Book Review: The Outcast Dead

Graham McNeill, The Outcast Dead. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2011.  ISBN: 9781849700863.

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Horus Heresy, Book 17

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one  

 

To be honest, I was already feeling lukewarm about this novel, but since I am reading through the series, I picked it up. It just did not really grab me, and it felt like a drag to read. 

Astropath Kai Zulane is sent back to Terra to rehabilitate from trauma. He arrives at the City of Sight, basically the headquarters of the Astra Telepathica. The Imperium may officially dislike psykers, but they sure depend on them and use them regularly for various things including space communications and navigation. The Astra Telepathica is a faction we rarely read about, and we are not going to get much about them in this book either. 

Kai is just not an interesting character, and to be honest I did not care for him much. I did not care that much for the other characters either nor their machinations. A lot is going as they are just finding out about Horus's betrayal. 

The other big event is the imperial arrest of the Crusader Host, an honor guard composed of members of all the 18 Space Marine legions. Since some of them of legions now considered traitors, they just arrest the whole group to be sure. A small group of them manages to escape, and they take Kai with them since he has a crucial secret in his mind. 

The novel just does not feel coherent. Also, as I mentioned, it is just not that interesting. The parts about the commoners eeking out a living around the imperial palace are not that much better either. Overall it's a cast of characters I found that I did not care for them. One ironic note, if you will, is that Roxanne reads history books that tell of poverty and inequality in the Old Earth (i.e. our time now); her tutors tell her this is all in the past, but given the slums now she can see nothing has really changed. 

This one that folks can skip and not miss much. Completists will likely read it anyway, so keep the expectations low. I would not recommend this. 

On a side note, McNeill's record for me in Horus Heresy books is mixed. I liked Mechanicum and Fulgrim well enough, but I did not care for Thousand Sons nor this book. (Links go to my reviews.) Still, I will be picking up the next book in the series down the road: Deliverance Lost. 

 

1 out of 5 stars.  

 

Book qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

Book Review: The Rose at War

Danie Ware, The Rose at War. Nottingham: Black Library, 2022.  

Genre: Warhammer 40,000, science fiction

Subgenre: Adepta Sororitas

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one  

This collection contains three short novels and five short stories. The tales feature Sister Augusta Santorus and her squad of Battle Sisters from the Order of the Bloody Rose. The stories are presented sequentially so we follow their adventures and missions in order. 

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: 

 

 

Book Review: Age of Darkness

Various authors, Age of Darkness. Nottingham, England: Black Library, 2011. ISBN: 9780857871534. 

Genre: science fiction

Subgenre: military science fiction

Series: Horus Heresy, Book 16

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one. 

 

This short fiction anthology is number 16 in the Horus Heresy series. This volume features nine stories: 

•  "Rules of Engagement" by Graham McNeill.
•  "Liar's Due" by James Swallow.
• "Forgotten Sons" by Nick Kyme.
• "The Last Remembrancer" by John French.
• "Rebirth" by Chris Wraight.
•  "The Face of Treachery" by Gav Thorpe.
• "Little Horus" by Dan Abnett.
• "The Iron Within" by Rob Sanders.
• "Savage Weapons" Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

As often happens with anthologies some stories are better than others. The stories look at various situations and events of the Horus Heresy, often things happening behind the scenes or in more out of the way places. The book as a whole is a pretty good read. Pacing may vary; one or two stories may be a bit slow. 

Let me highlight the stories I found interesting and/or memorable:

•  "Rules of Engagement" looks at Roboute Guilliman as he is writing the Codex Astartes. This provides a frame to a story of space marines involved in various engagements. 
• "Liar's Due" is about a spy infiltrating a backwater world and sowing chaos and conflict. As he says, he is the whole invasion because the Warmaster has more important things to do. Once the twist is revealed, the story gets interesting. 
• In Abnett's story, Little Horus Aximand is bothered by dreams he probably should not be having. The story also looks a bit at how Little Horus relates to the Warmaster. 
• I always like a story of the Iron Warriors, and "The Iron Within" fit the bill well. 

Overall, this is an average collection. It's not great, but it is not bad either. Can you skip it? Yes, probably. Completists will want to read it. I'd recommend it for readers who enjoy short fiction and stories that focus more on behind the scenes rather than epic battles. 

I liked it. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

 

Additional reading notes: 

"Liar's Due" offered a couple of quotes that resonate for our Hard Times such as this one: 

"It's the people who are killers. People down there, in Town Forty-Four and every other place just like it. People like your father, and Prael and all the rest. They let themselves be manipulated, because deep within them, they want to be right. They want to have their darkest fears come true, to validate their loathing of the lives they lead" -- Mendacs, in "Liar's Due" (74).  

 

From "The Face of Treachery" 

"In times such as these, even the most trusted face can conceal an enemy" (181). 

 

From "The Iron Within" 

"From iron cometh strength. From strength cometh will. From will cometh faith. From faith cometh honour. From honour comes iron. This is the Unbreakable Litany. And may it forever be so" (238). 

 

 

Book qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

    

My 5 Warhammer 40,000 Starter Books

Recently I found myself watching some YouTube videos of folks recommending books if you want to start reading Warhammer 40,000 (WH40K) fiction. I noticed the element those videos share in common is expertise. They are either readers deep into the books or heavily into the games or both. There's nothing wrong with that. Their selections are often pretty good, and I have even read some of those books. I figured that I could make a list, especially since I came to the books as a true neophyte. I just picked up my first book, liked it, and I have kept on reading since. Here are then five books that trace my reading journey so far in Warhammer 40,000. Note the list does not include Horus Heresy titles; that could be another list for another time. 

My entry point book was Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium (link to WorldCat). It does not have to be your entry point, but the lighter tone and humor hooked me in. I just picked the book up in a bookstore some years back, read the description, and it sounded good enough for me to read. I had a very basic familiarity with WH40K, so as a reader I was taking a chance in picking up a new to me series and spending the money to buy the book. I am glad I did. I admit I may not have gotten one or two points of the lore right away, but I persevered and kept on reading. At times I could relate to Ciaphas Cain. He is not a coward, really, for he is a skilled fighter and will fight if necessary. He just wants what many of us want: an easy life where we get out alive and in one piece. It helps that he can also be very practical. He has a bit of everyman not found in other WH40K characters that adds to his charm. Additionally, if you are choosing a faction to focus your WH40K reading, and you choose the Astra Militarum (also known as Imperial Guard), the Ciaphas Cain series is a pretty good entry point. I also enjoyed the novel's framing. An inquisitor is reading the Cain Archives and editing the stories so her colleagues can read them. Cain kept a journal, but Inquisitor Vale often interjects in the narrative to clarify, add details from other sources, and overall fill any gaps. The librarian in me finds that fascinating. 

Some time after the Cain omnibus, I read the Eisenhorn trilogy in another omnibus edition (link to WorldCat). I head someone tell first time readers that the Eisenhorn series was like a detective story, so if you like detective stories you might like this Well, sort of, kind of, not quite. It has been a while at this time since I have read it, but I do remember liking it even if it is a bit more complex than a "detective story." The Eisenhorn series did lead to two spin offs, the Ravenor series, which I read the trilogy but did not like as much, and the Bequin series, which I have not read yet at this time. If you choose the Inquisition as your faction to read, Eisenhorn is a solid choice. I am thinking a reread may be due. 

If you are interested in the Space Marines, there are plenty of choices. For me, the Space Wolves first omnibus (link to my review) can be a good starting point. I enjoyed the overall story of Ragnar rising from a recruit to eventually becoming a veteran. Each Space Marines Chapter has a sort of angle, trait, or gimmick. The Space Wolves are a bit like Norsemen or vikings in space. In addition, the tales have moments of humor within the group that readers may appreciate. I certainly enjoyed moments where Ragnar and his peers were joking with each other, teasing each other, or just trying to brag more than the other guy. The stories are filled with action and just fun to read. 

Another Space Marines tale I often recommend these days is Helsreach (link to my review). This might not be a first choice for an entry point, but if you want to read a good action tale of Space Marines at war against seriously bad odds led by a reluctant leader, this may be the tale for you. Chaplain Grimaldus of the Black Templars Chapter, comes to Helsreach as ordered by his superiors. He is convinced he will die a meaningless death while his brothers gain glory battling elsewhere. Yet he does his duty, rallies his marines and the local forces to fight until the end. It has action, drama, and some very moving moments. This may be one of the best individual Space Marines stories available. It is well worth reading it, and for me one I will enjoy rereading. 

Now if you want an actual detective story, you may want to consider looking into the relatively new Warhammer Crime series. It is still WH40K; it mostly takes place in the very corrupt city of Varangantua. I entered the series with the novel Bloodlines: an Agusto Zidarov Novel (link to my review). Zidarov is a detective with the city's Adeptus Arbites (police force) investigating a case some would rather never be solved. It has a WH40K coating, but this is a somewhat noir detective tale. If you enjoy noir detective tales, this may be for you. The Warhammer Crime series gives you a look at the 40K universe behind the battlefront. While the Astra Militarum, Space Marines, and other combat factions are out there, these are the folks behind in the home front , the ones who live the daily life in an old Imperial city, and it definitely is not glamorous. I've read other titles in the Warhammer Crime series, but as an entry point I still recommend Bloodlines. In reading it, helps if you know the setting a bit, but if not, it still works as an easy entry point into WH40K as it is not seriously heavy in the lore, and the book even offers a glossary of terms. 

These are my five books that can be entry points into the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Feel free to comment with titles you would suggest and/or a list of your own.

Short Book Review: Prospero Burns

Dan Abnett, Prospero Burns: the wolves unleashed. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2014. 

Genre: science fiction

Series: Horus Heresy, Vol. 15

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one 

 

This is a short note to remember that I read this book, and it was not very good. To be honest, this is not the author's best work, and I have read some of his other books. This novel is the other point of view in the events presented in the previous novel in the series A Thousand Sons (link to my review).

In a nutshell, the Thousand Sons, the 14th Space Marines Legion, are deemed heretical by the Emperor of Mankind for their use of psykers and sorcery. They decide to retreat to their home world of Prospero and keep doing what they are doing. When Magnus the Red, their primarch, has a vision of Horus' treachery, the Emperor ignores it and declares them heretical, sending the Space Wolves Space Marines to bring them to account. The previous novel offers the perspective of events from the view of Magnus and the Thousand Sons. It is basically the tragedy of their fall to chaos. The later novel looks at those events from the view of the Space Wolves, or so we readers are led to believe. 

A big part of Prospero Burns deals with one of the Space Wolves skjalds, or storyteller, Hawser. The novel starts with some flashbacks, but it is not quite clear what exactly is happening right away, so we spend a bit of time just deciphering what is going on, and how is it significant to the larger plot. It is not until the second part of the novel we get to the main events, which is why most of us picked up the book. As if that was not enough, Hawser is not all he seems to be, there is some mental manipulation going on, and some other machinations. Usually elements of intrigue can be interesting in these novels, but here a lot of it is somewhat convoluted, a bit too complex, and not always clear. Plus the novels focuses excessively on Hawser. 

At the end of the day, it also may help readers if you read A Thousand Sons before reading this one. In theory, the two books form a duology. In practical terms, you can pretty much skip Prospero Burns and keep reading the rest of the series. I do note in my review that A Thousand Sons is not that good either, but it is at least coherent. The big fault in that novel is that nothing really happens in it. A big part of is it a few Space Marines complaining they are bored waiting for their Primarch. But that is still better than Prospero Burns. If you have to pick one novel to get this part of the larger Horus Heresy story, pick A Thousand Sons if you must. I wish I had known that before I picked Prospero Burns up, but at least I can say I got through it. As for Abnett, he has much better books in the Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000, go find those instead. 

1 out of 5 stars (barely).  

 

This book qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

Book Review: Honour Imperialis

Various authors, Honour Imperialis: an Astra Militarum Omnibus. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2014. ISBN: 9781849706674. 

Genre: science fiction, dystopian

Subgenre: military science fiction

Series: Astra Militarum, Warhammer 40,000

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one

 

This is a Warhammer 40,000 omnibus edition that features stories focused on the Astra Militarum, also known as the Imperial Guard.  The Guard are the foot soldiers of the Imperium of Man, the regular soldiers from the various places in the vast Imperium. This volume features three novels: 

• Cadian Blood by Aaron Dembski-Bowden. 
• Redemption Corps by Rob Sanders. 
• Dead Men Walking by Steve Lyons.

The volume also includes four short stories: 

• "Regicide" by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.
• "Down Among the Dean Men" by Steve Lyons.
• "Hunters" by Braden Campbell. 
• "The Mouth of Chaos" by Chris Dows. 

As in any collection or anthology, especially one featuring various authors, story quality can vary quite a bit. This volume has its ups and downs. Let's look at the contents. 

For me, Cadian Blood may be the best novel in the set. The world of Kathur has a serious Chaos infestation, and it is up to the Cadian 88th Armored Regiment and other imperial units to take the planet back. Nothing is simple here. After the setbacks, the 88th is assigned a commissar they do not want and then get seconded to an inquisitor. Meanwhile, the Chaos forces get reinforced. We get action and a good amount of intrigues and plotting. The story has a good pace, and it keeps readers interested. The author delivers a strong story here. 

On a side note, previous Dembski-Bowden works I have read so far are Helsreach and The First Heretic (part of the Horus Heresy series); links go to my reviews of the books. 

The second novel is Redemption Corps. Here, Major Mortensen leads the elite storm troopers of the Redemption Corps, who are described in the novel as: 

"The Redemption Corps were a mixed group-- from schola students to veterans: the best that bring born on a dozen different worlds could offer. Each brought their own natural talents to Mortensen's small, elite storm-trooper company, honed to zealous perfection in the sector's various schola progenium institutions and drawn together to damn the enemies of the Imperium" (220). 

Like many elite units that operate with high autonomy and risk, they are unconventional and don't always work by the book. As a result, Mortensen and his troops have admirers, and a lot of enemies, and that does not include the orks they are assigned to fight. To make things worse, Mortensen and his troops are outright assholes, which does not endear them to their allies and superiors. In fact, a battle sisters superior really hates him and makes things even more difficult for the company. 

An issue with this novel is that pretty much every character is a seriously unlikable asshole. Yes, I get this is 40K, a setting full of assholes, but this novel has no one with any redeeming qualities. The result is the reader spends a lot of time annoyed at the characters that you hope die sooner rather than later. Also at times the novel's pace slows down, making the novel feel longer. Mortensen gets away with stuff because he gets results, but still certain higher ups want his head. That he is an outright dick does not help his cause. As for his men, they may be seen as elite, but they are more psychos and feel more like dregs drafted to do their worse, which they do to both friend and foe. In other guard novels sure the guardsmen may be flawed, but you can find some reason to be sympathetic to somebody. Not here. To be honest if they all get killer it may be an improvement. Add to it that their superiors are no better. The plot at times seemed to just get more complicated for the sake of complication rather than making a good story. 

 

The third novel, Dead Men Walking, is not an improvement.  Though it may appear to be a novel about the Death Korps of Krieg, it focuses a good amount on local characters, including the spoiled niece of the planetary governor who we can't wait to see killed during a Necron invasion. The other key character is a mining administrator, who the upper class niece, sort of toys with and teases. At least he eventually does some growing and maturing, but she is pretty much worthless. The Death Korps are the ones we really want to see, and we don't get enough of them. The novel has one or two side plots too many that could've been removed, and the novel would be improved. By the way, the novel includes a sample of the "old veteran only days from retirement getting killed" trope. Still, Commissar Costellin's death is a rare moving moment in the novel. 

As for the short stories, "Hunter" may be the best in the lot. This is a tale of Catachan Jungle Fighters facing great odds against a Tau invasion and the value of reading essential information others may overlook. "The Mouth of Chaos" featuring the Elysian Drop Troops was pretty good too. 

Note that the novels were published previously as individual books. It may be difficult to find them in print given Black Library's propensity to let print books go out of print quickly and the awfully expensive used book market that follows (that is another rant for another day), but you may be able to find them as e-books from the publisher or you may be able to find them at your local library (or via Interlibrary Loan through your local library). Out of the three novels, Cadian Blood is the one I recommend. The short stories were previously published in issues of Black Library magazines. 

What I like overall about the omnibus is the variety. It strives to give a sampler of different Imperial Guard units. Fans of the units featured may find something to like here. For me, I did appreciate the variety, even if most of the stories fell short. The  good ones made the overall reading experience worth it. Yet in the end, as a package, the volume is just OK. One or two works were good; the rest were average or below average. 

For libraries, if you already collect 40K books, and you have readers who are Imperial Guard fans, you may want to add this, For less comprehensive 40K collections, I would consider this optional. This is a volume to borrow if possible, or find it cheap if you must buy it. This one feels like not the best in the Imperial Guard series. Still, I will keep looking for other Imperial Guard tales to see if they get better. 

2 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge: 

 

Book Review: Iron Warriors: the Omnibus

Graham McNeill, Iron Warriors: the Omnibus. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2021. ISBN: 9781849701396.

Genre: science fiction

Subgenre: military science fiction, villains

Series: Iron Warriors, Warhammer 40,000

Format: trade paperback

Source: I own this one. I bought it at Half Price Books for $5.99 used. It retails for $15, so it was a great deal at a time before these older editions started to become scarce and collectible. 

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: 

Fiction Books Read in 2024

Welcome to my series of top books read in different categories for 2024. This will be the short list in the series as I did not read much fiction in 2024, and not all of it was very good. After going over my annual reading list, I found 4 books that are fiction. The list is down below, in no particular order, with links to the reviews. 

Donald Tyson, Necronomicon: the Wanderings of Alhazred

As I mention in my review, I read this in preparation to work with Tyson's Necronomicon Tarot deck. I did enjoy the book. Do you have to read it to use the deck? No, but I think if you do it may help you appreciate the deck more. 

Brian Keene, Island of the Dead

 

This is some classic zombie fun in a fantasy setting. If you like your sword and sorcery with a touch of horror, this may be for you.

Chuck Tingle, Bury Your Gays

 If you've never read a Chuck Tingle book, this may be a good entry point.

 

Ben Counter, The Soul Drinkers Omnibus (Warhammer 40,000)

 

I liked the overall premise, but I found the execution falling short. There are better Space Marines books in Warhammer 40,000, and I will be looking for those in 2025.

Thanks for stopping by and reading Got any good fiction you've read? Feel free to share in the comments. Coming up in this series of lists I will be writing about the nonfiction I read in 2025. I hope you decide to come back and check that out. 

Happy reading.

 

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: 

Book Review: Deathwatch: Shadowbreaker

Steve Parker, Deathwatch: Shadowbreaker. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2019. ISBN: 9781781939635.

Genre: science fiction

Series: Warhammer 40,000, Deathwatch

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington Public Library 

"The blade that kills you is the one you least expect" (56).

Codicier Lyander Karras leads Talon Squad of the Deathwatch. Deathwatch are elite small teams of Space Marines drafted by the Imperial Inquisition for extremely dangerous missions. As the novel opens, Karras is recuperating from wounds sustained in a previous mission. He is barely recuperated when Talon Squad's handler, the mysterious Inquisitor Sigma, has a new mission for them. An inquisitor, Epsilon, has gone missing, perhaps gone rogue. Her location? A T'au held world. Talon Squad's orders are to find her and bring her back alive by any means necessary. The challenges are not only getting in and out of an enemy held planet but also surviving the intrigues, internal politics, and machinations of the Inquisition. 

The basic premise of the novel sounds great. However, the novel's pacing is fairly slow. The pace does not really pick up until about halfway into the story. Once the pace picks up, there is plenty of action for the fans. Along the way we learn of Epsilon's scheme, a complex scheme she claims can be good but is highly questionable and full of risks to put it mildly. 

For folks who like intrigue and schemes, you get a good dose of that. The Inquisition has various schemes going, rivalries and politics within, and at times one wonders who the imperial servants really serve. There are layers of conspiracies that Talon Squad has no idea exist. They just do their jobs and keep fighting on, hoping for the day when, if they survive, they can return home to their Space Marine chapters. 

Overall, I liked the novel, but I feel it was a bit too long at times. Some earlier elements could've been trimmed a bit. Once the pace picks up, it's a good Space Marines action story. Like many conspiracy tales, the ending is somewhat open. Hardcore fans will likely enjoy it. More casual readers may find the first half or so a bit slow and dragged out at times. Still, it was worth it once it gets moving. 

I'd say 3 out of 5 stars. 

Book Review: Helsreach

Aaron Dembski-Bowden, Helsreach. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2020. ISBN: 9781789993127.

Genre: military science fiction

Subgenre: Warhammer 40,000; Space Marines Battles series (Book 2)

Format: hardcover

Source: Beaumont Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

"We are judged in life for the evil we destroy" -- Mordred, Reclusiarch of the Black Templars, mentor and predecessor of Reclusiarch Grimaldus.

 

Reclusiarch Grimaldus, a chaplain of the Black Templars Space Marines Chapter, is among many sent to defend the planet of Armageddon from a massive ork invasion. Leading 100 Black Templars, he is sent to defend Hive Helsreach. He does not really want to be there; he feels and is convinced he will die there in a meaningless death. However, he does his duty and rallies his Space Marines and the city defenders. When the enemy numbers seem to keep rising, and his Space Marines keep dying, will he be able to hold for reinforcements, or will his feeling of dying become a self-fulfilling prophecy? 

Before Grimaldus arrives on Armageddon, the opening scene of the novel is him recalling his ascension to Reclusiarch, a promotion that was not unanimous, but he did get enough votes to be approved. He himself does not always feel worthy of his predecessor's mantle, Mordred, so he strives to live up to it. 

The novel's narrative features two points of view mainly. One is the omniscient third person narrator. The other is Grimaldus' point of view. This provides a good narrative with some depth. The novel offers plenty of drama not only in combat but also in the politics and relationships. In the Imperium of Man, the various factions do not always get along. Grimaldus needs to be a warrior, a chaplain, and a diplomat. He has to encourage soldiers without outright taking over. He has to persuade the Mechanicum to lend their Titans to the defense of Helsreach and more. Through it all he strives to stay true to his chapter's ideas and honor. 

Along the way, we meet other characters such as Trooper Andrej, a local soldier tasked with training and leading civilians who are given arms when things get really bad. We meet the crone princeps of Titan Stormherald who often makes things difficult for Grimaldus. The author does provide good detail on how the Titans work in looking at Stormherald and its crew, specially the bond between the crone princeps and the machine. For fans who know, they will appreciate the small appearance of Commissar Sebastian Yarrick. For those interested, Yarrick has his own series of novels; I read one of them: Imperial Creed (link to my review). The author does a good job of weaving these and other stories into a good narrative; these are characters we care about as we read. 

The novel's pace is swift. There is plenty of action and conflict as well as drama. The book is 396 pages for the novel,  but it reads fast. Grimaldus is a complicated man, stubborn at times, who grows under fire to prove he is worthy of his Reclusiarch title. Fans of Warhammer 40,000 and Space Marines will likely enjoy this one. The novel can be a good option for casual readers as it is a stand alone novel. 

This particular edition is part of the publisher's Masterworks series. It includes the novel and a 30-page short story, "At Gaius Point." The story is about events prior to the novel where traitor space marines invade Helsreach and are confronted by battle sisters. This group of Adepta Sororitas appear later in the novel, so that is the short story's connection to the novel. However, to be honest, the story is not as good as the novel. I'd say if you choose to skip it, you are not missing that much. The story does provide some explanation why the local sisters are a bit unfriendly to the Space Marines. 

In addition, this edition is a very nice hardcover volume. Readers who collect the books may like this one on the shelf. It can also be a very good choice for libraries that collect science fiction and game based or franchise based fiction. I would still consider buying the volume for my personal shelf. Overall, a very good novel with good characters and plenty of action. I do recommend it. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Two additional quotes from the novel I wanted to remember: 

"All lore is useful in the right hands. All information can be a weapon against the enemy" -- Grimaldus (223). 

I may need to put the above quote in my e-mail signature lines. 

"Nothing is purer than hatred. With hatred, humanity was forged. Through hatred, we have brought the galaxy to its knees" -- Grimaldus, on meeting with Princeps Zarha, regarding the D-16 Oberon weapon (140).

Context above is the princeps is being difficult, opposes Grimaldus using the weapon, and at one point she states she hates him for it. This is basically how he replies since he is going to do it anyways. 

Top 4 fiction books I read in 2023

Welcome to the second post in my series of top books I read in 2023. This is based on my 2023 Reading List. I may have mentioned this before, but I am not a big fiction reader. I do enjoy it, and I enjoy some specific genres, but nonfiction tends to be my reading default when it comes to texts. Out of 8 fiction works I read last year, only four got a four or five stars out of five stars rating to make it on this list. Turns out that last year was a year for Warhammer 40,000 books. Two of the four are WH40K books. One was from the Horus Heresy series (so, similar to WH40K), and one other science fiction novel. What can I say? They were good books. While I am not making promises now, I hope to read a bit more fiction in this new year 2024. We'll see how that goes. 

These books are listed in no particular order. If a review for a book is published, I will include a link to it. 

Artificial Condition (Murderbot Diaries, Book 2)

From my review: "The novel is fun, entertaining, and keeps you reading once you start. The writing is concise. I do appreciate that so far the novels are short, fun, and to the point." The Murderbot series has been one of my recent pleasant discoveries in fiction, science fiction this time. I am a bit skeptical since I understand the newer books are longer novels. Part of the appeal for me is that the books so far are easy reads, fun, and short. We'll see. So far this is a series I recommend. The only reason I have not read more of the series is that I tend to move from one book to another. For series, I often read a book or two, take a break, and assuming I liked it, come back after reading something else. It is very rare I just binge read a series. 

The First Heretic: Fall to Chaos (Horus Heresy, Book 14)

From my review: "Overall, I really liked this book. It is one from the series I would recommend, especially for those readers who may like Chaos forces in Warhammer 40,000 or want to read more about the Word Bearers. The novel blends tragedy, a bit of pathos, intrigues, and warfare." 

Helsreach (Warhammer 40,000. Space Marines Battles, Book 2)

As of this post, the review is coming soon. I can say this was one of my favorite books overall for the year. 

The Space Wolf Omnibus (Warhammer 40,000)

From my review: "If you like your Space Marines novels with a lot of action and combat, this is a good selection. Pacing is relatively fast, and the narrative just moves swiftly. It is a book of about 760 pages, yet before you know it you are easily halfway in your reading." This omnibus edition collects the first three novels in the Space Wolf series of Warhammer 40,000. By the way, among the amusing moments, well, if you have a bit of dark humor as I do, yes, we learn that even in the 41st Millennium they have responsible gun owners. 

Allow me to add one more note. Except for Artificial Condition, the fiction books I read are on the longer side. The Space Wolves Omnibus is over 700 pages, and books like that tend to take me a good while to read through. I am not a fast reader, I know, may make me a bad librarian, but there you have it.  In fact, I am reading another omnibus volume of three novels; it is very good so far, but I am not picking up any other fiction until I finish that one. Nonfiction I can read along with it just fine. 

Thanks to my four readers for stopping by, and stay tuned for the third post in this series of top books where I look at the top comics and graphic novels I read for the year. 

Book Review: The Space Wolf Omnibus

William King, The Space Wolf Omnibus. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2007.  ISBN: 9781844164578.

Genre: science fiction, game based fiction

Subgenre: Warhammer 40,000

Format: trade paperback

Source: I own this one. 

 

This volume includes the first three novels of the Space Wolf series: Space Wolf, Ragnar's Claw, and Grey Hunter. 

Ragnar is a native of Fenris, a harsh world where survival is hard due to various monsters and to raids from rival tribes. Fenris is also the home world of the Space Wolves Space Marines Chapter. The Space Wolves pick out new recruits from the planet's population, seeking out the strongest warriors. After a raid on Ragnar's village, he dies in combat, but he is resurrected to become a space marine. To keep things interesting, so to speak, the warrior who killed him, who also died, is also chosen and resurrected to join the space marines. So right away Ragnar is challenged. Not only does he have to undergo the trials and training to become a space marine, a training few survive, but he also has to leave his past behind and learn to at least get along with the former enemy who is now one of his battle brothers. 

The novels start with a frame. Ragnar, by now is a veteran warrior, and he is remembering days of his youth. The first novel goes through his training and trials to become a space marine leading to his first encounter with Chaos Space Marines. The second novel involves his first off world mission, and the chapter get involved in a mission wit the Imperial Inquisition. The third novel is a quest to bring back a lost artifact. 

If you like your Space Marines novels with a lot of action and combat, this is a good selection. Pacing is relatively fast, and the narrative just moves swiftly. It is a book of about 760 pages, yet before you know it you are easily halfway in your reading. The first novel covers details of how a space marine is made, so that may also be of interest to some fans. Though the basic process is common to all space marine chapters, each chapter adds their unique rituals, so we see how Space Wolves turn what are basically Nordic types into savage and battle ready Space Marines. 

The novels also feature some humor, especially in the banter and occasional bickering between Ragnar and his squad mates, more so with Sven, who becomes a close friend. These moments of humor are amusing and do lighten the tension here or there. There were some of those moments I laughed while reading the book. 

Quality in Warhammer 40,000 novels can vary, but this series is pretty good. I'd say it's among the better series. Fans of Space Marines will likely enjoy it. Casual readers may find this book a good entry point into Warhammer 40,000. The novels give just enough detail so you know how things work and plenty of action to you entertained and reading. 

The novels are not without flaws. One or two details may seem a bit ridiculous, but that may be just part of the charm. For example, in that initial raid on Ragnar's village, it was a treacherous ambush during a feast, not very honorable. Suddenly, the warriors start noticing the "Choosers" (Space Marines who choose recruits) may be observing, so the warriors start to at least pretend to some honor in their fighting to make a good impression. That was one of the few moments in the book when I asked "seriously?" as I was reading. Another sort of ridiculous sort of dark humor moment was a death in training. As a recruit, you can did from exposure to the elements, the harsh training, big wild animals, and from being stupid and careless such as Vrotwulf being too stupid to fully unload his bolt pistol before cleaning it; he blows his head off. Yes, even in the 41st Millennium they still have responsible gun owners. 

Along the way in the novels we see how Ragnar grows as a character and as a Space Marine. I really liked this collection and strongly recommend it. It is a fun ride. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Book qualifies for the following 2023 Reading Challenge: 

 

Book Review: Nemesis

James Swallow, Nemesis: War Within the Shadows. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2010. ISBN: 9781844168699.

 

Genre: science fiction

Subgenre: Horus Heresy series, Book 13.

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one.

 

This is the 13th book in the Horus Heresy series. The novel starts seriously slow, but the story gets better once the action picks up.

Horus Lupercal, one of the Emperor's Primarchs, betrays the Imperium of Man and plunges the galaxy into a civil war. Back on Terra, the Officio Assassinorum decides to put together a team of assassins with various talents to kill Horus. They have tried before and failed, but this time they assemble a team rather than sending a single assassin. They hope to get strength in numbers. Meanwhile, Erebus, First Chaplain of the Word Bearers and one of Horus's advisors, decides they should send their own assassin to Terra to kill the Emperor. Erebus sends one man, but he is no ordinary man. This story premise sounds great, yet this book has weaknesses and strengths. 

Let's start with the weaknesses. The opening scene sets up the novel well enough. However, the first half of the novel then gets seriously slow. Part of the plot is recruiting the members of the Execution Force, and this process is not consistent in terms of interest level. There are also some subplots that initially may not be clear how they connect to the main story. Some of this material may feel like filler. Some material does become clear as we get to the second part of the novel, but it can be a drag to get to that second part. 

In addition, and no, this is not a spoiler, keep in mind that neither Horus nor the Emperor get killed in this novel. If that happened, the series would have ended, and this series goes to a bit over 50 books. The draw for readers of this novel is on this specific story and how events turn out. An issue is that the first half is just not that interesting. Add to the weaknesses the author's apparent love of flashbacks. Some of them were OK for character development, but they often disrupt the novel's pace, slowing down the action elements. 

In terms of strengths, the best part of the novel is the second half. As things finally start coming to a head, the pace picks up. The second half has more action and tension in it. If you make it past the first half, you'll want to stay to the end. The good drama, action, and the key revelations come in the second half. As a reader, you may feel rewarded for the previous slog in part one. We also learn more about Erebus's assassin. In fact, we get to see Erebus more in part two, so if you are a fan of the scheming chaplain keep reading. In the end, we are not sure who gets out alive or not as the action moves along at a good pace. 

Overall, I liked this book once I got got the second half. I admit that I considered dropping it, but I feel good overall about sticking with it. Once the plot gets going, the book is pretty good. This is not one of the better novels in the series, but it is not among the worst. I've read worse in the Horus Heresy prior to this one. So I'd say this one is middle of the road. If you are a completist, you'll want to read it. More casual readers might consider it as optional. 

On a side note, another interesting element is the rise of the Imperial Cult. Fans of Warhammer 40,000 know the cult is a fact of life, but in the 31st Millennium it is barely emerging as an underground movement, and it is very illegal. The author explores this pretty well in the character of Lady Sinope and her followers. 

I am willing to give this 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: The First Heretic

Aaron Dembski-Bowden, The First Heretic: Fall to Chaos. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2010.  ISBN: 9781844168842.

Genre: Horus Heresy series

Subgenre: science fiction, military science fiction

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one 

"The truth is often ugly. It is why people believe lies. Deception offers them something beautiful" -- Captain Argel Tal (192). 

This is the 14th book in the Horus Heresy series. About 40 years before the events of Isstvan V that plunged the galaxy into civil war, the 17th Legion of Space Marines, the Word Bearers, are as loyal to the Emperor of Mankind as can be. Their record in bringing worlds into Imperial compliance is exemplary. We'd think they'd be an inspiration to other legions and that the Emperor would be pleased. Well, not quite. In a nutshell, the Word Bearers were promoting the Emperor as a divine figure, and the best part of it is that those newly conquered worlds of the Imperium were perfectly happy worshiping the Emperor. Again, this sounds great. Well, the Emperor is serious about eradicating religions, cults, and other superstitions, and he sure as heck does not want to be seen as a deity (despite the fact he is very much like a deity, but let's put that aside for now). So the Emperor decides to chastise Lorgar, the Primarch of the Word Bearers, and the rest of his legion. To make sure the message sticks, the Emperor not only humiliates the legion in front of the other Primarchs and their legions but he also orders the full destruction of the last planet's capital the Word Bearers brought into compliance. That is some extreme discipline right there. The rest of the story goes from there. 

Most of the story is told from Argel Tal's point of view. He is the captain of the Word Bearers' 7th Company. The other important point of view is Cyrene Valantion's view. She is a survivor of the destroyed city that the Word Bearers take in. She later becomes a confessor of sorts for the legion. The story then tells how the Word Bearers discover the truth about the warp and the creatures of Chaos, daemons (or gods depending on who you ask), and a bit more I can't quite reveal to avoid spoilers. From there, the legion falls from grace as it embraces darkness and chaos and joins Horus and his traitor legions against the Emperor. 

The novel offers a story of intrigues and machinations. It takes the traitors at least 40 years to scheme and put things in place for their rebellion. Lorgar becomes obsessed with the Truth, and he sends his space marines, led by Argel Tal, into the Eye of Terror to find it. They do find it, but what they bring back is horrifying. Argel Tal and those with with are transformed in terrifying ways. Meanwhile, readers may wonder how much does Lorgar drive events, and how much influence Erebus, the First Chaplain of the Legion, and Kor Phaeron, First Captain, have on the primarch. Oh, and we need to mention that all this seditious scheming is happening with an Imperial agent in their midst. As part of the legion's punishment, the Emperor chooses Aquillon, a Custodian (think a Praetorian Guard) and his team to keep an eye on Lorgar and the legion. So they keep scheming while keeping Aquillon and his team in the dark. For readers who enjoy tales of intrigue and scheming, there is plenty here. 

For readers who want to learn more about the Word Bearers Legion, this novel offers much of interest. We see where the search for "Truth," where their faith takes them into a tragic fall and damnation. As for the book's title, the "first" heretic may not be as obvious. You have to read and find out. 

The novel has a pretty good pace. The story draws you in, especially after the legion is chastised. It becomes a collision course to terror driven by faith and obsession. The last act takes place in Isstvan when the full betrayal is revealed. 

The book is arranged in three parts with 29 chapters. Before each part we get an excerpt from Cyrene's writings, which add a bit more insight to the overall story. The book is very much the Word Bearer's story with a good amount of intrigue and enough action. I found myself reading and reading. It is a good tale, and I would say one of the better titles in the series so far, even if some of the story is about a primarch or two with daddy issues. Lorgar, as many sons, want his father's approval, and he is not happy because he does try hard while his primarch brothers please their father with apparent ease. 

Overall, I really liked this book. It is one from the series I would recommend, especially for those readers who may like Chaos forces in Warhammer 40,000 or want to read more about the Word Bearers. The novel blends tragedy, a bit of pathos, intrigues, and warfare. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

* * * * * 

Additional reading notes, mainly lines I wanted to remember: 

From the novel's opening epigraphs:  

"Kill me then, 'Emperor'. Better to die in freedom's twilight than draw breath at the dawn of tyranny. May the gods grant me my last wish: that my spirit lingers long enough to laugh when your faithless kingdom falls apart" -- Daival Shan, Terran separatist warlord, at his execution (9). 

And fall apart it does as we come to know the 41st Millennium down the road becomes an authoritarian theocracy around the cult of the Emperor. Faith and its social role is a theme in this novel whether embracing it in some form as the Word Bearers do or denying it as the Emperor and loyalists do (at least initially). 

 

Cyrene and her faith: 

"You came to me asking how my faith survived the Day of Judgement. I will tell you a secret When the stars fell, when the seas boiled and the earth burned, my faith didn't die. That is when I began to believe. God was real, and he hated us" (12). 

 

On truth, by Erebus of all people: 

"'The truth cares nothing for what we wish, sire,' said Erebus. 'The truth simply is'" (61). 

The tragedy of the Word Bearers Legion: 

"And that is perhaps the greatest tragedy of the Word Bearers Legion. Their father knew he would be one of those bringing enlightenment to humanity, but he could never foreseen how it would come to pass" (143). 

Their Mechanicum ally has a view of the legion's problem too: 

"Xi-Nu 73's principal problem where the Word Bearers were concerned was their fundamental organic nature. In short, they were too human. They valued the flawed aspects of faith, focusing on the flesh and the soul, rather than transcendence through oneness with the Machine-God. They were fuelled by emotion, rather than logic, which affected their tactical decisions and their very goals in the Great Crusade" (159). 

* * * * * 

This book qualifies for the following 2023 Reading Challenge: 

Top Fiction Read in 2022

According to my reading list and report for 2022, I read 9 fiction books. Out of those 9 books, I found three that I feel are worth sharing with my four readers, so here are my three top selections in fiction for 2022. These are books that I rated four or five stars out of five stars. These are books I read in 2022; they are not necessarily books published in 2022. Books are listed in no particular order. If I have a review posted, I am including the link.

 

 Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year, Volume 6.

From my review: "I can say after reading this book that the editor succeeds in presenting a diverse, enticing, at times moving collection of experiences and erotic adventures. This is an anthology that pushes the boundaries of what erotica can be and can do, and it is reflective of the times we live in." 

 

 

All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, Book One).

From my review: "The book is well written with a good pace. This author proves that you can write a good, engaging, and fun story in a short novel."

 

  

Flesh and Steel: A Noctis and Lux Novel (Warhammer Crime). 

From my review: "The story draws you in. Varangantua is a big city with many sectors. Noctis has something to prove, and so does Lux. Just when you think the solution is at hand, the case takes another turn and gets more complicated." 

Book Review: Flesh and Steel

Guy Haley, Flesh and Steel: a Noctis and Lux Novel. Nottingham, UK: Black Library, 2020. ISBN: 9781789993783.

 

Genre: science fiction

Subgenre: detective, mystery, Warhammer 40,000

Format: e-book

Source: I own this one

 

 

"People who tell you they have nothing to hide almost always very much have something to hide" (128). 

 

Probator Noctis is a detective in the imperial city of Varangantua. A murder takes place, and the body is split in half. One half is on his district; the other half is inside a district belonging to the Adeptus Mechanicum. The Mechanicum assign one of their own, Rho-1 Lux, to investigate. Now Noctis and Lux need to work together to solve a murder that is only a hint of a major conspiracy involving some of the wealthiest houses in the city as well as the upper ranks of the Mechanicum.

Noctis knows all about wealth in the city. He is the son of one of the wealthiest families in the city. However, he wants nothing to do with his family, so he becomes a cop to get away from them as well as to seek redemption. Lux is a relatively young Mechanicus with a talent for solving crimes, which is why the Mechanicum leadership assigns her to the case. A big part of the novel is them learning about each other and learning to work together. 

The story is told mainly from Noctis's point of view. The story has a frame where some officer hacks Noctis's private journal and hands it over to a supervisor. The officer is trying to get Noctis busted for some reason or another. So the supervisor is reading the journal, and the entries are the murder investigation. To be honest, the author could've left out that framing device, and the novel would have still worked out fine. 

The story itself is good. It is a good detective mystery where clues are revealed a bit at a time. In addition to the murder, Noctis also has a missing persons case that his supervisors want solved right away, mostly because the missing girl is the daughter of another rich city scion. Could there be a connection in the two cases? The detectives will have to find out. 

The story draws you in. Varangantua is a big city with many sectors. Noctis has something to prove, and so does Lux. Just when you think the solution is at hand, the case takes another turn and gets more complicated. The story offers a good amount of intrigue and suspense along with some action. The ending is good too. In addition, we learn more about the Adeptus Mechanicum and their ways through Lux, who is a relatively recent convert to the Cult of the Mechanicum. 

Similar to Bloodlines (link to my review), this is a solid police mystery set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. You get the noir feel of a cynical cop trying to do the right thing in a very corrupt city plus a bit of buddy cops story with the interaction between Noctis and Lux. Fans of 40K seeking to read something different might enjoy this. Folks who like detective tales may like this even if they are not 40K fans. For those folks, the book does include a helpful glossary of terms to help with the 40K lingo. 

Overall, this was very good, and I really liked it. The main story's ending gives the possibility for a sequel, so I hope there is one down the road. As I said, the author could've left out the frame story; it feels unnecessary. Still, it is a good story with good pacing and intrigue. I'd recommend it. This novel is part of Black Library's Warhammer Crime series.

4 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2022 Reading Challenge: