Shamanslayer

This was the first Warhammer book I ever read. I've always been a fan of books like warhammer but I never really had a strong desire to give the series a try. I got offered this book through the vine program and I really enjoyed it. I understand that this book is part of a series and not the first one. However, this wasn't really an issue and it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. The main two characters are interesting and I found that I was compelled to check out the next book in the series as this one ends in a rather abrupt fashion. Warhammer books contain a lot of really brutal action scenes in them. I found this was one of the best aspects of the book. It isn't literature that will win many awards but it keep me interested for the couple of hours it took for me to read this book. If you're new to Warhammer, there are probably better books to start with than this one. I did get the feeling that I was missing something while reading it as there were some references to past events I was unfamiliar with. Nonetheless, it was a good read.

Gotrek Gurnisson is a dwarf slayer seeking his doom (glorious death) to redeem himself for past wrongdoings. Felix Jaeger is his human companion, writing about the deeds/adventures of the slayer. Gotrek saved Felix's life, long ago, and Felix swore a blood-oath to record Gotrek's doom, to restore honor to his name. Unfortunately, Gotrek is so skilled in fighting that he is still alive. In Shamanslayer, Felix returns to his home to confirm his father's death at the hands of skavens. Before Felix can carry out his revenge, a knight from the Order of the Fiery Heart demands that the rune sword, Karaghul, be returned to the templars. However, Felix -- desperate to keep the sword he has grown attached to -- manages to make a deal with the old knight: discover the fate of the missing knights of the Order, and recover the holy regalia. After Felix and Gotrek set out on their new mission, they cross paths with two old friends: Snorri Nosebiter and Kat. Even though Felix was originally a poet before becoming an experienced swordsman, it was still strange to see him turn into a nervous wreck around Kat. The backstory with Snorri and his memory loss was also disturbing. Shamanslayer portrayed Gotrek and Felix in a slightly different way from previous Warhammer books. Their group discovers that the missing templar knights were overtaken by beastmen; as they follow the trail of the herd, they realize that these beastmen belong to a herd numbering in the thousands. Urslak Cripplehorn (the shaman) and Gorgorath the God-Touched (a warlord) have found a way to increase their herd, and destroy their enemies at the same time. They are also planning to conquer the forests of the Empire through an elaborate ritual. Gotrek figures he can either stop the ritual, or finally meet his doom. Felix feels he has no choice, due to his oath, but he wishes he was free to pursue a relationship with Kat. Snorri tags along, hoping to get his memory back. It was not the ending I was expecting, but I loved this book. If you are a fan of the Gotrek & Felix series, you might like Grey Seer (Warhammer), which features the skaven Thanquol. I loved reading his view of his past with Gotrek and "his pet human."

Well, it's another one of these. Sword, Quest, beer, battle, beastmen, beer, romance, slaves, beer, boobytraps, swords, sorcery, beer, beastmen, dwarves and beer. You're not going to gain deep philosophical insights from this book. But it's a lovely diversion from the quotidian slog, and if you're into this sort of thing, it will certainly be the sort of thing you'll be into. However... the book is clearly part of a series. You won't be lost in inexplicable plotlines if you jump in without reading the previous books (one of the many things the author does well), but there are a few spots where references to earlier events are extensive. There is also a cliffhanging ending. If you're the type who waits with bated breath for the next Gotrek and Felix book, by all means buy this immediately (I write this in October of 2009). But if you're a newbie, or reading this review after the next omnibus has been published, get that instead.

I just finished the book and all I'll say is wow! Fast paced, and as thoroughly enjoyable as the last three books done by Mr. Long. One problem, though. This is the first Gotrek and Felix book that ends on a cliffhanger!!!!! Ack, we now have to wait another year to find out what happens! This next year will be torture.....but don't let that discourage you from reading Shamanslayer. Yup, I definitely recommend this as a must read.

Just finished reading the book. I could not put it down. The book keeps a great pace and gives the characters room to breathe. The author brought a couple of characters from past books into the story to good effect. The battles where satisfying without being too long. The ending really grabs you and keeps you wanting more. The author has really hit his stride with the series after taking it over. Highly recommended for fans of the Gotrek & Felix saga.