I just finished Tomb World and wanted to share some non-spoiler reflections for those thinking about buying it.

Bottom line - Its a decent enough story and Id recommend buying it, but it doesnt have the depth of the Twice Dead King (TDK) books or Infinite and the Divine (I+D). Id recommend buying Tomb World, but buy our other novels first.

Positives

The opening chapters are really good. Solid pace and offer new and interesting layers to the Necrons.

The story itself gives depth to multiple aspects of Necron lore that haven't had proper narrative coverage until now - absolutely a good thing and really enjoyable. I wouldn't have complained if there had been even more of it. 

There are some interesting Necron characters, giving even more dimensionality to Necron lore, mindsets, perspectives and their challenges. 

Some nice surprises including MULTIPLE Easter eggs which might hint at future models/resculpts.

Negatives

Big narrative investment in "opponents" compared to I+D/TDK, particularly in the final Act which has full chapters focusing on the "opponent" POV. I don't feel these added anything, and ultimately took away many pages that could have been better used to give more depth to our main characters like what we got in TDK and I+D. Perhaps this was an intentional decision to broaden appeal, but given the success of our other novels, I dont believe it was needed. 

Theres a range of superfluous characters that didnt add much. It came across as padding the narrative by going broad when there was ample opportunity to go deeper with core characters. An opportunity missed.

The pacing was often a bit laboured - there are times where you want the narrative to skip onto the wider drama and key dynamics. As I had the audio book I sped it up on occasion.

Audiobook version

Gabrielle Nellis-Pain is a decent narrator. Easy to listen to and she does a good range of voices. If youve played Baldurs Gate 3 she sometimes uses a Minthara-like voice. I think we were spoiled by the amazing Richard Reed (I+D/TDK) which does colour the assessment. Given the Tomb World protagonist is female I feel she was an effective choice.

Overall - 7/10

Tomb World is good, but its so not great. In fairness, it had a very tough act to follow with our previous novels and we have probably been a little spoiled by successive quality. 

Id definitely recommend buying it, but if its a choice between buying Tomb World, or buying I+D/TDK, get those first. They are better novels. 

Comments/reflections welcome but let's please keep this spoiler free 🙏

Reflections on "Tomb World" - NO SPOILERS