Welcome to this instalment of Rapid Fire, my ongoing series of quick interviews with Black Library authors talking about their new releases. These are short and sweet interviews, with the idea being that each author will answer (more or less) the same questions – by the end of each interview I hope you will have a good idea of what the new book (or audio drama) is about, what inspired it and why you might want to read or listen to it.
In this instalment I spoke to Guy Haley about his latest Horus Heresy novel Wolfsbane (book number 49!), which is available to order this weekend. You can also have a read of my review here if you fancy checking that out.
As usual, let’s get straight to the questions and Guy’s answers.
Track of Words: What’s the elevator pitch summary for Wolfsbane?
Guy Haley: Leman Russ sets out to accomplish his sworn mission of killing the Warmaster Horus. However, he knows that it is not actually possible, so must discover a means to success.
ToW: Without spoiling anything, who are the main characters and what do we need to know about them?
GH: This is Leman Russ’s book. Most of it is presented from his viewpoint. In fact, it’s probably the most screen time Russ has had to date. Bjorn the Fell-Handed also has a large role to play. There’s another character who is very important in the present of Warhammer 40,000, who gets his Heresy debut. I won’t say here, although it’s widely known who it is.
ToW: Where and when is it set?
GH: It’s set just before the Battle of Yarant in the Horus Heresy, although this book is not about the Battle of Yarant or the Wolf Cull as so many people seemed to think it was going to be. But we do find out how Leman Russ gets wounded.
ToW: Is there anything that you’d recommend readers check out before reading this?
GH: Definitely check out all the other Space Wolf books in the Horus Heresy, as well as Vengeful Spirit by Graham McNeill, to which this book is a direct sequel of sorts.
ToW: Why this story? What made you want to write this in particular?
GH: I was asked to! The challenge of addressing such a beloved and sometimes contentious a faction as the Wolves. was appealing. Also, I’d only written one Heresy book, and wanted to write another.
ToW: What were your main influences when writing it?
GH: I did a ton of research for this book, but I particularly drew on Dan Abnett’s Prospero Burns, as well as Chris Wraight’s wolf work. I was also influenced by early medieval folklore. There’s a lot of strange magic in this one.
ToW: Was there anything you particularly enjoyed, or found challenging, in writing the Space Wolves for this story?
GH: I really got to like Russ. He’s among the most relatable of all the primarchs, the most human in some ways. He’s got a great sense of humour, and a wonderful duality. But you should not underestimate him, as so many people do. I also liked exploring the psychic side of the Space Wolves, and their relationship to the warp.
ToW: How does the final product compare to your original concept? Has anything changed much from your first ideas?
GH: Not really. Generally, my books obey me, although not always.
ToW: How does this story compare to the rest of your work? Is it a familiar style, or a departure?
GH: You’ll recognise it as a Guy Haley book. I don’t do anything too weird stylistically. I don’t think something like the Heresy is a place for that, to be honest.
ToW: Do you have plans to continue any aspects of this story, or is it a standalone piece?
GH: I do! But which parts, I cannot say…
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Thanks once again to Guy for taking the time to answer these questions. Don’t forget you can check out my review of Wolfsbane here. If you fancy taking a look at some other Rapid Fire interviews, just click here.
If you’ve got any questions, comments or other thoughts please do let me know in the comments below, on Facebook or Twitter, or by emailing me at michael@trackofwords.com.