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Broken Honour
The armies of Hochland are at breaking point. Beset on all sides by the feral beastmen, the safety and prosperity of the province is shattered. These are desperate times. Mercenary Captain Eriksson looks to capitalise on the conflict, buying the freedom of a group of prisoners to form a new free company. The criminals are delighted to be released, but this comes at a terrible price – to fight and die in the upcoming conflict. Eriksson must lead his makeshift company into one bloody conflict after another, putting his faith in those who gave up on honour long ago. On the battlefields of Hochland, either damnation or redemption awaits them.
- GenresFantasy
409 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 22, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 14, 2012
I really enjoyed the rough-and-ready, anti-heroic nature of this story. It's always refreshing to read a story from the perspective of flawed characters who don't want to be in the positions they put themselves in.
I enjoyed the book, because I enjoy pretty much anything Warhammer, but being completely honest it could have been a bit more exciting. To avoid spoilers I won't give away anything of the story other than to say that it's an Empire vs. Beastmen story. Anyone who's read a Black Library book set in the Warhammer world knows that this will entail lots of shouting orders, twirling moustaches and stabbing/shooting a horde of man-goats in the face. All good, wholesome stuff!
In every other story I've read where the semi-literate and ignorant humans have to fight an enemy that's entirely foreign to them, there's always that one character who imparts words of wisdom or insight in order to allow the author to better describe the enemy while writing from the perspective of the humans. It makes for a better story. Sure you could describe them more when writing from THEIR perspective, but then you end up writing a lore book, not a novel. If I was a new-comer to Warhammer, and I'd just read this book, I could tell you the following about beastmen: they're taller than humans, they like magic rocks, and they smell bad. I lost count of the number of times the EXACT SAME phrases were used to describe the beastmen. I actually found myself saying, "alright, we get it!"
To some, this may be enough information, but when I look at it in terms of "how much did I get out of this book?" the answer is most definitely "not a lot".
If you just want something to read to pass the time, know a lot about Warhammer already, and feel like reading about a series of predictable fights; read this book. Sometimes that's exactly what we, the reader, want.
(Just my personal opinion based on nothing more than the content of the story: this felt like a "filler story". Just something to churn out to keep shelves stocked.)
I enjoyed the book, because I enjoy pretty much anything Warhammer, but being completely honest it could have been a bit more exciting. To avoid spoilers I won't give away anything of the story other than to say that it's an Empire vs. Beastmen story. Anyone who's read a Black Library book set in the Warhammer world knows that this will entail lots of shouting orders, twirling moustaches and stabbing/shooting a horde of man-goats in the face. All good, wholesome stuff!
In every other story I've read where the semi-literate and ignorant humans have to fight an enemy that's entirely foreign to them, there's always that one character who imparts words of wisdom or insight in order to allow the author to better describe the enemy while writing from the perspective of the humans. It makes for a better story. Sure you could describe them more when writing from THEIR perspective, but then you end up writing a lore book, not a novel. If I was a new-comer to Warhammer, and I'd just read this book, I could tell you the following about beastmen: they're taller than humans, they like magic rocks, and they smell bad. I lost count of the number of times the EXACT SAME phrases were used to describe the beastmen. I actually found myself saying, "alright, we get it!"
To some, this may be enough information, but when I look at it in terms of "how much did I get out of this book?" the answer is most definitely "not a lot".
If you just want something to read to pass the time, know a lot about Warhammer already, and feel like reading about a series of predictable fights; read this book. Sometimes that's exactly what we, the reader, want.
(Just my personal opinion based on nothing more than the content of the story: this felt like a "filler story". Just something to churn out to keep shelves stocked.)
April 5, 2012
I picked up this book mainly because I like the Warhammer Fantasy genre and it takes place in Hochland. Read enough of the Warhammer Fantasy and the setting itself becomes a character in its own way. The story, as usual, times are desperate for the empire particularly the province of Hochland. Again as usual the forests are crawling with Beastmen. Unusual in this case is the Beastmen have been using tactics to drive the armies of Hochland to the breaking point. Mercenary Captain Eriksson comes to Hochland to capitalize on this desperate situation. Buying the freedom of prisoners, Eriksson forms a mercenary band of; thieves, cutthroats, murderers, rapers, and all around ne'er do wells. Eriksson must lead his band into one bloody battle after another fighting a foe that is warped my the forces of chaos itself. Robert Earl wrote a good book, but to be honest the ending was a little weak and predictable. It seemed abrupt like it was cut short, that is what kept it from a 5 star review. Hopefully it is the first of a series I look to more of Captain Eriksson and The Gentlemen's Free Company of Hergig.
April 8, 2011
I like the penal legion type stories. This one compares fairly well with the Blackheart's novels. I liked it a bit better but that's because my army is Beastmen and they play a huge role in this novel. A nice mix of military strategy and sympathetic characters make this story a good one for me.
Well now they've done half a book from the Scaven's point of view and this one, half from the Beastmen's point of view. When can I get one from my Orc's point of view? They may be my back-up army, but they would make for an entertaining story.
Well now they've done half a book from the Scaven's point of view and this one, half from the Beastmen's point of view. When can I get one from my Orc's point of view? They may be my back-up army, but they would make for an entertaining story.
June 2, 2022
Welcome back to my Throwback Thursday series, where I republish old reviews, review books I have read before or review older books I have only just had a chance to read. For my latest Throwback Thursday, I look at a cool standalone entry in the Warhammer Fantasy canon with the 2011 novel, Broken Honour by Robert Earl.
Chaos has once again invaded the realms of man, this time in the Imperial state of Hochland. The ravenous beastman hordes are emerging from their deep forest lairs to begin their annual raids of the human settlements to destroy, despoil and feast on the people within. As the armies of Hochland gather to repel them, they find themselves outmatched and outsmarted at every turn. A powerful and dangerously intelligent beastman lord has risen to command the herd, and his unusual tactics may spell the end for every human living in Hochland.
As the Hochland baron and his advisors attempt to withstand the new threat advancing towards them, they desperately seek out any fighting men they can find. Sensing opportunity, mercenary Captain Eriksson, a veteran fighter for sale currently only missing a regiment to command, arrives at the capital. Keen to take advantage of the current chaos, Eriksson buys the freedom of a large group of prisoners to form a new free company. Promised freedom and pardons for their crimes if they fight, the prisoners form a reluctant and ill-trained regiment, the Gentleman’s Free Company of Hergig, who hope to avoid the brunt of the battle in the back.
However, Eriksson and his troops soon find themselves in the very thick of the fighting, as those above them seek to use his unit to in the very worst ways. Forced to contend with ravenous monsters, political intrigue, and a villainous lord with everything to lose, Eriksson and the Gentleman’s Free Company of Hergig will need to come together and hone their skills if they are to survive. Can this band of rogues, thieves and criminals regain their lost honour and find redemption on the battlefield, or will they find only death and destruction as humanities most bestial enemies come to claim them?
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/06/02/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Chaos has once again invaded the realms of man, this time in the Imperial state of Hochland. The ravenous beastman hordes are emerging from their deep forest lairs to begin their annual raids of the human settlements to destroy, despoil and feast on the people within. As the armies of Hochland gather to repel them, they find themselves outmatched and outsmarted at every turn. A powerful and dangerously intelligent beastman lord has risen to command the herd, and his unusual tactics may spell the end for every human living in Hochland.
As the Hochland baron and his advisors attempt to withstand the new threat advancing towards them, they desperately seek out any fighting men they can find. Sensing opportunity, mercenary Captain Eriksson, a veteran fighter for sale currently only missing a regiment to command, arrives at the capital. Keen to take advantage of the current chaos, Eriksson buys the freedom of a large group of prisoners to form a new free company. Promised freedom and pardons for their crimes if they fight, the prisoners form a reluctant and ill-trained regiment, the Gentleman’s Free Company of Hergig, who hope to avoid the brunt of the battle in the back.
However, Eriksson and his troops soon find themselves in the very thick of the fighting, as those above them seek to use his unit to in the very worst ways. Forced to contend with ravenous monsters, political intrigue, and a villainous lord with everything to lose, Eriksson and the Gentleman’s Free Company of Hergig will need to come together and hone their skills if they are to survive. Can this band of rogues, thieves and criminals regain their lost honour and find redemption on the battlefield, or will they find only death and destruction as humanities most bestial enemies come to claim them?
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/06/02/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
April 11, 2021
I'm not going to lie, halfway through I was torn between rooting for the antagonist vs the protagonists. The characters were that great. If you are a fan of fiction and RPGs then this book will give you hours of inspiration.
March 22, 2023
A good lark, with the cliched mob of unruly misfits fights for their honour back but without conceit and presumption. Interesting characters and satisfying pacing. Would recommend as a good novel and great warhammer romp
September 16, 2020
Interesting book. Requires a bit of background knowledge into the world of Warhammer to understand what is going on, but still it’s an exciting bit of dark fantasy to read.
July 9, 2022
Could just be me, but I found the story rather bland and the characters pretty forgettable. The Beastmen were more interesting to read about than the humans.
October 24, 2023
This was a fun book. If you’re looking for soul-searching social commentary look elsewhere. If you like fantasy monsters and 15th and 16th century warfare, this is the book you want to read.
October 28, 2021
A great piece of military fantasy fiction set in the Warhammer World, a good suite of easily likable and easily dislikeable characters, and a very well-depicted foe all add up to a satisfying adventure story I'm only sorry didn't turn into a "Black Company" style series that could have been Warhammer Fantasy Battle's "Gaunt's Ghosts."
August 11, 2019
***1/2: Enjoyable kick-off to my Warhammer vacation, would’ve gladly read a series.
December 7, 2016
Action Adventure Fantasy, Standalone Novel
This novel reveals a glimpse into the life of a pseudo-militia captain and his efforts towards retirement as he raises a small force within an army to defend against the hordes of beastmen.
No Spoilers Discussion
The aspect that I enjoyed most about this novel was that there were no godly heroes or villains. Characters that surround the protagonist can die off at any moment. The author gives the reader multiple first person views, so they can gain a view of the magnitude of the battle that awaits and the events leading up to said battle. The ending shows how events in the old world were cyclical for common folk and that these events which seemed rare and grandiose to them would occur again.
This novel reveals a glimpse into the life of a pseudo-militia captain and his efforts towards retirement as he raises a small force within an army to defend against the hordes of beastmen.
No Spoilers Discussion
The aspect that I enjoyed most about this novel was that there were no godly heroes or villains. Characters that surround the protagonist can die off at any moment. The author gives the reader multiple first person views, so they can gain a view of the magnitude of the battle that awaits and the events leading up to said battle. The ending shows how events in the old world were cyclical for common folk and that these events which seemed rare and grandiose to them would occur again.
March 17, 2011
Just finished. Such a fun read. Basically 'The Dirty Dozen' for Warhammer Fantasy. And what's odd, there's this one character who I picture EXACTLY like Warren. LOL
February 22, 2013
First look at war hammer fantasy. While some characters are interesting the book itself just seems extremely cookie cutter fantasy.
November 23, 2013
My review of this very enjoyable title here:
http://hachisnaxreads.blogspot.com/20...
http://hachisnaxreads.blogspot.com/20...
May 4, 2016
Superior to most other Black Library stuff. Some silliness and preaching but overall outstanding.
November 21, 2012
Good but not the best could have been better needed more guerilla fighting and dirty fighting
February 21, 2013
Good, if predictable, story. Nice look into the Warhammer world.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews