CoffeeGrunt Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Third book I've read, after Horus Rising and Angel of Fire. Have to admit, I really loved the myriad of characters covering different facets of the Imperium, and how they all interacted in this one. A slight shame we only see a bit of low cunning from the Orks, but then these ladz were probably far from the surprisingly intelligent coordination of Ghazghull. Yarrick making a couple of cameos was also excellent, as was the brief Salamanders chapters. Oh yeah, there were some ZEAL AND FURY types as well, weren't there? I quite liked Grimaldus' character progression, though if I'm honest I wasn't sure exactly what he was supposed to exemplify - probably because the only ministration my Guardsmen get is a pat on the back from a Priest so they stand in line and let the bolt shells pass through. His supporting cast were very interesting, and it was quite saddening in the closing chapters as they were inevitably snipped off one by one, leaving only Old Grimy to carry the relics onwards and realise he was wearing the red slippers all along he never had to be exactly like Mordred anyway. That said holy crap the Titan battles were cool and getting into detail with the way controlling and being in one felt was incredibly interesting. Stop selling me Titans ADB, those things are like £400 so just stop it. Also the idea of dockland workers being thrown Lasguns and told to point them at the Orks if they want to die slower hzs finally inspired me to make some Conscripts in overalls with Autogun-esque weapons. Just need to find a miniatures company that'll do 'em cheap! Overall and despite my mocking tone, I really enjoyed this book. Any recommendations based on this and other books I mentioned that I've read? I'm tempted to get Ciaphas Cain as that's been nothing but praised from people I know who've read it. Would probably like to finish the Macharius Trilogy as well, because Guard Stories are Best Stories. Failing that, I could always buy Fire Warrior, I suppose... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link2edition Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Read fire and blood next. It is only about 100 pages but it is a direct sequel. Also congrats on reading the one true book of templar fluff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blood Angel Scout Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 If you're looking for Guard based works, recommend the Gaunt's Ghosts series in particular Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaeron Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 I confess, I didn't enjoy that book as much as many others have - I didn't like Grimaldus at all as a character, and I think that lack of empathy diluted my response to the text. That said, Andrej was brilliant - and I would happily read a whole series about him. I'd also chuck a nod towards Clapham's Iron Guard - and Parker's Dead Men Walking - the former hasn't got enough publicity for what is an excellent book, and the latter is also thoroughly enjoyable (if aging, even now!). But, if you love the Guard, you'll enjoy these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoffeeGrunt Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Yeah, I'll admit I really liked the supporting cast more than Grimy himself. Andrej was entertaining, Tomaz was an interesting viewpoint, The Crone was a very cool character, and many others. I suppose it's far easier to make your own characters and make them engaging, than to take another's character and mould him into the story. That said, it may also be the humanity of the supporting cast that made them so enjoyable to me. Not to say I didn't like his character, but it really reminded me of when I read through the Halo series of books, and the Spartans were always the least interesting people in the room due to their invulnerability and lack of empathy or emotion, while the Marines, Naval Officers et al were more flawed and interesting people to watch as they progressed. I've got a good list of other books to read from this thread though. Thanks for the tips guys and keep 'em coming, I think I'll do a load of buying once my paycheck hits at the end of the month! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelPaladin Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Seconding the recommendation for Blood and Fire. Just as good as Helsreach itself. You should definitely dive right in to Gaunts Ghosts if you like guard stories. Its a bit intimidating now that there are like a dozen books in the series, but start from the beginning and you will have read them all before you know it. And if you liked Helsreach, then you should definitely check out the Night Lords series, also written by AD-B. Anything he has written is pretty much gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redmapa Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I recommend 15 hours if you're looking for Guard stories and the Priests of Mars trilogy (Only 2 has been published so far, priests of mars and lords of mars) that has a BT squad as minor characters, its really good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger9gamer Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I loved the book too, made me want to play templars! The only part I don't like was that some of the action didnt feel well fleshed out. Like the one part (spoiler) when they are defending the titan, a huge ork shows up and grimaldus just goes "he's mine" before cutting to the next chapter. I kinda would have liked a little more action (that I could remember atleast) adding to the pile of suggestions, Rynns world is pretty good. not the best book, but I enjoyed the final battle especially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarl Kjaran Coldheart Posted September 24, 2014 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Battle of the Fang is awesome, rates just Helsreach for me WLK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilmittens Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I have said it elsewhere, many times, that a book/series with Grimaldus and Andrej crashing on a planet of Slannishi worshipers would be the greatest thing ever. Ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.