 2017
This is basically a cover to cover apocalypse sized battle first of Imperium. vs. Tyranids and then Imperium vs. Chaos. The plot moves very quickly and is action packed. The characters are dark, broken and fatalistic and give testament to the Warhammer 40K motto: In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.
January 31, 2021
I enjoyed the action and the atmosphere described in the book. I liked the descriptions of how ridiculously large the titans were. The plot of the story had enough elements to keep things interesting enough to continue. It wasn't the most enthralling story I've gone through, but the atmosphere and emotions of the characters carried me through to the end.
March 24, 2022
A really very solid 40k combat novel. The titans are gloriously stompy, various POV characters highlight different facets of the Imperium and the battles are suitably over the top. The opening actions against Tyranids make a nice change, and while I’d have loved to have seen things from the Iron Skulls’ perspective, the few Khornate characters we actually meet are such overt caricatures we probably don’t miss that much by not seeing them. Good, diverting fun.
April 27, 2018
The tale of the Corruption of Katara (Unknown Date.M41)
Has much of what makes Warhammer 40k a great read.
The Loyalist Titan Legion the Legio Pallidus Mor, Imperial Armor, Tyranids, Khorne Cultists, Iron Skulls Chaos Titans, etc
Has much of what makes Warhammer 40k a great read.
The Loyalist Titan Legion the Legio Pallidus Mor, Imperial Armor, Tyranids, Khorne Cultists, Iron Skulls Chaos Titans, etc
June 28, 2019
After Titanicus this one was a bit of a disappointment. If you are in for a quick action packed read without need for too much thinking then Warlord is that book. There is not too much of a character development. It just keeps jumping from one action scene to the other.
January 13, 2020
The battlefield description puts you literally as a pilot( called a princeps) of an incredible war machine known as a Warlord titan in the universe of Warhammer 40000. Highly engaging plot with multiple twist and action, highly recommended if you are into the Imperium's titan legion forces.
December 26, 2022
Een spannend verhaal waar het grootste van het grootst in het warhammer 40k universum centraal staat, Titans. Een goed boek, maar waarschijnlijk een moeilijk boek om als leek mee in de lore van 40k te stappen.
July 5, 2017
Not as good as Titanicus, but still solid Titan asskicking.
I liked the dichotomy between the two Titan groups, with the solid proletarians on one side and the aristocrats on the other.
I liked the dichotomy between the two Titan groups, with the solid proletarians on one side and the aristocrats on the other.
September 15, 2018
Not much character development. Way read, not requiring much thought.
December 30, 2020
The Battle Titans of the Adeptus Titanicus are towering war engines which are filling the pages of this book. The little intrigues here and there but at the end the enemies became united against the arch enemy.
May 4, 2021
Read this if you're a fan of the Pallidus Mor legion. Ignore the blurb as it is completely inaccurate.
October 12, 2022
Simply read it to understand how much better Titanicus is.
November 17, 2022
Boring with an unsatisfying ending. I really had to force myself to finish this one, and of course, the ending was a boring one.
December 11, 2023
very weak writing. bad knowledge of the source material.
July 9, 2024
To much time spent on the little people on the ground and titans wiped out by landslides and stuff.
August 1, 2024
Good, simple-carb book food. It has an intriguing story, but most of it are battle scenes that are fun until they become redundant.
June 23, 2025
Was a bit of a drag through the middle portion but picked up toward the climax.
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