McNeill, Graham
STORM OF IRON
Graham McNeill
A Black Library Publication, Games Workshop Ltd. 2002
Pb 318 pages
ISBN#
1-84416-103-X
This is for Warhammer 40,000 fans, and anyone else who enjoys nail-biting action
on nearly every page. A friend of mine tells me that STORM OF IRON is
background for the Thirteenth Black Crusade. I enjoyed the book for its superb
slant on characterization. STORM OF IRON covers both sides of the conflict as
forces of Chaos lay siege to an apparently useless planet (Hydra Cordatus), that
is for some reason heavily defended by Imperial forces.
On the side of Chaos we have a terrifying Warsmith with a plan so extreme it
affects the balance of power for generations thereafter. Under him are three
equally terrifying war-leaders. One of these is a half-breed human who is
shamed by his Imperial marine ancestry and so strives ever harder to prove
himself to the Warsmith. Honsou is my favorite character even though he as a
"bad guy". I couldn't help but root for him because of his background, his
tenacity and intelligence, and his code of honor. Opposite Honsou are many
worthy Imperials who fight well and hard to defend their Citadel.
Graham McNeill is an excellent action writer who mixes high technology with
mystic sorcery to give the reader an exciting and surprising adventure. I can't
think on one reason why this shouldn't be rated a 10.
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