Danie Ware, The Rose at War. Nottingham: Black Library, 2022.
As in most collections, some stories are better than others. "Wreck and Ruin," the story featuring the inquisitor was a bit irritating for me since early on we figure that Inquisitor Istrix is pursuing a personal vendetta, one that cost the lives of a previous squad. Inquisitors in Warhammer 40K are often odious characters, and Istrix is no exception. So we keep reading this story hoping the sisters will make it alive somehow despite the inquisitor's obstinacy and incompetence, traits the inquisitor's enemy exploits.
The short story "Da Big Mouf" offers a different view. We start with some orks in a space hulk. Initially I was curious why we get an ork's story in a collection of Adepta Sororitas stories. We soon realize there are Battle Sisters on board, and we see them from the orks' point of view. To the orks, the sisters searching for a relic are the invaders. The story was a cool idea.
The stories are connected, so in a way you can read this book as one big novel. However, for the most part, you can read the stories on their own too.
Action and pacing are pretty good. The squad has a good mix of personalities. The stories as a whole are entertaining, and the narrative keeps you reading. Even when a story is so-so, like "Wreck and Ruin," once you get past it the tales get better.
Fans of the Adepta Sororitas will want to read this. For 40K fans wanting to read about Battle Sisters this may be a good entry point. For me it was fun reading that featured different missions from recon to solving a mystery in a convent.
I really liked it, and I'd recommend it.
4 out of 5 stars.
This book qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge:
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