Robbie MacNiven

I tend to lump Osprey booklets into one of two categories; the merely workmanlike, and those that actually give you some analysis. This one falls into the second category as MacNiven is able to give you a sense of how the American and British forces in-theater tended to converge on each other over time, as they contended with conditions and their respective tendencies. This is somewhat less the case with the French military and the German contract troops. Given the chance, I look forward to seeing what MacNiven can do with a longer format.… (mehr)

I don't think I have encountered MacNiven before, so a Black Library Advent Calendar short audio drama is a difficult first impression, and I really am in two minds about this one.

In the before times the Iron Warriors and Imperial Fists are fighting Orks and ole Perty B is rolling with some of his less vaunted sons, making a teaching moment of the whole thing, which ultimately leads to increased tensions between the Iron 4th and the Stone 7th.

Honestly, this was a bit dull until the very end. Rather dry descriptions of military stuff and some dialogue, but the Lord of Iron being an absolutely messy bitch who loves drama at the end gave me something to enjoy. That man with read anyone for filth and then lay siege to the library!

It's fine. We do get an idea of just how cold, unforgiving, and calculating the Breaker can be, but otherwise it's just a flashback to the rival Legions being rivals. Iron Warriors fans will obviously enjoy this, but it's not one I think people should go out of their way for.… (mehr)

First Team by Robbie MacNiven is an excellent X-Men, high fantasy read.

If you're seeking a fun, fantasy read that brings Marvel characters to life then this book is for you! It's a long read but it is mighty worth it!

I wasn't aware of most of these Marvel characters, but I am sure many comic book fans will be aware of them. Even if you don't know them, Robbie MacNiven gives you enough background and history to help you. You don't need to worry about going into this book blind! The character development and prose of this book is where it really shines. I was honestly amazed at how brilliant the writing was! Add in the incredible word choice and it felt like a book that went above and beyond what I expected of it. I'm truly impressed.

Also: LGBTQ Representation! Woo!

Reader beware: I picked up this book because it was marketed to me as a Comic Book/Graphic Novel - it is not. It's a full chapter book. All of my research couldn't find any concrete proof that it was or wasn't a comic book - it's not. Full book!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.… (mehr)

So nice and easy how the reader is drawn into the story, a little scrap in the dirt, and we know two boys' names. Someone else stops the fight, we know the next guy. And the next. All the while we're dealing with action-packed scenes.
What a nice contrast to (recently read) german fantasy books.

I knew Robbie MacNiven's style from a short story that I really liked. Also I found my way back to reading books for fun by way of Warhammer literature and I have a pretty high regard for them: they know how to choose writers who can tell a gripping story.
It's the same here, I have more hits than misses (only one miss so far actually) with Aconyte books. MacNiven does not disappoint: the story starts off fast and has actiona nd humor and at no point does it drag on unnecessarily.

That said, yes, it is tie-in fiction so please don't expect the thickest of plots or morals, but a nice fantastic adventure through a world you might already know and enjoy!

The ending is a bit too open for my taste. So many questions are left open, so many ways to explore for Zachareth. All of this makes the climax of the presented story seem a lot smaller than it actually is.… (mehr)