Book Review: The Soul Drinkers Omnibus

Ben Counter, The Soul Drinkers Omnibus. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2006. ISBN: 9781844164165.

Genre: science fiction, dystopia

Subgenre: Warhammer 40,000

Series: Soul Drinkers (Space Marines) 

Format: paperback omnibus

Source: I own this one, bought secondhand 

This book collects the first three novels of the Soul Drinkers novels. The Soul Drinkers are one of the most loyal Space Marines in the Imperium of Man. When a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus steals a valuable artifact from the Soul Drinkers, the chapter decides to get it back at all costs. In the process, they go astray from the Imperium and even get excommunicated by the Inquisition. Despite this, they view themselves are loyal to the Emperor even as they despise the Imperium's corruption. 

The story's premise is good, and it has potential. The execution leaves a lot to be desired. The story often meanders, and the reader may wonder why the Soul Drinkers do certain actions. This is especially an issue after the first novel, which really goes all over the place. 

In the series, characters are not sympathetic. Sarpedon, who ends up leading the Soul Drinkers after what is basically an internal coup, is way too obsessive. The Inquisition does not come across better, though the new inquisitor introduced in the second novel is a better character. Given how soon the Imperium turns against them, i.e. tosses them under the bus after their artifact was stolen, and the Inquisition's persecution, we can appreciate the Imperium's overall corruption. At the end of the day, no faction looks good in this series. Granted, Warhammer 40,000 is a dark dystopia, but it is pretty bad in this series. 

The novels' pacing often drags. This was a book I had to make myself read to finish it. I probably should've dropped the volume after the first novel. Things start getting seriously convoluted from the second novel onward. The motivations of characters are not always clear. Also there are parts that are a bit too long; a bit of editing may have helped. 

This series is just OK. Fans will like it regardless, but this may be one for casual readers to skip. I am aware there are more novels in the series, but I am not seeking them out. The Space Wolf Omnibus in contrast was a fun read (link to my review). The Soul Drinkers Omnibus is just a messy drag. This is one I'd say is optional, for completists. 

2 out of 5 stars, barely. 

This book qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenges: