a Tale of Four Gamers - Week 10-2 - Second round of updates!

Jono's Week 10 Update

Hi All!

Since the addition of another person to the Tale of Three Gamers (Tale of Multiple Gamers?!), I have come to realize that fielding a force of Nids with 26 models, where an SM player can play 25 is going to leave me at a bit of a disadvantage! Sure I may have a 6 wound MC, and a 3 wound CC monster BUT these two models together come to over 250 points, with the Hive Guard that’s over 350.. I decided I needed a change!

After testing (mentioned below) I figured I need Hormagaunts as Termagants alone will not be that ‘killy’! Alas, I may well add TS to the Tervigon, in the near future and take away a Gaunt or two, but alas, I am more happy now than I was!

Either way, my list looks something like this on the table..

Granted, the majority of these guys are just primed, but most of them have been assembled in the last week! In total, I have assembled 19 Termagants and 17 Hormagaunts.. Next to get some more paint on them!

Another reason I changed my list, I recently bought AOBR for the rulebook, (as well as the extra minis)! To help get things flowing in my head, I did a few test games: SMs Vs. Termas and SMs Vs. Hormas. I have come to the conclusion that Termagants are good for forcing multiple saves and keeping units tied up, but not much else . Hormagaunts on the other hand are NASTY. Learning the rules again, and realizing that despite costing 6 points each, in CC on the assault, these guys get 4 attacks each, re-rolling 1’s. I found that in all the games that I played, that the Termagants were a bit hit/miss. Once in combat, due to sheer number, they kept the SMs occupied for a good few turns (enough to tarpit the squad for the remainder of the game, usually killing a good few in the process. I also found that the Hormagaunts would either keep the SMs occupied for a few turns (bad rolls), or destroy them all on the assault (good rolls).

So yea.. Everything is assembled, just need to get a few more minis finished!

10/41 models painted.

Chris' Week 10 Update

Alas poor Chris is still waiting on paint, the whole debarcle has put a cramp on his style, so why has he not gone and got them from GW or anywhere else, simple answer 20% off! Works out a hell of a saving on the paints he needed and as he has already paid for them little cash to splash. I have been updated that all is based, assembled and converted, however no updates til the paints arrive, though the tally from the previous no update rule still stands.

Challenge No Submission Casualty List

Listed are the number of casualty models each player must have completed by the end of the challenge as a fine for their none submission of weekly updates!

• Chris - 2 models
• Jono - 0 models
• Dave - 0 models
• Dan - 0 models

As always comments and thoughts are appreciated. Apologies again for the shocking pics normal service will be resumed soon I hope!

Enjoy and see you all next week!

A Tale of Four Gamers - Week 10-1 - First round of updates!

Dan's Week 10 Update

Hell there everyone,
Time for my first update and progress report. When building the army I started off with the Tactical Squads as these make up the majority of my army. Also I thought that as these were pretty standard models it would be a good start for me. The pics below show my efforts, I've started to paint a couple as you can see but nothing major to show.

Following on from the first Tac squad I decided to step up to the Assault Squad. You might be able to tell that I have model the Sgt to look a bit more of an independent character, due to me not having an HQ as permitted by the rest of the crew. The Sgt is on a 40mm base and I have done some conversion work to make him stand out. I have adorned him with a deathwatch helmet and shoulder pad. On the weapons front I have sculpted a plasma pistol on the back of a combat shield and I have mod'd a force halberd (from a GK sprue I have) and made it into a power halberd. Piccies below of the Assault Squad.

Dave's Week 10 Update

Once again no pictures from me, alas the Camera saga continues, however importantly the fecking things has magically appeared - once I had started a claim against Royal Fail (who would have thought) so it is now in the hands of Fuji who are repairing it as we type i hope. To give an update i have furiously being brass etch applying this week and finishing off undercoating ready. The Medusa is still giving me headaches and I am majorly miffed with the massive holes in it but alas it will be getting somewhere soon. Sorry once again folks and apologies but hope to have pics next week.

A Tale of Three Gamers - Dan's introduction and Army Background - Week 10

Hi Folks

This weeks first post, yes week 10 will be a week of many many posts, is one where we expand the challenge from A Tale of Three Gamers to a A Tale of Four Gamers (titles and archives will be adjusted accordingly after today. This is Dans first post in which he will be giving a brief introduction about he is and also showcasing the background or fluff we have written for his force. Hopefully youll enjoy this and the expansion this brings to the TOFG challenge. There will also be more updates and progress on the challenge later when timescales and progress are checked.

So enough from me not and here we have the first post from our newest member in what is now "A Tale of Four Gamers", Dan:

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Hello

So this is my first entry and my intro....I'm Dan and for this challenge I have chosen to take on the Space Marines and the Ultramarines chapter. This is my first forray into the world of 40K in a very very long time. Once upon a time I dabbled a wee bit with my younger brother in the hobby but that was some time ago and my painting and modelling skills were affected by my attention span!

With the recent discount codes available on Maelstrom I have splurged out to get started. First off I purchased a battleforce, which not only being a great way to start also saves a HUGE amount of money!This forms the basis of my 500pt army. Since then I have also ordered a Devestator Squad and a Predator. The Dev squad is for the heavy weapons to use in two tactical squads and the Pred is being lined up for the 750pt challenge.

So first up here is some of the background the guys have helped me map out for my 500 point force

Recon Force Phi
Recon force Phi has been dispatched by Captain Sicarius to investigate the loss of contact with an Ultramarines remote monitoring site near the borders of the expanding Tau empire.


Under the command of Veteran Sergeant Karras, recently returned from a tour with the Deathwatch, the force has become embroiled in the dual encroachment of the Tyranids and the Tau upon Imperial space, and the worlds under the stewardship of the Ultramarines. Due to the increased threat level of multiple xenos incursions, Veteran Sergeant Karras has notified Macragge and has requested reinforcements.

Despite continuing to gather intelligence for the imminent arrival of a full sized strike force, the Ultramarines have been unable to make contact with the planetside Imperial forces, causing their loyalty to be thrown in to doubt...


Finally to round off my first post here is the run down of my list, the exceptions will be explained later:

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So folks there you have it the first post from the latest member of the TOTG/TOFG member. So as Dan mentions and I'm sure some of you eagle eyed readers will notice despite us sticking to the 1 HQ and 2 Troops format of the standard force organisation chart Dan doesnt have a HQ. We decided that at this points level for a Marine force the cost of an effective HQ was too phrohibative and decided to allow some leniancy in this, the compramise being that he had to make at least one of the Sergeants a Veteran to show some kind of leadership within the force. It was also felt for fluff reasons it wouldnt be unheard of for a decorated Veteran Sergeant (especially a Deathwatch Veteran) to lead a small recon force rather then assign an Officer or Chaplain etc. Personally I think it works quite well and does appeal to the fluffy nature of most of the forces in this challenge, plus its a good way for Dan to do something a little different with his Smurfs.... I mean Ultramarines.
So I hope your all enjoy what you see and waht Dan can produce and I'm sure you'll all join me in welcoming him to the challenge.

Forge World Newsletter #275 - Space Marine Mk II & V Assualt Squads!!

As always important bits are shown below:

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Hi there, This week’s newsletter sees Forge World return to the Badab War with two new full resin Space Marine assault squads. We also have an update from the Warhammer World Events team on their Badab War Campaign Weekend in June.

Space Marine Assault Squad in MkII ‘Crusade’ Armour
MkII Armour represented a significant technological step forward from the original Space Marine Thunder Armour. Created by the Adeptus Mechanicus, it was totally enclosed and life sustaining, making it suitable for use in a variety of hostile environments including deep space. The few surviving examples of this pattern are still maintained by some of the oldest Space Marine Chapters and are venerated as sacred relics.

The Space Marine Assault Squad in MkII Armour, designed by Phil Stutcinskas and Will Hayes, contains 5 complete Assault Marines in MkII ‘Crusade’ pattern power armour, armed with Umbra-pattern bolt pistols and chainswords.


Space Marine Assault Squad in MkV ‘Heresy’ Armour
The iconic MkV ‘Heresy’ pattern of Space Marine Power Armour was first created during the dark days of the Great Betrayal. Remarkably durable and easy to produce and maintain, large quantities were supplied to the Space Marine Legions prior to, and during, the Heresy. As the galaxy spanning civil war progressed, new supplies of arms and armour for the Traitor Legions were heavily disrupted, forcing them to scavenge components from their fallen enemies.

The Space Marine Assault Squad in MkV Armour, designed by Phil Stutcinskas and Will Hayes, contains 5 complete Assault Marines in MkV ‘Heresy’ pattern power armour armed with Umbra-pattern bolt pistols and chainswords.


Both of these intricately detailed, multi-part resin models are fully compatible with Forge World and Games Workshop’s existing range of Space Marines and are available to order now for immediate despatch

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Definately prefer the MkV over the MkII buts it is definately nice to see the Forge World are still supporting the other marks of armour and now no doubt with the advent of finecast are a cheap alternative to adding some flavour to a force.

Conquest - Book Review

Conquest by Stuart Binns

It's 1066 - Senlac Ridge, England. William the Bastard, Duke of Normandy, defeats Harold Godwinson, King Harold II of England, in what will become known as the Battle of Hastings. The battle is hard fought and bloody, the lives of thousands have been spent, including that of King Harold. But England will not be conquered easily, the Anglo-Saxons will not submit meekly to Norman rule. Although his heroic deeds will nearly be lost to legend, one man unites the resistance. His name is Hereward of Bourne, the champion of the English. His honour, bravery and skill at arms will change the future of England. His is the legacy of the noble outlaw. This is his story.

For me something of a surprise as this is the first book by the author and he has certainly used his knowledge of history well. I remember being taught some of this at school, probably due to growing up in the areas visited by many of the events in the book but other than that possibility I do remember Hereward the Wake though I don't know why.

This is the story of the years before and after Senlac Bridge (aka the Battle of Hastings) as told by Hereward the Wake. The detail is fascinating and adds to the tale very constructively. The politics of the period make for fascinating reading mixed up in this factional story and bring forward a more complete explanation of why William crossed the channel to claim England. This William the Bastard is not a pleasant individual by any stretch of the imagination whose personal style of leadership leaves many uncomfortable and Edward is not cognisant of the potential problems of promising the English crown to William.

So we find all this out through the eyes of Hereward of Bourne, as he then was, after being made outlaw by Edward for an act of cold revenge at Ely. Hereward is fortunate to fall in with an excommunicated priest who is also a seer of some ability who further educates Hereward who also takes Torfida the daughter into marriage. After Hereward proves himself with a Welsh king he becomes a leading part of William's army in Normandy where he discovers what William is like and about the promise by Edward. William and Hereward learn tactics from each other after which Hereward moves back to England after Harold guarantees the removal of his outlaw status. The time with Harold is really interesting since it covers the period up to Harold's defeat in detail, explaining how the army was called up and it's maintenance whilst in being.

Apart from being a very good story there is sufficient historical information to encourage many to look further to learn more about this period and more than makes up for some of the more elaborate and possibly over exaggerated sections of the book.

For the Reader it’s a good read with each chapter well paced and a nice length, from the writers point of view I think this will be a hard story to follow on for a first book but I hope the author succeeds since I certainly want more. For me a good solid four stars for this one.

Available from:

http://www.play.com/ or http://www.amazon.co.uk/
Conquest by Stuart Binns
Paperback • ISBN 9780718156770

A Tale of Three Gamers - Week 9 - A tale of Progress and Woe!

Chris' Week 9 Update

Well folks its been another week of baited breath but still no sight of the paints I've ordered!! It's now been three weeks and unfortunately for the first time Maelstrom have let me down, and they've done it big time.

Still since the last post I have now based everything ready for painting (well apart from arms and pads so I can get details) and am now ready for priming - should it ever arrive, here's a quick pic or two:

I have also spent some time rectifying the problems with my Forgeworld Crisis suit and he too is ready to go and should be primed when it arrives:

Jono's Week 9 Update

Hi All,

A good bit of time away from my ravings, but alas, for those that are interested, here is this week’s bilge! I haven’t had much time since my last update, as I have moved house (I wouldn’t recommend this activity) and been on Holiday to Ireland (this I would recommend, I love the place).

I have however managed to get a bit of painting done, as well as some modeling. I have had a lot of action from Mr Postman too! (ewww, enough about your deviant behaviour Jono - millest) I have completed painting my Tervigon, my Hive Guard arrived and have been assembled AND I have finally managed to source some Ravener heads that are not £3 each! My wallet has also been busy since my last installment, as I have ordered the aforementioned Hive Guard and Ravener heads, Paulson Games Bone Swords, 19 gaunts (1 box of 12 from Maelstrom and 7 from eBay), the AOBR boxed set and Codex Tyranids. *smug*

I have forgotten just how horrid a big pewter model is to put together! Alas, I think that the Hive Guard models are awesome, so it’s worth it! –Hopefully I should have some progress on them for next week’s update!

So, onto the piccies, as I guess that’s what the majority of you really care about.. My Tervigon, pretty much complete!

I need to base it, but I will be doing this when I get a good batch of gribblies to do, so I can get a production line going!

This model has taken me a LOT of work to get this painted. It may not be pro standard, but I am seriously proud of it, so any critique is welcomed! I may well do a few touch-ups on the giant when I get some time, but as it stands, I am proud to have the reproductive system of my army completed!

Hopefully next week Hive Guard, group shots and a few more completed models! As it stands, I have 3 gaunts and my Tervigon fully completed, with the rest in various stages of base coating.. so that’s 4 of 25 models 100% completed.

*head-desk*

Millest's Week 9 Update

OK folks well from me right now I can confirm this week there will be no pictures! First off let me update you on progress. So far everything apart from my Medusa/Griffon is assembled, detailed, based and undercoated and ready to go. I would provide pics but having to use my phone camera means basically you would have a picture of a lot of black blobs, not overly interesting. So with that in mind I haven't included pictures, if anyone (including the other guys) decide for this reason I should convert a dead model as per the rules I am happy to but be warned I may replicate it in life size!!!!!

So to explain why I have no pictures and I'm hacked off, Back at the end of April my camera died, now rather then throw out what to me is a very expensive item I decided to send it to Fuji for repair. Yay, you all say it may be slow but it will be fixed/replaced, well unfortunately not as according to Fuji the camera never arrived! When questioning Royal Fail over this I was repeatedly told that the proof of signature should be up soon, however finally on Wednesday they admitted they do not have a signature for the camera. so I am now down one camera, the cost of one repair and the post of sending said camera. I have had to place a claim with Royal Fail however I was advised that as I don't have the original receipt for the camera (IE a 5 year old receipt) that I will most likely only get refunded/insurance payout for the cost of postage! So if anyone has any advice or information on how best to approach this (can I claim on house insurance - IE contents?) that would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading what amounts to a very poor entry from me and if you decide I should model a casualty let me know.

Challenge No Submission Casualty List


Listed are the number of casualty models each player must have completed by the end of the challenge as a fine for their none submission of weekly updates!

• Chris - 2 models
• Jono - 0 Model
• Dave - 0 Model

As always comments and thoughts are appreciated. Apologies again for the shocking pics normal service will be resumed soon I hope!

Enjoy and see you all next week!

Modelling News - Back to Base-iks?

Hi guys,
just a quick modelling query really as to aesthetics, I've been basing up and detailing this weeks and I've reached a bit of a flat spot in my decision making.
As you all know I plan on basing all my Officers from Command Squads and my Characters on 40mm bases. However this week when basing up my Squad Sergeant's I began to look at them and think "are they too big?". I have decided that the Sergeants for my Veteran squads will get them as I want to make those like little dioramas but I'm concerned about how it looks for the normal Sergeant, is it too bland?
So to give you an idea of what they look like here's a pic (again apologies but the camera still hasn't turned up - more news on that in this weeks TOTG/TOFG):

As you can see the 1st and 2nd Sergeants bases are empty save for them and soon a Servo-Skull, I may add some more rubble or casings but not sure. The Veteran Sergeant looks OK and will have weapons and a Skull on there.

Do you think the 40mm bases work or would the be better suited to a standard 20mm base with the Servo-Skull on them? Do the bases look empty and not worth it or do they rock and would work well once the skull and details are on there? Please help folks as your input is really needed before I paint and any insight would be great.

A Tale of Three Gamers - An update and news!!!

Hi folks,
I thought as things on the TOTG have been quiet recently I would give you all a brief update on the project. First though thanks to you all for sticking with things so far, the loyalty is greatly appreciated. So now on with the update.

The first that you may or may not be aware of is that things have been delayed, both by real world events and by postal delays, so with that in mind I would like to apologise that unfortunately the 500pt starting forces have now had their completion date moved from the end of May to the end of June. That’s good for all of us and means you guys get more fun right till the end of June, hopefully you’ll enjoy it.

Secondly all being well TOTG will be changing, TOTG will grow this month with becoming TOFG with a fourth friend joining the mix. This will result in the posts being split to two posts covering two forces each week, therefore representing a maximum kill zone, inflicting maximum damage on the maximum number of opponents…….. I mean, maximizing the postage and giving you the maximum exposure to our work. This means now the forces on the tables should be:

• Imperial Guard
• Tau
• Tyranids
• Ultramaines/Space Marines (when the models finally arrive)

More details on the Space Marine addition will follow in this weeks update, along with details on the special exceptions we have given. As a result due to the number of gamers and models after the 500 point the posts will move to a bi-weekly posting roster. The format of which is yet to be decided.

So there you have it the futures bright, the futures MMM! So project wise the next year is looking busy both personally and for the TOTG/TOFG team. Our plans at present are looking something like this:

• complete the 500
• Expand to 750
• Expand to 1000
• Complete a Deathwatch or Single Mini Challenge
• Expand to 1500
• Possibly add an Apocolypse formation for the interested parties

Some of the team are considering also working on a 1500 MeQ armies during the year for a separate challenge and will update on that as and when this materialises.

So folks that’s the next few months sorted and hopefully clearer on what will be happening, so hopefully that will be enjoyable for you all.
Thanks and looking forward to your comments.

Prospero Burns - Book Review

Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett
The Emperor is enraged. Primarch Magnus the Red of the Thousand Sons Legion has made a terrible mistake that endangers the very safety of Terra. With no other choice, the Emperor charges Leman Russ, Primarch of the Space Wolves, with the apprehension of his brother from the Thousand Sons home world of Prospero. This planet of sorcerers will not be easy to overcome, but Russ and his Space Wolves are not easily deterred. With wrath in his heart, Russ is determined to bring Magnus to justice and bring about the fall of Prospero.

Once again Abnett pulls off another amazing novel. This one is great in the way the reader's persistence in reading through the first quarter of the novel is slowly rewarded with the growing revelations. You trudge through a few chapters of background and history but then wham your hit with some awesome information on the true history of the Horus Heresy, then this is once more essential reading.

The book follows Kasper Hawser from his arrival on Fenris, for reasons that he himself does not understand until the end of the title, through to the attack on Prospero and the purging of the Thousand Sons. This all goes on whilst jumping through his own personal history and experiences which themselves shed light on the origins of his journey and his purpose, in particular the way in which he has been manipulated.

The book also sheds more light on the origins and growth of the forces we now know as Chaos and it's/their presence on Terra itself throughout human history. I also like the way a little bit of extra information on the Unification Wars is also provided, and the novel covers periods of time right at the end of them so we get an idea of how difficult things were and how dangerous earth was. It also turns out that what the Emperor defined as the end of the wars of Unification was not the "end".

For me the major highlights include the until now unknown presence of more than the Space Wolves Primarch at the Council of Nikae. It also shows what really pushed the Emperor into ruling against the Thousand Sons and how they were more than just mankind’s own worst enemy, they became their own. Personally the way in which this course of action was dealt with was very smooth and certainly held expand on the information we had already, trust me you don't know the truth until you read this.

The Wolves themselves, The Rout as they refer to themselves, are given more depth and character than in all the Space Wolves books published so far and readers are treated to more background on the origins of the Space Marines. There are also more tantalising hints, that began in First Heretic, that two Chapters have been destroyed previously. The nature of the Wolves whilst externally barbaric soon shows to be one of sophistication and honour and show they are much more than meets the eye, but ultimately though the Rout serve one purpose; The Executioners.

One thing that stands out for me is the way the book is structured, the book as said is slow to start but gathers pace and depth as it progresses, this is really like the characters development as well, as Kasper progresses through he is more and more accepted and more is revealed. To pull this trick of writing off is tricky but well worth it and Dan Abnett does it in style. The prose, the suspense and the intrigue all work together beautifully to create not just a fan novel but a true piece of literature.

The novel is full of twist, turns, surprises and ends, even once the book reaches its inevitable conclusion, two more surprises await the reader, and a long popular Space Wolf Dreadnaught character makes an appearance in his mortal form. This novel is everything you would expect from Abnett and more. A good start to helping figure out how the millions of pieces of this massive story start to fall into place, and a solid addition to the collection. This is a full 5 stars for me and if I could I would present an Iron Halo too.

Available from:http://www.blacklibrary.com/

Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett
Paperback • ISBN 9781844167760

Forge World Newsletter #274 - Eldar Corsair Weapons and Salamanders Pads!!

As always important bits are shown below:

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Hi there, Our first release this month is the awesome Salamanders Shoulder Pad set, followed closely by the second of our Eldar Corsair Upgrade kits which can now be pre-ordered ahead of its release date. For those of you attending Games Day France, we also have further details on when you’ll need to place your orders by to guarantee that they’ll be ready and waiting for you at the event.


Salamanders Shoulder Pads available now

An ancient and honoured First Founding Chapter, the Salamanders are renowned for their stoicism, valour, and unyielding defence of the innocent. Being skilled artisans, each Salamander embellishes his wargear himself with ornate displays of individual heraldry, honorific branding and honour markings such as trophies and purity seals.

The Salamanders Shoulder Pads Set, sculpted by Simon Egan, contains ten individual power armour shoulder pads, each bearing the Salamanders Chapter badge alongside other details specific to the Chapter. They are suitable for use with the full range of metal and plastic Games Workshop Space Marine kits as well as Forge World’s resin Space Marine Armour Sets. This upgrade pack is available to order now for immediate release.

Eldar Corsair Heavy Weapons Set available to pre-order
Outcasts from the strict confines of the Craftworlds, Eldar Corsairs live in self-imposed exile. Most are young and adventurous Eldar who will eventually return to their homes older, wiser and tempered by warfare. Some, however, embrace the raider’s life completely and fall further still, becoming ever more bloodthirsty and psychotic, indulging their darkest impulses and eventually seeking out the infamous Dark City.

The Eldar Corsair Heavy Weapons Set is designed for use with the plastic Eldar range. Designed by Will Hayes, this complete resin and plastic kit contains detailed weapons, jump packs and heads that enable Eldar players to convert four plastic Eldar Guardians into Corsairs armed with heavy and special weapons, and can be used with both our currently available Corsair Conversion Set and the wider range of plastic Eldar kits available from Games Workshop. It is available to pre-order now for despatch in the week commencing 23rd May.

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Enjoy, thoughts?

The Purging of Kadillus - Book Review

The Purging of Kadillus by Gav Thorpe
Faced with an ork invasion of Piscina IV, the 3rd Company of the Dark Angels believes the threat to be minimal. As enemy numbers continue to increase, their commander, Captain Belial, insists that his Company are strong enough to resist. But Scout-Sergeant Naaman knows just how dangerous this foe can be, and when a renewed greenskin offensive takes the Dark Angels by surprise, the orks swarm towards Kadillus Harbour. Little do the Dark Angels know of the technological power available to the xenos, and the true scale of the threat they face. Belial, Naaman and their fellow Astartes fight a desperate siege at Kadillus, knowing that they must hold out until Imperial reinforcements arrive or the planet will be lost.

Before we start and I rip in to it too much and despite comments that may suggest otherwise I actually enjoyed this book, but I was really hoping for something more when it comes to the enigmatic air that there is about the Dark Angels. Surprisingly there was less of that but there were a good set of fast paced battles instead. So I can say I was let down in the action stakes but more got something I wasn’t expecting as the Dark Angels provided the Bolter and Chainsword action we hoped for.

One thing I did enjoy was the structure to the book, which provides a series of story arcs and different battles for the planet from the view of various members of the Dark Angels Chapter. What also appealed to me was that the characters were ones, that for the most part, have been introduced (and in some cases killed) in other books in the Black Library range. I especially liked Veteran Sergeant Naaman's take on things and his heroic but, from the Dark Angels viewpoint, reckless attempts to establish how the Ork reinforcements keep arriving. I also liked Nestor and his stoic approach and slight defeatist viewpoint that spurs him on.

The different natures of the Space Marines is really noticeable in this novel, the independent Naaman, the by the book Ravenwing commander and the very very hard-line chaplain really stand out as emotional characters. This is more in line with the Black Library trend where the various Space Marines are showing greater and greater emotion, including self-doubt, something which stories from the late 90’s/early 00’s didn't consider or really deal with. I did find in this case more than some of the other novels that this really worked and highlighted the different nature of them, so despite them all bring peerless warriors they are all different and outstanding in different ways.

The areas I didn’t feel were fully covered or even barely touched on were the tumultuous history of the Dark Angels, there were hints and phrases but for the most part we were left in the dark about the Dark Angels, from that viewpoint I guess this was a book for Dark Angels fans not for those wanting to find out about them. They hinted at their roles and at the purpose of the Dark Angels. There were hints about the fallen and about the destruction of Caliban but nothing that gives us new insight. It was nice though to get to hear from the Chaplains and a Master of the Dark Angels but I felt we could and should have had more.

The one low point for me was really the Orks, as unpredictable as they were they were predictable. They were too jokey and they didn’t show the “fight” one normally expects from them. However the one thing I really didn’t like was the way they were dealt with when they spoke. I appreciate its to make them look base and animalistic but it’s just damn annoying and gets tedious after a while. Another area I wasn’t impressed with was the PDF/IG bashing, the PDF in this novel were treated as secondary to even the Orks, despite the fact they were a principle part of the story. They worked well and there was character in them and I do appreciate this was an Astartes novel but it would be nice just for once (as Naaman does) to show the IG some respect.

Still overall the book was good, the action was fast paced and well timed within the flow of the story. The Dark Angels certainly delivered on that action and the bolter wielding death, just not on their own history and background – the things that make them appeal to so many people – so overall I think the novel is a solid 4 stars and a good read for any Space Marine fan. The only thing I wish is that that would let Dan Abnett loose on them and see what wonders he could deliver.

Available from:http://www.blacklibrary.com/
The Purging of Kadillus by Gav Thorpe
Paperback • ISBN 9781844168965