A quirky, almost subversive profile of life in a Space Marine chapter, with nail-biting scenes of battle and personal trials throughout. 3 new recruits from the hive world of Necromunda undergo initiation into the Imperial Fists. Their bodies are turned into war machines, their minds are primed for devotion to the Emperor. The main characters maintain a precarious rivalry and loyalty to one another, and learn to fear even a hint of heresy.
This novel (recently made available again directly from Black Library, never again at mainstream retail) was written during a previous incarnation of Warhammer rules and backstory, so while Ian Watson did a marvelous job, some of the story elements (i.e. species, rituals) no longer fit within the current universe. Watson's style is a curious blend of stately/archaic, don't-blink action, and occasionally purple prose, rather like a blend of Jack Vance or Cordwainer Smith with Ryder Stacy. Expect a great tale of young men questing for identity while going to war with humanity's merciless enemies, but also expect shock and controversy if you're a Warhammer reader.
This novel (recently made available again directly from Black Library, never again at mainstream retail) was written during a previous incarnation of Warhammer rules and backstory, so while Ian Watson did a marvelous job, some of the story elements (i.e. species, rituals) no longer fit within the current universe. Watson's style is a curious blend of stately/archaic, don't-blink action, and occasionally purple prose, rather like a blend of Jack Vance or Cordwainer Smith with Ryder Stacy. Expect a great tale of young men questing for identity while going to war with humanity's merciless enemies, but also expect shock and controversy if you're a Warhammer reader.
