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Warhammer 40,000
Forges of Mars Omnibus
Omnibus edition of all three novels in the Forges of Mars trilogy - Priests of Mars, Lords of Mars and Gods of Mars - as well as an additional short story.
The Martian Mechancius's thirst for knowledge is insatiable, and when Archmagos Lexell Kotov learns of an ancient expedition that went in search of the very source of life in the universe itself, he immediately assembles a powerful Explorator fleet to follow in its footsteps. Not only does Kotov have the powerful engines and warriors of the Adeptus Mechanicus to call upon, even the troops of the Imperial Guard and the vaunted Space Marines join his crusade. The way, however, is treacherous and fraught with perils both within and without the fleet. There are marvels and wonders at the edge of known space, discoveries beyond price, but there are those who believe the secrets of the universe should stay hidden and beings there who pose a danger not only to the fleet but to the Imperium itself.
The Martian Mechancius's thirst for knowledge is insatiable, and when Archmagos Lexell Kotov learns of an ancient expedition that went in search of the very source of life in the universe itself, he immediately assembles a powerful Explorator fleet to follow in its footsteps. Not only does Kotov have the powerful engines and warriors of the Adeptus Mechanicus to call upon, even the troops of the Imperial Guard and the vaunted Space Marines join his crusade. The way, however, is treacherous and fraught with perils both within and without the fleet. There are marvels and wonders at the edge of known space, discoveries beyond price, but there are those who believe the secrets of the universe should stay hidden and beings there who pose a danger not only to the fleet but to the Imperium itself.
944 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2017
121 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Graham McNeill
334 books894 followersHailing from Scotland, Graham McNeill narrowly escaped a career in surveying to work for Games Workshop as a games designer. He has a strong following with his novels Nightbringer, Warriors of Ultramar, Dead Sky, Black Sun and Storm of Iron.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 8, 2018
One of the great things about the world of Warhammer 40,000 is all its fascinating factions. Its easy to think one is not for you, but like comics all it takes is the right writer to illustrate a group's potential. For me that faction was the the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but then I read Graham McNeill's Horus Heresy novel, Mechanicum. In it McNeill showed me the Admech are a fascinating group of characters and there's a bunch of interesting stories to be told with them. So I thought I'd see what he could do with a whole trilogy of Adeptus Mechanicus novels and picked up the Forges of Mars omnibus, which contains the novels Priests of Mars, Lords of Mars, and Gods of Mars, as well as the short story Zero Day Exploit.
I got what I wanted and then some. Because Forges of Mars is full of a whole host of fascinating characters not just members of the Admech. Plus each book in the series ups the scope and scale . So Gods of Mars is a story full of grand, epic action, and character payouts.
The Forges of Mars omnibus starts out as a tale of exploration. So essentially McNeill is taking a Star Trek style story and giving it a 40K spin.His story is about an Adeptus Mechanicus expedition for a missing ship that traveled outside the known galaxy thousands of years ago. The flagship of this new expedition is a massive and ancient vessel known as the Speranza. It's almost like a planet and much of the action in the trilogy unfolds in its labyrinthine layout. It's a pretty fascinating locale that's almost a character unto itself.
Walking the halls of the Speranza are a diverse group of Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests. First and foremost is of course the expedition leader, Lexell Kotov. He's surrounded himself with a number cold and career focused tech-priests like Tarkis Blaylock. What's great about those characters though is how nuanced they are. Over the course of the trilogy you get moments that show them at their worst, but they also get genuine moments of heroism and altruism. Plus there are some very noble, grounded, and easy to like tech-priests like the father and daughter team of Vitali and Linya Tychon. Their noble nature and genuine affection for each other made them some of my favorite characters in the trilogy.
The nature of the Kotov expedition allows McNeill to expand the cast of Forges of Mars beyond tech-priests and include divers characters from all over the Imperium of Man. Accompanying the expedition are a band of Black Templar Space Marines, a detachment of valiant soldiers from Cadia, a Legion of Titan war machines and their pilots, a Rogue Trader and his crew, and several normal humans press ganged into being bondsmen aboard the Speranza. But that's not all! There's also a crew of Eldar pursuing the Speranza.
As the Forges of Mars trilogy unfolds were allowed to spend time with all of these characters and see things from their perspective. So I really came to care about almost all of them. It heightened all the action scenes and made the climax of the trilogy incredibly enjoyable. There was so much payoff. The character arcs I probably enjoyed the most were the ones of Linya Tychon; Rogue Trade Roboute Surcouf who hails from the Ultramar system which means he's kind of like James T Kirk mixed with the nobility of Steve Rogers; and Black Templar sergeant Tanna, who really goes on a journey of growth over the course of the trilogy.
I also have to mention that McNeill may have opened my eyes to the appeal of the Eldar. They are another faction that have popped up throughout the Black 40K novels I've read that I really haven't found all that appealing. In Forges of Mars, McNeill points out how the Eldar are a damned race thanks to their creation of the Chaos God Slaanesh, but they've decided to sort of go down swinging and fighting against their fate. That made me see them in an entirely new light. So I may have to seek out some Eldar novels.
I don't want to say too much about the action of the Forges of Mars trilogy because a lot of of it is shrouded in mystery with some great reveals. What I will say is the story takes readers to pretty fantastic locales like alien planets, a seemingly deserted space station, and a mysterious Forge World. McNeill also has a lot of fun with the tone of the trilogy as well. You get moments of grand adventure, character drama, cosmic horror, and over the top action. The climax of the book is an epic struggle to save the entire universe and features a number of wildly imaginative and gloriously trippy sequences.
All of that makes Forges of Mars an incredible and epic read. For me, its one of those grand trilogies that reflects all the reasons why I love the 40K universe. It's right up there with Dan Abnett's Eisenhorn trilogy and Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Night Lords trilogy. It's that good! I was already a fan of McNeill before reading this Omnibus, but now he's one of my favorite Black Library authors.
I got what I wanted and then some. Because Forges of Mars is full of a whole host of fascinating characters not just members of the Admech. Plus each book in the series ups the scope and scale . So Gods of Mars is a story full of grand, epic action, and character payouts.
The Forges of Mars omnibus starts out as a tale of exploration. So essentially McNeill is taking a Star Trek style story and giving it a 40K spin.His story is about an Adeptus Mechanicus expedition for a missing ship that traveled outside the known galaxy thousands of years ago. The flagship of this new expedition is a massive and ancient vessel known as the Speranza. It's almost like a planet and much of the action in the trilogy unfolds in its labyrinthine layout. It's a pretty fascinating locale that's almost a character unto itself.
Walking the halls of the Speranza are a diverse group of Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests. First and foremost is of course the expedition leader, Lexell Kotov. He's surrounded himself with a number cold and career focused tech-priests like Tarkis Blaylock. What's great about those characters though is how nuanced they are. Over the course of the trilogy you get moments that show them at their worst, but they also get genuine moments of heroism and altruism. Plus there are some very noble, grounded, and easy to like tech-priests like the father and daughter team of Vitali and Linya Tychon. Their noble nature and genuine affection for each other made them some of my favorite characters in the trilogy.
The nature of the Kotov expedition allows McNeill to expand the cast of Forges of Mars beyond tech-priests and include divers characters from all over the Imperium of Man. Accompanying the expedition are a band of Black Templar Space Marines, a detachment of valiant soldiers from Cadia, a Legion of Titan war machines and their pilots, a Rogue Trader and his crew, and several normal humans press ganged into being bondsmen aboard the Speranza. But that's not all! There's also a crew of Eldar pursuing the Speranza.
As the Forges of Mars trilogy unfolds were allowed to spend time with all of these characters and see things from their perspective. So I really came to care about almost all of them. It heightened all the action scenes and made the climax of the trilogy incredibly enjoyable. There was so much payoff. The character arcs I probably enjoyed the most were the ones of Linya Tychon; Rogue Trade Roboute Surcouf who hails from the Ultramar system which means he's kind of like James T Kirk mixed with the nobility of Steve Rogers; and Black Templar sergeant Tanna, who really goes on a journey of growth over the course of the trilogy.
I also have to mention that McNeill may have opened my eyes to the appeal of the Eldar. They are another faction that have popped up throughout the Black 40K novels I've read that I really haven't found all that appealing. In Forges of Mars, McNeill points out how the Eldar are a damned race thanks to their creation of the Chaos God Slaanesh, but they've decided to sort of go down swinging and fighting against their fate. That made me see them in an entirely new light. So I may have to seek out some Eldar novels.
I don't want to say too much about the action of the Forges of Mars trilogy because a lot of of it is shrouded in mystery with some great reveals. What I will say is the story takes readers to pretty fantastic locales like alien planets, a seemingly deserted space station, and a mysterious Forge World. McNeill also has a lot of fun with the tone of the trilogy as well. You get moments of grand adventure, character drama, cosmic horror, and over the top action. The climax of the book is an epic struggle to save the entire universe and features a number of wildly imaginative and gloriously trippy sequences.
All of that makes Forges of Mars an incredible and epic read. For me, its one of those grand trilogies that reflects all the reasons why I love the 40K universe. It's right up there with Dan Abnett's Eisenhorn trilogy and Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Night Lords trilogy. It's that good! I was already a fan of McNeill before reading this Omnibus, but now he's one of my favorite Black Library authors.
September 20, 2022
This is the kind of story I aspire to write.
In the hands of another author, indeed an author I fear more people would be interested in, this story would perhaps have barely made a single novel's worth of material. In McNeill's hands however, every aspect is given due attention, and what is ultimately one story among countless trillions in the Imperium's long history is lent all the gravitas it requires to truly absorb the reader into the minds of its many, many characters. My praises to McNeill, as despite the tremendous detail going into this story (the Expedition has only just left Imperial space come the end of the first novel), not once did I feel lost or confused, save for when the characters were also. When they despaired, I despaired. When they found hope again, I was cheering with them. I could taste the on-ship recycled water, noticed my heart race when danger loomed, and felt as if I was right there alongside the characters as they celebrated their final victory.
Narratively, I can find no fault in this story. Nor do I have any complaints in terms of character development arcs, pacing, environmental descriptions, expositional sequences, dialogue, action scenes, or general writing style. But, if I must find one single fault in this story, it would be its female characters.
I will preface this by saying that my knowledge of the Warhammer 40,000 universe is not as extensive as I sometimes wish it was, and for all I know, there may indeed be a disparity in how males and females are treated and represented in the Imperium. However, as an empire of 10,000 years and counting, and having spent practically all of that time at war with someone or another, I would be willing to hazard that its gender divide would have faded, if not disappeared completely, in the face of such pressing concerns. So I would like to wish, anyway.
It is therefore with some disappointment that I notice that not only is there a significantly greater number of males than females in this story, but - hiding names to prevent spoilers - the few females that are around are always described as being physically beautiful, or otherwise in no bad shape (one such character emerging from a wrecked APC is a noteworthy memory of this). Perhaps most offensive of all is the techpriestess who, hailing from an order that is repeatedly stated to have no sense of aesthetics beyond utilitarianism, has gone out of her way to make her mandatory machine-parts (replacing her birth-flesh) as close to her original form as possible, something that is unheard of, as far as my knowledge goes.
Now, that is not to say that these female characters are there merely to look pretty. Quite the opposite. The aforementioned techpriestess is arguably one of the most important characters in the narrative, and the APC-crasher, with some brief words and a choice shot to the chest of an uncooperative menial, is able to affect a change in circumstances that no doubt wins that particular day. However, in a story filled with characters riddled with physical imperfections and some typically repulsive general design, the females all stand out. Another techpriestess is even described having not gone down the path of the one described above, opting for utilitarian implants while working in a dark, filthy area of the ship, and yet even she is described as good-looking, having had not enough implants yet to remove her natural beauty (which has somehow survived her hard work in a dark, sooty forge).
In a story filled with characters of clanking, oily machinery, or otherwise decidedly human physical failings, it stands out if one but looks. I said I aspire to write a story such as this, but I extend that statement here by saying that I would at least try to do the female characters a little more evenly with the male ones. McNeill clearly has no issue with creating the grotesque, so I don't see why he abandoned it, in such a consistently good story no less, when it came to his females.
Gender inequalities aside however (and, to be fair, this is about as far away from social justice fiction as you can get without specifically warring against it), this is a fantastic read. I heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone, 40k fan or not, though I understand if the descriptions and level of detailing are not for everyone. For me, personally, it all adds to the world the story is set in, and so enriches it, but I have read enough, and spoken to enough people, to know that this sentiment is not universal. Also, if you don't like sci-fi, seriously, keep away. All others, flock this way, and read until you are full, for there will be more left over afterwards.
Still wondering what happened to [DATA EXPUNGED] though.
In the hands of another author, indeed an author I fear more people would be interested in, this story would perhaps have barely made a single novel's worth of material. In McNeill's hands however, every aspect is given due attention, and what is ultimately one story among countless trillions in the Imperium's long history is lent all the gravitas it requires to truly absorb the reader into the minds of its many, many characters. My praises to McNeill, as despite the tremendous detail going into this story (the Expedition has only just left Imperial space come the end of the first novel), not once did I feel lost or confused, save for when the characters were also. When they despaired, I despaired. When they found hope again, I was cheering with them. I could taste the on-ship recycled water, noticed my heart race when danger loomed, and felt as if I was right there alongside the characters as they celebrated their final victory.
Narratively, I can find no fault in this story. Nor do I have any complaints in terms of character development arcs, pacing, environmental descriptions, expositional sequences, dialogue, action scenes, or general writing style. But, if I must find one single fault in this story, it would be its female characters.
I will preface this by saying that my knowledge of the Warhammer 40,000 universe is not as extensive as I sometimes wish it was, and for all I know, there may indeed be a disparity in how males and females are treated and represented in the Imperium. However, as an empire of 10,000 years and counting, and having spent practically all of that time at war with someone or another, I would be willing to hazard that its gender divide would have faded, if not disappeared completely, in the face of such pressing concerns. So I would like to wish, anyway.
It is therefore with some disappointment that I notice that not only is there a significantly greater number of males than females in this story, but - hiding names to prevent spoilers - the few females that are around are always described as being physically beautiful, or otherwise in no bad shape (one such character emerging from a wrecked APC is a noteworthy memory of this). Perhaps most offensive of all is the techpriestess who, hailing from an order that is repeatedly stated to have no sense of aesthetics beyond utilitarianism, has gone out of her way to make her mandatory machine-parts (replacing her birth-flesh) as close to her original form as possible, something that is unheard of, as far as my knowledge goes.
Now, that is not to say that these female characters are there merely to look pretty. Quite the opposite. The aforementioned techpriestess is arguably one of the most important characters in the narrative, and the APC-crasher, with some brief words and a choice shot to the chest of an uncooperative menial, is able to affect a change in circumstances that no doubt wins that particular day. However, in a story filled with characters riddled with physical imperfections and some typically repulsive general design, the females all stand out. Another techpriestess is even described having not gone down the path of the one described above, opting for utilitarian implants while working in a dark, filthy area of the ship, and yet even she is described as good-looking, having had not enough implants yet to remove her natural beauty (which has somehow survived her hard work in a dark, sooty forge).
In a story filled with characters of clanking, oily machinery, or otherwise decidedly human physical failings, it stands out if one but looks. I said I aspire to write a story such as this, but I extend that statement here by saying that I would at least try to do the female characters a little more evenly with the male ones. McNeill clearly has no issue with creating the grotesque, so I don't see why he abandoned it, in such a consistently good story no less, when it came to his females.
Gender inequalities aside however (and, to be fair, this is about as far away from social justice fiction as you can get without specifically warring against it), this is a fantastic read. I heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone, 40k fan or not, though I understand if the descriptions and level of detailing are not for everyone. For me, personally, it all adds to the world the story is set in, and so enriches it, but I have read enough, and spoken to enough people, to know that this sentiment is not universal. Also, if you don't like sci-fi, seriously, keep away. All others, flock this way, and read until you are full, for there will be more left over afterwards.
Still wondering what happened to [DATA EXPUNGED] though.
April 4, 2017
Warning spoilers ahead.
Forge of Mars is a unique trilogy composed by Graham Mcneill. As per usual his novels are guided more into character development than anything else and he does and excellent job in that regard. There are several layers to the narrative, each with a rich lore and a story to tell. We can see a Fabricator-General turned Archmagos Explorator, Ultramarian Rougue Trader extraordinaire in search for new frontiers, a Mechanicum father and daughter seekers of cosmic inquiries, even a cursed crusading squad from the Black Templars Space Marine Chapter, Mysterious Xenos with even more bizarre motivations and even a lowly bondsmen struggling with a destiny he phantoms deared to behold and let's not forget the TITANS, Majestic combat walkers designed for total theater domination.
The premise of the story is based around the discovery of an ancient vessel of mechanicus providence - an Ark Mechanicus of unimaginable proportions - that becomes the flagship of the Kotov Explorator Fleet. As a disgraced Fabricator general, Kotov sets up a expedition to the unknown region of space across the Halo Scar - a cosmic phenomena of titanic proportions beset by gravimetric anomalies, temporal storms and crushing energies that would snap any battleship as easily as one would break standard flak armor with heavy bolter shells - all in search of the lost wealth of information and knowledge of the 4,000 year old magos explorator Telok.
Such is Kotov ambitions that he mounts an expedition composed of thousands of skitarii Legions, Cadia mechanized 71th hellhound regiment, titans from the legio Sirius and even space marines from the black templars chapters without including thousands of other characters vital to the continuous functionality of the Speranza, the ark mechanicus.
Its and adventure/action packed narrative that oversees the minute details of the ancient and secluded faction of the mechanicus and delves in the POV of many different characters without confounding the reader in an overwhelming sense of direction. Its a fulled of catchy phrases and one liners that makes the novel quite enjoyable to read even if it setting lies on the grim darkness of the far future where there is only war.
Forge of mars serves as an introductory stanza where all characters are presented and their motivations explained with the enough backstory to make a compelling case while retaining a mystery for the next books.
Lords of Mars sees Kotov fleet across the halo scar in search for answers too big for their understanding as stars age beyond their time and suns regress in ways the mechanicus has no explanation for. Also their is a battle with morphing crystal monsters that sees heavy action from our dear titan crews.
Gods of Mars is the ending of the series that sees Telok reveal his masterful plan to become emperor of the galaxy using ancient necron technology regardless of the damage it would cause - Mainly the destruction of the galaxy and everything on it, himself included. not the brightest of ideas but thats what you get when you leave a mecanicum alone for too long.
Anyway it's a good book, fun to read and with that compelling power that makes you finish a 1000 + page book in a week. Although its ending was kinda rushed and felt oddly unsatisfying it's a must read for any adeptus mechanicus fan out there.
Forge of Mars is a unique trilogy composed by Graham Mcneill. As per usual his novels are guided more into character development than anything else and he does and excellent job in that regard. There are several layers to the narrative, each with a rich lore and a story to tell. We can see a Fabricator-General turned Archmagos Explorator, Ultramarian Rougue Trader extraordinaire in search for new frontiers, a Mechanicum father and daughter seekers of cosmic inquiries, even a cursed crusading squad from the Black Templars Space Marine Chapter, Mysterious Xenos with even more bizarre motivations and even a lowly bondsmen struggling with a destiny he phantoms deared to behold and let's not forget the TITANS, Majestic combat walkers designed for total theater domination.
The premise of the story is based around the discovery of an ancient vessel of mechanicus providence - an Ark Mechanicus of unimaginable proportions - that becomes the flagship of the Kotov Explorator Fleet. As a disgraced Fabricator general, Kotov sets up a expedition to the unknown region of space across the Halo Scar - a cosmic phenomena of titanic proportions beset by gravimetric anomalies, temporal storms and crushing energies that would snap any battleship as easily as one would break standard flak armor with heavy bolter shells - all in search of the lost wealth of information and knowledge of the 4,000 year old magos explorator Telok.
Such is Kotov ambitions that he mounts an expedition composed of thousands of skitarii Legions, Cadia mechanized 71th hellhound regiment, titans from the legio Sirius and even space marines from the black templars chapters without including thousands of other characters vital to the continuous functionality of the Speranza, the ark mechanicus.
Its and adventure/action packed narrative that oversees the minute details of the ancient and secluded faction of the mechanicus and delves in the POV of many different characters without confounding the reader in an overwhelming sense of direction. Its a fulled of catchy phrases and one liners that makes the novel quite enjoyable to read even if it setting lies on the grim darkness of the far future where there is only war.
Forge of mars serves as an introductory stanza where all characters are presented and their motivations explained with the enough backstory to make a compelling case while retaining a mystery for the next books.
Lords of Mars sees Kotov fleet across the halo scar in search for answers too big for their understanding as stars age beyond their time and suns regress in ways the mechanicus has no explanation for. Also their is a battle with morphing crystal monsters that sees heavy action from our dear titan crews.
Gods of Mars is the ending of the series that sees Telok reveal his masterful plan to become emperor of the galaxy using ancient necron technology regardless of the damage it would cause - Mainly the destruction of the galaxy and everything on it, himself included. not the brightest of ideas but thats what you get when you leave a mecanicum alone for too long.
Anyway it's a good book, fun to read and with that compelling power that makes you finish a 1000 + page book in a week. Although its ending was kinda rushed and felt oddly unsatisfying it's a must read for any adeptus mechanicus fan out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
Absolutely loved the detail in which the Mechanicus gets described in this book.
The world building makes you feel in awe and I found the author to be amazing at conveying the scale of the machines.
Some twists left me absolutely stunned while others I felt were a bit obvious (probably this was intentional as they were hinted by the characters).
The ending is somewhat open ended and I love that.
Personally I found it difficult at times to keep up with the frequent changes of perspective.
The world building makes you feel in awe and I found the author to be amazing at conveying the scale of the machines.
Some twists left me absolutely stunned while others I felt were a bit obvious (probably this was intentional as they were hinted by the characters).
The ending is somewhat open ended and I love that.
Personally I found it difficult at times to keep up with the frequent changes of perspective.
May 22, 2021
It is well written and very expansive; big things happen. You are definitely taken on a voyage. But somehow, it just isn't quite as good as other works by this author.
After the first novel (out of the three that are collected--along with a short story--in this omnibus), I was quite eager to read the others. That was delayed by a number of years, until I got this book that collects the whole series. So I went back and read from the beginning, and the first novel was still great. As the next progressed though, it got less and less great, ending at about a 3 star level. It is not a bad ending, but it's not of a level which matches how great the journey started off.
Some will disagree about how good or bad the ending was, and some will like the character development arcs more than I did, but all will likely agree that this author has written stories that were overall more satisfying.
After the first novel (out of the three that are collected--along with a short story--in this omnibus), I was quite eager to read the others. That was delayed by a number of years, until I got this book that collects the whole series. So I went back and read from the beginning, and the first novel was still great. As the next progressed though, it got less and less great, ending at about a 3 star level. It is not a bad ending, but it's not of a level which matches how great the journey started off.
Some will disagree about how good or bad the ending was, and some will like the character development arcs more than I did, but all will likely agree that this author has written stories that were overall more satisfying.
August 25, 2023
This trilogy has everything I want in a good 40K story, but it's diluted in things I don't.
- It's got many sub-plots that branch and reconnect repeatedly.
- The characters are mostly relatable, interesting, and flawed. Kotov and Blaylok are likeable in ways but also detestable. Surcouf is interesting .The Tychons and Anders are just all around awesome. I liked that the Tech-Priests felt distinct, with their own goals and quirks and even physical descriptions that were memorable without being over the top.
- It expands on and fleshes out the cultures and societies of the setting, rather than just parroting the blurbs on model boxes. We see what life is like for people in all parts of an Ark Mechanicus, and I understand the details of being a Rogue Trader much better than I did before. We also get some decent Eldar stuff but it's the same old stuff you'd get from the back of a Codex.
I particularly liked a subplot about a conscripted menial worker that rises from the lowest part of Mechanicus society nearly to the top.
So many poor choices though, particularly near the end.
- I found Galatea to be fascinating, until it's true nature is revealed and suddenly all the air is let out.
- Why can't this guy write a Mechanicus book that doesn't end with people having nonsense super powers? What the hell does "shooting bolts of pure data" or whatever even mean? In Mechanicum we establish that the Omnissiah is a load of hokum but now people are "Machine-Touched" and can dive into the Matrix?
- Why are there always Imperial Fists in his Mechanicus books? They dilute the story without adding much. I get the impression that McNeil wants to write books on them and got assigned the Mechanicus instead.
- After reading Titanicus I looked forward to a Titan subplot but it's ultimately just childish bickering and posturing, and has no bearing on the rest of the plot. I didn't care about any of the Legio characters.
- I would think that in this trilogy of all places we could have a W for the cogboys, but no, we have to have Dahan, the martial master of the Skitarii, the guy that's supposedly got zillions of hours of combat data downloaded in his brain and can analyze everything in a nanosecond, get whooped by any random Space Marine *multiple times* just to make a vapid "see, feeling is better than thinking" pseudo-lesson.
It really is a well-written and thought out story for the most part, and I'm glad I read it. The scope of the plot and the number of characters are ambitious and handled pretty well. But I had to take a star off for feeling rushed near the end and having the usual McNeil disappointments.
- It's got many sub-plots that branch and reconnect repeatedly.
- The characters are mostly relatable, interesting, and flawed. Kotov and Blaylok are likeable in ways but also detestable. Surcouf is interesting .The Tychons and Anders are just all around awesome. I liked that the Tech-Priests felt distinct, with their own goals and quirks and even physical descriptions that were memorable without being over the top.
- It expands on and fleshes out the cultures and societies of the setting, rather than just parroting the blurbs on model boxes. We see what life is like for people in all parts of an Ark Mechanicus, and I understand the details of being a Rogue Trader much better than I did before. We also get some decent Eldar stuff but it's the same old stuff you'd get from the back of a Codex.
I particularly liked a subplot about a conscripted menial worker that rises from the lowest part of Mechanicus society nearly to the top.
So many poor choices though, particularly near the end.
- I found Galatea to be fascinating, until it's true nature is revealed and suddenly all the air is let out.
- Why can't this guy write a Mechanicus book that doesn't end with people having nonsense super powers? What the hell does "shooting bolts of pure data" or whatever even mean? In Mechanicum we establish that the Omnissiah is a load of hokum but now people are "Machine-Touched" and can dive into the Matrix?
- Why are there always Imperial Fists in his Mechanicus books? They dilute the story without adding much. I get the impression that McNeil wants to write books on them and got assigned the Mechanicus instead.
- After reading Titanicus I looked forward to a Titan subplot but it's ultimately just childish bickering and posturing, and has no bearing on the rest of the plot. I didn't care about any of the Legio characters.
- I would think that in this trilogy of all places we could have a W for the cogboys, but no, we have to have Dahan, the martial master of the Skitarii, the guy that's supposedly got zillions of hours of combat data downloaded in his brain and can analyze everything in a nanosecond, get whooped by any random Space Marine *multiple times* just to make a vapid "see, feeling is better than thinking" pseudo-lesson.
It really is a well-written and thought out story for the most part, and I'm glad I read it. The scope of the plot and the number of characters are ambitious and handled pretty well. But I had to take a star off for feeling rushed near the end and having the usual McNeil disappointments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2019
I'm a long-time fan of the Warhammer 40K Universe so this review comes from a place of familiarity. However, I was struck throughout the book by the fact that this would be a great read, even if you were completely new to the property. The in-lore references and nomenclature are few and contextually obvious to the uninitiated.
Despite the heavy focus on Mechanicus, there's still plenty of action from the Imperial Guard as well as the ubiquitous Space Marines.
Granted, this is not high literature with deeply ponderous concepts, but it's cracklingly good escapist reading at its best. It's one of the best in genre works I've read in the WH40K universe...and it leaves enough loose threads at the end for future exploration. Yep, there are tropes, there are Deus Ex moments, and there's the requisite amount of WH40K psuedo-science that tends to bend the expanse of credulity...but it works. I'm glad they came as this omnibus, if I'd picked up the first one and read it alone with a gap of time I suspect I might not have bothered with the second or third...but as an omnibus it's a great piece.
I look forward t the chance to lend it out to friends who want to read their first WH40K book but aren't at all sure how to get into the universe. I also look forward to checking out more from Graham McNeill's catalog both in and out of WH40K.
Despite the heavy focus on Mechanicus, there's still plenty of action from the Imperial Guard as well as the ubiquitous Space Marines.
Granted, this is not high literature with deeply ponderous concepts, but it's cracklingly good escapist reading at its best. It's one of the best in genre works I've read in the WH40K universe...and it leaves enough loose threads at the end for future exploration. Yep, there are tropes, there are Deus Ex moments, and there's the requisite amount of WH40K psuedo-science that tends to bend the expanse of credulity...but it works. I'm glad they came as this omnibus, if I'd picked up the first one and read it alone with a gap of time I suspect I might not have bothered with the second or third...but as an omnibus it's a great piece.
I look forward t the chance to lend it out to friends who want to read their first WH40K book but aren't at all sure how to get into the universe. I also look forward to checking out more from Graham McNeill's catalog both in and out of WH40K.
November 20, 2020
A great book about twisted morals.
The rogue traders in the fleet will constantly try to outsmart the Mechanicus by withholding information.
The Mechanicus try to recover technology for personal glory while declaring that it would benefit the Imperium. Ironically ... any tech they uncover does benefit both the finder and the Imperium.
The story of Magos Telok is one of a logical negative spiral. What there are not limitations on technology ? What can we achieve ? Sadly those questions quickly turn into: What can I do for myself ?
While most in the Mechanicus live in hypocrisy denying their lust for personal gain, Telok's story shows what chasing that goal with conviction leads to.
Following the story of thew crews and servitors of the Speranza gives great pieces of lore and insight and the most srprising character of the mall is the Speranza itself.
For me , this is the best book on the Mechanicus that I read so far. And I would actually recommend it to someone who wants to get started in the 40k universe.
The rogue traders in the fleet will constantly try to outsmart the Mechanicus by withholding information.
The Mechanicus try to recover technology for personal glory while declaring that it would benefit the Imperium. Ironically ... any tech they uncover does benefit both the finder and the Imperium.
The story of Magos Telok is one of a logical negative spiral. What there are not limitations on technology ? What can we achieve ? Sadly those questions quickly turn into: What can I do for myself ?
While most in the Mechanicus live in hypocrisy denying their lust for personal gain, Telok's story shows what chasing that goal with conviction leads to.
Following the story of thew crews and servitors of the Speranza gives great pieces of lore and insight and the most srprising character of the mall is the Speranza itself.
For me , this is the best book on the Mechanicus that I read so far. And I would actually recommend it to someone who wants to get started in the 40k universe.
November 27, 2018
Finished the main story and still have Zero Day Exploit left.
The conclusion was more on the fantastival side, compared to the cold logic of the ways of the Mechanicus. Telok defeated, Galatea's real treachery revealed. The ending is a nice reflection of how those involved began, with the only focus being a selfish ambition. In the end, each still facing a facet of their own problems. An almost tragic ending that further reveals itself on the last paragraphs. Interesting to see if this will have a continuation.
One of the better 40k novels, and a definite must read for those Machnicus fans.
The conclusion was more on the fantastival side, compared to the cold logic of the ways of the Mechanicus. Telok defeated, Galatea's real treachery revealed. The ending is a nice reflection of how those involved began, with the only focus being a selfish ambition. In the end, each still facing a facet of their own problems. An almost tragic ending that further reveals itself on the last paragraphs. Interesting to see if this will have a continuation.
One of the better 40k novels, and a definite must read for those Machnicus fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
This is one of the best Warhammer 40K omnibuses that I've read. The story is involving and intricate with interesting characters and lively prose. It's one of the few W40K books I've read that works as both W40K AND science fantasy. My only quibble is that the climax, as in nearly all W40K novels, devolves into a lot of war making. I know that eternal war is one of the hallmarks of the W40K universe, but it tends to make the different series blur together. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this omnibus to anyone who already enjoys Warhammer 40K books!
February 28, 2025
This book is a bit above par for the course for 40K books. It starts off a lot stronger than it ends, and the pacing kinda falls apart in the second and third books. There’s a lot of repetitive fight scenes (especially once the crystal enemies are introduced) but it’s cool to see all the AdMech gadgets and the full might of the Mechanicus, although I wish it was a more technical and into the details of how some of the technology worked (even if it gets technobabbly) and the actual running and operation of the ship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2021
great epic of the mechanical
Terrific sprawling 40k epic sci fi
The Mechanicus is expanded by this great insight into so many things in the universe. This is distinctly not bolter porn.
I don’t want to say too much as it would give away details.
Great descriptions of the data-sphere, what exactly an ark mechanicus is, the skien … a deep elder farseer character, discovery of ancient secrets and tech threats to all of existence etc…
Terrific sprawling 40k epic sci fi
The Mechanicus is expanded by this great insight into so many things in the universe. This is distinctly not bolter porn.
I don’t want to say too much as it would give away details.
Great descriptions of the data-sphere, what exactly an ark mechanicus is, the skien … a deep elder farseer character, discovery of ancient secrets and tech threats to all of existence etc…
August 3, 2024
Really enjoyed this one. A big thick packet of our favorite martians. My favorite admech book by far. Lots of different perspectives and factions interacting. The main plot is a bit....Warhammer, but overall I loved it. Some absolutely hilarious moments in there too. One of my favorite admech moments is a character being stabbed and spending their final moments questioning the plausibility of this happening.
April 26, 2021
Interesting conflict, but falls short.
Graham McNeill usually does a far better job with the stories he writes. What we have here is a decent redemption story arc coupled with great exploration. There's just something about the pacing and occasional formatting dragging it out rather than aiding the story.
Graham McNeill usually does a far better job with the stories he writes. What we have here is a decent redemption story arc coupled with great exploration. There's just something about the pacing and occasional formatting dragging it out rather than aiding the story.
May 26, 2025
This is not the most unique feeling 40k story, but the juxtaposition between all of the different parties and their dynamics were very interesting to read. I think this may be one of the best 40k series to describe the absolute scale that this universe runs at (even though GW famously is bad with numbers). As some very cool moments and a great titan story line, which I love.
March 26, 2017
Definitely gets you into the "Existence is war" vibe that everything 40k goes for. There's some excellent characters in there and lots of great scenes. Worth reading if you're into Warhammer, just be prepared for how long it is.
January 12, 2018
Wow. A story set on an epic stage that still manages to have very real characters that you care about.
December 15, 2018
Incredible trilogy
The books were incredible, detailing a fantastic story!
If you enjoy Warhammer 40k you'll love the series. I cannot rate it high enough.
The books were incredible, detailing a fantastic story!
If you enjoy Warhammer 40k you'll love the series. I cannot rate it high enough.
October 17, 2019
this includes the 3 prior books and short story I just read
March 27, 2020
Reading this omnibus while listening to the amazing Mechanicus OST: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tDpo... is pretty much Omnissiah approved perfection. Thumbs up.
February 21, 2021
Graham McNeill is actually pretty good when he isn't writing from the perspective of space marines.
March 13, 2024
My first 40k book and won’t be my last - 3 books and a short story all in one
April 13, 2024
Even since I understood the weakness of my flesh, it disgusted me. I craved the strength and certainty of steel.
July 22, 2020
Over the last couple years, the Warhammer 40,000 books have become my go-to series when I’m in the mood for escapist sci-fi. There’s very little complexity in characterization or plot, but it can be a nice violent grimdark read.
*Heresy Alert* I’m not a big fan of loyalist space marines. Their character development pretty much begins and ends with [Role in their squad] + [“FOR THE EMPEROR!!!”], so I tend to gravitate toward books based on other character types. This particular omnibus was a lot of fun in that regard. As you you would expect from the title, the main story revolves around the tech priests of Mars. The three book arc (I wouldn’t recommend reading the books separately) follows an exploratory mission led by an arch-magos of the cult mechanicus. Along for the ride are a rogue trader and his crew, Cadian guardsmen, skitarii, titans, Black Templar space marines, and more. Weave in an eldar storyline and you get a lot of interesting interaction between groups that usually go their own way.
This is definitely worth a read if you are into the WH40K universe and want to explore something other than space marines. I almost gave it 4 stars (an unprecedented rating from me for a WH40K book), but the author was so obviously fishing for a sequel with the way he ended the third book (and even more so in the follow-up novella) that I docked it half a star: 3.5 stars for competent escapist sci-fi that manages a bit more character development than usual.
*Heresy Alert* I’m not a big fan of loyalist space marines. Their character development pretty much begins and ends with [Role in their squad] + [“FOR THE EMPEROR!!!”], so I tend to gravitate toward books based on other character types. This particular omnibus was a lot of fun in that regard. As you you would expect from the title, the main story revolves around the tech priests of Mars. The three book arc (I wouldn’t recommend reading the books separately) follows an exploratory mission led by an arch-magos of the cult mechanicus. Along for the ride are a rogue trader and his crew, Cadian guardsmen, skitarii, titans, Black Templar space marines, and more. Weave in an eldar storyline and you get a lot of interesting interaction between groups that usually go their own way.
This is definitely worth a read if you are into the WH40K universe and want to explore something other than space marines. I almost gave it 4 stars (an unprecedented rating from me for a WH40K book), but the author was so obviously fishing for a sequel with the way he ended the third book (and even more so in the follow-up novella) that I docked it half a star: 3.5 stars for competent escapist sci-fi that manages a bit more character development than usual.
November 14, 2017
Forges of Mars is a collection of 3 different books about the Kotov Explorator Fleet. The premise of the story is that another Explorator fleet went missing thousands of years ago. In the time of 30,000, this was the Tokov Fleet. Only now did a rogue trader find it. The book is more story and character-based than action, but it still has plenty of it. Included in the book are the cyborg Mechanicus, the Militaristic Imperial Guard, and the noble super soldier Black Templar Space Marines.
August 20, 2020
If you like 40K books you'll probably like it. It's got more of a plot than a lot of Warhammer books and it's premise is interesting.
To be honest I only read the first book in the trilogy. I'll probably go back one day but for now I got what I wanted out of it and was starting to get a bit bored. But despite that I did enjoy my time with it.
To be honest I only read the first book in the trilogy. I'll probably go back one day but for now I got what I wanted out of it and was starting to get a bit bored. But despite that I did enjoy my time with it.
October 2, 2020
Your moneys worth!
Reading all the novels as one proves a mammoth read. McNeill 's plot and story proved irresistibly fascinating . Great characters, a great storyline and possibly unfinished?
Reading all the novels as one proves a mammoth read. McNeill 's plot and story proved irresistibly fascinating . Great characters, a great storyline and possibly unfinished?
July 24, 2024
Currently on the last 200 pages. No question, the first novel set up amazing possibilities that never materialized. Lots of great content alongside sorely missed opportunities, and some magnificence in Graham McNeill's writing.
August 13, 2024
Although only one hundred pages shy of finishing it's already a fantastic heartbreaking journey. The eagerness for discovery in the Warhammer universe never goes well. There are some slow parts but overall the end result is worth the expedition.
July 4, 2023
Droops off as it goes on, but still pretty swell
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