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Gotrek & Felix #17
Slayer
With their friendship in tatters after a series of betrayals, Gotrek and Felix march south at the head of a ragtag army, intent upon driving the forces of Chaos out of the Empire and returning Felix to his wife. But Gotrek's doom is at hand, and great powers are at work to ensure that he meets it. With enemies on all sides and destiny calling, Felix must make a choice: to follow Gotrek into the darkness that awaits him, or to abandon his oldest friend once and for all.
Read it because
This is the final adventure of Gotrek and Felix. All is revealed as Gotrek meets his doom and Felix's fate is sealed. The story contains the ultimate showdown between the comrades and their greatest foe ever, Be'lakor. The battle is like nothing you've seen before taking them from the forests of the Empire into the air, and to the very Realm of Chaos.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2015
About the author
David Guymer
180 books180 followersDavid Guymer is a freelance author, PhD in molecular microbiology (which still comes in more handy than you might think), and tabletop warlord based in the Yorkshire East Riding. He has written for Black Library, Marvel, Aconyte Books, Asmodee, Mantic Games, Cubicle 7, Creative Assembly, and Mongoose Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 19, 2016
5 Stars! 50 Stars!! 500 Stars!!!! Amazing. Incredible. Jaw- Droppingly Awesome. No Spoilers, but, O, what spoilers they would be. Read it. Manling.
March 30, 2015
‘The End is nigh, the wheels of fate are spinning wild, and here Doom of Gotrek lies’
My feelings, as I started reading the last book in the series, were actually like the grand phrase of Gotrek - ‘I will accept no doom’.
Through the years, ‘Gotrek and Felix’ adventures has become a title by which you know you are reading BL production. A long way from the first book in the long forgotten 1999, the series has gone full circle. From a funny book of shorts with 2 heroes, human and dwarf, it has achieved the level of drama with the best of George Martin stuff.
Four different authors, with their fundamental writing styles, storytelling has created a living and breathing duo, in which you could and should invest your time.
King gave us small laughs, returning evil characters and story driven plot. Nathan Long provided a new beginning after William King had left the series. It was refreshing, with a new perspective. We got the recurring characters and essential drama with a sinister plot going through all his books till the last one. Josh Reynolds gave us the introduction to the missing years of the pair, some of their early adventures and actions in the East, especially after the cataclysmic events of the King’s last GaF book ‘Giantslayer’. And of course, our talented Queek fella David Guymer (you should change the wall image – Queek is dead ) provided us with a haunting introduction to the spirit world, prophecies and death of hope in his ‘charming’ ‘City of the Damned’, debut for the series.
I was pleased to know that he had been given a green light to finish the series in the great ‘Doom of Gotrek Gurnisson’ duology, especially given the ongoing ‘End of Times’ event in the setting. At the same time I was depressed, after all – who’d love the ending of the fantastic books? If it was my choice – I would have written them, till the stars would start bleeding, or mister Emperor came back for the Godly intervention.
And here we go – ‘Slayer’, Book 2 of the Doom of Gotrek Gurnisson lies before me, finished just 15 minutes ago. And what an ending it has! I can’t be very spoiler free here, judging by the ongoing emotions, fighting in my heart. Curse you David for writing another OUTSTANDING BOOK .
And through my eyes are shedding little manly tear for him (you know who – you monster ), I want to shake your hand and buy you a keg of Bugmans. Just to remember all the stuff that was written on a long way to this point. Sad, bittersweet, a little funny, with a great commemoration for anyone to read
The companionship and friendship between our adorning duo has gone a long way from that to an unexpected, but fair “Curse you, Gotrek Gurnisson”. Well, to be fair – Felix went through lot of suffering on his faithful travellings with Gotrek. But only near the end he really slips, and shows us how tired and hateful he has become to all the slayer stuff, oaths and debts. ‘Damn the Slayer. And damn his oath’.
‘Well tha doesnae sound tae guid, diz it?’ – as someone familiar would say
It has every previous book by King, Long and Reynolds mentioned in one way or another. Here we have an old friend Malakai Makaisson – with the great speeches and horrible Reikspiel ‘Whit in the world are ye daien here?’ – isn’t it beautiful and gratifying.
Here goes the ‘Unstoppable’ and Skjalandir from the ‘Dragonslayer’. Here are the thoughts and curses upon the hunched and beaten ‘friend’ of the duo – Grey Seer Thanquol. Lhoigor Goldenrod and Kelmain Blackstaff made a lovely introduction to the crossroad choice. Arek Daemonclaw and Heinrich Kemmler, Krell the Wight King and The Bloodthirster of Karag Dum all had made an introduction. Friends and comrades, loved ones – everybody joined the party. Here we heard a Snorri laughter, here shines the nobility of Ulrika Magdova, and even Kirsten, the first love of Jaeger, gets the mention to her passing.
All in all – this book is even more a commemoration to the rememberers, than to Gotrek. Felix Jaeger feels the strangeness of the world firsthand here. If not for the black hair – he would be an exact copy of that character (Image below)
Some spoilers for the previous books ahead. The story sets off exactly from the moment the previous book ends – the death of Snorri, escape from Praag and going back to Empire to reunite Felix with Kat. In between ‘Kinslayer’ and ‘Slayer’ where is a short story ‘Rememberers’, done by David for the ‘End Times’ subscription. It covers the months spent travelling from the ruined Kislev to the ravaged Empire. Due to continuity of the story from the ‘City of the Damned’, it is highly recommended to read that book before the ‘Doom of Gotrek Gurnisson’ duology. The plot has some great retcons with the CotD and intersect it with visions and prophecies. If you want to understand the severity and paradox of the duo situation – you should get the measurements of Morzanna and Be’lakor from before, additional Warhammer Fantasy Battles lore for aforementioned characters is preferable too. ‘I will accept no doom’ – Gotrek words mentioned.
But let’s start – shall we? Here, we will find our characters – getting themselves in a battle at the border of the Empire, to which they do not belong too. But as someone said in the lovely times of the ‘End Times’ – ‘We are doomed!’ So, it’s not a surprise, anyway
People who read ‘Kinslayer’ will be pleased (or not – it depends on your liking of mentioned characters) to know that Gustav Jaeger and Kolya the kislevite are still present and running with the famous pair, overshadowed by their glory.
‘I will accept no doom’ – Gotrek Gurnisson.
The main protagonists of the story are not even the Dark Master Be’lakor, or some cool Chaos Warlords with different gifts. The main enemies of our indomitable duo are time, fate and themselves. This unstoppable combination created an unbearable task to fulfill for both Gotrek and Felix. As Morzanna says to all who got themselves in the spinning wheels of destiny: ‘You deserved a more caring master’.
Writing style is consistent and very enjoyable. With some minor setbacks, like depiction of the dwarven engineering, or nature’s views, that are overbalanced in the chapters. Due to continuity of the story you should expect a lot of dreams and prophecy envisioned from the ‘City of the Damned’. It is refreshing at the start of the novel, but gets a little tiresome in the middle. Due to everchanging events further on, it never became an issue in the end.
And the names – they are a jewel in the book. Different nicknames and monikers are making the story go real. Just rumbling from the normal halfturned Koenigsmann High Zarr to Willow Crab or Hunchback. The book is alive with them – and that’s another positive bonus for a truly good story. I do not think that people want to hear Be’lakor, Morzanna, Archaon and other overused names for a hundred pages, right?
Humor part is quite ok – greatest jokes are coming from the maturing boy Gustav. ‘Cheering crowds lined the Konigplatz waving flags and shouting your name. Pegasus knights performed an aerial display in your honor’ – isn’t he a lovely fella? Or new propaganda how to stay cheerful and sarcastic at the End Times period: ‘That’s how to keep up Morale in the End Times’.
Or fantastic piece ‘…..Ah, we appear to have uncovered a fundamental gap in our knowledge of gyrocopter operation’.
Phrases like ‘Your doom is foretold’ mostly would have a lovely conclusion in ‘we’ll tell him it was an accident…’ But I will leave it for you, to read for yourself. You will not regret your time well spent.
Beginning and the middle of the book are much lighter and more joyful, than the rest. This is actually as it should be, all things compared. Second part of the book is much heavier to read, due to ‘End of Times’ things (deaths) happening, and events getting very serious.
The only other minor flaw is the ending. Don’t get me wrong – it is good, really good and well deserving for the series. But the last 25 pages in Karak Drengazi feels a little rushed. And the main confrontation is a little bit too quick in its resolution. Considering everything else, the book deserves a Gemmel prize, or something from that tree
I want to add only this – if Gaunt Ghosts series by Dan Abnett would ever run its course, and the last book is written while we still alive, I do hope it will have such an ending.
Ty David Guymer, and goodbye Gotrek and Felix. We will forever remember this outstanding, in my humble opinion, duo.
Deep in our souls we are all rememberers. In the end, let’s quote the last proud kislevite Kolya – ‘Doskonale’
‘If this journal is found, if the day was won, then remember this - here a Slayer lies’
My feelings, as I started reading the last book in the series, were actually like the grand phrase of Gotrek - ‘I will accept no doom’.
Through the years, ‘Gotrek and Felix’ adventures has become a title by which you know you are reading BL production. A long way from the first book in the long forgotten 1999, the series has gone full circle. From a funny book of shorts with 2 heroes, human and dwarf, it has achieved the level of drama with the best of George Martin stuff.
Four different authors, with their fundamental writing styles, storytelling has created a living and breathing duo, in which you could and should invest your time.
King gave us small laughs, returning evil characters and story driven plot. Nathan Long provided a new beginning after William King had left the series. It was refreshing, with a new perspective. We got the recurring characters and essential drama with a sinister plot going through all his books till the last one. Josh Reynolds gave us the introduction to the missing years of the pair, some of their early adventures and actions in the East, especially after the cataclysmic events of the King’s last GaF book ‘Giantslayer’. And of course, our talented Queek fella David Guymer (you should change the wall image – Queek is dead ) provided us with a haunting introduction to the spirit world, prophecies and death of hope in his ‘charming’ ‘City of the Damned’, debut for the series.
I was pleased to know that he had been given a green light to finish the series in the great ‘Doom of Gotrek Gurnisson’ duology, especially given the ongoing ‘End of Times’ event in the setting. At the same time I was depressed, after all – who’d love the ending of the fantastic books? If it was my choice – I would have written them, till the stars would start bleeding, or mister Emperor came back for the Godly intervention.
And here we go – ‘Slayer’, Book 2 of the Doom of Gotrek Gurnisson lies before me, finished just 15 minutes ago. And what an ending it has! I can’t be very spoiler free here, judging by the ongoing emotions, fighting in my heart. Curse you David for writing another OUTSTANDING BOOK .
And through my eyes are shedding little manly tear for him (you know who – you monster ), I want to shake your hand and buy you a keg of Bugmans. Just to remember all the stuff that was written on a long way to this point. Sad, bittersweet, a little funny, with a great commemoration for anyone to read
The companionship and friendship between our adorning duo has gone a long way from that to an unexpected, but fair “Curse you, Gotrek Gurnisson”. Well, to be fair – Felix went through lot of suffering on his faithful travellings with Gotrek. But only near the end he really slips, and shows us how tired and hateful he has become to all the slayer stuff, oaths and debts. ‘Damn the Slayer. And damn his oath’.
‘Well tha doesnae sound tae guid, diz it?’ – as someone familiar would say
It has every previous book by King, Long and Reynolds mentioned in one way or another. Here we have an old friend Malakai Makaisson – with the great speeches and horrible Reikspiel ‘Whit in the world are ye daien here?’ – isn’t it beautiful and gratifying.
Here goes the ‘Unstoppable’ and Skjalandir from the ‘Dragonslayer’. Here are the thoughts and curses upon the hunched and beaten ‘friend’ of the duo – Grey Seer Thanquol. Lhoigor Goldenrod and Kelmain Blackstaff made a lovely introduction to the crossroad choice. Arek Daemonclaw and Heinrich Kemmler, Krell the Wight King and The Bloodthirster of Karag Dum all had made an introduction. Friends and comrades, loved ones – everybody joined the party. Here we heard a Snorri laughter, here shines the nobility of Ulrika Magdova, and even Kirsten, the first love of Jaeger, gets the mention to her passing.
All in all – this book is even more a commemoration to the rememberers, than to Gotrek. Felix Jaeger feels the strangeness of the world firsthand here. If not for the black hair – he would be an exact copy of that character (Image below)
Some spoilers for the previous books ahead. The story sets off exactly from the moment the previous book ends – the death of Snorri, escape from Praag and going back to Empire to reunite Felix with Kat. In between ‘Kinslayer’ and ‘Slayer’ where is a short story ‘Rememberers’, done by David for the ‘End Times’ subscription. It covers the months spent travelling from the ruined Kislev to the ravaged Empire. Due to continuity of the story from the ‘City of the Damned’, it is highly recommended to read that book before the ‘Doom of Gotrek Gurnisson’ duology. The plot has some great retcons with the CotD and intersect it with visions and prophecies. If you want to understand the severity and paradox of the duo situation – you should get the measurements of Morzanna and Be’lakor from before, additional Warhammer Fantasy Battles lore for aforementioned characters is preferable too. ‘I will accept no doom’ – Gotrek words mentioned.
But let’s start – shall we? Here, we will find our characters – getting themselves in a battle at the border of the Empire, to which they do not belong too. But as someone said in the lovely times of the ‘End Times’ – ‘We are doomed!’ So, it’s not a surprise, anyway
People who read ‘Kinslayer’ will be pleased (or not – it depends on your liking of mentioned characters) to know that Gustav Jaeger and Kolya the kislevite are still present and running with the famous pair, overshadowed by their glory.
‘I will accept no doom’ – Gotrek Gurnisson.
The main protagonists of the story are not even the Dark Master Be’lakor, or some cool Chaos Warlords with different gifts. The main enemies of our indomitable duo are time, fate and themselves. This unstoppable combination created an unbearable task to fulfill for both Gotrek and Felix. As Morzanna says to all who got themselves in the spinning wheels of destiny: ‘You deserved a more caring master’.
Writing style is consistent and very enjoyable. With some minor setbacks, like depiction of the dwarven engineering, or nature’s views, that are overbalanced in the chapters. Due to continuity of the story you should expect a lot of dreams and prophecy envisioned from the ‘City of the Damned’. It is refreshing at the start of the novel, but gets a little tiresome in the middle. Due to everchanging events further on, it never became an issue in the end.
And the names – they are a jewel in the book. Different nicknames and monikers are making the story go real. Just rumbling from the normal halfturned Koenigsmann High Zarr to Willow Crab or Hunchback. The book is alive with them – and that’s another positive bonus for a truly good story. I do not think that people want to hear Be’lakor, Morzanna, Archaon and other overused names for a hundred pages, right?
Humor part is quite ok – greatest jokes are coming from the maturing boy Gustav. ‘Cheering crowds lined the Konigplatz waving flags and shouting your name. Pegasus knights performed an aerial display in your honor’ – isn’t he a lovely fella? Or new propaganda how to stay cheerful and sarcastic at the End Times period: ‘That’s how to keep up Morale in the End Times’.
Or fantastic piece ‘…..Ah, we appear to have uncovered a fundamental gap in our knowledge of gyrocopter operation’.
Phrases like ‘Your doom is foretold’ mostly would have a lovely conclusion in ‘we’ll tell him it was an accident…’ But I will leave it for you, to read for yourself. You will not regret your time well spent.
Beginning and the middle of the book are much lighter and more joyful, than the rest. This is actually as it should be, all things compared. Second part of the book is much heavier to read, due to ‘End of Times’ things (deaths) happening, and events getting very serious.
The only other minor flaw is the ending. Don’t get me wrong – it is good, really good and well deserving for the series. But the last 25 pages in Karak Drengazi feels a little rushed. And the main confrontation is a little bit too quick in its resolution. Considering everything else, the book deserves a Gemmel prize, or something from that tree
I want to add only this – if Gaunt Ghosts series by Dan Abnett would ever run its course, and the last book is written while we still alive, I do hope it will have such an ending.
Ty David Guymer, and goodbye Gotrek and Felix. We will forever remember this outstanding, in my humble opinion, duo.
Deep in our souls we are all rememberers. In the end, let’s quote the last proud kislevite Kolya – ‘Doskonale’
‘If this journal is found, if the day was won, then remember this - here a Slayer lies’
October 24, 2020
This did not feel like the characters we'd grown up with during the series. Shame that it ended this way.
August 24, 2015
Its wasn't a very good close to the series. In fact, its was a bit of a cop out. I'm glad they gave Gotrek a mighty doom, but its was half assed. Not to mention Felix's ending; weak.
June 12, 2023
El imperio se hace añicos ante el final de los tiempos, al igual que la amistad entre Gotrek y Félix así como la esperanza. Solo queda cumplir juramentos y acatar el destino.
Dinámica, oscura y opresiva. Después de mucho camino andado se ha llegado al final de la saga, con los personajes desgastados y en el opresivo ambiente del apocalipsis.
Dinámica, oscura y opresiva. Después de mucho camino andado se ha llegado al final de la saga, con los personajes desgastados y en el opresivo ambiente del apocalipsis.
April 1, 2025
The end of the series ... did not want to end and it is a good one like you would expect ... not amazing but good non the less ... i miss the fallen ones !
May 24, 2020
CAUTION HERE MAY BE SPOILERS!!!
I can't believe I'm finally here. 14 books, 3 authors and 2 years of reading later I have at last completed the Gotrek and Felix series. But did the ending live up to the legacy that proceeded it? You bet your ass it did!
When I read the first G&F omnibus containing books 1-3 I new G&F were a big thing in Warhammer circles. That there was a lot of books in the series and that they had a lot of hype. By the time I read the second omnibus containing books 4-6 I noticed a pattern. The books definitely got better as they went along. Each book was better than the last (with the exception of Beastslayer, a good book but didn't have the same feel as the others).
After book 7 and the Ulrika spin off trilogy while I was enjoying every book couldn't help but wonder, how is it all going to end? How do you kill off a character like Gotrek that lived up to his exploits? This bested a dragon, dark elves, necromancers and a demon. What could possibly kill him off?
One of my biggest fears was that the author (whoever that might be) would try and pull a fast one and not kill him. Because nobody would see that one coming. I would have lost my mind if that happens. Part of the hook of this series is that the main character has to die in order for their to be a happy ending.
And we got it.
Ironically the author did pull a fast one on me, Gotrek didn't die technically. But he did find his doom. And it was the best of endings that could possibly have happened.
The Good Stuff
- Where to begin? Gotrek Doom was amazing, he got to meet his god, and take his place holding back all the demons of chaos so his god can go fight in the End Times, it's ironic because I said if Gotrek doesn't die it would be a cheat and a lie to the series. And yet he didn't die and the ending was great. Well played David Guymer, well played. But to be fair he gave us a hint about the ending right from the beginning. Both Kinslayer and Slayer are titles as "The Doom Of Gotrek" not death but Doom. The answer was right in front of our eyes the hole time.
- Poor Felix, he literally lost everything including his froendshop with Gotrek bit I'm glad they made up, and Gotreks last words to Felix and that smile more than made uo for all the ill feelings they had. I ways knew Fix and the whole family thing was never going to work out, come on his destiny was toed to Gotrek from day one. It was ways destined that his end would come with Gotreks and the fact he died writing our the final chapter to his great sage was just fantastic.
- For those of us who have read (and suffered throufh) the Archaon books will know the name Be'Lakor. This c*ck sucker is always hovering about trying to usurp power from Archaon or someone so it was no surprise to see him pop his ugly head up
- Glad they referenced the events In the other End Times novels, good to know I'm reading them in the right order.
- Malakai Makaisson and Max are back and although it's was that Max dies it does tie up that loose end. Although it's a shame because I would have loved a spin of trilogy of books about him.
One of the best ending of a Warhammer novel I've read so far, this End Times series is the gift that keeps on giving. Every book is gold. It's a shame I only have one left. But I can't help but laugh at how Gotrek didn't die but still managed to achieve his Doom, and as much as that will annoy some people it was literally written on the cover of both books. The Doom of Gotrek, not his death.
So suck it up. 🤪🙌🏻🙏🏻
I can't believe I'm finally here. 14 books, 3 authors and 2 years of reading later I have at last completed the Gotrek and Felix series. But did the ending live up to the legacy that proceeded it? You bet your ass it did!
When I read the first G&F omnibus containing books 1-3 I new G&F were a big thing in Warhammer circles. That there was a lot of books in the series and that they had a lot of hype. By the time I read the second omnibus containing books 4-6 I noticed a pattern. The books definitely got better as they went along. Each book was better than the last (with the exception of Beastslayer, a good book but didn't have the same feel as the others).
After book 7 and the Ulrika spin off trilogy while I was enjoying every book couldn't help but wonder, how is it all going to end? How do you kill off a character like Gotrek that lived up to his exploits? This bested a dragon, dark elves, necromancers and a demon. What could possibly kill him off?
One of my biggest fears was that the author (whoever that might be) would try and pull a fast one and not kill him. Because nobody would see that one coming. I would have lost my mind if that happens. Part of the hook of this series is that the main character has to die in order for their to be a happy ending.
And we got it.
Ironically the author did pull a fast one on me, Gotrek didn't die technically. But he did find his doom. And it was the best of endings that could possibly have happened.
The Good Stuff
- Where to begin? Gotrek Doom was amazing, he got to meet his god, and take his place holding back all the demons of chaos so his god can go fight in the End Times, it's ironic because I said if Gotrek doesn't die it would be a cheat and a lie to the series. And yet he didn't die and the ending was great. Well played David Guymer, well played. But to be fair he gave us a hint about the ending right from the beginning. Both Kinslayer and Slayer are titles as "The Doom Of Gotrek" not death but Doom. The answer was right in front of our eyes the hole time.
- Poor Felix, he literally lost everything including his froendshop with Gotrek bit I'm glad they made up, and Gotreks last words to Felix and that smile more than made uo for all the ill feelings they had. I ways knew Fix and the whole family thing was never going to work out, come on his destiny was toed to Gotrek from day one. It was ways destined that his end would come with Gotreks and the fact he died writing our the final chapter to his great sage was just fantastic.
- For those of us who have read (and suffered throufh) the Archaon books will know the name Be'Lakor. This c*ck sucker is always hovering about trying to usurp power from Archaon or someone so it was no surprise to see him pop his ugly head up
- Glad they referenced the events In the other End Times novels, good to know I'm reading them in the right order.
- Malakai Makaisson and Max are back and although it's was that Max dies it does tie up that loose end. Although it's a shame because I would have loved a spin of trilogy of books about him.
One of the best ending of a Warhammer novel I've read so far, this End Times series is the gift that keeps on giving. Every book is gold. It's a shame I only have one left. But I can't help but laugh at how Gotrek didn't die but still managed to achieve his Doom, and as much as that will annoy some people it was literally written on the cover of both books. The Doom of Gotrek, not his death.
So suck it up. 🤪🙌🏻🙏🏻
February 3, 2016
Ok, this is the series that got me into Warhammer novels, and I've followed it from William King's original run, to Nathan Long's, and then to the myriad of other authors. After King's and Long's novels, the others seemed weaker. I'm really happy to say that this novel adds Guymer to the rankings.
If you haven't read Kinslayer before this, there might be some SPOILERS.
We start off the novel where we last left our heroes, in a fractured relationship after the death of an old friend. Even though they've never been the most talkative and emotional of friends, Gotrek and Felix have grown even further apart. The one thing keeping them together is the promise made by Gotrek to get Felix back to his wife Kat, and his child. Felix will finally be released from his remembrancer oath, as Gotrek found a new manling, Kolyat.
Of course, during this novel, the End Times are occurring. Daemons are rising, elves are warring and the undead are rising. I'm not going to spoil too much, but the path to get back to Felix's family is of course much harder than it appears, as Altdorf may be decimated.
No more SPOILERS
Guymer really gets the characters down perfectly. Felix has his usual dry wit and fatalism toward battles, while Gotrek is terse and ready to die. We see quite a few old faces, so bone up on some of the older novels. Some of the reunions are pretty heart wrenching, so get ready. The battles are fantastic, worthy of any Slayer saga. As much as I want to gush about the last 50 pages, I have to stay quiet. The doom Gotrek faces is really the most amazing end that I couldn't see coming.
I want to give this 5 stars, but its not the perfect novel, even though I think the ending is perfect. Some things are left a little ambiguous, and some of the writing does take a little time to get through. This is definitely a solid 4.5 though.
Just remember him. A Slayer lies here.
If you haven't read Kinslayer before this, there might be some SPOILERS.
We start off the novel where we last left our heroes, in a fractured relationship after the death of an old friend. Even though they've never been the most talkative and emotional of friends, Gotrek and Felix have grown even further apart. The one thing keeping them together is the promise made by Gotrek to get Felix back to his wife Kat, and his child. Felix will finally be released from his remembrancer oath, as Gotrek found a new manling, Kolyat.
Of course, during this novel, the End Times are occurring. Daemons are rising, elves are warring and the undead are rising. I'm not going to spoil too much, but the path to get back to Felix's family is of course much harder than it appears, as Altdorf may be decimated.
No more SPOILERS
Guymer really gets the characters down perfectly. Felix has his usual dry wit and fatalism toward battles, while Gotrek is terse and ready to die. We see quite a few old faces, so bone up on some of the older novels. Some of the reunions are pretty heart wrenching, so get ready. The battles are fantastic, worthy of any Slayer saga. As much as I want to gush about the last 50 pages, I have to stay quiet. The doom Gotrek faces is really the most amazing end that I couldn't see coming.
I want to give this 5 stars, but its not the perfect novel, even though I think the ending is perfect. Some things are left a little ambiguous, and some of the writing does take a little time to get through. This is definitely a solid 4.5 though.
Just remember him. A Slayer lies here.
May 25, 2016
I had my doubts before I started this final book. Kinslayer, the first part was rather mediocre so I was not exactly thrilled for the final part but I felt like I should have closure on this story and the adventures of Gotrek And Felix and I am glad I did.
It was a good book and did justice to the series and closed it as it should have. The ending was satisfactory and that is as it should be. Perhaps some critiques, there were a few loose ends that I can't keep on wondering how they turned out and some events that left me a bit in the dark concerning explanation. More troubling to me was that there a few conflicts with the end times series as on what happened, nothing serious but still noticeable for those who read those. These minor flaws prevented me from giving it a perfect score.
Perhaps I was also not fully on board for this version of Gotrek and his relation with Felix (who I considered well developed more so then before). It was the same factor in addition to the flaws mentioned here that made give only three stars to kinslayer ( they were more severe in that book) but difference being that unlike the previous book a better reasoning was given for Gotreks character changes.
So good book to end it all, but much more worthwhile to read if you have read the first book of the doom of Gotrek and the first book in the Gotrek and Felix series; trollslayer and perhaps some more.
It was a good book and did justice to the series and closed it as it should have. The ending was satisfactory and that is as it should be. Perhaps some critiques, there were a few loose ends that I can't keep on wondering how they turned out and some events that left me a bit in the dark concerning explanation. More troubling to me was that there a few conflicts with the end times series as on what happened, nothing serious but still noticeable for those who read those. These minor flaws prevented me from giving it a perfect score.
Perhaps I was also not fully on board for this version of Gotrek and his relation with Felix (who I considered well developed more so then before). It was the same factor in addition to the flaws mentioned here that made give only three stars to kinslayer ( they were more severe in that book) but difference being that unlike the previous book a better reasoning was given for Gotreks character changes.
So good book to end it all, but much more worthwhile to read if you have read the first book of the doom of Gotrek and the first book in the Gotrek and Felix series; trollslayer and perhaps some more.
August 5, 2017
The is it...the end of the line. I almost didn't want to finish it after reading the prior 13 because I didn't want the adventure to be over. What else is there to say? here lies a slayer. after the brutal plot twist of kinslayers I found myself so angry at Gotrek but all is explained in this final chapter. just read it already.
October 19, 2019
It was impossible for a saga that spans 20 years and 16 books to finish on a note that satisfies everyone; I, for one, don't fully agree with the direction it took. But I will say this: despite its flaws, I believe it to be a suitable ending to Gotrek's saga.
February 1, 2017
Great story. Another epic ride by David Guymer!
October 31, 2018
The Tale of Gotrek's Doom, is the tale of the Old World's Doom. Action, pain, threads seen up, more pain, and the End?
December 5, 2021
As a long time fan of the series, I am left feeling somewhat unsatisfied with the conclusion of this huge series.
It’s not a bad story, the book’s ok. Just think there are better books in the series.
It’s not a bad story, the book’s ok. Just think there are better books in the series.
February 14, 2016
Terrible end to the saga. Real shame that Gotrek wasn't given the epic end we all wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
Being a End of times story I was pretty wary about reading this book. The End of Times do not have the reputation to give good and consistent endings to our favorites characters, I can attest it myself with the case of Malus Darkblade which was very sub-part writing. However much like the previous book Kinslayer I was vey positively surprised by the writing which was very consistent and in line with the whole saga.
The story takes us in a turn of event never seen before in the relationship between the two heroes. Felix deeply mistrust and even straight up despise Gotrek for most of the book from his POV. He still hate Gotrek for the death of Snorri and is himself very depressed about Ulrika fate, which Gotrek apparent nonchalance and even satisfaction about it do not help at all for Felix mindset.
This is the first time in the whole saga that Felix several times considered using lethal force or at least trying to use his blade on Gotrek to get his way and it is the first time Gotrek actually brutalized Felix physically to make him comply. Felix also considered seriously the eventually of Gotrek killing him during their confrontations during the book, which again is a new dynamic. The relationship reached a point never seen before and for the whole book you wonder how it will resolve.
The premise take us from the ending of the last book in which Gotrek sworn to renounce his doom until Felix is reunited with his wife and his yet never seen child. However conflict rise many times since they are both totally opposed at first on the way to act about it and the course of action to do. Especially since in Felix case as always he consider more than Gotrek the situation of those accompanying them and how this might affect them. Even more so when it concerns his own nephew which Felix somewhat forcefully took under his wing.
As the book progress so do the PoV of Felix and his reminiscing of his life with Gotrek and eventually his understanding of Gotrek actions and his acceptance of his own-self and fate. Both The chaos seerees accompanying the big bad of the book Be'lakor (which was a decent antagonist) and Max which is now totally mentally and spiritually changed by his new power and knowledge give us along the story the prophecy on how Felix and not Gotrek is actually the chosen one of the Warhammer verse, the one who is supposed by his actions to decide the fate of the world. Which he eventually does in the ending in a typical very heroic but non-assumed Felix fashion.
Gotrek and Felix last words to each other could not have been better written. I loved this book.
The story takes us in a turn of event never seen before in the relationship between the two heroes. Felix deeply mistrust and even straight up despise Gotrek for most of the book from his POV. He still hate Gotrek for the death of Snorri and is himself very depressed about Ulrika fate, which Gotrek apparent nonchalance and even satisfaction about it do not help at all for Felix mindset.
This is the first time in the whole saga that Felix several times considered using lethal force or at least trying to use his blade on Gotrek to get his way and it is the first time Gotrek actually brutalized Felix physically to make him comply. Felix also considered seriously the eventually of Gotrek killing him during their confrontations during the book, which again is a new dynamic. The relationship reached a point never seen before and for the whole book you wonder how it will resolve.
The premise take us from the ending of the last book in which Gotrek sworn to renounce his doom until Felix is reunited with his wife and his yet never seen child. However conflict rise many times since they are both totally opposed at first on the way to act about it and the course of action to do. Especially since in Felix case as always he consider more than Gotrek the situation of those accompanying them and how this might affect them. Even more so when it concerns his own nephew which Felix somewhat forcefully took under his wing.
As the book progress so do the PoV of Felix and his reminiscing of his life with Gotrek and eventually his understanding of Gotrek actions and his acceptance of his own-self and fate. Both The chaos seerees accompanying the big bad of the book Be'lakor (which was a decent antagonist) and Max which is now totally mentally and spiritually changed by his new power and knowledge give us along the story the prophecy on how Felix and not Gotrek is actually the chosen one of the Warhammer verse, the one who is supposed by his actions to decide the fate of the world. Which he eventually does in the ending in a typical very heroic but non-assumed Felix fashion.
Gotrek and Felix last words to each other could not have been better written. I loved this book.
March 27, 2025
This was the last Gotrek and Felix book. Gotrek dies and is resurrected by Grimnir, Max Schreiber dies after saving Felix from Belakor, Felix is entombed and writes the last chapter of the chronicles of Gotrek, Malakai, Gunther, and the rest of Felix's companions are presumed dead, Morgana the seeress dies, and finally gets to dream her own dream, and Gotrek becomes the avatar of Grimnir and is recognized as a true Slayer. Lots of happenings, but not a lot of characterization other than Gotrek and Felix reconciling, including Gotrek standing up to Grimnir when he says Felix can't go with him. This is what precipitates Gotrek's death, who ends up fighting Grimnir himself, thereby fulfulling the prophecy that "A greater one than I will kills you" as spoken by a Bloodthirster early in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
Después de lo que fue Matahermanos, Matador me ha dejado bastante frío. Me ha gustado bastante menos y, siendo el cierre de la saga de Gotrek y Félix, me ha parecido un final abrupto y algo decepcionante.
Hay ideas interesantes, como la relación entre Gustav y Kolya, que sí me ha gustado y creo que está mejor llevada que otras partes del libro. Sin embargo, los antagonistas tienen muchísimo protagonismo… para luego acabar en prácticamente nada. Eso me ha frustrado bastante.
En general, el desarrollo del libro me ha parecido algo inconexo, como si las piezas no terminaran de encajar o como si faltaran partes intermedias. Y siendo el último libro de una saga tan querida, esperaba un cierre más sólido, más épico y mejor hilado.
Una pena no haber sentido esa despedida que la pareja merecía después de tantas aventuras.
Hay ideas interesantes, como la relación entre Gustav y Kolya, que sí me ha gustado y creo que está mejor llevada que otras partes del libro. Sin embargo, los antagonistas tienen muchísimo protagonismo… para luego acabar en prácticamente nada. Eso me ha frustrado bastante.
En general, el desarrollo del libro me ha parecido algo inconexo, como si las piezas no terminaran de encajar o como si faltaran partes intermedias. Y siendo el último libro de una saga tan querida, esperaba un cierre más sólido, más épico y mejor hilado.
Una pena no haber sentido esa despedida que la pareja merecía después de tantas aventuras.
January 26, 2021
Pending to read more books that are set in The End Times but as a whole the world is dark and dangerous, no hope remains yet still with a profecy in the middle I had the feeling that this was a brighter book than its predecessors. Also as this prophecy just kept coming up, you knew that the story just would be on rails until the end unless Felix messed up.
The story follows mostly Felix, which looking the last few books is not a bad approach, Gotrek got only more angry and aggravated making it possibly hard to keep the focus on him more time as we never knew his internal conflict and thoughts. As the book progress their relationship improves and also Gotrek humor. I liked the camaraderie of this pair.
The fights were very engaging and a little bit stressful to read at times. For the Main Characters as you just know that is was not the end of the book so they'll manage somehow. For the Secondary ones I got quite attached even when they were in the story for such short span of time.
As for the end, I guess that a worthy end for a Slayer as per dwarf standards, and a chaotic world all around for more and different books to cover.
The story follows mostly Felix, which looking the last few books is not a bad approach, Gotrek got only more angry and aggravated making it possibly hard to keep the focus on him more time as we never knew his internal conflict and thoughts. As the book progress their relationship improves and also Gotrek humor. I liked the camaraderie of this pair.
The fights were very engaging and a little bit stressful to read at times. For the Main Characters as you just know that is was not the end of the book so they'll manage somehow. For the Secondary ones I got quite attached even when they were in the story for such short span of time.
As for the end, I guess that a worthy end for a Slayer as per dwarf standards, and a chaotic world all around for more and different books to cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2017
Action Adventure Fantasy, Ongoing Series Novel
Join Gotrek on his fantastical aim of a heroic death with Felix's oath of chronicling Gotrek's death.
The final of an epic journey. Doom approaches and our heroes must confront their destinies.
SPOILERS
Join Gotrek on his fantastical aim of a heroic death with Felix's oath of chronicling Gotrek's death.
The final of an epic journey. Doom approaches and our heroes must confront their destinies.
SPOILERS
December 26, 2018
Me ha encantado este libro. Aún así, tengo sentimientos encontrados con el autor.
Lo admiro por haber cerrado la historia de Gotrek y Felix de una manera tan elegante y agridulce, pero estoy muy cabreado con él por el final (no digo que sea malo, es sólo que me da rabia)
Este es el final del trayecto, y ha hecho que toda la saga haya valido la pena. Me quito el sombrero y aplaudo con una lágrima en la cara.
Lo admiro por haber cerrado la historia de Gotrek y Felix de una manera tan elegante y agridulce, pero estoy muy cabreado con él por el final (no digo que sea malo, es sólo que me da rabia)
Este es el final del trayecto, y ha hecho que toda la saga haya valido la pena. Me quito el sombrero y aplaudo con una lágrima en la cara.
February 22, 2025
Much like Kinslayer before it; a serious injustice to the series. Both characters are almost unrecognisable from previous novels. I know the authors were railroaded by the truly awful "End Times" storyline, but they really could've (and should've) done better. A slap in the face to long time fans of G+F. Even writing this review I'm angry to see such a beloved series treated like this
April 27, 2026
The End Times did both the world and my man(ling) Felix dirty. A decent if ironic end for Gotrek, and a bitter ending for an amazing (especially audible) series. Here a slayer lies.
September 30, 2022
End of a Saga.
June 13, 2023
This is how I wish all the series would have been when I started to read it in the age of fifteen. Nor King nor Long made me love the characters as Guymer did.
August 19, 2023
If this journal is found, if the day was won, then remember this - here a Slayer lies.
January 19, 2024
Well that is that, the saga is over. Good book but I felt it was abit of an anti climax in the end
June 24, 2024
Very middle of the road, ticks some boxes but the end just fizzles out. Shame they couldn't get William King back to finish what he started
August 13, 2024
A brilliant ending to a brilliant series.
September 29, 2024
This book will break your heart
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