(A Warhammer book)

Black Library, 1999

Review by Paul McNamee

Trollslayer introduces the “death saga” of Gotrek, the Trollslayer dwarf, and his human bard companion, Felix. This book collects stories that appeared earlier in Warhammer magazine(s) (at least from what information I’ve gathered).

The concept of Gotrek and Felix is fun and simple. Gotrek must atone for some unnamed sin in his past. He has become a Trollslayer: a berserker dwarf whose only desire–aside from drinking ale–is to die in a heroic fashion. Felix, having made the worst drunken decision of his life, swore an oath to follow Gotrek and record his death in a saga so that the world will remember the dwarf. Unfortunately for the Trollslayer’s enemies, he is a formidable opponent and is not easily ushered to his doom–no matter how hard he might try. This is, of course, fortunate for the reader–we get more tales; and it is fortunate for Felix, who probably would not survive any hostile situation that was fatal enough to kill the dwarf.

This volume contains the following stories:

Geheimnisnacht

This quick tale deftly introduces us to Gotrek, Felix, and their dark world. Setting out to destroy Chaos cultists, Gotrek and Felix disrupt a sacrifice and find the dark secrets of a small village.

Gotrek and Felix join a caravan through the land of exiles and monsters. A touch of mystery and tragedy add extra depth to this story.

If there is one other thing that will turn Gotrek’s head besides the opportunity of a heroic death, or copious amounts of ale, it is copious amounts of gold. Seeking out and finding the ancient dwarven city of Karak Eight Peaks, Gotrek and Felix align themselves with a party seeking an ancient sword, also rumored to be found in the ruined city. Before they reach the treasure, they must fight through goblins. And when they reach the treasure, rumor speaks of its guardian–the largest and most horrific troll ever to have existed.

This tale works a Moria (from The Fellowship of the Ring)/dungeoning concept into a tale that echoes something even darker and more funerary.

Using the old television action series cliché, “amnesia of the hero” (in this case, Gotrek), King gives us a tale that centers on Felix. Unlike television–where the actor playing the hero is allowed to play someone else for an episode–this tool instead allows King to move away from Gotrek and demonstrate that Felix is a man who can battle on his own when necessary.

This is another strong tale. It delves deeper into the human corruption wrought by the powers of Chaos–as opposed to just killing monsters and cultists. Gotrek and Felix find themselves at the epicenter of a Chaotic incursion while trying to protect a little girl from evil forces.

A short tale that feels a little like a humorous take on the “mad scientist” concept, though the ending clearly reminds the reader that the world of Warhammer is rarely a pleasant place.

King again offers a changeup as Felix adventures in the absence of Gotrek once again. This time around, he finds himself dealing with werewolves, among other enemies.

This collection was a fun romp. While not pure sword-and-sorcery, for a game tie-in this book comes very close to the spirit of pulps. With underground caverns and lightning bolts tossing wizards and multiple magical creatures aside, these stories offer action and adventure in copious amounts. The characters of Gotrek and Felix are instantly likeable, and their camaraderie is strongly established and reflected in King’s writing.

I try to base reviews on the works alone, but I will say the atmosphere of more than one of these stories reminded me of some of Karl Edward Wagner’s Kane stories. And it is some darned good work to take a gaming tie-in concept and raise it to that level of writing.

I really enjoyed these stories. I liked their direct approach; dwarf arrives, dwarf kicks bad-guys’ butts. Yet they never read as formulaic as that might sound. I am eager to seek out more of the Trollslayer series (there are seven books, including Trollslayer, as of this review) and I intend to read them all. If you want a fun and exciting introduction to the world of Warhammer, I would suggest you start with Gotrek and Felix!