Salamander and Thunder from Fenris are in!

It's been a busy week for me this week, as I've been inputting the editorial changes to both Salamander and my forthcoming audio story Thunder from Fenris.

I am now very pleased to report that I've literally just finished the last of the edits for Salamander, and I'll be submitting this tomorrow morning for the next stage in the process. I'll probably (hopefully) not see it again until the proofreading stage, when I get a final check before it goes off to the printers. All exciting stuff.

As mentioned, I've also now completed the slight reworks needed on Thunder from Fenris, a brand new Space Wolf audio. At 10,000 words (ish), it was a bit easier of a beast to tame than Salamander, but a great and challenging project to work on all the same. I'm very much looking forward to hearing it acted out at the recording session in London on May 11th. It'll be weird, I'm sure, but also very cool.

I understand, Toby Longworth, who did some absoultely sterling work on James Swallow's excellent Heart of Rage (if you haven't already, go and get it - it's ace. That's if it's released yet...), so I can't wait to see what the actor will do with all those pseudo-Viking/Nordic characters. Skoll!

Next up, my editor has me working on the sequels to Salamander (books two and three in the Tome of Fire trilogy - tentatively titled Firedrake and Fireborn respectively). As I've been making copious notes on the next two books, and, as divulged at BL Live, already have the basic story arc down, this shouldn't be too arduous. I'm actually looking forward committing the character arcs to paper and sort of crystallising my note-appended thoughts in full.

Though these two novels won't be out for a long while, and I've got at least one other novel in between, it's good to establish the overall plotline early on and get it approved, so that when I'm ready to get stuck back in to the Salamanders again, I can do so without pause.

In fact, next on the list of actual writing is a short story called 'Hell Night' for Legends of the Space Marines, which features some of the heroes from Salamander and 'Fires of War'. Beyond that, I'm reluctant to speak of in any detail. Suffice it to say, there's another short and an Empire army novel.

Busy, busy, busy!

BLTV interview with Graham McNeill

Greetings folks,

The latest episode of Black Library TV went up on the BL blog today. It features yours truly chatting with Graham McNeill and being interviewed by the intrepid BLTV reporters.

You can access the interview here.

Or, alternatively, you can head over to the Black Library website (see the 'links' page) and click on the latest blog entry to find it.

It was shot a few weeks ago, so I have no finished Salamander (obviously), despite what I might say in the interview. There's lots in there from both Graham and I about writing books and the differences between writing for 40K and Warhammer Fantasy.

There's little more to say, except I hope you enjoy the interview.

Gotham City - the third Batman movie?

I was trawling through Google image and came across this mightily impressive fan poster for a potential third Batman movie (not counting the predecessors of the 80's-90's).

Got to say, it looks awesome and had me fooled for a second or two. 'Gotham City' is actually quite a cool title, as well.

It depicts actress Christen Bell (the eponymous heroine of Veronica Mars and Elle in Heroes seasons 2 & 3) in a Harley Quinn costume, evidently styled on the Christopher Nolan world of the Dark Knight.

This is top work. Fan art for sure, but it looks great. How cool would it be to see a poster like this?

I was pretty miffed, after much web speculation and the like, that the character of Harley Quinn didn't feature in the Dark Knight (who waited until the end like me for those last credits to roll, hoping, hoping...). There was much talk about Sarah Jane Dunn (of Hollyoaks fame, rather dubiously/incongruously) but it all amounted to little more than a half audible cameo as Moroni's girlfriend (boo!).

With that disappointment aside, I still hanker for an appearance by Harley (although with Heath Ledger's tragic death, I'm not certain if that's going to happen - you can't have Harley without the Joker, and it'll be a very tough order to replace Heath who was simply excellent in that role). Running down the list of potential Harley Quinns in my head, Britney Murphy's name tends to surface at the top. It must be the big eyes and the slight edginess to her performances that do it for me. Saying that, Christen Bell would be a great choice, and not someone I had considered previously.

Here's hoping that Harley does make an appearance in the next movie. Who can say, though...

Updated website is coming...

I was surprised to discover that Nickkyme.com has been around for a couple of years now (there or thereabouts) and whilst I love the site and it's been a kind mistress over the prevailing months, I thought it was time for a spruce up and a change.

Therefore, on May 13th the website will be changing. All the blogs will remain as they are, you'll have access to published works (with expanded details and occasional excerpts) as you have now and all the usual material will still exist.

The format is changing a bit, with the blog up front. As most people come to the site to look at that, I figured it made sense to do that.

I'm making the switch from retro black to clean and contemporary white, with a greyish text colour for ease of reading. Expect to see updated published works (including Salamander, Heroes of the Space Marines, the new Space Wolf audio and possibly a couple of other projects...). In addition to the usual features, there'll be a prominent events diary where I'll put in signings, BL sponsored conventions and so on, plus any dates for cool releases I'm looking forward to (games, movies that kind of thing).

By way of a window into my world, I'll be updating a regular 'What's Nick doing right now' kind of list, including any games I'm playing, books I'm reading (and writing, incidentally, together with progress bar - but that's a separate app), movies & TV I'm watching and so on.

So what else is new? A Nick likes section will allow you to go to old blog posts at the click of an image. Should something in this auto-refreshing sidebar catch your eye you can go straight to the post where I'm banging on about it.

The blog will work as before with ample opportunity for comments etc, so I'll still be engaging with a little back and forth banter should the opportunity arise.

Okay, I think that's about it.

Remember, May 13th.

I'll be counting down from now with occasional reminders.

Bane and Harley Quinn in Arkham Asylum

Colour me excited: I've just watched the two teaser videos on IGN disclosing the appearance of both Bane and Harley Quinn in the forthcoming Batman: Arkham Asylum game.

They were short snips but showed off the Rogues at their best (or should that be worst?): Bane all grunt and muscle, busting down walls and throwing the Dark Knight around like a chew toy; and Quinn full of quips, acrobats and scarcely-veiled sugar-sweet menace - loved it!

Both characters have a slightly revamped look in the game that really gels with the hard metal and oppressive rust-dark milieu of Arkham; Harley Quinn more so than Bane, who maintains his wrestler's garb and trademark mask, albeit with a hefty rack of pipes and machinery in lieu of his usually slighter venom-injector. Quinn is sporting bodice, knee-high boots and leather, opposed to her cutesy pseudo-clownish attire. It totally works (the new look is even acknowledge during character dialogue, which was a nice touch), and, as mentioned, is in keeping with the game's tone, whilst still maintaining all the essential elements of Harley Quinn.


I'm being cautiously optimistic about this game and am warming up my 360/clearing my schedule for late June so I can have a good session playing it (providing the reviews don't totally stink). As a huge Batman fan, there's been little to cheer about, games-wise, for the Dark Knight with a succession of fairly dreary, un-atmospheric and uncharacteristic efforts churned out over the years.


True, Lego Batman was a nice distraction (though, easily the weakest of the awesome Traveller's Tales movie tie-in efforts, including also Indiana Jones and Star Wars), but it's not real Batman, now is it. Fun, but without the atmosphere we true Dark Knight fans really crave.

Arkham Asylum has it all going for it, at least it would seem that way: cool setting (doesn't get much better or more Batman lore-centric than the asylum), a stunning voice cast (most of which seem to hail from the superb Bruce Timm animated series - I wonder if Andrea Romano is responsible for the voice direction?) including, most pointedly, Mark Hamill as the Joker and Kevin Conroy as Batman; could've sworn I heard Arleen Sorkin reprising her role as Harley Quinn, too - it was like coming home.


The graphics and overall tone looks very gritty with the gameplay relying on stealth as well as thug battery.

Earlier trailers suggest that you get to play some chapters outside of the asylum grounds, bat-lining around crumbling towers to get to otherwise inaccessible areas of Arkham - nice. It also appears that rescuing Jim Gordon is part of the mission brief, as well as apprehending the rampant Joker, of course.

I'm very intrigued to learn what other Rogue's Gallery arch-criminals will be appearing in the game. Killer Croc also features, but after that I'm drawing blanks - here's hoping it's a lot.


My fingers are firmly crossed that the game will be a winner. I'll be adding it to my wish list along with Ghostbusters methinks.

Better get clearing a space in my calendar right now...

Hail Russ and the Wolves of Fenris!

Something of an exclusive (unless you count Christian Dunn's slip at Black Library Live), following the successful completion of Salamander (editor's notes to come withstanding - fingers crossed it'll be feedback light...), I've commenced work on my next project - an audio story featuring the Space Wolves!

This afternoon I finished the first draft of the 10,000 word short story that'll be made into an audio book.

I can't say much more than that, or the overlords at BL will have my hide. So not wishing to scoop my bosses, I'll keep schtum.

The recording date is set for early May and I'm very much looking forward to the experience, having attended recordings for all three of the previous audio books, albeit as an editor and not an author.

This was new ground for me, both in terms of the Space Wolves (quick disclaimer/caveat - I am NOT planning on writing any Space Wolf novels - I'll leave that to others to fulfill) and the audio book format.

In terms of construction, I wrote the piece as a 10,000 word short story, just with an eye on keeping the pace fast and the sentence structure clean. I find that a good rule of thumb to keep things flowing (and conducive to a performed, rather than read, medium) is to watch the sub-clauses and descriptors. Don't over do them. Keep sentences clipped. Keep it short, to the point. Make it easier for the actor.

It's a good idea to limit the number of characters, therefore the number of voices any given actor must adopt. Too many will put unnecessary strain on the performance.

I found it a useful exercise to pare down my already clipped style (not that it reads in a syncopated fashion or anything; I've kept it rich and detailed, but the story nice and simple with plenty of action and some neat twists - suffice to say, it rattles along well and at speed) - I've been told this is 'terse and economic' by publishers and agents in the past; I take that as a compliment - it's perfect for audio scripts.

Certainly, I've enjoyed the challenge and the change in tone immensely. I'll be returning to my beloved Salamanders soon, though - in fact, I've got another short story in the works with the Fire-born. More on that at a later date.

So, that's about it on the audio. The first draft is complete and I'll be handing it in tomorrow. That means the audio is imminent, but as BL haven't announced, I'd feel a little cheeky doing that here. It's soon (sooner than you think) and also has a title. You'll learn that soon too.

I might do a later post about the differences writing Space Wolves and Salamanders, and how that alters the narrative themes and flow.

Until then, stayed tuned for more about the audio (probably a title, release date, actor and some content information when it's appropriate to divulge it).

Arrrroooooooooo!

(Don't laugh, that's my best howl - the Space Wolves in the story do it much better; lucky I'm not reading it, hey?)

On the Fringe of Mentalism

Two shows have grabbed my attention of late. One of them is no big surprise, it's Fringe and it's been around for a while now - almost nearing its first season finale in fact.

I'll tackle this one first. A J.J. Abrams project (the man responsible for Alias, Lost and, in the movie-world Cloverfield and the new Star Trek), a sort of spiritual successor to the X-Files for a new generation, Fringe was of those shows that had the misfortune of attracting masses of hype (mainly thanks to the cultural phenomenon that is Lost) and then receiving a lukewarm reception when it didn't really live up to it.

Impossible really, if you ask me. And I'll confess, I was in agreement.

I found the central character Olivia Dunham (played by Anna Torv) to be cold and unlikeable. As for Joshua Jackson, taking on the role of Peter Bishop, well, I wasn't really sure where he fitted in. Sort of a surplus to requirements character in many ways, save for providing a route to his infinitely more entertaining father, Walter, played by the excellent John Noble, aka Denethor from The Return of the King.


I think, initially at least, John Noble saved this show. Arguably the darkest and most deviant of all the characters, Walter Bishop was also easily the most likable and watchable. That fact still remains, but following it's season break, now well into the final few furlongs, the others are catching up.

Olivia's relationship where he loser sister and her daughter feels a little crowbarred - possibly intended to give the FBI agent some warmth due to her constant cold snap, but I find the tortured 'psychic relationship/connection' with her former lover (now dead; sort of) John Scott to be much more emotive and interesting.

It's here that she ceases to be a cold fish and gets some heart. Her feelings seem genuine and offer a new dimension to her somewhat two-dimensional portrayal. Bizarrely, in her interactions with Peter, Olivia sometimes comes across as slightly coy and childish - when juxtaposed against her tough-girl image she projects whilst dealing with colleagues, it's an intriguing, if slightly incongruous, mix.

As I've already said, Walter Bishop is still by far my favourite character. He gets all the best lines, never had to compromise and is infinitely endearing, despite his dubious experimental practices and dangerous recreational drug usage.

It's a testament to the quality of the writing in this show (which has more than its fair share of surprises, but is thankfully less obscure and annoying than Lost can be sometimes) that Walter, as its true lynch pin, is so successful.

As the episodes build from one week to the next, case by bizarre case (wholly redolent of the X-Files but without all of that tedious 'Are aliens real?' bs), the meta-narrative builds too and layers are added to the core story strands of the Advancement of Science Destruction theorists and the shady organisation of Massive Dynamic.

It's far-fetched, Fringe doesn't claim to be anything else, but compelling too. There's an ingenuity about the plot that although convoluted and twisting offers answers on enough of a regular basis to keep things from getting frustrating.

I had my doubts about this show, but it's really picking up a nice little head of steam. Let's just hope the sometimes myopic network commissioners don't drop the ball and keep it going.

Oh, and if you haven't seen the show and wonder what the heck all of this is about, I'm not going to explain it here. Check out IMDB for a summary...

Next on my smorgasbord of televisual tidbits is The Mentalist.

This is a much more recent show (at least to the UK/terrestrial - it's been around in the US for a while), currently airing on Channel 5 at 9pm on a Thursday. Though whenever I read the accolade, 'The Hit US show!', I'm instantly dubious (never trust statistics, right?), I thought I'd give this a try.


Suffice it to say, after episode one, I was quietly impressed. Not blown away, admittedly, but I'd enjoyed it a lot and wanted more. Part of the reason was the epilogue, which threw a belt of shade over central character Patrick Jane's (played by Simon Baker, who's starred in such diverse programmes as Home and Away and Land of the Dead) sunny disposition. It was a nice u-turn in the plot and demonstrated careful seeding and planning by the writers. It was an arc thread about a serial killer called Red John...



SPOILER ALERT!!!



...who was responsible for the deaths of Jane's family. The build up to this revelation was well handled and patient, and I'm very intrigued to see where it's going. I think one of my biggest criticisms of CSI (a show which I'm hugely fond of - see the 'Goodbye Grissom' post for more), at least before the whole Miniature Killer plotline, was that there weren't enough serial killers, enough strong narrative threads that bound the episodes/cases together. The Mentalist achieves this with episode one. Big tick in that box then.

I'm not comparing the show to CSI - they're totally different, aside from the fact there's crime solving involved - Jane's a kind of fluffier/sunnier version Derren Brown, using misdirection, showmanship, hypnotism and so on to outfox the killers, kidnappers, thieves etc that the CBI team he consults with are trying to bring to justice.

Talking of the CBI team, it's headed up by Prison Break's Robin Tunney, who plays Teresa Lisbon. She is definitely the straight man/woman to Jane's gadding genius/charming savant, but puts in a solid performance none-the-less.

Also of interest is Gregory Itzin, who plays Lisbon's boss, Virgil Minelli. Fans of 24 will recognise Itzin as former president Charles Logan. He's got a small role in this show, but it's nice to see a familiar face.

I'm only about three episodes in to The Mentalist at the moment, but I'm enjoying it more and more with each viewing. Jane is an interesting character, played exceptionally well by Australian Simon Baker. His performance really makes the show and adds a bit of life to some of the other, slightly more dull, supporting cast.

Only time will tell if it's got some legs, but if you're a crime fan or just like good drama with a bit of mystery, then I'd suggest checking it out.

The Lord of the Rings at the Royal Albert Hall

Last night, I had the great privilege of visiting the Royal Albert Hall in London to see the Fellowship of the Ring. Not only that, but as well as watching the movie on a large projector screen, all of the music was played live by the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra!

This was a truly magnificent and unique experience. I'd seen The Fellowship of the Ring before at the cinema, but never like this. Throughout the performance (which, mercifully, had an interval half way through as the seats we had in the stalls, although great, were very uncomfortable), I found myself watching the movie then watching the various elements of the orchestra.

The skill and effortless displayed by the orchestral players was something to beyond. I seen an orchestra in action before, but this was really something else. The music was just so seamless from that on the score CD or at the cinema, just much more pure and crisp. In fact, it was so loud and glorious that the movie itself was submitted - in places the dialogue was simply overwhelmed by the fantastic music.

This in itself was interesting (I was slightly perturbed at first, before I realised the rationale for putting the subtitles up), as it provided an opportunity to appreciate some lines of the film that I did not remember from my first, and even subsequent, viewings. These were often snippets of dialogue in the background, merely part of the aural texture of the movie, but brought to the fore thanks to the subtitles.

So, there I was, intent on the orchestra, movie and subtitles - there was just so much to take in, and I was surprised at how different the experience of seeing the film in this way was.

I particularly enjoyed the choristers, the London Voices, who were simply superb with their bombastic renditions and atmospheric tones. To the gruff dirges of the Dwarrowdelf to the lofty tones of Lothlorien - they were simply amazing to hear and to watch.

Difficult to top, but Kaitlyn Lusk, the soprano who sang solo on Aniron (Theme for Aragorn and Arwen), amongst others, was just absolutely beautiful and so moving.

Prior to the performance itself, we were invited to a fairly intimate interview session with Howard Shore (the original composer - on the night the orchestra was masterly conducted by Ludwig Wicki) in which he discussed how he constructed the music for the film, his thought processes and inspiration. Most interesting for me was the revelation that in order to create some of the Isenguard industrial sounds a chain was lashed against the open chords of a piano. Every time that piece of music came up in the film I'd look over and see one of the percussionists crashing this chain against the open piano - truly awesome.

I'd heartily recommend that any one who loves The Lord of the Rings to go and see at least one of these very special performances. They are simply stunning and not to be missed.

Lord of the Rings at the Royal Albert Hall

Last night, I had the great privledge of visiting the Royal Albert Hall in London to see the Fellowship of the Ring. Not only that, but as well as watching the movie on a large projector screen, all of the music was played live by the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra!

This was a truly magnificent and unique expereince. I'd seen The Fellowship of the Ring before at the cinema, but never like this. Throughout the performace (which, mercifully, had an interval half way through as the seats we had in the stalls, although great, were very uncomfortable), I found myself watching the movie then watching the various elements of the orchestra.

The skill and effortless displayed by the orchestral players was something to beyond. I seen an orchestra in action before, but this was really something else. The music was just so seemless from that on the score CD or at the cinema, just much more pure and crisp. In fact, it was so loud and glorious that the movie itself was submitted - in places the dialogue was simply overwhelmed by the fantastic music.

This in itself was interesting (I was slightly perturbed at first, before I realised the rationale for putting the subtitles up), as it provided an opportunity to appreciate some lines of the film that I did not remember from my first, and even subsequent, viewings. These were often snippets of dialogue in the background, merely part of the aural texture of the movie, but brought to the fore thanks to the subtitles.

So, there I was, intent on the orchestra, movie and subtitles - there was just so much to take in, and I was surprised at how different the experience of seeing the film in this way was.

I particularly enjoyed the chorists, the London Voices, who were simply superb with their bombastic renditions and atmospheric tones. To the gruff dirges of the Dwarrowdelf to the lofty tones of Lothlorein - they were simply amazing to hear and to watch.

Difficult to top, but Kaitlyn Lusk, the soprano who sang solo on Aniron (Theme for Aragorn and Arwen), amongts others, was just absolutely beautiful and so moving.

Prior to the performance itself, we were invited to a fairly intimate interview session with Howard Shore (the original composer - on the night the orchestra was masterly conducted by Ludwig Wicki) in which he discussed how he constructed the music for the film, his thought processess and inspiration. Most interesting for me was the revelation that in order to create some of the Isenguard industrial sounds a chain was lashed against the open chords of a piano. Everytime that piece of music came up in the film I'd look over and see one of the percussionists crashing this chain against the open piano - truly awesome.

I'd heartily recommend that any one who loves The Lord of the Rings to go and see at least one of these very special performances. They are simply stunning and not to be missed.

BL Live! a few days after...

Well, after a couple of days rest and recuperation, I've finally had a chance to recover from BL Live!

What a packed and extraordinarily busy event it turned out to be. Rather than go through what the day entailed (as I daresay a lot of other folks will be doing that and probably make a better job of it than me), I'd like to give a few shout outs to some of the people I met:

For Peter and co (sorry guys, I can't remember your names - I met so many folks on the day, a lot of it is a bit of a blur...) - thanks for the kind words and appreciation for 'Fires of War'.

For Xhalax/Nicola - just for your continued support and enthusiasm of all things BL really; you are something of a legend.

For Andy - something of an apology, I guess. Sorry we didn't get chance to talk that much. Hope you enjoyed the seminars and managed to pick up a copy of Honourkeeper. Maybe I'll see you at Games Day and I can sign it there for you...

The BLTV crew - Laurie and Josh, you guys were awesome. I hope you use some of the Salamander reading on the Youtube video, as I know lots of folks wanted to see it but missed it due to the early billing.

To the guy who brought his copy of Assault on Black Reach: The Novel (again, the name escapes me - yes, I am rubbish) - I'm really glad this was a great way in to reading about 40K for you. It's people like you that help inspire writers like me.

Toni (aka Toni Gotrek) - the fact you came all the way from foreign shores just to be with us all is enough to recommend you, but I also want to applaud you for your intelligent questioning, dedication to BL and your kind words regarding Oathbreaker (in Spanish - I had no idea!).

The kid who brought his figure case full of miniatures - you remind me of me when I was your age. Keep reading the books young 'un!

The other kid (same kid?) who said he was playing for Nick Kyme in the Salamander participation game - your loyalty won't be forgotten.

The guy in the red shirt and glasses (again, sorry, crap with names) who asked me lots of questions about Salamander - your interest was much appreciated.

Everyone who passed on their kind words about the reading during the first signing session of the day - I was a little nervous and your gratitude and appreciation really made it all worthwhile.

To Ross and Rob - no BL event would be complete without you guys.

And to anyone else who spoke to me about my books on the day. If you're not mentioned by name, then my apologies. I really did appreciate each and every one of you.

Of course, a huge thank you to all the authors, GW staff and the BL crew is also in order. Without all of them, the day would not have been nearly as successful as it was.

I wish I had some pictures, but then again the Youtube video will be up soon enough...

For anyone who missed it - shame on you. There's always next year... :-)

BL Live! is tomorrow...

After weeks of build up and anticipation BL Live!, the first major Black Library themed event of the Games Workshop calendar is here.

By now, if you're going, you've probably got your ticket. I'm biased, of course, but there is a great line-up and this event with a veritable cavalcade of authors and a schedule that is packed full with seminars.

I am very much looking forward to attending, even if it'll be a little confusing wearing/switching between both my writer's and editor's hat - I'm sure I'll cope.

The first order of business for me is 10.30am-11.00am when I'll mounting the podium with the first of the seminars, a reading from Salamander. So far (though this could be subject to change), I'm planning on reading the prologue and then opening up the floor to some Q&A.

This is then followed by a signing session (in the upper floor) with James Swallow.

The plan is for me to then hot tail is over to the Empire Army Q&A session with Richard Williams in time for its 12.30pm start.

The fun doesn't stop there, either - at 2.00pm I'm on the panel for the 'So you want to write for the Black Library Q&A'.

Follow all of that with a Time of Legends Q&A with Gav Thorpe, a Black Library forthcoming releases seminar and Q&A at 3.30pm and 4.30pm respectively, and I'm going to be a very busy Easter bunny.

If you're coming, looking forward to seeing you there. If not, shame on you, but then the BL blog will have a review at some point after the Easter break (by this point, all the major revelations of the day will be on the forum anyway).

Salamander is on SF Signal

Calling all Salamander fans! I was thrilled to learn yesterday that my debut Space Marine novel, Salamander, made it up on the SF Signal Book Cover Smackdown.

Lamentably, it looks like the Sallies are getting a bit of raw deal, even though most of the comments agree that the Salamander art is the better piece (missing the point a little). There's a little sf snobbery wafting around too. But props to the SF Signal guys were putting the cover out there and having the open mindedness to embrace the franchise fiction of the Black Library (I'm willing to bet that the Warhammer 40,000 novels are quite a bit superior than most franchise fiction i.e. Halo, Star Wars and the like - but don't shoot me; I'm just expressing my opinion).

Rant over, check out the smackdown and thanks to those who expressed their interest (even if you did capitulate in the face of mainstream sf pressure) and those that voted for the book.

Check out the SF Signal Smackdown right here...

Tin Man

I'm intrigued by the re-showing of the sci-fi mini-series Tin Man on Hallmark this Easter.

I don't know a busting lot about it, save that it's a re-imagining of the Wizard of Oz (from the precis I've read, a very loosely based one) that was originally shown and made for the Sci-Fi Channel a couple of years ago.

Seeing the trailers, I must say I'm interested and have set the three, two-hour long, slots to record over the Easter period. Stills and trailers suggest it's a fairly lavish affair with strong production values (with something like $20 million dollars an episode - or that might be for the whole show - either way; it's had money spent on it).

The cast intrigues me too, though I've got to say, for all the good work he does Alan Cummings has got a lot of total crap associated with his name. Colour me cautious then.

Slightly more appealing is Neal McDonough as 'Wyatt Cain'. I liked his work in the superb Band of Brothers especially, but he's also had a recent quality stint on Desperate Housewives as homicidal, grieving widow 'Dave Williams' (the show's a guilty pleasure: okay, I said it). Scrolling down the IMDB cast list, I notice Richard Dreyfuss is also starring - a bit of acting gravitas too then.

Zooey Deschanel gets the lead as 'DG' - she, amongst other things, was in the frankly awful The Happening by the sadly diminished talent of M. Night Shyamalan, so who knows what's in store.


Definitely looking forward to it, though. I usually quite enjoy these fantasy/sf dramas. Merlin is a particularly good example that springs to mind with Sam Neil as the eponymous hero. That one I actually enjoyed more on the second viewing.

So, amongst other things this Easter, I'll be watching Tin Man. I hear it got mixed reviews, but I'd rather not delve into these in too much detail, because I'd prefer to make up my own mind. The fact it's regarded by some as 'grim' and 'bleak' holds no negatives for me.

Fingers crossed it's good.

Salamander gets a new cover!

You heard it right, folks! After a bit of umming and ahhing by the BL powers that be, Salamander has a new cover.

This is not to detract from the great work that Wayne England did on the previous version - it was just that when it was scaled down, it didn't quite show off the art to its fullest potential.

Instead of losing the piece completely, it'll be used in a top secret project that I cannot speak about upon pain of excrutiation by the Emperor's Inquisition. Suffice it to say, it'll be cool.

Back to the new art - it's by a brand new artist never commissioned by BL before (though you will have seen his work on the Dawn of War II game, and, consquently, the novel by the fine chap that is Chris Roberson). He's called Cheoljoo Lee and is simply awesome!

Brothers of Prometheus, feast your eyes on this...

There's an even bigger, slightly more rendered, version available to view on the Black Library blog!

Oh, and here's the full jacket just for the sake of completeness...

Bustin' makes me feel good!

As a child of the 1980's, there's a certain nostalgia I attach to the movies of that era. And there's none finer in my opinion than Ghostbusters.

The franchise is undergoing something a revival right now with talk rife about a third movie in the series finally gathering some credibility and feasibility (check out this article from the Chicago Sun-Times speculating about the casting). Then of course there's the imminent release of the brand new computer game. This, in particular, looks awesome and appeals to fans of two (or three) different generations for totally different reasons.

The 'Busters are so in vogue at the moment that the movie soundtrack is amongst iTunes' 'hot picks' right now, plus there's car and directory service ads celebrating (cashing in on?) the coolness of Ghostbusters.

I totally love it. Ghostbusters was the first movie I ever went to the cinema to watch, so it's got a special place in my heart, irrespective of its quality. It was at the Cannon cinema in Grimsby. I remember the evening well, considering it was a good 20 something years ago. It was a family outing and we'd actually gone with the intention of seeing Back to the Future. It turned out when we arrived that the showing was sold out, so we decided to go and see Ghostbusters instead. Well here my love for Venkman, Stanz, Spengler and Zeddemore was born (in the plutonic sense, of course :-)). Even if I did cack my pants at that scene in the library when the nascent 'Busters try and catch the librarian ghost ('Get here, that was your plan? Get her...' - classic), it made such an impression on me.


Fast forward a few years and one of my favourite 'toons as a kid came along - The Real Ghostbusters (not sure what the prefix was all about - probably legal wranglings or something). This show had some classic episodes. I remember owning most of the cool toys (boy, I wish I still had some of those...).

Then of course there was Ghostbusters 2. Admittedly, this wasn't quite as awesome as the original (despite it's natty new logo), but then again it did come about in an era of film making when sequels were rarely as good, or better, than their progenitors.

It didn't dampen my love for the Ghostbusters, a classic movie rammed to the hilt with great lines and top comedy performances. It's just one of those films that's eminently quotable and will get adults of a certain age waxing lyrical for long hours about their favourites. (One thing that almost always comes up in discussion is that infamous scene with Dan Aykroyd and that ghost that comes a calling when he's tucked up in his jammies - one for the DVD only, I suspect; you won't see that on too many tea-time reruns...)

My joy at the return of Ghostbusters is massive. I've even ordered a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man money bank and a die-cast Ecto-1 from online, such is my excitement. The game will follow, of course. My 360 is going to get a hammering that's for sure (fingers crossed that it's actually good). I've even noticed Ghostbusters Mini-Mates on the Forbidden Planet site - sign me up, please!


All this talk of a revival got me thinking about a potential third movie. I remember reading in an Empire retrospective issue that there is a script (or part) knocking around for Ghostbusters 3, and has been since 2. Dan Aykroyd was reported as saying it was based on a plot that revolved around multiple dimensions and the weakening between the ghost dimension and ours (thus lots of crossover danger in the offing). From what I've read about the game, this looks like the plot they've gone for there, so, who knows, it may be that a third movie takes a completely different tack.

(Myself and a friend of mine at BL have a few some theories about this - almost everyone chips now and then with something new - but I'm sworn to secrecy...)

Judd Apatow's name keeps getting associated with the project, and I for one have no issue with that. I can definitely see a younger cast of new 'Busters introduced in this movie, maybe heralding a whole new lease of life to the franchise (one can only hope). Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd and Steve Carell spring to mind. You couldn't have Ghostbusters and not have the original legends of course - Aykroyd, Murray, Ramis and Hudson must come back, they simply must. I can see them as mentors for the new 'Busters. Maybe we'll even get a new Ecto-1 (though, I confess, I always liked the old ambulance/hearse - it's iconic, after all).

Suffice it to say, I am totally stoked about the Ghostbuster's revival. I'll keep my fingers firmly crossed that all the third movie talk manifests into a script and a release.

It's like I'm a kid all over again... wait a minute...

(And wouldn't you just know it, it's on Channel 4 right now! Awesome!)

Honourkeeper extract

In celebration of Honourkeeper's release, I wanted to share an extract from one of my favourite scenes in the novel. Enjoy!

Death… Death was everywhere. It was the reek on the breeze. It was the screaming in his ears. It was the hot red haze in his eyes. Death was redolent, it permeated everything, soaked every pore. Death revelled with the savage ecstasy that filled Haggar’s thumping heart as he killed.

The elf knights were pinned and had lost the advantage of the charge, but they were still fearsome foes. Well-armoured, high up on their steeds, they would be no pushovers. Even still, Haggar dragged one from his saddle by the boot and applied the death blow with his axe. One of the beasts rammed its muscled flank into him, but it obviously hadn’t reckoned on dwarf tenacity and Haggar pushed back with his armoured shoulder making the steed rear up, unhorsing its rider. Skengi, fighting just ahead of the thane, was quick to dispatch the fallen elf with a blow from his hammer.

It was hard fighting. Probably the hardest that Haggar had ever fought. The elves were skilled, disciplined and phenomenally fast. Dragon knights jabbed down with swords and lances in a crimson blur, piercing dwarf armour with their accurate blade thrusts. Steeds kicked and trampled. It could go either way. Though the dwarfs fought for all they were worth, the arrival of the spearmen and limb-reaping sword masters had dented their resolve pushing them to the edge. Haggar could feel the warriors hanging on the brink of retreat. Only the banner of Karak Ungor, the shame of fleeing from it and allowing it to be taken by the enemy, held them… at least for now.

‘I’ll be damned if I see you put us to flight,’ Haggar snarled under his breath at the nearest elf in his eye-line.

With some satisfaction, he watched as the dragon knight was brought down. Another figure loomed out of the battle haze behind him, cutting at either flank with his shimmering, gore-slicked blade. Carving a path through a band of clan warriors, he found the dwarf he was looking for. The noble, he who had led the charge of the dragon knights with such ferocity and skill, levelled his long sword at Haggar. A ruby of blood peeled along the edge and fell ominously onto the ground in front of him.

The dwarf thane bellowed a challenge, thumping his chestplate and then brandishing the banner of Karak Ungor meaningfully.

‘Try and take it you pointy-eared swine,’ he cursed, ‘I dare you.’

Haggar recognised the warrior. A black mane issued from beneath his stylised dragon helm. He even maintained the cocky swagger in the way he approached the dwarf on his steed. This was the raven-haired blade-master, the elf called Lethralmir.

A shrieking war cry tore from the noble’s lips, sounding tinny through his helmet. Lethralmir stirred his barded horse and charged. Though it was only a short distance through the melee, Lethralmir’s first blow struck with all the force of an avalanche. At least that’s how it felt to Haggar, as he was battered, barely able to turn the blade aside from his neck.

The smallest of gaps had developed in the bloody struggle for the centre. It was through this that the elf noble brought his steed around for a second pass. Though he couldn’t see the elf’s face hidden by the snarling visage of his dragon helm, Haggar was sure he would be smiling.

Bastard, he thought working the tension out of his axe-arm where Lethralmir had managed to strike him on the pauldron, step down off that bloody horse and we’ll see what’s what.

Three short strides and Lethralmir was upon him again, angling his blade in a vicious downward thrust intended to find the gap between the dwarf’s gorget and battle helm. But Haggar was equal to it. He fended off the elf’s attack, turning the sword with the flat blade of his rune axe. The impact jarred Lethralmir’s arm, forcing the elf to take a tighter reign on his steed. As he pulled up, Haggar was able to stay on his feet and whirled his axe around, raking it down the beast’s barded flank as it sped past. Armour chinks cascaded like red rain and the dwarf was rewarded with a whinny of pain from the elven horse. Haggar looked down at the freshly reddened edge to his axe blade and smiled.

Lethralmir’s steed staggered and nearly fell. The ragged wound in its side was making its barding and armoured rider an intolerable burden. Even so, the elf hauled on its reigns to bring it around. Despite loud protests, the steed obeyed. Blood was running freely down its flank now, the enforced exertions tearing its wound ever wider. Suddenly its forelegs bunched beneath it, fetlocks collapsing under the weight it could no longer bear, and Lethralmir was dumped onto the ground in front of it.

The elf blade-master rose swiftly, in spite of his heavy armour, dispatching a pair of clan warriors that came at him out of the melee axes swinging. Two expert blows, the first whilst he was still on one knee striking the groin and the second rising to his full right, preceded by a deft pirouette that make the dwarf’s axe strike seem slow and clumsy, followed by a brutal arcing slash that took the warrior’s helmeted head from his shoulders.

Haggar blanched when he saw it – the elf’s long sword had sheared straight through the decapitated dwarf’s chainmail coif.

‘You’ll find me a sterner test,’ he promised, growling beneath his breath as the elf stalked towards him.

Honourkeeper official release on Monday

Although a few folks have already got their copies, and it's out in Games Workshop stores and the Black Library webstore, Honourkeeper is officially released on Monday.

For those who've already got a copy, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on my second dwarf novel. It's probably worth mentioning that Honourkeeper is totally stand-alone, and not a sequel to Oathbreaker, my previous dwarf book.

Honourkeeper is set just prior to the War of Vengeance and focuses on the complex, and often fraught, relationship between the elves and dwarfs. I'll concede, it's something of a slow burner, but that was intentional. It also has a degree of intrigue and even a little politicking. It all builds to a warring finale that ends up pitching two mighty races against one another.

Looking forward to the fan reaction - most of all, I hope the dwarf players dig it (pun intended).

Radio at the World's End...

Unbeknownst to me, out in the farthest reaches of Western Australia there lurks a hobby radio station. And the fine gentlemen who run wanted to chat to me about my books and writing. Who was I to refuse?

A couple of weeks back, I was contacted by a nice Aussie chap called Luke Retallack who runs World's End Radio, a hobby podcast station that operates in Western Australia and covers all the Games Workshop hobby games (whom I write novels and short stories about), amongst a host of other things.

Luke and his partner in crime (not literally, I hasten to add - just a figure of speech), John 'JJ' Layfield called me up on a bleary Sunday morning and to wax lyrical about Honourkeeper, Salamander and writing in general.

A huge hats off to both of them, who made the experience enjoyable and gave me some probing and testing questions. Hopefully, I was reasonably interesting too.

Contained within the mammoth two-part interview are a number of exclusives that I'll leave to the boys and not mention here. Suffice to say, if you'd like to listen to it just head over to World's End Radio. Your looking for Episode 16 'Down the Rabbit Hole' (I wonder if that's in homage to my house rabbit, Shakespeare). The link is embedded above, if seeking it out proves tricky.

I think Salamander fans will find it particularly interesting (I hope), as there's quite a lot on that especially given the imminent release of Heroes of the Space Marines with the tie-in story 'Fires of War' in it, and then of course the novel itself.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the show. The interview is in with a bunch of other stuff, so all you need do is skip forward on the progress by once you've clicked on the audio link (unless you want to hear the rest of the podcast, of course, and why wouldn't you - it's all good hobby stuff).

Would love to know your thoughts on it...