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Warhammer Fantasy
Grudge Bearer
King Barundin, the new dwarf lord of Zhufbar, must fulfil an oath of vengeance for his father, betrayed and killed on the field of battle.
250 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2005
7 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Gav Thorpe
377 books576 followersGav spent 14 years as a developer for Games Workshop, and started writing novels and short stories in the worlds of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 when the Black Library imprint was launched in 1997.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 7, 2016
Some reviews accuse this book of being light and not getting to the heart of what Warhammer dwarfs are about. In fact, it explores many facets of dwarf life in a remarkably short space, with humour and sincerity in equal measure. It manages, despite its focus on dwarfs alone, to give a sense of comparison with non-dwarf cultures (particularly human) and their seemingly flighty ways.
The book is episodic, but the scenes are chosen with care and purpose (I will not spoil). Each provides a unique insight into the dwarf mentality. The narrative is biographical, and really forms a Warhammer version of traditional views of medieval kingship: accession to the throne, youthful vigour in the early reign and settling the legacy of the predecessor, before moving to accomplish one's own stated aim, and eventually consideration of the future. Anyone who has read medieval literature, and particularly religious biography, will understand the conventions behind the selection of episodes Thorpe has made.
Of course these real-world tropes of the genre are clothed in Warhammer emblems. Instead of chapters 1, 2, 3, etc., we have grudges 1, 2, 3, etc., which help set the overarching continuity for the book. The commitment to uphold the forebears' legacy, and the practicalities of enacting that, are both a source of strength and a weakness to their society, all typified in Barundin and his efforts to lead Zhufbar to glory. There is visceral combat, and you can almost see the models being moved on the battleboard. But Thorpe knows, unlike many, where combat ceases to be thrilling, and when martial narrative should be drawn to a close. In all it is very canonical, but satisfying.
*** POTENTIAL SPOILER: QUOTATIONS CONTAINED***
Several details reveal a close appreciation of dwarf culture. The issue of time within the book is well handled, with many references to concrete units of measurement that emphasise the dwarfs' sense of longevity and permanence, e.g. the time it takes to design and build the brewery. Attention to vocabulary sees 'kinsdwarfs' written, rather than 'kinsmen' (though there is one authorial slip in this regard). We acquire an ever expanding knowledge of the appearance of Grungni, in humorous ways that echo our own sacred oaths taken in vain ('by Grungni's hairy arse / nose ring' for example). We are introduced to a number of dwarf ales, e.g. Beardling's best effort, though never find a full-blown keg of Bugman's XXXXXX. Dwarfs use writing chisels (of course), and have gravel-filled pillows. All details provide a lasting impression, that suggest enough for the mind to know what else there is.
***END POTENTIAL SPOILER***
Gav Thorpe has done a wonderful job with this work. I feel re-connected with the Warhammer world, which has recently been cast off by its creators. It's the first book of his that I've read, and I will be reading more of his works in Warhammer Fantasy and 40K. If you like Dickens-style Nicholas Nickleby, with every minor event given to you, go elsewhere. If you like the idea of dwarfs, grudges, ale, and grit, then read.
The book is episodic, but the scenes are chosen with care and purpose (I will not spoil). Each provides a unique insight into the dwarf mentality. The narrative is biographical, and really forms a Warhammer version of traditional views of medieval kingship: accession to the throne, youthful vigour in the early reign and settling the legacy of the predecessor, before moving to accomplish one's own stated aim, and eventually consideration of the future. Anyone who has read medieval literature, and particularly religious biography, will understand the conventions behind the selection of episodes Thorpe has made.
Of course these real-world tropes of the genre are clothed in Warhammer emblems. Instead of chapters 1, 2, 3, etc., we have grudges 1, 2, 3, etc., which help set the overarching continuity for the book. The commitment to uphold the forebears' legacy, and the practicalities of enacting that, are both a source of strength and a weakness to their society, all typified in Barundin and his efforts to lead Zhufbar to glory. There is visceral combat, and you can almost see the models being moved on the battleboard. But Thorpe knows, unlike many, where combat ceases to be thrilling, and when martial narrative should be drawn to a close. In all it is very canonical, but satisfying.
*** POTENTIAL SPOILER: QUOTATIONS CONTAINED***
Several details reveal a close appreciation of dwarf culture. The issue of time within the book is well handled, with many references to concrete units of measurement that emphasise the dwarfs' sense of longevity and permanence, e.g. the time it takes to design and build the brewery. Attention to vocabulary sees 'kinsdwarfs' written, rather than 'kinsmen' (though there is one authorial slip in this regard). We acquire an ever expanding knowledge of the appearance of Grungni, in humorous ways that echo our own sacred oaths taken in vain ('by Grungni's hairy arse / nose ring' for example). We are introduced to a number of dwarf ales, e.g. Beardling's best effort, though never find a full-blown keg of Bugman's XXXXXX. Dwarfs use writing chisels (of course), and have gravel-filled pillows. All details provide a lasting impression, that suggest enough for the mind to know what else there is.
***END POTENTIAL SPOILER***
Gav Thorpe has done a wonderful job with this work. I feel re-connected with the Warhammer world, which has recently been cast off by its creators. It's the first book of his that I've read, and I will be reading more of his works in Warhammer Fantasy and 40K. If you like Dickens-style Nicholas Nickleby, with every minor event given to you, go elsewhere. If you like the idea of dwarfs, grudges, ale, and grit, then read.
November 4, 2008
Grudge Bearer by Gav Thorpe is another Black Library (a.k.a. Games Workshop) novel, and I use the term novel loosely. What it really is is a collection of short stories strung together by having the same main character. Basically it's semi-biographical in nature, and tells the story of a Dwarf prince (king after his father is killed in the first story) who goes from one vendetta to the next, in what seems to be true dwarf fashion.
The stories were written well enough, but the whole seemed too disjointed for me to be happy with it. Telling the story of one guy over the course of about 200 years must be a challenge, but I've seen it done better. It's full of the old Warhammer flavor, but frankly that's not a particularly rare sauce these days. I cannot highly recommend Grudge Bearer unless you're a die-hard GW cultist, or a true fan of dwarves.
The stories were written well enough, but the whole seemed too disjointed for me to be happy with it. Telling the story of one guy over the course of about 200 years must be a challenge, but I've seen it done better. It's full of the old Warhammer flavor, but frankly that's not a particularly rare sauce these days. I cannot highly recommend Grudge Bearer unless you're a die-hard GW cultist, or a true fan of dwarves.
March 12, 2010
Dwarves. Nuff said.
January 29, 2025
La verdad es que me encantan los malditos enanos rencorosos. Luchando contra orcos, goblins, Skavens y los traicioneros humanos. Son más duros que un muro. Me encanta. Pero en serio, las batallas están muy bien.
September 7, 2022
As the first Warhammer novel I ever read 15 years ago it was a great trip down memory lane giving it a re-read all these years later.
The story itself is a fun read following a dwarf king through over 300 years of time. You get a proper feel for Warhammer dwarfs in this book with a great focus on character/lore development first and battles second.
It does skip out on a full 5 stars though primarily due to the ending, it just comes out of nowhere. It feels like the book should keep going but just comes to an end with some plot points left open and unfinished.
Still a fun read and a must for any Warhammer Dwarfs players.
The story itself is a fun read following a dwarf king through over 300 years of time. You get a proper feel for Warhammer dwarfs in this book with a great focus on character/lore development first and battles second.
It does skip out on a full 5 stars though primarily due to the ending, it just comes out of nowhere. It feels like the book should keep going but just comes to an end with some plot points left open and unfinished.
Still a fun read and a must for any Warhammer Dwarfs players.
August 25, 2025
étape par étape on est plongé dans les péripéties naines, la société naines, son fonctionnement, coutumes et cheminement pour avoir un récits continu parsemé de bataille! je recommande vivement pour les amateurs warhammer battle
August 21, 2019
I kinda liked this book? I mean I plan on reading every Warhammer (not 40K) book published and this one is one of the shorter ones I’ve read, that being said it took me almost 2 weeks because I’ve been a little busy and it didn’t excite me all that much.
Gave Thorp is one of the top tier Warhammer writers and never fails to produce good stuff but I found this one a little lack lustre. Maybe it’s because it’s about Dwarfs and I’m not a huge Dwarf fan? At least not enough to be really excited to read a book solely dedicated to them and their deeds. Or maybe that it only concerns their inner conflict and grudges? Either way this wasn’t a struggle for me to read and nor was it a absolute pleasure, for me it was more middle ground, not bad but not great.
I’m kinda glad it was a short one or else I think it would have gone on too long.
But I would say that if your interested in reading books and the Dwarf race and not sure where to start, then this is one of the best books to read, it sheds light on their grudges and their society ect. A great book for anyone who likes the Dwarfs and wants to know more.
Would I recommend? Pfftt it’s a Warhammer book, of course I would 🙌🏻🙏🏻
Gave Thorp is one of the top tier Warhammer writers and never fails to produce good stuff but I found this one a little lack lustre. Maybe it’s because it’s about Dwarfs and I’m not a huge Dwarf fan? At least not enough to be really excited to read a book solely dedicated to them and their deeds. Or maybe that it only concerns their inner conflict and grudges? Either way this wasn’t a struggle for me to read and nor was it a absolute pleasure, for me it was more middle ground, not bad but not great.
I’m kinda glad it was a short one or else I think it would have gone on too long.
But I would say that if your interested in reading books and the Dwarf race and not sure where to start, then this is one of the best books to read, it sheds light on their grudges and their society ect. A great book for anyone who likes the Dwarfs and wants to know more.
Would I recommend? Pfftt it’s a Warhammer book, of course I would 🙌🏻🙏🏻
December 9, 2023
For this week’s Throwback Thursday I am doing a double feature. In addition to my review of the awesome Warhammer 40,000 novel Lords of the Night by Simon Spurrier, I am also doing a quick review of the classic Warhammer Fantasy novel, Grudge Bearer by Gav Thorpe.
Grudge Bearer ended up being quite a fun and quick paced read that I had a wonderful time getting through. As the somewhat sparse plot synopsis above indicates, Grudge Bearer follows Barundin, a prince who becomes king of Zhufbar, a dwarf stronghold after his father’s death in battle. Due to the betrayal of a local human lord whose cowardice resulted in his father’s death, Barundin swears a grudge against the man who betrayed him and becomes determined to get appropriate vengeance. However, before he can marshal enough of his forces and resources to lead an army into an assault on the lord’s castle, he needs to get his realm in order.
As such the book turns into a series of short stories, which cover different periods of Barundin’s reign and the events that lead up to him attempting to settle his grudge. While the first two chapters deal with the events that result in Barundin becoming king, each of the following chapters is essentially a connected short story, that see the protagonist and his forces go up against a series of different traditional Dwarf enemies, including the forces of Chaos, the skaven and goblins, as well as deal with other issues, such as an overly-inventive dwarf engineer and Barundin’s attempts to get married. Each of these stories are pretty intriguing in their own right, giving some fantastic insights into the dwarfs as a race, and they come together to tell an intriguing and action-packed overarching story. Most of these stories result in a pretty typical hack-and-slash battle, and Thorpe has a good eye for action, producing intense and bloody scenes throughout Grudge Bearer. Some of the stories within this book are really cool, and I especially loved the eventual resolution of the grudge against the treacherous human lord and his family, especially as it proves just how ridiculously determined the dwarfs can be. I did think the overall end of Grudge Bearer was a little sudden, especially as it could resulted in one more fantastic battle, but this ended up being a pretty strong and easy to read piece of Warhammer Fantasy fiction.
Now I do have to get a little cynical in that while Grudge Bearer is good, it was a marketing tool to help boost sales for the 6th edition of the Dwarfs Warhammer Army book that also came out in 2005. I actually recall reading a few extracts from Grudge Bearer that appeared in White Dwarf, so I had a couple of early moments ruined for me. Still, Grudge Bearer was a pretty fun book to read, and Thorpe clearly had fun exploring the lore and diving into what makes the dwarfs tick, both in combat and in real life. The compelling focus on the dwarven grudge was particularly fun, and it was interesting to see how much their desire for vengeance ruled their lives. It also covers several quite a substantial period of Warhammer Fantasy history due to the long lives of the dwarf protagonists, and it was very entertaining to see them watch their human neighbours go through major historical events while the dwarfs constantly remain the same. There was even a tie-in to the Storms of Chaos campaign that happened in the game the year before, so there is a lot going on for established fans. At the same time, Grudge Bearer serves as a pretty good starting point for those readers unfamiliar with either the dwarfs or the Warhammer Fantasy setting and it makes for a great introductory novel.
One thing that I was a little disappointed by in Grudge Bearer is that we didn’t get to see more of the legendary White Dwarf character. The White Dwarf had a pretty major role at the start of the book, and there are even some hints to his origin at the start, but after this initial appearance we never see him again, which I think was a bit of a waste. It would have been cool to see him come back a few times to offer advice or help in battle, possibly while providing more clues to who he really is. I know this is a pretty minor complaint which doesn’t dramatically impact my enjoyment of Grudge Bearer, but it was something that bothered me as I was reading as a wasted opportunity.
Overall, Grudge Bearer was a fun action and lore packed novel that managed to fit in several fantastic and exciting shorter stories. Containing one of the best and compact examinations of the always entertaining dwarf faction you will likely see in a Warhammer Fantasy novel, Grudge Bearer is well worth checking out, especially if you were a fan of the tabletop game and its lore back in the day.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/12/09/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Grudge Bearer ended up being quite a fun and quick paced read that I had a wonderful time getting through. As the somewhat sparse plot synopsis above indicates, Grudge Bearer follows Barundin, a prince who becomes king of Zhufbar, a dwarf stronghold after his father’s death in battle. Due to the betrayal of a local human lord whose cowardice resulted in his father’s death, Barundin swears a grudge against the man who betrayed him and becomes determined to get appropriate vengeance. However, before he can marshal enough of his forces and resources to lead an army into an assault on the lord’s castle, he needs to get his realm in order.
As such the book turns into a series of short stories, which cover different periods of Barundin’s reign and the events that lead up to him attempting to settle his grudge. While the first two chapters deal with the events that result in Barundin becoming king, each of the following chapters is essentially a connected short story, that see the protagonist and his forces go up against a series of different traditional Dwarf enemies, including the forces of Chaos, the skaven and goblins, as well as deal with other issues, such as an overly-inventive dwarf engineer and Barundin’s attempts to get married. Each of these stories are pretty intriguing in their own right, giving some fantastic insights into the dwarfs as a race, and they come together to tell an intriguing and action-packed overarching story. Most of these stories result in a pretty typical hack-and-slash battle, and Thorpe has a good eye for action, producing intense and bloody scenes throughout Grudge Bearer. Some of the stories within this book are really cool, and I especially loved the eventual resolution of the grudge against the treacherous human lord and his family, especially as it proves just how ridiculously determined the dwarfs can be. I did think the overall end of Grudge Bearer was a little sudden, especially as it could resulted in one more fantastic battle, but this ended up being a pretty strong and easy to read piece of Warhammer Fantasy fiction.
Now I do have to get a little cynical in that while Grudge Bearer is good, it was a marketing tool to help boost sales for the 6th edition of the Dwarfs Warhammer Army book that also came out in 2005. I actually recall reading a few extracts from Grudge Bearer that appeared in White Dwarf, so I had a couple of early moments ruined for me. Still, Grudge Bearer was a pretty fun book to read, and Thorpe clearly had fun exploring the lore and diving into what makes the dwarfs tick, both in combat and in real life. The compelling focus on the dwarven grudge was particularly fun, and it was interesting to see how much their desire for vengeance ruled their lives. It also covers several quite a substantial period of Warhammer Fantasy history due to the long lives of the dwarf protagonists, and it was very entertaining to see them watch their human neighbours go through major historical events while the dwarfs constantly remain the same. There was even a tie-in to the Storms of Chaos campaign that happened in the game the year before, so there is a lot going on for established fans. At the same time, Grudge Bearer serves as a pretty good starting point for those readers unfamiliar with either the dwarfs or the Warhammer Fantasy setting and it makes for a great introductory novel.
One thing that I was a little disappointed by in Grudge Bearer is that we didn’t get to see more of the legendary White Dwarf character. The White Dwarf had a pretty major role at the start of the book, and there are even some hints to his origin at the start, but after this initial appearance we never see him again, which I think was a bit of a waste. It would have been cool to see him come back a few times to offer advice or help in battle, possibly while providing more clues to who he really is. I know this is a pretty minor complaint which doesn’t dramatically impact my enjoyment of Grudge Bearer, but it was something that bothered me as I was reading as a wasted opportunity.
Overall, Grudge Bearer was a fun action and lore packed novel that managed to fit in several fantastic and exciting shorter stories. Containing one of the best and compact examinations of the always entertaining dwarf faction you will likely see in a Warhammer Fantasy novel, Grudge Bearer is well worth checking out, especially if you were a fan of the tabletop game and its lore back in the day.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/12/09/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
August 10, 2023
Alright, so this book was really great. So why the 3 stars?
First off - a star was deducted for so many grammatical errors and typos. It felt as if no one other than the author double-checked the book, and I think that is very bad for when it comes to a novel.
Secondly - I somewhat disliked the last chapter, it felt extra and I felt lost for a moment. As someone not well versed in the Warhammer lore, I do not know who 'Immortals' are or the difference between 'Chaos Dwarfs', etc., although my guess is they're bad and 'Immortals' might be corrupted Elves.
However, with all that said I definitely enjoyed the book. It was nice seeing a story about Dwarfs and I don't think other than Tolkien I have enjoyed reading about the race. Beer- and blood-thirsty, the story follows the adventure of a Princeling now High-King over the course of 200 years.
I found myself wanting to continue reading as I was very much captivated by the story and the characters, being rather surprised at how enjoyable the book was by displaying a breath-taking view of the wide Dwarven Kingdoms (honestly the imagination of the author was brilliant).
One last minor suggestion should this book be ever altered: dates. Yes, it mentioned that around 17 years pass from one chapter to the other, but in some cases it doesn't mention. Furthermore, as a reader who enjoys lore (thank goodness a map was provided!) I would like to know about dates so it makes the story more captivating and realistic.
Finally, I think the King's speeches need to be improved upon. There are moments when truly the grammar is outstanding, but then you have being quite informal such as saying 'Shut up!'. To me, a king would be more formal, especially when talking to a noble Dwarf and would say 'Silence!' instead or rather 'Be still!' or 'Patience!', for after all, he is a guest beneath the house of another noble.
Nonetheless, with the slight flaws throughout the book I would dare to say I loved this book. It was a great read and if you like Dwarfs and Fantasy, then you should give it a try!
First off - a star was deducted for so many grammatical errors and typos. It felt as if no one other than the author double-checked the book, and I think that is very bad for when it comes to a novel.
Secondly - I somewhat disliked the last chapter, it felt extra and I felt lost for a moment. As someone not well versed in the Warhammer lore, I do not know who 'Immortals' are or the difference between 'Chaos Dwarfs', etc., although my guess is they're bad and 'Immortals' might be corrupted Elves.
However, with all that said I definitely enjoyed the book. It was nice seeing a story about Dwarfs and I don't think other than Tolkien I have enjoyed reading about the race. Beer- and blood-thirsty, the story follows the adventure of a Princeling now High-King over the course of 200 years.
I found myself wanting to continue reading as I was very much captivated by the story and the characters, being rather surprised at how enjoyable the book was by displaying a breath-taking view of the wide Dwarven Kingdoms (honestly the imagination of the author was brilliant).
One last minor suggestion should this book be ever altered: dates. Yes, it mentioned that around 17 years pass from one chapter to the other, but in some cases it doesn't mention. Furthermore, as a reader who enjoys lore (thank goodness a map was provided!) I would like to know about dates so it makes the story more captivating and realistic.
Finally, I think the King's speeches need to be improved upon. There are moments when truly the grammar is outstanding, but then you have being quite informal such as saying 'Shut up!'. To me, a king would be more formal, especially when talking to a noble Dwarf and would say 'Silence!' instead or rather 'Be still!' or 'Patience!', for after all, he is a guest beneath the house of another noble.
Nonetheless, with the slight flaws throughout the book I would dare to say I loved this book. It was a great read and if you like Dwarfs and Fantasy, then you should give it a try!
April 6, 2025
Grudge Bearer follows the reign of King Barundin, the Dwarf King of Zhufbar, chronicling his leadership over approximately two hundred years. Throughout his rule, he navigates numerous wars, diplomatic challenges, and deeply personal vendettas.
As a relatively short book, the character development isn't particularly deep, but Thorpe does an excellent job of introducing key figures quickly and establishing their relevance to the story. One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the relationship between King Barundin and his runesmith. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative, offering different perspectives rather than portraying the king as an all-powerful ruler who acts without consequence.
While Grudge Bearer isn't a novel rich in deep themes or philosophical musings, it does explore the fascinating concept of a Dwarf’s "Grudge" a relentless pursuit of vengeance, regardless of timing, danger, or inconvenience. This unwavering dedication to honor and retribution is a core element of Dwarven culture and adds a compelling drive to the story.
The ending, admittedly, felt a bit lacking, but given the book’s length, this is a minor criticism. Overall, Grudge Bearer was an enjoyable read. It had been sitting in a box since my younger days, back when I was more immersed in the Games Workshop universe. Now, 20 years after its release, I’m glad I finally took the time to finish it and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
As a relatively short book, the character development isn't particularly deep, but Thorpe does an excellent job of introducing key figures quickly and establishing their relevance to the story. One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the relationship between King Barundin and his runesmith. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative, offering different perspectives rather than portraying the king as an all-powerful ruler who acts without consequence.
While Grudge Bearer isn't a novel rich in deep themes or philosophical musings, it does explore the fascinating concept of a Dwarf’s "Grudge" a relentless pursuit of vengeance, regardless of timing, danger, or inconvenience. This unwavering dedication to honor and retribution is a core element of Dwarven culture and adds a compelling drive to the story.
The ending, admittedly, felt a bit lacking, but given the book’s length, this is a minor criticism. Overall, Grudge Bearer was an enjoyable read. It had been sitting in a box since my younger days, back when I was more immersed in the Games Workshop universe. Now, 20 years after its release, I’m glad I finally took the time to finish it and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
November 1, 2017
Ahh, dwarfs or dwarves, Whatever you like to use. I love ’em. Put ’em in a game, a book, a RPG, and I will be drawn to them. I don’t know why, but dwarfs fascinate me in literature. And I particularly like the lore that Games Workshop has worked around their dwarfs in their universe. Grudgelore is just, really, a collection of short stories around various grudges that need to be resolved by particular set of dwarves we are following. If you are not a fan of Warhammer dwarfs, this book may be hard to follow or even to enjoy. The book assumes that you are a fan of the universe that is being played in and assumes you know certain things. What the skaven are. What the greenskins are. If you are not a fan of this universe, there is very little here to like. This book is less than 300 pages, so there is not too much to say about it overall. I liked it, but I don’t think you average every-day reader would much here to like. However, if you are fan of dwarfs of the Warhammer ilk. Pick this up.
October 3, 2021
Not a good, not a bad, book. I'd say that is pretty average, but it has some moments.
The book tells the story of Barundin, the dwarves King of Zhufbar, one of the last kingdoms of the dwarves. And it is doing it quite well. The story starts when Barundin is taking his throne and ends a few hundred years later in the middle of his reign. It gives a great overview of Dwarves' society, their politics, and traditions. Also, it did a truly great job of showing how different their life is from humans, because of its length & how seriously they are about grudges.
But that's the end of the good parts. Now let's take a look at the plot or more lack of it, the story is written without any, even a simple plot twist. Readers can guess how each chapter will end at the beginning of reading. Probably, if the author had more time/resources, to build a better story this could be a really good book, but without that, it's just average.
The book tells the story of Barundin, the dwarves King of Zhufbar, one of the last kingdoms of the dwarves. And it is doing it quite well. The story starts when Barundin is taking his throne and ends a few hundred years later in the middle of his reign. It gives a great overview of Dwarves' society, their politics, and traditions. Also, it did a truly great job of showing how different their life is from humans, because of its length & how seriously they are about grudges.
But that's the end of the good parts. Now let's take a look at the plot or more lack of it, the story is written without any, even a simple plot twist. Readers can guess how each chapter will end at the beginning of reading. Probably, if the author had more time/resources, to build a better story this could be a really good book, but without that, it's just average.
April 21, 2018
An interesting story telling method to span a few centuries of the reign of a Dwarven King and his thanes. As an early book from the re-started GW inprint - Black Library - the editing of this is a little poor and made some of the paragraphs a little difficult to read.
The Dwarfs are known for their Grudges and this starts with one involving humans who cause the death of the main character's father. The Grudges within are essentially a series of short stories as more and more wrongs are done, and need to be corrected / revenged.
A fun little story, but probably only for those interested in the Dwarfs or still playing the earlier warhammer games (from the world that was)
The Dwarfs are known for their Grudges and this starts with one involving humans who cause the death of the main character's father. The Grudges within are essentially a series of short stories as more and more wrongs are done, and need to be corrected / revenged.
A fun little story, but probably only for those interested in the Dwarfs or still playing the earlier warhammer games (from the world that was)
October 10, 2020
This was my first Gav Thorpe book and to be honest I was apprehensive going in because I had internalized a received opinion from the community that his writing is not the best. To be sure, as far as the world of Warhammer authors go, this was no Dan Abnett or Guy Haley, but I was pleasantly surprised at how readable it was. Workmanlike writing, to be sure, but the story was fun, the characters had enough depth to keep you going, and the plot device of cycling through a series of grudges over a dwarfs life was unique and interesting.
May 16, 2020
I love the Dwarf race in fantasy literature. This book was followed a Dwarf King from youth to old age and his Revenge Grudges against the Skaven, Goblin and Human races. The battles and characters were great. But it should have been at least 1000 pages or a number of books, rather than (I felt) a 250 page rushed story. I wanted more depth and tales of this Dwarven king.
November 1, 2025
Pretty good introduction to Warhammer from a Dwarf perspective. And much more varied than Gotrek and Felix.
It lacks tension, foreshadowing and general consequences, but it’s not bad at all, if you’re in the mood for some classic dwarf fantasy.
It lacks tension, foreshadowing and general consequences, but it’s not bad at all, if you’re in the mood for some classic dwarf fantasy.
Read
December 30, 2021I would enjoy 're reading
June 13, 2024
This was a good book filled with very well done battles and can get brutal. Yet it explored the theme of revenge very well.
January 12, 2022
Very weak story.
May 30, 2012
Among Fantasy books, I prefer ones that have non-humans as the main characters. Elf, dwarves, dark-elves and others... (evil characters are also particular good.. it's difficult to be in their head.)
I have read so far a book from William King's Warhammer epic Gotrek & Felix "Slayer" series, which have a slayer and a human. I have enjoyed so much the dwarf that I read this book with a particular interest...
This book takes us right inside the daily life of one such underground city stronghold of the Dwarves. In particular it focuses on the aspect of Dwarven (Dwarvish?) culture that deals with grudges, and their great relish in carrying them on for generations if need be in order to finally settle perceived wrongs against them. There are epic battles aplenty in this book, with the Dwarves facing off against Orcs, Skaven, massive Chaos hordes and even....each other?
But one part that had me questioning was that the Dwarves are depicted as very bloodthirsty when in the course of carrying out a grudge, so much so that they would even be willing to massacre innocent women and children. (this is the conclusion we see in the sixth grudge against the humans who have betrayed Barundin's father)
I must say that came with a shock.. I didn't knew that.. they were so bloodthirsty...
Well this book overall was a good book and sincerily made me want to read the others books from William King...
-- Well worth checking out while you're waiting for William King to get busy and give us more Gotrek.
I have read so far a book from William King's Warhammer epic Gotrek & Felix "Slayer" series, which have a slayer and a human. I have enjoyed so much the dwarf that I read this book with a particular interest...
This book takes us right inside the daily life of one such underground city stronghold of the Dwarves. In particular it focuses on the aspect of Dwarven (Dwarvish?) culture that deals with grudges, and their great relish in carrying them on for generations if need be in order to finally settle perceived wrongs against them. There are epic battles aplenty in this book, with the Dwarves facing off against Orcs, Skaven, massive Chaos hordes and even....each other?
But one part that had me questioning was that the Dwarves are depicted as very bloodthirsty when in the course of carrying out a grudge, so much so that they would even be willing to massacre innocent women and children. (this is the conclusion we see in the sixth grudge against the humans who have betrayed Barundin's father)
I must say that came with a shock.. I didn't knew that.. they were so bloodthirsty...
Well this book overall was a good book and sincerily made me want to read the others books from William King...
-- Well worth checking out while you're waiting for William King to get busy and give us more Gotrek.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2019
Encapturing
If you are looking for a shorter book that you wanna just dive into and lose yourself in this is it. The feeling that I receive from this book is quite similar to reading eragon, and is just as amazing from a mythic standpoint! I highly recommend to anyone who wants an amazing magic gruesome adventure!
If you are looking for a shorter book that you wanna just dive into and lose yourself in this is it. The feeling that I receive from this book is quite similar to reading eragon, and is just as amazing from a mythic standpoint! I highly recommend to anyone who wants an amazing magic gruesome adventure!
August 12, 2011
Such a good book to read if you are a fan of the Dwarves. Tons of action in the form of big battles (Hey, this IS Warhammer Fantasy!)Also, short and sweet. Just enough character to give depth. I like the look into Dwarven culture. Don't mess with Dwarves; they WILL remember.
January 12, 2014
A disappointing look at the lives of Warhammer dwarfs. A dwarf king goes from battle to battle, encountering and leading many different Warhammer models, while giving a scant view of the life of the dwarfs.
March 16, 2020
Definitivamente tengo que darle una segunda oportunidad pero no he conseguido pasar de la página 30. Escrito como el culo, lenguaje pobre e insulso, sin apenas ritmo narrativo. Me ha parecido un muermo y un tostón a la altura del Silmarillion.
January 17, 2012
Gives you a nice look at the lives of the dwarf kingdon in old world Warhammer. The chapters are set up as short stories with an overall plot over generations of men.
November 16, 2015
Quick and light fantasy. Don't know enough of the wider Warhammer mythos to truly appreciate I guess.
January 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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