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Gaunt's Ghosts #1
First and Only
Book by Abnett, Dan
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
July 1, 2019
So begins my epic re-read of the entire Gaunts Ghosts series prior to reading the final part, Anarch. It was strange to return to the very first novel, which I first read about ten years ago. Re-reading it brought home how the series has changed, the prose gradually sharpening up while the structure of the novels have become less ambitious. Later entries in the series, and most of Abnett's writing to be honest, have been extremely linear. While not the 'bolter porn' of lesser Black Library authors, they are certainly less complex in structure than First and Only. This book dances around in time, has twists and turns that sometimes genuinely blindside you, and feels like an author trying to impress. Perhaps Abnett has become a bit too secure in his success? Regardless, this is a fun if slightly cliche-ridden military sci-fi. A very fine novel in its own right, and a promising start to the series.
If you're interested in getting into 40k this is a classic recommendation, but on balance I'd probably recommend Brothers of the Snake
If you're interested in getting into 40k this is a classic recommendation, but on balance I'd probably recommend Brothers of the Snake
August 14, 2008
Don't let the fact that this should be mass produced Warhammer 40k garbage throw you. Dan Abnett has a particular talent for this kind of story and a lot to offer even those of us who are not really into the 40k universe.
First and Only covers a major campaign in the Ghosts' history and is a good introduction to the Imperial Legions or whatever they are and how the various troop interactions work between the different companies that are harvested from different worlds. This book has a lot of interesting political intrigue stuff and really gives you a good idea of how things work in this massive, galactic, theologically driven society.
One of the more interesting parts of this book is the structure. Every other chapter is a flash back to some point in history. Usually it is some time in Gaunt's life before he was in charge of the Tanith First and Only that explains how he got to where he is or why he takes certain actions. It is a very cool way to add back story to Gaunt's character in an interesting way.
At its heart, this is basically just a really hardcore space marine war book. It reminded me a lot of the book Armour, as it is basically just 300 pages of horrifying war against horrifying creatures. One thing that makes it stand out in my mind is the characterization of the various Ghosts. They are all believable and, for the most part, Abnett doesn't have any stereotypical cop-out archetypes, as you might expect.
First and Only covers a major campaign in the Ghosts' history and is a good introduction to the Imperial Legions or whatever they are and how the various troop interactions work between the different companies that are harvested from different worlds. This book has a lot of interesting political intrigue stuff and really gives you a good idea of how things work in this massive, galactic, theologically driven society.
One of the more interesting parts of this book is the structure. Every other chapter is a flash back to some point in history. Usually it is some time in Gaunt's life before he was in charge of the Tanith First and Only that explains how he got to where he is or why he takes certain actions. It is a very cool way to add back story to Gaunt's character in an interesting way.
At its heart, this is basically just a really hardcore space marine war book. It reminded me a lot of the book Armour, as it is basically just 300 pages of horrifying war against horrifying creatures. One thing that makes it stand out in my mind is the characterization of the various Ghosts. They are all believable and, for the most part, Abnett doesn't have any stereotypical cop-out archetypes, as you might expect.
October 12, 2025
First and Only, Abnett's first published novel, demonstrates his writing skills and became the first of a lengthy series-- Gaunt's Ghosts. Abnett oscillates between the 'now' and (mainly) about 20 prior to the start of the tale. Gaunt, an orphan, eventually became a cadet in the military and then became promoted to a 'commissar', a political officer in the military. Abnett does not give the full story of Gaunt, however, only important flashbacks and such.
In the 'now', Gaunt leads the Ghosts, a 2000 some military unit from the planet Tanith. Tanith had a 'founding', e.g., a draft to construct a new band of infantry. Most of the ground units in the Imperial forces seem to come from such Foundings. On Tanith, however, it became the first and last founding (hence the title) as just before the new unit departed, Chaos struck with a fleet and destroyed the planet. Only a few thousand from Tanith made it out and eventually, Gaunt became their leader.
The Emperor has declared a new crusade to the Sabbat Worlds to expunge the forces of Chaos and the Warp from these lost human colonized worlds. Much of the action of First and Only concerns various campaigns on the crusade, which started when Gaunt was still a boy cadet. Abnett gives us more than simply battle, however. The novel starts with some super secret intel that comes down the pike. Eventually (long story!), Gaunt will wind up with the intel and have to make a call of what to do. The crusade is beginning to factionalize after the death of the first Warmaster and rivalries emerge among the leading officers. The quest for glory or to serve the will of the Emperor-- this seems to be a guiding thread of many of the Warhammer novels. So, some super action sequences, political intrigue, deep, dark secrets and the forces of chaos all wrapped up in one novel. 4.5 hammers!
In the 'now', Gaunt leads the Ghosts, a 2000 some military unit from the planet Tanith. Tanith had a 'founding', e.g., a draft to construct a new band of infantry. Most of the ground units in the Imperial forces seem to come from such Foundings. On Tanith, however, it became the first and last founding (hence the title) as just before the new unit departed, Chaos struck with a fleet and destroyed the planet. Only a few thousand from Tanith made it out and eventually, Gaunt became their leader.
The Emperor has declared a new crusade to the Sabbat Worlds to expunge the forces of Chaos and the Warp from these lost human colonized worlds. Much of the action of First and Only concerns various campaigns on the crusade, which started when Gaunt was still a boy cadet. Abnett gives us more than simply battle, however. The novel starts with some super secret intel that comes down the pike. Eventually (long story!), Gaunt will wind up with the intel and have to make a call of what to do. The crusade is beginning to factionalize after the death of the first Warmaster and rivalries emerge among the leading officers. The quest for glory or to serve the will of the Emperor-- this seems to be a guiding thread of many of the Warhammer novels. So, some super action sequences, political intrigue, deep, dark secrets and the forces of chaos all wrapped up in one novel. 4.5 hammers!
September 16, 2012
I should not like this series, and everyone I know agrees with me. I can't help it! I sometimes indulge in military fiction, but never, never Warhammer. I only dared to read the first book because I had heard that there was more to it than I assumed (and the covers let on). Good characters, messed up plots, and Gaunt is a badass. Sometimes it does get a bit over my head, probably because of my utter Warhammer-ignorance, or maybe because it's getting a bit too military (I like to believe it's the first part there) and sometimes the plot does move a little more quickly than I like. A plot moving too fast for me is a rarity, but I think that it proves that I was enjoying the book and don't want it to go by so fast.
So, whatever, this series is my guilty pleasure.
So, whatever, this series is my guilty pleasure.
June 25, 2016
THE EMPEROR FUCKING PROTECTS.
Read
March 9, 2025DNF pag. 149/342 dell'edizione italiana.
August 14, 2013
En el despiadado universo del lejano futuro solo hay guerra, dicen los de GW.-
Género. Ciencia-Ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. Aventuras del Comisario Imperial Gaunt, uno de los pocos con el permiso para dirigir personalmente un regimiento, y de sus soldados, los Primeros de Tanith (también conocidos como los Fantasmas de Gaunt), que nos lleva atrás en el tiempo para narrarnos los tiempos de cadete del protagonista y otros posteriores, mientras nos cuenta las operaciones de Gaunt y sus hombres en diferentes escenarios. Primer libro de la serie Los Fantasmas de Gaunt.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Ciencia-Ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. Aventuras del Comisario Imperial Gaunt, uno de los pocos con el permiso para dirigir personalmente un regimiento, y de sus soldados, los Primeros de Tanith (también conocidos como los Fantasmas de Gaunt), que nos lleva atrás en el tiempo para narrarnos los tiempos de cadete del protagonista y otros posteriores, mientras nos cuenta las operaciones de Gaunt y sus hombres en diferentes escenarios. Primer libro de la serie Los Fantasmas de Gaunt.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
August 26, 2018
Band of Brothers battles Star Wars' Dark Siths in Lord of The Ring's Mount Doom.
November 19, 2020
This was the second time I've read the novel. The first time was in 2007 (one of the first novels I've read for Black Library) and now. Since I didn't follow with the rest of the series I thought about it and said to myself I would start reading when all finish. We now have all novels so it's a good time to start reading.
This is the first book in 15 novel series plus an anthology. There is also the Double Eagle which is not part of Gaunt BUT it was set on the Sabbat Crusade. IT focus on areal war - highly influenced on Battle of Britain. I believe Titanicus is also set there but I can't confirm for sure.
In this tale we are introduced to Gaunt and his ghosts. One of the most interesting parts is that this is a combination of stories mix with very short stories that connect the dots.
Each story was quite different and I didn't expect that. BUT it was very very entertaining. First of all, I believe this novel set the tone for the coming books (that I have no doubt) but since it was one of the first novels produced by BL it set the tone for Black Library overall.
Dan Abnett it's a great writer, I also have no doubt of it. Gilead's Dead; Double Eagle, Brothers of the Snake and Riders of the Dead are all very good (all 5 stars). (although not totally by him but Darkblade 5 books are a must - Hammers of Ulric is divided for 3 writers and it's really awesome). The only ones I didn't really got into was I am Slaughter and Fell Cargo, and even those are very good. I've read Fell Cargo 10 years ago - more, and I still remember most of the plot.
I have no doubt that he is one of the best of Black Library writers. Unfortunately he is not as prolific as he was in the golden days. Alas...
Imagine a 2 World War setting; now imagine an Commissar (but not one that kills needlessly) and a group of militar personal (around 3000) and the last of their world. When they all died, they world will be just a footnote... Never forget Tanith.
Due to their world geography and fauna they are experts scouts but due to politics they are thrown into the fray and thick of it.
This story begins when a message is intercepted by an astropath and from that moment each story as I said is as different as the last but all with this information in the mix of it. We've got car chases, trenches wars, mystery chase within a massive ship. There are a lot of rivalry inter-regiments and they are more destructive than the proper fight against the cultists and chaos. Have I told you that the baddies are Chaos? They are. Dan Abnett DELIBERATELY don't let us know much of the adversaries because the imperial guard echelons and rivalry are more destructive.
Begin Spoiler
I didn't know ao STL template was, and the importance into he great scheme of things.
Of course they talk about it BUT after reading a hundred books plus pages and pages of info dump I finally have a good grasp of the importance of the discovery. I would have no doubt that If the prize for the Sabbat Worlds Campaign was this STL it would very understandable. Killing an entire world would not be so inconceivable so the death of regiment wouldn't even be an issue.
This is the first book in 15 novel series plus an anthology. There is also the Double Eagle which is not part of Gaunt BUT it was set on the Sabbat Crusade. IT focus on areal war - highly influenced on Battle of Britain. I believe Titanicus is also set there but I can't confirm for sure.
In this tale we are introduced to Gaunt and his ghosts. One of the most interesting parts is that this is a combination of stories mix with very short stories that connect the dots.
Each story was quite different and I didn't expect that. BUT it was very very entertaining. First of all, I believe this novel set the tone for the coming books (that I have no doubt) but since it was one of the first novels produced by BL it set the tone for Black Library overall.
Dan Abnett it's a great writer, I also have no doubt of it. Gilead's Dead; Double Eagle, Brothers of the Snake and Riders of the Dead are all very good (all 5 stars). (although not totally by him but Darkblade 5 books are a must - Hammers of Ulric is divided for 3 writers and it's really awesome). The only ones I didn't really got into was I am Slaughter and Fell Cargo, and even those are very good. I've read Fell Cargo 10 years ago - more, and I still remember most of the plot.
I have no doubt that he is one of the best of Black Library writers. Unfortunately he is not as prolific as he was in the golden days. Alas...
Imagine a 2 World War setting; now imagine an Commissar (but not one that kills needlessly) and a group of militar personal (around 3000) and the last of their world. When they all died, they world will be just a footnote... Never forget Tanith.
Due to their world geography and fauna they are experts scouts but due to politics they are thrown into the fray and thick of it.
This story begins when a message is intercepted by an astropath and from that moment each story as I said is as different as the last but all with this information in the mix of it. We've got car chases, trenches wars, mystery chase within a massive ship. There are a lot of rivalry inter-regiments and they are more destructive than the proper fight against the cultists and chaos. Have I told you that the baddies are Chaos? They are. Dan Abnett DELIBERATELY don't let us know much of the adversaries because the imperial guard echelons and rivalry are more destructive.
Begin Spoiler
Of course they talk about it BUT after reading a hundred books plus pages and pages of info dump I finally have a good grasp of the importance of the discovery. I would have no doubt that If the prize for the Sabbat Worlds Campaign was this STL it would very understandable. Killing an entire world would not be so inconceivable so the death of regiment wouldn't even be an issue.
September 5, 2017
Pegas: No hay un solo personaje femenino (bueno sale una vidente medio loca y una bailarina de striptease), la mayor parte de los personajes son un boceto y poco mas (el cachas, el francotirador lacónico, el contrabandista,...), los malos (que son malisimos por supuesto) no son mas que blancos móviles a los que disparar.
Pero a pesar de ello ahí que admitir que la novela es divertida y el ritmo trepidante: emboscadas, peligros ocultos, pequeños flashbacks contando el pasado de algún personaje, traiciones, luchas entre capítulos de la Guardia.
Un 3: Entretenida
Pero a pesar de ello ahí que admitir que la novela es divertida y el ritmo trepidante: emboscadas, peligros ocultos, pequeños flashbacks contando el pasado de algún personaje, traiciones, luchas entre capítulos de la Guardia.
Un 3: Entretenida
February 27, 2016
Bit slow to get going i think, but really picks up!
First 40k book i read, love it!
First 40k book i read, love it!
August 4, 2011
Why has it taken me 10 years to finally read this book that one of my good friends told me to read back then? Stubborn I guess, who knows. Anyway, Dan Abnett's first 40K novel is well paced and very intriguing. He is my favorite of the Black Library's current authors and probably the best Marine author they have. Hear he starts the story of Gaunt and his First and Only Ghosts. They are an excellent regiment of imperial guard, and much like Abnett breathed life into the Lunar Wolves, and the Iron Snakes Space Marine chapters, here he delivers really great action and characters that are drawn of the race that makes up the galactic empire the Astartes are bred to protect. These troopers are not genetically modified or psychologically indoctrinated into the Mantra of the Emperor, they are men, fallible, weak, courageous men, and this tale is worth reading.
December 23, 2018
I am military fiction lover and believe me this is trash. Leo Kessler is far more better in description of military action then this piece of mass produced Warhammer stuff. On the other hand it was enjoyable to read, but not as Sandy Mitchell's books. I was counting the death toll on the First and only regiment trough the books and seriously they would not make it trough the one book.
The evil general, even more evil inquisitor plus evil rival regiment tried to kill our hero, who uncovered the whole conspiracy, which destroyed itself without our hero doing.
The evil general, even more evil inquisitor plus evil rival regiment tried to kill our hero, who uncovered the whole conspiracy, which destroyed itself without our hero doing.
March 29, 2017
Three and a half stars, I guess?
This was a fun read, quite breezy. The pacing is very well-done, and the sequences move on briskly. The action is also very well-written, especially the massive battle sequence that begins the book proper.
There are a lot of characters, and the book is of modest length. So some of the characters only manage to be quick, rough sketches. Unfortunately the main character, Ibram Gaunt, is pretty much just a square-jawed hero, which makes him somewhat boring. I enjoyed the complexity of the antagonist Flense. Of the good guys, I liked Corbec and Mad Larkin. Corbec, because he's a halfway interesting character, and Larkin because I am fond of the cold sniper archetype.
The intrigue in the book was also a little half-baked and predictable, perhaps the signs of an onrushing deadline. Overall the book was enjoyable, but forgettable.
This was a fun read, quite breezy. The pacing is very well-done, and the sequences move on briskly. The action is also very well-written, especially the massive battle sequence that begins the book proper.
There are a lot of characters, and the book is of modest length. So some of the characters only manage to be quick, rough sketches. Unfortunately the main character, Ibram Gaunt, is pretty much just a square-jawed hero, which makes him somewhat boring. I enjoyed the complexity of the antagonist Flense. Of the good guys, I liked Corbec and Mad Larkin. Corbec, because he's a halfway interesting character, and Larkin because I am fond of the cold sniper archetype.
The intrigue in the book was also a little half-baked and predictable, perhaps the signs of an onrushing deadline. Overall the book was enjoyable, but forgettable.
August 20, 2024
Pirmā grāmata, ko no vāka līdz vākam izlasīju vāciski. Būtībā ekšon gabals ar nesliktu spiegošanas intrigu. Skaudri arī parāda kara neparedzamību un brutalīti pat šķietami no realitātes attālinātā sci fi visumā.
September 25, 2024
3,5 ⭐
Ha sido raro porque creo que esperaba otra cosa, la escala de este libro teniendo en cuenta el setting en el que se emplaza es muy mínimo por lo cual lo hace muy fácil de leer, no tiene tanto infodumping de Warhammer y no es necesario tener la wiki abierta al lado, pero en parte eso es lo que buscaba? Igualmente no es horrible, solo me ha parecido simple. Al menos el final está bien.
Ha sido raro porque creo que esperaba otra cosa, la escala de este libro teniendo en cuenta el setting en el que se emplaza es muy mínimo por lo cual lo hace muy fácil de leer, no tiene tanto infodumping de Warhammer y no es necesario tener la wiki abierta al lado, pero en parte eso es lo que buscaba? Igualmente no es horrible, solo me ha parecido simple. Al menos el final está bien.
November 14, 2023
I’ve been enamorously glancing at Warhammer 40k for years- hell, decades- and finally decided to give it a try. Through books at least.
There’s literally hundreds of books available, lots of sub-series, so I googled "best of" lists. Dan Abnett’s name appears in all of them so I chose one of his to start.
So, what is Warhammer 40k? Basically it’s military sci-fi with a (fantasy) lore.
Not being accustomed to the lore is not a real hindrance. The plot is at batallion level and easy to follow. It can be translated into whatever period. Whether the enemy is an alien or a Chaos Space Marine makes no real difference.
What’s a plus is that you can google names or units and be rewarded with beautiful art to help you visualize. Some characters/units have particular powers/characteristics; again it can easily be googled. Dozens of sites are there to get the idea of what’s on the page.
That being said, the Founding is good military sci-fi. Classic characters and tropes, no real surprise, but it’s well written with a pleasant style. I don’t doubt I will enjoy all 3 books of my omnibus before trying another sub-series (Space Marines probably).
There’s literally hundreds of books available, lots of sub-series, so I googled "best of" lists. Dan Abnett’s name appears in all of them so I chose one of his to start.
So, what is Warhammer 40k? Basically it’s military sci-fi with a (fantasy) lore.
Not being accustomed to the lore is not a real hindrance. The plot is at batallion level and easy to follow. It can be translated into whatever period. Whether the enemy is an alien or a Chaos Space Marine makes no real difference.
What’s a plus is that you can google names or units and be rewarded with beautiful art to help you visualize. Some characters/units have particular powers/characteristics; again it can easily be googled. Dozens of sites are there to get the idea of what’s on the page.
That being said, the Founding is good military sci-fi. Classic characters and tropes, no real surprise, but it’s well written with a pleasant style. I don’t doubt I will enjoy all 3 books of my omnibus before trying another sub-series (Space Marines probably).
July 18, 2010
Surprisingly good..either that or i'm on a four star kick. I approached this thinking it was going to be mindless dribble. I was wrong. Think Band of Brothers but in space battling all kinds of nasty alien forces (this is actually Derek Manus' evaluation of the book, but i find it very apropos). There is also a bunch f infighting which Abnett ties a little too perfectly together.
The writing is solid and the characters are lush, though it's a little confusing at first because a number of them have similar names and you meet about 40 characters during the book. I'm excited to get started on the next one to see where Gaunt takes his regiment of Ghosts next...
The writing is solid and the characters are lush, though it's a little confusing at first because a number of them have similar names and you meet about 40 characters during the book. I'm excited to get started on the next one to see where Gaunt takes his regiment of Ghosts next...
February 9, 2011
I'll be honest, I don't follow the Warhammer 40K world at all. I don't read the books, and I don't play the games. I read the book because it was free.
One thing that threw me out of the book continually was the language. It wasn't vulgar or anything but the usage of semi-archaic terms and knowledge of... I needed more backstory to support the book or a glossary... I guess the more I read the more I'll learn; but I'm not sure I want to learn about the world too much.
I liked the book and I've found that there are a lot more than I thought. I'm not sure I'll venture into it too far but I'll probably look for some more Dan Abnett books in the series.
One thing that threw me out of the book continually was the language. It wasn't vulgar or anything but the usage of semi-archaic terms and knowledge of... I needed more backstory to support the book or a glossary... I guess the more I read the more I'll learn; but I'm not sure I want to learn about the world too much.
I liked the book and I've found that there are a lot more than I thought. I'm not sure I'll venture into it too far but I'll probably look for some more Dan Abnett books in the series.
July 31, 2012
I didn't get very far before I gave up. No real plot, just piggybacking on a group of soldiers. Except: This is the far flung future with spaceships and laser weapons, but they're still using artillery, grenades, and fighting in trenches. No air support or orbital bombardments. I know I'm supposed to suspend my disbelief, but the lack of plot mixed with that, was too much.
And, for a final quibble, Abnett kept referring to "coffee" as "caffeine". As in, "...poured himself a tiny cup of rich black caffeine...". I'm sure I'm just being a crank, but if it's coffee, call it coffee. Just because it's sci-fi doesn't mean they can't have coffee.
And, for a final quibble, Abnett kept referring to "coffee" as "caffeine". As in, "...poured himself a tiny cup of rich black caffeine...". I'm sure I'm just being a crank, but if it's coffee, call it coffee. Just because it's sci-fi doesn't mean they can't have coffee.
December 21, 2010
Dan Abnett did a great job really bringing the grit and dark world of Warhammer 40k to life. I didn't instantly start reading the second book, Ghostmaker, only because it wasn't available in ePUB format yet.
January 23, 2011
Fantastic. Nothing more needs to be said, except that Abnett truly brings the Warhammer 40k universe to life.
August 17, 2025
Θυμάμαι τις πρώτες εκδόσεις από Warhammer και Dungeons and Dragons που είχε κάνει ο Anubis, τον ενθουσιασμό που υπήρχε σε μέρος του κοινού, το κράξιμο από κάποιους άλλους, το κρίντζ των μεταφράσεων κ.α. Διαβάζοντας αυτό το βιβλιαράκι (είχα χρόνια να διαβάσω μεταφρασμένο gaming fantasy) ομολογώ ότι δεν μου φαίνεται τόσο άσχημο. Δλδ δεν υπήρχε άλλος τρόπος να μεταφράσουν τους όρους και τα ονόματα πχ τους Space Marines ή θα τους πεις "Διαστημικούς πεζοναύτες" ή "Σπέις Μαρίνς" και μεταξύ των δύο νομίζω ότι το πρώτο είναι καλύτερο. Το πρόβλημα εν τέλει που είχανε όλες αυτές οι μεταφράσεις (και συνεχίζουν να έχουν μεταφράσεις ακόμα και "σοβαρών" βιβλίων βλ Τζόναθαν Κόου) είναι η μη σωστή απόδοση της διήγησης και των διαλόγων σε Ελληνικά καθομιλουμένης, με αποτέλεσμα η διήγηση και οι διάλογοι να ακούγονται ξένοι προς τον αναγνώστη. Προσπερνώντας αυτό είναι μια τυπική action packed Warhammer νουβέλα που μπορεί να διαβαστεί και από αναγνώστες που δεν έχουν επαφή με το χώρο. Αρκεί να σας αρέσει η επιστημονική φαντασία, πόλεμος, μάχες, ματσίλα και άλλα τέτοια ωραία. Αν το διάβασα στο πρωτότυπο θα έπαιρνε ένα αστεράκι ακόμα.
November 3, 2012
"The series follows the exploits of Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and his regiment of scouts and recon specialists, the Tanith First-and-Only (nicknamed Gaunt's Ghosts), as they serve in the Sabbat Worlds Crusade. Their battles are normally against the forces of Chaos, although they briefly face orks on Typhon Eight. Up until 'Guns of Tanith' the Ghosts are mainly pitted against heretical rebels armies, but on Phantine and in most of the campaigns following it they face the well-trained and elite Blood Pact. By the end of 'Only In Death', the Ghosts have been serving in the Crusade for roughly twelve years. Each novel begins with an extract from a fictional book called 'A History of the Later Imperial Crusades', which briefly explains the situation in which the Ghosts have been deployed. These extracts are written in a past tense, implying that they were written after the Sabbat Worlds Crusade ends, and does not normally refer specifically to the Tanith First.
The first two books are collections of short stories originally printed in the short fiction magazine 'Inferno!', published by the Black Library. They are not sequential; for example, the fall of Tanith in the first chapter of 'Ghostmaker' occurs before the siege on Fortis Binary in 'First and Only', which in turn takes place before the assault on Oskray Hive in 'Ghostmaker' (this latter time-line can be established by the mention of a cybernetic shoulder that was fitted to Sgt. Varl on Fortis Binary, and Sgt. Hasker who died on Menazoid Epsilon, but he is mentioned in this book as a living person). Disregarding the fall of Tanith, during which little fighting took place, the action of the two books is focused on four main theatres of operation:
Voltis City, Voltemond
Voltemond is described in 'Ghostmaker' as a temperate world, similar to Earth, with extensive marshlands around Voltis City, the planetary capital, which was under Chaos control before the events of 'Ghostmaker'. The chapter begins with the Tanith First "Gaunt's Ghosts" saving the Ketzok 17th "Serpents" artillery regiment from an ambush by Chaos Space Marines. The Tanith are then ordered to infiltrate and assault the main water-gate and sanitation outfall of Voltis in order to mine the walls and form a breach for an assault by the Royal Volpone 50th storm troopers, known as the "Bluebloods". The assault on the water-gate is repelled when the traitors open the floodgates and flush the Tanith out; however, Sergeant Cluggan leads a successful attack on the sanitation outfalls, creating a breach for the armoured assault. As the Ghosts withdraw, General Noches Sturm of the Royal Volpone and his adjutant, Major Gilbear, both of whom were disdainful of Gaunt and his "low-born" soldiers, order the Ketzok to bombard the Tanith as they fall back to their base. Two hundred men, including Sergeant Cluggan, are killed and another three hundred wounded. Gaunt almost faces a court-martial when he punches Colonel Ortiz, the Ketzok commander, but is let off when Ortiz claims that his injuries were caused by his Basilisk artillery vehicle's recoil. He proceeds to level a threat at General Sturm.
Fortis Binary
Fortis Binary is described as a forge-world, a planet-wide factory that fell to Chaos. First and Only describes how the Ghosts manage to sabotage a Chaos ritual after Lord Militant General Hechtor Dravere orders them on a suicidal attack on an enemy trench line. This marks the first demonstration of the hatred that Colonel Draker Flense, the commander of the Jantine Patricians who suggested that Dravere give the assault order, has for Colonel-Commissar Gaunt.
Menazoid Epsilon
A death world on the edge of the Menazoid Clasp, Epsilon was the site of three shrines to Chaos, designated Primaris, Secundus and Tertius by Imperial tacticians. Beneath Shrine Target Primaris was a Standard Template Constructor, a relic from over ten millennia before the events of 'First and Only', which made Iron Men, a pattern of robotic warriors; the traitorous General Dravere, assisted by the mutated, radical Inquisitor Heldane, Colonel Draker Flense and his Jantine Patricians attempted to seize power and overturn the commander of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade, Warmaster Macaroth, using the Iron Men. However, the machine was corrupted by Chaos and Commissar Gaunt destroyed it, despite the psychic puppetry of the Inquisitor, who died after his "instrument" - Imperial Agent Fereyd, the man into whom Heldane had extended his consciousness - was explosively killed. Colonel Flense also attempted to get his revenge on Gaunt and the Ghosts, as Gaunt had field-executed Flense's father, General Aldo Dercius, many years previously. The Jantine shock troops annihilated the Tanith Seventh platoon commanded by sergeant Blane, but were themselves killed to a man by Gaunt's allies, the Vitrian Dragoons. Gaunt stabbed Flense to death beneath Target Primaris, before escaping along with his men.
Monthax
The jungle world of Monthax is the setting for the end of Ghostmaker, when Gaunt and his men encounter the alien Eldar as they struggle to wipe out a Chaos infestation. The Ghosts have to cooperate once again with the Royal Volpone 50th, and with an inquisitor who had accused Brin Milo of witchcraft. They discover an ancient portal leading to one of the Eldar's craftworlds, self-sustaining cities in space, which the inquisitor, Lilith Abferquan, closes after the alien Farseer guarding the portal dies. At the end of this battle, the Ghosts lost an excellent leader, Serg. Lerod.
Aside from these battles, 'Ghostmaker' is interspersed with short stories (originally published in Inferno!) in other war zones such as Blackshard, Caligula and Oskray Hive which are used to develop individual characters; for example, the character and leadership qualities of Dermon Caffran are displayed in his actions at Oskray Hive, where he commands an infiltration force which causes the fall of the enemy stronghold, and continue to be exhibited upon his promotion to Sergeant in 'His Last Command'.
The first two books are collections of short stories originally printed in the short fiction magazine 'Inferno!', published by the Black Library. They are not sequential; for example, the fall of Tanith in the first chapter of 'Ghostmaker' occurs before the siege on Fortis Binary in 'First and Only', which in turn takes place before the assault on Oskray Hive in 'Ghostmaker' (this latter time-line can be established by the mention of a cybernetic shoulder that was fitted to Sgt. Varl on Fortis Binary, and Sgt. Hasker who died on Menazoid Epsilon, but he is mentioned in this book as a living person). Disregarding the fall of Tanith, during which little fighting took place, the action of the two books is focused on four main theatres of operation:
Voltis City, Voltemond
Voltemond is described in 'Ghostmaker' as a temperate world, similar to Earth, with extensive marshlands around Voltis City, the planetary capital, which was under Chaos control before the events of 'Ghostmaker'. The chapter begins with the Tanith First "Gaunt's Ghosts" saving the Ketzok 17th "Serpents" artillery regiment from an ambush by Chaos Space Marines. The Tanith are then ordered to infiltrate and assault the main water-gate and sanitation outfall of Voltis in order to mine the walls and form a breach for an assault by the Royal Volpone 50th storm troopers, known as the "Bluebloods". The assault on the water-gate is repelled when the traitors open the floodgates and flush the Tanith out; however, Sergeant Cluggan leads a successful attack on the sanitation outfalls, creating a breach for the armoured assault. As the Ghosts withdraw, General Noches Sturm of the Royal Volpone and his adjutant, Major Gilbear, both of whom were disdainful of Gaunt and his "low-born" soldiers, order the Ketzok to bombard the Tanith as they fall back to their base. Two hundred men, including Sergeant Cluggan, are killed and another three hundred wounded. Gaunt almost faces a court-martial when he punches Colonel Ortiz, the Ketzok commander, but is let off when Ortiz claims that his injuries were caused by his Basilisk artillery vehicle's recoil. He proceeds to level a threat at General Sturm.
Fortis Binary
Fortis Binary is described as a forge-world, a planet-wide factory that fell to Chaos. First and Only describes how the Ghosts manage to sabotage a Chaos ritual after Lord Militant General Hechtor Dravere orders them on a suicidal attack on an enemy trench line. This marks the first demonstration of the hatred that Colonel Draker Flense, the commander of the Jantine Patricians who suggested that Dravere give the assault order, has for Colonel-Commissar Gaunt.
Menazoid Epsilon
A death world on the edge of the Menazoid Clasp, Epsilon was the site of three shrines to Chaos, designated Primaris, Secundus and Tertius by Imperial tacticians. Beneath Shrine Target Primaris was a Standard Template Constructor, a relic from over ten millennia before the events of 'First and Only', which made Iron Men, a pattern of robotic warriors; the traitorous General Dravere, assisted by the mutated, radical Inquisitor Heldane, Colonel Draker Flense and his Jantine Patricians attempted to seize power and overturn the commander of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade, Warmaster Macaroth, using the Iron Men. However, the machine was corrupted by Chaos and Commissar Gaunt destroyed it, despite the psychic puppetry of the Inquisitor, who died after his "instrument" - Imperial Agent Fereyd, the man into whom Heldane had extended his consciousness - was explosively killed. Colonel Flense also attempted to get his revenge on Gaunt and the Ghosts, as Gaunt had field-executed Flense's father, General Aldo Dercius, many years previously. The Jantine shock troops annihilated the Tanith Seventh platoon commanded by sergeant Blane, but were themselves killed to a man by Gaunt's allies, the Vitrian Dragoons. Gaunt stabbed Flense to death beneath Target Primaris, before escaping along with his men.
Monthax
The jungle world of Monthax is the setting for the end of Ghostmaker, when Gaunt and his men encounter the alien Eldar as they struggle to wipe out a Chaos infestation. The Ghosts have to cooperate once again with the Royal Volpone 50th, and with an inquisitor who had accused Brin Milo of witchcraft. They discover an ancient portal leading to one of the Eldar's craftworlds, self-sustaining cities in space, which the inquisitor, Lilith Abferquan, closes after the alien Farseer guarding the portal dies. At the end of this battle, the Ghosts lost an excellent leader, Serg. Lerod.
Aside from these battles, 'Ghostmaker' is interspersed with short stories (originally published in Inferno!) in other war zones such as Blackshard, Caligula and Oskray Hive which are used to develop individual characters; for example, the character and leadership qualities of Dermon Caffran are displayed in his actions at Oskray Hive, where he commands an infiltration force which causes the fall of the enemy stronghold, and continue to be exhibited upon his promotion to Sergeant in 'His Last Command'.
August 13, 2025
8,5/10 Primera aproximació al món de "Warhammer 40K", i la veritat és que m’ha sorprès.
Aquesta primera novel·la de la saga "Els Fantasmes de Gaunt" és una obra imprescindible per als fans de "Warhammer 40K". Dan Abnett combina acció intensa, drama militar i un toc de conspiració política en un univers brut i immersiu. Els *Primers de Tanith*, liderats pel carismàtic comissari Ibram Gaunt, són un grup de soldats d’elit amb personalitats ben definides i un esperit de camaraderia que enganxa. La trama, plena de traïcions i batalles èpiques, reflecteix a la perfecció el to obscur i heroic del 40K.
Els salts temporals li donen profunditat i fluïdesa a la història, tot i que alguns passatges poden resultar densos. Malgrat això, el ritme àgil i l’ambició narrativa del llibre ho compensen. La prosa és ràpida, visual i cinematogràfica —amb certes limitacions pròpies de la ficció militar—, però els diàlegs són naturals i dinàmics, amb veus distintives que barregen humor negre, lleialtat i el fatalisme típic d’aquest univers.
L’atmosfera és tan immersiva que m’ha evocat imatges de la barbàrie de la Primera Guerra Mundial (Ypres, el Somme, Verdun…). Un món brutal on, a diferència d’altres universos de ciència-ficció com "Star Wars", "Dune" o "Star Trek", no m’agradaria pas viure
Aquesta primera novel·la de la saga "Els Fantasmes de Gaunt" és una obra imprescindible per als fans de "Warhammer 40K". Dan Abnett combina acció intensa, drama militar i un toc de conspiració política en un univers brut i immersiu. Els *Primers de Tanith*, liderats pel carismàtic comissari Ibram Gaunt, són un grup de soldats d’elit amb personalitats ben definides i un esperit de camaraderia que enganxa. La trama, plena de traïcions i batalles èpiques, reflecteix a la perfecció el to obscur i heroic del 40K.
Els salts temporals li donen profunditat i fluïdesa a la història, tot i que alguns passatges poden resultar densos. Malgrat això, el ritme àgil i l’ambició narrativa del llibre ho compensen. La prosa és ràpida, visual i cinematogràfica —amb certes limitacions pròpies de la ficció militar—, però els diàlegs són naturals i dinàmics, amb veus distintives que barregen humor negre, lleialtat i el fatalisme típic d’aquest univers.
L’atmosfera és tan immersiva que m’ha evocat imatges de la barbàrie de la Primera Guerra Mundial (Ypres, el Somme, Verdun…). Un món brutal on, a diferència d’altres universos de ciència-ficció com "Star Wars", "Dune" o "Star Trek", no m’agradaria pas viure
December 19, 2025
I always find it fascinating to go back into Abnett's earlier works, you can really see the bones of the franchise in this instance and how it develops into everything to come. If this book feels a little played out it is only because it was there laying the groundwork in the first instance that everybody would come to build on. I enjoy perhaps most of all the vastness of the setting when Abnett was writing it, individual regiments taking on the weird and wonderful qualities of their homeworlds and suggesting a much more diverse field of play than we maybe get in more modern takes.
July 7, 2024
Динамічно, просто, зрозуміло. Не скажу, що з цього було б цікаво зайти у світ Вахи, але в будь-якому разі сама історія не дасть занудьгувати. Усі кудись біжать і щось роблять, тобто сюжет не провисає й виглядає все дуже реалістично.
November 18, 2025
boy book boy book boy book
July 1, 2025
Schietie schietie pew pew. wat wil je nog meer?
April 9, 2025
Ik weet niet of het einde satisfying was of niet maar het was wel goed geschreven, vol actie en makkelijk te volgen waar het boek naar toe ging. Op het einde werd ik zelfs eens verast door iets wat ik niet zag aankomen.
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