John French (2)

I have to admit that I truly enjoy this series of books. Story is set in the period after Guillimans return to Terra. Cypher, mysterious Fallen Dark Angel, is part of his entourage. While he assisted Primarch, Guilliman is aware that there is something with Cypher that warrants worry so he sends him in prison under control of Custodes. But since Throne World is under daemonic attack, lots of eyes are looking at Terra and this news will trigger an unexpected action.

While Cypher is narrator this book is not so much about him but about the very nature of the Famous First. Fallen and loyalists clash and old fights the modern. But both so much wrapped in secrecy and mystery that one has to wonder how can Dark Angels function at all. Cypher here is a linchpin, figure that seems to act outside the space and time, master manipulator aiming for something, some ultimate goal and being able to put under his control everyone, from his hunters to chaos infused legionnaires. He is truly a force of nature, and nobody is smarter at the end about him. I think that future books on reawakened Lion will shed more light, especially since the position of Cypher is something that started with the Knights of Caliban, exclusively in Lion's own order if I am not wrong.

Besides Cypher remaining an enigma, novel is beautiful world building experience, showing multiple layers of the Imperium, safety mechanisms, double, triple locks put in place to control the order in Palace and Imperium at large (Custodes Shadowkeepers are excellent, and Doomscryers, oh man these are so Bene Gesseritt :) ).

At the end readers will be left wondering what did I just read. Book is more about mysterious forces vying for control of Palace, heart of the Imperium, and it leaves more open questions than it provides answers. I think this is just prelude to more stories set in shadow war, but even if it remains to stand on its own I think this is great action mystery story.

Highly recommended to all fans of action SF and W40K in general. But dont expect explicit revelations, goal of the book is to highlight the mysterious forces at large, and leave everything to judgement and interpretation of the reader.… (mere)

This was truly great read.

Set very near to the start of the Horus Heresy we follow visit of rememberancer Solomon Voss to the Templar unit of the Imperial Fists on the remote battlefield amongst the stars. He is there to write down the personal experiences of one of the most iconic Imperial Fists - Sigismund, commander of the Legion's Templars.

I truly like the way author managed to show Sigismund from the very beginnings, as a refugee in the destroyed parts of Europe (I think) immediately after Unification, fighting for the very survival against the crazy gangs, to his induction into the Legions and finally assignment to the Imperial Fists.

Sigismund is very down to earth person - he himself admits that if he knew he would end up in the Legions he would try running and escaping that fate. But finally finding himself on the front-lines he decides to become the best at the war. His instructors teaching him the ways of war and tactical combat - they all come out being very humane. They are all people that saw tremendous destruction and blood spilling and understand that they are but the tool to achieve a higher goal. And when one is thrown unwillingly into the fray he can at least make sure he survives. And this is what Sigismund does, he trains mercilessly and fights and trains and finally enters the coveted troop of Templars while building his reputation as a swordsman without a peer. His views on Night Lords and World Eaters (two most murderous legions) are also very interesting - Sigismund understands that war is bloody but also understands the need to keep the blood-letting (so to speak) in a way honorable and with certain, lets call it, warrior code ruling it. And here he sees difference between these two psychotic legions.

But being down to earth person means not being able to lie to oneself - and Sigismund surprises Voss when he says that war will never end. And this takes Voss by surprise because everyone expects Great Crusade to finish soon (even Rogal Dorn). Sigismund accurately identifies the one thing that will force the Legions to remain active even after Crusade is over (as I said this takes place before the rebellion of Horus) - need to defend what was conquered during the Crusade because there will always be something threatening the Human Empire. And because of that there will be eternal war amongst the stars.

Excellent novella, I enjoyed the descriptions of Unification era Terra and way Legions treat their recruits. We definitely need more from this period.

Highly recommended.… (mere)

Blood Angels and their Primarch, Sanginius, are called to execute the decimation of the non-compliant world (world that is even struck from the official records and constantly referred as H____) because world dared to use forbidden weapons and technologies against the Imperial forces.

While they will execute the will of the Emperor, Blood Angels and Sanginius are hurt by the sheer loss of life their actions will cause. They are aware that they are weapons that have a single purpose - to give humanity brightener future. And for that goal they are willing to fight to the end and all the death caused to achieve this goal is not caused in vain. It is necessity.

While we follow Sanginius as he joins his Destroyer Host and leads them into battle we also get glimpses of his own feelings and how he views himself. He is aware that he is a weapon and does not harbor any ill will towards his creator, Emperor. He has no illusions that once humanity is firmly established there might be no need for Angels of Death. But unlike Curze who would end up in despair and lunacy because of this, Sanguinius accepts his role and gives his best to achieve the Emperor's goal.

I especially liked game of chess between Sanguinius and Horus. It is obvious that Horus is acting in rather underhanded way while discussing the future Emperor plans for but Sanguinius is aware of this (being gifted with fore-sight) and tells Horus it is not good to ponder on what might be, "present is still not done". It is as he is aware that something is gnawing at his brothers soul and that only bad things would come out of it.

Recommended to all fans of Horus Heresy.… (mere)