Some Warhammer Short Stories by Robbie MacNiven

I was in the mood for some Warhammer fiction and “Heartwood” by Robbie MacNiven looked interesting, so I gave it a read. 

Heartwood (Warhammer Age of Sigmar) Black Library, 2017 

A tale of the Sylvaneth, tree-like humanoids in the Warhammer fantasy universe. After a brutal battle against the servants of Chaos and decay, Nellas the Harvester and Branchwych of her clan encounters challenges while on a journey to save her people. An interesting mix of action, worldbuilding, and melancholy, with really enjoyable prose. 

Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this so much that I decided to check out some more of Robbie MacNiven’s work. The other stories I read are all from the Warhammer 40K universe. 

Redblade (Warhammer 40K Deathwatch: Ignition Book 4) Black Library, 2015 

A young and reckless Space Wolf clashes with his older pack leader as they defend a refinery in the upper atmosphere of a planet against an onslaught of orks. This does a good job of setting up the characters and situation, has some good action scenes, and a solid ending but I never got into the character and setting. I also didn’t enjoy the prose as much as I did in the previous MacNiven story that I read.  That could either be because of the setting, or it could be because this is an earlier story from the author’s career. 

Rating: 3/5

Blood and Iron (Warhammer 40K: Call of Chaos) Black Library, 2015

A warpsmith for the Iron Warriors, Space Marines who have turned to the service of Chaos, attempts to fuse a demon with a Titan, a massive robotic combat walker. I’m thinking that I’m just not into stories that focus on characters on the side of Chaos, but this story does have some well-done worldbuilding with a great twist at the end. 

Rating 3/5 

A Song for the Lost (Warhammer 40K: Call of Chaos) Black Library, 2015

Ulix, a young Imperium of Man military recruit training under harsh conditions seeks solace in the singing of the mysterious Sister D'Fey, as only her song can ease his suffering. Years later we met him again, we learn how he has changed, and we learn more about his connection to the Sister. Okay, forget what I wrote in the previous review. Here’s a story that involves Chaos that I loved. MacNiven knocked it out of the park with this one. Wonderfully dark and twisted. The prose and the creepy atmosphere really drew me in. 

Rating: 5/5

The Reaping Time (Warhammer 40K: Carcharodons) Black Library, 2016 

A space marine group of the shark inspired Carcharodon chapter is sent to a mining colony to investigate after contact is lost with a ship. Mystery leads to savage action and a brutal ending.

Rating: 4/5

Death Warrant (Warhammer 40K: Carcharodons) Black Library, 2017 

As a rogue trader and her team search for an ancient artifact in a temple on a deserted jungle moon, a squad of Carcharodon space marines show up. After they descend into the depths of the temple together, something begins to awaken. An exciting dungeon crawl adventure.

Rating 4/5

All in all, these were enjoyable reads, but while earlier written stories were fine and competently written, the characterizations and the prose in the newer stories really stood out. MacNiven gets better with each story written. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. 

Short Stories I Read in October 2025

Only two short stories this month.

Conan: Black Starlight by John C. Hocking (Titan Books, 2023) 

Originally serialized in twelve parts in Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian comic book in 2019, this story takes place between Conan and the Emerald Lotus, which I read last month, and Conan and the Living Plague. It's now available as a digital short as part of Titan’s Heroic Legends Series. This was a blast to read. A great cast of characters, Conan’s characterization is spot on, and the supernatural threats are chilling. An excellent combination of prose, pacing, and action. 

Grimnirsson by Graham Thomas Wilcox (Black Library, 2023)

Genseric, a dwarf berserker tired of war and now part of a group of free peoples, fights to stay in control after a group of Sigmarite Crusaders show up demanding supplies and fighting men. A story about oaths, chosen kin and found family, and the warrior's way. Genseric’s back story was interesting as was his relationship with the human Aoife and the action scenes were well done. On top of that, I really enjoyed the prose and the melancholic atmosphere throughout. 

Instead of reading I watched lots of movies this month. I'm not sure if that trend will continue next month or not. We'll see.

Warhammer: Raiders of the Realms Short Stories

Black Library released five digital short stories set in their Warhammer fantasy universe last month. They were available as part of their Raiders of the Realms eShort Subscription Week which offered all five stories for the price of four. I wasn’t sure if I’d be interested in them based on their descriptions alone, but after reading a review online I decided to go for it and I’m glad I did.

Slinktalon by Robbie MacNiven 

Things don’t go as planned after Skaven (rat-like creatures of the Warhammer universe) assassins are hired to take out a mark. Clear action with interesting twists and turns. 

Rating: 3.5/5

Conn Crowhand’s Last Oath by Graham Thomas Wilcox

Two Darkoath warriors are faced with difficult decisions regarding loyalty and oaths when their chieftain sends them on a mission to root out those he perceives as disloyal. A page turner of a story with fascinating characters and some noir-like prose that really grabbed me. 

Rating: 5/5

Reclaimed Honor by Jacob Peppers 

Gideon Vell, a disgraced Freeguild member, now demoted to Wildercorp Hunter, joins a group of soldiers investigating a mysterious death in the wilderness. I enjoyed the frontier setting, Gideon and his tragic past was an interesting character, and the story was suspenseful with an action filled finale.

Rating 4.5/5

Vipers of the Marsh by Bryce Mainville 

Cousins Mathais and Jakk join a squad of Wildercorps Hunters on a mission into a swamp. Trouble ensues. I’m not a fan of the villains in this, the Warhammer version of orcs called orruks with group names like Kruleboyz and Gutrippaz. Those names and their spellings pulled me out of the story every time I read them. On the other hand, the author did a great job of bringing the dangerous marshland to life and had me rooting for the cousins. 

Rating: 4/5

This Rough Beast by Graham Thomas Wilcox 

The vampire knight Marcuccio and his wolf companion are part of a group of vampire knights searching for The Black Chalice. After they attack a group of duardin warriors (dwarves of the Warhammer universe) they find that they have bitten off more than they can chew. As in Wilcox’s previous story, oaths and honor come into play. Loved the characters, action scenes, prose, use of vocabulary, and where the story leads. If you’re a fan of Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber, and Clark Ashton Smith, you’re probably going to like this story. 

Rating 5/5

Not a bad story in the bunch. I enjoyed them all, especially the two by Graham Thomas Wilcox. The subscription deal is over, but the stories are available individually on the Black Library website as well as on Amazon and Kobo.