The Emperyan

Atlas Infernal by Rob Sanders

2011-09-01T12:37:00.001-05:00

Details: Atlas Infernal by Rob Sanders Black Library Publishing 416 pages Description: Inquisitor Bronislaw Czevak is a hunted man. Escaping from the Black Library of the eldar, Czevak steals the Atlas Infernal – a living map of the Webway. With this fabled artefact and his supreme intellect, Czevak foils the predations of the Harlequins sent to apprehend him and thwarts his enemies within

Review: Path of the Seer by Gav Thorpe

2011-08-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

Details: Path of the Seer by Gav Thorpe Black Library Publishing 401 pages Description: The ancient eldar are a mysterious race and each devotes their life to a chosen path that will guide their actions and decide their fate. Thirianna abandons her simple existence to embark upon the mysterious Path of the Seer. She will tread a dark and dangerous road that leads her to the otherrealm of the

Brothers of the Snake by Dan Abnett

2011-06-17T12:04:00.015-05:00

Details:Brothers of the SnakeBlack Library PublishingReview by Earl DavisDescription:Best-selling author Dan Abnett turns his hand to the mighty Space Marines in his next project following the success of Horus Rising and the Armour of Contempt. The war-torn far-future is laid bare as Brothers of the Snake follows the exploits of the Iron Snakes Space Marines as they battle against the enemies of

Green Lantern: Spoiler Free Review

2011-06-17T11:20:00.004-05:00

Details: Green Lantern by Warner Bros.Theatrical Release105 MinutesRelease Date: June 17, 2011Review by: Earl DavisDescription:A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.http://greenlanternmovie.warnerbros.com/Review:Green Lantern holds a unique place in

Review: Star Wars Vs. Star Trek by Matt Forbeck

2011-06-09T09:08:00.005-05:00

Details:Star Wars vs. Star Trek: Could the Empire kick the Federation's ass? And other galaxy-shaking enigmasAdams MediaPublished: May 2011ISBN: 978-1440512629 Reviewed by Earl DavisDescription:Could a Jedi knight use his light saber to deflect a beam from a phaser? Which aliens are cooler: the Cardassians or the Chazrach?Have any Federation ships ever made the Kessel run in less than twelve

Review: LA Noire by Rockstar Games

2011-06-08T10:25:00.005-05:00

Detail:Name: LA NoirePublisher: Rockstar GamesDeveloper: Rockstar GamesType: 3rd person AdventureVersion: PlaystationReviewed by Earl DavisDescription:L.A. Noire is a gritty, single player detective game set on the infamous streets and in the smoke-filled back rooms of post-war Los Angeles. Designed and developed with a nod to the classic film noire movie genre, L.A. Noire blends crystal clear

Review: The Purging of Kadillus

2011-06-07T07:50:00.008-05:00

Details:The Purging of KadillusA Space Marines Battles NovelBlack Library PublishingReviewed by Earl DavisDescription:Faced with an ork invasion of Piscina IV, the 3rd Company of the Dark Angels believes the threat to be minimal. As enemy numbers continue to increase, their commander, Captain Belial, insists that his Company are strong enough to resist. But Scout-Sergeant Naaman knows just how

Review: Hunt for Voldorius by Andy Hoare

2011-06-06T11:22:00.008-05:00

Details: Hunt for Voldorius A Space Marines Battle Novel Black Library Publishing Reviewed by Earl Davis Description: Captain Kor'sarro Khan of the White Scars is petitioned by his Chapter Master to hunt down and destroy the daemon prince Voldorius, a warleader of the renegade Alpha Legion, thus ending his reign of terror across the stars. Hunting the beast doggedly for over a decade, Kor'sarro

Review: Blood Reaver by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

2011-04-09T09:08:00.001-05:00

Details: Blood Reaver by Aaron Dembski-Bowden A Night Lords Novel Black Library Publishing416 pages Description:Driven on by their hatred of the False Emperor, the Night Lords stalk the shadows of the galaxy, eternally seeking revenge for the death of their primarch. Their dark quest leads them to a fractious alliance with the Red Corsairs, united only by a common enemy. Together with this

Review: Fall of Damnos by Nick Kyme

2011-02-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

Details: Fall of Damnos, Nick Kyme A Space Marine Battles Novel Black Library Publishing416 pagesAdvance Review Copy Description:When Damnos is hit by cataclysmic earthquakes, an ancient force is awakened. Deep beneath the earth, the necrons rise from their slumber to decimate the human populace. All appears lost until salvation comes from the heavens – the Ultramarines brave an orbital

Review: Marvel versus Capcom 3 by Capcom

2011-02-17T11:35:00.005-06:00

Details: Name: Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Release Date: February 15, 2011 Type: Fighting Version: Special Edition Reviewed by Earl Davis Description: After a decade of waiting, iconic Marvel and Capcom characters join forces again in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, a re-envisioned team fighting game for a new generation of gamers. Fill the shoes of

Best of the Best 2010

2010-12-14T14:30:00.005-06:00

This year I continued shifting this site more and more towards reviews and commentary and less and less about my illustration work. I did reviews for a number of sites and publishers but the lion's share of my reviews were for Black Library. This year I reviewed lots of books, some games, and ran some opinion pieces on publishing and art. The following are my picks for Best of the Best for 2010:

Review: Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie

2010-12-13T13:41:00.000-06:00

Details:Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie, by Codex Pictures Special Edition Collector's Set DVD (NTSC) 72 minutes Description:Captain Severus, a revered veteran warrior with a considerable reputation, has received an urgent request for assistance from the remote backwater planet Mithron. Mithron has only one site of strategic importance, a shrine defended for countless generations

Review: Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett

2010-12-13T11:33:00.000-06:00

Details:Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett Black Library Publishing448 pages Advance Review Copy Description:The Emperor is enraged. Primarch Magnus the Red of the Thousand Sons Legion has made a terrible mistake that endangers the very safety of Terra. With no other choice, the Emperor charges Leman Russ, Primarch of the Space Wolves, with the apprehension of his brother from the Thousand Sons

Review: Salamander by Nick Kyme

2010-12-06T10:59:00.001-06:00

Details:Salamander by Nick Kyme Black Library Publishing416 pages Description:Hailing from the volcanic world of Nocturne, Space Marines from the Salamanders Chapter are in search of an ancient artefact that leads to a world overrun by Chaos. They are the fire-born: implacable warriors with iron hard determination. But all is not what it seems as far more dangerous foe is revealed. As

Review: The Magicians by Lev Grossman

2010-12-05T08:52:00.009-06:00

Details:The Magicians by Lev GrossmanViking Adult - a division of Penguin GroupPublished: August 2009ISBN: 978-0670020553Reviewed by Earl Davis Description: Quentin Coldwater is brilliant but miserable. A senior in high school, he's still secretly preoccupied with a series of fantasy novels he read as a child, set in a magical land called Fillory. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself

Review: Grimblades by Nick Kyme

2010-11-29T16:09:00.001-06:00

Details:Grimblades, An Empire Army Novel by Nick Kyme Black Library Publishing416 pages Advance Review Copy Description:When orcs and goblins invade the Empire, the Emperor Dieter IV does nothing. While the other elector counts bicker, Prince Wilhelm is left to defend the Reikland alone. The Grimblades are among his brave army that opposes the greenskins. Amidst desperate war across the

Review: The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack (Burton and Swinbourne in)

2010-11-16T12:51:00.016-06:00

Details:The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack (Burton and Swinbourne in) by Mark HodderPYRPublished: September 2010ISBN: 978-1616142407 Reviewed by Earl Davis Description:London, 1861.Sir Richard Francis Burton—explorer, linguist, scholar, and swordsman; his reputation tarnished; his career in tatters; his former partner missing and probably dead.Algernon Charles Swinburne—unsuccessful poet

Review: Fable III by Microsoft/ Lionhead

2010-10-25T12:17:00.003-05:00

Details: Name: Fable III Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Lionhead Release Date: October 25, 2010 Type: RPG Version: Limited Collector's Edition Description: In Fable III, the latest installment of the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive franchise, fans new and returning will now embark on an epic adventure, where the race for the crown is only the beginning of your spectacular journey

Review: Medal of Honor by Electronic Arts (Single Player Campaign)

2010-10-12T11:30:00.002-05:00

Details: Name: Medal of Honor Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Danger Close Release Date: October 12, 2010 Type: First Person Shooter Description: Operating directly under the National Command Authority, a relatively unknown entity of handpicked warriors are called on when the mission must not fail. They are the Tier 1 Operators. Over 2 million Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines

Review:The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund

2010-10-11T11:10:00.001-05:00

Details:The Fall of Reach by Eric NylundDel Rey Books Published: October 2001 ISBN: 9780345451323 *Note: This was originally published in 2001, but as Halo: Reach is now out, this is a good time to cover this! Description:As the bloody Human-Covenant War rages on Halo, the fate of humankind may rest with one warrior, the lone SPARTAN survivor of another legendary battle . . . the desperate,

Blood Pact Giveaway...

2010-09-29T17:42:00.002-05:00

In honor of the forthcoming Sabbat Worlds Anthology in hard cover and the softcover release of Dan Abnett's Blood Pact, We will be giving away one softcover copy of Blood Pact on October 10, 2010. Are you interested? Here's what you have to do to win this brand new, hot off the press novel: 1. Answer the following question: Who killed Trooper Bragg & why? Send the answer via email to

Review: Death and Dishonour by Davis, Kyme and Priestley

2010-09-29T12:30:00.001-05:00

Details:Death and Dishonour, Edited by Alex Davis, Nick Kyme and Lindsey Priestley Black Library Publishing320 pages (*Note. I actually read and reviewed this months ago, but neglected to post it. My apologies.) Description:The world of Warhammer is filled with stories of survival and bravery, and also with tales of death and dishonour. This collection explores those themes with stories from

On reviews...

2010-09-28T13:40:00.002-05:00

Do ever wonder what the value of a review is? As an individual or as a publisher or author? Reviews are opinions. Bottom line. At the very basic level all reviews of anything, whether books, games, movies, adult entertainment products...all opinion. You may think "Well, some are more educated than others." or something akin to it. That is only barely true. Regarding novels, some reviewers may be

Review: Fear The Alien, Edited by Christian Dunn

2010-09-21T13:14:00.001-05:00

Details:Fear The Alien, Edited by Christian Dunn Black Library Publishing416 pagesAdvance Reader Copy Description:The Imperium of Man has many enemies among the stars, but none are reviled so much as the alien. Dangerous races seek to destroy humanity wherever they turn –the brutish orks, the ravening hordes of the tyranid, the unrelenting necrons and the mysterious forces of the tau and the

The First Heretic- Trailer

2010-09-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

This is really fantastic: best intro/ explanation of what The First Heretic is about.

Review: The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

2010-09-01T16:06:00.005-05:00

Description: Dieter Lanz is a young recruit to the 3rd Hochland Swordsmen, otherwise known as 'the Scarlets'. His regiment is called into battle when an orc army starts to rampage across the countryside, and when the Scarlets

2010-05-04T09:11:00.001-05:00

New BL ArtHardy Fowler:Jon Sullivan:Original post over at the Black Library!

Q&A: More illustration questions and answers

2010-04-27T22:35:00.003-05:00

Here are some more:1. What tools do you use the most when producing your art?2. I hear you about life drawing. Are there also any books or videos/dvds you might recommend to starters? *I'm going through "Keys to Drawing" by Dodson, and "Manga Pro" by Colleen Doreen right now.3. What do you consider one of your most valuable experience/s?4. What are things beginners should avoid (either in

Q&A: Starting out as an illustrator.

2010-04-27T11:28:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while I get questions from folks regarding what I do and how I do it. I can't stand gatekeepers who try and horde knowledge so they can be somehow "better" than others; I share it out every chance I can. I figure the cool kids need to stick together. There's plenty of work out there for people willing to hustle. Besides, it's great to see people develop their talents. Everyone

Review: Soul Hunter by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

2010-04-09T14:17:00.004-05:00

Pen and Ink fantasy stuff for Angus @ Cubicle 7

2010-03-10T10:44:00.003-06:00

Move=Canceled!

2010-03-04T17:05:00.002-06:00

Just in case you hadn't heard...the move is officially canceled.The Mitsubishi (our only vehicle) died. She went out with a whimper instead of a bang. Probably best since Kay was driving and all.Transmission guts stripped out or somesuch. Anyhow, bought a 2001 Neon. Unfortunately it needs a lot of work too (as I found out AFTER buying it).So the funds for moving have been shuffled in to the

Achtung!- Team-Preston Relocating to Washington!

2010-02-19T09:30:00.001-06:00

Newsflash!In about 30-40 days Kay and I will be wheels up for Vancouver Washington. Kay has given her 30 days notice, landlord notified, truck rented.I apologize for keeping this under my hat as long as I have; it has been a long month of discussions to try and come to the best decision. Deciding to leave Wisconsin has not been easy.The reasoning behind this in many-fold (I rarely do anything for

Review: Crosscurrent by Paul S. Kemp

2010-01-12T11:06:00.005-06:00

Details:Crosscurrent by Paul S. KempDel Rey: Random House Publishing Group352 PagesFinal Pre-Release Proof CopyDescription:An ancient Sith ship hurtles into the future carrying a lethal cargo that could forever destroy Luke Skywalker’s hopes for peace.The Civil War is almost over when Jedi Knight Jaden Korr experiences a Force vision so intense he must act. Enlisting two salvage jocks and their

Review: Blood Pact by Dan Abnett

2010-01-07T09:25:00.001-06:00

Preface.July 5th 2005 I took a fall, flew ass-over-teakettle and landed on a upstanding sheet of heavy plywood across my lower spine, effectively folding me in half...backwards.I grunted, groaned a bit and kept on doing what I was doing until after three months of "muscle pain" I actually went to a