WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Welcome to Rob Sanders Speculative Fiction.


-EVENTS-

I will be attending 'Convention Secundus' as a guest on Saturday 14th November at Jurys Inn in Nottingham. Information about the event and tickets are available HERE.

Later in the month I will be attending 'Wales Comic Con' as a guest on Sunday 29th November in Wrexham. Information about the event and tickets are available HERE.



If you would like to learn a little more about Rob Sanders, why not play 'TRUE OR FALSE... WITH ROB SANDERS'? Click HERE.

For more GAMES based upon novels and stories by Rob Sanders, scroll down.



-NEW RELEASES-

In the immediate aftermath of the Word Bearers’ attack on Calth, survivors from both sides were driven into the subterranean arcology shelters by the tortured Veridian star. While their primarch Roboute Guilliman had planned for many seemingly unthinkable eventualities, the Ultramarines now face a new war in the underworld – could Steloc Aethon, renowned captain of ‘the Honoured 19th’ Company, be the one to lead them to ultimate victory over the traitors? Perhaps, if he can master his own bitter desire for vengeance…

THE HONOURED is COMING SOON in Hardback, Ebook, Audio book and AVAILABLE NOW as a 'Betrayal at Calth' Limited Special Edition (with its companion novel, 'The Unburdened' by David Annandale). Click HERE.



-COMING SOON-

After centuries of peace, the Imperium is thrown into panic as human worlds everywhere are menaced by orks. In a relentless tide of slaughter, ork attack moons destroy planet after planet with gravity weapons of unstoppable power. On Terra, the High Lords are paralysed by the scale of the threat, and fail to take any effective action. With entire Space Marine Chapters missing, or known to have been wiped out, does anyone have the will and the power to rise to the Imperium’s defence?

My comic strip THE OBSERVER EFFECT is featured in BOMB SCARES, a new horror comic anthology showcasing a truly frightening array of artists and writers.



-AVAILABLE NOW-


HORUS HERESY FICTION

THE HONOURED
CYBERNETICA
THE SERPENT BENEATH
IRONFIRE
HANDS OF THE EMPEROR
THE HARROWING
IRON WITHIN
DISTANT ECHOES OF OLD NIGHT
A DEEPER DARKNESS
ARMY OF ONE


WARHAMMER 40K FICTION

SKITARIUS
TECH-PRIEST
LEGION OF THE DAMNED
ATLAS INFERNAL
REDEMPTION CORPS
THE DREAD SENTINELS OF DORN
CLADE
THE PATH FORSAKEN
SPIRIT WAR
THE LONG GAMES AT CARCHARIAS
NECESSARY EVIL
SHADOW PLAY
CZEVAK TO THE DARK TOWER CAME
BRING THE NIGHT
THE BLOOD BOUND
FEARFUL SYMMETRIES


WARHAMMER FANTASY

ARCHAON: EVERCHOSEN
ARCHAON: LORD OF CHAOS
EYE OF THE STORM
THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY


A SELECTION OF THE ABOVE TEXTS CAN BE PURCHASED AS AUDIOBOOKS OR IN ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGES. SEE THE SIDE BAR.


Click to play other Games based upon novels and stories by Rob Sanders:

WHICH TRAITOR PRIMARCH ARE YOU?

CLEANSE AND BURN

ANGELS OF DEATH

QUIZPOCALYPSE

XENOS ARTEFACTS

KNOW YOUR TYRANIDS

IMPERIAL NAVY IDENTIFICATION

IRON WARRIORS CONSTRUCTIONS

FIND THE ALPHA LEGION


If comedy is more your thing, check out:

40K GALAXY MAP... SORT OF

THERE IS ONLY WAR COMIC STRIP #1

THERE IS ONLY WAR COMIC STRIP #2

HORUS HERESY WEEKENDER AND ‘WHICH TRAITOR PRIMARCH ARE YOU?’ TAKE THE TEST

OUT NOW

The Horus Heresy novella The Serpent Beneath

_______________________________________________________


I will be at the Horus Heresy Weekender this weekend – Saturday 17th May and Sunday 18th May – and am looking forward to the usual great mix of seminars, signings, evening entertainment and, of course, meeting the wonderful attendees. It promises to be a great event. My schedule for the event is as follows:

Saturday 17th May

11.45am-12.45pm – The Throne Room
‘Seditions Gate’ Seminar – I have a story in the anthology and will be discussing it here.

1.45pm-2.45pm – Hall of Scriveners
4.15pm-5.10pm – Hall of Scriveners
Signing – Very happy to sign copies of Seditions Gate and copies of my novels and anthologies

5.30pm-6.30pm – The Throne Room
‘Meet the Creators’ Seminar – An open seminar session for questions and hopefully answers!

I will also be around during the day and attending the evening entertainment for a chat.

Sunday 18th May

12.30pm-1.30pm – The Throne Room
‘After Istvaan’ Seminar – A discussion on What is next for the legions that emerged from the Dropsite Massacre?

2.30pm-3.15pm – The Hall of Scriveners
Signing – Very happy to sign copies of Seditions Gate and copies of my novels and anthologies

I will also be around during the day for a chat.

See you there!

In celebration of all things Horus Heresy – for both attendees and those blog visitors (remember that you can join me on Facebook and / or Twitter on the side bar on the right) – I have created a ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ test for you. Simply answer the questions below, tot up your score and discover which of the nine traitor primarchs you are. Good luck!



1.) What is your favourite colour?


Black, always black. SCORE 8 POINTS

Red… Red! SCORE 9 POINTS

Whatever fashion dictates. SCORE 4 POINTS

Green. SCORE 5 POINTS

Colours undreamed of. SCORE 2 POINTS

A god-pleasing gold. SCORE 1 POINT

Yellow… Black… Yellow… Black… Perhaps something in a stripe. SCORE 6 POINTS

Who cares for what you can’t see? SCORE 7 POINTS

Your true colours. SCORE 3 POINTS



2.) What was your early life like?


A toxic combination of cruelty and injustice. SCORE 5 POINTS

A nightmarish existence of shadow and survival. SCORE 7 POINTS

Enlightening. SCORE 2 POINTS

Violent and treacherous – gang loyalty was everything. SCORE 8 POINTS

Devout. SCORE 1 POINT

Uptight and untrusting. SCORE 6 POINTS

Brutal – I sold my skills short for the amusement of others. SCORE 9 POINTS

Satisfying – I brought my world back from the brink. SCORE 4 POINTS

The less said about that the better. SCORE 3 POINTS



3.) What would be your weapon of choice?


Poisonous gas. SCORE 5 POINTS

Faith. SCORE 1 POINT

Whatever does the job. SCORE 9 POINTS

The dread of mine enemy. SCORE 7 POINTS

My brother primarchs. SCORE 8 POINTS

Knowledge. SCORE 2 POINTS

A fine blade. SCORE 4 POINTS

A hammer – both tool and weapon of choice. SCORE 6 POINTS

I couldn’t possibly select just one. SCORE 3 POINTS



4.) What is the most important quality in a legionary son?


The will to endure. SCORE 5 POINTS

Excessive force. SCORE 7 POINTS

Pride in their accomplishments. SCORE 4 POINTS

A total disregard for their own or their enemy’s safety. SCORE 9 POINTS

Confidence. SCORE 8 POINTS

Extensive preparation. SCORE 3 POINTS

An open mind. SCORE 2 POINTS

A dedication to something more than himself. SCORE 1 POINT

To yield not. SCORE 6 POINTS



5) You are issued with a master-crafted bolt gun. What do you do with it?


You have little need for it, having greater destructive powers at your disposal. SCORE 2 POINTS

Secure a tactically weak approach to your position with it. SCORE 6 POINTS

Look on it with disdain – you could have crafted better. SCORE 4 POINTS

Wing an enemy with it – you need them alive. SCORE 3 POINTS

Consecrate it. SCORE 1 POINT

Execute an innocent with extreme prejudice. SCORE 7 POINTS

Lay down suppressive fire before an indomitable advance. SCORE 5 POINTS

Make a gift of it to a valued brother. SCORE 8 POINTS

Bludgeon an enemy to death with it. SCORE 9 POINTS



6.) The Dark Mechanicus deliver a warship to be used by your legion. What do you call it?


The Zeta. SCORE 3 POINTS

The Dawnstalker. SCORE 7 POINTS

The Unbreakable. SCORE 6 POINTS

The Infidius. SCORE 1 POINT

The Sektep. SCORE 2 POINTS

The Quietus. SCORE 5 POINTS

The Rapture. SCORE 4 POINTS

The Merciless. SCORE 9 POINTS

The Magna Tyrannis. SCORE 8 POINTS



7.) Early in your relationship, Roboute Guilliman insults you. What do you do?


Promise him Death… SCORE 5 POINTS

Punish his sons for their father’s transgression. SCORE 1 POINTS

Challenge him to a duel. SCORE 4 POINTS

Scold his soul with the power of the warp. SCORE 2 POINTS

Lose it - right there and then. SCORE 7 POINTS

Bide your time - Guilliman will learn of your worth when he least expects it. SCORE 3 POINTS

Grow increasingly cold and bitter towards your brother. SCORE 6 POINTS

Nothing. You are above such trifles. SCORE 8 POINTS

Feed him his own entrails. SCORE 9 POINTS



8.) What is your opinion of the Emperor?


He is a liar. SCORE 1 POINT

I never really knew him. SCORE 3 POINTS

He is a tyrant - like other tyrants, intoxicated with his own power. SCORE 5 POINTS

The glories of his empire will be surpassed. SCORE 4 POINTS

He is unworthy. SCORE 8 POINTS

He’s a fool - fortifying Terra should have been my honour. SCORE 6 POINTS

He will pay for his betrayal in blood. SCORE 9 POINTS

My darkness is beyond his light. SCORE 7 POINTS

He is misguided. SCORE 2 POINTS



9.) How would you attack Terra?


I would slaughter my father’s defenders to the last man. SCORE 9 POINTS

With durability – in the end only one side will emerge the victor. 5 POINTS

In the company of daemons. SCORE 1 POINT

Primarchs’ eyes only. SCORE 3 POINTS

With ease – Dorn’s defences are no match for my skill. SCORE 6 POINTS

The Terrans would come to know the true meaning of terror. SCORE 7 POINTS

By unleashing the depravities of my sons on the population. SCORE 4 POINTS

With all the knowledge and power at my disposal. SCORE 2 POINTS

With numerous allies. SCORE 8 POINTS



10.) Use one word to describe yourself.


Unrivalled. SCORE 4 POINTS

Volatile. SCORE 7 POINTS

Cold. SCORE 6 POINTS

Powerful. SCORE 2 POINTS

Driven. SCORE 8 POINTS

Unknowable. SCORE 3 POINTS

Lethal. SCORE 9 POINTS

Faithful. SCORE 1 POINT

Indomitable. SCORE 5 POINTS




Now add up your score and click on the appropriate link below to find out which traitor primarch you are.

10-16 POINTS

17-25 POINTS

26-35 POINTS

36-45 POINTS

46-55 POINTS

56-64 POINTS

65-74 POINTS

75-83 POINTS

84-90 POINTS


For more fun and games from Rob Sanders Speculative Fiction CLICK HERE

_______________________________________________________


' “There seems little point in introductions,” Omegon said. “We all know who we are.”
Auguramus seemed vaguely amused.
“I thought you all called yourselves ‘Alpharius’,”he said, his microvox held to his throat.
“Times change,” Omegon replied coldly. '

The Serpent Beneath

You got... ANGRON, THE RED ANGEL!

OUT NOW

The novel THE LEGION OF THE DAMNED

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got ANGRON! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You got... HORUS LUPERCAL!

OUT NOW

The novel ARCHAON: EVERCHOSEN

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got HORUS LUPERCAL! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You got... KONRAD CURZE, THE NIGHT HAUNTER!

OUT NOW

The short story THE IRON WITHIN

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got KONRAD CURZE! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You are... PERTURABO!

OUT NOW

The short story HANDS OF THE EMPEROR in 'The Imperial Truth'

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got PERTURABO! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You are... MORTARION THE DEATH LORD!

OUT NOW

The short story A DEEPER DARKNESS in 'MARK OF CALTH'

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got MORTARION! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You are... FULGRIM THE PHOENICIAN!

OUT NOW

The short story ARMY OF ONE.

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got FULGRIM! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You are... ALPHARIUS or OMEGON!

OUT NOW

The short story DISTANT ECHOES OF OLD NIGHT.

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got ALPHARIUS OMEGON! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You are... MAGNUS THE RED!

OUT NOW

The novel ATLAS INFERNAL

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below.

I got MAGNUS THE RED! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

You are... LORGAR AURELIAN!

OUT NOW

The short story SPIRIT WAR.

_______________________________________________________

Why not share the fun? SHARING on Facebook or RETWEETing on Twitter should do the trick. You could, of course, cut and paste the lines below. Thanks for playing.

I got LORGAR AURELIAN! ‘Which Traitor Primarch Are You?’ Take the Test.
http://rob-sanders.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/horus-heresy-weekender-and-which.html

QUIZPOCALYPSE AND 'AFTER THE FALL' LAUNCH

OUT NOW

The short story HYPERION in AFTER THE FALL.

_______________________________________________________

Just a reminder that I will be attending the 'After the Fall' Book Launch at the Derby Film Festival on Thursday 15th May at 7pm. I will be doing a reading, there should be some discussion and I’ll be very happy to sign copies of ‘After the Fall’. My short story 'Hyperion' features in the anthology, set in a future after the failure of technology. ‘After the Fall’ will be available to buy at the event and pre-orders are available from Boo Books now. Check it out HERE.

After the Fall
Technology has changed the world around us over the last century, and promises even more great things for the future. But what does that future look like without the marvels of the machine age? After the fall of technology, what lies ahead for humanity?

Featuring a new story from Adam Roberts, plus tales from Allen Ashley, Mike Chinn, Caren Gussoff, Amelia Mangan, Stephen Palmer, Rob Sanders and many more.

You can find out more about Book Books HERE.

The Derby Film Festival is in full swing, featuring film screenings, previews and discussions with fantastic actors like John Hurt and Phil Daniels. Following the ‘After the Fall’ launch event is a screening of George Miller’s ‘The Road Warrior’. For the full schedule of events click HERE.

I look forward to seeing you there. In the meantime, why don’t you have a go at my Quizpocalypse below and see if popular culture has fully equipped you for the end of the world.

Section 1: Literature


What post-apocalyptic novel won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction?

A) The Passage
B) The Bridge
C) The Crossing
D) The Road


In the comic book series The Walking Dead, where is Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes from?

A) Nebraska
B) Georgia
C) Alabama
D) Kentucky


What is the name of the apocalyptic 1954 horror fiction novel by Richard Matheson in which Dr. Robert Neville battles a pandemic of vampirism in Los Angeles?

A) I am Legend
B) The Last Man on Earth
C) I am Omega
D) The Omega Man


In the apocalyptic horror novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War what nationality is the pandemic’s ‘Patient Zero’?

A) South African
B) Chinese
C) Palestinian
D) North Korean


The novel The Last Man is considered to be the first work of modern apocalyptic fiction, published in 1826. Which author wrote The Last Man?

A) HG Wells
B) Mary Shelley
C) Jules Verne
D) Edgar Allan Poe


Section 2: Gaming


In the survival horror video game The Last of Us, what is responsible for the cannibalistic symptoms that ravage the population of the U.S. ?

A) A virus
B) A fungus
C) A parasite
D) A neurotoxin


In the video game Fallout 3, what is the name of the armoured, quasi-religious organization operating across the ruins of post-war North America?

A) The Sentinels
B) The Iron Guard
C) The Catapharacts
D) The Brotherhood of Steel


Which of the following is not a playable character in the apocalyptic zombie game Left 4 Dead?

A) Francis - a biker
B) Vicky – a paramedic
C) Louis - an IT analyst
D) Bill – a Vietnam veteran


In the post-apocalyptic video game Rage, what is responsible for decimating the Earth?

A) An asteroid
B) An extra-terrestrial virus
C) A comet
D) A mutant strain of flu


What iconic video game simulates nuclear war between the United States and Russia and addresses the player “Greetings Professor Falken… Shall we play a game?”

A) WarGames
B) Missile Command
C) End of Earth
D) Ground Zero


Section 3: Cinema


What post-apocalyptic film was originally inspired by the 1962 French film La Jetee?

A) The Matrix
B) Zardoz
C) Night of the Comet
D) 12 Monkeys


At what age are denizens of the domed city executed in the film Logan’s Run?

A) 31
B) 35
C) 30
D) 29


Who or what is hunting the survivors in the 2011 film The Day?

A) Cannibals
B) Vampires
C) Zombies
D) Mutants


Which of the following is a catchphrase spoken by the T800 - Model 101 Terminator?

A) “You’re terminated, fucker”
B) “There's 215 bones in the human body. That's one.”
C) “Have you seen this boy?”
D) “Come with me if you want to live”


What is the tanker driven by Max Rockatansky carrying in The Road Warrior?

A) Petrol
B) Water
C) Sand
D) Nitro-glycerine

Click HERE for the answers and your rating.

_______________________________________________________


' "?" I put to the chanter. Seem not poss. '

Hyperion in After the Fall.

QUIZPOCALYPSE - The Answers

OUT NOW

_______________________________________________________



ANSWERS



Literature


What post-apocalyptic novel won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction?

D) The Road


In the comic book series The Walking Dead, where is Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes from?

D) Kentucky


What is the name of the apocalyptic 1954 horror fiction novel by Richard Matheson in which Dr. Robert Neville battles a pandemic of vampirism in Los Angeles?

A) I am Legend


In the apocalyptic horror novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War what nationality is the pandemic’s ‘Patient Zero’?

B) Chinese


The novel The Last Man is considered to be the first work of modern apocalyptic fiction, published in 1826. Which author wrote The Last Man?

B) Mary Shelley



Gaming


In the survival horror video game The Last of Us, what is responsible for the cannibalistic symptoms that ravage the population of the U.S. ?

B) A fungus



In the video game Fallout 3, what is the name of the armoured, quasi-religious organization operating across the ruins of post-war North America?

D) The Brotherhood of Steel


Which of the following is not a playable character in the apocalyptic zombie game Left 4 Dead?

B) Vicky – a paramedic



In the post-apocalyptic video game Rage, what is responsible for decimating the Earth?

A) An asteroid



What iconic video game simulates nuclear war between the United States and Russia and addresses the player “Greetings Professor Falken… Shall we play a game?”

A) WarGames



Cinema


What post-apocalyptic film was originally inspired by the 1962 French film La Jetee?

D) 12 Monkeys


At what age are denizens of the domed city executed in the film Logan’s Run?

C) 30



Who or what is hunting the survivors in the 2011 film The Day?

A) Cannibals


Which of the following is a catchphrase spoken by the T800 - Model 101 Terminator?

D) “Come with me if you want to live”


What is the tanker driven by Max Rockatansky carrying in The Road Warrior?

C) Sand




How many did you get?



0-5 DEAD MEAT

You've learned little about the coming apocalypse from popular culture and are therefore equipped with few of the strategies for survival such books, films and games simulate. If you are lucky you'll go out in the first cataclysmic wave because you are not built for life at the end of the world!


6-10 SURVIVOR

You've seen enough of the apocalypse on pages and screens to give you a fighting chance at the end of the world. Finding shelter, food, water and weapons in the early days of Armageddon shouldn't be too much of a stretch for you - especially if you gather in like-minded groups. Long term, however, do you really have what it takes to endure in a life after this one?


11-15 ROAD WARRIOR

The apocalypse? What apocalypse? This is what you've been waiting for your whole life. No scrabbling around in the dust and starving for you. No gathering in groups for sustenance and safety. Grab your leathers, saw off your shotgun and appropriate an abandoned sports car. You own the end of the world!

For more fun, check out the GAMES tab above.

_______________________________________________________


' “What do you want?” Lutzenschlager said.
“What all men want,” the templar told him. “Answers.” ‘
Archaon: Everchosen

Book Launch at the Derby Film Festival

I'm very happy to say that I will be attending the 'After the Fall' Book Launch at the Derby Film Festival on Thursday 15th May at 7pm. It promises to be an evening of readings, panel discussions and signings. My short story 'Hyperion' features in the anthology, set in a future after the failure of technology. Pre-orders for 'After the Fall' are available from Boo Books now. Check it out HERE.

After the Fall
Technology has changed the world around us over the last century, and promises even more great things for the future. But what does that future look like without the marvels of the machine age? After the fall of technology, what lies ahead for humanity?

Featuring a new story from Adam Roberts, plus tales from Allen Ashley, Mike Chinn, Caren Gussoff, Amelia Mangan, Stephen Palmer, Rob Sanders and many more.

You can find out more about Book Books HERE.

The Derby Film Festival takes place from May 9th - 18th and will feature film screenings, previews and discussions with fantastic actors like John Hurt and Phil Daniels. Going along with the dystopian theme and science-fiction setting of 'After the Fall', my selections from the festival would be 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' with John Hurt, Michael Crichton's 'Westworld' and George Miller's 'The Road Warrior'. For the full schedule of events click HERE.

I look forward to seeing you there.

And A Good Time Was Had By All

Well, just recovering after the fantastic event that was Black Library Live! 2012. The best year so far, by my reckoning. Here are a few things that I really enjoyed – in no particular order:


-The smooth operation of the entire event. Hats off and deep thanks to all the Black Library crew who ensured that everything ran like clockwork.

-Meeting so many people and signing so many books. It’s a personal best for me. I really loved talking to everyone on the day. Thanks for asking me to add a few more words in the front of your books! Such a fantastic group of people – interesting, passionate about their reading and an absolute pleasure to meet.

-The Seminars: I enjoyed these a great deal. All three were really interesting and benefitted from a wealth of great questions from the audience. I hope I was even half as interesting back! Would do these again in a heartbeat!

- Spending time with the Black Library authors and artists. Always a pleasure. We should meet up more often. A big ‘Nice to see you again’ to Sarah Cawkwell, Graham McNeill, Gav Thorpe, Nick Kyme, Christian Dunn, Andy Smillie, William King, Josh Reynolds, John French, Andy Chambers and Neil Roberts.

-Work is always a pleasure and never a chore at BL and so between signings and seminars it was great crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s with Laurie Goulding and Graeme Lyon on a few projects.

-Meeting both new and old friends in the bar afterwards! I had a great time shooting the breeze with the people that make Black Library Live really come to life. I enjoyed meeting all of you! Particular shout outs go to some of the Bolt Hole crew: Xisor, Squiggle and Schaferwhat‽ (with whom I put the world to rights over a pint of Bugmans), Narrativium and Shadowhawk (who does not let oceans and continents come between him and an excellent event!). Internet monikers have been used to protect the innocent. I also shouldn’t forget Phil ‘You didn’t forget me’ Thorogood. Don’t worry, Phil – you are unforgettable. There were others – but I can’t put all the monikers to faces – but know that I enjoyed meeting you too! Oh yes – Reds8n, thanks for the Dakka-dice! When asked to do something, I can genuinely no longer say, ‘No dice...’ If I've missed anyone out - feel free to embarrass me in the Comments. I really wish I could have spent more time with those that came to the event. I look forward to next time!


Well, it’s now back to work for me. The keyboard is calling and I have a bunch of cool new projects to get into.

Black Library Live! 2012... Bring It!

I am really excited about Black Library Live! 2012. For those who aren't aware, Black Library Live! is an annual event celebrating Black Library novels and their authors. It's in its fourth successful year and Black Library Live! 2012 takes place on Saturday 3rd March at Warhammer World in Nottingham. A range of Black Library authors, artists and editors will be in attendance - as indicated below. I'm looking forward to seeing the noble ranks of the Black Library loyal readership - who are always a joy to meet - and perhaps signing some books while I'm at it. I have several signing sessions during the day and will, of course, be jazzed to sign any of my novels, anthologies or limited releases. My two most recent books, my Space Marine Battles novel Legion of the Damned and the Horus Heresy novella anthology The Primarchs will both be available to buy months earlier than their print release date. You're welcome to bring them along and shoot the breeze while I scribble away.



I'm also fortunate enough to have been invited to sit on the panels of three different seminars during the day. These are indicated below and if you attend I'll try my best to answer questions and not ruin the Warhammer universes for you. I look forward to seeing you.

Black Library Live! 2012 Schedule

Celebrations and Appellations

Happy Birthday, Warhammer! Indeed, Warhammer has reached the grand old age of 25 – which isn’t half bad for a gaming and fiction milieu. It can now legally drink, smoke, drive, impregnate another fantastical universe and marry without our consent (but hopefully not in that order). Past and present devotees are celebrating in different ways. Parent company Games Workshop, for example, held a huge party across its hobby centres – staging timed tabletop battles, painting competitions and releasing limited edition miniatures to mark the occasion.

Warhammer has brought me a great deal of entertainments and enjoyment – both as gamer and author – over those 25 years. I was fortunate enough to spend the celebrations at Warhammer World in Nottingham, where I was signing copies of Legion of the Damned and The Primarchs for eager readers. I was in good company. My Black Library colleagues Graham McNeill and Andy Smillie were also in attendance, signing copies of Iron Warriors: The Omnibus and Gotrek and Felix: The Anthology, respectively. The blogs of both authors can be found on the side bar.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the people who bought and brought books for me to sign. It was brilliant to meet you and chat. Particular highlights for me were an opportunity to sign my entire back catalogue - short stories, limited editions and all - and the opportunity to see fantastic miniature renditions of Bronislaw Czevak and his Inquisitorial retinue from Atlas Infernal, created by one of the competing gaming groups. (Guys – if you are reading this, the photo I took with my iphone is terrible and doesn’t do your work justice, so I won’t post it yet. If you can contact me through the blog and send me another, I’d really appreciate it, because I was seriously impressed!) I’d also like to say thank you to Eddie at GW for all the organising. Cheers!

Signed in Blood

I will be signing copies of my new Space Marine Battles novel Legion of the Damned at the Black Library stand during the 'Warhammer 40,000 Doubles Event' in Warhammer World on Saturday 25th February (this weekend, for people like me who try to live their lives without a calendar). I will be there from midday, so feel free to drop by. See you there! The fantastic Graham McNeill will also be signing copies of Iron Warriors: The Omnibus and pre-release copies of his new audio drama, Eye of Vengeance.

I am also looking forward to meeting people at Black Library Live! 2012, that takes place on Saturday 3rd March – more of that later. Also, don’t forget the newest of Black Library’s events – the Black Library Weekender 2012, which takes place on Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of November at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel. Check out the website for further details and to purchase tickets for this great new event.

I am reliably informed that I can’t actually sign books in blood – mine, your own or your enemy’s – at the above events. Something about Health and Safety regulations...Who knew?

The Primarchs

I’m really happy to announce my inclusion in the Black Library anthology called The Primarchs. This is really exciting for me, since The Primarchs belongs to the New York Time Bestselling Horus Heresy series. My last contribution to the series was my short story The Iron Within. The Iron Within, as my first foray into the Heresy universe, was very well received and can be read either here as a short story ebook or as part of the Age of Darkness anthology. If listening is your thing then you can listen to The Iron Within here as an audio short, read by the excellent Jonathan Keeble. I really enjoyed the setting and the new possibilities that writing in the Horus Heresy era offered.

I share the pages of The Primarchs with three other great Black Library authors: Gav Thorpe, Nick Kyme and Graham McNeill. Each of these writers has announced their novellas – which you can check out on their blogs, the links to which are situated on the side bar. My novella is called The Serpent Beneath and focuses on the involvement of the twin primarchs Alpharius and Omegon in the unfolding Heresy. I have a real passion for the Alpha Legion and have enjoyed their entries in the series so far. I have written about the Legion in the 40K setting and particularly appreciate their modus operandi. The blurb for the anthology reads as follows:

“Created in the Emperor’s own image, the primarchs had long thought themselves to be princes of the universe and masters of their own destiny – they led the Space Marine Legions in glorious conquest of the galaxy, and no enemy of the Imperium could stand against them. However, even amongst this legendary brotherhood, the seeds of dissent had been sown long before the treacherous Warmaster Horus declared his grand heresy. Gathered within this anthology are four novellas focusing on some of the mightiest warriors and leaders that mankind has ever known – Fulgrim, Lion El’Johnson, Ferrus Manus and the twin primarchs Alpharius and Omegon – and the roles that they may have yet to play in a war which threatens to change the face of the Imperium forever.”

The Primarchs is available from June and can be bought directly from the Black Library website here but if you are attending the 'Black Library Live! 2012' Event in Nottingham on March 3rd then you will be able to pick up a copy a full three months early!

Black Library Live 2010

A big thank you to all those who attended Black Library Live. It was a fantastic event. I really enjoyed meeting the BL fanbase and watching those advance copies of Redemption Corps sail off the shelves. A big thank you to Nick, Lindsey and George for organising and Mark for his help on the day. It was great to meet luminaries like Dan and Graham and I especially appreciated spending time with authors Mitchel Scanlon and Richard Williams, who both have stories in the forthcoming anthology 'Legends of the Space Marines'.