Tuesday 26 November 2013

Gotrek and Felix 1st omnibus (Trollslayer, Skavenslayer, Daemonslayer)

Gotrek and Felix are probably the most famous duo from the warhammer fantasy universe. Gotrek is a slayer, a dwarf who has earned some great shame, and seeks atonement through death. So great do dwarves feel the weight of shame that the only resolution is to seek an honourable death. But for a dwarf not to seek to win in combat would be dishonourable, thus do they seek victory even whilst they seek death. Some dwarves are so skilled (unlucky) that they keep staying alive, but the longer they stay alive the more unhappy and disagreeable they become (for a race already holding a slight disposition towards grumbling). This helps set the foundation for Gotrek. Felix on the other-hand is a man of the Empire, who was an aspiring poet before a mishap in a duel with a fellow college student resulted in his death. Thus expelled from his position, in a fit of drinking he agrees to chronicle the story of Gotrek's demise. But not until the morning does the full depth of what that commitment means sink in, nor is he aware of just how capable a combat Gotrek truly is. Thus most stories for the Gotrek and Felix series involve the battling and (normally) destruction of some quite powerful/dangerous opponent(s). All the while generally learning a little bit more about Gotrek and Felix.



Trollslayer is actually a series of short stories written by William King about the adventures of Gotrek and Felix. Generally based in the lands of the Empire, it has a few very key moments in the overall story that stay with them throughout their adventures. Whilst a collection of short stories, William King (the creator of Gotrek and Felix) brings to life the nature of both adventurers, he lays the foundation which has given birth to over 15 books and a number of short stories/audiobooks. If you want to read Gotrek and Felix, I would almost demand that it be read in order, despite regularly making reference back to previous books (with the exception of the most recent few), there is often critical/important information which would otherwise lessen ones enjoyment if you went back to read them.

Trollslayer: 8/10


Skavenslayer is the second book in the series, and involves unsurprisingly the skaven. Besides them being an appropriate enemy for a dwarf, the skaven antagonist provides an element of humour and introduces Gotreks (often unbeknownst) nemesis, Thanquol. The events of Skavenslayer take place in Nuln (i believe) in the Empire, and introduces the infinitely fickle and varied ways in which the skaven operate. A classic in the Gotrek and Felix series. 

Skavenslayer: 9/10


Daemonslayer is the 3rd book in the 1st omnibus, and personally I'd say it's my favourite. It involves so many elements of dwarf nature that it's hard not to love. The stoicism, the determination, the engineering, the axes, the beards, the value of material wealth over their very lives, and the notion of fighting a battle to the very bitter end for their families and honour. Introduce some daemons (not much of a spoiler their), and more background into Gotrek's history and you have everything you could want in a Gotrek and Felix book. Introduction of a few more important characters for the next few books and you have my personal favourite from the 15+ books available.

Daemonslayer: 10/10

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