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unicorn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
bogdanbalostin's review
5.0
You know what? 5 stars. This was fun.
Though I am biased because I've always liked zergs in Starcraft. (well, obviously not like like, but find it fascinating as biological weapons and alien civilization intend on mindlessly destroying anything. It's a metaphor to the extreme of the survival of the fittest, but let's not talk here about metaphors.)
So this novel is pure and simple the fight against a tyranid invasion. Plenty of action (more than enough), slim but sufficient characterization for its purpose, some new lore about the Warhammer 40k Universe.
If words like zerg or warhammer don't sound familiar to you, then better skip this one, or why not, pick it up just because you're curious (by the way, it's part of a series of loosely connected novels called The Ultramarines).
Though I am biased because I've always liked zergs in Starcraft. (well, obviously not like like, but find it fascinating as biological weapons and alien civilization intend on mindlessly destroying anything. It's a metaphor to the extreme of the survival of the fittest, but let's not talk here about metaphors.)
So this novel is pure and simple the fight against a tyranid invasion. Plenty of action (more than enough), slim but sufficient characterization for its purpose, some new lore about the Warhammer 40k Universe.
If words like zerg or warhammer don't sound familiar to you, then better skip this one, or why not, pick it up just because you're curious (by the way, it's part of a series of loosely connected novels called The Ultramarines).
falcon's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
warragh's review
5.0
1.Leviathan
Short story serving as a intro for the book. After the events of the previous novel, Captain Ventris receives a new mission to cleanse a space hulk but he will get more than what he bargained for in those halls. Short and scary and bloody and a tasty introduction for what will follow.
2.Warriors of Ultramar
The novel proper. Hive fleet Leviathan is approaching the world of Tarsis Ultra and it is up to Captain Ventris's Ultramarines and their allies to stop it.
Besides the main point of view of Uriel Ventris several other minor characters have their own secondary stories and arcs. These are brief and scattered but offer a nice change of pace and altogether different perspectives than that of a Space Marine.
In terms of story and characters there isn't much to talk about. The plot is very simple but frankly it doesn't need to be more than it is. Throughout the book Uriel struggles with his decisions which often clash with the Ultramarines doctrines up until the end when he finally comes to terms with his purpose. It's a nice bit of growth even if a bit shallow.
The most biggest draw of this book is the action. From the start of the book it starts to build and keeps building until the very last pages. Everything is described in vivid details and the author manages to paint a very thorough picture of what it would be to find yourself in the middle of such a conflict. No punches are pulled here, a ton of characters die in very graphic ways and even if there are some more heartwarming bits scattered in places, overall the book is very grim and dark.
In conclusion, this is Warhammer 40k turned up to 11. Everything that was good about the first book has been brought back only bigger and nastier and bloodier. Sure, the Ultramarines are still often a bore but this book is about a Tyranid invasion, and it is a damn great one.
Short story serving as a intro for the book. After the events of the previous novel, Captain Ventris receives a new mission to cleanse a space hulk but he will get more than what he bargained for in those halls. Short and scary and bloody and a tasty introduction for what will follow.
2.Warriors of Ultramar
The novel proper. Hive fleet Leviathan is approaching the world of Tarsis Ultra and it is up to Captain Ventris's Ultramarines and their allies to stop it.
Besides the main point of view of Uriel Ventris several other minor characters have their own secondary stories and arcs. These are brief and scattered but offer a nice change of pace and altogether different perspectives than that of a Space Marine.
In terms of story and characters there isn't much to talk about. The plot is very simple but frankly it doesn't need to be more than it is. Throughout the book Uriel struggles with his decisions which often clash with the Ultramarines doctrines up until the end when he finally comes to terms with his purpose. It's a nice bit of growth even if a bit shallow.
The most biggest draw of this book is the action. From the start of the book it starts to build and keeps building until the very last pages. Everything is described in vivid details and the author manages to paint a very thorough picture of what it would be to find yourself in the middle of such a conflict. No punches are pulled here, a ton of characters die in very graphic ways and even if there are some more heartwarming bits scattered in places, overall the book is very grim and dark.
In conclusion, this is Warhammer 40k turned up to 11. Everything that was good about the first book has been brought back only bigger and nastier and bloodier. Sure, the Ultramarines are still often a bore but this book is about a Tyranid invasion, and it is a damn great one.
brian's review
4.0
A massive tyranid invasion leads Uriel Ventris of the Ultramarines into an exciting 40K adventure.
Well written characters, some of whom manage to survive having their name mentioned.
The action takes place on land and in space, all of which is done in an engaging style.
There's a good focus on the human side, from civilians, planetary militia and the ruling class. Breaks the usual mould and doesn't have the rulers being incompetent or interfering.
Well written characters, some of whom manage to survive having their name mentioned.
The action takes place on land and in space, all of which is done in an engaging style.
There's a good focus on the human side, from civilians, planetary militia and the ruling class. Breaks the usual mould and doesn't have the rulers being incompetent or interfering.
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