The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade: v. 1 (Warhammer) [Paperback]

Malus Darkblade is one of the more famous Dark Elf special characters, being an epitome of the treachery and cunning of the Druchii race. This first omnibus collection of the tale of Malus Darkblade contains the first three books in the series as well as a short story staring the brilliantly evil elf. The story of Malus Darkblade was originally told in the comics of Warhammer Monthly and since then the character has proven so popular that he has been introduced into the Dark Elf army proper as well as having this series of books retell his story.

The short story that kicks the omnibus off is `The Blood Prince' tells the story of the first raid that Malus undertakes outside of Naggaroth. The story is a nice introduction to both the treacherous and cruel world of the Dark Elves, and the main character himself.

Following this story is the first full Malus Darkblade novel, `The Daemon's Curse', which tells how Malus begins his dark quest for power that leads to unexpected and unintended consequences for the ambitious Druchii. This story is very good with some nice plot twists, good action and interesting characters.

The second book in this collection, `Bloodstorm', is my favourite of the three and sees Malus continue his quest, moving the action to the high sees. This book ups the stakes dramatically as well as upping the bloodshed compared to the first book. Bloodstorm sees an expanded role for Malus' siblings as well as introducing a new character, Hauclir, who brings some much needed humour to the story.

In third and final book, `Reaper of Souls', Malus returns to dry land victorious only to see all his plans start to unravel and to add insult to injury an old foe returns to make life difficult. Although this isn't as good a story as `Bloodstorm' it is still entertaining and the twists and turns of the plot are very intriguing.

The Malus Darkblade series is a good story with many a twist and turn and some great action. The series also gives some nice insight into life and society of the Dark Elves and although only `Bloodstorm' is worthy of five stars as a whole this first omnibus is well worth four out of five.

In short these books show the action from the other side of the traditional fantasy fiction table. The traditionally depicted bad guy has the lime light. Cunning, treachery and manipulation are the exalted virtues, and self serving the rule of the day. All written in such a way as you can't help but be awed and inspired by such convoluted machinations, with lots of gloriously written action as well. Malus Darkblade is a Dark hero that you will eagerly want to read more about. The black humour of the situations is often under stated, but has a greater impact for that fact. The complete series is compelling and glorious and has to be one of my all time favourites. I just wish they would write more about Malus Darkblade.

Malus Darkblade is a Dark Elf (the Druchii). Dark elves are depicted as the evil, cunning, treacherous villains of the warhammer universe. So its refreshing to see a story from their point of view. This is a universe where treachery, cunning, greed, selfishness, power and might are seen as virtues, and Malus Darkblade possess all of these in abundance. Malus is the hated brat of the litter as far as his family are concerned so he's on the lowest rung of the social and power standings of his kind, only just avoiding degradation and death on a daily basis. Obviously, as is the way of his kind, he schemes and plots in an attempt to gain power, wealth and glory for himself. When is latest scheme goes astray he's tricked into entering the chaos lands in search of a jewel of power. The jewel actually contains a trapped mighty demon and when Malus puts on the ring the demon possess Malus. He now has a year to find 5 powerful artefacts that will ensure the demon's release, if he fails the demon will consume his soul. This is the basic plot line for the entire series.

The books are well written, fast paced, action heavy with a lot of dark humour to die for. Malus is often a hero for his race, but more through necessity, accident and pure stubborn bloody mindedness than heroic tendencies. I absolutely love this character and his development throughout the entire series not just these 3 books. The first book is an introduction to the Dark elf world and Malus's plight, the rest of the books go from strength to strength as he seeks and manipulates all and sundry in an attempt to save his soul. Malus is as cunning and treacherous as all his kind, but with a certain redeeming character as well. The dark elves do have certain morals, slightly askew from our own. But they still fight against the worst excesses of the chaos gods, and to further their own race. You can't help but root for him, and eagerly anticipate his next endeavour, as he seems to blunder from plot to plot indesperation with the clock running out, rather than any coherent pre-planned plan. Book 2 in this volume see's the start of his quest for the artefacts and his wonderful manipulation of his own kind to get them to unwittingly help in his quest. (if they ever find out he's possessed they'll kill him for his weakness and failing by being conned by a demon) Set on the high seas this is arguably the best of the first three books which are the ones contained in this volume, and will have your rooting for Malus throughout. Book 3 has him dealing with the consequences of the second book and the difficulties of hiding the growing effects of the demons manipulation.

Containing the first three books of the Darkblade story that was originally a graphic novel we learn about the Druchii (or Dark Elf) Malus Darkblade. Malus is cruel, cunning, ruthless and utterly a prime example of this evil race. Malus is tricked and find's his very soul at risk if he is unable to complete his allotted task of recovering five relics and freeing the deamon Tz'arkan within one year. If you think I am giving away too much information I am not as this is pretty much written on the back of the book.

The first of the three books is The Daemon's Curse where we learn of the events that led Malus to be struck in this very unfavourable situation. I wouldn't say that this is anything rather remarkable. Overall for the beginning of the series it's nothing special and bland.

The second book is Bloodstorm. Here the story picks up where rather surprisingly Malus isn't fighting in ever chapter. This time we get some much needed comic relief with the introduction of Hauclir. We have a more involving story where Malus does what he does best and that is using his cunning and treachery to best further his own goals. Certainly an improvement over the first.

Finally we have Reaper of Souls. Darkest of the three where Malus not only has to deal with recovering the third relic but also to deal with the results of his actions of the first two books. But also he has to face possibly the darkest period of his life for what he has to do.

Overall an interesting take on the story set down in the graphic novel and both fleshing it out and changing it in come regards to give a fully more complete story. If you are a fan of the Warhammer world and/or main characters who are not in the least remotely righteous then well worth a look and certainly has me wanting to get a hold of the last two books to see how things wrap up.