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Kal Jerico
Sinner's Bounty
Kal Jerico is back!
Kal Jerico returns to Hive Primus, chasing his biggest bounty yet: the maniacal preacher Desolation Zoon, racing downhive in a mining hauler bristling with stolen Guilder weaponry… but with a prize like this at stake, every other Venator worth the name will be hunting down the Redemptionist. Can Kal claim Zoon’s head, or will he find a rival’s knife in his back?
Kal Jerico returns to Hive Primus, chasing his biggest bounty yet: the maniacal preacher Desolation Zoon, racing downhive in a mining hauler bristling with stolen Guilder weaponry… but with a prize like this at stake, every other Venator worth the name will be hunting down the Redemptionist. Can Kal claim Zoon’s head, or will he find a rival’s knife in his back?
494 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2019
16 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Reynolds
313 books339 followersJosh Reynolds’ work has previously appeared in such anthologies as Historical Lovecraft from Innsmouth Free Press and Horror for the Holidays from Miskatonic River Press, and his novel, Knight of the Blazing Sun, is currently available from Black Library. He can be found at: http://joshuamreynolds.wordpress.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 12, 2019
Josh Reynolds takes the reins from Gordon Rennie and Will McDermott and reintroduces the suave bounty hunter for a new generation of Necromunda fans. Accompanied by put-upon partner Scabbs and sort-of-but-not-really wife Yolanda, Kal Jerico is on the trail of Desolation Zoon, a Redemptionist zealot whose bold behaviour has roused the ire of the Guilders. With every other venator worth the name on the same trail, however, they must keep ahead of the competition and survive the many and varied dangers of the underhive – including a worrying number of muties on the move – if they’re to claim this bounty.
Whether you’ve been a fan since the graphic novel days or this is your first introduction to Kal Jerico, if you’re looking for an entertaining romp through the underhive and an illustration of what makes Necromunda such a uniquely interesting setting then this should nicely fit the bill. It’s a book which doesn’t take itself too seriously, but which does take seriously the task of telling a gripping story and doing justice to long-established characters. While not as overtly funny as, say, the Ciaphas Cain books, it nonetheless veers towards the lighter end of the Black Library spectrum, which along with its pace, wit and strong characters helps make it a breeze to read and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/08/...
Whether you’ve been a fan since the graphic novel days or this is your first introduction to Kal Jerico, if you’re looking for an entertaining romp through the underhive and an illustration of what makes Necromunda such a uniquely interesting setting then this should nicely fit the bill. It’s a book which doesn’t take itself too seriously, but which does take seriously the task of telling a gripping story and doing justice to long-established characters. While not as overtly funny as, say, the Ciaphas Cain books, it nonetheless veers towards the lighter end of the Black Library spectrum, which along with its pace, wit and strong characters helps make it a breeze to read and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/08/...
October 1, 2019
“Confidence, Scabbs. First rule of bounty hunting – always be confident.”
That’s it. The first full-length Necromunda novel I have read. One reason for this was being unable to resist the temptation of owning a signed limited edition with some pretty cool art; and the second... well, it does feature none other than Kal Jerico, probably the mostwanted vaunted (anti)hero in the history of the certain Hive World!
So, what my impressions are? The Sinner’s Bounty draws you in from the start and keeps you entertained and intrigued till the very end. The plot is well orchestrated, with clever and nicely balanced intermingling of the serious and the hilarious – after all, it was Josh Reynolds who produced books about such well-known guys as Lukas the Trickster and Fabius Bile; and his Kal Jerico echoes at times their dry humour while still remaining his own cocky, businesslike self.
The famed bounty hunter is not the sole star of the tale, however – there are many other celebrities fighting alongside (and against) him, not just those long known to Necromunda fans but some newer ones as well, all with their own fascinating subplots, secret goals and touching idiosyncrasies. The author lavishes ample time onto each and every character, be it Jerico’s highborn rival and ‘wife dearest’ Yolanda Catallus or the young cannibal queen trying to emulate the vaguely imagined ways of Hive Spire nobility. My absolute favourite, though, proved to be the deliciously madcap yet staunchly devout and psychologically complex antagonist, Desolation Zoon (which is not the Redemptionist’s true name of course) even though we first encounter him in person mid-story. It’s this particular fellow and his loyal comrades that, I suppose, are meant to give the reader a soft spot for the grimy, candle-festooned, prayer-chanting, flamethrower-toting Cawdor fanatics (and to me, they do – oh, who’d have thought?..)
Such a diverse cast of characters and viewpoints allows the reader to build in mind a broad picture of Necromunda from various refreshing, darkly lively perspectives. Because of their prevalent humanity, I actually find the Necromundans much easier to associate (or sympathise) with than the heroes of the overall Warhammer setting since they don’t feel too superhumanly distant unlike, exempli gratia, Space Marines, Inquisitor Lords or Mechanicus adepts.
In all, the Sinner’s Bounty is an enjoyable fast ride through the ancient, decrepit, sprawling expanse of the Underhive with quite a few high-octane Mad Max-style action bits – and, hopefully, the first in a brand new batch of Jerico stories. After all, its epilogue seems to smoothly hint at the next, soon upcoming chapter of Necromundan history – along with the possible role of Lord Helmawr’s most famous illegitimate son in those affairs. I wouldn’t even mind to see him the next (highly unlikely) Governor of Necromunda, if you know what I mean…
That’s it. The first full-length Necromunda novel I have read. One reason for this was being unable to resist the temptation of owning a signed limited edition with some pretty cool art; and the second... well, it does feature none other than Kal Jerico, probably the most
So, what my impressions are? The Sinner’s Bounty draws you in from the start and keeps you entertained and intrigued till the very end. The plot is well orchestrated, with clever and nicely balanced intermingling of the serious and the hilarious – after all, it was Josh Reynolds who produced books about such well-known guys as Lukas the Trickster and Fabius Bile; and his Kal Jerico echoes at times their dry humour while still remaining his own cocky, businesslike self.
The famed bounty hunter is not the sole star of the tale, however – there are many other celebrities fighting alongside (and against) him, not just those long known to Necromunda fans but some newer ones as well, all with their own fascinating subplots, secret goals and touching idiosyncrasies. The author lavishes ample time onto each and every character, be it Jerico’s highborn rival and ‘wife dearest’ Yolanda Catallus or the young cannibal queen trying to emulate the vaguely imagined ways of Hive Spire nobility. My absolute favourite, though, proved to be the deliciously madcap yet staunchly devout and psychologically complex antagonist, Desolation Zoon (which is not the Redemptionist’s true name of course) even though we first encounter him in person mid-story. It’s this particular fellow and his loyal comrades that, I suppose, are meant to give the reader a soft spot for the grimy, candle-festooned, prayer-chanting, flamethrower-toting Cawdor fanatics (and to me, they do – oh, who’d have thought?..)
Such a diverse cast of characters and viewpoints allows the reader to build in mind a broad picture of Necromunda from various refreshing, darkly lively perspectives. Because of their prevalent humanity, I actually find the Necromundans much easier to associate (or sympathise) with than the heroes of the overall Warhammer setting since they don’t feel too superhumanly distant unlike, exempli gratia, Space Marines, Inquisitor Lords or Mechanicus adepts.
In all, the Sinner’s Bounty is an enjoyable fast ride through the ancient, decrepit, sprawling expanse of the Underhive with quite a few high-octane Mad Max-style action bits – and, hopefully, the first in a brand new batch of Jerico stories. After all, its epilogue seems to smoothly hint at the next, soon upcoming chapter of Necromundan history – along with the possible role of Lord Helmawr’s most famous illegitimate son in those affairs. I wouldn’t even mind to see him the next (highly unlikely) Governor of Necromunda, if you know what I mean…
March 15, 2022
Great story! The audio book is very well done by a super talented voice actor
November 10, 2019
He’s back, and he’s brought all of his friends with him. With the release of the new Necromunda board game, and subsequent rule books, this novel ties in more with that lore than the original novels did, but it loses nothing. The images created by Reynolds are superb, his descriptions mean you can visualise everything so clearly, and the image of Zoon on his ore-hauler is just awesome.
May 5, 2025
This is, I believe, the fourth book following nobleman turned bounty hunter Kal Jerico's adventures in the underhives of Necromunda, not to mention a whole bunch of short stories and comic books. So not the obvious place to start my Jerico/Necromunda reading journey, but I took the plunge because this one was available on audiobook.
It's clear from the start that there is some reasonably complicated history between the brave and charismatic lead, his weaselly sidekick and the possible love interest who gets the best lines and really should be the main character. The shared history is hinted at but never fully explained, leaving the reader feeling like they've innocently picked up the Prisoner of Azkaban from a library shelf and are blissfully unaware of the existence of The Chamber of Secrets; they don't quite understand all Harry, Ron and Hermione's references to past events but that doesn't hinder their ability to follow this story in any meaningful way.
So, Jerico et al are hunting a bounty, as are a bunch of other gangs who help and hinder each other as much as the plot requires in order to propel the story from one violent skirmish to the next. The secondary characters come with personalities lifted straight from that Necromunda tabletop game; there's the religious zealot, the musclebound idiot, the taciturn beastman and a scattering of others, none of whom do much to escape their character archetypes.
A fine but far from groundbreaking tale, recommended for fans of the Necromunda setting but nothing particularly groundbreaking or innovative.
It's clear from the start that there is some reasonably complicated history between the brave and charismatic lead, his weaselly sidekick and the possible love interest who gets the best lines and really should be the main character. The shared history is hinted at but never fully explained, leaving the reader feeling like they've innocently picked up the Prisoner of Azkaban from a library shelf and are blissfully unaware of the existence of The Chamber of Secrets; they don't quite understand all Harry, Ron and Hermione's references to past events but that doesn't hinder their ability to follow this story in any meaningful way.
So, Jerico et al are hunting a bounty, as are a bunch of other gangs who help and hinder each other as much as the plot requires in order to propel the story from one violent skirmish to the next. The secondary characters come with personalities lifted straight from that Necromunda tabletop game; there's the religious zealot, the musclebound idiot, the taciturn beastman and a scattering of others, none of whom do much to escape their character archetypes.
A fine but far from groundbreaking tale, recommended for fans of the Necromunda setting but nothing particularly groundbreaking or innovative.
March 15, 2020
The best parts of "Sinner's Bounty" are the characters created by Reynolds: the maniacal preacher Desolation Zoon, racing downhive in a mining hauler bristling with stolen Guilder weaponry, the happy, unkillable mutant Slabscale, spymaster Nemo the Faceless or the crazy projector-eyed captain Guttal. These colourful, driven, wacky heroes make this book memorable and unique.
Unfortunately there are too many characters not created by Reynolds appearing in "Sinner's Bounty". We have 8 classic bounty hunters that we know will not die (their models are available to buy at Games Workshop & Forge World). So the interactions between them are reduced to constant squabbling, bickering and empty threats.
It is a very nice book. Even if you are not a Neromunda fan yet. But the overload of empty Bounty Hunter interactions makes some sections of the book too long to be a pleasurable read.
Unfortunately there are too many characters not created by Reynolds appearing in "Sinner's Bounty". We have 8 classic bounty hunters that we know will not die (their models are available to buy at Games Workshop & Forge World). So the interactions between them are reduced to constant squabbling, bickering and empty threats.
It is a very nice book. Even if you are not a Neromunda fan yet. But the overload of empty Bounty Hunter interactions makes some sections of the book too long to be a pleasurable read.
February 25, 2021
Rating of 4.75.
After enjoying the exciting novel Deathwatch: Shadowbreaker by Steve Parker last year I once again dive into the intricate Warhammer 40K expanded universe with another fantastic tie-in novel. This time however, I check out the awesome pulse pounding Necromunda adventure, Kal Jerico: Sinner’s Bounty by Joshua Reynolds, which reintroduces the iconic and entertaining bounty hunter Kal Jerico.
In the sordid depths of Hive Primus, the biggest hive city on Necromunda, a daring crime has been committed and all hell is about to break loose in the aftermath. The infamous and manic preacher, Desolation Zoon, led a brazen robbery on a guilder tithe-hall, stealing vast quantities of weaponry, credits, imported goods and other mysterious treasures. Now, with his band of fanatical followers, Zoon is heading downhive in an armoured mining hauler, modified with an impressive amount of firepower. However, these zealots are not the only ones heading downhive as they are being followed by every hired gun and killer in Hive Primus, each of whom wants a piece of the massive bounty that has been placed on Zoon’s head.
At the forefront of the rogues, killers and gangers chasing after Zoon is the infamous bounty hunter Kal Jerico. Travelling with his faithful sidekick, Scabbs, the murderous woman he was forced to marry, Yolanda, and his cyber-mastiff, Wotan, Jerico is determined to catch up to Zoon and claim both the money and the accompanying reputation boost. To claim their prize, this unconventional team will need to traverse some of the most dangerous locations in the Underhive and face off against giant monsters, dangerous tunnel creatures and mutant cannibals, as well as all their friendly bounty hunter colleagues.
However, as they get closer to capturing Zoon, Jerico and his cohorts will swiftly discover that is far from the simple bounty mission they thought it was. Many powerful people, both inside and outside of Hive Primus, have a stake in Zoon’s capture, and soon Jerico will face off against some old rivals who are just as likely to settle old grudges as they are to claim Zoon’s bounty. Worst, something dark and dangerous is rising in the deeps of the Underhive, and Kal is about to find himself in the middle of a massive fight that even his unnatural good luck may be able to save him from.
To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2021/02/25/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
After enjoying the exciting novel Deathwatch: Shadowbreaker by Steve Parker last year I once again dive into the intricate Warhammer 40K expanded universe with another fantastic tie-in novel. This time however, I check out the awesome pulse pounding Necromunda adventure, Kal Jerico: Sinner’s Bounty by Joshua Reynolds, which reintroduces the iconic and entertaining bounty hunter Kal Jerico.
In the sordid depths of Hive Primus, the biggest hive city on Necromunda, a daring crime has been committed and all hell is about to break loose in the aftermath. The infamous and manic preacher, Desolation Zoon, led a brazen robbery on a guilder tithe-hall, stealing vast quantities of weaponry, credits, imported goods and other mysterious treasures. Now, with his band of fanatical followers, Zoon is heading downhive in an armoured mining hauler, modified with an impressive amount of firepower. However, these zealots are not the only ones heading downhive as they are being followed by every hired gun and killer in Hive Primus, each of whom wants a piece of the massive bounty that has been placed on Zoon’s head.
At the forefront of the rogues, killers and gangers chasing after Zoon is the infamous bounty hunter Kal Jerico. Travelling with his faithful sidekick, Scabbs, the murderous woman he was forced to marry, Yolanda, and his cyber-mastiff, Wotan, Jerico is determined to catch up to Zoon and claim both the money and the accompanying reputation boost. To claim their prize, this unconventional team will need to traverse some of the most dangerous locations in the Underhive and face off against giant monsters, dangerous tunnel creatures and mutant cannibals, as well as all their friendly bounty hunter colleagues.
However, as they get closer to capturing Zoon, Jerico and his cohorts will swiftly discover that is far from the simple bounty mission they thought it was. Many powerful people, both inside and outside of Hive Primus, have a stake in Zoon’s capture, and soon Jerico will face off against some old rivals who are just as likely to settle old grudges as they are to claim Zoon’s bounty. Worst, something dark and dangerous is rising in the deeps of the Underhive, and Kal is about to find himself in the middle of a massive fight that even his unnatural good luck may be able to save him from.
To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2021/02/25/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
July 9, 2020
I am having a hard time reviewing this book. I gave it 4 stars...I gave almost every Star Wars book 4 stars, and I probably gave the same to 1984. These books are quite different, as I'm sure you realize. And while these books from SW and Warhammer are certainly entertaining, and they have iterations of mythic themes, symbols, and present alternative ways to examine the world around you, they are not considered "high literature". Perhaps that comes from the author's intent.
Nonetheless, this was a page-turner for me. I found myself invested in the characters, the plot, and the setting of the underhive. The prose was functional, often poetic when it came to setting description. Jerico was hilarious, his relations with the other characters really drove the story.
So I give it 4/5. Will it drastically shift your world view? Unlikely. It will, however, provide you with entertainment, and it is done well. I will read more stories by Mr. Reynolds, although I have heard he is no longer with the Black Library.
Nonetheless, this was a page-turner for me. I found myself invested in the characters, the plot, and the setting of the underhive. The prose was functional, often poetic when it came to setting description. Jerico was hilarious, his relations with the other characters really drove the story.
So I give it 4/5. Will it drastically shift your world view? Unlikely. It will, however, provide you with entertainment, and it is done well. I will read more stories by Mr. Reynolds, although I have heard he is no longer with the Black Library.
September 25, 2020
Necromunda is one of the best setting there is. It’s fusion of cyberpunk, western and post-apocalyptic mutants make for a good time.
I read Joshua Reynolds Kal Jerico short story in the Underhive collection and really enjoyed it.
The full length novel was fun, albeit very unoriginal. I think it didn’t quite click with me as much as the short story. It just felt bloated and the deeper more dramatic plot felt unnecessary. We’ll see if it pays off in the clearly intended sequel. As is I think this book would have been better as a stand alone cyberpunk western about 1/2 the length. It’s still decently fun though and it’s a charming world and cast of misfit characters.
I read Joshua Reynolds Kal Jerico short story in the Underhive collection and really enjoyed it.
The full length novel was fun, albeit very unoriginal. I think it didn’t quite click with me as much as the short story. It just felt bloated and the deeper more dramatic plot felt unnecessary. We’ll see if it pays off in the clearly intended sequel. As is I think this book would have been better as a stand alone cyberpunk western about 1/2 the length. It’s still decently fun though and it’s a charming world and cast of misfit characters.
August 18, 2023
This book was a delight from start to finish !
All Jerico is a bounty hunter after Desolation Zoon. But the problem is that every other bounty hunter and some religious fanatics are on the hunt for the same target . This results is betrayals, ambushes and the usual downriver mayhem before the mutants also decide to get involved. It’s a well thought out story with humour and adventure. I really enjoyed this story ! I hope there is a sequel.
All Jerico is a bounty hunter after Desolation Zoon. But the problem is that every other bounty hunter and some religious fanatics are on the hunt for the same target . This results is betrayals, ambushes and the usual downriver mayhem before the mutants also decide to get involved. It’s a well thought out story with humour and adventure. I really enjoyed this story ! I hope there is a sequel.
March 30, 2020
Still uncertain as to why everyone likes Kal Jerico so much, but this was a fun romp through the underhive. Even though it was unrealistic, it was fun to see so many characters from the game portrayed in this book. I also liked that even though it set up for a sequel, it still told a full and complete story.
May 31, 2020
Very good and takes me right back to my childhood when i reread the comics again and again. However this book stands like the Slayer series on its serial legacy. As such there are a lot of characters and events to remember that happened sometimes quite some time ago. Perhaps some kind of remake would be in order?
January 30, 2021
One of my favorite authors writing in one of my favorite game settings, what's not to like?! Also, Reynolds does me the personal favor of introducing a squat (space dwarf) character into the story, thereby reintroducing the squats back into the Warhammer 40k universe after they were largely erased from existence by a rules update. Thanks, Josh!
March 28, 2023
Great story, lots of gangs featured, kind of a showcase for the second release of Necromunda. Tons of Scavvies, which I loved even though they were just called muties. A bit shocked Ratskins were featured at all, considering the "muh cultural appropriation" crowd. Also a bit odd that Kal's character was flat, but Scabs was quite developed.
October 11, 2024
3.75
A lot of lead up for a very short ending. Was a good entertaining read. But the 80% build up to 20% action was disappointing.
"Waste not, want no. Such is the wisdom of the Emperor. From the scraps of men, He made angels. From the waste of world's, He forged and empire. By His example we are led."
A lot of lead up for a very short ending. Was a good entertaining read. But the 80% build up to 20% action was disappointing.
"Waste not, want no. Such is the wisdom of the Emperor. From the scraps of men, He made angels. From the waste of world's, He forged and empire. By His example we are led."
December 28, 2020
Good matine-style action for those who like Necromunda. Kal is the classic trickster with all the right snappy comebacks for any situation.
The narration is sufficient except that the narrator is fairly limited when trying to give different characters different voices.
The narration is sufficient except that the narrator is fairly limited when trying to give different characters different voices.
August 14, 2023
This is a excellent Necromunda book. Easily the best written that I’ve ever read. The colour dim characters are really fun to follow, and they behave and grow much better than what usually takes place in Warhammer novels. Which is an odd thing to say when you’ve read a few hundred of them I guess. I won’t stop with that, however, because this might just be the most “coherent”? Necromunda book that I’ve read. I really don’t want to be mean, but a lot of the others have been a little hard to read and this one just flows.
It’s also some of the best Necromunda lore I’ve read. It gives you such a clear picture of how things work in in the hive. Hell, it’ll even give you a bunch of idea for how to build terrain for your own underhive.
If you like Necromunda you should really read this book.
It’s also some of the best Necromunda lore I’ve read. It gives you such a clear picture of how things work in in the hive. Hell, it’ll even give you a bunch of idea for how to build terrain for your own underhive.
If you like Necromunda you should really read this book.
November 23, 2023
What a novel! If anything from Black Library should be adapted to film it is this book! The characters are wonderfully written, The story is gripping, and the setting is Games Workshop’s most engaging. Just brilliant.
November 23, 2025
Great fun read, not high minded literature, and yay, who cares? My attention did wander in and out of this one, without me missing major or salient plot points and having to rewind regularly, so I would count this as one of my more relaxing reads.
August 26, 2020
4.5. I sure hope we get more of Kal's adventures.
November 2, 2021
First foray into Necromunda. Good plot and characters. I didn't feel lost not having read a Necromunda or Kal Jericho book.
December 2, 2025
Maybe not really a 4 star book, but it was too much light hearted grimdark fun to give it just 3.
July 20, 2025
I like the mutant character who talks weird and forgets frequently used words often - I feel very seen and represented
Great characters, great dialogue, great setting. What more could you want. Nothing wowed me though so not sure how memorable it’ll be
Great characters, great dialogue, great setting. What more could you want. Nothing wowed me though so not sure how memorable it’ll be
December 17, 2019
“I’m doomed to be unappreciated in my time…or eaten…or both” quote from Kal on the backflap of the book set the tone pretty early on, some dry humour (not as much as Ciaphas Cain series) to offset some of the grimdark it definitely falls on the lighten end of 40k novels.
Ive read a few Necromunda books but this was my first Kal Jerico book. Of the Necromunda ones Ive read this one was my favourite. I really enjoyed it, it pulled me in and kept me entertained start to finish. Lots of different characters, some known in Necromunda others new but Josh Reynolds does an excellent job fleshing them all out. I definitely pictured some scenes from Mad Max a few times reading this. Its not super deep but its a fun chase\adventure through the underhive - a bounty hunter after the bounty.
Hopefully this is just the first of more Necromunda Kal Jerico novels that Black Library\Josh Reynolds will be doing!
Ive read a few Necromunda books but this was my first Kal Jerico book. Of the Necromunda ones Ive read this one was my favourite. I really enjoyed it, it pulled me in and kept me entertained start to finish. Lots of different characters, some known in Necromunda others new but Josh Reynolds does an excellent job fleshing them all out. I definitely pictured some scenes from Mad Max a few times reading this. Its not super deep but its a fun chase\adventure through the underhive - a bounty hunter after the bounty.
Hopefully this is just the first of more Necromunda Kal Jerico novels that Black Library\Josh Reynolds will be doing!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews