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 Josh Reynolds (again – as usual he’s a busy man!) about his latest Age of Sigmar novel Hallowed Knights: Black Pyramid, the follow-up to the excellent Plague Garden, which is available to order right now.
As usual, let’s get straight to the questions and Josh’s answers.
Track of Words: What’s the elevator pitch summary for Hallowed Knights: Black Pyramid?
Josh Reynolds: The Hallowed Knights invade Shyish in order to establish a foothold for Azyr. Mannfred Von Carstein is there. Hijinks ensue.
ToW: Without spoiling anything, who are the main characters and what do we need to know about them?
JR: Gardus Steel Soul, Cassandora Stormforged, Ramus Shadowsoul, Mannfred Von Carstein, various Chaos, Stormcast, Freeguild, Ironweld and Collegiate Arcane characters. And a Beastman called Ghosteater.
ToW: Where and when is it set?
JR: It’s set after Hallowed Knights: Plague Garden but some decades prior to Soul Wars.
ToW: Is there anything that you’d recommend readers check out before reading this?
JR: I’d recommend people read Mortarch of Night and Hallowed Knights: Plague Garden, as well as the short stories A Dirge of Dust and Steel [now available in Sacrosanct & Other Stories] and Ghosts of Demesnus.
ToW: Why this story? What made you want to write this in particular?
JR: I wanted to explore how Stormcasts and Freeguild might conduct a joint campaign as well as what might go into the establishment of a new city in the Mortal Realms – the nuts and bolts of such an undertaking. Too, I wanted to wrap up some loose ends from a few earlier stories.
ToW: Did the change in the wider Age of Sigmar background with the Soul Wars affect this story, or where you’ve taken the narrative?
JR: Not particularly. Black Pyramid occurs some decades prior to the events of Soul Wars, though there are a few connections between the two books, if you look closely. There are also a few connections to Shadespire: The Mirrored City.
ToW: What were your main influences when writing this?
JR: Mostly just the earlier Hallowed Knights stories.
ToW: How does the final product compare to your original concept? Has anything changed much from your first ideas?
JR: Very little changed between the first draft and the final. Really, the only major change was the necessary excision of a sub-plot involving a group of beastman cubs, spared by the Stormcasts and later adopted by a warrior-priest. I’m told mention of the idea made Phil Kelly spit out a mouthful of perfectly good tea.
ToW: How does this story compare to the rest of your work? Is it a familiar style, or a departure?
JR: If you like what I’ve written so far, you’ll like this. If you didn’t, you won’t.
ToW: What can you tell us about where the Hallowed Knights story arc might go in future?
JR: I’m interested in writing about the relationship between the Stormcasts and the Freeguild in more depth. I’d also like to explore how the Hallowed Knights react to a massive strategic and tactical defeat, both on the battlefield and off. Hopefully, I’ll get to do both of those in the third book.
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Thanks as always to Josh for taking the time to answer these questions. Keep an eye out for a review of Black Pyramid coming soon, once I get hold of a copy.
Click here to buy Black Pyramid.
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.