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Warhammer Age of Sigmar
Hamilcar: Champion of the Gods
A Warhammer Age of Sigmar novel
There are few heroes so mighty as Hamilcar Bear-Eater – but when an ancient skaven warlock with a thirst for godhood seeks Hamilcar's immortal soul, will his martial prowess and uncanny skill be enough to ensure survival?
READ IT BECAUSE
Everyone loves Hamilcar Bear-Eater (though few as much as he loves himself), and after loads of short stories, he's now been unleashed in a full-length novel! Enemies of Sigmar everywhere will be quaking in their boots…
THE STORY
Throughout the Realmgate Wars, Sigmar’s centuries long crusade against Chaos in the Mortal Realms, there has never been a hero like Hamilcar Bear-Eater, famed Lord Castellant of the Astral Templars. Would Gardus have charged headlong into the stronghold of Uxor Untamed with a mere handful of warrior at his back? Would Vandus have had the foresight or magnetism to drink himself euphoric, start a war with the Skarabrak lodge, and then wake come morning to a sore head and fifty thousand moonclan berserkers avowed to Sigmar’s cause? No. Only Hamilcar. But when an ancient skaven warlock with a thirst for godhood turns his attention towards Hamilcar’s divine soul, the Bear-Eater knows he will have to call upon his martial prowess and uncanny wits just to survive. Because his next death could be his last.
There are few heroes so mighty as Hamilcar Bear-Eater – but when an ancient skaven warlock with a thirst for godhood seeks Hamilcar's immortal soul, will his martial prowess and uncanny skill be enough to ensure survival?
READ IT BECAUSE
Everyone loves Hamilcar Bear-Eater (though few as much as he loves himself), and after loads of short stories, he's now been unleashed in a full-length novel! Enemies of Sigmar everywhere will be quaking in their boots…
THE STORY
Throughout the Realmgate Wars, Sigmar’s centuries long crusade against Chaos in the Mortal Realms, there has never been a hero like Hamilcar Bear-Eater, famed Lord Castellant of the Astral Templars. Would Gardus have charged headlong into the stronghold of Uxor Untamed with a mere handful of warrior at his back? Would Vandus have had the foresight or magnetism to drink himself euphoric, start a war with the Skarabrak lodge, and then wake come morning to a sore head and fifty thousand moonclan berserkers avowed to Sigmar’s cause? No. Only Hamilcar. But when an ancient skaven warlock with a thirst for godhood turns his attention towards Hamilcar’s divine soul, the Bear-Eater knows he will have to call upon his martial prowess and uncanny wits just to survive. Because his next death could be his last.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2019
15 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
David Guymer
173 books176 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review.
I first encountered the character of Hamilcar Bear-Eater in the Gods and Mortals anthology and instantly fell in love with him as a protagonist. I remember saying in that review that I wished there was a novel-length outing for him. So, I dove in without giving it a second thought (much the Hamilcar way) and got stuck in.
There are many ways to describe Hamilcar as a man. Bombastic, loud, self-confident, great … I could go on, and I’m sure the Bear Eater himself would love me to fling adjectives his way long into the night. To me, he was an immensely fun character to read about. I couldn’t help but imagine him to be the Brian Blessed of the Warhammer world. If you were to perhaps cross Brian Blessed with Gimli or some such great warrior.
Hamilcar is loved by pretty much all mortals within the Age of Sigmar and the feelings of his fellow Stormcast Eternals range from love, to disdain, to annoyance and indifference. He is quite literally the most polarising figure in Age of Sigmar that I have come across … think of John Cena as far as popularity. If John Cena wore shining gold armour and swung a halberd around whilst screaming his own name at the top of his lungs.
Everywhere Hamilcar goes, he inspires greatness in others. Men and women will fight to their last breath if he simply bellows something like ‘Fear not, mortals, Hamilcar walks beside you. The battle is already won for he is fighting with you!” He often reflects on how easy and joyous it is to gain the adoration of the mortal men of the world and speaks about how he prefers it to the love of his fellow Stormcast (one assumes because the mortals give him the adoration and hero-worship his personality craves).
The novel is told in first person, from the perspective of the great man himself. He really is one in a million as far as the Stormcast go. Where others might be stoic and taciturn, Hamilcar is hilarious, boisterous and good-natured. Seeing the world, even the darker, less-pleasant parts of it, through Hamilcar’s eyes is truly an addictive thing. I honestly didn’t want the novel to end and am thrilled to know that more will be forthcoming.
he main antagonist is another reason that I love this novel so much; the Skaven. Nothing makes me happier than reading a novel featuring the loathsome ratmen. They are hilarious and their ways of speaking are just wonderful. ‘Man-thing must die-die!” The complete and utter reckless abandon to which they approach life is a glorious thing to behold, especially in a race that’s main attribute is its sheer cowardice. One quote sums this up:
“The fact that Skaven will flee in terror from any Freeguilder they don’t outnumber six to one, but will happily scamper along a length of mouldy wood a thousand feet off the ground will never cease to astonish me.”
Their recklessness is summed up best in their experiments or inventions. They are very much the ‘I’ll make it and try it right away without thinking if it will be dangerous or not’ kind of creatures.
They quite literally are fantastically stupid and make great enemies for it. Also, given the history our own world has with rats (the Black Death etc …) having ratmen as an enemy will tug at the inner hatred our species has towards them. It’s clever from a story standpoint.
I am slowly getting more and more hooked on Age of Sigmar as a setting. I have accepted that the Old World has gone (even if a part of me hopes it will one day return) and, due to characters like Hamilcar Bear-Eater and the fact that many of the old races and named characters still exist in Age of Sigmar, I am coming around to this new age.
If anyone wants a fantasic, enjoyable and hilarious introduction into the world that is Age of Sigmar, get stuck into a copy of Hamilcar: Champion of the Gods. You won’t regret it. It’s easily the most enjoyable thing I have read all year.
I first encountered the character of Hamilcar Bear-Eater in the Gods and Mortals anthology and instantly fell in love with him as a protagonist. I remember saying in that review that I wished there was a novel-length outing for him. So, I dove in without giving it a second thought (much the Hamilcar way) and got stuck in.
There are many ways to describe Hamilcar as a man. Bombastic, loud, self-confident, great … I could go on, and I’m sure the Bear Eater himself would love me to fling adjectives his way long into the night. To me, he was an immensely fun character to read about. I couldn’t help but imagine him to be the Brian Blessed of the Warhammer world. If you were to perhaps cross Brian Blessed with Gimli or some such great warrior.
Hamilcar is loved by pretty much all mortals within the Age of Sigmar and the feelings of his fellow Stormcast Eternals range from love, to disdain, to annoyance and indifference. He is quite literally the most polarising figure in Age of Sigmar that I have come across … think of John Cena as far as popularity. If John Cena wore shining gold armour and swung a halberd around whilst screaming his own name at the top of his lungs.
Everywhere Hamilcar goes, he inspires greatness in others. Men and women will fight to their last breath if he simply bellows something like ‘Fear not, mortals, Hamilcar walks beside you. The battle is already won for he is fighting with you!” He often reflects on how easy and joyous it is to gain the adoration of the mortal men of the world and speaks about how he prefers it to the love of his fellow Stormcast (one assumes because the mortals give him the adoration and hero-worship his personality craves).
The novel is told in first person, from the perspective of the great man himself. He really is one in a million as far as the Stormcast go. Where others might be stoic and taciturn, Hamilcar is hilarious, boisterous and good-natured. Seeing the world, even the darker, less-pleasant parts of it, through Hamilcar’s eyes is truly an addictive thing. I honestly didn’t want the novel to end and am thrilled to know that more will be forthcoming.
he main antagonist is another reason that I love this novel so much; the Skaven. Nothing makes me happier than reading a novel featuring the loathsome ratmen. They are hilarious and their ways of speaking are just wonderful. ‘Man-thing must die-die!” The complete and utter reckless abandon to which they approach life is a glorious thing to behold, especially in a race that’s main attribute is its sheer cowardice. One quote sums this up:
“The fact that Skaven will flee in terror from any Freeguilder they don’t outnumber six to one, but will happily scamper along a length of mouldy wood a thousand feet off the ground will never cease to astonish me.”
Their recklessness is summed up best in their experiments or inventions. They are very much the ‘I’ll make it and try it right away without thinking if it will be dangerous or not’ kind of creatures.
They quite literally are fantastically stupid and make great enemies for it. Also, given the history our own world has with rats (the Black Death etc …) having ratmen as an enemy will tug at the inner hatred our species has towards them. It’s clever from a story standpoint.
I am slowly getting more and more hooked on Age of Sigmar as a setting. I have accepted that the Old World has gone (even if a part of me hopes it will one day return) and, due to characters like Hamilcar Bear-Eater and the fact that many of the old races and named characters still exist in Age of Sigmar, I am coming around to this new age.
If anyone wants a fantasic, enjoyable and hilarious introduction into the world that is Age of Sigmar, get stuck into a copy of Hamilcar: Champion of the Gods. You won’t regret it. It’s easily the most enjoyable thing I have read all year.
January 7, 2023
This book cover should just read “Hamilcar!”. It was a decent enough Age of Sigmar novel.
May 23, 2020
I loved the character of Hamilcar. His uniqueness as a stormcast is awesome.
I had a hard time following where they where at times due to the subterranean mix with the all points and different realms. I also wish there was more of finish to this story.
I did enjoy this book and would give it another star if it gets a sequel to finish his story.
I had a hard time following where they where at times due to the subterranean mix with the all points and different realms. I also wish there was more of finish to this story.
I did enjoy this book and would give it another star if it gets a sequel to finish his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
After appearing in various audio dramas and short stories, Hamilcar Bear-Eater – mightiest of Sigmar’s Stormcast Eternals (and modest, as ever) – gets his own novel in David Guymer’s Hamilcar: Champion of the Gods. Taking place in the Realm of Ghur, this sees the Astral Knights’ Lord Castellant boldly set out to drive the forces of Chaos from the region surrounding the ancient fortress known as the Seven Words. He soon realises that the real threat is actually from the skaven, and is forced to pit his strength – and his wits – against Ikrit, a worryingly powerful warlock engineer with designs on Sigmar’s secrets.
Having written a few short stories to get into the swing of Hamilcar’s character, Guymer has really nailed it with this novel, which manages to be a pacy, action-packed adventure that also digs beneath the surface of Age of Sigmar to tackle some intriguing topics. Stormcast stories can occasionally lack a little in the way of stakes, but this delves into the issues of past-life memories and the reforging process for Stormcast in a fresh and unusual way which hammers home the personal implications in a way we haven’t seen before. Humour isn’t often a touchstone of Black Library fiction but with this character Guymer has incorporated it seamlessly in a way that elevates a good story into something quite special, and should be at the top of every Age of Sigmar fan’s to-read list.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/02/...
Having written a few short stories to get into the swing of Hamilcar’s character, Guymer has really nailed it with this novel, which manages to be a pacy, action-packed adventure that also digs beneath the surface of Age of Sigmar to tackle some intriguing topics. Stormcast stories can occasionally lack a little in the way of stakes, but this delves into the issues of past-life memories and the reforging process for Stormcast in a fresh and unusual way which hammers home the personal implications in a way we haven’t seen before. Humour isn’t often a touchstone of Black Library fiction but with this character Guymer has incorporated it seamlessly in a way that elevates a good story into something quite special, and should be at the top of every Age of Sigmar fan’s to-read list.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/02/...
November 16, 2022
Where to start? Hamilcar is my favorite character in the Age of Sigmar universe from the Hammer and Bolter show and hearing he was getting a book left me thrilled. I wondered what a book about a pompous self-serving immortal would be like. Turns out, it is amazing!
Hamilcar brings charm and wit to a normally dark and brutal setting. His laughter and love of battle make him an endearing and lovable rascal. Is he ridiculous and larger than life? Yes! Is he a joke. No way in hell. Hamilcar is an amazing warrior and a great leader. He is really put through the ringer in this book and the personal stakes become very high. Him and the supporting cast are very enjoyable and fun to follow.
Without spoiling anything, something happens that leaves Hamilcar in a way he never expected to be and on a very personal quest to right the wrong. This book had some fun twists and turns and really dives into the lore of the Stormcast Eternals and what makes them tick. This was my first Age of Sigmar book and I loved it. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the setting.
Hamilcar brings charm and wit to a normally dark and brutal setting. His laughter and love of battle make him an endearing and lovable rascal. Is he ridiculous and larger than life? Yes! Is he a joke. No way in hell. Hamilcar is an amazing warrior and a great leader. He is really put through the ringer in this book and the personal stakes become very high. Him and the supporting cast are very enjoyable and fun to follow.
Without spoiling anything, something happens that leaves Hamilcar in a way he never expected to be and on a very personal quest to right the wrong. This book had some fun twists and turns and really dives into the lore of the Stormcast Eternals and what makes them tick. This was my first Age of Sigmar book and I loved it. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the setting.
September 23, 2024
Hamilcar Bear-Eater is a rare individual in Age of Sigmar, for Hamilcar Bear-Eater has a personality. Granted the personality of Hamilcar Bear-Eater may grate on some, his braggadocious enthusiasm knows no limits, much like many of Hamilcar Bear-Eaters other traits and skills.
In this adventure we see Hamilcar Bear-Eater face off against some truly repugnent Skaven, on a quest set by the God King himself, he will face off against foes of all kinds while those loyal mortals bellow his name.
Hamilcar! Hamilcar! Hamilar!
He will make new friends, and new enemies. His quest is not over though, hopefully we will see more of Hamilcar Bear-Eater. Not everyone should aim to emulate his style, but as a breezy tale to tell your friends over a good ale, you really cannot beat Hamilcar Bear-Eater.
In this adventure we see Hamilcar Bear-Eater face off against some truly repugnent Skaven, on a quest set by the God King himself, he will face off against foes of all kinds while those loyal mortals bellow his name.
Hamilcar! Hamilcar! Hamilar!
He will make new friends, and new enemies. His quest is not over though, hopefully we will see more of Hamilcar Bear-Eater. Not everyone should aim to emulate his style, but as a breezy tale to tell your friends over a good ale, you really cannot beat Hamilcar Bear-Eater.
November 19, 2025
4/5, a vainglorious barbarian king fights to recover his soul from a skaven warlock in the savage ghurlands.
Hamilcar is great, basically the red guardian in stormcast form. He thrives on praise, lives for action, and is a terrible thinker and tactician. He is much warmer than most stormcast, making him a good candidate for a protagonist, and the mortal supporting cast of a dryad, giant eagle, and pair of soldiers help to humanize him further.
We see him at moments of both weakness and strength, being thrown around and tortured by Ikrit and charging through hordes of rat-men. The book sets him up for a sequel, and I hope he gets it; this was one of the best AoS books I've read in a while, and I could see it working in a Gotrek or Ciaphas Cain style series.
Hamilcar is great, basically the red guardian in stormcast form. He thrives on praise, lives for action, and is a terrible thinker and tactician. He is much warmer than most stormcast, making him a good candidate for a protagonist, and the mortal supporting cast of a dryad, giant eagle, and pair of soldiers help to humanize him further.
We see him at moments of both weakness and strength, being thrown around and tortured by Ikrit and charging through hordes of rat-men. The book sets him up for a sequel, and I hope he gets it; this was one of the best AoS books I've read in a while, and I could see it working in a Gotrek or Ciaphas Cain style series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2019
A fantastic read that truly brings the mortal realms to life.
Hamilcar is a compelling and likeable character as ever and really benefits from having a full novel, allowing him much greater character development. The supporting cast are equally compelling and just as well developed. David Guymer’s world building is truly inspirational and adds a lot of depth and character to the blank canvas that is the mortal realms.
The story is well paced and has a good balance of action and dialogue, never getting bogged down by one or the other. I am very excited for both the next book in the series and David Guymer’s other future releases.
Hamilcar is a compelling and likeable character as ever and really benefits from having a full novel, allowing him much greater character development. The supporting cast are equally compelling and just as well developed. David Guymer’s world building is truly inspirational and adds a lot of depth and character to the blank canvas that is the mortal realms.
The story is well paced and has a good balance of action and dialogue, never getting bogged down by one or the other. I am very excited for both the next book in the series and David Guymer’s other future releases.
January 18, 2025
Hamilcar is a very appealing protagonist, and Guymer has a great handle on his voice. The novel is consistently entertaining because of it. But it’s also weirdly sloppily plotted, with threads being introduced and resolved far too quickly (Hamilcar’s realizations about what kind of person he was, the plot to trick Azyr into closing the gates). Also, I’m a relative AoS neophyte (I know what a Stormcast Eternal is, but none of their ranks or types), and I found a fair amount of the more arcane politics confusing (Stormcast ranks all sound about the same). I think a total newbie would be very at sea here. Maybe not necessarily a flaw, but a concern for people who think about picking this up.
December 26, 2020
I like Hamilcar because he's funny and boastful--but it's not bragging if it's true, as Ric Flair says. Unlike another humorous Black Library character *cough* Ciaphas Cain *cough* Hamilcar is actually a hero. He gets put through the wringer in this one, and that's what made the book interesting. Like all Stormcast Eternals, every time he's reforged he loses a little bit of himself and the man he was, and he's the first one I've seen who acknowledges the tragedy of that.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, so I want the next one as soon as it comes out.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, so I want the next one as soon as it comes out.
June 2, 2019
This is an unexpectedly personal look into a familiar boisterous character, Hamilcar Bear-Eater. After a great initial set back that sets up the trajectory of the novel, we read about how complex and evolving Hamilcar is. There is some action as a background but the focus is on Hamilcar’s growing awareness of how he impacts the world around him, his relationships both past and present and him fighting against an awesome, dedicated foe.
January 18, 2021
I enjoyed the character and the whole idea of the "Bear Eaters" but the ending left me thinking there should have been more and I think alot of the skaven story could have been skipped but I mean its not the worst book in the A.O.S archive I've read.
Saying that I still think the A.O.S novels need something with a little more substance to match up to WFB novels in my opinion.
Saying that I still think the A.O.S novels need something with a little more substance to match up to WFB novels in my opinion.
April 16, 2025
Honestly, one of the most fun, silly and outright hilarious Warhammer books I've read. I absolutely love the voice that is Hamilcar, I enjoyed how the story was told and I was constantly wondering how things were going to end. It helps that even Hamilcar had no idea. I will now be randomly yelling "Hamilcar!" for no reason and to no one in particular.
March 9, 2019
This might be my new favorite AoS novel. Hamilcar really has grown into his larger than life persona - and this novel features him at his best. The book is very well written, especially funny, and engaging throughout. I highly recommend it.
July 6, 2019
The book was well written. Loved how larger than life Hamilcar seemed. The Age of Sigmar is one of my favorite series. Would highly recommend it to others.
August 1, 2019
Hamilcar by David Guymer is just plain fun. The perfect read for a creative escape into a fantasy world, filled with adventure.
September 29, 2019
Good but not great. A fun read
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February 20, 2020Proofread
November 16, 2020
This thing is amazing. It will live on my shelves forever. Great voice, a villain you'll hate, it's wonderful. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
October 20, 2021
The best AoS novel I've read
July 13, 2023
Enjoyed this fun fantasy adventure with these characters in the Mortal Realms, Hamilcar may be my new favorite character in the setting. Looking forward to the continuation of his tales
December 5, 2024
Dragged on a bit in places but yeah, not a bad story. I liked Hamilcar but wouldn’t want to be anywhere near him in a fight especially if he’s was on the same side as me 🤣🤣😉
January 14, 2025
The best Age of Sigmar novel to date in my opinion. A crime that GW has not made a dedicated model for Hamilcar yet.
April 26, 2025
Alright David, write the next 5 man, come on!
March 10, 2024
The core story is pretty good, nice smoothe style but poor characterisation and I found the lead tedious.
If Captain Flashheart wasn't funny and was reincarnated as a Stormcast Eternal....
If Captain Flashheart wasn't funny and was reincarnated as a Stormcast Eternal....
July 24, 2024
Audiobook review
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