‘We Were Brothers’ – Richard Fox & ‘Those Without Mercy’ – Callum Davis (Black Library)
Today’s post was originally going to be about a couple of Robert Bloch short stories and then (while having an overdue purge of the shelves yesterday) I came across my copy of Joe R. Lansdale’s ‘Bestsellers Guaranteed’. I’d completely forgotten that I had this book so I thought I’d check out a couple of these stories instead. I ended up enjoying what I read so much that I decided to go for it and read the whole book. Honestly, it’s a great read.
And so, today’s post was going to be about ‘Bestsellers Guaranteed’; that was the plan until the book literally came apart in my hands while I was reading it. Turns out that some books don’t age well ;o) While I’m waiting for the glue to dry then, I thought I’d read something where the pages don’t come loose in my hands. Yep, it’s back to the Kindle and a couple more entries in the Black Library…
‘We Were Brothers’ – Richard Fox.
Page Count: 32 Pages
Lord Straxis of the Red Corsairs boards a strike cruiser of the hated Executioners Space Marines in an attempt to settle a century-long score. The Chaplain Thulsa Cane betrayed the Astral Claws during the Badab War, and Straxis wants his head.
‘We Were Brothers’ doesn’t do anything new but it does its job very well with a harrowing tale of shipboard combat coupled with a reminder that honour is paramount to the Astartes, whether they are loyal or traitors. I wouldn’t mind seeing where this tale goes next; you come away with the feeling that it really could go either way (both sides have cause for grievance) and I like that.
‘Those Without Mercy’ – Callum Davis
Page Count: 30 Pages
The Savlar Chem-Dogs penal legion are embroiled in a brutal conflict against the orks. When the ruthless Commissar Hasp witnesses a squad murdering a fellow commissar, he is determined to bring them to justice – but is there more to the situation than meets the eye?
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Black Library short story that is so obviously setting up a longer series of novels and you know what? I’m here for it :o)
It feels like far too long since we’ve had a ‘Penal Battalion’ series (more than happy to be proved wrong) and Davis’ group of Savlar Chem Dogs a pretty much the ideal soldiers for the job; full of character and when they’re not fighting, they’re stealing anything that isn’t nailed down. Not many baseline humans can survive the forty first millennium but Rastus and his crew look like they’re more than up for having a go. Like I said, I’ve got my fingers crossed for at least a couple more novels to go with ‘Those Without Mercy’, lets see if it happens.
And so, today’s post was going to be about ‘Bestsellers Guaranteed’; that was the plan until the book literally came apart in my hands while I was reading it. Turns out that some books don’t age well ;o) While I’m waiting for the glue to dry then, I thought I’d read something where the pages don’t come loose in my hands. Yep, it’s back to the Kindle and a couple more entries in the Black Library…
‘We Were Brothers’ – Richard Fox.
Page Count: 32 Pages
Lord Straxis of the Red Corsairs boards a strike cruiser of the hated Executioners Space Marines in an attempt to settle a century-long score. The Chaplain Thulsa Cane betrayed the Astral Claws during the Badab War, and Straxis wants his head.
‘We Were Brothers’ doesn’t do anything new but it does its job very well with a harrowing tale of shipboard combat coupled with a reminder that honour is paramount to the Astartes, whether they are loyal or traitors. I wouldn’t mind seeing where this tale goes next; you come away with the feeling that it really could go either way (both sides have cause for grievance) and I like that.
Page Count: 30 Pages
The Savlar Chem-Dogs penal legion are embroiled in a brutal conflict against the orks. When the ruthless Commissar Hasp witnesses a squad murdering a fellow commissar, he is determined to bring them to justice – but is there more to the situation than meets the eye?
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Black Library short story that is so obviously setting up a longer series of novels and you know what? I’m here for it :o)
It feels like far too long since we’ve had a ‘Penal Battalion’ series (more than happy to be proved wrong) and Davis’ group of Savlar Chem Dogs a pretty much the ideal soldiers for the job; full of character and when they’re not fighting, they’re stealing anything that isn’t nailed down. Not many baseline humans can survive the forty first millennium but Rastus and his crew look like they’re more than up for having a go. Like I said, I’ve got my fingers crossed for at least a couple more novels to go with ‘Those Without Mercy’, lets see if it happens.
You've really been diving into the wh40K shorts. Glad they are keeping your attention...
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely some good reads to be had if you go looking. It was a real shame though that my copy of 'Bestsellers Guaranteed' fell to pieces as I was all set to power through it and I haven't felt that way in what feels like ages. Oh well, it can wait :o)
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