Grey Hunter Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Grey Hunter by William King.

The third and final book of the Ragnar Blackmane trilogy carries on the great storyline in fine form. Ragnar is unique in the fact that he was raised to the rank of Wolf Guard without ever being acclaimed as a Grey Hunter. This book tells the story of how this happened, it includes the Spear of Russ legion relic and some old dusty enemies, and one in particular seemingly difficult to kill sorcerer. I do find it ironic that the obvious Norse similar legion has problems with the high powered, one-eyed god like being that is obsessed with knowledge, but that is a discussion for another post.

Unlike the other books of this trilogy, there is a portion of the plot devoted to Ragnar having some soul searching moments, which leaves him similar to a moody teen. But there is a much larger portion of the book that is devoted to more brilliant battles, which are described in the clear and concise way William King has brought to the previous two books. This novel clarified to me why the Space Wolves are one of the more interesting legions to read about. Although they are still pious in their own way, it's not the religious ramblings of the other loyalist legions or the one-dimensional rantings of some of the chaos aligned legions. 

Only a short review for this one, I think the better plan would be for you to enjoy it for yourselves. It's more than worth it for any Space Wolf fan.

If you want to read more about Ragnar in particular, then I'd recommend-

• Wolfblade (carries on from this book)
• Sons of Fenris
• Wolf's Honour

 

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Lore post The Primarch Project.

 

The Primarchs Project.

At the end of the 30th millennium, the Emperor of Mankind had finished his dream of the Unification War of Terra. His thoughts were focused on the future and the next path he envisioned for humanity. This vision required the creation of genetically engineered transhuman generals, given Archeotech gifted abilities, along with warpcraft and the Emperor's own genetic material. These beings were to be his sons and lead not just humanity into the next age but also legions crafted from their genetic material, created in their own image. The dream that would become the Primarch Project actually started before the Unification War, but had to be stalled until Terra was in the Emperor's grasp. Twenty individual genetic templates were crafted in the Himalazian mountains (Himalayan) deep under the imperial palace.

 Even though the lab was guarded and under the strictest protections the Emperor could create, the Ruinous Powers somehow managed to scatter the nascent superhumans across the universe. Dismayed but not broken, the Emperor settled on a new plan. He would create the Space Marine Legions from the Primarchs' remaining DNA, and they would set out on the Great Crusade to find them. The worlds the Primarchs landed on would shape them for good or ill. Later research from imperial savants would postulate that the intervention of Chaos in the Primarchs' development was where the Heresy taint would take root.

The Emperors gene-crafted sons were created with a multitude of abilities and gifts, ready for their intended tasks and responsibilities. Their superhuman physiology enabled them to be larger, faster, and stronger, with a mind that could process data in larger quantities than could ever be truly quantified. They could survive toxins and poisons to an extreme level. Their regenerative healing could bring them back from the most extreme of injuries, with more focus and time needed for near-fatal injuries to regenerate. Once outside their gestation capsules, they aged to maturity rapidly within a few years, functionally immortal, with aging  stalled once there. The biological makeup involved with these beings is so complex that it probably will never be understood by anyone other than the enthroned Emperor. Within their minds, masses of information were loaded, instinctual understandings of combat strategy, a multitude of languages, and many complex subjects already known. Using these gifts, the majority of the Primarchs managed to revitalise or bring brand new ideas into being within the worlds they crashed into.

A connection to the Warp was within every member of this brotherhood; some say this was because the Warp was used in their creation. Varying levels of this are present within them, from having latent empathic abilities to having omega level psyker powers. They had an aura that, surrounded them nicknamed imaginatively the Primarch aura, which allowed them to inspire immediate loyalty. Some were even able to disappear from sight, avoiding attention from anything biological from viewing them or hiding their nature from people.

The Primarchs and their legions were as follows - 

1. Lion El 'Johnson - Dark Angels
2. Redacted - all information destroyed 
3. Fulgrim - The Emperor's Children
4. Perturabo - Iron Warriors
5. Jaghatai Khan - White Scars
6. Leman Russ - Space Wolves
7. Rogal Dorn - Imperial Fists
8. Konrad Curze - Night Lords
9. Sanguinius - Blood Angels
10. Ferrus Mannus - Iron Hands
11. Redacted- all information destroyed
12. Angron - World Eaters
13. Raboute Guilliman - Ultramarines
14. Mortarion - Death Guard
15. Magnus the Red - Thousand Sons
16. Horus - Sons of Horus
17. Lorgar - Word Bearers
18. Vulkan - Salamanders
19. Corvus Corax - Raven Guard
20. Alpharius Omegon (twins) - Alpha Legion

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Ragnars Claw Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Ragnar's Claw by William King.

The second installment of the Space Wolves Trilogy, following the exploits of Ragnar Blackmane on the world of Aerius, along with Inquisitor Sternberg. Sent to find the Talisman of Lykos to save the world from the forces of Nurgle, to cure the world's corruption, and with a cameo from marauding Orks. The prologue of this novel is similar to the previous book, with it being ahead in the timeline on the world of Hesperida, which leaves Ragnar reflecting on the memory of Aerius. This Novel is as good as the first, with some really good moments of combat and parts of expanding Ragnar's character, expanding on the fact that Ragnar struggles to control the beast within sometimes, and the ever present danger of becoming a twisted Wulfen. Strybjorn and Sven feature heavily, along with Ragnar, as their task unfolds. Some middle trilogy books fall into the danger of just being a filler book with no real storyline or a boring plot. This book dodges that trap and adds another great read to the Space Wolves library and enhances the legend of Ragnar altogether. 

William King delivers a great read with a dynamic plot that flows nicely with all the aspects you want from a 40k universe book. Carrying on from the first and setting up the third book well, King manages to make Ragnar stand out from a character heavy world and shows off his unique qualities without it being too obvious. Even though Strybjorn and Sven are heavily involved, he manages to bring Ragnar to the forefront without sidelining them. The unique aspects of the Space Wolf culture and the idiosyncrasies of the chapter are shown in good detail, which feels natural to the reader. Finishing the book makes you eager to begin the third and it doesn't repeatedly go over the same details that are in the first book. if you are interested in the Space Wolves or Ragnar himself, then you will enjoy this and I recommend it as a book you can't miss out on. 

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Corax Lord of the Shadows spoiler free...ish

 

Corax Lord of the Shadows by Guy Haley.

The Next book from the Primarch Series I am reviewing is one of my favorites. Again, this novel is only a short story, but it makes up for the lack of length with its content and pacing. Based during the Great Crusade Corvus Corax is tasked to bring the city of Zenith of Carinae into compliance, but because of a bio-weapon, it does not quite go to plan. Because of the upbringing that the Raven Lord was forced to endure, he is more sensitive to the problems regarding freedom and where freedom is denied to the people of the worlds brought into the Imperium. He finds himself unable to look away from the needs of the common people when they are repressed and forced into what is effectively slavery. He is more than happy to become the scourge of the oppressors, their plight hits too close to home for him to ignore. This novel highlights parts of that nature, showing his compassion. This installment to the series also addresses briefly what the gene-flaw called the Sable Brand does to his sons, and that some of his sons are blessed with a lesser form of his stealth ability and why they are put into the special units of Shadow Wardens.

I really got into this novel when I first read it, and since then have read a few other books of the Raven Guard books. Corax is one of the Primarchs I really find interesting, and the fact that he has now become a Warp twisted shadow of death and pointy things obsessed with hunting down and killing the universe's least likable Primarch (my opinion only) makes him even more likable. This novel has all the qualities you could want from a Great Crusade era book, action, politics, moments of danger for the protagonist, and a real antagonist to throw the heroes against. I would have liked this to be longer, but overall the pacing works with the plot of the balance of action is equalled out, so there aren't many lulls of action and filler parts to the story that are there to pad it out. This is for me one of the top books of the series, and I recommend it as a must read for any Raven Guard fan or if you want to read any more Crusade era books.

If you want to read any more Corax or Raven Guard books I would suggest -

• Corax Soulforge
• Deliverance lost
• Ravenlord
• The Shadowmasters
• The value of Fear
• Sons of Corax 

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Path of the Seer book review spoiler free...ish

 

Path of the Seer by Gavin Thorpe.

The second book in the Path of the Eldar series focuses on the Eldar Thirianna from the Craftworld Alaitoc. She begins on the path of the poet, but seeks a change and the path of the seer calls to her. Once she starts and is diving into the warp to see the many threats and dangers of the immaterium, she comes across a vision that shows a devastating danger approaching. Although the Path of the Eldar is not my favorite trilogy from the 40k universe, I did enjoy learning more about how the pathways work, along with the activities of the Eldar on the Craftworlds. Thirianna is known from the Path of the Warrior book, but in this book we see her perspective much more as a character. I found her quite vanilla, but the path of the seer and how it works once on the path was interesting.

In my opinion, the novel isn't groundbreaking, but it's also not terrible. I would say it's a comfortable middle ground between them both. It is worth reading if you want to learn more about the Craftworld Eldar, and it brings with it some nice bits of information about their lifestyles. Gav Thorpe has managed to bring some good aspects into the novel, like parts where she goes into the webway whilst in astral form, and some interesting bits about Bonesingers and others like them. There are a few parts of action and more information about the War Masks donned by the Eldar for battle. All in all, the book was good but not quite managing to reach the heights of other books of the series.

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The Black Legion book review spoiler free...ish

 

The Black Legion by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

The next book is the second in the Black Legion series imaginatively named Black Legion. Name aside, this is another fantastic book from Dembski-Bowden. Iskandar Khayon is one of the strongest psykers in the Black Legion, being the only one strong enough to bring Magnus the Red to his knees. He was also one of the few to try to stop the Rubric of Ahriman. Khayon's sister, Itzara was a victim of the immaterium native Psychneuein attack. which left her with irrecoverable brain damage. She was given to the Mechanicum of Prospero as part of their anamnesis project, leaving her installed as part of the warship Talocs machine spirit. In this novel Khayon is a captive of the imperium after he handed himself in voluntarily. 

I find Iskandar Khayon a very captivating character; his reasoning for becoming a renegade is understandable, as he actually has some morals regarding the crew and lower status warriors. This middle novel of the trilogy does a disservice to him by not highlighting that, but it's only a small negative for what all in all is a good, solid addition to the lore of the black legion. I enjoyed this novel and how the plot unfolds. Dembski-Bowden really starts with a brilliant opening and carries it on going forward. I preferred these books compared to the Ahriman trilogy and other books featuring the Thousand Sons legion so far. As of yet, we're still waiting for the final installment of this trilogy, and I hope it's as strong as these two. 

If you're interested in other Thousand Sons related books, I recommend,

• A Thousand Sons
• Prospero Burns
• The Crimson King
• Last Son of Prospero

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Manflayer book review spoiler free...ish

 

Manflayer by Josh Reynolds.

The final book of the fantastic Fabius Bile series. This novel starts off just after Fabius has returned from the Dark City Commorragh, where he had a very twisted version of an apprenticeship with the Haemonculus coven the Thirteen Scars, which ended with him absconding, leading to the beginning of the novel. Within this novel we meet up with some old friends and enemies, including a Slaanesh warped Fulgrim and a rather offended Daemon. Fabius brings his usual special blend of moody genius and martyrdom to enjoy, and for me it really hit the mark and brought his character full circle. Fabius is one of my favorite characters, and I enjoy his books each time I read them. 

Josh Reynolds does a brilliant job of showing the scale of what is at stake for Fabius and his sometimes allies. The truth of this is shown by the actions of his consortium when the final part of this novel begins. There are many part answered questions from the previous two novels that get fully answered here. The book isn't only about these questions, there are new aspects brought in to enjoy. If you would like to read something that doesn't just include nothing but bolters and chainblades, then this series is a must read for you. It's a well thought out and presented novel that you will enjoy if you want more of Fabius, the final climactic chapters really do bring it all together and for me it's one of my favorite endings to any 40k universe novels.

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Fulgrim The Palatine Phoenix book review spoiler free...ish

 

Fulgrim the Palatine Phoenix by Josh Reynolds.

The next book I'm reviewing is from the Primarch series. The book begins not long after Fulgrim has taken control of his remaining few sons who have survived the blight. There are roughly 200 marines left alive due to this disease, finding the lost Primarch has allowed the apothecaries to halt the devastation unleashed on the Gene-seed. We meet a fresh-faced and still spectacularly moody Fabius Bile, who is as ever, reviled by his own brothers. Fulgrim shows signs of the primarch he could have been, but his personal flaw of pride is heavily reinforced throughout. This pride is the thread within the narrative of this novel; he has made an ill-advised bet with his brother, the Great Wolf Leman Russ, that he can complete a Compliance with a tiny number of his sons.

The novel is only a short one, but it's well worth a read. If you're a fan of the Great Crusade themed books, it fits in nicely with a well-balanced plot of politics and action. You're given a good idea of the political splits with the worlds they bring into the Imperium and how they view the Space Marines in general. I read the book over the weekend and really enjoyed it. I found it was a bit of a change from the latest books I've read which have been more Xenos-related. This is the start of his epicurean nature, and you will have to put up with his extreme capriciousness taking hold sometimes. All in all it's another good read from the Primarchs series. I will be reviewing a few more from the series mainly because I've really enjoyed reading most of the novels.

Books including the Emperors Children.

• Lord of Excess
• Fabius Bile series
• Fulgrim - the Perfect Son

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Space Wolf Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Space Wolf by William King.

The first book of the Space Wolf trilogy is a good way into the recruitment and training of new Marines. We meet Ragnar, one of the Fenris tribesmen from the death world, as a human, much like real-world Norse tribesmen would have been. We see his evolution into one of the Emperor's Angel of Death, his training, and the unique aspects of the Space Wolves recruitment, like the Canis Helix. The Space Wolves always strike me as a more feasting and fighting legion who enjoy crafting their own mighty sagas, instead of pious contemplation and a monastic existence interspersed with violence. This makes them an exciting read, and you can really get into the storyline.

 William King has really put himself at the forefront of the 40k authors with this trilogy. some readers may find the beginning chapters of the book slow going and lacking in some of the more common aspects found in the 40k universe. But they will be rewarded with an excellent read if they persevere. I would recommend this book to someone who is interested in the Space Wolves as a must-read. There are some extremely good parts within the novel. What I found most interesting were the parts that showed the unique Space Wolves recruitment and creation techniques. As a relative novice to the 40k world, I was really fascinated by this book, and I hope you will see why.

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Void Stalker Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Void Stalker by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

The final book of the Night Lords trilogy, finishing off the story of First Claw and Talos. Still fighting their martyred fathers' war against the imperium, which culminates in a momentous trip to their adopted home world and sanctuary world, also the location of the the Nighthaunter's final madness. With the degradation of Talos's Gene implants and general health in free fall, we witness the epic conclusion. A book I can easily get into, reading again and again, it caps it all off incredibly well. Another amazing addition to the library of Dembski-Bowden's work, he makes this a satisfying ending that feels worthwhile to have put the time into reading it. Talos and First Claw are all fully crafted into fully fledged characters you can really feel to understand.

As I've repeated time and time again for this trilogy, it's one of my favorites, but it is with Void Stalker that you will see completely why. Variel is an added dynamic to the main group that changes the relationships between them because he is more of a peer with Talos as opposed to a subordinate. The ex-apothecary of the Red Corsairs was introduced in Blood Reaver, and he added a fresh change to stop the group from becoming stale, which works nicely. The evolution between Octavia and Septimus makes its full completion, which also feels satisfying instead of just being forgotten about. I can honestly say this trilogy started my obsession with the 40K universe years ago, an obsession that is still going strong, and I hope I've managed to show you why, and you enjoy it anywhere near the same level.

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Clonelord Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Clonelord by Josh Reynolds.

Fabius Bile is a reviled former member of the Emperor's Children legion. He is hated just as much by the Imperium as he is by his own brothers. And yet, there are some planets where the Paster Mutatis is considered a pseudo-god like being responsible for the majority of the population. His work is to create a new species of man capable of surviving the vicious universe they are a part of. His other creations are numerous, including mutants, bio-weapons of war, the Noise Marines, Gland Hounds, and even clones of the Primarchs. This novel features one of these clones found in the ruins of his laboratory, destroyed by the Black Legion. Clonelord is the second book in the Bile trilogy. Within it, you will see how Bile is thought of by a lot of his brothers and how he feels in return. but all in all, Josh Reynolds gives us a good insight into his character. 

One of the reasons I like Fabius as a character is that in this world of defined roles and set expectations, he forges his own path and really doesn't care for the opinions of others. We see this time and time again in this trilogy, but a lot more in this book. There are some really riveting parts that you won't be able to stop reading. There will be some Parts that will show you parts of the 40k universe you've never seen before. I'm not saying that there aren't some of the common tropes you can get in these books, but they are unimportant, thanks to the good aspects of this book. If you manage to find the omnibus version of this trilogy, it comes with various short stories and novellas that will add really well to the overall story and round out the main characters.

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The Talon of Horus Book review spoiler free...ish

 

The Talon of Horus by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

The Warmaster of Chaos is the current biggest thorn in the Imperium's side, his Black Legion is the focus of this novel. Fabius Bile is in Abaddon's bad books after making an unwelcome visit to the resting place of the body of the first Warmaster Horus. The main point of view is from Iskandar Khayon, one of the most powerful psykers in the Renegade Marines, originally from the Thousand Sons Legion; he is a true force to be reckoned with. His biggest claim to fame is forcing the Daemon Primarch Magnus the Red to one knee, he is a trusted lieutenant and elite member of the Black Legion. Usually accompanied by his familiar Warp creature in the form of a Fenrisian wolf Gyre, and a Drukhari Scourge Nefertari whose soul has been bound to her body after death.

 This novel marks a critical point where Abaddon is reintroduced into the long war, along with the infamous ship, The Vengeful Spirit. The catalyst of the Black Legions' birth is explored here, which makes this novel really enjoyable and a must-read. Dembski-Bowden again really works magic with how the plot plays out. I read it within a matter of days because I couldn't put it down. Running in tandem with the main plot, there are Side aspects of further looks into Daemon binding and Warp craft, and the feelings of other legions regarding the former Sons of Horus. The storyline for Fabius Bile has a real impact on his own related trilogy (mainly Clonelord). It's not an overstatement to say it is a must-read for many reasons, but if nothing else the ramifications to the current state of universal lore are a massive reason. Even a casual fan of Chaos will get something enjoyable and useful from this book. I'm sure if you give it a fair try, you will not be disappointed. 

Further reads for Iskandar Khayon and Black Legion books are. 

• The Black Legion
• The Abyssal Edge
• Extinction 
• The Fall of Cadia

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Path of the Renegade Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Path of the Renegade by Andy Chambers.

Asdrubael Vect rules the dark city with an, iron fist, the Kabals of the Dark Eldar politick between themselves endlessly, but occasionally one Archon thinks he can take control from him. This book deals with one of those events and what unfolds because of it. Path of the Renegade is the first book of the Path of the Dark Eldar trilogy and focuses heavily on the power games within the city of Commorragh. it includes multiple factions such as the Wych cults, Haemonculus convens and the Kabals. There is also a productive yet not so pleasant side trip to a Sub-realm that shows the varied nature of the Dark Kin. If your reading has been a bit too much Bolter heavy and you fancy a bit of variation, then this can be an interesting diversion. Showing some of the variation possible in the 40k universe, Andy Chambers brings a notable addition to his catalogue of great reads. With this novel he shows exactly what the remainder of the inhabitants of the universe can expect should they become caught up in the power plays at hand.

I've not really read a great deal of the books available from the Dark Eldar perspective, but I found this one a great point to start because there is a good amount of detail on the various factions without it just being a book about the differences. The storyline is strong and stays strong throughout. At multiple junctions within the plot, it reinforces the cruel and sadistic nature of them but manages to keep it fresh enough not to sound like a lecture on it. The characters are all interesting and fleshed out, so it doesn't feel like anyone is just filling space and pages. They are defined and expanded upon so you can actually see they are different fully formed characters rather than a simple pallet swap, which I found refreshing as it sometimes seems like some people are just interchangeable and easily forgettable. For a look deeper into Commorragh and its society you need to look no further, you will enjoy this book if you're looking for a change.

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Blood Reaver Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Blood Reaver by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

The Second book in the Night Lords trilogy, featuring the warband of the Exalted and First Claw. This book is again heavily focused on the dilapidation of the legion and the once-mighty strike cruiser The Covenant of Blood. All in all, a sorry state of affairs that a main part of the book is focused on their attempts to rectify the situation. Although there are some very good periods where the skills of the legion are shown doing what they do best. Dembski-Bowden really turns a relatively sedate sounding plot into an interesting read with some really entertaining characters introduced. I personally really enjoy these books and the Night Lords in general, especially Talos and the way he is so different compared to his brothers.

Although this novel doesn't have the impact of the first, initially you do get into a much more engaging read in the final third. A lot sets the scene for the third and does a good job of keeping a good pace along the way. There is more focus on the serfs and crew than in the previous, with their personalities and stories getting fleshed out a bit more. The internal politics of the Covenant are examined at different stages, but the look at these are kept fresh from being told from different angles, rather than the habit some books have of giving the same information slightly differently. As I previously mentioned, this trilogy was my first access point into the Chaos related legions, and it provides a good starting point. If you want a good renegade marines series, then you can't go wrong with this one, and this book adds to that fact.

if you would like to read more Night Lord books, then I would recommend.

• Lord of Night
• Prince of Crows
• Carcharodon - Red Tithe ( Loyalist book but with a large amount of NL POVs)
• The Painted Count

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Kharn Eater of Worlds book review spoiler free...ish

 

Kharn Eater of Worlds by Antony Reynolds.

The War Hound legion was once a legion that thrived on martial skills and the strength brought by camaraderie. This novel highlights the severe fall of those ideals that were once so important. This book is another great storyline about one of the most interesting characters from the World Eaters. Kharn is the man who was finally able to calm Angron the Primarch down after he had killed the previous people who attempted it. Before the nails were applied to the legion, he was a leader and a talisman, since the nails now he is only focused on his own slaughter. Even going so far as installing a kill counter in his auto senses, there are many within the legion far worse granted, but it is a drastic change from what Kharn was. But the beginning of the plot shows just how much worse the legion could be without Kharn as he is in a coma, and it is unknown if he will recover.

Reynolds delivers a storyline that includes more than just the violence of the legion; however he shows the attempts at some form of repair by those not lost to the nails. There are quite a bit of focuses within the story on a human that has made a name for herself, strangely enough, she's one of the only medically trained serfs within the legion and she fights in the pit but no one has ever claimed forethought as a strength of the World Eaters. I found that the novel sets the scene for the future of the legion and Kharn very well, I enjoyed it, but it didn't have the same impact as the other titles.

- World Eater titles you may enjoy.

• Betrayer
• The Red Path
• Angron The Red Angel
• Angron The Slave of Nuceria 

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Da Big Dakka book review spoiler free...ish

 

Da Big Dakka by Mike Brooks.

Da Big Dakka is the sequel to Brutal Kunnin finishing off the story of Ufthak Blackhawk and his merry band of boyz. The orks bring their unique blend of chaos and violence with a trip into the Webway and an excursion to Commorragh that ends in mayhem and as you can imagine plenty of dakka and it's all 'ded killy.' The Dark Eldar are the ones who usually bring the pain and torture to the rest of the universe, so it's an interesting role reversal. It finishes off Ufthak's storyline with a bang, and its a worthy addition to the ork books. There is also a subplot about the great leader of the Grot rebellion, which connects to the novel Warboss. 

I enjoyed the first book involving Ufthak, but this one was still a step up in quality for me. The funny aspects that are usually there with all of the ork material are here, along with the pure carnage they bring to a good 'Krumpin'. Funny ork vernacular aside, this novel really shows off what a good author can do with the orks. For all of the funny parts to the book, the actual real content with the storyline and dialogue is really engaging. In a universe that is full of epic battles and combat in so many different environments, a ork battle in the dark city really makes its mark. Also you get a real feeling of enjoyment reading this, and if you give it a try i hope you do as well.

Other ork books to try - 

• Warboss
• Da Gobbos series (3 novellas)
• Ghazgkull Thraka : prophet of the Waaagh!

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Vulkan Lord of Drakes Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Vulkan Lord of Drakes by David Annadale.

This next book is from the Primarch series, Vulkan is the Primarch for the Salamanders legion, known for their unusually high empathy for the imperial inhabitants. Vulkan is a Perpetual a trait that he shares with the emperor. He can regenerate from any death including once been atomised down to molecular level, a fact that Konrad Curze was all to happy to test out repeatedly. Vulkans ability to craft incredible advanced technology is well documented and is a trait passed onto the salamanders, with this is also a affinity for fire including self branding as a cultural rite. Vulkan and his legion have always been one of the more loyal and fervent believers of the Emperors grand plan, something that during the Horus Heresy caused them to clash with the Wordbearers legion. 

The Lord of Drakes focuses on the merger of the newly trained Nocturne marines and the Terran members already embattled with the Orks on the planet of Antaeum. These members are unaware that their Gene-father has been found and is coming with a new force. Through multiple parts as the story progresses you see the genuine care and passion Vulkan has for his sons. Again the Primarch series delivers a Novella that you can really get into and enjoy, although its short it doesn't harm the quality of the finished story. This is one of my favorites of this series since reading it I've had a new appreciation for the Salamander legion and what they stand for. If you would like to read more about Vulkan and the Salamanders themselves then i recommend.

• Vulkan lives (deals with his torture by Curze)
• Salamander (Tome of Fire book 1)
• Firedrake (Tome of Fire book 2)
• Nocturne (Tome of Fire book 3)

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Soul Hunter Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Soul Hunter by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

This was the first Chaos faction related book that i tried, it started my interest and its still one of my favorites. The Night Lords legion have from the moment they were reunited with their Primarch, been the terror specialists no matter if its been for the Imperium or for themselves. Since the legion split up after Konrad Curze was assassinated by M'Shen they have fallen upon hard times. Most of the Night Lords find the thought of daemonhosts a aberration and show this in how they deal with them, although there are those few who are the opposite. Aaron Dembski-Bowden shows with this first book of the Night Lords trilogy why he is so well thought of, he really builds the world vividly and perfectly to set the tone going forward. This trilogy is known as being one one of the best especially for the reader that enjoys the Chaos related books. 

Talos Valcoran is the leader of First Claw shares the gift of precognition with his Primarch although unusually this is without a known connection to the warp. He has some difficulties deciphering these glimpses of the future but they have been known to relatively be truthful to events. He shares not just the visions of Curze but he also shares his opinions on the legions role and why they have to do it, punishment is the only way to keep society peaceful. In the way this novels plays out and is described you really get a feeling for how zealous Talos is about his feelings of his role. I cant really recommend this anymore than i do, it is a must read if you wish to look at how they Night Lords are surviving during the long war. other books to read with this are

• Throne of Lies
• Blood Reaver (book 2 of this trilogy)
• Void Stalker (book 3 of this trilogy)
• Lord of Night 
• Konrad Curze the Nighthaunter (Primarch series)                

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Master of Mankind book review spoiler free...ish

 

Master of Mankind by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

This novel is based in large around the War for the Webway, the Emperor has got to find away to block the daemonic horde from flooding the imperial palace. The Custodian Guard are the Emperors sword, trying to withstand this tide along with the Sisters of Silence. During this is time the imperium is been torn apart by the forces of Chaos. We see in this book some of the reasons the people of the imperium come to believe in the Emperor being a god like figure. 

There are many parts of this novel that show some really detailed character building and development, this is a moment in time that is critical in deciding the future of Terra and its occupants. There is a mix of point of views within this story that are interlinked together along with self sacrifice, morality concerns and the inspiring presence that the Emperor provides. Even with this trait the Emperor is still seen to have some of the flaws that are inherent with being human. The World building that Aaron Dembski-Bowden always manages to pull off his very obvious from the beginning with this book and it was one that I really enjoyed. Mostly because its the first Emperor and Custodes based book I've had chance to read. It was a book that I couldn't put down once I started to get really into it, I would recommend as a must read to learn more about them both. The flaws of the Primarchs are well documented but this book focuses  towards the Emperor and you will have to decide for yourself if they are present in the Emperor.

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Angron Slave of Nuceria book review spoiler free...ish

 

Angron Slave of Nuceria by Ian St. Martin.

The next book for review is from the Primarch series. Angron to me is a character that never had a chance to actually be how he was designed to be, the Butchers Nails stopped that possibility. Although Angron isn't the only Primarch to hate his own legion, his reasons are probably easier to understand. No matter what they did, no matter the amount of bloodshed and pain the legion would never be Angron's true family. When the emperor teleported Angron away from the other slaves it started him on the path of rage and violence that was to come. 

The raging inferno of violence and slaughter that is Angron is shown heavily in this book, also his utter contempt for his sons. Ian St. Martin shows the World Eaters as a noble brotherhood who are a example of camaraderie to the other legions, a far cry away from what they later become. Although this a shorter novel than others there is a nice pace of action and the backstory reveals about the Nuceria period of Angron's life. Kharn who has become so integral to the legions story starts his journey in this book, this is a interesting secondary plot running in tandem. Slave of Nuceria is a perfect book if you want to learn more about the beginnings of their blood soaked path through the 40k universe. 

Some good books to read if you are interested in knowing more about the Red Angel Angron. 

•  Angron the Red Angel by David Guymer 
• The Butchers Nails by Aaron Dembski-Bowden 
• Prince of Blood by Laurie Goulding (Sons of the Emperor anthology)
• Betrayer by Aaron Dembski-Bowden 

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Dante book review spoiler free...ish

 

Dante by Guy Haley.

Chapter Master Dante of the Blood Angels is the oldest imperial marine that is not interred in a Dreadnought combat walker. The honour of being the oldest imperial Dreadnought goes to Bjorn the Fell-Handed of the Space Wolves. Dante is approximately 1,552 years old and has recently crossed the Rubicon Primaris to become one of the Primaris space marines. He has now been named as the Lord Regent of the Imperium Nihilus. The mysterious Sanguinor seems to have a special relationship with Dante having appeared to him 7 times over his life, including a couple of times before he was elevated into the astartes. The Sanguinor also is credited with stopping Dante before he completely fell to the Gene-seed flaw the Red Thirst. 

This novel tells the story of Dante's journey from young boy to Astartes. The path he is forced to take across Baal Secundus is full of dangers and helps to make Dante into the Leader he is. Guy Haley brings the story of Dante to life in vivid detail. The dangers of the Great Salt Waste are only one of these dangers. The details about Dante's apotheosis and early role within the chapter are given in such a way that leaves you with a powerful impression of what the Death World is really like. Although its not the longest of stories, it doesn't feel rushed or disjointed. It fits nicely together and it covers all of the main aspects of Dante's life. The books I would say to read this with are The Devastation of Baal, Darkness in the Blood and Astorath: Angel of Mercy. Each adds to the legend that is Commander Dante and shows why he is held in such regard by the revived Primarch Raboute Guilliman. 

 

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Dark Adeptus book review spoiler free...ish

 

Dark Adeptus by Ben Counter.

The Grey Knight are all that stands between the imperium and the unending multitudes of daemons that are waiting for the chance to destroy the material world. This Grey Knights book is the sequel to the previously reviewed Grey Knights book, it stays with following the same Justicar Alaric and the surviving members of his squad. Usually the Grey knights operate in secrecy even going as far as wiping out any witnesses to the daemonic horde and repetitive mind wipes for any mortal crew used on their ships. In the separate book the Emperors Gift - these actions forced them into conflict with the Space Wolves chapter during the 'Months of Shame' directly after the first war of Armageddon. It's worth a read if it sounds like it could interest you.

Dark Adeptus is a book that shows the tempestuous relationship between the Mechanicus and the Grey Knights, usually their needs are covered by the forge world Deimos which is a moon in the orbit of Titan, the Knights are the only chapter that is able to use the items from Deimos. But in the case of the Tech Adepts in this story, they have mysterious reasons and won't reveal them even if it costs them lives. The book starts off in a really exciting chapter setting the tone all the way through. All though the Knights are specialists at fighting the daemonic, with this novel they are tested against more mundane enemies as well as the neverborn. After reading the first book in this series I jumped straight into this book and found that I liked it even more. I hope you find the same enjoyment if you were to give it a try. I will review the third of the series at a future date, that one is titled 'Hammer of the Daemons' and caps the trilogy off nicely.

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Fabius Bile - Primogenitor book review spoiler free...ish

 

Fabius Bile - Primogenitor by Josh Reynolds.

Fabius Bile is known to be a sadistic apothecary who has a god complex; he believes that the future of mankind is solely for his creations. These include vat-grown human hybrids who possess a lesser version of the Gene-seed, mutant creatures designed for war, and he has even created clones of all the Primarchs. Many people have thought they have killed Bile only for him to appear shortly after in a cloned body. He is infested with cancerous tumours brought on by the Emperors Children's Gene-seed, which is a part of his DNA, so it is cloned with him, and he manages it with a cocktail of pain suppressants and stimulants. Unusually he was allowed to study with the Drukhari in Commorragh. The Coven of the Thirteen Scars later attempted to kill Bile and all of his creations. In the end, a compromise was struck; Bile agreed to surgery to stop him from sharing any lessons learned with anyone ever. The clonelord is hated and feared among all of the Imperium, even his own Battle-Brothers despise him. Still, ultimately, he is needed by all of the renegade Astartes to replenish their numbers. Primogenitor is the first of a trilogy of novels by Josh Reynolds, and it's one of my favorites, along with the Night Lords Trilogy.

Within these novels we see that Bile is a scientist first and foremost but will throw down with anyone who stands in his way. Armed with his Daemon weapon Torment and his partly sentient, ever present Chirurgeon he can hold his own. The first book is very illuminating with regard to inter rivalry between the renegade marines even within their own legions. This novel for me was a good starting point for learning about the precarious nature of existence for the renegade warbands. There are moments of action where you just get lost in the story, and also reveal plot points about some of the lesser-known parts of the 40k universe. It is well worth reading this trilogy, and for anyone who is interested in what happens to lord commander Fabius after the Talon of Horus novel. 

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