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Warhammer 40,000
The Emperor's Gift
The Grey Knights are all that stands between mankind and the ravages of Chaos. Since their secretive beginnings during the Horus Heresy, these legendary Space Marine daemon hunters have journeyed into the dark realms of the warp – and beyond – in pursuit of their supernatural enemies. Through an intensive regime of psychic training, new recruits are brought to the clandestine fortress of Titan to join the hallowed and vaunted ranks of the 666th Chapter. More than ever, these legendary battle-brothers must be vigilant and ever ready to defend the Imperium for the forces of Chaos are never truly defeated, and Armageddon beckons…
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 30, 2021
"The Emperor's Gift" was outstanding. One of the best 40K novels I've read in a long time. Perhaps due to the subject matter and the sheer epic scope of this story, it will be a novel that at once was supremely entertaining but also very informative.
The story begins with an Inquisitor from the Ordo Malleus (Daemon Hunters) facing an entire room of corrupted leaders in a corrupted Imperial world. As they change into demonic form to kill the foolish interloper, she steps back and says one word "Hyperion" and five Grey Knights teleport in.
That was merely the prologue. This is a Grey Knights story. The Emperor's Gift refers to the gene-seed of the Grey Knights. It derives directly from the Emperor, as opposed to one of his Sons (Primarchs) which encode the Astartes. This gene-seed makes them virtually incorruptible (provided they maintain their sacred gear and fortify their minds) to Chaos. In the long history of the Imperium, no Grey Knight has ever been corrupted. Their very essence is anathema to creatures of the warp. Lesser creatures of the Warp, or human thralls of the Warp, will burn in their presence. They are the Chapter Militant of the Ordo Malleus.
But along with this power, there is a catch- since the Imperium officially denies the existence of Chaos, and especially, any manifestation of the Warp seen by normal humans is to be punished with death. Even Astartes can be subject to mind wipe. For normal humans, due to the massive threat of contamination, they must be culled.
This is the crux of the story that develops. On the planet of Armaggedon, the Space Wolves have stumbled upon a horrible threat. They manage to send an emergency call to the Grey Knights. An entire host of Grey Knights (over a hundred) to battle a threat of unimaginable proportions. The Lord of the XII Legion has manifested. The Red Angel. Angron, the Daemon Primarch.
The first part of the story revolves around the incredible fight between the Imperium and Angron. Truly an epic part of the book and I enjoyed it tremendously. The second part of the book deals with the fallout.
The Inquisition seeks to destroy all evidence of Angron's manifestation. Thus millions of Imperial Guard are slated to be "terminated" and the civilian population "sterilized". This not only brings the Inquisition into conflict with the Wolves but also causes the Grey Knights to question their purpose in this internal conflict.
Full of not only action but a great look at the internal politics of the Imperium. The cast of characters is not only large but features some of the most famous names in the 41st Millenium. This story is truly wonderful. I think any 40K fan would love this one. It has everything from Grey Knights and Space Wolves, to the Inquisition and the Red Hunters, with a little splash of a rampaging Red Angel thrown in. Awesome!
The story begins with an Inquisitor from the Ordo Malleus (Daemon Hunters) facing an entire room of corrupted leaders in a corrupted Imperial world. As they change into demonic form to kill the foolish interloper, she steps back and says one word "Hyperion" and five Grey Knights teleport in.
That was merely the prologue. This is a Grey Knights story. The Emperor's Gift refers to the gene-seed of the Grey Knights. It derives directly from the Emperor, as opposed to one of his Sons (Primarchs) which encode the Astartes. This gene-seed makes them virtually incorruptible (provided they maintain their sacred gear and fortify their minds) to Chaos. In the long history of the Imperium, no Grey Knight has ever been corrupted. Their very essence is anathema to creatures of the warp. Lesser creatures of the Warp, or human thralls of the Warp, will burn in their presence. They are the Chapter Militant of the Ordo Malleus.
But along with this power, there is a catch- since the Imperium officially denies the existence of Chaos, and especially, any manifestation of the Warp seen by normal humans is to be punished with death. Even Astartes can be subject to mind wipe. For normal humans, due to the massive threat of contamination, they must be culled.
This is the crux of the story that develops. On the planet of Armaggedon, the Space Wolves have stumbled upon a horrible threat. They manage to send an emergency call to the Grey Knights. An entire host of Grey Knights (over a hundred) to battle a threat of unimaginable proportions. The Lord of the XII Legion has manifested. The Red Angel. Angron, the Daemon Primarch.
The first part of the story revolves around the incredible fight between the Imperium and Angron. Truly an epic part of the book and I enjoyed it tremendously. The second part of the book deals with the fallout.
The Inquisition seeks to destroy all evidence of Angron's manifestation. Thus millions of Imperial Guard are slated to be "terminated" and the civilian population "sterilized". This not only brings the Inquisition into conflict with the Wolves but also causes the Grey Knights to question their purpose in this internal conflict.
Full of not only action but a great look at the internal politics of the Imperium. The cast of characters is not only large but features some of the most famous names in the 41st Millenium. This story is truly wonderful. I think any 40K fan would love this one. It has everything from Grey Knights and Space Wolves, to the Inquisition and the Red Hunters, with a little splash of a rampaging Red Angel thrown in. Awesome!
July 9, 2012
Aaron Dembski-Bowden is pretty fantastic. This is easily one of the best Warhammer 40k books I have read so far. I am not an expert on the 40k universe, and came into this book having only a cursory knowledge of the Grey Knights and the Battle of Armageddon. That didn't detract from the book at all, the author does a great job of painting the picture and giving you all the information you need. Another great thing is that the Space Wolves factor very heavily into this book, as does the Inquisition. There are a lot of major players in the story, and all of them are fleshed out very well. Highly recommended.
October 28, 2012
Awesome book, liked very much the references to the "Ravenor omnibus" and "Battle of the Fang".
ADB is quickly becoming one of my most favorite BL authors.
ADB is quickly becoming one of my most favorite BL authors.
June 1, 2012
For fans of Warhammer this book ticks all the boxes - Grey Knight, Angron, Deamons and Bjorn Fell handed. For non-GW fans it has super-human knights in space, secret agents, daemons in space surrounded in a mystery. Aaron Dembski-Bowden is part of the stable of great writers that the Black Library has attracted over the past few years, and in fairness to full disclosure I do know him. That said, if I didn't think this was worth the look I wouldn't have put it up here.
The central figures of the story are the Grey Knights - genetically enhanced space warriors. Where there are known space marine units in the galaxy, Grey Knights are the secret arm of the Inquisition, the agency that roots out heresy, aliens and the corrupted to protect the Imperium of Man.
As usual, Aaron weave secrets and surprise - even to those who think they know the background - and makes you say, "Didn't see that coming". The characters seem as real and the story is engaging. There are no real heroes in these stories, only the lesser of many evils.
Well worth the time for fans of military sf, Warhammer 40,000 and the off beat.
The central figures of the story are the Grey Knights - genetically enhanced space warriors. Where there are known space marine units in the galaxy, Grey Knights are the secret arm of the Inquisition, the agency that roots out heresy, aliens and the corrupted to protect the Imperium of Man.
As usual, Aaron weave secrets and surprise - even to those who think they know the background - and makes you say, "Didn't see that coming". The characters seem as real and the story is engaging. There are no real heroes in these stories, only the lesser of many evils.
Well worth the time for fans of military sf, Warhammer 40,000 and the off beat.
June 29, 2012
Shadowhawk reviews The Emperor’s Gift, a novel that chronicles one of the defining moments of the war-torn 41st Millennium through the eyes of one of the most secretive and shadowy factions within the Imperium, the Space Marines of the Grey Knights Adeptus Astartes chapter.
“The Emperor’s Gift is easily Aaron’s best work for Black Library to date and it sets a really high bar for future novels.” ~The Founding Fields
The Grey Knights are one of the most intriguing chapters among the Adeptus Astartes because of the nature of the foes they fight (almost to the exclusion of all else) and because of their ties to the Inquisition. Indeed, they are the militant arm of the Ordo Malleus and their sole remit is to combat the most dangerous threats of Chaos throughout the galaxy. In many ways, they are elites among elites and their association with the Ordo Malleus means that they fight extremely specific battles with extremely specific goals in mind. And should their presence become known to those who do not have the authority to do so, well, what happens to them is not pretty. My love for the Grey Knights started with Ben Counter’s Grey Knights novels and I’ve always reading about them. I’ve even gamed with and against them on the tabletop. As such, they are a chapter I’m quite intimate with so I was very curious to see how Aaron Dembski-Bowden would deliver, and whether I would enjoy The Emperor’s Gift as much as I’ve enjoyed Ben’s work with them over the years.
The Emperor’s Gift is a novel that gets everything right and checks all the boxes on the list of “what makes a novel great”. It is seriously character-driven to the extreme, has great set piece battles and, by the time you are done with it, it leaves you on an emotional high. In more ways than one.
Like with the majority of Gav Thorpe’s work, Aaron knows how to get in the mind of his characters and write as if its the characters themselves writing. Our protagonist Hyperion, from whose first person perspective the novel is written, is a deeply-flawed “good guy” character that you learn to appreciate over the course of the narrative and seeing the world around him through his eyes is a learning experience that is not to be missed by any fan of the setting. I liked Hyperion from the get go, mainly because he is the protagonist in a great novel, and because he is written as a (mostly) realistic and believable character. Since the novel is written as his account of the events leading up to the First War for Armageddon, the defining battle of that conflict, and its aftermath, we really get into his psyche and see what makes the Grey Knights tick and how they interact with everyone around them. There is a particular revelation about Hyperion in the novel however, that I didn’t really like because for me it detracts from the narrative. I can’t see it as anything other than a random cool moment that is just meant to score cool points. Especially since there aren’t actually a lot of people who are going to get the reference too! Ah well.
The strong characterisation that we get with Hyperion extends to his squad-mates as well, Justicar Galeo, Malchadiel, Sothis, Enceladus and Dumenidon. Each of them is a compelling character in his own right and they have some really intriguing backstories to them. Together, these six brothers of Squad Castian are a great mix of personalities, whether its the level-headed and straight-thinking Galeo or the reckless Hyperion or what have you. Its interesting but there are some similarities between Squad Castian and First Claw, the protagonists of Aaron’s Night Lords novels. There are similar interactions and power plays between both teams but there is enough there for the reader to know that they aren’t carbon copies either. The nature of Squad Castian, as a frontline formation of the Grey Knights, is quite different to that of First Claw, which is a squad of highly mercurial warriors. Reading about both has been quite fun and group dynamics is something that Aaron writes quite well.
There are several other characters, major or minor, who left a strong impact, and so there are some of them I quite liked and some I didn’t. Inquisitor Annika Jarlsdottyr was, I think, a great character because as far as I know, she is the first Fenrisian who is not part of the Space Wolves chapter. It sets up some really great dynamics for later or in the novel and even getting to that climax, it is a strong plot point where the Grey Knights, particularly Hyperion and Malchadiel, are concerned. However, I will say that I wish she had had a bigger role than she already did and that her personality and her relationship with the Space Wolves was explored a bit more. Still, there is a really touching scene between her and an old Space Wolves hero on Page 292 of the harcover edition. That is a scene that lasts for no more than a handful of lines and yet it has a power of its own. Lost glories, another lifetime and all that.
You can find the full review over at The Founding Fields:
http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/05/...
“The Emperor’s Gift is easily Aaron’s best work for Black Library to date and it sets a really high bar for future novels.” ~The Founding Fields
The Grey Knights are one of the most intriguing chapters among the Adeptus Astartes because of the nature of the foes they fight (almost to the exclusion of all else) and because of their ties to the Inquisition. Indeed, they are the militant arm of the Ordo Malleus and their sole remit is to combat the most dangerous threats of Chaos throughout the galaxy. In many ways, they are elites among elites and their association with the Ordo Malleus means that they fight extremely specific battles with extremely specific goals in mind. And should their presence become known to those who do not have the authority to do so, well, what happens to them is not pretty. My love for the Grey Knights started with Ben Counter’s Grey Knights novels and I’ve always reading about them. I’ve even gamed with and against them on the tabletop. As such, they are a chapter I’m quite intimate with so I was very curious to see how Aaron Dembski-Bowden would deliver, and whether I would enjoy The Emperor’s Gift as much as I’ve enjoyed Ben’s work with them over the years.
The Emperor’s Gift is a novel that gets everything right and checks all the boxes on the list of “what makes a novel great”. It is seriously character-driven to the extreme, has great set piece battles and, by the time you are done with it, it leaves you on an emotional high. In more ways than one.
Like with the majority of Gav Thorpe’s work, Aaron knows how to get in the mind of his characters and write as if its the characters themselves writing. Our protagonist Hyperion, from whose first person perspective the novel is written, is a deeply-flawed “good guy” character that you learn to appreciate over the course of the narrative and seeing the world around him through his eyes is a learning experience that is not to be missed by any fan of the setting. I liked Hyperion from the get go, mainly because he is the protagonist in a great novel, and because he is written as a (mostly) realistic and believable character. Since the novel is written as his account of the events leading up to the First War for Armageddon, the defining battle of that conflict, and its aftermath, we really get into his psyche and see what makes the Grey Knights tick and how they interact with everyone around them. There is a particular revelation about Hyperion in the novel however, that I didn’t really like because for me it detracts from the narrative. I can’t see it as anything other than a random cool moment that is just meant to score cool points. Especially since there aren’t actually a lot of people who are going to get the reference too! Ah well.
The strong characterisation that we get with Hyperion extends to his squad-mates as well, Justicar Galeo, Malchadiel, Sothis, Enceladus and Dumenidon. Each of them is a compelling character in his own right and they have some really intriguing backstories to them. Together, these six brothers of Squad Castian are a great mix of personalities, whether its the level-headed and straight-thinking Galeo or the reckless Hyperion or what have you. Its interesting but there are some similarities between Squad Castian and First Claw, the protagonists of Aaron’s Night Lords novels. There are similar interactions and power plays between both teams but there is enough there for the reader to know that they aren’t carbon copies either. The nature of Squad Castian, as a frontline formation of the Grey Knights, is quite different to that of First Claw, which is a squad of highly mercurial warriors. Reading about both has been quite fun and group dynamics is something that Aaron writes quite well.
There are several other characters, major or minor, who left a strong impact, and so there are some of them I quite liked and some I didn’t. Inquisitor Annika Jarlsdottyr was, I think, a great character because as far as I know, she is the first Fenrisian who is not part of the Space Wolves chapter. It sets up some really great dynamics for later or in the novel and even getting to that climax, it is a strong plot point where the Grey Knights, particularly Hyperion and Malchadiel, are concerned. However, I will say that I wish she had had a bigger role than she already did and that her personality and her relationship with the Space Wolves was explored a bit more. Still, there is a really touching scene between her and an old Space Wolves hero on Page 292 of the harcover edition. That is a scene that lasts for no more than a handful of lines and yet it has a power of its own. Lost glories, another lifetime and all that.
You can find the full review over at The Founding Fields:
http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/05/...
December 4, 2017
There are a lot of good 40k novels. The Horus Heresy series is my favorite, equally are the Gaunt's Ghosts books by Dan Abnett. This one is about one of the more rare of the Chapters, the Grey Knights. I have read another book or two and some stories about the Grey Knights, but this one by far is a shining achievement. I absolutely was riveted reading this book by the detail the author come forth with and the knowledge and practices of the Chapter that I never had read about before.
Hyperion is the youngest member of Squad Castian. He actually carries a Nemesis Force Staff that has the skull of Castian, the namesake of the squad. He and his five brothers and in the Eighth Brotherhood of the Chapter. They are serving with an inquisitor called Annika, a daughter of the Frost tribes of Fenris, where the Space Wolves Chapter calls home. They have served with her for a bit, destroying a possessed planetary governor on a world called Cheth, and continuing to eradicate all possible taint amongst his household, friends and nobility. Inquisitor Annika is pleased with the results and then she requests the squad to join her on another mission, interrupting another Inquisitor's request for the squad's help. She explains that a Space Wolf ship called the Frostborn is unresponsive within the Valdasca Caul, a rough and as dangerous part of mapped space as can be found, outside the entrance to the Eye of Terror. What transpires here is a foreshadowing of future events, and a demonically ravaged Navigator proves to be a superior foe indeed. This ends in the death of one of Hyperion's squad mated, and his chastisement by his leader, Justicar Galeo. It take some time for the loss of Sothis to fade, and it never truly does, as his twin brother lives within the squad. Hyperion was saved by Sothis and his rash and uncontrolled manner caused the death to occur. The squad quits the Frostborn after destroying it and follows the further plans of their Inquisitor to Titan, where they pick up a new member of the squad on their way to the true foal of the mission, Armageddon. This is the first War for Armageddon, wherein Chaos in the form of the the 12th Legion Primarch, Angron of the World Eaters, in his ultimate demon form holds sway and attempts to destroy or enslave the populace. The Space Wolves Chapter is there already and have been fighting with the loyal population of the planet against this terrible threat. Logan Grimmnar, High Wolf of the Chapter meets with the Sons of Titan, 109 strong as the Chapter has mustered all it could to fight the Chaos threat on this planet. He lets them know that he will call for them and the battle is joined. Soon after the howl comes across the vox channels and the Grey Knights deploy as Angron approaches the river Styx, separating the conquered hive citues of Armagedon from the free people's hive cities. This is the line in the sand and the Grey Knights teleport down as hell is unleashed. What follows is a hellish battle and the breaking of the Black Blade of Angron, at the hands of Hyperion, using an unseen amount of psychic power that almost kills him. The Chapter Master of the Grey Knights kills Angron and is killed, leaving only nine Grey Knights on the field and only five able to fight. They carry the bodies of their brothers to their ships and quit the field, as the Imperium at large is to know nothing of the Grey knights. This is where the troubles begin. An Inquisitor Lord takes it upon himself after the battle to have the free peoples of Armageddon, leaving the planet to find safety, killed so as not to spread possible taint to other people and worlds. This puts the Grey Knights, who serve the Ordo Malleus and the Space Wolves at odds. The story continues and this is intertwined to the very end of the story.
Wow! What can I say about this book that can describe the amazing writing here? The fact that the author references Dan Abnett's books about Ravenor and that Hyperion is a rounded out character from those books, goes without saying. The depth and secrets as well as the insight into how the Grey Knights work is amazing. So much to take in here with the way their powers work and the services they provide in league with the Inquisition. Their blind devotion to the eradication of Chaos and its workings is explained here. The fact that the Grey Knights come from the gene seed of the Emperor himself is a revelation that is understood and just makes sense within these pages. They are without corruption and always have been, and so very powerful. Their dedication to duty and hard edge towards things is represented here, and yet there is a humanism to them that is basic and thin, but you pick up on it. I really enjoyed this book and liking all of this author's books I have ever written, which is a lot, I must say that this one is my favorite, and saying that after reading The First Heretic, well that's a tall order. This one is mandatory reading I believe for 40k fans.
Danny
Hyperion is the youngest member of Squad Castian. He actually carries a Nemesis Force Staff that has the skull of Castian, the namesake of the squad. He and his five brothers and in the Eighth Brotherhood of the Chapter. They are serving with an inquisitor called Annika, a daughter of the Frost tribes of Fenris, where the Space Wolves Chapter calls home. They have served with her for a bit, destroying a possessed planetary governor on a world called Cheth, and continuing to eradicate all possible taint amongst his household, friends and nobility. Inquisitor Annika is pleased with the results and then she requests the squad to join her on another mission, interrupting another Inquisitor's request for the squad's help. She explains that a Space Wolf ship called the Frostborn is unresponsive within the Valdasca Caul, a rough and as dangerous part of mapped space as can be found, outside the entrance to the Eye of Terror. What transpires here is a foreshadowing of future events, and a demonically ravaged Navigator proves to be a superior foe indeed. This ends in the death of one of Hyperion's squad mated, and his chastisement by his leader, Justicar Galeo. It take some time for the loss of Sothis to fade, and it never truly does, as his twin brother lives within the squad. Hyperion was saved by Sothis and his rash and uncontrolled manner caused the death to occur. The squad quits the Frostborn after destroying it and follows the further plans of their Inquisitor to Titan, where they pick up a new member of the squad on their way to the true foal of the mission, Armageddon. This is the first War for Armageddon, wherein Chaos in the form of the the 12th Legion Primarch, Angron of the World Eaters, in his ultimate demon form holds sway and attempts to destroy or enslave the populace. The Space Wolves Chapter is there already and have been fighting with the loyal population of the planet against this terrible threat. Logan Grimmnar, High Wolf of the Chapter meets with the Sons of Titan, 109 strong as the Chapter has mustered all it could to fight the Chaos threat on this planet. He lets them know that he will call for them and the battle is joined. Soon after the howl comes across the vox channels and the Grey Knights deploy as Angron approaches the river Styx, separating the conquered hive citues of Armagedon from the free people's hive cities. This is the line in the sand and the Grey Knights teleport down as hell is unleashed. What follows is a hellish battle and the breaking of the Black Blade of Angron, at the hands of Hyperion, using an unseen amount of psychic power that almost kills him. The Chapter Master of the Grey Knights kills Angron and is killed, leaving only nine Grey Knights on the field and only five able to fight. They carry the bodies of their brothers to their ships and quit the field, as the Imperium at large is to know nothing of the Grey knights. This is where the troubles begin. An Inquisitor Lord takes it upon himself after the battle to have the free peoples of Armageddon, leaving the planet to find safety, killed so as not to spread possible taint to other people and worlds. This puts the Grey Knights, who serve the Ordo Malleus and the Space Wolves at odds. The story continues and this is intertwined to the very end of the story.
Wow! What can I say about this book that can describe the amazing writing here? The fact that the author references Dan Abnett's books about Ravenor and that Hyperion is a rounded out character from those books, goes without saying. The depth and secrets as well as the insight into how the Grey Knights work is amazing. So much to take in here with the way their powers work and the services they provide in league with the Inquisition. Their blind devotion to the eradication of Chaos and its workings is explained here. The fact that the Grey Knights come from the gene seed of the Emperor himself is a revelation that is understood and just makes sense within these pages. They are without corruption and always have been, and so very powerful. Their dedication to duty and hard edge towards things is represented here, and yet there is a humanism to them that is basic and thin, but you pick up on it. I really enjoyed this book and liking all of this author's books I have ever written, which is a lot, I must say that this one is my favorite, and saying that after reading The First Heretic, well that's a tall order. This one is mandatory reading I believe for 40k fans.
Danny
August 12, 2013
This was a hard read for me because I found the Fenrisian Inquisitor annoying and how the author felt obligated to describe the actions of each one of her retinue whenever she was just talking to someone. They never did anything but follow her around and maybe have a few lines of dialog. It felt like horrible filler for some extra words. The Grey Knights are apparently jedi space marines. When the author started to describe how they operated it's all I could think. It annoyed me throughout the book. It wasn't until the last third of the book that the Space Wolves jump into the story that I became interested.
In the end I will read a Aaron Dembski-Bowden with a lot of caution because this book was written at a very young reader's level and was extremely cliche even for a "bolter porn" novel.
In the end I will read a Aaron Dembski-Bowden with a lot of caution because this book was written at a very young reader's level and was extremely cliche even for a "bolter porn" novel.
March 2, 2020
This is strong entrant to the annals of WH40k, with strong themes of what it means to be human, the limits of following orders, and grey regions of morality - the concept that there is not always a good action or outcome in any scenario. All of this is bound within our favourite grimdark universe, with familiar names and chapters and more Inquisitorial secrets than you can shake a force-stave at.
December 7, 2022
I really like this type of stories of the future without salvation
June 25, 2012
If you're a fan of the Warhammer 40k universe then you don't need an introduction for this book. Just the phrase "First War for Armageddon" is enough for you to buy this book. However this book is much more than just the war on Armageddon. It's about the events leading to the Grey Knights deployment on the planet and the aftermath between the Inquisition and the Space Wolves.
This story simply put is just epic! Dembski-Bowden is really on top of his game right now. Just when you thought his stories couldn't get any better, he would come up with something like this to surprise you. The description and mannerisms of the Astartes cannot be more apt. Dembski-Bowden has really captured that slightly autistic, can't read human emotion thing that Space Marines do down to a tee.
I found both Hyperion and Inquisitor Annika Jarlsdottyr to be interesting characters. Hyperion is the newest member in his squad and also has the potential to be the strongest amongst them. However he is often over-confident in his abilities and reckless in his decisions which resulted in the death of a fellow brother. It is in Hyperion's reflection on his guilt that we realise these genetically enhanced beings aren't that different to us.
As for Annika Jarlsdottyr, a Ferisian born Inquisitor, she must decide between upholding her task as part of the Inquisition or siding with her homeworld when the Wolves decide to go against the orders of the Inquisition and harbour the survivors of Armageddon.
The last third of the book deals with the fallout of the war on Armageddon. The Inquisition wants to eliminate the entire population to stop any knowledge of Chaos from spreading, whereas the Space Wolves want them to live on so not to waste the lives of all the warriors that died protecting the civilians. Debmski-Bowden does a great job portraying all the different views involved and it makes you question what is a fair price to pay to save further lives?
If you are new to 40k lore or casual fan, you will appreciate the story for what it is. For the more avid fans, the appearance of Daemon Prince Angron, Logan Grimnar and even just the mere mention of Ravenor will make you squeal with excitement. In fact, after reading this book, the Ravenor trilogy will be the next Black Library book that I would read so I can see how Hyperion ties in with that story.
Simply put, you should read The Emperor's Gift if you meet any of the following:
• You're already a follower of 40k lore or a Black Library reader.
• You're looking for a Black Library novel that you can start with.
• You have never read anything by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.
• You want to support charities as a portion of the book's proceeds go to Cancer Research UK and the SOS Children's Villages charity.
(Originally posted at http://www.paperlessreading.com/2012/...)
This story simply put is just epic! Dembski-Bowden is really on top of his game right now. Just when you thought his stories couldn't get any better, he would come up with something like this to surprise you. The description and mannerisms of the Astartes cannot be more apt. Dembski-Bowden has really captured that slightly autistic, can't read human emotion thing that Space Marines do down to a tee.
I found both Hyperion and Inquisitor Annika Jarlsdottyr to be interesting characters. Hyperion is the newest member in his squad and also has the potential to be the strongest amongst them. However he is often over-confident in his abilities and reckless in his decisions which resulted in the death of a fellow brother. It is in Hyperion's reflection on his guilt that we realise these genetically enhanced beings aren't that different to us.
As for Annika Jarlsdottyr, a Ferisian born Inquisitor, she must decide between upholding her task as part of the Inquisition or siding with her homeworld when the Wolves decide to go against the orders of the Inquisition and harbour the survivors of Armageddon.
The last third of the book deals with the fallout of the war on Armageddon. The Inquisition wants to eliminate the entire population to stop any knowledge of Chaos from spreading, whereas the Space Wolves want them to live on so not to waste the lives of all the warriors that died protecting the civilians. Debmski-Bowden does a great job portraying all the different views involved and it makes you question what is a fair price to pay to save further lives?
If you are new to 40k lore or casual fan, you will appreciate the story for what it is. For the more avid fans, the appearance of Daemon Prince Angron, Logan Grimnar and even just the mere mention of Ravenor will make you squeal with excitement. In fact, after reading this book, the Ravenor trilogy will be the next Black Library book that I would read so I can see how Hyperion ties in with that story.
Simply put, you should read The Emperor's Gift if you meet any of the following:
• You're already a follower of 40k lore or a Black Library reader.
• You're looking for a Black Library novel that you can start with.
• You have never read anything by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.
• You want to support charities as a portion of the book's proceeds go to Cancer Research UK and the SOS Children's Villages charity.
(Originally posted at http://www.paperlessreading.com/2012/...)
December 28, 2012
Dembski-Bowden has truly penned a 40k masterpiece in 'The Emperor's Gift'.
There are so many things in this novel that he has done right as far as writing within the Warhammer 40k universe. Things like having an Inquisitor from Fenris when every previous author has taken a fairly generic route with their characters, even Abnett. Here is a familiar world, with a familiar culture, and Aaron has made an Inquisitor out of a character that most of us wouldn't have believed possible. It shows the diversity of the organization, as well as creates a very strong character with understandable flaws we already know from the Space Wolves.
But that isn't the only other thing Dembski-Bowden does right. Already experienced in writing the Grey Knights, he also does a wonderful job with the Space Wolves. The two chapter's similarities as well as differences are penned extremely well. The Grey Knights act as you would expect, as do the Wolves. Both have their pride, both have their honor, and each is played upon really well within this novel.
Another thing that was a good choice was the almost minimal nature that he takes with the first battle for Armageddon. Where other authors would have penned a long story involving that world and the first war, Dembski-Bowden, by his own admission, wrote something different. The concentration isn't on the war, but rather the Grey Knights and the interplay between them and the Space Wolves and the tensions between them.
And then there's the planet fall on Fenris with the negotiation. Well written, well thought out, and the perfect cameo to make the fanboy in all of us smile from ear to ear.
Beyond all of the above, the writing is handled really well. Strong and filled with just the right amount of action (well written action I might add), 'The Emperor's Gift' is an instant classic in my collection of 40K books. There is honestly next to no boring part of this book and though I am not a fan of Grey Knights it still kept me captivated. I would gladly read it again, and in fact I read it over Christmas and couldn't put it down.
If you are a fan of Warhammer 40k, get this book. It doesn't matter if you have read the previous Grey Knight books, or the Space Wolves for that matter. You will enjoy this story, it will reach out and drag you in smiling the entire way. I can't recommend it enough.
There are so many things in this novel that he has done right as far as writing within the Warhammer 40k universe. Things like having an Inquisitor from Fenris when every previous author has taken a fairly generic route with their characters, even Abnett. Here is a familiar world, with a familiar culture, and Aaron has made an Inquisitor out of a character that most of us wouldn't have believed possible. It shows the diversity of the organization, as well as creates a very strong character with understandable flaws we already know from the Space Wolves.
But that isn't the only other thing Dembski-Bowden does right. Already experienced in writing the Grey Knights, he also does a wonderful job with the Space Wolves. The two chapter's similarities as well as differences are penned extremely well. The Grey Knights act as you would expect, as do the Wolves. Both have their pride, both have their honor, and each is played upon really well within this novel.
Another thing that was a good choice was the almost minimal nature that he takes with the first battle for Armageddon. Where other authors would have penned a long story involving that world and the first war, Dembski-Bowden, by his own admission, wrote something different. The concentration isn't on the war, but rather the Grey Knights and the interplay between them and the Space Wolves and the tensions between them.
And then there's the planet fall on Fenris with the negotiation. Well written, well thought out, and the perfect cameo to make the fanboy in all of us smile from ear to ear.
Beyond all of the above, the writing is handled really well. Strong and filled with just the right amount of action (well written action I might add), 'The Emperor's Gift' is an instant classic in my collection of 40K books. There is honestly next to no boring part of this book and though I am not a fan of Grey Knights it still kept me captivated. I would gladly read it again, and in fact I read it over Christmas and couldn't put it down.
If you are a fan of Warhammer 40k, get this book. It doesn't matter if you have read the previous Grey Knight books, or the Space Wolves for that matter. You will enjoy this story, it will reach out and drag you in smiling the entire way. I can't recommend it enough.
December 27, 2012
It's not often that I read a book which makes me question my ideals. My strong belief in Pragmatism was questioned while I read this brilliant book. But in the end my belief in that philosophy came out even stronger than what it was before. That is what the Grey Knights truly are, pragmatic in almost every way and while I think that frigging Matt Ward almost ruined them by changing them so much that way. ABD with this book redeems them in my eyes and makes them, perhaps, now one of my favourite chapters.
I really enjoyed this book, the story, the characters everything (especially Bjorn the Fellhanded his brief but awesome appearance was memorable and funny) The main character Hyperion was good to, I found him a interesting and sympathetic character who was flawed but still believable as a Space Marine (I also really liked his background, a great call back which I won't spoil.)
The story chronicles the first war for Armageddon, the invasion of the now daemon prince Angron, his World Eaters and the legions of Khornate daemons. As well as the aftermath, the politics between the Space Wolves, the Grey Knights and the Inquisition. It's a simple but interesting story that I'm surprised hasn't been told of earlier by the Black Library.
There's a few overarching themes I saw in this novel, the sliding scale of idealism and cynicism being one, along side honour vs pragmatism. Hyperion starts very idealistic but as he sees how grey and ruthless everything is he develops and changes. In a good way mind you, well I think so anyway. This is very much shown in the conflicts between the Space Wolves and the Inquisition. I could see both sides perspectives and found it hard to choose which to root for. More than many Black Library novels before this shows how damn grey the Warhammer 40,000 universe truly is. Especially with the 'bad guy' Inquisitor lord Kysnaros, isn't really the bad guy at all he even lampshades the greyness.
Good read, brilliant ABD just continues to impress me. I recommend it highly.
I really enjoyed this book, the story, the characters everything (especially Bjorn the Fellhanded his brief but awesome appearance was memorable and funny) The main character Hyperion was good to, I found him a interesting and sympathetic character who was flawed but still believable as a Space Marine (I also really liked his background, a great call back which I won't spoil.)
The story chronicles the first war for Armageddon, the invasion of the now daemon prince Angron, his World Eaters and the legions of Khornate daemons. As well as the aftermath, the politics between the Space Wolves, the Grey Knights and the Inquisition. It's a simple but interesting story that I'm surprised hasn't been told of earlier by the Black Library.
There's a few overarching themes I saw in this novel, the sliding scale of idealism and cynicism being one, along side honour vs pragmatism. Hyperion starts very idealistic but as he sees how grey and ruthless everything is he develops and changes. In a good way mind you, well I think so anyway. This is very much shown in the conflicts between the Space Wolves and the Inquisition. I could see both sides perspectives and found it hard to choose which to root for. More than many Black Library novels before this shows how damn grey the Warhammer 40,000 universe truly is. Especially with the 'bad guy' Inquisitor lord Kysnaros, isn't really the bad guy at all he even lampshades the greyness.
Good read, brilliant ABD just continues to impress me. I recommend it highly.
April 21, 2013
This is my first foray into reading 40k novels after playing Warhammer 40k for years. I'm a fan of the Grey Knight army in the game and I like the Space Wolves as well. When I found a book that included both, I had to pick it up. I must say, I wasn't disappointed. While I might have struggled early on because of the game terminology (fluff) that was at the beginning of the book, by the end of the first third I had caught on and found myself engrossed in the story of how the Wolves were battling deamons on the world of Armeggedon and how the Grey knights were supporting the battle. My heart soared as the Knights became the tip of the sword, stricking at the dEamon lord and the battle that commenced. (Think Sauron fighting the elves in the Lord of the Rings movie, but in this case, Sauron looks like a vile demon that is a hundred feet tall and weilds a sword that would fit in the hands of King Kong....now imagine the 100 grey knights rushing this thing (and it's minions). What happens AFTER the battle was almost as shocking, as I'm not familiar with the Inquisition (the Grey knights are the military arm of the Inquisition) and what they would plan to do to the populace of Armeggeddon and those humans serving in the armies that helped defend against the chaos. I was torn as I sided with the Space Wolves in their outcry but knew the Grey Knights must follow their orders. Escalating out of control, the conflict after put the battle of Armeggeddon to shame.
I feel I understand the game background better (at least for these two chapters) and I look forward to learning more about both as I continue to read in the 40k Universe.
It was extremely well written and I very much enjoyed the main Character of Hyperion.
I feel I understand the game background better (at least for these two chapters) and I look forward to learning more about both as I continue to read in the 40k Universe.
It was extremely well written and I very much enjoyed the main Character of Hyperion.
May 24, 2013
This was my second reading through this book mostly about Grey Knights (but also, mostly about Space Wolves) as research for the details of a modelling project.
What struck me most the second time through is the transformation of the Space Wolves over 10,000 years. It is interesting to read this novel after re-reading 'Prospero Burns'. Gone are the 'Weapons without Limit' or 'Emperor's Executioners' that were the Space Wolves under the guidance of Russ. This is an age of heroes bound and blinded by honor... with more akin to the savages from whom they are raised than the pragmatic killers from the pre-Heresy era. That this torch has been passed to the Grey Knights is the soul of this book and highlights that even the chapters of the First Founding are not their forebears. As Bjorn himself says at the end of the book 'Time marches on, and that is the truth of it.'.
This book is a wonderful exploration of these two chapters and how one has moved into the other's ancient role. Bowden writes with his characteristic irreverence and fixation on the human and post-human condition. The paradoxes and contradictions of two times separated by vast space and misunderstanding is a fertile playground for this kind of writing.
What struck me most the second time through is the transformation of the Space Wolves over 10,000 years. It is interesting to read this novel after re-reading 'Prospero Burns'. Gone are the 'Weapons without Limit' or 'Emperor's Executioners' that were the Space Wolves under the guidance of Russ. This is an age of heroes bound and blinded by honor... with more akin to the savages from whom they are raised than the pragmatic killers from the pre-Heresy era. That this torch has been passed to the Grey Knights is the soul of this book and highlights that even the chapters of the First Founding are not their forebears. As Bjorn himself says at the end of the book 'Time marches on, and that is the truth of it.'.
This book is a wonderful exploration of these two chapters and how one has moved into the other's ancient role. Bowden writes with his characteristic irreverence and fixation on the human and post-human condition. The paradoxes and contradictions of two times separated by vast space and misunderstanding is a fertile playground for this kind of writing.
May 22, 2012
A very enjoyable book. The parts aboard space ships very nearly feel like proper science fiction rather than the usual cathedrals in space.
And the parts where the Inquisition and 666th chapter is described are a beauty to read. Does anybody remember when anyone who just might have an inkling about the powers in the Warp used to be summarily executed, including his friends, family, the city and maybe even the complete planet? Without spoiling too much this book shows how the Inquisition used to operate, and what happens when some post-human warriors decide that this modus operandi is a breach of honor.
Don't wait, run, fetch this book :-)
And the parts where the Inquisition and 666th chapter is described are a beauty to read. Does anybody remember when anyone who just might have an inkling about the powers in the Warp used to be summarily executed, including his friends, family, the city and maybe even the complete planet? Without spoiling too much this book shows how the Inquisition used to operate, and what happens when some post-human warriors decide that this modus operandi is a breach of honor.
Don't wait, run, fetch this book :-)
August 16, 2015
I really enjoyed the first two-thirds of this book, with its interesting characters and awesome action scenes. The last part was still interesting, and gave quite the impression of how some inside the Inquisition wield their power. I only wish the last part had kept the pace set in the first parts of the book. And I hope we get to see more of Annika Jarlsdottyr and her warband in the future, because I'd love to read more of their story. I never thought there'd be anything cooler than Space Marines with psychic powers, but in a book full of them, this Fenrisian Inquisitor was the one that held my attention.
July 21, 2012
"The Emperors Gift" is so good thats it is easy to forget some essential things in life, like eating or breathing for example.
August 10, 2012
Awesome book about the Grey Knights, more importantly lots of Space Wolf badassery. FOR RUSS FOR THE ALL FATHER!
August 14, 2012
A brilliant read, giving you everything you want and more in a great read.
August 28, 2024
I am now officially a Warhammer convert.
January 11, 2016
And again a great read from bowden...he is mr. WH 40K
April 26, 2021
Дар для кого?
Hola Amigos! Как всегда пройдемся по пунктам:
О чем: Событий в Даре Императора описано немного. Это история, рассказанная от первого лица одним из космодесантников ордена Серых Рыцарей.
Волей случая они узнают об атаке орд Хаоса на планету Армагеддон (знаковое событие для сеттинга Warhammer 40k).
Рыцари участвуют в битве вместе с Космоволками и в результате происходит спойлер, после чего происходит другой спойлер, что приводит к недопониманию между силами Инквизиции и Космоволками. Дальнейшему посвящена ещё треть книги.
Персонажи: Главным героем выступает космодесантник Гиперион, от лица которого ведется рассказ. На втором плане присутствуют его братья по отряду и девушка инквизитор со своими подчиненными.
Братья космодесантники практически не раскрыты. Немног�� "приоткрыт" лишь один.
Инквизитор хоть и не плохо описана, но не раскрыта тоже, а её отряд хоть внешне и представляет собой колоритное сборище интересных персонажей, на деле не раскрыт никак и в событиях участия практически не принимает.
Весь акцент истории сфокусирован на внутреннем мире главного героя и пересказу как важных для истории сеттинга, так и исключительно личных моментов.
Повествование: Ведется от первого лица. Подробно излагаются мысли главного героя, детально и атмосферно описываются некоторые ситуации.
Обнаружены излишне подробные описания в разумных количествах.
Полноценных боевых сцен, описанных кроме как "мы сражались и кровь лилась, а мы сражались и рубили, а враг всё набегал..." тоже практически нет.
Юмор, если и задумывался, то лишь в самых незначительных проявлениях.
Читается произведение не слишком легко, но и без затруднений.
Мнение: Это вторая, прочитанная мной книга Дембски-Боудена после Хельсрича и разница огромна.
В отличие от Хельсрича, что представляет собой невнятную мешанину событий, Дар Императора - это хотя бы цельное произведение.
Конечно всё ещё не полноценное и самодостаточное произведение с прописанными драматическими линиями. Нет, это просто пересказ любопытных для сеттинга событий, неплохо написанный через призму того, как по мнению автора размышляет Серый Рыцарь.
Здесь есть небольшая интрига, есть чему и кому сопереживать и даже немного того, о чем можно задуматься.
Главный минус книги - это нераскрытые персонажи. И если в отношении довольно скучных по своей природе космодесантников такое простительно, то отряд смертных разочаровал полностью.
Вдумайтесь - девушка инквизитор родом с Фенриса, молодая Сестра Сороритас, бывший Арбитрес с кибер-псом, очищенный от скверны еретик (спящий с инкизитором между прочим) и Дарфорд.. вроде офицер гвардии. Да про такую компанию можно написать первоклассный цикл приключений на просторах безграничного космоса. И знаете чем эти персонажи заняты на протяжении книги? Да ничем. В основном они перечисляются как мебель в комнате или говорят пару фраз. Хоть какое-то влияние на сюжет имеет лишь сама инквизитор.
Собрать таких персонажей и уделить им настолько мало внимания - это преступление. Боуден в этом плане настоящий преступник, если уж не военный, то литературный точно.
В качестве resumiendo могу характеризовать "Дар Императора" как вполне неплохое чтиво, но лишь для людей в теме сеттинга.
Не будь в произведении любимых мной и неплохо прописанных Космоволков, а также инквизитора фенрисийки, хоть почти не отсвечивающей, но все же Сестры Сороритас и Мать его Бьорна! - оценка явно была бы ниже, но всё это есть.
А занижать её за преступное нераскрытие колоритных персонажей довольно глупо.
Посему 8/10.
Рейтинг "goodreads" - 4.28/5
Моя группа Вконтакте - https://vk.com/ashborndetv
Hola Amigos! Как всегда пройдемся по пунктам:
О чем: Событий в Даре Императора описано немного. Это история, рассказанная от первого лица одним из космодесантников ордена Серых Рыцарей.
Волей случая они узнают об атаке орд Хаоса на планету Армагеддон (знаковое событие для сеттинга Warhammer 40k).
Рыцари участвуют в битве вместе с Космоволками и в результате происходит спойлер, после чего происходит другой спойлер, что приводит к недопониманию между силами Инквизиции и Космоволками. Дальнейшему посвящена ещё треть книги.
Персонажи: Главным героем выступает космодесантник Гиперион, от лица которого ведется рассказ. На втором плане присутствуют его братья по отряду и девушка инквизитор со своими подчиненными.
Братья космодесантники практически не раскрыты. Немног�� "приоткрыт" лишь один.
Инквизитор хоть и не плохо описана, но не раскрыта тоже, а её отряд хоть внешне и представляет собой колоритное сборище интересных персонажей, на деле не раскрыт никак и в событиях участия практически не принимает.
Весь акцент истории сфокусирован на внутреннем мире главного героя и пересказу как важных для истории сеттинга, так и исключительно личных моментов.
Повествование: Ведется от первого лица. Подробно излагаются мысли главного героя, детально и атмосферно описываются некоторые ситуации.
Обнаружены излишне подробные описания в разумных количествах.
Полноценных боевых сцен, описанных кроме как "мы сражались и кровь лилась, а мы сражались и рубили, а враг всё набегал..." тоже практически нет.
Юмор, если и задумывался, то лишь в самых незначительных проявлениях.
Читается произведение не слишком легко, но и без затруднений.
Мнение: Это вторая, прочитанная мной книга Дембски-Боудена после Хельсрича и разница огромна.
В отличие от Хельсрича, что представляет собой невнятную мешанину событий, Дар Императора - это хотя бы цельное произведение.
Конечно всё ещё не полноценное и самодостаточное произведение с прописанными драматическими линиями. Нет, это просто пересказ любопытных для сеттинга событий, неплохо написанный через призму того, как по мнению автора размышляет Серый Рыцарь.
Здесь есть небольшая интрига, есть чему и кому сопереживать и даже немного того, о чем можно задуматься.
Главный минус книги - это нераскрытые персонажи. И если в отношении довольно скучных по своей природе космодесантников такое простительно, то отряд смертных разочаровал полностью.
Вдумайтесь - девушка инквизитор родом с Фенриса, молодая Сестра Сороритас, бывший Арбитрес с кибер-псом, очищенный от скверны еретик (спящий с инкизитором между прочим) и Дарфорд.. вроде офицер гвардии. Да про такую компанию можно написать первоклассный цикл приключений на просторах безграничного космоса. И знаете чем эти персонажи заняты на протяжении книги? Да ничем. В основном они перечисляются как мебель в комнате или говорят пару фраз. Хоть какое-то влияние на сюжет имеет лишь сама инквизитор.
Собрать таких персонажей и уделить им настолько мало внимания - это преступление. Боуден в этом плане настоящий преступник, если уж не военный, то литературный точно.
В качестве resumiendo могу характеризовать "Дар Императора" как вполне неплохое чтиво, но лишь для людей в теме сеттинга.
Не будь в произведении любимых мной и неплохо прописанных Космоволков, а также инквизитора фенрисийки, хоть почти не отсвечивающей, но все же Сестры Сороритас и Мать его Бьорна! - оценка явно была бы ниже, но всё это есть.
А занижать её за преступное нераскрытие колоритных персонажей довольно глупо.
Посему 8/10.
Рейтинг "goodreads" - 4.28/5
Моя группа Вконтакте - https://vk.com/ashborndetv
March 6, 2024
The Grey Knights. Space Marines with extra mind-bullet psychic powers. Daemon hunters. The elite of the elite, the most hubristic of the hubristic. Supersoldiers so supersoldiery that in the hands of most authors a reader's expectations might be limited to a few cool battle scenes peppered throughout a formulaic against-overwhelming-odds explosionfest. In short, I might very well not have bothered with this book, except that it happens to be written by the generally-excellent Aaron Dembski-Bowden.
The opening chapters are a little worrying. Our young(ish) initiate protagonist takes on trials, struggles to find his identity, and sets the scene for coming-of-age explosionfest. Faith in ADB is restored via two fairly abrupt left turns which see the Knights up against a top-tier uber-baddie far earlier than one might expect, and then explores in detail the aftermath and political ramifications of that mega-battle.
While Dembski-Bowden deserves credit for his ability to put character at the heart of his battle scenes and for his willingness to explore the fragility of intra-faction alliances, the highest praise I can give is that he really 'gets' the 40k universe, or at least interprets it in a way that aligns with many of my own viewpoints. ADB's Imperium of Mankind is a dystopia forged by institutions, where a sustained power vacuum has allowed decentralised organisations autonomy to interpret the wishes of the absent maybe-deity each in their own way, but inevitably with such religious or bureaucratic fervour that the institution itself becomes idolised by its members to the extent that it's importance and self-protection far outweights its original purpose.
Dembski-Bowden masterfully navigates these themes and issues while escalating tensions, building to a strong finale, and paying homage to other fan favourite storylines and characters developed by other authors working in the 40k setting. The outcome is a novel very easy to recommend to fans of Warhammer novels regardless of their views of the Grey Knights subfaction, but anyone completely new to this setting might find 'Spear of the Emperor' by the same author a gentler entry-point.
The opening chapters are a little worrying. Our young(ish) initiate protagonist takes on trials, struggles to find his identity, and sets the scene for coming-of-age explosionfest. Faith in ADB is restored via two fairly abrupt left turns which see the Knights up against a top-tier uber-baddie far earlier than one might expect, and then explores in detail the aftermath and political ramifications of that mega-battle.
While Dembski-Bowden deserves credit for his ability to put character at the heart of his battle scenes and for his willingness to explore the fragility of intra-faction alliances, the highest praise I can give is that he really 'gets' the 40k universe, or at least interprets it in a way that aligns with many of my own viewpoints. ADB's Imperium of Mankind is a dystopia forged by institutions, where a sustained power vacuum has allowed decentralised organisations autonomy to interpret the wishes of the absent maybe-deity each in their own way, but inevitably with such religious or bureaucratic fervour that the institution itself becomes idolised by its members to the extent that it's importance and self-protection far outweights its original purpose.
Dembski-Bowden masterfully navigates these themes and issues while escalating tensions, building to a strong finale, and paying homage to other fan favourite storylines and characters developed by other authors working in the 40k setting. The outcome is a novel very easy to recommend to fans of Warhammer novels regardless of their views of the Grey Knights subfaction, but anyone completely new to this setting might find 'Spear of the Emperor' by the same author a gentler entry-point.
May 11, 2023
This book actually made me remember I find the FIRST war of Armageddon interesting! I'd totally forgotten about that.
Anyway. An oddly arranged book, which isn't too unusual for 40K, but still a little off-putting. It starts with an Inquisitor going around and asking all her Grey Wolves if they'd stay with her on the next mission. It's an oddly see-through way of introducing the characters at the beginning, and it made me assume this would be a more YA view of the world. That did not end up being the case.
The first half or so of the book focuses on going to fight on Armageddon, and the challenges faced there. Then the book becomes something INCREDIBLY different, spinning out of events that take place on Armageddon. I won't say what because it's not exactly a SPOILER, but it does only come about 50% through the book, so it feels weird saying exactly what it is. But the second half of the book really explores what it means to be what I always picture the loyalist Space Marines as: the Iron Giant w/no real internal struggle about being a gun. They're forced to do something they don't want to do, but as Hyperion (our protagonist) keeps saying, basically, there are a ton of truths out there. Easier just to do what you're told and let history sort out whether you were on the right side or not.
Like, the problem isn't exactly a dilemma - the argument on the side "our" characters are on is obviously only right in that twisted, utilitarian way that the Imperium is "right" - but we're pulled along because of duty and honor and what have you.
It gets a bit long in the tooth, and I assume that anyone who knows the lore back to front will find it a bit tiresome, but I had a good time with it.
Anyway. An oddly arranged book, which isn't too unusual for 40K, but still a little off-putting. It starts with an Inquisitor going around and asking all her Grey Wolves if they'd stay with her on the next mission. It's an oddly see-through way of introducing the characters at the beginning, and it made me assume this would be a more YA view of the world. That did not end up being the case.
The first half or so of the book focuses on going to fight on Armageddon, and the challenges faced there. Then the book becomes something INCREDIBLY different, spinning out of events that take place on Armageddon. I won't say what because it's not exactly a SPOILER, but it does only come about 50% through the book, so it feels weird saying exactly what it is. But the second half of the book really explores what it means to be what I always picture the loyalist Space Marines as: the Iron Giant w/no real internal struggle about being a gun. They're forced to do something they don't want to do, but as Hyperion (our protagonist) keeps saying, basically, there are a ton of truths out there. Easier just to do what you're told and let history sort out whether you were on the right side or not.
Like, the problem isn't exactly a dilemma - the argument on the side "our" characters are on is obviously only right in that twisted, utilitarian way that the Imperium is "right" - but we're pulled along because of duty and honor and what have you.
It gets a bit long in the tooth, and I assume that anyone who knows the lore back to front will find it a bit tiresome, but I had a good time with it.
July 31, 2017
A decent Grey Knights novel, though it's also, very much, a Space Wolves story (they hate that name...). ADB, again, offers a first person perspective for his main character, Hyperion, and I'm less enamored with first person than many.
However, the story itself: [Squad Castian allowing Inquisitor Annika Jarlsdottyr (sadly a more interesting character than any of the Knights) to 'borrow' them on a mission to find a lost Wolves vessel. It's discovery leads to joining the First War of Armageddon, and a battle against a Daemon Primarch. That, in turn, leads to a shooting war with the Wolves over honor and morality.] is well done, as ADB is a very good story teller.
However, I had a couple of complaints. First, this whole story seemed just as much a Space Wolves story as that of the Grey Knights, especially as the Knights in question seemed...well, somewhat off for supposedly the greatest of all Astartes.
Secondly, the side characters seemed to steal the show. This happens, but at times I wonder if Aaron wanted rather to write a Wolves or Inquisition novel, instead of a Knights book.
Still, I did enjoy it, though it can't stand alongside Aaron's Night Lords or his Heresy works.
An easy three stars for a good story, with a flawed execution, seriously: crying Knights? Overall, 2.5 stars. Worth a read, though it won't be on my definitely to be reread pile.
However, the story itself: [Squad Castian allowing Inquisitor Annika Jarlsdottyr (sadly a more interesting character than any of the Knights) to 'borrow' them on a mission to find a lost Wolves vessel. It's discovery leads to joining the First War of Armageddon, and a battle against a Daemon Primarch. That, in turn, leads to a shooting war with the Wolves over honor and morality.] is well done, as ADB is a very good story teller.
However, I had a couple of complaints. First, this whole story seemed just as much a Space Wolves story as that of the Grey Knights, especially as the Knights in question seemed...well, somewhat off for supposedly the greatest of all Astartes.
Secondly, the side characters seemed to steal the show. This happens, but at times I wonder if Aaron wanted rather to write a Wolves or Inquisition novel, instead of a Knights book.
Still, I did enjoy it, though it can't stand alongside Aaron's Night Lords or his Heresy works.
An easy three stars for a good story, with a flawed execution, seriously: crying Knights? Overall, 2.5 stars. Worth a read, though it won't be on my definitely to be reread pile.
November 12, 2017
A masterpiece of sci-fi and 40K fiction.
Aaron Dembski-Bowden has done it again; with his use of masterful characterization and pros that leaves this epic novel without a dull moment. There is very little to say about this novel than it is a must read for fans and even non-fans of the genre. The book covers the 1st war for Armageddon
and follows a Band of Grey Knights as they investigate a dire sensation in the warp; as sensed by the Prognosticators of the Chapter; a disturbance ushered by a huge demonic invasion that only they can stop, or can they? But really that is only one aspect of the story, specifically we follow one Grey-Knight in particular as he struggles to come to terms with himself and his forgotten past.
Really though? This is only one facet of the story, there are inquisitors in this, there are demon-Primarchs in this, there are Space Wolves in this, there are so many themes that one can loose count, the narrative takes so many twists and turns that my meager description does it no justice.
Just do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
A 5 out of 5.
Aaron Dembski-Bowden has done it again; with his use of masterful characterization and pros that leaves this epic novel without a dull moment. There is very little to say about this novel than it is a must read for fans and even non-fans of the genre. The book covers the 1st war for Armageddon
and follows a Band of Grey Knights as they investigate a dire sensation in the warp; as sensed by the Prognosticators of the Chapter; a disturbance ushered by a huge demonic invasion that only they can stop, or can they? But really that is only one aspect of the story, specifically we follow one Grey-Knight in particular as he struggles to come to terms with himself and his forgotten past.
Really though? This is only one facet of the story, there are inquisitors in this, there are demon-Primarchs in this, there are Space Wolves in this, there are so many themes that one can loose count, the narrative takes so many twists and turns that my meager description does it no justice.
Just do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
A 5 out of 5.
February 5, 2019
Best read of 40k ever!!
Aaron Dembski-Bowden has been able to create funny characters within a realm that knows only war. From the efforts of a grey knight to comprehend human emotions and intimacy to an inquisitor who knows her roots in Fenris. The pacing of the book was great at detailing what was going on, it only took a few re-reads to grasp a scenario because it was so quick! Also, the Space Wolves don't disappoint with their character, especially at one part, which was very fun to imagine how it went.
Honestly, this could be a great book to start 40k as it introduces you to the grey knights and their cultures, meanwhile showing the daily life and judgement inquisitors must face, meanwhile showcasing the overall difficulty of facing humanity's threat against the forces of chaos.
Aaron Dembski-Bowden has been able to create funny characters within a realm that knows only war. From the efforts of a grey knight to comprehend human emotions and intimacy to an inquisitor who knows her roots in Fenris. The pacing of the book was great at detailing what was going on, it only took a few re-reads to grasp a scenario because it was so quick! Also, the Space Wolves don't disappoint with their character, especially at one part, which was very fun to imagine how it went.
Honestly, this could be a great book to start 40k as it introduces you to the grey knights and their cultures, meanwhile showing the daily life and judgement inquisitors must face, meanwhile showcasing the overall difficulty of facing humanity's threat against the forces of chaos.
March 20, 2022
Easily one of the best Warhammer 40K books i have read in a good while.
It showcases brilliantly just how and why so often the greatest enemy the Imperium has at times, is itself. And for the longest time i had a rather Mary Sue look at the Grey Knights, but this book showed me that they are just as flawed as the rest of the universe.
You follow Hyperion, a Grey Knight that has a self-control issue, together with his squad he fights demons and other monsters, as he himself fights to not become a monster himself.
As Armageddon is besieged by Angron himself and large forces of demons and traitors, the Space Wolves call for aide from the Knights of Titan. And that is when things truly start happening.
This book made me truly respect the Space Wolves, a chapter i have for the most part ignored. And it has a rather legendary scene in Terminator armor.
It showcases brilliantly just how and why so often the greatest enemy the Imperium has at times, is itself. And for the longest time i had a rather Mary Sue look at the Grey Knights, but this book showed me that they are just as flawed as the rest of the universe.
You follow Hyperion, a Grey Knight that has a self-control issue, together with his squad he fights demons and other monsters, as he himself fights to not become a monster himself.
As Armageddon is besieged by Angron himself and large forces of demons and traitors, the Space Wolves call for aide from the Knights of Titan. And that is when things truly start happening.
This book made me truly respect the Space Wolves, a chapter i have for the most part ignored. And it has a rather legendary scene in Terminator armor.
December 21, 2018
A good action jaunt through the 40K universe with the grey knights as they battle Angrons demonic sons (if you don't understand this sentence, the book isn't for you, the best place to start is Horus rising and a bit of wikipedia) im not much of a fan of the Grey knights simply because I think they are underused in the universe and for all their apparent toughness they die fairly easily, they have the best armour, the best weapons, they are all extremely powerful pyskers but they die as easily as "normal" space marines do. The battle with Angron is played on through the novel but the battle itself I thought disappointing, with Angron appearing as not much more than a mindless demonic titan. As with all Dembski-Bowden books though, well worth a read.
December 31, 2023
A solid, very enjoyable look at the most secretive of Space Marine chapters, the Grey Knights, set during a particularly intresting time of the 2nd War for Armageddon. Focusing specifically on Hyperion of Squad Castian, the novel (as is as often the case in many ADB novels) does a fantastic job of humanizing otherwise inhuman (or rather transhuman) beings, while also doing them and their badass strengths true justice. Easy recommend if you enjoy Warhammer stories with less focus on action and instead on characters and the complex, fascinating political nuances that are the Imperium fighting the enemy without and within. If you're a fan of ADB or Grey Knights, its an even easier recommend.
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