Is Gotrek & Felix: Trollslayer worth reading? Yes — it’s the beginning of the longest-running and best-loved series in Warhammer Fantasy, and a great change of pace from the grimdark of 40,000. William King introduces the doom-seeking Slayer dwarf Gotrek Gurnisson and his reluctant human companion Felix Jaeger, whose sworn duty is to record Gotrek’s death — a death that stubbornly refuses to arrive. It’s pulpy, adventurous fun with real heart.
This review is spoiler-light. For more picks, see our best Warhammer books guide.
What is Trollslayer about?
Gotrek is a Slayer — a dwarf who, having suffered some unforgivable shame, has sworn to die in battle against the mightiest monsters he can find, seeking redemption in a glorious death. Felix, a disgraced poet and swordsman, once drunkenly swore an oath to follow Gotrek and chronicle his doom. Now he’s stuck with it.
Trollslayer is structured as a series of linked short adventures rather than one long plot — the pair wander the grim, gothic Old World, blundering into trolls, beastmen, daemons, and worse. It’s episodic by design, and it captures the wandering-heroes, monster-of-the-week spirit that made the series a classic.
Why it works
- A perfect odd-couple pairing. Gotrek’s grim, monosyllabic death-wish plays beautifully against Felix’s educated, self-preserving narration.
- It’s just plain fun. Sword-and-sorcery adventure with a dark edge — an easy, entertaining read.
- Great Old World flavour. The gothic, doom-laden Warhammer Fantasy setting comes through vividly.
- Felix is a great narrator. His wry, human perspective on Gotrek’s madness is the heart of the series.
The good
- The definitive Warhammer Fantasy starting point and a beloved classic.
- Accessible and episodic — easy to pick up, easy to keep reading.
- A tonal change of pace from 40k’s relentless grimdark.
The not-so-good
- Episodic structure. As an early, short-story-based entry, it lacks the momentum of a single driving plot — the series builds more sustained arcs later.
- Of its era. Trollslayer is an older book (1999), and the writing is pulpier than modern Black Library.
- Fantasy, not 40k. If you’re strictly here for the 41st millennium, note this is the Old World.
Who should read it?
- Warhammer Fantasy / Old World fans — this is your cornerstone series.
- Readers who want sword-and-sorcery adventure with a grim streak.
- Anyone after a lighter, pulpier read than the Horus Heresy.
For 40k’s own comic-adjacent adventures, pair it with our Ciaphas Cain review and Brutal Kunnin review.
Verdict
Trollslayer launched a fan-favourite series for good reason: Gotrek and Felix are one of Warhammer’s great double-acts, and their first outing is a fun, characterful entry into the Old World. It’s pulpier and more episodic than the epics elsewhere on this list, but it’s a joy — and the definitive way into Warhammer Fantasy fiction.
Our rating: 8 / 10 — the classic starting point for Warhammer Fantasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trollslayer the first Gotrek & Felix book?
Yes. It’s the first in the long-running Gotrek & Felix series, followed by Skavenslayer, Daemonslayer, and many more.
Is Gotrek & Felix set in 40k or Fantasy?
Warhammer Fantasy (the Old World). It’s one of the flagship series of that setting, quite distinct in tone from Warhammer 40,000.
Do I need to read them in order?
The early books are episodic, but the series develops ongoing arcs, so starting with Trollslayer and reading in order gives the best experience.
Who wrote Trollslayer?
William King, who created the Gotrek & Felix series and wrote its earliest and most iconic entries.