Witch Finder

This book picks up where Witch Hunter left off. It really helps if you have read Witch Hunter first. The book has more characters and is shorter than Witch Hunter, resulting is some of the characters getting a somewhat sparse accounting and a less focused feel. Still most of the new characters are worthwhile additions. The action is fast paced and the combat at the climax of the book is excellent. Some of the various plot threads are resolved, but plenty are left for the sequel. The writing style suffers from the same problems as Witch Hunter (heavy handed and somewhat overdone), but the pace is so fast it is less noticable. Overall a good Warhammer book, well worth reading.

This second book of M. Werner's Witch Hunter series once again follows the adventures of the Witch Hunter Thulmann and his less-savory companion Streng, who seem a slightly altered, medieval Sherlock Holmes and Watson (compliments to Sir Doyle). The book picks up right on the tail of the first novel, and though reading the first book isn't strictly necessary, it's highly recommended. The continuity is so direct that not only do all the same heroes make the crossing, but so do all of the villains, as well as adding a few more to each category for good measure. Those additions, while they add some excellent supporting protagonists and fascinating villains, also prove a weakness in the work as a whole. There are too many characters and too many plotlines for each to receive the attention from M. Werner that they deserve. Likewise, the climax pulls a little too hard to bring all of the threads together without taxing the reader's credulity. These flaws aside, the book draws upon the rich history of the Warhammer world, and those looking to add to their knowledge of that fictional universe will be well rewarded. M. Werner's spins an immersive tale with gritty action true to the dark spirit of the setting. In conclusion: an entertaining, enjoyable read, but not as good as the first of the series.

I like C.L. Werner because he represents the Warhammer world very well. This follow up to Witch Hunter throws the protagonist Thulmann into a world not only of necromancy and undead (like in the first one), but chaos. And not the nice Slaneesh chaos, but the nasty Nurgle chaos. The web of characters is richer than the first book. If you play the game you will enjoy this tremendously, and if you run the game this is a very good template and has descriptions that can contribute to you creating the depth of the Warhammer world. This is a fast read reflecting the pace of the story so if you're on vacation make sure you have another book on hand. I made that mistake and ended up having to read the back of my shampoo bottle until we got out of the jungle. That'll learn me.