Graham McNeill, Iron Warriors: the Omnibus. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2021. ISBN: 9781849701396.
I've read and enjoyed McNeill's Ultramarines series, so when I saw a series looking at their enemy, the Iron Warriors, I took a chance. This omnibus edition contains the following tales:
- Storm of Iron (novel).
- "The Enemy of my Enemy" (short story).
- "The Heraclitus Effect" (short story).
- "The Skull Harvest" (short story).
- "Iron Warrior" (novella).
- "The Iron Without" (short story).
- "Beast of Calth" (short story).
The novel, Storm of Iron, introduces us to Honsou, a captain in the Iron Warriors who despite his skills and strength is held in low regard by the Iron Warriors for being a half-breed. His gene seed is not pure, and for some that is an issue. As the Iron Warriors are invading Hydra Cordatus, Honsou leads raids, does the work of siegecraft, and strives to survive his rivals' machinations. The novel is fast paced, and it draws you in. I found myself rooting for Honsou, even though he is the bad guy. Yet McNeill makes Honsou a little sympathetic mainly because Honsou's rivals are bigger assholes. That, and Honsou really is a hard worker and a persistent warrior with a vision. The novel looks at his rise to become the new Warsmith of the Iron Warriors.
"Enemy of my Enemy" takes a moment to look at those defending against the Iron Warriors. A small group of Imperial Guard survivors decide to team up with some renegade Space Marines who happen to be enemies of the Iron Warriors. The story has a bit of suspense and plenty of action plus we get a different perspective from Honsou's journey. I really liked this story.
Another story I enjoyed was "Skull Harvest." Here, Honsou needs to raise a large army that he already has in order to carry out his plans. If he can survive the gauntlet that is the Skull Harvest, a multi-species army will be his to command. Every warrior he defeats, Honsou gets that warrior's army. However, if he loses, he loses his Iron Warriors and they have to serve the victor. He takes a gamble here, confident he will succeed. Along the way there are machinations and treachery. I really liked the story.
From there, Honsou and his warriors invade a star fort to free a demon prince they hope will aid their cause ("Iron Warrior), invade Ultramar ("The Iron Within"), and we get a bit of the invasion aftermath ("The Beast of Calth").
Given the Iron Warriors are siege specialists, much of the stories featured details related to siegecraft. I found some of that interesting, but your interest may vary. A strength of the book's narrative is in the action, the plots, and the machinations. I enjoy tales with some intrigue, and there is enough here.
If you are ready to root for the "bad guy," this collection is a good option. If you've read the Ultramarines series, and you want to read more about their enemy, this is a good option as well. It makes a nice supplement or companion to the Ultramarines series. However, you can read this book without having read the other series.
Overall, this is a very good volume. As in may collections and anthologies, some tales are better than others but all in all this is a very good read. Fans will likely enjoy this, especially if they follow the Ultramarines too. It still works well for more casual readers. I'd recommend it.
4 out of 5 stars.
On a final side note: Black Library, as they often do, has put out a new edition with new art on the cover and a new title. The new edition is Iron Warriors: the Complete Honsou Omnibus. (link to Black Library since Worldcat did not have the correct cover art). Aside from the new cover art, the only difference is this volume adds one new short story: "The Corpse Road." To be honest, I don't see a reason to buy a new edition just for one short story, but if you've never read the Iron Warriors series, this new edition may be of interest. For me, if I can borrow the new edition, I will do that but otherwise I am happy with the book I have.
This book qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge:
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