Anthology of stories featuring the Astra Militarum, the backbone of the Emperor's armies.
For ten thousand years, the massed armies of the Astra Militarum have defended the Imperium from the multitudinous horrors that seek to overwhelm it. With guns and tanks, determination and courage, these human soldiers fight across a thousand war zones, in a war that has no ending. This anthology showcases some of the most famous regiments of the Astra Militarum along with their charismatic commanders, heroes such as Commissar Yarrick and Colonel ‘Iron Hand’ Straken.
Probably the best representation of the Astra Militarum in the 40k universe. Stories containing the desperate, often over the top struggle of the average human in a universe full of things that are more dangerous than themselves. The commissar Yarick stories in particular are probably the best rendition of Orks I've ever seen while the most over-heroic instance of a single human turning into a monster I've ever read.
Here are 8 stories about the organization formerly known as the Imperial Guard.
* Chains of Golgotha by David Annandale - Even the Imperium's mightiest heroes have a nasty habit of underestimating Orks. This one was a bit of a head scratcher as I couldn't figure out why Commissar Yarrick so angry with Rogge when it was Yarrick who outpaced his support and allowed himself to get so badly flanked? Oy
* Evil Eye by David Annandale - Commissar Yarrick only has one eye.
* Sarcophagus by David Annandale - Commissar Yarrick needs a ride, so his good buddy Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka gives him a lift.
* Straken: A Hero's Death by Toby Frost - Catachan jungle fighters are meant to fight within jungles. They're not really meant for urban combat, but a general from the Mordian Iron Guard who everyone thought was dead just sent a distress signal. Into the hive they go...
* Bloodlord by Braden Campbell - Black Templars get lost. Luckily there are Cadian shock troopers that they can ask for directions.
* Last Step Backwards by Justin D. Hill - Creed!
* Lost Hope by Justin D. Hill - Creed! needs to replenish his troops after the previous fight.
* The Battle of Tyrok Fields by Justin D. Hill - Creed! finally takes command on Cadia just in time for Abaddon the Despoiler to show up! Everyone knows how the 13th Black Crusade ended. This story shows the beginning of the crusade from Creed! and his Cadians' point-of-view.
Toby Frost's Straken short story felt like the most memorable one. Uncomplicated with an unexpected but satisfying resolution. The rest of the stories aren't bad either. The perfect palate cleanser to take a break from space marines before going back!