The Gotrek & Felix series, authored by William King and later continued by other writers such as Nathan Long and Josh Reynolds, is one of the most beloved and long-running sagas in the Warhammer Fantasy universe. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its fast-paced, action-filled narrative but also in its compelling characters, vivid settings, and a world teeming with magic, danger, and intrigue. The series, which began in the early 1990s, has evolved into a major part of the Warhammer Fantasy lore, inspiring video games, spin-offs, and a dedicated fanbase.
At its core, Gotrek & Felix follows the unlikely pairing of Gotrek Gurnisson, a stoic, larger-than-life dwarf Slayer, and Felix Jaeger, a human poet who serves as Gotrek’s chronicler. The duo embarks on dangerous adventures across the Warhammer world, battling monstrous creatures, facing insurmountable odds, and delving into dark corners of the universe where heroes are made and destroyed.
| Trollslayer (1999) | Details |
| Skavenslayer (2000) | Details |
| Daemonslayer (2001) | Details |
| Dragonslayer (2002) | Details |
| Beastslayer (2003) | Details |
| Shadowslayer (2004) | Details |
| Vampireslayer (2004) | Details |
| Ulricslayer (2005) | Details |
| The Slayer’s Honour (2006) | Details |
| City of the Damned (2006) | Details |
| The Anvil of Doom (2007) | Details |
| Slayer (2008) | Details |
So, this is where everything kicks off! Felix Jaeger, a young man trying to escape the shadow of his family’s expectations, finds himself roped into traveling with Gotrek Gurnisson, a grumpy, dwarf slayer on a mission to die gloriously in battle. What starts as a reluctant pairing blossoms into one of the most iconic friendships in fantasy literature. They fight monsters, demons, and all manner of dangerous foes as Felix is dragged into Gotrek’s quest for a death worthy of his name.
In this second book, Gotrek and Felix head into the heart of the Skaven-infested underworld of the city of Praag. The Skaven are nasty, rat-like creatures, and the pair has to face off against them in the sewers of the city. Felix’s relationship with Gotrek begins to evolve as they bond through the battle, and Felix’s role as Gotrek’s chronicler starts to become more significant, as he tries to record Gotrek’s saga while still grappling with the fact that Gotrek’s quest for death might be impossible.
Now, we’re diving deep into the world of chaos. Gotrek and Felix take on a daemon of Nurgle in a battle that tests not just their strength but their willpower. The atmosphere is thick with dark magic, and Felix finds himself more entrenched in Gotrek’s dangerous world than ever. It’s in this book where Felix starts to question his role in the whole saga, wondering whether he’s actually helping Gotrek or just tagging along for the ride.
Things go really wild in this one as Gotrek and Felix venture into the frozen wastes to battle a terrifying dragon. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to face one of the most fearsome creatures in the Warhammer world, this book’s got it all: epic battles, crazy monsters, and lots of moments where Gotrek’s stubbornness and rage get them into trouble. The dynamic between Gotrek and Felix continues to evolve, with Felix starting to come into his own as more than just a sidekick.
The pair head into the wilderness of the Empire to hunt down a dangerous beast, but, as always, things are more complicated than they seem. There’s a mix of eerie wilderness and encounters with strange creatures, all while Gotrek is ever obsessed with finding his death, and Felix is left to try and survive the madness. By now, Felix is getting used to the constant fighting, but the tension between him and Gotrek grows as Felix starts to wonder what his future holds. This is a solid entry in the series, and it starts laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
Gotrek and Felix go on the hunt for a dark elf sorceress in this installment, making their way through dangerous lands filled with hidden threats. It’s one of the darker books in the series, exploring the dark elven menace and introducing some new characters who will play a role in future adventures. Felix’s inner conflict continues to build, and his relationship with Gotrek deepens, as he realizes that Gotrek’s quest for death might be both a blessing and a curse.
The undead are rising, and Gotrek and Felix find themselves facing off against the terrifying forces of the Vampire Counts. This one’s got all the things you expect from a great Gotrek and Felix novel-battles against the undead, dark magic, and the ongoing tension between Felix’s desire to get out of this mad life and Gotrek’s obsession with seeking out death. It’s one of the more gothic entries in the series and introduces some fantastic new elements to the mythos.
This time, Gotrek and Felix find themselves deep in the chaos of the Warhammer world, facing not just enemies but the very forces of chaos themselves. They take on a series of challenges, from fighting bloodthirsty beasts to trying to stop the rise of a terrible new threat. It’s a whirlwind of action, with lots of battles and dark schemes. Felix is starting to think more about what life after Gotrek might look like, but his bond with the dwarf deepens even as he wonders if his destiny is tied to Gotrek’s fate forever.
In this book, Gotrek and Felix’s journey is tested by the politics and intrigue of the human Empire. It’s not just a fight for survival anymore; it’s a battle against treachery and betrayal. Gotrek’s quest is still front and center, but now, Felix’s growing attachment to the dwarf starts to feel like both a burden and a blessing. As they face down more threats, Felix begins to wonder if he’ll ever escape this path or if he’s just bound to walk beside Gotrek until the very end.
A truly dangerous and dark journey awaits Gotrek and Felix as they enter a city cursed by chaos. The forces of evil are thick in this one, with shadowy plots, demonic schemes, and corrupt officials. Felix’s narration is more introspective here, as he deals with the emotional toll of living on the edge of death constantly. It’s one of the grimmer entries in the series, but it shows just how far Felix has come in terms of his understanding of his companion and the life they’ve chosen.
Gotrek and Felix are back at it again, facing off against hordes of enemies, from marauding chaos warriors to terrifying monsters. This one’s a bit more epic in scope, with some truly massive battles and a few surprises. As Gotrek’s fate continues to unfold, Felix is forced to come to terms with his role as the chronicler of Gotrek’s legend. The tension between these two characters is really at its peak, with Felix feeling more and more like he’s part of something that could destroy him if he’s not careful.
The end of the saga draws near, and the stakes have never been higher. Gotrek and Felix face their biggest challenges yet, with the fate of entire cities hanging in the balance. This is the one where everything comes together-the battles, the revelations, the emotional farewells. Gotrek’s quest for death is finally put to the ultimate test, and Felix must come to terms with what their bond truly means. It’s a powerful, emotional, and action-packed conclusion that fans of the series won’t want to miss.
The Gotrek & Felix books are a series of high-fantasy novels set in the grim and perilous Warhammer Fantasy setting, a world where magic permeates every aspect of existence, and the line between good and evil is often blurred. Gotrek, a dwarf who has sworn a death oath to seek out an honorable death in battle, is driven by an insatiable desire to fight and slay monstrous creatures, seeking redemption for past sins. Felix, a former student and aspiring poet, is reluctantly drawn into Gotrek’s world of brutal combat and bloodshed as his companion and chronicler.
The series blends fast-paced action with moments of camaraderie and tension between the two protagonists. While Gotrek is obsessed with fighting and proving his worth, Felix is more reflective, constantly questioning the motivations behind their dangerous quests. Their dynamic is a major part of what makes the series so engaging. Gotrek’s relentless drive for battle often contrasts with Felix’s more philosophical and moral outlook, leading to moments of humor, conflict, and growth.
The books are marked by their episodic nature, where each novel or short story tends to focus on a different set of challenges, enemies, or locations, while still maintaining an overarching narrative. The series, initially written by William King, is divided into several major arcs, each focusing on different aspects of Gotrek and Felix’s journey. The initial books, including Trollslayer, Skavenslayer, and Daemonslayer, set the stage for their relationship, while later novels delve deeper into their personalities, pasts, and the greater threats they face.
Over the years, the series has expanded, with several authors contributing to the ongoing saga. The development of Gotrek’s character, particularly his struggle with his Slayer’s oath, and Felix’s evolution from a reluctant follower to a hardened warrior, is a core element of the ongoing narrative.
For anyone new to the Gotrek & Felix series, the question of where to begin can be daunting. While the books can technically be read as standalone adventures, there is a recommended reading sequence to fully appreciate the depth of character development, world-building, and ongoing storylines.
The most straightforward entry point is to begin with the first novel, Trollslayer. This book introduces the central characters, establishes their bond, and sets the tone for the series with an epic battle against a troll. It also introduces the darker aspects of Gotrek’s character-the idea that he is seeking a glorious death-and Felix’s reluctant commitment to accompany him.
After Trollslayer, the series follows a fairly linear progression through the early novels: Skavenslayer, Daemonslayer, and so on. These books delve into different realms of the Warhammer world, each one showcasing a different threat, from Skaven and daemons to orcs and vampires. As you move through the books, it’s important to note that there is a continuous evolution of the characters, particularly Gotrek’s internal struggle with his Slayer’s oath and Felix’s growing proficiency in battle.
However, as the series progresses, the number of books and their increasing complexity may lead to a more intricate reading sequence. For example, Gotrek & Felix: The Third Omnibus collects several later novels and short stories, which provide more in-depth exploration of side characters and subplots. There are also companion novels and side stories, such as The Legend of Gotrek & Felix, which offer additional insight into the larger Warhammer universe, although they are not strictly necessary for the main narrative.
If you’re looking for a truly comprehensive experience, following the chronology of events in the Gotrek & Felix saga can be more rewarding. Many readers recommend reading the books in order of publication, which typically ensures a smooth progression of the plot and character arcs. However, it’s important to note that not all the novels are written by the same author, and the tone and style can shift as a result.
In addition to the novels, there are also various short stories and audio dramas that provide additional context and development for Gotrek and Felix. Some of these works are best read after the main novels to avoid spoilers, while others can be enjoyed as supplementary material without disrupting the core narrative.
There are many elements that make the Gotrek & Felix series stand out in the world of fantasy literature. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is the relationship between Gotrek and Felix. Their dynamic is the heart and soul of the series, and it is what keeps readers invested in their journey. Gotrek’s brute strength and single-mindedness provide a stark contrast to Felix’s wit and moral compass, yet there’s a palpable bond of friendship that develops between them over the course of their adventures. Their banter, combined with moments of deep introspection, creates a balance of humor, action, and emotional weight.
The world-building in the series is also top-notch. The Warhammer Fantasy world is rich with history, myth, and danger, and the Gotrek & Felix books are a perfect showcase of this universe’s dark and gritty atmosphere. The settings range from subterranean caverns infested with ratmen to cursed forests teeming with undead, all brought to life with vivid descriptions and a palpable sense of menace. The creatures they encounter are not merely obstacles to be vanquished, but are often embodiments of the chaos and corruption that permeates the Warhammer world.
Another highlight is the action. Gotrek’s prowess in battle is legendary, and the novels frequently depict epic, brutal clashes with enemies ranging from dragons to monstrous daemons. The stakes are high, and the battles are intense, with a sense of danger that constantly looms over the protagonists. These scenes are thrilling and expertly crafted, maintaining a fast pace that keeps the reader hooked.
Additionally, the themes explored in the series are rich and thought-provoking. Gotrek’s search for a worthy death and his eventual realization that his journey is one of personal redemption offer deep philosophical undercurrents. Felix’s internal struggle to understand his place in the world, his role as Gotrek’s chronicler, and his own desire for a life outside of violence, make for a compelling character arc.
While it’s not strictly necessary to read the Gotrek & Felix books in order, it is strongly recommended if you want to experience the full depth of character development and plot progression. Starting with the first book, Trollslayer, gives you essential context for the characters and their motivations, while also introducing the overarching storylines and themes that will unfold throughout the series.
Skipping ahead in the series could potentially result in missing important character moments or plot details that influence later events. Furthermore, much of the enjoyment in reading the Gotrek & Felix series comes from watching the evolution of Gotrek and Felix’s bond, as well as the gradual development of their personalities. While each book presents a self-contained adventure, the emotional stakes and their personal growth are best appreciated when read in sequence.
That being said, if you are primarily interested in a single, standalone adventure, some of the later books, such as Vampireslayer or Beastslayer, can be read without requiring too much prior knowledge. However, starting at the beginning allows you to appreciate the entire tapestry of the series, rather than just isolated threads.