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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Really, really good. Been a while since I've enjoyed a 40k book this much.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
2002’s classic Iron Warriors novel Storm of Iron was Graham McNeill’s second Black Library novel, and introduced us to Honsou, a villain who would go on to feature heavily in future books. On the barren world of Hydra Cordatus, the 383rd Jouran Dragoons man the defences of an Adeptus Mechanicus fortress. Nobody seems quite sure exactly what they’re defending, but a massive invasion force of Iron Warriors suggests it’s something important. The Imperial defenders believe themselves safe behind formidable fortress walls, but the Iron Warriors bring 10,000 years of guile and brutality as well as their mastery of siegecraft.
There’s no denying that this is a Black Library classic, and deservedly so, but it’s definitely a child of its time. For example the overall Iron Warriors depiction doesn’t have the layered complexity that you might expect in the modern era – they’re recognisably Iron Warriors, but there’s not a huge amount that differentiates them from generic Chaos Marines. Likewise McNeill’s prose isn’t as developed as it is today, unsurprisingly for his second ever novel, but his storytelling, plotting and pacing are all genuinely successful. What makes this still really work though, over fifteen years later, is how pleasingly tricky McNeill makes it to decide which side to really root for. The Iron Warriors aren’t exactly likeable, but Honsou is somehow still relatable despite it all, and while it’s hard not to want the Imperials to scrape to victory there’s something essentially 40k about watching the bad guys on the up.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/03/12/storm-of-iron-graham-mcneill/
There’s no denying that this is a Black Library classic, and deservedly so, but it’s definitely a child of its time. For example the overall Iron Warriors depiction doesn’t have the layered complexity that you might expect in the modern era – they’re recognisably Iron Warriors, but there’s not a huge amount that differentiates them from generic Chaos Marines. Likewise McNeill’s prose isn’t as developed as it is today, unsurprisingly for his second ever novel, but his storytelling, plotting and pacing are all genuinely successful. What makes this still really work though, over fifteen years later, is how pleasingly tricky McNeill makes it to decide which side to really root for. The Iron Warriors aren’t exactly likeable, but Honsou is somehow still relatable despite it all, and while it’s hard not to want the Imperials to scrape to victory there’s something essentially 40k about watching the bad guys on the up.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/03/12/storm-of-iron-graham-mcneill/
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Liked this one a lot. It has stuck with me from the time that I read it about a decade ago. I even shared it with my son.
Lots of action. It reads like a film. I liked how the perspectives of both sides were explored. Also, GIANT ROBOT BATTLES!
In many ways, if you have read any Warhammer 40k novels, then you have read Storm of Iron.
It wasn't bad, so much as mediocre. There is the standard 40k storyline of a Imperial outpost with hidden importance that comes under sudden attack by chaos.
The Iron Warriors themselves don't feel terribly unique in the story, nor does the imperial garrison.
There are some excellent moments of action in between lulls of acceptable, but not stellar, storytelling.
Honestly, unless you are an Iron Warriors nut, this is a pass.
It wasn't bad, so much as mediocre. There is the standard 40k storyline of a Imperial outpost with hidden importance that comes under sudden attack by chaos.
The Iron Warriors themselves don't feel terribly unique in the story, nor does the imperial garrison.
There are some excellent moments of action in between lulls of acceptable, but not stellar, storytelling.
Honestly, unless you are an Iron Warriors nut, this is a pass.
Standalone Warhammer 40K novel, I think it was one of the first to tell the story from the Chaos Space Marines point of view.
A barren planet, defended by local Imperial Guard forces finds itself under attack by the Iron Warriors.
Below the Warsmith, there are three main characters all vying for his attention, and that of the Chaos gods.
There's a lot going on all through the book. The Imperial Guard are outgunned and unprepared for what they have to face. Even with help from some Imperial Fist marines, things are stacked against them.
This was a good story, lots of action and interesting characters on both sides.
A barren planet, defended by local Imperial Guard forces finds itself under attack by the Iron Warriors.
Below the Warsmith, there are three main characters all vying for his attention, and that of the Chaos gods.
There's a lot going on all through the book. The Imperial Guard are outgunned and unprepared for what they have to face. Even with help from some Imperial Fist marines, things are stacked against them.
This was a good story, lots of action and interesting characters on both sides.