Blackhearts: The Omnibus

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was hoping that the Blackhearts novels would live up to the author's Gotrek & Felix novels; they did that, and then some. This omnibus edition contains some of the best Warhammer fiction I have read... indeed, some of the best fantasy action I have ever read, period. `Blackhearts' is non-stop action and intrigue, well plotted and relentless. From the get-go, you know that not everyone in this dead man's crew will see the last page of the omnibus, which ups the tension considerably. The set pieces of each story are strongly written and memorable, particularly the underground bridge sequence in `Valnir's Bane', and the final battle at the fort in `Broken Lance'. The climactic novel, `Tainted Blood', ups the ante and the action to almost absurd levels, but never gives way to parody. I have to admit that the introductory story seemed a little pokey to me, and I didn't warm to the main character, Reiner Hetzau, right away. That is only right, as Hetzau is a rogue, a gambler, and a scoundrel through and through. But over the course of three novels and one connected short story, I grew to care for Hetzau and his band of miscreants, and by the end of the last book I could only wave goodbye to those that remained and wish them well. If this is all the time I'll ever spend with the Blackhearts, it was time well spent.

I've never written a review before. Nor do I care for writing reviews. However, I just HAD to say that this is one of the best books I have ever read. No book has held my attention like this one. I truly hope that all of Nathan Long's work is similar to the quality of writing this book contains, because I'm about to purchase a bunch of his other books. Just buy it. Seriously.

These books are awesome! What I like is that no character is truly safe. The characters are well drawn and likable. I find myself "missing them" when I finish a book. Can't say enough about the series. Then again, any of Nathan Long's books are equally well done. Check out his Gotrek and Felix stuff as well, but for me, the Blackhearts rule.

I picked this up looking for a light and fun read and wasn't disappointed at all; I actually came away very surprised at the characterization and the life of the story. I don't know a great deal about Warhammer, but it wasn't necessary to enjoy any aspect of the book. The real meat here is in character; you will be hard pressed to find something you won't like about the group once you get going. It makes for a fun read with emotional impact, and it plays fast and hard in much the same flow you'd expect from an action movie script. Warhammer fan or not, this is highly recommended. It has some real unforgettable moments and characters, and the only complaint I had about it was that I finished it too fast.

I have read around 35-40 warhammer books now. I have yet to find anything better than these 3 books. Once I started the store I was hooked. Read straight through. All three books in less than 4 days. Go down the checklist and this book has it all. From action, to comedy, to horror etc... The list goes on and on.