A Necromunda novella by Mike Brooks
Necromunda is a classic gaming system and – despite some changes between editions – remains mostly with its roots in old editions of Warhammer 40k. The support from the Specialist Games Studio is also superb with new gangs and models released regularly.
And the stories are great fund also – including this older gem by Mike Brooks from the Novella Series that Black Library produced some years ago.nto a Book Review A Line in the Sand by James Barr.
From the Book
In the teeming hives of Necromunda, from the highest peaks to the lowest depths, life is a constant fight for survival. When an ambush in the Underhive goes wrong, and a Guilder gets killed, an Escher gang suddenly find themselves outlawed. Now the hunters have become the hunted, and everyone is after their blood – enforcers, bounty hunters, even other gangs. With their leader dead, Jarene has to take control and save the lives of herself and her sisters in arms, as well as restoring the honour of their gang. For the fateful ambush was no accident, and the true culprits need to face justice.
Review
Jarene’s gang is (mostly) entirely dead. Caught in an ambush by Goliaths after the death of a Guilder. She has two choices, hide forever or avenge them.
But Necromunda isn’t a Hive that allows people to disappear if the Guilders are after them and so despite her best efforts she is forced to prevent the danger… but who can she trust?
When writing Warhammer 40k novels, I always enjoy reading about things that aren’t from the tabletop. (Or at least not common on the table top). Mike Brooks does a great job here of describing the Underhive, the tunnels, passages and creatures that reside. And the peril of just existing.
The ambush and destruction of the Escher gang is a great start as this would often be the end of a story in Necromunda the game. But here it is a starting point. He captures the rivalry between the Houses of the Hive, but also the competitions with the Houses themselves. So Jarene is left with the fundamental question – who can she trust.
Verdict
As a Novella it is short, but that results in Mike Brooks ensuring the pace is kept high – and there are no spare chapters in here. It is a great story, that brings Jarene’s struggle to the reader in quick, sharp vignettes. As she lurches from one crises to another, as there is no respite in the Hive.
My only critiscm is of Black Library – when these were first relesed the series was great value, with 10 books costing £30, but they are now only available electronically at £5 which seems high. Equally it is a shame they changed the format from paperback to hardback for Novella Series 3 later – but that is a different gripe.
If you are looking for a fun Necromunda story or just love Escher gangers then this is a great story – and a must for the collection.
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