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Warhammer: Age of Sigmar: Gotrek the Realmslayer #2
Blood of the Old World
A Gotrek Gurnisson Story
In the strange worlds of the Mortal Realms, Gotrek Gurnisson craves one thing above all: purpose. When he discovers a being who might lead him to it, he will stop at nothing to find them – but old enemies seek the same prize…
LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE
Gotrek's adventures in the Mortal Realms continue, written once again by David Guymer, with an all-star cast – headed by Brian Blessed! Say it with us: GOTREK'S ALIVE!
THE STORY
Gotrek Gurnisson was once the greatest Slayer of the Old World, meeting his doom in the great cataclysms of the End Times. The heroic duardin stepped forth into the Realm of Chaos to fight the daemons gnawing at the world's ending and satisfy his death oath, leaving behind his companion Felix Jaeger. Now, he finds himself in a strange new realm where gods walk the earth and dark forces are ascendant.
Within the endless forests of Ghyran, Gotrek learns of a being with the power to guide him to what he craves above all else: a destiny, and a purpose worthy of his legend. What he seeks is a prize more terrible than any he could have imagined, fought over since the dawn of time by powers beyond even his indomitable strength. Nor is he the only scion of the Old World to be drawn by its promise, and Gotrek will have to overcome the greatest nemesis of his past if he is to claim his future.
CONTENTS
Part 1: Armour of Winter
Part 2: The Everlasting Oath
Part 3: The Silver Tower
Part 4: The Last Gate
Total running time 4 hours and 45 minutes. Performed by Grace Andrews, John Banks, Andrew Fettes, Kelly Hotten, Matthew Hunt, Jonathan Keeble, Penelope Rawlins, Richard Reed and Joe Shire, and starring Brian Blessed as Gotrek Gurnisson.
In the strange worlds of the Mortal Realms, Gotrek Gurnisson craves one thing above all: purpose. When he discovers a being who might lead him to it, he will stop at nothing to find them – but old enemies seek the same prize…
LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE
Gotrek's adventures in the Mortal Realms continue, written once again by David Guymer, with an all-star cast – headed by Brian Blessed! Say it with us: GOTREK'S ALIVE!
THE STORY
Gotrek Gurnisson was once the greatest Slayer of the Old World, meeting his doom in the great cataclysms of the End Times. The heroic duardin stepped forth into the Realm of Chaos to fight the daemons gnawing at the world's ending and satisfy his death oath, leaving behind his companion Felix Jaeger. Now, he finds himself in a strange new realm where gods walk the earth and dark forces are ascendant.
Within the endless forests of Ghyran, Gotrek learns of a being with the power to guide him to what he craves above all else: a destiny, and a purpose worthy of his legend. What he seeks is a prize more terrible than any he could have imagined, fought over since the dawn of time by powers beyond even his indomitable strength. Nor is he the only scion of the Old World to be drawn by its promise, and Gotrek will have to overcome the greatest nemesis of his past if he is to claim his future.
CONTENTS
Part 1: Armour of Winter
Part 2: The Everlasting Oath
Part 3: The Silver Tower
Part 4: The Last Gate
Total running time 4 hours and 45 minutes. Performed by Grace Andrews, John Banks, Andrew Fettes, Kelly Hotten, Matthew Hunt, Jonathan Keeble, Penelope Rawlins, Richard Reed and Joe Shire, and starring Brian Blessed as Gotrek Gurnisson.
Audio Drama Box Set
First published November 6, 2018
1 person is currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
David Guymer
173 books175 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 15, 2019
A good listen with high production values and strong voice acting that furthers the story of Gotrex in AoS.
My main gripe though is because it's designed as an audio book there is no narrator, just the characters spoken word. This is usually okay but really becomes an issue when they go to new locations or meet new characters where there is a lack of detail regarding the visuals. AoS is a very fantastical setting so this details is far more essential than in more standard fantasy settings.
I'm looking foreward to listening to the next in the series, Ghoulslayer which being a novel primarily should resolve the above while keeping the same Gotrex action and adventure!
My main gripe though is because it's designed as an audio book there is no narrator, just the characters spoken word. This is usually okay but really becomes an issue when they go to new locations or meet new characters where there is a lack of detail regarding the visuals. AoS is a very fantastical setting so this details is far more essential than in more standard fantasy settings.
I'm looking foreward to listening to the next in the series, Ghoulslayer which being a novel primarily should resolve the above while keeping the same Gotrex action and adventure!
February 1, 2020
Brian Blessed is just perfect as Gotrek. The story, as usual, is ok, and the author/creators, could easily learn a thing or two from old radio shows on how to plot/pace/describe the story. At times, it is hard to follow, but Brian Blessed it just perfect and it overcomes a lot of flaws. Just wish I could get Brian Blessed narrating more Gotrek novels.
February 17, 2020
The following review was originally published in the online newspaper The Orkney News in 2019. Link here. https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/09/30...
Warhammer Age Of Sigmar: Realmslayer - Blood Of The Old World by David Guymer
Hello to you all once again. I know I promised you something different this time but I’ve decided I will have to take a sabbatical from Mr Pratchett and friends until after October to give me time to have a break from it and to get into the spirit of the season of horror. But one final review comes before October and I’ve been looking forward to this for quite a while!
Those of you who have been following my reviews for a while will possibly remember my review of Realmslayer by David Guymer - here’s a link for those of you who are curious - but if I say the words Brian Blessed or Gotrek Gurnisson that might jog your memory!
This second audio set of Gotrek makes the particularly opinionated dwarf feel like he’s never been away. He’s still the same entertaining dwarf he’s always been. But there is one difference. In the strange worlds of the Mortal Realms Gotrek seeks one thing more than ever: purpose. Why is he here? What is his true destiny? And is there a purpose here that befits the legend of Gotrek Gurnisson last bastion of the Old World? The long lost World That Was? In the ancient forests of Ghyran dwell the - as Gotrek calls them - ‘tree-kin.’ These creatures claim to know a way to find that which Gotrek seeks but he won’t be the only relic of days long gone searching for this prize. As Gotrek and his - somewhat begrudging - travelling companion Maleneth the dark elf of the Order of Azyr start their journey they pick up another dwarf for their party and reunite with one of Gotrek’s few friends in this new world of the God-King Sigmar. But what other adventures are in store for the group as they follow their guide?
This new Realmslayer release like the first is a connected series of 4 hour long audio dramas which when combined create an interlinking narrative. Without giving away more than the general synopsis above, the story is very well written by Storymaster Guymer and I was entranced throughout either by the characters and their stories throughout the drama or by the excellently done comedy - as an aside I absolutely love the bickering between Gotrek and Maleneth it absolutely fits them!
The performances are equally top notch. Brian Blessed returns to voice the hard drinking hard fighting Doomslayer and as always is clearly having fun doing so. He throws his all into the performance with panache both when fulfilling the roles expected for him traditionally and when doing the ‘unusual.’ There were a few moments later in the set when Gotrek got quite the emotional reaction out of me.
But he isn’t the only one! Penelope Rawlins as Maleneth is equally perfect. Her icey and rather aggressive attitude bounces well of Mr Gurnisson while also allowing her to interact well with their other travelling companions. Those few moments where what occurs gets a genuine reaction out of her matter all the more for how rare they are. The other cast members all do excellently with particular notice to a certain long time enemy of Gotrek and his Stormcast friend both of whom made a rather strong impression on me but I’d rather not give everything away.
The only critique I can think to make is one based purely in personal preference but I still wish to note it to my readers. One of my MANY points of praise in the original Realmslayer was the battle scenes which had narration by the great Johnathan Keeble. Mr Keeble is involved in this new Realmslayer release but there is notably no narration throughout the story itself or the battle sequences. I understand that many other listeners may prefer it like this but the lack of a narrator of any sort felt slightly off to me personally while listening.
In all other aspects though I fell in love with Realmslayer, Gotrek, The Age Of Sigmar and David Guymer’s writing all over again. There’s a reason that David Guymer being involved in any new Warhammer release is a selling point to me these days akin to the great Dan Abnett or Aaron Dembski-Bowden, both other authors of deservedly good reputations. I hope I can persuade some of my readers to follow the Realmslayer audio productions - or more generally - the large and long loved series of Gotrek Slayer novels that date back to some of the greatest battles of The World That Was, a proud tradition which now continues in print courtesy of Darius Hinks and Ghoulslayer which released concurrently with Realmslayer: Blood Of The Old World.
I look forward to hearing more of the adventures of this battle eager dwarf and I’m more than confident I’ll hear his raucous laughter before too long and I don’t think I’ll be the only one. My next review without being too specific I can promise you will fit the upcoming celebration. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the uncanny.
Sayonara!
Nephrite
Warhammer Age Of Sigmar: Realmslayer - Blood Of The Old World by David Guymer
Hello to you all once again. I know I promised you something different this time but I’ve decided I will have to take a sabbatical from Mr Pratchett and friends until after October to give me time to have a break from it and to get into the spirit of the season of horror. But one final review comes before October and I’ve been looking forward to this for quite a while!
Those of you who have been following my reviews for a while will possibly remember my review of Realmslayer by David Guymer - here’s a link for those of you who are curious - but if I say the words Brian Blessed or Gotrek Gurnisson that might jog your memory!
This second audio set of Gotrek makes the particularly opinionated dwarf feel like he’s never been away. He’s still the same entertaining dwarf he’s always been. But there is one difference. In the strange worlds of the Mortal Realms Gotrek seeks one thing more than ever: purpose. Why is he here? What is his true destiny? And is there a purpose here that befits the legend of Gotrek Gurnisson last bastion of the Old World? The long lost World That Was? In the ancient forests of Ghyran dwell the - as Gotrek calls them - ‘tree-kin.’ These creatures claim to know a way to find that which Gotrek seeks but he won’t be the only relic of days long gone searching for this prize. As Gotrek and his - somewhat begrudging - travelling companion Maleneth the dark elf of the Order of Azyr start their journey they pick up another dwarf for their party and reunite with one of Gotrek’s few friends in this new world of the God-King Sigmar. But what other adventures are in store for the group as they follow their guide?
This new Realmslayer release like the first is a connected series of 4 hour long audio dramas which when combined create an interlinking narrative. Without giving away more than the general synopsis above, the story is very well written by Storymaster Guymer and I was entranced throughout either by the characters and their stories throughout the drama or by the excellently done comedy - as an aside I absolutely love the bickering between Gotrek and Maleneth it absolutely fits them!
The performances are equally top notch. Brian Blessed returns to voice the hard drinking hard fighting Doomslayer and as always is clearly having fun doing so. He throws his all into the performance with panache both when fulfilling the roles expected for him traditionally and when doing the ‘unusual.’ There were a few moments later in the set when Gotrek got quite the emotional reaction out of me.
But he isn’t the only one! Penelope Rawlins as Maleneth is equally perfect. Her icey and rather aggressive attitude bounces well of Mr Gurnisson while also allowing her to interact well with their other travelling companions. Those few moments where what occurs gets a genuine reaction out of her matter all the more for how rare they are. The other cast members all do excellently with particular notice to a certain long time enemy of Gotrek and his Stormcast friend both of whom made a rather strong impression on me but I’d rather not give everything away.
The only critique I can think to make is one based purely in personal preference but I still wish to note it to my readers. One of my MANY points of praise in the original Realmslayer was the battle scenes which had narration by the great Johnathan Keeble. Mr Keeble is involved in this new Realmslayer release but there is notably no narration throughout the story itself or the battle sequences. I understand that many other listeners may prefer it like this but the lack of a narrator of any sort felt slightly off to me personally while listening.
In all other aspects though I fell in love with Realmslayer, Gotrek, The Age Of Sigmar and David Guymer’s writing all over again. There’s a reason that David Guymer being involved in any new Warhammer release is a selling point to me these days akin to the great Dan Abnett or Aaron Dembski-Bowden, both other authors of deservedly good reputations. I hope I can persuade some of my readers to follow the Realmslayer audio productions - or more generally - the large and long loved series of Gotrek Slayer novels that date back to some of the greatest battles of The World That Was, a proud tradition which now continues in print courtesy of Darius Hinks and Ghoulslayer which released concurrently with Realmslayer: Blood Of The Old World.
I look forward to hearing more of the adventures of this battle eager dwarf and I’m more than confident I’ll hear his raucous laughter before too long and I don’t think I’ll be the only one. My next review without being too specific I can promise you will fit the upcoming celebration. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the uncanny.
Sayonara!
Nephrite
October 19, 2023
Same as the previous audio drama. The voice acting is great and carries the experience but the script needs to be better to include more environment descriptions, scene changes and so on.
October 15, 2019
Slowly bringing Gotrek out of his shell to fill faelix's void is working well. Whilst Gotrek was always very dimensional (but awesome) he wasnt the most exciting character outside of combat. However, the drive and chatter/banter in the new series is good fun.
April 6, 2021
Brian Blessed’s turn as Gotrek is inspired and a blast to listen to. He’s clearly having a ton of fun with the role, and is an absolute joy to listen to. The rest of the cast is solid, even if most of what Jordaeus and Malenith do is yell “for Sigmar!” and cackle maniacally, respectively. However, I absolutely could not stand either the moaning and groaning Kurnoth Huntress or the double-twice squeak-talking Skaven-rats. There’s an extended section from the perspective of some of these ratman jobbers late in the book where they’re just yelling at each other while a radio feeds back at them and it was genuinely painful to listen to. It soured so much of what came before that I was ready to give the book two stars, but the last half hour gave a surprisingly affecting conclusion to the story that brings it back up to three.
Overall I’d say it wasn’t as enjoyable as the first Gotrek audio drama, but it does have some real growth for the old slayer. It’s mostly good, but be ready to hammer the “skip 30 seconds” button for a few sections.
Overall I’d say it wasn’t as enjoyable as the first Gotrek audio drama, but it does have some real growth for the old slayer. It’s mostly good, but be ready to hammer the “skip 30 seconds” button for a few sections.
September 6, 2020
I like the Warhammer world, I like the Gotrek stories, and I just love audiobooks and what they have done for my 'reading'.
But these new audiotheater without a narrator where you have at times guess what is happening is not to my liking.
It is like listening to a batman tv show from the 60s, complete with a alot of 'pow', 'kablam' and 'tjoff'.
Really alot of them, half the 'story' is just noise.
The story is moved forward by the characters talking, either with others or with themselves.
This turns the other dour and taciturn dwarf not just talkative but beyond babbling.
It is like listening to really old people muttering to themselves.
Did Gotrek spend to long time in the chaos realm, is he now the senile slayer?
The story, what little there is between all the noise and the performance of the voice actors are otherwise great.
But these new audiotheater without a narrator where you have at times guess what is happening is not to my liking.
It is like listening to a batman tv show from the 60s, complete with a alot of 'pow', 'kablam' and 'tjoff'.
Really alot of them, half the 'story' is just noise.
The story is moved forward by the characters talking, either with others or with themselves.
This turns the other dour and taciturn dwarf not just talkative but beyond babbling.
It is like listening to really old people muttering to themselves.
Did Gotrek spend to long time in the chaos realm, is he now the senile slayer?
The story, what little there is between all the noise and the performance of the voice actors are otherwise great.
July 16, 2022
Let's get this out the way first, Brian Blessed as Gotrek is simply perfection. I hope they do more like this in the future :)
Story wise this is a good follow on to what happened in Realmslayer. Took me a while to find out this part even existed so marketing could have been better there perhaps, or I'm rubbish. Anyway, this gives Gotrek a solid footing in the Mortal Realms and deals with some issues left unfinished in the old Gotrek & Felix books. I've never read those however (I googled stuff) so I would also say it's fine for newcomers to Gotrek as well.
The audio narration is well done with a great cast, however I will say that without a narrator it's not always easy to grasp exactly what's going on. Never stopped me enjoying it though.
Would recommend to anyone interested in AoS and wanting a little more of a light hearted read.
Story wise this is a good follow on to what happened in Realmslayer. Took me a while to find out this part even existed so marketing could have been better there perhaps, or I'm rubbish. Anyway, this gives Gotrek a solid footing in the Mortal Realms and deals with some issues left unfinished in the old Gotrek & Felix books. I've never read those however (I googled stuff) so I would also say it's fine for newcomers to Gotrek as well.
The audio narration is well done with a great cast, however I will say that without a narrator it's not always easy to grasp exactly what's going on. Never stopped me enjoying it though.
Would recommend to anyone interested in AoS and wanting a little more of a light hearted read.
August 11, 2020
Gotrek is a beloved character but he requires a levelheaded comrade to counterbalance his inordinately brash demeanor. Unfortunately, Felix has yet to be found. Enter Maleneth, a dark elf and assassin, while I’m excited the author paired Gotrek with a female character, I find the elfin downright obnoxious. The Sylvaneth huntress in the story was a million times more interesting. At least the tree kin would also deviate more from the obvious norm. That said, still an awesome audio with an amazing cast.
Note: This book is only available in audio.
Note: This book is only available in audio.
October 19, 2022
Voice acting once again was strong (I mean it’s Brian Blessed in the starring role) but this one had a bit more conventional fantasy plot to it, not to mention they decided to not do a narrator for this entry. That left you guessing a lot of the time about what was going on, not a lot of descriptions and made it harder to follow sometimes. I do hope they can get everyone back to do another one of these
April 30, 2025
This was an excellent read the entire way through! Similar to the first one, each supporting cast around Gotrek help to inform his growth through acting as an engaging reflection of his traits, and support his growth as a hero of the old world, and accepting his place in the new age. It’s a fun read, and David Guymer continues his excellent writing through this novel as well. I highly suggest giving it a read!
July 21, 2021
This one was a little more difficult to follow than the first audio drama due to not having a narrator. The acting was top notch though, and most of the time I could follow the action despite the lack of narration.
The ending was exactly what I needed for closure when it comes to the old world. No spoilers here but there may have been a tear or two.
The ending was exactly what I needed for closure when it comes to the old world. No spoilers here but there may have been a tear or two.
May 3, 2023
Unfortunately tedious. The prior audio book (Realmslayer) was very good, but Blood of the Old World was largely unenjoyable. The performances are of the highest quality, but the story consists of: "We're in a mysterious realm, we must sound-effects ourselves out!" ten times over.
There were some poignant moments, but few and far between.
There were some poignant moments, but few and far between.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2020
Solid story, although left me wanting something more. Perhaps overshadowed by Brian Blessed's performance as Gotrek in the audio book.
January 8, 2021
Kinda hard to follow the storyline due to no narrator, but the voice-acting of Gotrek is fantastic and enoug to keep me going.
July 2, 2021
Blessed brings pure joy to this story, they way I have always read them in my head
April 3, 2022
While the performances were great (Brian Blessed was amazing) the lack of narrator made me feel lost more often than not.
September 5, 2023
A hell of a well produced audio drama, just as engaging as the first although a bit more confusing. I'm sad they never did a third one but at least the books pick up from here...
May 14, 2025
Amazing performance by Brian Blessed, but story itself doesn't quite match
January 30, 2020
Average story, TERRIBLE dramatisation, unbearable overacting from the cast of actors.
January 9, 2020
Again, excellent performances carry the day.
December 15, 2019
Gotrek isn't acclimatising to the realms very well. He's pretty much admitted that they do exist and that he's stuck there. But he's not happy about it. But a chance encounter in a Hammerheim drunk tank reveals that his axe from his time in the world that was may have made it through to this world too. With a quest comes purpose and so he sets off with Maleneth reluctantly following to keep the master rune burned into the slayer's chest in her sights.
Another fun romp with the grumpy git as he travels from realm to realm aided by old friends and facing even older enemies as he searches for his axe and maybe, just maybe a way home.
Another fun romp with the grumpy git as he travels from realm to realm aided by old friends and facing even older enemies as he searches for his axe and maybe, just maybe a way home.
September 23, 2019
Another fantastic audio drama from David Guymer. I love all of the characters and even the elfling (or is that now aelfling...) is growing on me. I honestly can’t wait for the next! Ghoulslayer will keep me going until then!
December 19, 2019
Gotrek Gurnisson's saga continues, now in the world of AOS. Liked it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews