David Annandale

DAVID ANNANDALE writes Doctor Doom, Arkham Horror and Legend of the Five Rings fiction for Aconyte, and Horus Heresy, Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar and Warhammer Horror fiction for Black Library. Among his recent novels are Reign of the Devourer and The Harrowing of Doom. He is also the author of the horror novel Gethsemane Hall and the Jen Blaylock thriller series. By day, he is Senior Instructor in the Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media at the University of Manitoba, Canada, where he specializes in genre film and video games. He is also a co-host of the Hugo-nominated podcast The Skiffy and Fanty Show.

Interviews and Articles

“Here’s a question: what connects Percy Bysshe Shelley, Howard the Duck, a vampire cow and a murderous surgeon? The answer is that they’re all influences author David Annandale drew upon in one way or another when writing his latest Marvel novel Reign of the Devourer”
Track of Words

“[Doctor Doom’s] been my favourite Marvel character for as long as I can remember – well over 40 years!”
UM Today, Interview with David Annandale, author of The Harrowing of Doom

“Getting the chance to write [Doctor Doom] was something beyond a dream coming true, because I never dared to dream I would have this opportunity.”
University of Manitoba Today, Interview with David Annandale, author of The Harrowing of Doom

“Doctor Doom has been my favorite of all Marvel characters for well over 40 years. His Gothic Hero-Villain persona pulled me in long before I even knew what such a character type was.”
Track of Words, Interview with David Annandale, author of The Harrowing of Doom

Court Games podcast interview with David Annandale, author of Curse of Honor

“The setting of Legend of the Five Rings provides some very rich material for the fusion of fantasy and horror.”
Track of Words, Interview with David Annandale, author of Curse of Honor

Author News
Marvel Untold: The Tyrant Skies by David Annandale The Tyrant Skies, Cover Reveal and Chat with Author, David Annandale November 9, 2022 New from Marvel Untold: The infamous Doctor Doom must face his deadliest enemy, the evil Red Skull, to save his people and himself in this thrilling Marvel Untold novel.⁠ We are so excited to reveal the cover for David Annandale’s newest novel, The Tyrant Skies. Here is a quick Q&A… Read more.
Legend of the Five Rings: Curse of Honor by David Annandale Introducing Legend of the Five Rings: Curse of Honor by David Annandale December 3, 2019 A mysterious city hidden in a snow-choked mountain pass: an opportunity and a threat for the noble Crab clan – it’s the setting for our first revealed novel! Arriving in bookstores in May 2020 is our first expedition into Legend of the Five Rings: Curse of Honor by David Annandale.… Read more.
Incoming – Here Are Our First Titles! November 26, 2019 It’s time to yank the tarps off this intriguing pile that we’ve kept under wraps all this year, and tell you about our first publications. When we launch the Aconyte range of novels based on your favourite Asmodee games in May 2020, all these books are heading your way in… Read more.
Reviews

“Whether you’re new to the world of Arkham Horror, or if you’re an old hat at the game and know every piece of lore and detail there is, Welcome to Arkham: An Illustrated Guide for Visitors is sure to delight and enthral.”
Trans-Scribe

“I really loved this book, incredibly good story and its so well written and flows really well.”
Big Geordie Geek

“The Tyrant Skies is an outstanding and highly entertaining novel”
The Unseen Library

“Tyrant Skies kept me on the edge of my seat. I love the mixture of science and mystic arts that Doom uses within his arsenal.”
What You Tolkien About

“You shouldn’t like Doom, but he might be the person that Latveria needs the most. It’s a complexity that you don’t often get with villains, and one that can be a lot of fun when you do.”
Trans-Scribe

“There’s something perverse and exciting about wanting Doctor Doom to win.”
Cosmic Circus

“Annandale has done his homework as this novel feels like a natural extension of that long-established rivalry.”
Martin’s View

“The plot is an immersing one, as it caught me right from the beginning”
Bibliophileverse

“A slow insidous horror”
Trans-Scribe

“David Annandale’s thriller checks all the boxes for me. There are well-written, interesting characters. They get into all manner of bad situations that run the gambit from disquieting to terrifying. There is an ultimate evil that needs defeating and the stakes are high for not just the main characters but the entire world.”
The Cosmic Circus

“All in all this is another fantastic entry to the Aconyte Books Arkham Horror novels. I honestly adored every bit of it.”
What You Tolkien About

“If you’re a big fan of Doctor Doom and don’t mind a really strong horror story, this is a must-read. Here’s hoping we get to meets some of these new characters in other media soon.”
Laughing Place

“A deftly crafted and simply riveting read from first page to last, “Reign of the Devourer” by David Annandale is a ‘must’ for the legions of Marvel Universe fans in general, and Doctor Doom enthusiasts in particular. A part of the simply outstanding Aconyte Books ‘Marvel Untold’ series, and highly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections”
Midwest Book Review

“As grand and epic a story as you can imagine… Annandale mixes gothic tragedy and daring cinematic action (plus a healthy dose of surreal occult antics) to create something powerful and exciting, and it turns out to be as spectacular, full of character and downright entertaining as any Marvel movie.”
Culture Vs News

“I had expected this book to be full of long, and dull to read battles, but Annandale beautifully keeps tension high to drive you through the pages. Descriptions are brutal, from the undead, to those slaughtered with their faces removed and returned unnaturally, and so true to the pulp-ish feel of the book, it certainly pulls no punches.”
Tabletop Gaming Magazine

“As grand and epic a story as you can imagine… Annandale mixes gothic tragedy and daring cinematic action (plus a healthy dose of surreal occult antics) to create something powerful and exciting, and it turns out to be as spectacular, full of character and downright entertaining as any Marvel movie.”
Culture Vs News

“The novel is well paced, dialogue is well written, and the action scenes are exciting. But for me, The Harrowing of Doom’s best qualities are its horror elements. There were several passages in particular where his depiction of Hell was terrifying in a very classical way, reminding me of Edgar Allan Poe and early Black Sabbath albums. Not gruesome or gory, but still evoking otherworldliness and dread as our reality faded away and was replaced by a literal Hellscape.”

–  Grimdark Magazine

“As with the first novel Annandale is a master of his craft. The writing style is beautiful, macabre and vivid. It flows and is a perfect match for the genre and characters. All the characters shine brightly; their strengths and weaknesses.”

What You Tolkien About 

“It builds upon the characters and themes established in the first book in exciting ways, and takes an even harder turn into horror than the first book that really sets this apart from the other Marvel books being produced by Aconyte. An absolute must read for anyone who’s a fan of Doctor Doom.”
Trans-Scribe

“Annandale perfectly captures the soul of the character …. Reign of the Devourer is a worthy sequel to The Harrowing of Doom and I hope that Annandale continues to tell stories of Doom in the Marvel Untold universe.”
POP Goes the Culture

“Doom views his nation as an extension of himself such that to attack his people is to attack him. Annadale handles Doom brilliantly this way, taking what could easily be a flat character and giving him depth and pathos. Likewise, Annandale does a good job breathing life into Doom’s supporting cast, and I found myself interested in their individual stories as well.”
Grimdark Magazine

“Doctor Doom: Reign of the Devourer is written by David Annandale and sees the Latverian monarch inadvertently free a soul-eating vampire.”
Screen Rant

“This novel is a sequel to Annandale’s The Harrowing of Doom which came out in early 2021. While the rest of the Marvel world views him as a villain, to the people of Latveria he is a “hero”. And when his kingdom and subjects are treatened by a powerful, evil entity, he rises to the challenge as a protector. This is why Doom is one of my favorite Marvel villains – because he is so complex. Once again, the reader is treated to a wonderful portrayal of Doctor Doom; Annandale captures those multifacets perfectly. When Doom is advising those around him to push further, to challenge their own limits, he shows the redeemable qualities of his personality.”
Martin’s View

“I had expected this book to be full of long, and dull to read battles, but Annandale beautifully keeps tension high to drive you through the pages. Descriptions are brutal, from the undead, to those slaughtered with their faces removed and returned unnaturally, and so true to the pulp-ish feel of the book, it certainly pulls no punches.”
Tabletop Gaming Magazine

“The highlight of the novel is David Annandale’s storytelling, which is fascinating and gripping.”
Shelley Reviews

The Harrowing of Doom gives the reader a very intimate look at its eponymous protagonist, and whilst Doom’s iron will, and the implicit (or sometimes explicit) lack of freedom that this implies for his subjects never fully goes away, the figure he presents is a very interesting one nonetheless. ”
Fistful of Meeples

“A great novel about Doctor Doom influenced by strong comic lore knowledge, Gothic and Romance literature, horror cinema, and fantasy. If that sounds like something up your alley, definitely check it out. It gets a wholehearted recommendation from me. ”
The Doom Archives

Curse of Honor is a deftly crafted and inherently riveting read from first page to last. Clearly showcasing Annandale’s genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative storytelling style that is as entertaining as it is compelling.”
Midwest Book Review

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt like I was reading a very in-depth script to a Marvel movie I would enjoy seeing.”
Nerds and Beyond

“The book is good, an interesting one where an over-powered character is undone by refusing to delegate or being too egotistical, and it is something of a page-turner, it left me wanting more. ”
Smashbomb

“While Doctor Doom made for a very unlikely hero, this book did open my eyes as to Doom’s motivation for the things he does that bring him into conflict with various Marvel heroes.”
Chris Lowens

“This felt like it could easily be adapted into a movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s a very strong story and very well written.”
Big Geordie Geek

Curse of Honor is a well-told story that stands on its own, with little knowledge of Rokugan required to enjoy it. The horror is effectively done, managing to give you a strong sense of the perils whilst leaving the details evasive. The characters are interesting and for those who make it to the end alive, there should be plenty of interest in seeing what comes next for them in any sequel that might follow.”
Fistful of Meeples

“As spectacular, characterful and downright entertaining as any Marvel movie. Doctor Doom might usually play the role of the bad guy, but with this fantastic exploration of his character and his relationship to Latveria it’s clear that there’s much more to him than just monomaniacal villainy. Annandale’s love for the character comes through strongly, and he’s undoubtedly done Doom justice.”
Track of Words

“This is the Doom we have never seen in the movies. I love how his tale has caught the imaginations of many through the years, and I’m absolutely looking forward to future prose versions of his fantastic peers. Definitely recommended.”
The Catbox

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt like I was reading a very in-depth script to a Marvel movie I would enjoy seeing. Fans get to witness a side of Doctor Doom that is not commonly seen.”
Nerds and Beyond

The Harrowing of Doom not only sheds light onto the character of Doctor Doom, but the nation of Latveria as a whole, and gives readers valuable insight into one of the more interesting corners of the Marvel Universe.”
Trans-Scribe

The Harrowing of Doom plays out like a movie… The conclusion felt earned and I was wholly satisfied with the tale I’d been given. And I will never say no to more Marvel in my life.”
The Paperback Collector

“If you enjoy dark stories full of a constant fight against evil, you can add Curse of Honor to your reading list!”
Kamila Reads

Curse of Honor feels like an Alien movie; a tense, dimly-lit thriller where the protagonist gets extended action scenes, discovers horrific tableaus, and has to grapple with the growing paranoia of those around her.”
– Strange Assembly

 

“Very well written, very engaging and very well edited, with a nice flow to it.”
Big Geordie Geek

“A fantastic story that manages to be both accessible for readers who know nothing about the setting as well as engaging for long time fans.”
Imperial Advisor: The L5R LCG Show

“It really is a good story, providing the perfect opportunity for Annandale to let loose and have fun with horrible supernatural creepiness and haunted, tragic characters forced into increasingly painful decisions. Highly recommended.”
Track of Words

 

Curse of Honor is a deeply compelling and sophisticated novel.”
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviewer

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