Space Wolf Omnibus: Spacewolf / Ragnar's Claw / Grey Hunter (Warhammer 40,000)

I actually wanted to learn about the 40k Universe for some time. I always loved their outfits, their mysticism, and their downright thirst to serve the Emperor. But I really wanted to know more, I thought about starting a book that well, got a lot of reviews. First off, I started reading this book right after I finished Dune (which I was amazingly disappointed in) and I was about to go on a two week vacation with my family. So, I needed something to read while we were driving down and there for the time being. I LOVED it. It's a fun novel. And I ultimately wanted that "FOR THE EMPEROR" gung-ho kind of heroism. It's silly! It's a great start to get into the mysticism of what the Space Marines do, believe, and abhor. Particularly, in this case, the Space Wolf Chapter. Not to mention, it's an easy read. William King takes you by the hand, sets you down, and gives you the nitty-gritty. There's plenty of fluff but not enough to get bogged down. I know the review sounds a little silly, but I assure you, and as I've noticed all these reviews before I bought the book, it's a good book.

I ordered this book and within a week it arrived, The book was used that it was, but this was in amazing condition, (minus a few smudged words in one of the later chapters but nothing to major). I would highly recommend this book to all 40K fans, it is amazing, gives an inside look on how the space wolves function and it is amazing!

I am a avid reader and i hate when books drag out descriptions and constantly restated things you already know. Well these books didnt do that. only on a rare occasion did i find myself skimming over something i already read before. King did a masterfil job bringing the 40k universe to life and giving ragnar a really good back ground development story. These were my first 40k books and i hope more are written as well as these.

"Space Wolves Omnibus" is a collection of three science fiction novels written by William King, a freelance author working for Black Library - the publishing branch of Games Workshop. The stories are set in the dark and war-torn universe of Warhammer 40 000. They follow the early adventures of Ragnar Blackmane, a member of Space Wolf chapter of Adeptus Astartes. What makes Space Wolf different from the other Space Marine omnibuses I've read (Soul Drinkers and Ultramarines Omnibus, both of which are essential reads for all 40k fans) is the fact main characters aren't all-powerful heroes at the beginning of the story. These three novels aren't so much about heroic deeds and fast-paced action, as they are about one marine's - literal and metaphorical - coming-of-age. The majority of the first book depicts Ragnar's life as it was before he was inducted into the Space Wolves. It gives us an insight into Ragnar's own mind, as well as life on Fenris in general. It then proceeds to show us the induction rituals of the Space Wolves; how they are chosen, how they train, what they eat, how they cope with the loss of their humanity, and the final tests they need to pass before they can truly join the ranks of Adeptus Astartes. In this way, it's also a story of a primitive savage coming in contact with high technology and discovering a world vastly different from his own. The second book continues in a similar fashion, only now it explores Ragnar's wonder at seeing new worlds, meeting all sorts of people he never could've encountered on his home planet, and getting used to the fact that despite his improved physique and nigh-impenetrable armor he's still far from invincible. The third book deals with Ragnar's promotion to a Blood Claw leader, his struggle to come to terms with his newfound responsibilities, and his interaction with his superiors. The writing style is rudimentary. William King tends to over-explain, often pointing out the obvious, or stating things we already know. Weird descriptions and comparisons are plentiful. Once again, Black Library proves they don't proofread the novels they publish. There are typos, grammatical errors, and missing words aplenty. A shame, since most 40k books would be so much better if they could only receive proper editorial attention. Overall, Space Wolf Omnibus is a good read. It's fast-paced, packed with action sequences, has a lot of character development for a Black Library novel, and does a fine job of capturing the morbid atmosphere of Warhammer 40 000. It's also a great marketing device. I must admit that, after reading these three books, I have a desire to collect my own space wolf army and to have Ragnar Blackmane lead it. With the current Space Wolf codex, this would actually be possible. Here's to hoping Games Workshop decides to make other Black Library characters - such as Uriel Ventris and Sarpedon - into playable characters someday.

Almost done with book 2 and already purchased the second omnibus

Very well written book I would highly recommend.

Item came as described if not innbwttee condition. Arrived faster than expected.

I am a big David Gemmell fan. Since his death I have been looking for authors who embody his passion and style. I believe William King is one of the few who can come close to Gemmell's epic nature in stories. Recommended for every sci-fi, hardcore, gore fest fan.

I was introduced to the 40k universe by my brother - I used to be one of those people that thought it was all silly stuff that boys who never go outside do, and that I'd rather change more diapers than go near it. Oh man was I wrong. This was a fantastic book series start to finish and, IMHO, likely the best intro books to WH40k. I couldn't put it down. We'll written and King obviously put in significant research before putting pen to paper.

Über das herausragende Preis/Leistungs-Verhältnis der Warhammer-Omnibusse muss man nicht viel sagen. Dass wir jedoch abseits von Dan Abnett ein Meisterwerk mit Tiefgang und Klasse antreffen, ist in diesem Genre nicht ganz so selbstverständlich.... William King führt uns mit dem jugendlich Ragner Thunderfist in das Leben und Treiben der Stämme des Planeten Fenris ein. Sehr schnell soll sich das Leben des Jungen ändern, als sein Stamm überfallen wird, und er in einer scheinbar anderen Welt erwacht. Ragnar wurde gemeinsam mit wenigen anderen jungen Kriegern auserwählt, sich den Prüfungen der Space Wolfs zu stellen. Wird Ragnar zu einem der Auserwählten seiner heimatlichen Mythologie? Da hier drei Romane vorliegen, wird Ragnar wohl nicht ganz versagt haben. Aber wie es unserem jungen Helden ergeht, was wir dabei über Fenris und vor allem über das Chapter der Space Wolfs erfahren, gehört zu den Highlights der Warhammer-Romane. Ragnar wird von William King nicht als Superheld gezeichnet, sondern als talentierter Jungspund, der sich bewähren muss, der seine Zweifel hat, und der eigentlich ein Denker ist. Vor allem die Art und Weise wie King den jungen Protagonisten reifen lässt, ist schlicht genial und ergibt spannendes Lesevergnügen. Neben bekanntem Trash, pardon, Action finden wir viele inhaltliche Details zu den Space Wolfs, gedankliche Tiefgänge unseres Helden und massig Humor, wenn zwischen Ragnar und seinen Kameraden die Fetzen fliegen. Der Suchtdfaktor ist hoch, 5 Sterne! PS: Ragnars Geschichte spielt ca. 10.000 Jahre nach der Horus Häresie. Und noch immer besteht die uralte Fehde mit den Tousand Sons und deren Primarch Magnus. Für Fans der Space Wolfs empfiehlt es sich, Dan Abnetts Roman "Prospero burns" über die Wölfe zur Zeit von Horus zu lesen. Hochinteressant ist, wie sich auch die Wölfe über die Jahrtausende weiter entwickelt haben. Bei den wahren Fans kann ich davon ausgehen, dass sie das Buch schon verschlungen haben......

If you are a Space Wolf fan or even a Ragnar Blackmane fan this book is a must. Loved it cover to cover as I learned about my favorite 40k character. Be prepared to have the second omnibus on stand by as you will want to get started as soon as you finish this one!

There was an problem with my order. After explaining and showing the problem, They arranged the situation very well and rapidly. I am satisfied and everything is now OK! Thank you Paragon OS3

I have read a lot of military sci fi but have always steered clear of game based books as I have not had good experiences in the past but when I saw Space Wolves, 3 books for such a good price, I thought I would give it another try. I was trapped on the first page and before I knew it I was half way thro the second novel. A really great read , the Space wolves are a truly magnificent creation. This book really rocks! Perhaps I could become a Warhammer fan.