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Warhammer 40,000
Brutal Kunnin'
An Orks novel
When Ufthak and his orks attack the forge world of Hephaesto, the last thing they want is to share the spoils with the notorious Kaptin Badrukk. But with armies to defeat and loot to seize, Ufthak's boyz might just need Badrukk's help – though that doesn't mean they can trust him…
READ IT BECAUSE
Get into the heads of a band of orks in the first-ever novel from their point of view. Discover what it takes to be part of the Waaagh! and carve out your own little piece of glory amidst the mayhem in a novel that's brutal, kunnin' – and darkly hilarious.
THE STORY
Ufthak Blackhawk and the green tide descend upon Hephaesto – an Adeptus Mechanicus forge world bristling with loot – only to find it already under siege by the notorious Freebooter Kaptin Badrukk. When his warboss, Da Biggest Big Mek, orders temporary co-operation, Ufthak seeks to make a name for himself by crushing some of the Imperium’s most advanced defenders and claiming the greatest prize. But with a sinister new war machine on the horizon, Badrukk’s plotting, and a thoroughly annoying grot in his way, Ufthak is going to need the brutal kunnin’ of Mork himself just to survive.
When Ufthak and his orks attack the forge world of Hephaesto, the last thing they want is to share the spoils with the notorious Kaptin Badrukk. But with armies to defeat and loot to seize, Ufthak's boyz might just need Badrukk's help – though that doesn't mean they can trust him…
READ IT BECAUSE
Get into the heads of a band of orks in the first-ever novel from their point of view. Discover what it takes to be part of the Waaagh! and carve out your own little piece of glory amidst the mayhem in a novel that's brutal, kunnin' – and darkly hilarious.
THE STORY
Ufthak Blackhawk and the green tide descend upon Hephaesto – an Adeptus Mechanicus forge world bristling with loot – only to find it already under siege by the notorious Freebooter Kaptin Badrukk. When his warboss, Da Biggest Big Mek, orders temporary co-operation, Ufthak seeks to make a name for himself by crushing some of the Imperium’s most advanced defenders and claiming the greatest prize. But with a sinister new war machine on the horizon, Badrukk’s plotting, and a thoroughly annoying grot in his way, Ufthak is going to need the brutal kunnin’ of Mork himself just to survive.
250 pages, ebook
First published September 15, 2020
293 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read
About the author
Mike Brooks
79 books550 followersMike Brooks was born in Ipswich, Suffolk and moved to Nottingham when he was 18 to go to university. He’s stayed there ever since, and now lives with his wife, two cats, two snakes and a collection of tropical fish. When not working for a homelessness charity he plays guitar and sings in a punk band, watches football (soccer), MMA and nature/science documentaries, goes walking in the Peak District or other areas of splendid scenery, and DJs wherever anyone will tolerate him.
And, y’know, writes.
And, y’know, writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
October 12, 2020
The Orky sections of this book are fairly enjoyable but the human aspects are quite muddled. This is primarily due to the author continuing to use genderless pronouns for his human characters and it is annoying and muddling to read.
Overall this book is fairly forgettable despite the fun to be found with Orks.
Overall this book is fairly forgettable despite the fun to be found with Orks.
September 20, 2020
Brutal Kunnin’ is great.
The first Ork-led BL novel has an awful lot going for it. The protagonist, Ufthak, was introduced in an earlier incredibly enjoyable short and this continues his journey as his Waaagh rampages across a Forgeworld. It’s a pretty short book, and is pacy as anything.
Brooks handles writing from an Ork perspective fantastically; we see through Ufthak’s eyes, encounter his thoughts and manage to relate to his desires. When he is the focus, Imperial Knights are humie walkers, armed with Kannons and Scorchas, though all of the boyz keep their Mork-given names- the text, however, is clearly written *about* an Ork rather than *by* one, so we get actual description and story rather than a jumbled blur of emotion and explosion. It’s a nice inversion of the death-by-Codex entry that can sometimes detract from a BL story. In his first appearance, Ufthak occupies a relatively lowly role in his Waagh, I’m hoping it’s not giving to much away to say that this book is an account of his ascent through what pass for ranks in Ork society; Brooks is clearly enthused by Ork Kultur, and while we don’t see much about the various Klans, he certainly nails the dynamics of mobs and the mindset of the faction.
What was unexpected for me was how refreshing the novel’s take on the Adeptus Mechanicus was; as the novel’s antagonists they receive several POV chapters and they’re brought to life as well as any other incarnation of them I’ve read. The layers of noospheric dialogue, how individuals manage their mix of biological and mechanical responses to events and the hidebound way the Imperium meets threats as well as the consequences of politicking and power grabs are all explored in a nuanced and detailed way; while this is sold as an Ork book, it is also and excellent Ad Mech one. The relative ‘inhumanity’ of the servants of Mars contrasts well with the relatability of the Xenos Orks.
Above all else, the book is fun, which an Ork book ought to be. There are the classic pop-culture references- Nizkwik the grot, a chapter entitled Mortal Krumpin’- that have been a part of the faction since their inception, and a humour that belies the horror that encountering them must engender.
Several threads are left hanging, leaving me suspecting/hoping that Brooks is working on something bigger and a sequel (or two) is in the works.
The first Ork-led BL novel has an awful lot going for it. The protagonist, Ufthak, was introduced in an earlier incredibly enjoyable short and this continues his journey as his Waaagh rampages across a Forgeworld. It’s a pretty short book, and is pacy as anything.
Brooks handles writing from an Ork perspective fantastically; we see through Ufthak’s eyes, encounter his thoughts and manage to relate to his desires. When he is the focus, Imperial Knights are humie walkers, armed with Kannons and Scorchas, though all of the boyz keep their Mork-given names- the text, however, is clearly written *about* an Ork rather than *by* one, so we get actual description and story rather than a jumbled blur of emotion and explosion. It’s a nice inversion of the death-by-Codex entry that can sometimes detract from a BL story. In his first appearance, Ufthak occupies a relatively lowly role in his Waagh, I’m hoping it’s not giving to much away to say that this book is an account of his ascent through what pass for ranks in Ork society; Brooks is clearly enthused by Ork Kultur, and while we don’t see much about the various Klans, he certainly nails the dynamics of mobs and the mindset of the faction.
What was unexpected for me was how refreshing the novel’s take on the Adeptus Mechanicus was; as the novel’s antagonists they receive several POV chapters and they’re brought to life as well as any other incarnation of them I’ve read. The layers of noospheric dialogue, how individuals manage their mix of biological and mechanical responses to events and the hidebound way the Imperium meets threats as well as the consequences of politicking and power grabs are all explored in a nuanced and detailed way; while this is sold as an Ork book, it is also and excellent Ad Mech one. The relative ‘inhumanity’ of the servants of Mars contrasts well with the relatability of the Xenos Orks.
Above all else, the book is fun, which an Ork book ought to be. There are the classic pop-culture references- Nizkwik the grot, a chapter entitled Mortal Krumpin’- that have been a part of the faction since their inception, and a humour that belies the horror that encountering them must engender.
Several threads are left hanging, leaving me suspecting/hoping that Brooks is working on something bigger and a sequel (or two) is in the works.
September 26, 2020
Ufthak Blackhawk and da boys drop themselves on Hephaesto looking da best loot. They are Bad Moons under the leadership of Da Biggest Big Mek after all, and only the best gear will do. And isn't all da bestest humie loot on a forge world? We follow Ufthak's ascending star through his wacky adventures, involving Freebootaz, Mechanicum adepts and others. While often taking a look behind the curtains and discover how his krumpin partners feels about their interactions.
Honestly, I don't quite know how to feel about this novel. On the one hand the Orky parts are great and fun to read. On the other you've got the Mechanicum sections, that are at times just unreadable.
In everyone of Mikes story he seems to use plural pronouns to generate a singular non-gendered pronoun. This would be well and good if this didn't come at the cost of collapsing the difference between singular and plural. This is especially frustrating when one person works in conjuncture with a group (Skitarii in this case) or for interactions between two people that use this "new" pronoun. The worst part is that it isn't even necessary to get the idea across, just use "it". It's not that Mechanicum personnel will mind, after all getting refereed to as "it" would bring the even closer to the holy machine. In the end I hoped that I would get used to it but even at chapter 24 I still needed to pause every time to make sure I didn't misinterpreted anything.
Overall if you want a good Ork story this definitely a good bet (but also look at Prophets of Waaagh!) but you'll have to live with the strange artistic choses of Mike Brooks. You can minimize it a bit by skipping chapter 4 and 13, they have little bearing on the rest of the story but you'll still have to wrestle through 19, 22 and 24 .
Honestly, I don't quite know how to feel about this novel. On the one hand the Orky parts are great and fun to read. On the other you've got the Mechanicum sections, that are at times just unreadable.
In everyone of Mikes story he seems to use plural pronouns to generate a singular non-gendered pronoun. This would be well and good if this didn't come at the cost of collapsing the difference between singular and plural. This is especially frustrating when one person works in conjuncture with a group (Skitarii in this case) or for interactions between two people that use this "new" pronoun. The worst part is that it isn't even necessary to get the idea across, just use "it". It's not that Mechanicum personnel will mind, after all getting refereed to as "it" would bring the even closer to the holy machine. In the end I hoped that I would get used to it but even at chapter 24 I still needed to pause every time to make sure I didn't misinterpreted anything.
Overall if you want a good Ork story this definitely a good bet (but also look at Prophets of Waaagh!) but you'll have to live with the strange artistic choses of Mike Brooks. You can minimize it a bit by skipping chapter 4 and 13, they have little bearing on the rest of the story but you'll still have to wrestle through 19, 22 and 24 .
September 8, 2021
The writing is very confusing. If english is not your native language you probably will get lost in this authors use of them their for individuals. Ork parts good but the mechanicus parts are madly confusing, you dont know if its an idividual or a group of mechanicus creations.
September 29, 2021
It’s a novel about Orks invading a forge world with the name of Hephaesto.
Surprisingly fun book, with lots of action. The main draw in this book is that there is finally a Ork point of view. Ufthak Blackhawk of the Bad Moons clan (the Ork) is both hilarious, cunning, and brutal. There is also a Adeptus Mechanicus story and some Chaos characters, which are fine, but the Orks are the most interesting in my opinion. You don’t have to know anything about Warhammer 40K to like this, but it helps.
Hopefully we will get more stories like this in the future
Surprisingly fun book, with lots of action. The main draw in this book is that there is finally a Ork point of view. Ufthak Blackhawk of the Bad Moons clan (the Ork) is both hilarious, cunning, and brutal. There is also a Adeptus Mechanicus story and some Chaos characters, which are fine, but the Orks are the most interesting in my opinion. You don’t have to know anything about Warhammer 40K to like this, but it helps.
Hopefully we will get more stories like this in the future
May 23, 2022
Da zoggin’ biz!
April 11, 2021
The chapters written from an ork perspective are amazing fun, a real laugh. The mechanicus parts (and the is too many of those) are contrastingly dull and utterly boring. And then there is a third party with a sub-plot and.....well, never mind. It could have been a great Read. Now I would advice to just read the ork bits and skip the rest.
January 4, 2024
Saw this recommended on some reddit posts as a good book for those interested in seeing Orks as main characters. This was described as funny and recommended several times but I really don't know why, it was plainly not a good book and doesn't hold up well at all when compared to other works done by all the talented authors that write for this universe.
I'm fascinated by Orks and their lore/systems that created them. I find the concept of them absolutely hilarious and novel in how they operate, i primarily got a good idea what they are like for Lore Boys podcasts.
Being so interested and craving books featuring them, i think this really gave a poor impression. I didn't find it all that funny to excuse the poor writing, plot and characters. There were some funny moments that really showcased that simpleton mindset that makes the Orks so beloved and their complete disregard with how violent and brutal they are being which creates some dark comedy moments. The comedy though just didn't hit as well as it could have though and I think likely due to a lack of the author maybe not being skilled at setting up a joke, poor pacing and overall just not landing what was funny.
The authors delivery of comedy was uncomfortable, like seeing a stand-up comedian not being able to land their punchlines. Like, i could see what was funny, but just the delivery just needed more fine tuning and maybe some more build up, character/world development to get those jokes to land better. Yikes, it was bad.
The plot also felt mindless and routine, I liked the novel idea of having Mechanicum in this novel as they are like the exact opposite of orks in every way and the idea/premise WOULD have been funny. The author however, with even such a good premise and set up, kinda didn't get that to really work out all that well either. There was some classic big high techies underestimated these under dog story lines but it fell flat.
None of the characters really stood out too much either, there was some potentially good characters but they wernt really expanded on too much and it felt like they were so under developed that maybe the author assumes you already know who they are? I didn't and would have loved to. Maybe I missed a prior book that introduces them better? It's hard to tell, but it felt like maybe either I missed a book that built these characters up already that the author maybe assumed I read already, or the author was just bad.
The world building also felt very reliant on knowing the material. Im lucky in that i already have a deep understanding of the world, how it works and the factions. If this was a starting point though to Orks, I'd feel really bad if someone tried to read this and wasn't already well versed in this universe. A lot of books in the Warhammer universe I noticed do great jobs at being stand alone or having good jumping on points when starting a new story line, this didn't, it really felt like it missed a lot of those traditional entry points seen in other novels that help new comers or those that might need a refresher. It didn't bother me as much since I have read this universe a lot already but I still appreciate refreshers to get into the right headspace on where I'm at.
Overall, unfortunately I really wouldn't recommend this, it felt entirely wasteful of my time and I didn't enjoy myself through most of it.
I'm fascinated by Orks and their lore/systems that created them. I find the concept of them absolutely hilarious and novel in how they operate, i primarily got a good idea what they are like for Lore Boys podcasts.
Being so interested and craving books featuring them, i think this really gave a poor impression. I didn't find it all that funny to excuse the poor writing, plot and characters. There were some funny moments that really showcased that simpleton mindset that makes the Orks so beloved and their complete disregard with how violent and brutal they are being which creates some dark comedy moments. The comedy though just didn't hit as well as it could have though and I think likely due to a lack of the author maybe not being skilled at setting up a joke, poor pacing and overall just not landing what was funny.
The authors delivery of comedy was uncomfortable, like seeing a stand-up comedian not being able to land their punchlines. Like, i could see what was funny, but just the delivery just needed more fine tuning and maybe some more build up, character/world development to get those jokes to land better. Yikes, it was bad.
The plot also felt mindless and routine, I liked the novel idea of having Mechanicum in this novel as they are like the exact opposite of orks in every way and the idea/premise WOULD have been funny. The author however, with even such a good premise and set up, kinda didn't get that to really work out all that well either. There was some classic big high techies underestimated these under dog story lines but it fell flat.
None of the characters really stood out too much either, there was some potentially good characters but they wernt really expanded on too much and it felt like they were so under developed that maybe the author assumes you already know who they are? I didn't and would have loved to. Maybe I missed a prior book that introduces them better? It's hard to tell, but it felt like maybe either I missed a book that built these characters up already that the author maybe assumed I read already, or the author was just bad.
The world building also felt very reliant on knowing the material. Im lucky in that i already have a deep understanding of the world, how it works and the factions. If this was a starting point though to Orks, I'd feel really bad if someone tried to read this and wasn't already well versed in this universe. A lot of books in the Warhammer universe I noticed do great jobs at being stand alone or having good jumping on points when starting a new story line, this didn't, it really felt like it missed a lot of those traditional entry points seen in other novels that help new comers or those that might need a refresher. It didn't bother me as much since I have read this universe a lot already but I still appreciate refreshers to get into the right headspace on where I'm at.
Overall, unfortunately I really wouldn't recommend this, it felt entirely wasteful of my time and I didn't enjoy myself through most of it.
April 10, 2021
Dis iz a story about wun uv 'da most brutal an’ kunnin' orks, Ufthak Blackhawk! afta land'n on a planet 'e an’ his Boyz make a bet wit' dat git Capt. Badrukk ta see 'oo kan get 'da most shiny bitz an’ kill 'da most 'umiez.
deres alos a story about some weird beakiez 'dat don't know how ta fight propa but 'dat's bor'n
seriously though this is probably one of the best 40k books I've done, it's not only funny but brutal and action packed as you'd expect in 40k.
deres alos a story about some weird beakiez 'dat don't know how ta fight propa but 'dat's bor'n
seriously though this is probably one of the best 40k books I've done, it's not only funny but brutal and action packed as you'd expect in 40k.
January 11, 2022
A full length followup to the short Where Dere’s da Warp Dere’s a Way, this one follows the story of a WAAAGH! way to loot the shiniest, most technological gear they can find.
This story shows the fight from both sides, and it does a good job of showing the contrasting views. For the orks, it's humorous. They're having fun and getting into shenanigans as they butcher their way through the defenders. On the other side, you have a palpable sense of the desperation and hopelessness of the AdMech as they desperately try to save as much as they can while they're being ground down by overwhelming ork numbers and power, while being hampered by their own incompetent leadership and an insidious third party.
Otherwise, not much to say here. This was a pretty decent "bolter porn" novel, it had good action scenes, and political plotlines and intrigue on the Mechanicus side that, in a way, more defined the story that what was happening on the Orks' side other than the overwhelming attack.
The story could have been cut down a bit, but I think it needed padding to get it to the standard BL novel length. There was an entire chapter that was a pretty good action scene of Mitranda and their team taking out a warboss...but for all the effect it had on the story, it could have been cut completely and it wouldn't have changed anything. We never figure out who the ork warboss was, if his death actually mattered at all, and the whole thing doesn't get mentioned again other than a throwaway line about Mitranda having to replace their axe.
There was also some pronoun confusion. If the above paragraph was a little hard to read, you understand. A few of the AdMech characters are so changed by their bionics that Mr. Brooks decided to go with the singular "they" pronoun for them. After an initial moment of confusion, I didn't really have any troubles understanding the scenes where these characters showed up., so it's all good.
I did have to abandon the audiobook version and go with text. Tom Allenby, who narrated the audio version, made some orks so exaggerated in their accent and sound like such idiots that I seriously stopped enjoying it. Granted, you have to mix it up, you can only do so many credible ork voices and you have to mix it up to differentiate them, but it was honestly painful to hear some of them.
Overall, not a bad story, not a great one. It kept me entertained for a few afternoons, and it was rare to see a story from the viewpoint of the orks, but not much more to say on it.
This story shows the fight from both sides, and it does a good job of showing the contrasting views. For the orks, it's humorous. They're having fun and getting into shenanigans as they butcher their way through the defenders. On the other side, you have a palpable sense of the desperation and hopelessness of the AdMech as they desperately try to save as much as they can while they're being ground down by overwhelming ork numbers and power, while being hampered by their own incompetent leadership and an insidious third party.
Otherwise, not much to say here. This was a pretty decent "bolter porn" novel, it had good action scenes, and political plotlines and intrigue on the Mechanicus side that, in a way, more defined the story that what was happening on the Orks' side other than the overwhelming attack.
The story could have been cut down a bit, but I think it needed padding to get it to the standard BL novel length. There was an entire chapter that was a pretty good action scene of Mitranda and their team taking out a warboss...but for all the effect it had on the story, it could have been cut completely and it wouldn't have changed anything. We never figure out who the ork warboss was, if his death actually mattered at all, and the whole thing doesn't get mentioned again other than a throwaway line about Mitranda having to replace their axe.
There was also some pronoun confusion. If the above paragraph was a little hard to read, you understand. A few of the AdMech characters are so changed by their bionics that Mr. Brooks decided to go with the singular "they" pronoun for them. After an initial moment of confusion, I didn't really have any troubles understanding the scenes where these characters showed up., so it's all good.
I did have to abandon the audiobook version and go with text. Tom Allenby, who narrated the audio version, made some orks so exaggerated in their accent and sound like such idiots that I seriously stopped enjoying it. Granted, you have to mix it up, you can only do so many credible ork voices and you have to mix it up to differentiate them, but it was honestly painful to hear some of them.
Overall, not a bad story, not a great one. It kept me entertained for a few afternoons, and it was rare to see a story from the viewpoint of the orks, but not much more to say on it.
January 27, 2022
Come for the Orkz. Leave because of the admech subplot.
The moments focusing on the Orkz are legitimately the most gut busting and ironically smart moments of the narrative. Every irl is unique and memorable, driving the story in their own way.
But the admech sections are just a drag. Sure the dominii tech priests are the usual cold and aloof nerds you expect them to be, but they lack so much character. The pov tech priestess is incredibly forgettable, and rather annoying when it comes to her comments on her superiors.
The moments focusing on the Orkz are legitimately the most gut busting and ironically smart moments of the narrative. Every irl is unique and memorable, driving the story in their own way.
But the admech sections are just a drag. Sure the dominii tech priests are the usual cold and aloof nerds you expect them to be, but they lack so much character. The pov tech priestess is incredibly forgettable, and rather annoying when it comes to her comments on her superiors.
November 26, 2020
Great book, one of the funniest and engaging Warhammer novels I've read. Ignore the whiners about pronouns, Mike Brooks writes clearly and the inclusivity is important.
May 30, 2025
A good, simple, fun read that you get through in about 2 days. More of a novella than a full-on novel, but refreshing to have a different viewpoint, and good action sequences.
November 1, 2021
If this was book was purely from the Orks perspective this would of been a 5 star book but it wasn't and the techno-priest portions were considerably weaker. It was still a fun, silly book and it give the orks their due. Fun stuff, it doesnt take itself too serious and its nowhere near as grim and/or dark as other books in the universe. If you want some fun in your Warhammer 40k this is for you.
January 12, 2024
Enjoyed on balance! Just a fun little romp through the established setting from lesser tapped perspectives. The raucous Ork sections contrasted nicely with the ordered Mechanicus chapters. I particularly enjoyed the character of the Secutor, Mitranda, in the human sections of the book.
If I could change one thing, it would be that I wish the book had wrapped up it's two plotlines more completely. I am left feeling much remained unresolved.
If I could change one thing, it would be that I wish the book had wrapped up it's two plotlines more completely. I am left feeling much remained unresolved.
October 24, 2024
A book of tactical genius
August 8, 2023
Orks is da biggest and da strongest, this book says so
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2023
Firstly, just so that we are clear, this is not an Orc book as advertised on the front cover! At least half the book is about the Adeptus Mechanicus.
The book started well but the author lost me early in, when 2 orks, a grot and a small squig, boarded and took down a Warlord Titan! These were normal orks not ''special'' Ghazghkull Thraka like! They just decided to destroy it, and they did, in a very Chuck Norris way that did not make any sense at all!
Towards the end of the book, one of those orks found an Astartes armor and put it on (except for the arms that were too short for an Orc...) as if it was medieval armor!
I gave it 2 stars just because Mr. Brooks can really write the Orcs very well and I liked some of his other books. I mean no disrespect towards the author but in an overall senseless fantasy world, some things should make sense.
The book started well but the author lost me early in, when 2 orks, a grot and a small squig, boarded and took down a Warlord Titan! These were normal orks not ''special'' Ghazghkull Thraka like! They just decided to destroy it, and they did, in a very Chuck Norris way that did not make any sense at all!
Towards the end of the book, one of those orks found an Astartes armor and put it on (except for the arms that were too short for an Orc...) as if it was medieval armor!
I gave it 2 stars just because Mr. Brooks can really write the Orcs very well and I liked some of his other books. I mean no disrespect towards the author but in an overall senseless fantasy world, some things should make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
I have no idea why this was written. Orks, mechanicus, and a heretic butting heads on a forge world. Sounds like a blast. But there really is nothing here. It really is as simple as, Orks attack a forge world. This book feels like someone took a 5 page outline for a story, and just did their best to stretch that to 300 pages. Truly a wretched experience.
November 5, 2023
An excellent book full of Orkish mayhem and Adeptus Mechanicus adventures, couldn't put it down and ripped through it in a day.
July 15, 2021
Mike Brooks needs to write more ork books.
July 4, 2025
Picked this up a while ago as my first literary foray into the Warhammer 40K universe. Upon actually listening to it, it was probably better to have started with another book.
The Ork sections, while deftly displaying the dumb, destruction-based hierarchy of their society, are simply put quite boring. There's only so far the 'smashy, smashy, smashy' internal monologue can go without getting samey. Large scale battle sequences are difficult to convey on the page, focusing on one character's action while trying terrain a grand overview of battle. The same is true of the first big battle sequence in this novel, which essentially boils down to 'the main ork smashed and shot the humies'. It's not interesting to listen to, a shame for a franchise that has its roots in exciting, large scale battles.
While the ork sections aren't particularly interesting, at least they're understandable. The Adaptus Mechanus sections are completely incomprehensible, with contextless words and phrases that make no sense being banded around at breakneck speed. You can just about make out their actions and intentions, but trying to explain the emotions felt by emotionless beings while showing how efficient they are due to mechanical augmentation just doesn't woke and is messy to read.
This combination of boring ork sequences and confusing AM sections caused me to stop listening after the third chapter. Hopefully there's another story that's more engaging in this one and mark my first foray proper into the 40K lore.
The Ork sections, while deftly displaying the dumb, destruction-based hierarchy of their society, are simply put quite boring. There's only so far the 'smashy, smashy, smashy' internal monologue can go without getting samey. Large scale battle sequences are difficult to convey on the page, focusing on one character's action while trying terrain a grand overview of battle. The same is true of the first big battle sequence in this novel, which essentially boils down to 'the main ork smashed and shot the humies'. It's not interesting to listen to, a shame for a franchise that has its roots in exciting, large scale battles.
While the ork sections aren't particularly interesting, at least they're understandable. The Adaptus Mechanus sections are completely incomprehensible, with contextless words and phrases that make no sense being banded around at breakneck speed. You can just about make out their actions and intentions, but trying to explain the emotions felt by emotionless beings while showing how efficient they are due to mechanical augmentation just doesn't woke and is messy to read.
This combination of boring ork sequences and confusing AM sections caused me to stop listening after the third chapter. Hopefully there's another story that's more engaging in this one and mark my first foray proper into the 40K lore.
October 31, 2022
I actually read a book lol
honestly I think I just like Warhammer books but I really didn't expect to like it as much as I did. The 40k Orks are just forces of complete randomness and violence and yet its that vibe that makes this book a compelling, brain-off kind of story. This book is also legitimately hilarious with the Orks facing off against the cyborg Adeptus Mechanicus and the constant strain of the two factions trying to figure counter each other with opposing logic is very compelling.
For me, this book has two floors. Firstly that Ufthak, the main character, kind of feels like a side character in his own story, especially towards the 3rd act. He gets lots of big moments that feel right from the tabletop, but his impact on the story seems incidental and is mostly meant to highlight how Ork logic (or lack thereof) works.
Secondly, there's a subplot that starts very slowly and once it feels like it's getting going, is resolved near instantly. Even the aftermath of that resolution is undone when it would be more interesting to see it left. But it is in the nature of 40k to kill on an unprecedented level so I cam forgive a little.
i just liked the silly ork book. warhammer is a parody of fantasy and a parody of itself and it knows it and performs it very well. i just want to read the silly ones because I know the biggest and most seminal options are all very serious to be serious.
honestly I think I just like Warhammer books but I really didn't expect to like it as much as I did. The 40k Orks are just forces of complete randomness and violence and yet its that vibe that makes this book a compelling, brain-off kind of story. This book is also legitimately hilarious with the Orks facing off against the cyborg Adeptus Mechanicus and the constant strain of the two factions trying to figure counter each other with opposing logic is very compelling.
For me, this book has two floors. Firstly that Ufthak, the main character, kind of feels like a side character in his own story, especially towards the 3rd act. He gets lots of big moments that feel right from the tabletop, but his impact on the story seems incidental and is mostly meant to highlight how Ork logic (or lack thereof) works.
Secondly, there's a subplot that starts very slowly and once it feels like it's getting going, is resolved near instantly. Even the aftermath of that resolution is undone when it would be more interesting to see it left. But it is in the nature of 40k to kill on an unprecedented level so I cam forgive a little.
i just liked the silly ork book. warhammer is a parody of fantasy and a parody of itself and it knows it and performs it very well. i just want to read the silly ones because I know the biggest and most seminal options are all very serious to be serious.
September 7, 2025
This book had no right to be as good as it was. Mike's efforts to pair the brashfulness 'get stuck in', 'here for a good time not a long time' of an Ork Wagh and hurling it at the cybernatetic logic centre of an Adeptus Mechanicus Forgeworld and then creating a story steeped in humour and entertainment worked wonderfully. I loved that despite the focus on the Ork characters, we still felt the cunning and data-driven strategies of the Ad Mech could easily take and counter any of the moves the Orks made
Ufthak is a hilarious character and I'm going to love him in the sequel. Only an Ork would speed a vehicle off a cliff in an attempt to teleport onto the top of a Titan engaged in an apocalyptic brawl with a colossal Gargant
9/10
Ufthak is a hilarious character and I'm going to love him in the sequel. Only an Ork would speed a vehicle off a cliff in an attempt to teleport onto the top of a Titan engaged in an apocalyptic brawl with a colossal Gargant
9/10
April 13, 2022
I've been wanting to read an Ork POV novel in forever, but they never seemed to exist. The Orks (who as a teenager into the hobby were my favourite faction) are the only folks in the 40k universe who seem to be genuinely having a good time. All they want to do is fight, which is great as there's non-stop fighting to be had in such a crapsack universe.
So I was very pleased to discover this book and bought it pretty fast. It was also cool that the Orks faced off against the Adeptus Mechanicus here (who I am pretty new to), instead of the expected and cliché Imperial Guard or Space Marines. The positive side is that the Mechanicum POV chapters let us appreciate the serious threat of the Orks (a cross between football hooligans, Mad Max scroungers, and pirates, with extra helpings of casual ultraviolence to all - oh, and they're also a kind of fungi) instead of the Orks being merely the comic-relief. The negative side is that tonally, it can be a bit jarring to go from pretty light-hearted (despite all the killin') and kinda silly comic entertainment to serious threat and back. It can feel a bit ramshackly stitched together at times - but then I guess that's Orky itself.
Not much happens in the book that isn't fighting, but it is a fun novel and a quick read. I love that the 40k universe has room to tell both atmospheric intense grimdark stories and these more light-hearted, enthusiastically weird and irreverent ones, and they all more-or-less work together.
So I was very pleased to discover this book and bought it pretty fast. It was also cool that the Orks faced off against the Adeptus Mechanicus here (who I am pretty new to), instead of the expected and cliché Imperial Guard or Space Marines. The positive side is that the Mechanicum POV chapters let us appreciate the serious threat of the Orks (a cross between football hooligans, Mad Max scroungers, and pirates, with extra helpings of casual ultraviolence to all - oh, and they're also a kind of fungi) instead of the Orks being merely the comic-relief. The negative side is that tonally, it can be a bit jarring to go from pretty light-hearted (despite all the killin') and kinda silly comic entertainment to serious threat and back. It can feel a bit ramshackly stitched together at times - but then I guess that's Orky itself.
Not much happens in the book that isn't fighting, but it is a fun novel and a quick read. I love that the 40k universe has room to tell both atmospheric intense grimdark stories and these more light-hearted, enthusiastically weird and irreverent ones, and they all more-or-less work together.
July 30, 2022
Eh, this wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be. I read Da Gobbo’s Revenge by Mike Brooks at the beginning of the year and I thought this was going to be similar. But instead of being purely from the Orks perspective (which we need more books like that!!) most of the chapters follow various Adeptus Mechanicus characters. And I just found those chapters boring, they were too logic based for me to enjoy reading about them.
The last 3 chapters are my favourite in the book, I seriously hope there is a sequel following the plan that was made on the last page, because I would read that in a heartbeat.
The last 3 chapters are my favourite in the book, I seriously hope there is a sequel following the plan that was made on the last page, because I would read that in a heartbeat.
October 16, 2024
Hard to rate - for me, fun quick read that was perfect, funny at times, and loved "hearing from the orcs" so to speak.
Do you like or know anything about 40k? If I said "a 'nob was on a squiggoth" does that make a lick of sense? If yes - great book for you! If no - this is NOT the place to start your journey into the wilds of Warhammer 40,000.
But yeah, I really liked it. Light and fun.
Do you like or know anything about 40k? If I said "a 'nob was on a squiggoth" does that make a lick of sense? If yes - great book for you! If no - this is NOT the place to start your journey into the wilds of Warhammer 40,000.
But yeah, I really liked it. Light and fun.
April 18, 2023
Great listen, very funny and the actions good too. Even the Mechanicus sections were enjoyable despite their reputation . Princess the Squig and his constant failed attempts to boot Nizkwik the grot at every oppurtunity were highlights.
January 8, 2022
A rollicking, whimsical book or Warhammer 40,000 where everyone seems to be having more fun than usual.
Following "Where Deres Da Warp Deres Da Way" the Orks land on a Cult Machanicus world and battle the imperial, and hidden, forces within.
Orks have always been the "fun" race in Warhammer and Mike Brooks writes orks so well. The characters have huge enthusiasm, laugh when it all goes wrong, but stay grounded and feeling real. No magic moments just because they believe it will work here.
The Cult Mechanicus are a great foil for the orks; serious and calculating rather than impuslive and instinctive. The whole things wraps up very neatly and with a great pace. Fingers crossed that Mike Brooks keeps writing orks for years to come.
Following "Where Deres Da Warp Deres Da Way" the Orks land on a Cult Machanicus world and battle the imperial, and hidden, forces within.
Orks have always been the "fun" race in Warhammer and Mike Brooks writes orks so well. The characters have huge enthusiasm, laugh when it all goes wrong, but stay grounded and feeling real. No magic moments just because they believe it will work here.
The Cult Mechanicus are a great foil for the orks; serious and calculating rather than impuslive and instinctive. The whole things wraps up very neatly and with a great pace. Fingers crossed that Mike Brooks keeps writing orks for years to come.
January 21, 2024
The ork chapters were hilarious and full of awesome fights and stomping humies and taking their stuff, a good ole proper waaaaaaaagh!
The Adeptus Mechanicus parts were pretty boring but with the main focus being on the orks the book is still entertaining.
The Adeptus Mechanicus parts were pretty boring but with the main focus being on the orks the book is still entertaining.
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