I read a book. Imperial Romans. Warfare. Good

I was lucky enough to get this novel for Christmas. Invictus by Simon Scarrow is the latest adventures of Macro and Cato novel and sees them facing rebels in Hispania. Great read. I haven't read a book in a long while and it reminded me of just how much enjoyment I get out of it. After finishing this I went on line and ordered some more books to read which I will let you know about in the future. That's something I also have not done in a long while.

Plenty of great wargame inspiration in this novel. From smaller skirmish missions to siege warfare. One day I may even put some more paint on my Early Imperial Romans..one day.

Cheers from Brendon

DEADZONE Version 2 arrived

Got a delivery from Mantic with Deadzone version 2 rules. I have the version 1 box but never got around to playing it or painting any of it. The first page is very encouraging as it states this version is easier to learn, plays faster and has a higher body count while still being tactical. Who doesn't like a high body count?

D8, Special Dice, A4 poster, Hardback rulebook, Tokens and folded up playing surface (8x8 3 inch squares)

Genre
Skirmish 28mm wargame on a grid (cubes).

Period
Sc-Fi future with other planets, star systems etc. You know...Aliens and pew, pew, and so on.

The setting
Human Expansion via Corporations. Corporations are commercial entities that rule vast empires of space. Above them are the Council of Seven. The Council's military authority is the Enforcer Corps. Bad ass super police soldiers. Sound like fascist ass-hats to me...or maybe they are the good guys?
Good thing about this book it doesn't say these here are bad guys and them there are good guys. Depends on your factions point of view perhaps or your opponent is always the bad guy in your own narrative.
Anyway..... turns out some Planets turn to total shit because of new bio hazards or some such mystery. These Planets get quarantined. NO ENTRY!
So Scooby Doo can't get in and solve any mysteries.
Enforcers go in to cleanse these scummy shit holes. Theses planets are called DEADZONES.
Of course some Aliens/Rebels/Dwarf miners (insert faction here) sneak in to exploit them, make money and blow shit up or just try and survive the containment protocol. Yeeeehaw!

Contents page can tell you a lot about a game

Here are some aspects of the game from a quick read of the hard back rule book.

Uses 8 sided Dice. Modifiers add dice rather than modify target number to beat. Rolls of 8 = success + another dice (Exploding 8s).

The symbol Dice are Command Dice. Players roll 3 each at the start of each round and they gain bonus actions. 6 different bonuses so a D6 can be a substitute. No need to buy 'special' dice my fellow gaming friends. Symbols/Numbers, Potato/Pertatoe.

Rounds are players taking turns to move and shoot a model at a time. I go U go each figure until all done = end of turn.

Cubes. The concept of Cubes replaces rulers as these cover weapon range and movement and also maximum capacity of cube (to hold models of varying size). Line of Sight for shooting though still applies so position in a cube behind terrain does matter.

Players small forces are called 'Strike Teams' and while the model count might be small for this game the rules recommends using lots of Terrain. Models have point values and classes (Leader, Troop, Scum etc). 100 points is the basic starter Strike Team maximum that needs 12 Victory Points to win a game.

Seven factions plus Mercs to jazz up your Strike Team.

Victory points are gained by killing, getting items, objective control etc depending on the Mission of which the book has four.

But Brendon, I want good old fashioned XP! Quit your whining fool. If campaigns and going up ranks and, Experience Points is your thing then the rule book has these for you if you really, really need them.

Note to graphics.......I dislike grey behind text in these types of boxes. Just makes it harder to read.

My example 100 point Strike Teams.

The Plague (Zombie Horde)
Leader: 1 x Stage 3A "General" 16 pts + Pistol (Free)
Troops:
3 x Stage 3D "Hellhound" 6 pts each
11 x Stage 3Z "Zombie" 6 pts each

The Plague (Mutants of the Cursed Earth)
Leader: 1 x Stage 3A "General" 16 pts + Pistol (Free)
Troops:
2 x Stage 3D "Hellhound" 6 pts each
3 x Stage 3A (Mutant scum) 10 pts each + Pistols (Free)
Vehicle:
1 x Plague Strider with Assault Flamer 6 pts and Chainsaw 5 pts

Enforcers (Mega City One Judges)
Leader: Enforcer Sergeant 28 pts, AP Ammo 4 Pts
Troops:
3 x Enforcers 16 pts each
Specialist:
1 x Enforcer Medic

RATS IN SPAAAAAACE!

I wouldn't eat that if I were you! I said DON'T EAT IT!

Overall it's a great full color hardbound set of rules that has undergone a lot of improvements from the first version no doubt making it an even better game to play.

Cheers from Brendon

Ceaser novel series - well worth a read

Not posted in a while but I have not done all that much wargame hobby stuff either so not much to report really.
I recently completed reading an Historical Novel series by Conn Iggulden. The Emperor series is based on that most interesting of Emperors Julius Ceaser and follows his life till his death and the 5th book is after his death.
Any Wargamer who reads these will find a truck load of inspiration for projects, scenarios and general hobby mayhem. There is lot in these for gamers. At the end of each novel the Author points out any differences he may have deviated from history and also some further reading. Some parts of Julius's history is not covered in detail as he was one of history's massive over achievers. Immersive reading material like this should really motivate me to get back to my 28mm Early Imperial Roman project. But it still remains on my 'round to it' list even though I actually purchased some additions for it.
I really enjoyed the Mongol series by the same author as well. The next logical step seems to be reading the series based in The Wars of the Roses.

Cheers from Brendon

Kings of War Version 2. AWESOME!

Yaaaay! Version 2!

As a kickstarter backer I got a PDF version of the soon to be released Version 2 of Kings of War. It's an excellent evolution of the game and I will post some random thoughts here. Some of what I write may be of more interest to those who have played it before. But you may find some points interesting if you haven't played the game yet.

Unit base size has been further clarified.  

Height. Units now have a Height as does terrain. 1 - 4. This is for Line of Sight reasons and looks like it will add that little bit more certainty in the game over any doubts of what can see what.

The rules have an excellent explanation of movement and unit positions. Especially for multiple units hitting a single unit.

Despite base size this rule makes it clear.

Counter Charge (which I think is new) allows a unit that survived a rear/flank charge to turn around and charge back...provided it isn't Wavering of course   

Spells. The game now has SIX spells.

Fireball - Magic Missile damage

Bane-chant - Friendly unit gains a fight bonus or two.

Wind Blast - Push an enemy unit back

Lightning Bolt - Longer range nastier magic missile

Heal - Heal wounds on friendly units

Surge - Move friendly shambling units

Force Builds...

Allies. 25% max, no allied Living Legends, Evil and Good races can't mix but Neutral goes with anything of course.

On Force Lists...

Very clear explanation on the KoW unlock system. 1 Regiment allows you to include 2 Troops and, 1 of the following War Engine, Monster or Hero. 

In Force build lists the option for adding a Banner and a Musician to  a unit are gone. Makes a few less numbers when adding them up and also avoids that +/- during Nerve tests that I usually forget anyway.  

Twilight Kin (Evil Elves) have been dropped. Not sure why.

11 races included to build a list from.

Cannons and the like have increased in points costs. Better reflects the potential damage they can do.

Magical Artefact's. An increase in items. Don't be put off by these as they are not game breakers. Just a bonus +1 here and there or access to a a Special Ability

Scenarios. 6 scenario options to choose or randomly roll for.

Human Forces.

I have used the options for historically styled forces and now there are a few more options for those who would do just that. 

Berserkers. A new unit ideal for any unarmoured fanatic maniacs. Small, Regiment and even Horde sized option. Penitents Mob has been dropped but a Militia Mob can be as large as a 'Legion!' (largest unit possible).

Shooters have 3 entries now rather than just one with the option to be Bowmen, Crossbows or Arquebusiers (guns).

Charioteers. I don't recall them being an option before but great for British Celts or Egyptian style forces.

Stolen from Aventine Miniatures. How Awesome!

Beast of War (Monster). Perfect for that Elephant. Now who makes them in 28mm? 50 x 100mm base size so could be anything really.

Heavy Pike Block. Elite better armoured Pike unit. The Pike special rule has been dumped but Pike units get 'Ensnare' and 'Phalanx'.

Ogre Unit options in the Human list have been dropped. They have their very own list.

Dwarves

Throwing Mastiff rules much clearer.

More units like Earth Elementals, Greater Earth Elemental, Stone Priest, Sharpshooters, and a Jarrun Bombard. 
I haven't played armies other than Dwarves and Humans.

Plenty of nice coloured photos of miniatures. No photos of an actual game in progress though and no example game described. The internet probably more than takes care of that though. 

Lots of History and a Mantica map for building a fantasy world background.

A small part of Mantica.

The copy I have didn't come with an Index but the Hard copy may do. The Contents makes it easy enough to find most things though.

Overall it's a great set of rules for big unit battles. Looking forward to gaming with them again. It's inspired me to source some Elephants.

Cheers from Brendon

Target Acquired, Bombs Away!

I like books. I am excited to say that I got an email saying my pre-order of the latest Uhtred adventure is on it's way to me from Booktopia. I haven't really read a lot of books this year but I just read a great one. Lancaster Men, The Aussie Heroes of Bomber Command by Peter Rees.

Australia was another supplier of the expendable human resource for the RAF and Bomber Command in WWII. More than 10,000 Australians served with Bomber Command. Even though in the beginning it was made clear that Aussies should have Australian squadrons etc in England this was difficult to achieve in practice. What is clear in this book is that returning Aussies got a raw deal after returning from wartime service in Europe. We know that allied servicemen from the Italian theatre could be called 'D-Day dodgers'. Returning Lancaster crews got called 'Jap dodgers' once home. Shocking really, especially when you consider the many deaths and hair raising encounters as told in this book and the length of service away from home that many had to endure.
Another aspect that contributed to the general lack of recognition to these veterans was the abysmal political sell out. It seemed OK for Churchill and others to support the prosecution of the war against the Axis with the strategies they used during the war such as the controversial bombing of population centres including Dresden which is explained very clearly in this book. However as Nazi propaganda with massively exaggerated figures about deaths bounced around the world they would distance themselves from the awful task they had given the men who flew in Bomber Command. In Dresdens case approx 20,000 deaths suddenly became an inflated 202,040. Anyway that is only one aspect covered in this book and it has a lot of mission stories that are hair raising accounts of what the crews experienced.
It is a great read and even if you think you know a lot or have read a lot about Bomber Command I think you will learn a few surprising things in this book. I was highly amused  when I read about the Lancaster that flew under the Sydney Harbour bridge. If you are ever in Canberra be sure to visit the Australian War Memorial Museum which has a great display built around the Lancaster G for George.

In part 2 of this post I will mention that I have been assigned a target for Secret Santa gifting. No doubt someone out there has been assigned me as well.  £15 translates to roughly 27 down under dollars. It's been fun to Blog stalk my target and think about what they would not be entirely opposed to receiving as a surprise and I think I am very close to making a purchase online. I should probably post some ideas for my Secret Santa or perhaps online links to Australian web sellers to help with postage. Irresistible Force, Combat Company and War and Peace are shops I have visited online recently. As far as ideas...I like a large range of wargaming but saying that, may not be helpful. At the moment I am at the start of a 28mm War of the Roses project but you may have already made a purchase or have an interesting idea already. Progress has been stalled for the past few weeks due to having this crazy idea about removing my backyard of crappy grass and replacing with a mixture of paving and rocks. Made a lot of progress so far but it's starting to drive me a little bonkers and my patience is starting to thin.

Cheers for now from Brendon (The Kiwi)
One more thing..on the couch I watched the All Blacks beat the Wallabys, then Kiwis beat the Kangaroos and then I heard that Taranaki won the ITM cup. If this makes no sense to you..fair enough....but knowing all this makes me happy.

Lion Rampant quick flick review

The cover!

I am super happy to have these rules in my hands. Been looking forward to acquiring this one.
Lion Rampant is Medieval Wargame rules by Daniel Mersey published in the small book format from Osprey Wargames. It's skirmish style (like Saga). I haven't played a game yet but have been reading the rules (just got it a few days ago) and am really liking what I see. It has a lot to offer wargamers. It is written in a friendly style with a lot of non rule banter all over the place. This may not be to everyones liking but I like it! It keeps it light and makes reading enjoyable and not a po-faced exercise in technical rules listings. Rules are explained but it might also be suggested on how to alter this rule to your liking. I am not saying that the rules are wishy washy at all but lots of suggested scope for intelligent wargamers to adapt the rules for their own purposes. There are lots of suggestions and tips on what a unit could represent. As an example the author makes suggestion on using the rules for Orcs and Goblins and fantasy armies and what 'counts as'.

Reproduced here without permission!

There is a big array of unit types and even within these you can alter them. You want your English Archers in the 100 years war to have a slight edge then upgrade a Missile Unit (Archers or Slings) to Expert for the cost of 2 points. Typical game is described as 24 points to build your Retinue and you are free to make whatever composition you like. Suggested Table Size is 6 x 4 for 24 point games.
Huge scope here for imaginative gamers.
Mounted = 3 types, Foot = 5 types and Missile = 3 types. If you include upgrades which are one Stat adjustment, removal/addition of a special rule or equipment adjustment you really get an even bigger scope.
There is no restrictive ideas in this book over what your figures represent. This is not a rules book from a figures company which might have something to do with that but it is likely to have more to do with the Authors excellent pedigree of gamer.

Example Retinue from the book...
Teutonic Order (You seen those FireForge miniatures... they look kick ass).
2 Mounted Men-at-Arms 12 points
1 mounted Sergeants + crossbows 4 points
1 Foot Serjeants 4 points
1 Crossbowmen 4 points

...so the figure count is...
2 Mounted Men-at-arms (Knights) 6 each unit
1 Mounted Sergeants 6
1 Foot Serjeants 12
1 Crossbowmen 12

The boss or Leader of the Retinue only has a few extra rules. The Leader can issue a challenge and fight in a Duel and may have a special skill. Otherwise he remains a part of a unit. This is not a scientific exploration of Medieval warfare. This a game first and foremost for us to use with our figure collections. Yes, it has flavour of those times but it is even written in the rule book that this is the case. My opinion on that is...good! Should be a good game first and foremost over an historical recreation.

Another peek inside my copy. Now go get your own! You know you want to.

Scenarios (Missions). An incredible total of 12 different scenarios to battle through. More than enough for a club to run a campaign or league. I can easily visualise gamers creating a simple background such as...It's the time of the Mongol Invasions. You are a local Lord. Now get out there and Patrol, Collect Taxes, Escort something and Meet the Neighbours. Or it's the time of that Scottish rascal William Wallace or, it's set during the Crusades...etc etc.
If you win a game or fulfill certain objectives you earn Glory (Victory Points) and you can gain more by fulfilling a pre-game Boast during the game. Unfulfilled Boasts can also lose you Glory. That will learn your arrogant Lord for being such a show off! It's not terribly complicated or mathematical as well to work out Glory distribution...eg 2 Glory for each objectives set on fire.

Lion Rampant does not really offer you pages wasted on Historical backgrounds. This is a wargame rule book not a history source book and really there is too much to cover in that regard in my opinion. Besides Osprey have plenty of other books for you to buy as well. No doubt this helps keep the book at a good compact size of 64 pages and a great price (value for money!). Plenty of Osprey illustrations (Knights attacking each other etc) and photos of miniatures with some to help illustrate rules as you can see above.

Like you I am a typical gamer who sees rules as a puzzle to unlock. How do units function? How do I develop tactics to have an improved chance at winning a game or at least being halfway competitive? That's the fun of gaming in a new set of rules. But beyond that also the hobby options is a big part of the fun...which plastic box do I buy first...go all War of the Roses with Perrys...get all Teutonic with FireForge...go all horsey shooty with FireForge Mongols. Hmmmmmm!

Cheers from Brendon

Sword and Scimitar Novel Review

I saw this historically based novel on sale at a local bookshop so added it to my reading stash. I am glad I did as it is an absolute ripper of a novel. I really enjoyed this read and it hooked me in right from the start. The main focus of the action in this book is the siege of Malta in 1565 with the Ottoman Empire trying to takeover the strategically based Island. The main character however is Sir Thomas. A Knight of the Order of St John. An order that by this period is much diminished.
I am not widely read on this period of conflict and a novel like this is a great way to learn and to find myself getting a point of view of the conflict even though it is a fictional one. It is a typically bloody and brutal account from Simon Scarrow the same bloke who writes the Macro and Cato series of books.
For a wargamer the book and conflict offers a lot of ideas for gaming. Despite the siege an aspect of warfare during that conflict was ship to ship and fleet vs fleet. A variety of gaming scales could cover this. Coastal raiding possibly 28mm skirmish style is another.
Visually the Ottoman Empire perhaps give the gamer a nice range of colours to use on miniatures and tactically the period has a range of weapons to see action on a table. Being part of the Black Powder age canons etc play their parts but armoured warriors are still to be found.
However though this book really does revolve around the critical conflict of Malta holding out for an extended period and as we know from history (not really a spoiler alert here) the Ottoman forces lost that one. You don't get a point of view from the besiegers in this book. But that probably adds to the role they play as an overwhelmingly superior sized force that pound the walls into oblivion.

Anyways I enjoyed the book.

Cheers from Brendon

Odin's Wolves (Novel)

Odin's Wolves by Giles Kristian is the third novel in the Raven series. Raven is the main hero of the story and it's really his Saga as he goes on a leisurely cruise (goes a Viking) in the Dark Ages with his oath sworn brothers. After reading the first two I was more than happy to find this in a local secondhand bookshop and out of all three novels I enjoyed this one the most.
It does not contain the epic historical pitched battle warfare of a Bernard Cornwell Novel but it has plenty of action and fights as the characters travel into the Mediterranean on the way to Miklagard (Constantinople). They even stop in at Rome and take in the touristy things to see there. It's good fun for a wargamer like me who is really liking Dark Ages themes at the moment. It just helps with the immersion experience.
Hopefully the Raven saga continues and all his injuries heal in time for the follow up.
I give it 4 axes smashed in your face out of 5.

Cheers from Brendon

Timor WWII. Book Review.

I spotted this book in a local book store and had it on my future reads list for a while. I finally got around to reading it and I would highly recommend it. It's about Australian soldiers fighting a guerrilla campaign in Timor. An Island to our North not all that far from Darwin.
Australia has had a strange relationship with Timor and in particular East Timor since WWII and the end of this books does not hold back on the how Australian politics has not been exactly good for the new country. Living here in Darwin, Australia's nearest capital city to the very young country we have often heard a lot about the place. Especially once the Indonesian military left behind a Scorched Earth policy after years of brutal occupation. However this book begins prior to the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942 and concerns mainly Australia's fight against the Japanese.
Australia created a unique force with the purpose from the onset to fight as a guerrilla force. Men with backgrounds such as Station workers made ideal candidates. Young blokes who are very comfortable living of the land and living out bush for length periods. Skills that they would later need to just survive let alone wage a certain style of war against overwhelming forces. The book describes how in some ways Australia dragged Timor into WWII by it's very presence on the Island. Divided into two, Timor was roughly half Dutch and the other half belonged to Portugal. However a Japanese occupation was most likely inevitable with the strategic proximity to Darwin's port and Airfields.
This book mentions Darwin a lot. The city I now call home. So that was really interesting to see the aspects of the Timor campaign with Bombing raids, evacuations and supply by sea and coordination and communication from here. Some of the Australian soldiers even spent some time in Fannie Bay prison here when they managed to sail to the Tiwi Islands after the invasion of Timor. Once the Japanese occupied Dili (East Timor capital) the Australians supplied vital intel for bombing missions. Some of the actions described in this book is just incredibly ballsy when it comes to the ambushes they successfully carried out against the superior number of Japanese. Would make for great scenarios in wargames. Perhaps at Bolt Action scale skirmish games. Actually the story would make for an excellent movie but the I am not sure how the ending would go. Not really a happy one with Timor becoming totally subjugated to the brutality's of the Japanese war machine. The locals who helped the Aussies out paid a heavy price and mostly didn't get the recognition for serving in the Australian military campaign. The Japanese managed to carry out war crimes as soon as they accepted the first surrendered Australians so this meant that no more Australians would willingly surrender if it could be helped. Any way I am probably rambling now. It's an excellent read. Go read it.

Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)

The Pagan Lord (Uhtreds back)

Shield wall wrecking, chain-mail and arm ring wearing, revenge seeking, hated by the church......Uhtred! He's back for more dark ages adventures in his continuing saga.
I came across this historically set novel accidentally but very happy and excited to find it so had to get it without hesitation. Why? Because I have enjoyed the previous books in this series set during the Dark Ages a helluva lot. I am painting Dark Age figures at the moment as well. This book sees our hero take a pivotal role during another historical battle. I won't spoil it for you if you are going to get it but it is great immersion in a land of mud, blood and shit. Danes are getting ready to try another take over move of the lower part of England. Lots of war gaming inspiration in this book. From skirmish fights to bigger battles. If you like reading and dig the Dark Ages (the setting for Saga) then go and start at the first book. The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell.


Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)

Australia's Greatest Fighter Pilot (WWII)

Australia had many men who signed up to become pilots and air crew in WWII. Among them was Clive Caldwell. Propaganda during the 40s gave him the additional name of Clive 'Killer' Caldwell. Turns out a name he wasn't that happy with. I learnt a lot from this book like how Clive mastered aerial combat accuracy by shooting his aircraft's shadows on the ground, and how he was heavily involved in pioneering strapping bombs to Kittyhawks in North Africa. It is interesting the difference described between a German pilot and an Allied pilots rotation through North Africa was huge. Turns out Allied pilots had a rotation scheme but German Pilots didn't. This accounts for the differences in number of aircraft shot down by these pilots.
I picked this book up because Clive was based around Darwin (I live there) in the Northern Territory of Australia after the bombing of Darwin started. This book is a good read on a subject I don't know that much about. Up til I read this I knew more about the American Heavy Bombers in Australia's North than Aussie fighters in the Top End.
Clive went on to have a major breakdown in relations with seat polishing superiors. In a traditional Australian enterprising manner Clive had a hand in moving contraband around (liquor) with RAAF aircraft (and some times US bombers) but this came unstuck when it came to the attention of authority's. This led to a Court Martial. When Clive passed away the only official mention he got was in the Northern Territory parliament. To me it seems that Australia, to it's shame overlooked his contribution in our war efforts despite the illegal smuggling. A trade that actually contributed to helping situations such as trading for US Engineers to improve Island landing strips etc. Well worth a read I reckon. Covers a lot of geography in this book. From shooting down Stukas to dog fights with Zeros and putting down Japanese Dinah recon planes over the skies of Darwin.

Cheers from The Kiwi (Brendon)

1356

Brutal. Really brutal. What can you say about warfare in 1356 except brutal. I was over the moon to just happen to see this in a bookshop in Brisbane airport in April. It was a complete surprise. I didn't purchase it straight away but instead got it through itunes to read on the ipad a little later. Doing it that way it was cheaper than the brand new tree version.
If you have read the previous adventures of Thomas Hookton the English archer then you could be as happy as a pig in shit (as I was) to find out this book sees him have more bloody adventures in France. The story moves along at a cracking pace and even if you have not read the previous adventure of Thomas this is a good stand alone novel. It has all the action and tension that we, as gamers, imagine in our table top battles but with bone crunching, blood splattering, eye gouging descriptions. It is great background material for wargamers and goes beyond the sometimes dry history that we read to get you the reader right in the front lines so you can just about smell the scenes of carnage. I am no history expert but this is a fantastic way to learn about the past. The various fight scenes could be transported onto a table top range from small skirmish confrontations, tournament fighting, to the big finale battle at Poitiers. 1356 could make for an excellent campaign of escalation or a series of linked battles. I give this book 10 out of 10 Great Warbows...or 10 out of 10 maces to crush plate armour helmets.

Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)

Sons of Thunder. Raven Book 2.

The second book in the Raven series is another good rip roaring Dark Ages adventure. It continues straight on from the 1st Book and has the heroes in pursuit mode from the get go. The difference in this book and the first is the setting. While the first book had the reader learning about the Viking culture and adventurers and also England (and a small part of Wales), this book takes you on a journey through Dark Ages Frankia. It's great fun and good background reading if you dig the Saga game. I am a big fan of the Saga game and the background so I enjoyed this book. However two events appear to be straight from an actual old Saga. But they fit into the story well enough to not be overly bothersome for me. I was also wrong about the Author Giles making money from his Boy Band experience prior to becoming a writer. Turns out he was probably exploited and made no real money from that little adventure. However if he can make a penny or two from writing these types of books then he can keep at it. 

Cheers and happy reading from Brendon (The Kiwi)

The Long Earth....a novel

One lunch time at work recently I spotted a novel on the magazine pile in the lunchroom. I saw 'Terry Pratchett' on the cover so I had to pick it up. Turns out it was sci-fi novel co-written with Stephen Baxter. I was intrigued so started reading it. I have read some Discworld novels and enjoyed them but 'The Long Earth' is no Discworld novel.
This is a story about alternative Earths and future humans (not that far into the future mind you) being able to 'step' out of our world (a Datum Earth) and into these alternate possible Earths. This read was entirely different to my recent reads. No epic wars or themes of combat but instead theoretical ideas of 'what if'. For the most part it had me hooked and made me ponder my smallness in this current universe reality that I experience. The idea that somehow alternative Earths are a possibility is intriguing. In this story on all the Earths (except Datum Earth) humans didn't happen. I felt the story did get a bit slow or lost at about the halfway mark and the ending was kind of abrupt but I enjoyed it all the same.  It was fun to see how these possibilities started to affect our world. Think about it for a sec. If folks can step onto another Earth and grab some gold and bring it back then sooner or later gold will not have the value it does now. Gold would be more or less worthless. However much of the story takes place away from Datum Earth and revolves around a Human male who can 'step' without the device and also a super computer named Lobsang. An intelligence who is entirely artificial but successfully claimed in court that he is Human. A reincarnation of a Human.
This story won't be every ones cup of tea and it really does not offer anything for war gamers but if you are interested in sci-fi then it may be worth a look. I think it may be one of those polarising reads. You will dig it for what it is or you will get to the end and think ...'man I could have read something else'.
Do not expect a Terry Pratchett novel if you consider reading this novel. It certainly has some of his tell tale humour but this is no comedy. I think I enjoyed it because it was so different to what I usually read and was a surprise find.

Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)

Norman historical novel

Another historical novel set in that 'Saga' time period. This one is not Viking themed though it features those crazy horse riding descendants of Vikings who made a home in part of what we now know as France. I don't know a lot about Normans so this was an enjoyable exploration of Norman culture with the story starting at 1033.

William de Hauteville is the main character and he moves with his brother to Italy to join a Norman Mercenary force. Lots of cleverness by William and spilling of blood of course is par for the course in these turbulent times. Motivation for going to Lombard country is that he has lots of Brothers. His old man can not give them all an inheritance can he? So off he goes. Near the end of the book William comes into contact with the leader of the Varangians in service to Byzantine Harald Hardrada. Another 'Saga' hero of the Dark Ages. It was a surprise to me to learn about a Dark Ages war in Sicily where they meet up.

The early parts of the book was a little confusing for me as it followed a story arc of a noble brother and sister making a run for it from Italy as a Tyrant gets rid of their Father. But I got the obvious idea that they will end up crossing paths with William and his brother Drogo. It may be the case that I just felt a little too much detail was spent on them and it could have been page space that could have had more Norman Knights jabbing lances while thundering hooves pound the earth perhaps.

This book is the first in a Trilogy and for sure I will put the next two books in my 'round to it' reading list as it sees more of his brothers making the move to making some cash from being good at hacking folks to death in Italy and beyond.

Dark Ages Europe looks really interesting as a wargamer after reading this novel. Lots of potential for armys and different cultures clashing.

Cheers and happy reading from Brendon (The Kiwi)

Not a bad read 'Raven: Blood Eye'

If you enjoy playing Saga and the historical background setting like me then you will probably enjoy this novel. It is the story of a young man who has no memory of his past and one of his eye balls is all bloody and red looking. Fair enough. He lives in England, Vikings turn up, he is seen as potentially a good luck charm so he joins them. Adventure and blood letting results.....cool. The novel is the first one of a series and provided the price is right I think I will definitely put the next books in my future reading list. I was a little reluctant to pick this book up as the author was once in a 'Boy Band'. WTF! I cringe at the thought of that type of music but it may have it's place in the hearts of tween girls. The money Giles earned from that may be the reason we get to read this novel as it may have made it possible to fund the activity of writing and, after a boy band starts to age eventually what becomes of them? Unlike some old head banger bands who can just start to look more and more like hard face Viking warriors as they age and continue to destroy ears, and leave a trail of venereal diseases and empty liquor bottles as they travel the globe the lack of youthful perkyness may no longer be endearing to tweens that have moved on from those 'phases' they went through as a kid.

Anyway, the fights in this book are perfect background for Saga and they are frequently the same amount of combatants we see on game tables. The Vikings have only two ships so it's not the stuff of big armys but it has a good siege, and the clash between pagan and christian religions and even fights with the Welsh who come across as almost feral humans. Giles has put his time to good use to bring us this bloody adventure so if you need something to read have at it.

Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)

The Dwarves (Novel)

I really enjoyed this book. Been a long time since I read a fantasy novel. You know, swords, dragons, magic, pointy ears, Orcs and so on. Prior to this one I have been reading historical based novels. Romans, Saxons and so on. So this was a change from that but a very pleasant one.
The template for great fantasy novels of course is 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit'. Almost everything else after that is a re-imagining or a different version. But that can be good can't it? It can be if it's like this book. The first of 4 novels in a Dwarf series that features Dwarves as the heroes and not as an 'also ran'. Only really one disappointment for me. A very small one really. I got past it very quickly. That was the sort of lame looking map at the front of the book. As a person who works in 'Mapping' and as a former Graphic Designer I thought a better effort could have been made.
Basically though you get swept along in an adventure across a fantasy landscape that involves a quest to save the day that features warfare and combat and intrigue. Awesome! One reason I got this book was that I am still reading out loud 'The Hobbit' to the kid and I wanted a little more Dwarf after wards. I am also waiting for a big bunch of Dwarf miniatures from the Mantic Kickstarter I pledged towards. Reading this book has helped get my imagination into a mood for painting Dwarves going to WAAAAARRR!

In conclusion if you are considering reading this novel then do it.
I give it a 9 out of 10 Dwarven ales.

Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)

Shieldwall by Justin Hill

I enjoyed this historical novel set in the Dark Ages. For me in some way these books can a be educational about events at that time. You get a sort of imaginary eye witness point of view.
The book starts in 1013 and ends at around 1026 and is set in England around 50 years before the more famous and more widely known battle of Hastings. It follows the life course of an Anglo-Saxon character called Godwin. He gets involved in some big historic battles with big historical figures. While the book is not on the same very high level as Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series it was still entertaining. I came across a few repeated words and basic spelling mistakes which irritated me a little for some reason. Perhaps because they were pretty easy picks ups if you had a good proof reader.
It had a good amount of treachery as you would expect in these novels. So a little black and white in some regards. The beginning was a little strange with a flash forward sequence which didn't really seem necesscary at the start of the book. But once I was passed that the novel was good. It is a great background read for gamers who enjoy playing SAGA or Dark Ages wargaming. Some of the characters in this book can actually be used as Warlords in Saga if you use the published Heroes options in the rule book. The author even drops a few tourist ideas for visiting some locations mentioned in the books. Might be worth re-looking at these notes if I ever get back to England again. Turns out it is also planned for this to be the first of 3 novels. I will certainly consider reading them when they are released.

I give this novel 3 out of 5 smashed shields.

Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)

e-books versus tree books

I like to read novels every now and then and our bookshelves at home are a testament to that. However I have never been a fan of clutter which is strange as wargamers are possibly Kings (or Queens) of clutter when it comes to paints and miniatures etc and our books cases are starting to fill up. Reading is usually my inspiration for more wargames purchasing. On the net in blogs, wargames magazines, forums and also novels.

I have collected the Macro and Cato novels (The Eagle series) and will continue to do so but I didn't enjoy the last book (Praetorian) as much as previous ones. It was good but it was that sort of court intrigue that is interesting but not as interesting as being out in the frontiers on campaign that more appeals to me. These books are read by she who must be obeyed as well so I have read them in quick order as she can't cope with my 'Oh you are not going to believe what happens to such and such...".

I have also completely enjoyed Bernard Cornwells Saxon series. It's great for getting into a mood for Saga games and gives you great background material for England in the Viking ages. I highly recommend them. They are brutal and heroic and full of the sights and smells of an age of mud, wattle, axes, round shields and sh!t.


At the start of this year I got an Ipad 2 and figured out that it can also function as a reading device like a Kindle. I may be a little slow on the up take and many of you reading this may even be likely to have taken to e-books long ago. So this year I have purchased a few novels in the old 'made from trees' format and a very few in the 'does not take up any space on the bookshelf format'. I am even guilty of recently going in to a bookstore and having a look around then going home and buying the novel on iTunes. It works out around half price compared to the 'made from trees' product.
Recently I had a hankering to re-read 'The Hobbit' especially after looking at you tube blogs about the making of the 2 x 3D moves of the same name (the first one to be released in December). Really looking forward to it. So I picked up a copy while visiting family interstate. I like the book so much that I decided to make it a read out loud experience for my kid. It also helped fill in some of the day while it rained and rained outside. It is becoming an enjoyable shared experience for us both. This may be the downside to buying an e-book. Less sharing. It might be a little harder to share the novels around with friends and family than it is with a hard copy version. I don't really know.
For wargamers and wargames companies digital distribution may offer some interesting options. I recently acquired the Kings of War latest rules PDF for free. A great set of rules that has a simplicity that Saga seems to have captured. The rules also open up lots of cool modeling opportunity's with wound counters as casualty indicators. This means big block units stay on the table until destroyed. Very cool.

I figure on one hand a company like Mantic has just given you the best possible reason for you to buy an Army from them as you now have the game rules. On the other hand if the cost of these types of publications are not built into the miniatures price then it seems a possibility that the quality of rule books will diminish. How is the cost of rules development, graphic design, photography cool painted miniatures covered if we just get free rules? A balance of investment for a games compnay no doubt. Gamers are often collectors by nature though and I think an old school made from trees rule book will endure for some time though. Even if it is a lot quicker to search a digital document for a specific rule it is still probably more practical to take a rulebook down to your local club. $40 printed rulebook or $1000 digital device hmmmmm...I know what I would rather take.

Happy reading for now from Brendon (The Kiwi)

‘The Guns of War’ book review.

Well, actually, it is two books in one. ‘The Guns of Normandy’ and ‘The Guns of Victory’ by George G. Blackburn (ISBN 1-84119-210-4). It took me a while to read these two books. I picked it up and put it down not because it wasn’t interesting but life was just busy. These books are incredibly interesting and not just in a historical fact finding way but in a hardcore frontline rollercoaster emotional way. The story is written from the point of view of someone in the thick of it. That is you the reader who is propelled into Europe during 1944 and beyond. As an example... “Your command post is in a little stone farmhouse...”. You get the idea? It’s a different style to what I am used to in reading accounts of WWII and it has a point of view that we often overlook. Sure we have read about Infantry heroes (and villains), tank men, fighter aces and so on but these books are all about the Artillery and Canadian Artillery at that. You know, that unit we have at the edge of our gaming table with that small Observation Team out front among in a woods area terrain or in a building.

Being a keen Flames of War player I have the old Normandy Campaign books with the excellent graphic maps of operations that show the various operation and army movements. A lot of aspects of these operations are explained in this book and the reason why they took place and you are swept along them in this book. You do get bigger picture clarification of the strategy behind them which I found beyond excellent. Sometimes these operations when viewed in isolation seem like a mad mans folly. 1 colour Maps with the artillery location and dates are included in 'The Guns of War' as well. 

You get an eye witness view of those operations from the perspective of the supporting Canadian Artillery and the ubiquitous 25 pounders in particular. Not just the logistical numbers of the amount of shells fired in a more or less diary fashion but the conditions of digging gun positions in different soil types and the weather. You get to witness the hideous nature of war and the low life expectancy of the FOO (Forward Observation Officer) from Caen, closing of the Falaise Pocket, Normandy, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The detail is incredible. The action can get intense to the point of insane.

I found this book in a second hand shop in Thames in New Zealand while on holiday and finished reading it a month or more before writing this. It’s a big read but well worth it. For me it was one of those books that I would read a few pages and have a few ‘Holy Cow!’ moments and find myself randomly thinking about what I read about hours later. Just incredible with lots of close calls and tragic moments and by the end even the prospect of peace becomes disturbing for those that have been warriors for so long.

You can probably tell by now that I highly recommend this book if you are interested in WWII in Europe. It left a big impression on me. These two books stand out above many others when it comes to accounts of warfare in WWII. I am likely to measure many books in the future by these books.

As far as what does it offer the gamer I would say lots and lots. You could easily take a few encounters and recreate them on the table top but what would be interesting is to create a game based on the FOO. Forget commanding infantry and tanks what about being the eyes of the Guns behind you and getting requests to quell an enemy counter attack while trying to read a map and get ya bearings through a hole no bigger than a letter box slot. It might make a better PC or X-Box game perhaps. I don’t mean any disrespect by presenting these ideas but this is a gaming Blog first and foremost despite my passion and curiosity about military history.

Anyway if you are looking for something good to read go check it out.
Cheers from Brendon (The Kiwi)