Reviewed by Kevin Buckingham on 19/02/04

Very action packed and well written,  helped to explain more about the falling out between the elves and dwarves.

Reviewed by Pricey on 18/07/03

A somewhat strange book from what I can tell, neither excellent or all that average. Perhaps I need to re-read the thing before I get it. (I have a nasty habit of reading Black Library books in one sitting, meaning that some small bits inevitably get lost within the three or four hours it takes.)

The start of it is brilliant, melding in with Vampireslayer extremely well. The fight with the champion of Khorne and Snorri's comment's about bears are probably some of the highlights. I particularly like the return (however shortlived) of the twinned Tzeenchean wizards as despite Gotrek's axe, it is still difficult for the pair to defend against magic on their own.

This of course brings me to the inevitable point of Max and Snorri. Now, I can understand why Max had to be dumped, I mean two Master mages within the paths of the Old Ones would be enough to protect a small army, nevermind four people. But surely Snorri wouldn't have been any trouble to include! The general banter that goes along with the two Slayers and Felix is what makes some of the previous books far better than they would otherwise be.

I'll get my last point of criticism out of the way before moving on. I'm sure that I would stand no chance what-so-ever of writing a 7-part (so far!) series of books, but it is getting a bit repetitive in reference to language used. There are several times (especially when they're in the temple of the Old Ones) when exactly the same metaphors/similes are used to describe a situation, along with the basic wording of events becoming repetitive. (The one that come to mind at the moment is 'Boomed like it had been struck by a hammer', but it has been a while since I read it).

Now, onto the other good bits.

The inclusion of Teclis is fantastic, I gave me an entirely different slant on the way in which elves think, particularly the fact that such a powerful individual has such a variety of mental and physical weaknesses. The way in which he used magic to keep himself clean/dry/ aware of everything around him and his exchanges between Gotrek were also excellent spin offs of having the high-mage in tow.

The whole Albion/Path of the Old One's link was also good, as were the 'action scenes' involved in getting across the island and through the path ways. It would have been nice to see Gotrek come up against a few fenbeasts in a swamp though, their restorative powers would have given him a better run for his money than the giant of the title did. Perhaps it should have been called 'Mageslayer' instead, from my count four magic users bite the dust throughout the course of the novel.

Anyway, it's a great book even if it is a bit monotonous at times.

By the way, a good while ago Bill (or perhaps that should be 'Mr. King') said that he would be making one of his next novels a bit 'lighter'. Can we expect a return of a certain grey furred rat anytime soon?

Skavenslayer has set the benchmark for humour, and the others in the series have their exceptionally funny moments to a lesser extent. What can we expect? Skavenslayer II perhaps?

Pricey    

Reviewed by Marcus Brookshaw on 12/07/03

A nice addition to the Slayer series as a whole, this book delves further into the "current" going-ons in the Warhammer setting.  While other reviewers seemed to have a problem with the Elf content of this book, I found Teclis to be a refreshing change in regards to his rather alien point of view. 

That being said, I sorely missed Snorri.  By the time I reached the third quarter of the novel I had become tired of Felix's reluctance to do battle... a situation that could have easily been rectified by some well placed comments from Snorri. 

Reviewed by Sam on 28/06/03

Giant Slayer By William King

Well what can I say. It was a great relief to read Giant Slayer as I was afraid that it would be as worse as it's predecessor "Vampire slayer". To be honest I was mildy surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Teclis in this book. For those of you who don't know much about the Slayer series. It is based in the Warhammer World, the main two characters are a Slayer & a Human warrior. Felix human made an oath to follow the Gotrek (the dwarf)  so that he my  record his adventures and ultimate doom.

Giant Slayer's introduction of the High Elves in the Slayer Series was fantastic. William King portrayed the High Elves very well & did a good job on Teclis as well. What I enjoyed more was the hidden histories and some unlocked secrets & mysterious  in the Warhammer world. King explores the Warhammer world and it's past secrets and lets on to many of the readers of what & why with a bit more knowledge of the warp plus the old Ones. I think I should dub this book as one of those text book for "Warhammer Histories & Backgrounds" as the book certainly brings in allot of background and explaining the concept of the world in more depth.

Besides all that, yes there is allot of action & gore  which will keep the traditional Slayer fans happy.

It also has a good insight into the population of Human inhabitants in Albion and the structure of life.

The two Chaos twins in the Slayer books previously make their appearance as the main bad guys. You also get to read about Orcs & Goblins armies (for those Orcs & Gobbo's fans) getting ready to launch a major attack.

The interaction between Gotrek & Teclis was great. True to the manners of both races. Whilst the Dwarf was blunt & rash. The Elf was manipulative & treacherous. I hope Giant Slayer isn't the end of Teclis & Gortrek adventures  together. Who knows, the Slayer Series are leading to a some what ultimate doom, well that's the feeling I'm getting from the books. I look forward to the next title in the Slayer series. William King has written another great tale for this great series.

Reviewed by Ben on 28/06/03

I really enjoyed the entire series however i have come to the conclusion "what the hell could kill Gotrek?" Not a dragon, Greater demon of Khorne, Army of chaos, trolls, a grey seer, orcs, skaven horde?  Does Khorne just open up the chaos realm & step on him or sumthing? Cause one thing's for certain, Gotrek is on lucky mother!

Also Bill where the hell are Max & Snorri????? You just left them there all alone!!!!! AARRRRRHHHHHHHGGGGGH!

Anyway i love your books & would someday like to make a movie out of them!!!!!!!!

Reviewed by Warren Balogh on 07/06/03

Well, I finally got my hands on a copy of Giantslayer!  When it was released I was in no hurry to get it, knowing that I once I did, I would immediately devour it and be faced with another period of months or years waiting for the next G&F novel!  But, after savoring the suspense for a few weeks, I finally purchased it and just finished reading it this afternoon.

The weakest parts of the book were...Spoilers for Giantslayer! (LONG)

Well, those are my thoughts on "Giantslayer".  In the next book I hope we see more of Gotrek and Felix as a definite pair, with supporting characters that only hang around for one or two books.  I also hope we see no more continent-hopping through magic portals, and stick to believable circumstances in the traditional context of the Warhammer World.  Also, I wish Bill luck on his Teclis and Tyrion adventures!  Teclis is certainly a strong enough character to carry several books in his own right, although I hope Tyrion can be developed into something more three-dimensional.  Now that Kelmain and Lhoigor are finished, I think Gotrek and Felix would benefit from a vacation from fighting Chaos for a while... I like Bill's ideas about a tale focusing on Gotrek's history ("Kinslayer") or a venture into Naggaroth ("Elfslayer")... both would be a welcome break from the Chaos plot.


WARREN

Reviewed by Wolfpriest Cjarl on 09/05/03

Again and again King has proven his worth in this exciting series of Gotrek and Felix. Though this time King has reached into his bag of many surprises! Adding a fresh new perspective on the matter as a new hero joins the duo in a race against time.

Sit down and enjoy this seven course meal of delightful adventure and mayhem as the stakes rise to a new level.  Gotrek, Felix, and Teclis of Ulthuan are caught in the middle of a titanic struggle between the thirsting powers of chaos and the slumbering might of the Old Ones. What fate ties them together and what can the consequences of their actions spell for the rest of the world of warhammer?

Fans new and old will definitely be drawn into this tale like a moth to a flame. King offers an uncanny insight once again to the world of warhammer which only he can do. Pleasing to any palette that dines off the universe of fantasy fiction, this Gotrek and Felix novel offers a new refreshing perspective that will lead into something more. You want a great read, then look no further as Giant Slayer will be that one book you won't be inclined to put down.

Reviewed by Rich Maxwell on 12/04/03

Giantslayer! I have been counting down the days until its release for...ages! I have only had it a day and I've nearly finished it! After Vampireslayer which was also excellent (but mostly dark) it was a refreshing change as it is mostly in the open and the light. And there is lots of juicy carnage!!! The book focuses quite heavily on Teclis, which is good because he is an odd contrast to Gotrek! Its a great book and When is the next one coming out???

Reviewed by Peter Elliot on 5/04/03

I thought that whilst being a good book, it didnt feel like a Gotrek and Felix novel, there was a lot of focus on Teclis , and not nearly enough on the main characters themselves (in my humble opinion).

All the same, another good book and well worth reading , compliments to the chef