Drachenfels

Warhammer Horror

By: Kim Newman

Narrated by: Antonia Beamish

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A Warhammer Horror novel.

Many years ago, the Great Enchanter Drachenfels was defeated by brave adventurers. Now, playwright Detlef Sierck plans a production showing these events - at the site of the necromancer's death. But the dead do not rest easy.

It's the original Warhammer Horror novel. Hailing from the late 1980s, it depicts an early version of the Warhammer world and is packed with spine-chilling moments and memorable characters - there's a reason it's still a dearly loved title 30 years after its original release!

Detlef Sierck, the self-proclaimed greatest playwright in the world, has declared that his next production will be a re-creation of the end of the Great Enchanter Drachenfels - to be staged at the very site of his death, the Fortress of Drachenfels itself. But the castle's dark walls still hide a terrible secret which may make the opening night an evening to remember!

A classic Warhammer novel - 30 years old this year - returns in a brand-new edition under the Warhammer Horror imprint.

It includes a new introduction by the author, the horror legend Kim Newman, whose real name is appearing on the cover for the very first time. Written by Kim Newman, writing as Jack Yeovil.

Narrated by Antonia Beamish.

©2019 Games Workshop Limited (P)2019 Games Workshop Limited

Great fun

Thoroughly enjoyed it, if your a warhammer fantasy fan and want something a bit different give this a go

Don't miss this if you like ttrpgs.

Fantastic fiction, and ideal for inspiring anyone who wants to be a dungeon or game master. The characters are all extremely well written and the plot will doubtless feature as an influence in a dungeons and dragons adventure I put on someday.

Very good

Great story, but I was disappointed with the ending, it all ended so suddenly after such a slow burn buildup. Performance was great.

Rough beginnings, rough endings.

One of the best executed Warhammer novels overall, Drachenfels manages to have compelling moments of actual horror, and a broad cast of entertaining characters. It gives a vision of the Warhammer world that is more dynamic, more alive than the often frozen-in-time appeal of the tabletop, featuring interactions between individuals and "factions" that would be phased out in later editions of the setting, showing the evolution of human pop culture over the Imperial centuries, and overall giving the world a more fluid, natural feel than the rigid strictures of the wargame itself.

That said, this is far from a perfect pulp novel. Most notable, the beginning and ending are rough, downright trainwreck-like in some aspects. The opening goes fast, introducing characters and stakes with little room to breathe, and the ending likewise wraps up at breakneck speeds, making one wonder if they missed something. While not a bad performance, the narration also leaves something to be desired, becoming a bit monotonous at times, and with some underwhelming choices in character voices.

Overall, if you're a Warhammer fan, I'd view this as required reading next to books like Gotrek & Felix, but in the grand scheme of pulp literature it has some unignorable shortcomings.

The Best Standalone Warhammer Book

Next to Gotrek and Felix, this is probably my favorite of the Old World stories I've heard thus far. The atmosphere is moody and intense, and it forgoes the usual focus on constant battles to more deeply develop its characters.

Its also nice to see the author given proper credit this time around. Having a female voice in this universe is something that grimdark storytelling could use more of.

Drachenfels

Pleasantly surprised and well worth the time to listen.
Slightly slow in the early chapters but stay with it. All the characters are very well written.

Best Black Library Audiobook I've listened to.

First off, holy cow is this book gripping. The narration is so on point that I actually had to force myself to stop listening a few times. The amount of information given about Drachenfels is just enough to hook you and is just short enough to want more.

somewhat predictable, but very enjoyable

somewhat predictable but, I can't say that I didn't enjoy it. it does have an issue where there are like 15 different characters and keeping track of them all can be kind of difficult with all their names being... well warhammer-ized. But it's not super important as long as you can track the main few.

Holy crap. Plot twist.

I loved this story. There were times I was almost late to work because I didn't want to leave my car so that I could listen.

Interesting Perspectives & Great Narration

Seeing this from the prospective of a play director and vampire was a very interesting idea. Know that you are watching a production develop and seeing the gruesome depictions throughout; the details were very well written. Chapters are short and easily digestible. Characters are all very diverse and dynamic. The voice work is very very good!