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Space Marine Battles #2
Helsreach
When the world of Armageddon is attacked by orks, the Black Templars Space Marine Chapter are amongst those sent to liberate it. Chaplain Grimaldus and a band of Black Templars are charged with the defence of Hive Helsreach from the xenos invaders in one of the many battlezones. But as the orks numbers grow and the Space Marines dwindle, Grimaldus faces a desperate last stand in an Imperial temple. Determined to sell their lives dearly, will the Black Templars hold on long enough to be reinforced, or will their sacrifice ultimately be in vain?
Read it because
It's a losing battle to save a city from a never-ending tide of orks, but the Black Templars refuse to give in, no matter the odds. And Chaplain Grimaldus proves why he's right for the job by inspiring everyone around him – human and Space Marine – to the point where they might just win the impossible war.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2010
287 people are currently reading
2134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
August 22, 2012
Write a book about andrej
January 11, 2021
WORDS!
This book is filled with nothing but words!
But god dang what Aaron Dembski-Bowden can do with words. The actions scenes are vivid, clear, and detailed whether large scale or small. The emotions he conjures are palpable and lasting. Dialogue to break your heart or make you cheer and his characters are larger than life but relatable and human, sincerely this guy has some amazing characterization in his novels.
I've read other books by him and I thought this was the first full length novel he wrote for Black Library but thanks to Gianfranco for setting me straight, Cadain Blood was his first. Helsreach is an amazing story of teamwork and courage against impossible odds. This is one long siege with multiple shout oud loud moments of insane bravery and sacrifice. Helsreach is also a great place to start if you've never read anything in the Warhammer 40K universe. I still consider myself a newbie with about forty books read and can say this is a very accessible entry, it's all Warhammer all day but not too esoteric or full of unknowable lingo that might scare uninitiated readers away.
This was one of those books that I consumed my thoughts when I wasn't reading. At work, with friends, driving... my mind would be on Helsreach. I'm pretty high strung and part of my self-care is making sure I read for at least an hour a day, no matter what is going on. Even though this book was intense and heart pounding it was a great escape and good therapy, highly recommended.
I want to thank Black Library, Aaron Dembski-Bowden, and Netgalley for the copy to review, opinions are my own.
This book is filled with nothing but words!
But god dang what Aaron Dembski-Bowden can do with words. The actions scenes are vivid, clear, and detailed whether large scale or small. The emotions he conjures are palpable and lasting. Dialogue to break your heart or make you cheer and his characters are larger than life but relatable and human, sincerely this guy has some amazing characterization in his novels.
I've read other books by him and I thought this was the first full length novel he wrote for Black Library but thanks to Gianfranco for setting me straight, Cadain Blood was his first. Helsreach is an amazing story of teamwork and courage against impossible odds. This is one long siege with multiple shout oud loud moments of insane bravery and sacrifice. Helsreach is also a great place to start if you've never read anything in the Warhammer 40K universe. I still consider myself a newbie with about forty books read and can say this is a very accessible entry, it's all Warhammer all day but not too esoteric or full of unknowable lingo that might scare uninitiated readers away.
This was one of those books that I consumed my thoughts when I wasn't reading. At work, with friends, driving... my mind would be on Helsreach. I'm pretty high strung and part of my self-care is making sure I read for at least an hour a day, no matter what is going on. Even though this book was intense and heart pounding it was a great escape and good therapy, highly recommended.
I want to thank Black Library, Aaron Dembski-Bowden, and Netgalley for the copy to review, opinions are my own.
July 5, 2017
4.5 stars, but I decided to be genereous in the end. Imagine if Darth Vader leads the defense of Minas Tirith in a world, which is far darker than either "Star Wars" or "The Lord of the Rings", and you'll get an idea about what this book is about. Grimaldus, the Reclusiarch of the Black Templars must lead the defence of Helsreach against an endless hordes of orks. As bonus, you have also clashes between giant robots, which are meaner than both transformers or gundams. All in all, a nerdheaven. Warhammer rules!
More detailed review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/hellsreach-spac...
More detailed review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/hellsreach-spac...
June 2, 2014
This is the first Warhammer book I read that regular people (not just Asartes) actually fight. It also introduced me to the Salamanders (aka the loves of my life).
The author was able to make most of the characters likable (even the Limbless Lady in a Giant Jar...oddly enough). Even though there is a central character, the story is mostly ensamble (I'm glad because if the fate of the planet depended on a guy who really ambivalent about his life, it would have been lame).
I liked the interaction the Asartes, humans, mechano-whatevers all got to have. Seeing theme work as a team was interesting, and they're actually pretty supportive of each other as individuals.
One thing that was completely lame was the adversary. Orks basically exist as something for Emperor of Mankind and Co. to kill. Makes the whole fighting sequences infinately less interesting.
Cool parts:
-Asartes concerned about a human finding his love.
-Human concerned with helping an asartes preserve his geneseed for future generations
-Salamander's strategy vs MC strategy.
-Adeptus Mech. spends the whole story fixing a robot...and it was awesome.
-Limbless Lady in a Giant Jar FINALLY gets to fight.
The author was able to make most of the characters likable (even the Limbless Lady in a Giant Jar...oddly enough). Even though there is a central character, the story is mostly ensamble (I'm glad because if the fate of the planet depended on a guy who really ambivalent about his life, it would have been lame).
I liked the interaction the Asartes, humans, mechano-whatevers all got to have. Seeing theme work as a team was interesting, and they're actually pretty supportive of each other as individuals.
One thing that was completely lame was the adversary. Orks basically exist as something for Emperor of Mankind and Co. to kill. Makes the whole fighting sequences infinately less interesting.
Cool parts:
-Asartes concerned about a human finding his love.
-Human concerned with helping an asartes preserve his geneseed for future generations
-Salamander's strategy vs MC strategy.
-Adeptus Mech. spends the whole story fixing a robot...and it was awesome.
-Limbless Lady in a Giant Jar FINALLY gets to fight.
May 22, 2025
“Hero of Helsreach!” The crowd cheers, as if there is only one.
June 12, 2023
Final Rating: 5/5
Amazing 10/10 for emotional damage. Do you want to cry? Then definitely watch the fanmovie of it on yt for additional slaughter of feels. I listened to audio book for this one and narration is the best i ever listened to so far. Wonderful job there.
While there are too many descriptions, words, action, I didn't think they were unnecessary. In fact, I think ADB did well with handling the pacing, the writing itself and characterization is great. It is a story of defending a city Helsreach, under the invasion of Orks. Grimaldus of the Black Templars, are tasked to defend it.
Do you love Black Templars? This is book for you. Titans? Orks? Humans also having a part in the story, not just astartes? A tech marine who does what tech marine does best? Priest who decided to take a stroll through a city under a siege because it was better than staying in empty church? Andrei, best human in universe hands down? An Astartes being concerned about human's love life? Sisters of Battle? Salamanders? How Salamanders and Black Templars differ in terms of logistics, planning and strategy? Epic fights? Grimaldus being amazing? Nerovar? Priamus? Zarha? Yarrick? Cyria Tyro? Everyone else?
This is book for you.
This is also what cemented my love for WH40k. I just had to watch the fanmovie version of this and I knew I would be stuck in this hell for next few years.
This is a good start if you have never known anything about wh40k before.
Amazing 10/10 for emotional damage. Do you want to cry? Then definitely watch the fanmovie of it on yt for additional slaughter of feels. I listened to audio book for this one and narration is the best i ever listened to so far. Wonderful job there.
‘I have dug my grave in this place, and I will either triumph or I will die!’
Five knights still live, and they roar as I roar.
‘No pity! No remorse! No fear!’
While there are too many descriptions, words, action, I didn't think they were unnecessary. In fact, I think ADB did well with handling the pacing, the writing itself and characterization is great. It is a story of defending a city Helsreach, under the invasion of Orks. Grimaldus of the Black Templars, are tasked to defend it.
‘It is time,’ Andrej grinned again, ‘to earn some very shiny medals.’
‘For the Emperor,’ one man breathed the words like a mantra, his eyes closed. ‘For the Emperor.’
‘Oh, no. Not for Him.’ Andrej fastened his rebreather mask, but they could still hear the smile in his voice. ‘He is happy on His Golden Throne, a long way from here. This is for me, and it is for you, and that is more than enough.’
Do you love Black Templars? This is book for you. Titans? Orks? Humans also having a part in the story, not just astartes? A tech marine who does what tech marine does best? Priest who decided to take a stroll through a city under a siege because it was better than staying in empty church? Andrei, best human in universe hands down? An Astartes being concerned about human's love life? Sisters of Battle? Salamanders? How Salamanders and Black Templars differ in terms of logistics, planning and strategy? Epic fights? Grimaldus being amazing? Nerovar? Priamus? Zarha? Yarrick? Cyria Tyro? Everyone else?
This is book for you.
Andrej nodded. ‘I am very honoured, Reclusiarch, as are these handsome and fine gentlemen with me. But if you could tell my captain about this, I would be even happier.’
The harsh sound emitted from the Reclusiarch’s vox-speakers was somewhere between a bark and a snarl. It took Maghernus several moments to realise it had been a laugh.
‘It will be done, Trooper Andrej. You have my word.’
‘I am hopeful this will also impress the lady I intend to marry.’
Grimaldus wasn’t sure how to reply to that. He settled for, ‘Yes. Good.’
‘Such optimism! But yes, I must find her first. Where do we move now, sir?’
This is also what cemented my love for WH40k. I just had to watch the fanmovie version of this and I knew I would be stuck in this hell for next few years.
This is a good start if you have never known anything about wh40k before.
September 20, 2023
The Emperor’s Champion
Having read Helsreach over a decade ago, I wondered how it would stand the test of time. Since its release, two Primarchs have returned and unleashed thousands of new Space Marines upon the universe. Surely the mere novelization of a real-life tournament couldn’t compare? And yet… my re-read confirms that Helsreach remains one of the finest examples of Warhammer literature. The author effortlessly infuses every page with a sensation of epicness, showcasing the posthuman nature of the angels and concluding with both grim darkness and heroic sacrifice.
In the Era Indomitus, segmentum-wide fleets set out to reconquer the galaxy in the biggest event since the Horus Heresy. Yet Helsreach manages to dwarf all that with a single planetary campaign. It’s not the numbers, but the realization that the losses matter. The Unnumbered Sons can die en masse without comment, but here, the loss of a single Company is serious business. The author knows how to set the stakes and make you feel every death: every Titan Engine, every Black Templar, even the regiments of Imperial Guard and Aeronautica Imperialis. Everyone matters and every action sequence feels consequential.
Yet without a doubt, it’s Grimaldus’s narrative voice that sets Helsreach apart from its peers. Posthuman and religious, the Reclusiarch of the Black Templars chapter is a breed apart from even fellow Astartes. His viewpoint is utterly alien, yet brilliantly logical. His vicious narrative will have readers nodding in sympathy and yet upon switching POVs, one is blown away by the juxtaposition of his outlook to those of humanity. That he is joined by the ancient crone Zarha — still one of the best-characterized Titan Princeps ever — and the hilarious stormtrooper Andrej shows the strength of this ensemble cast.
Helsreach is everything the Dawn of Fire and Dark Imperium series have sought and failed to build. The characters are memorable. The narrative ties together five distinct flavours of the Imperium, detailing a defensive campaign that is vividly imagined, epic in scope, and paved with blood. It did so without Primarchs or Custodes, nor lore-changing secrets. Rather, it shows how every death is consequential, and every action can be heroic.
Highly Recommended for WH40K fans.
Having read Helsreach over a decade ago, I wondered how it would stand the test of time. Since its release, two Primarchs have returned and unleashed thousands of new Space Marines upon the universe. Surely the mere novelization of a real-life tournament couldn’t compare? And yet… my re-read confirms that Helsreach remains one of the finest examples of Warhammer literature. The author effortlessly infuses every page with a sensation of epicness, showcasing the posthuman nature of the angels and concluding with both grim darkness and heroic sacrifice.
In the Era Indomitus, segmentum-wide fleets set out to reconquer the galaxy in the biggest event since the Horus Heresy. Yet Helsreach manages to dwarf all that with a single planetary campaign. It’s not the numbers, but the realization that the losses matter. The Unnumbered Sons can die en masse without comment, but here, the loss of a single Company is serious business. The author knows how to set the stakes and make you feel every death: every Titan Engine, every Black Templar, even the regiments of Imperial Guard and Aeronautica Imperialis. Everyone matters and every action sequence feels consequential.
Yet without a doubt, it’s Grimaldus’s narrative voice that sets Helsreach apart from its peers. Posthuman and religious, the Reclusiarch of the Black Templars chapter is a breed apart from even fellow Astartes. His viewpoint is utterly alien, yet brilliantly logical. His vicious narrative will have readers nodding in sympathy and yet upon switching POVs, one is blown away by the juxtaposition of his outlook to those of humanity. That he is joined by the ancient crone Zarha — still one of the best-characterized Titan Princeps ever — and the hilarious stormtrooper Andrej shows the strength of this ensemble cast.
Helsreach is everything the Dawn of Fire and Dark Imperium series have sought and failed to build. The characters are memorable. The narrative ties together five distinct flavours of the Imperium, detailing a defensive campaign that is vividly imagined, epic in scope, and paved with blood. It did so without Primarchs or Custodes, nor lore-changing secrets. Rather, it shows how every death is consequential, and every action can be heroic.
Highly Recommended for WH40K fans.
August 12, 2014
"We are judged in life for the evil we destroy."
Helsreach is possibly the most brutal 40k novel I've read yet. At what cost is victory worth it?
ADB is arguably the best of the Black Library authors. He excels at character depth and in humanizing the Astartes. The difference in the creeds of the Black Templars and the Salamanders was interesting to behold - how those of differing chapters may not understand one another's beliefs - it's very humanizing. Gemmell-esque, in a way. Courage in the face of insurmountable odds, both from the Astartes and the humans.
Leave it to ADB (and often the 40k universe) to create a fantastic band of brothers, each with very different personalities, and leave you feeling utter despair in the end.
Bravo. I didn't need these feels today, where they're already abound with the death of Robin Williams.
"Hero of Helsreach, the crowd cheers.
As if there is only one."
Helsreach is possibly the most brutal 40k novel I've read yet. At what cost is victory worth it?
ADB is arguably the best of the Black Library authors. He excels at character depth and in humanizing the Astartes. The difference in the creeds of the Black Templars and the Salamanders was interesting to behold - how those of differing chapters may not understand one another's beliefs - it's very humanizing. Gemmell-esque, in a way. Courage in the face of insurmountable odds, both from the Astartes and the humans.
Leave it to ADB (and often the 40k universe) to create a fantastic band of brothers, each with very different personalities, and leave you feeling utter despair in the end.
Bravo. I didn't need these feels today, where they're already abound with the death of Robin Williams.
"Hero of Helsreach, the crowd cheers.
As if there is only one."
Read
September 9, 2024I don't know enough about Warhammer to understand what is happening.
April 5, 2012
One of the better "Warhammer 40K" books that I've read - Dembski-Bowden is great at giving heroic genre archtypes like the Space Marines of the 40K universe layers and shading, so that they never become the simplistic, invunerable comic book bad-asses that they might otherwise be depicted as.
The scale of this book is impressive, as is the sense of impending doom which permeates - there's no other way that the novel could have ended but the reader frequently finds themself hoping against hope for events to transpire in a different way.
Sacrifice is a common theme in the multiple perspectives that the story is told via and the action approaches Dan Abnett-like levels of page-turning compulsion. "40K" fans will know this author as one of the best writers publishing Black Library fiction and casual readers might want to check him out, too - I really enjoyed this book.
The scale of this book is impressive, as is the sense of impending doom which permeates - there's no other way that the novel could have ended but the reader frequently finds themself hoping against hope for events to transpire in a different way.
Sacrifice is a common theme in the multiple perspectives that the story is told via and the action approaches Dan Abnett-like levels of page-turning compulsion. "40K" fans will know this author as one of the best writers publishing Black Library fiction and casual readers might want to check him out, too - I really enjoyed this book.
March 23, 2020
One of the best Warhammer universe novels I've ever read, and I don't say that lightly. The characters are so different but easy to empathize with, the shifting perspectives are perfectly done and the action is suspenseful and intriguing - even for me, who isn't much of an action fan - because it all has a human side to it. Aaron Dempski-Bowden is phenomenal.
January 31, 2018
A great first foray into the Warhammer 40k universe, and a must if you’re a fan of the Black Templars. It struck a nice balance between fast paced action and character development.
March 29, 2025
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It was great to see the relationships and dynamics between Astartes and humans explored more thoroughly. It made the factions of the Imperium really distinct and well characterised too.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the Mechanicus play a bigger role in the story.
Also, seeing the legendary Yarrick, as well as different Space Marine chapters (in this case the Black Templars and the Salamanders) butt heads over strategy and command structure was very cool.
All round very enjoyable, and surprisingly moving at times.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the Mechanicus play a bigger role in the story.
Also, seeing the legendary Yarrick, as well as different Space Marine chapters (in this case the Black Templars and the Salamanders) butt heads over strategy and command structure was very cool.
All round very enjoyable, and surprisingly moving at times.
January 6, 2024
This is up there with the very best of the Black Library. It has amazing action, great characters and shows both the lowly and the mighty of the world which few books of this type do.
This is one of the best space marine books period. Highly recommended.
This is one of the best space marine books period. Highly recommended.
July 11, 2021
loved this book. No one is as badass as Grimaldus. Loved the dialogue. The atmosphere, the way the story is told. Fantastic.
January 15, 2025
Even though I listened to this book on audible I still got an amazing feel for it. Superb writing and narration. The story is in the standard over the top grimdark badassness of Warhammer, but unlike other Warhammer books it does something special. It allows you to find the silver lining, the light in the dark, the good in a bad situation. The author writes fun characters who are more than a brooding dark persona. The humans represent the best of mankind, making jokes even while their world crumbles (literally) and making astonishingly brave sacrifices. The space marines have opinions and ideas that differ (personalities) and do not stay restrained by the basic super soldier archetype; instead questioning their situation and having full arcs. All that fought in the defense of Helsreach were expected to die, but the author captures this and finds the humanity in it by fleshing out characters and creating something more than a grimdark sacking of a city.
May 21, 2010
Details:
Helsreach by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Black Library Publishing
414 Pages
*This is an advance copy review.
Description:
When the world of Armageddon is attacked by orks, the Black Templars Space Marine Chapter are amongst those sent to liberate it. Chaplain Grimaldus and a band of Black Templars are charged with the defence of Hive Helsreach from the xenos invaders in one of the many battlezones. But as the orks numbers grow and the Space Marines dwindle, Grimaldus faces a desperate last stand in an Imperial temple. Determined to sell their lives dearly, will the Black Templars hold on long enough to be reinforced, or will their sacrifice ultimately be in vain. Black Library.com
While I am familiar on a basic level with the Black Templars I don’t know all the details of the major characters, so walking in to this novel I’m almost a BT newbie.
In a lot of ways, Black Templars are the epitome of what many folks consider Space Marines – borderline psychopathic, bio-engineered supermen who kill in the name of the crusade and the Emperor. Period, full stop. Have no doubts boys and girls, these guys are bastards. The comparison scenes with the Salamanders Chapter was telling: the Salamanders are one of the most humane of chapters – protecting the citizens is kept firmly in mind. For the Black Templars, its going off to kill stuff and why are these damn civilians in the way?!? Grimaldus is pretty much the worst and the best of these. His detachment is telling; you can see how a person has been altered in such a way that they are really no longer human anymore – driven by hatred and zeal few of us can imagine to destroy the xenos invaders.
I do exaggerate a bit, but Aaron Dembski-Bowden is quickly becoming one of the Black Library’s best authors of characterful fiction. Like Soul Hunter before this, the characters are all very colorful, and come from a variety of backgrounds. Each seems like a person dealing with a lifetime of war, indoctrination, mind-scrubbing…and war. Dembski-Bowden does a fine job of taking the reader and tossing him right in the middle of a firefight or burning vehicle. He even makes Chaplain Grimaldus interesting. Now THAT is a feat! You’d think that a character like that would be boring, two dimensional…flat. ADB pulls it off. He really knows how to make characters come alive on the written page.
The scale of the novel is enormous. You certainly have the feel of untold bajillions of orks bearing down on you, and that the odds of survival are grim at best. The protagonists struggle for every bit of ground they win (or lose). The odds are overwhelmingly against them yet they struggle on, battered and bruised, losing battle-brothers along the way. All hope seems lost, yet a spark of hope remains. Yeah, like that! Dembski-Bowden drags the reader all the way down in to the muck, mud and blood, takes away all hope, and slowly gives it back.
I enjoyed the Steel Legion parts as well as the Salamander bits. The Black Templars are a bit overwhelming for my tastes, but it’s a damn fine story. The ending left me almost a little flat; I’m not sure what happened there. Without spoiling too much I have no way of explaining it short of saying it was not what I expected. That’s a good thing!
Aaron Dembski-Bowden has written another gritty, dirty story full of actually interesting characters. His action scenes are largely clear, the dialogue witty, the description good. I cannot say whether there are 40k canon issues as I’m not as familiar as some other reviewers. The plot was interesting and kept me going. The ending was a bit of a twist but good.
Helsreach by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Black Library Publishing
414 Pages
*This is an advance copy review.
Description:
When the world of Armageddon is attacked by orks, the Black Templars Space Marine Chapter are amongst those sent to liberate it. Chaplain Grimaldus and a band of Black Templars are charged with the defence of Hive Helsreach from the xenos invaders in one of the many battlezones. But as the orks numbers grow and the Space Marines dwindle, Grimaldus faces a desperate last stand in an Imperial temple. Determined to sell their lives dearly, will the Black Templars hold on long enough to be reinforced, or will their sacrifice ultimately be in vain. Black Library.com
While I am familiar on a basic level with the Black Templars I don’t know all the details of the major characters, so walking in to this novel I’m almost a BT newbie.
In a lot of ways, Black Templars are the epitome of what many folks consider Space Marines – borderline psychopathic, bio-engineered supermen who kill in the name of the crusade and the Emperor. Period, full stop. Have no doubts boys and girls, these guys are bastards. The comparison scenes with the Salamanders Chapter was telling: the Salamanders are one of the most humane of chapters – protecting the citizens is kept firmly in mind. For the Black Templars, its going off to kill stuff and why are these damn civilians in the way?!? Grimaldus is pretty much the worst and the best of these. His detachment is telling; you can see how a person has been altered in such a way that they are really no longer human anymore – driven by hatred and zeal few of us can imagine to destroy the xenos invaders.
I do exaggerate a bit, but Aaron Dembski-Bowden is quickly becoming one of the Black Library’s best authors of characterful fiction. Like Soul Hunter before this, the characters are all very colorful, and come from a variety of backgrounds. Each seems like a person dealing with a lifetime of war, indoctrination, mind-scrubbing…and war. Dembski-Bowden does a fine job of taking the reader and tossing him right in the middle of a firefight or burning vehicle. He even makes Chaplain Grimaldus interesting. Now THAT is a feat! You’d think that a character like that would be boring, two dimensional…flat. ADB pulls it off. He really knows how to make characters come alive on the written page.
The scale of the novel is enormous. You certainly have the feel of untold bajillions of orks bearing down on you, and that the odds of survival are grim at best. The protagonists struggle for every bit of ground they win (or lose). The odds are overwhelmingly against them yet they struggle on, battered and bruised, losing battle-brothers along the way. All hope seems lost, yet a spark of hope remains. Yeah, like that! Dembski-Bowden drags the reader all the way down in to the muck, mud and blood, takes away all hope, and slowly gives it back.
I enjoyed the Steel Legion parts as well as the Salamander bits. The Black Templars are a bit overwhelming for my tastes, but it’s a damn fine story. The ending left me almost a little flat; I’m not sure what happened there. Without spoiling too much I have no way of explaining it short of saying it was not what I expected. That’s a good thing!
Aaron Dembski-Bowden has written another gritty, dirty story full of actually interesting characters. His action scenes are largely clear, the dialogue witty, the description good. I cannot say whether there are 40k canon issues as I’m not as familiar as some other reviewers. The plot was interesting and kept me going. The ending was a bit of a twist but good.
March 3, 2013
I was extremely skeptical about reading Helsreach since the vast majority of licensed IP tie-in novels that crop up around successful game/movie/tv franchises are terrible, but this is one of those rare cases when the author absolutely gets it right. "The Grimdark" comes to life from the perspectives of a diverse cross-section of characters that are thrown together in the defense of Hive Helsreach against an overwhelming ork invasion while struggling to understand each other and find ways to cooperate. All the inter-departmental Imperial politics and prejudices from the obscure "fluffy" sections of the various 40k rulebooks turn up as serious problems that must be overcome by the various forces, and the tensions that result feel very believable. The orks actually come off as being rather flat and boring by comparison to all the internal struggles that the characters face, but their jovial wackiness would have felt extremely out of place in this bleak and brutal story so that's probably for the best. This book should be required reading for anyone playing any of the Imperial forces in any of the 40k-related games, there's something here for everyone to draw from: Astartes, Imperial Guard, Titan Legions and even a brief appearance by the Sisters of Battle. Aaron Dembski-Bowden obviously plays the games and loves the setting, he gets all the little details right in ways that someone who hasn't spent years playing in this particular playground just never would. His reverence for 25+ years of in-game lore combined with great two-fisted action and compelling character development make this book a must-read for anyone who has ever pushed Space Marines across a felt-covered table and it's actually good enough to recommend to anyone else who enjoys a good Starship Troopers style sci-fi war story.
December 14, 2012
Currently finishing off this rather charming read . I say that as while I'm a fan of the 40K game , i've often found the books to be rather dry , dull and lacking in anything other then 1 dimensional space marines .
The only other exception I found was the Brothers of the Snake , which shares the excellent character development that makes this book so enjoyable .
Space Marines have characters and personalities that are not human , that's it , such a simple thing . They're not 1D killing machines , they're not human any more (Helsreach does a great job of secondary characters as well , fleshing out identities in such a small space allotted to them is something Aaron Dembksi- Bowden does very very well)so their personalities , fears , ideals are very different, from the average human of the 40K emporium , and thankfully so are the humans in this novel , from the average in game fluff at least.
It also deals with vast warfare (as it is set in the 3rd war for Armageddon for 40 K nerd's for the rest of you it's a global conflict with alien invaders coming back for the 3rd time ), in a sensible but entertaining manner as well as the death of characters . I'd read the reviews that people disliked the switch from 1st to 3rd person perspective of the main character , of which I'd disagree as I felt it added more depth and a reality of thought on the character's part.
If you're a fan you will love this , certainly better IMHO than the Dan Abnet series of books . IF you're a newcomer or just want to dip in , its a fun read , you don;t need to know the history to enjoy the story (the copy I have even had a mini map explaining and showing locations ) .
The only other exception I found was the Brothers of the Snake , which shares the excellent character development that makes this book so enjoyable .
Space Marines have characters and personalities that are not human , that's it , such a simple thing . They're not 1D killing machines , they're not human any more (Helsreach does a great job of secondary characters as well , fleshing out identities in such a small space allotted to them is something Aaron Dembksi- Bowden does very very well)so their personalities , fears , ideals are very different, from the average human of the 40K emporium , and thankfully so are the humans in this novel , from the average in game fluff at least.
It also deals with vast warfare (as it is set in the 3rd war for Armageddon for 40 K nerd's for the rest of you it's a global conflict with alien invaders coming back for the 3rd time ), in a sensible but entertaining manner as well as the death of characters . I'd read the reviews that people disliked the switch from 1st to 3rd person perspective of the main character , of which I'd disagree as I felt it added more depth and a reality of thought on the character's part.
If you're a fan you will love this , certainly better IMHO than the Dan Abnet series of books . IF you're a newcomer or just want to dip in , its a fun read , you don;t need to know the history to enjoy the story (the copy I have even had a mini map explaining and showing locations ) .
January 17, 2020
As always, I listened to the audio book.
First off the narration is stellar. I love the leaning way back from the mic and yelling.
I came in expecting a war book stuffed full of one dimensional characters and a bunch of gore. I expected a flat story and very little character development. I expected to be mildly entertained. I got all that and a little more.
The characters had a bit more personality than I would have guessed. I really enjoyed the way the author would give a bit of backstory before brutally killing off people. The weapons and aliens were described with a satisfactory amount of ambiguity to leave something to imagination (maybe those familiar with the lore don't need to imagine).
All the tropes and stereotypes of a gruesome war book are there. The story follows a typical arc, there are no unexpected twists, no deep character development, and it doesn't need any of that. It's an entertaining book and it does the job well.
First off the narration is stellar. I love the leaning way back from the mic and yelling.
I came in expecting a war book stuffed full of one dimensional characters and a bunch of gore. I expected a flat story and very little character development. I expected to be mildly entertained. I got all that and a little more.
The characters had a bit more personality than I would have guessed. I really enjoyed the way the author would give a bit of backstory before brutally killing off people. The weapons and aliens were described with a satisfactory amount of ambiguity to leave something to imagination (maybe those familiar with the lore don't need to imagine).
All the tropes and stereotypes of a gruesome war book are there. The story follows a typical arc, there are no unexpected twists, no deep character development, and it doesn't need any of that. It's an entertaining book and it does the job well.
May 24, 2025
I don't usually read books like this, but I did so at the request of my dear one.
What I was expecting was a war story, as alien as the orcs invading the city for which this book is named. But, like the main protagonist, I should have had more faith.
This is a human story.
"I will die on this world."
Grimauldus' arc completely captivated me. He's an astartes, a being created specifically to wage war on anything that threatens the Imperium. However, at the start of this book, we find him grieving his mentor and unsure if he can uphold the mantle of his new title as Reclusiarch (Chaplain). Throughout the thread of the novel's tapestry, we find Grimauldus faced again and again with the reminder that he is not his mentor-- and the dark, frustrating confusion of understanding his own identity and purpose. Because his first act as Reclusiarch? Is defending a world full of regular humans from a massive, damning force of invaders.
A good story revolves around how the characters shape and engage with what happens. Helsreach is chock full of multiple POVs, each illuminating a part of the war and each with a specific story to tell. These remind the reader that even in war, even in the midst of violence and brutal death, everyone matters. They make good choices and mistakes and give advice and die. Yet it matters. Much, actually.
Final thoughts (for now)
-If you're like me and not as familiar with the world of Warhammer, fear not. This was a good gateway book. It explains what you need to know.
-The author is quite verbose, and the work's a little challenging with all the POVs, but it's worth it.
- I enjoyed how the female characters were written, as I was somewhat wary when I picked it up.
-Andre. You will understand.
- I listened to the audio book and the narrator (Jonathon Keeble) is absolutely fantastic.
What I was expecting was a war story, as alien as the orcs invading the city for which this book is named. But, like the main protagonist, I should have had more faith.
This is a human story.
"I will die on this world."
Grimauldus' arc completely captivated me. He's an astartes, a being created specifically to wage war on anything that threatens the Imperium. However, at the start of this book, we find him grieving his mentor and unsure if he can uphold the mantle of his new title as Reclusiarch (Chaplain). Throughout the thread of the novel's tapestry, we find Grimauldus faced again and again with the reminder that he is not his mentor-- and the dark, frustrating confusion of understanding his own identity and purpose. Because his first act as Reclusiarch? Is defending a world full of regular humans from a massive, damning force of invaders.
A good story revolves around how the characters shape and engage with what happens. Helsreach is chock full of multiple POVs, each illuminating a part of the war and each with a specific story to tell. These remind the reader that even in war, even in the midst of violence and brutal death, everyone matters. They make good choices and mistakes and give advice and die. Yet it matters. Much, actually.
Final thoughts (for now)
-If you're like me and not as familiar with the world of Warhammer, fear not. This was a good gateway book. It explains what you need to know.
-The author is quite verbose, and the work's a little challenging with all the POVs, but it's worth it.
- I enjoyed how the female characters were written, as I was somewhat wary when I picked it up.
-Andre. You will understand.
- I listened to the audio book and the narrator (Jonathon Keeble) is absolutely fantastic.
April 30, 2023
Helsreach is an incredibly well written story about war death survival and brotherhood the space marines of the black templars and many other chapters are tasked with defending Armageddon from one of the largest ork invasions to date grimaldus chaplain of the black Templars is tasked with holding helsreach for which the book is named after. Helsreach is an industrial complex city for which most of the imperial armor power comes from its factories produce the famous chimaera troop transport if this city falls the imperium will be hit a blow it will take generations to recover from ! The orks are not granted to pass and take this city no matter the cost no matter the sacrifice this city must be standing. If anyone is gonna make that happen it’s grimaldus and his band of black templars who will stop at nothing to bring the xenos filth to heel with bolter and blade they will hold this city to the last. Their conviction knows no bounds this quote sums up their resolve better than any of my words can! “I will die on this world.” I highly recommend helsreach to anyone and everyone! Read it for the emperor!!
March 16, 2025
3.5 - Overall good story and I liked the characters. Grimaldus is a great main character and has good development throughout the story. By the end he understands humans more and has respect for them and for Helsreach. He also comes into his role as Reclusiarch very well by the end. The Astartes all seemed to have more personality and emotions than I expected, I was surprised to hear them laughing many times throughout the story which was cool. Salamanders were a great addition, and seeing the contrast between them and the Black Templars was cool. Princeps Zarha was great, and I like her scenes with Grimaldus. Andrej was always great. Wish there was more from Tyro and Ryken and how they got together. So characters were great, story was good but I feel like the book was a slog at times and could have been shorter, 400+ pages felt like a lot. I found myself hoping for dialogue on the next page a lot. I flew through dialogue but had a tough time reading descriptions, especially when they contained lots of 40k vocab. It was solid and I’m happy that I read it but I’m not in a hurry to read more from the author/series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
Single handed one of the best 40k books available. This book follows Grimaldus, the high chaplain of the black Templars. If your new to 40k a high chaplain is not just a religious leader, this chaplain gets his hands dirty purging xenos from the Galaxy in the emperors name.
Needless to say this book is teaming with action. It's doesn't give you much in the life of an average imperial citizen, but it will make you aware of what it's like defending a city that the rest of the empire has written off as casualties.
Needless to say this book is teaming with action. It's doesn't give you much in the life of an average imperial citizen, but it will make you aware of what it's like defending a city that the rest of the empire has written off as casualties.
August 13, 2025
First read into the warhammer universe and it was great! Lots of great characters that portray the ideals and morals of their given chapters very well, in accordance to the lore of this franchise.
For a grim sci fi world I was delighted to still have well written comedic characters within the book, it gave the story a complimentary shift in attitude without taking away from the seriousness and peril that the Black Templars and citizens of Helsreach faced.
I would definitely recommend for any interested in trying out warhammer 40k for the first time!
For a grim sci fi world I was delighted to still have well written comedic characters within the book, it gave the story a complimentary shift in attitude without taking away from the seriousness and peril that the Black Templars and citizens of Helsreach faced.
I would definitely recommend for any interested in trying out warhammer 40k for the first time!
March 6, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Helsreach is an epic fast paced 40K that kept me turning every page wanting to know where it was going next. I'm a fan of Warhammer and have played it on and off since high school but had never picked up any books till last year, and I can say that each one I've read has been a fun ride. Helsreach tells the story of The Black Templars battling against the Ork horde for the planet Armageddon, and let me say that once the action begins it barely slows down, its one epic set piece after another.
My only real issue I had with the story was the character work, I wanted more from it, but at the same time I enjoyed the stuff we got.
Definitely a fun romp thats gritty. gruesome at times and altogether I worthwhile read.
Helsreach is an epic fast paced 40K that kept me turning every page wanting to know where it was going next. I'm a fan of Warhammer and have played it on and off since high school but had never picked up any books till last year, and I can say that each one I've read has been a fun ride. Helsreach tells the story of The Black Templars battling against the Ork horde for the planet Armageddon, and let me say that once the action begins it barely slows down, its one epic set piece after another.
My only real issue I had with the story was the character work, I wanted more from it, but at the same time I enjoyed the stuff we got.
Definitely a fun romp thats gritty. gruesome at times and altogether I worthwhile read.
April 11, 2018
Helsreach, an industrial planet at the edge of the empire, is invaded by a horde of blood thirsty space orcs.
What follows is a battle of immense proportions.
This is written in a very easy style making it an absolute pleasure to read.
The language is fairly plain meaning you are never confused about where you are or who just got their face smashed in.
The story is quite loose and isn't afraid to glaze over a big battle if things are getting stale.
I have a rough knowledge of the lore but I don't think it is really necessary, a quick google for Warhammer 40k will bring you back enough images of models to get the gist.
The violence is quite graphic and plentiful, the set piece battles are great!
What I really liked is that the bad guys are actually scary, too often the good guys are over powered.
A very enjoyable.
What follows is a battle of immense proportions.
This is written in a very easy style making it an absolute pleasure to read.
The language is fairly plain meaning you are never confused about where you are or who just got their face smashed in.
The story is quite loose and isn't afraid to glaze over a big battle if things are getting stale.
I have a rough knowledge of the lore but I don't think it is really necessary, a quick google for Warhammer 40k will bring you back enough images of models to get the gist.
The violence is quite graphic and plentiful, the set piece battles are great!
What I really liked is that the bad guys are actually scary, too often the good guys are over powered.
A very enjoyable.
October 30, 2019
This is probably the best w40k book I’ve read thus far. While the action is good, what this book does better than a lot of others is in terms of character development, as well as actually paying some heed to the actual logistics of war, which grounds it and makes it so much more (for a lack of a better word) relatable.
December 26, 2022
This read goes beyond just the book. As I am a first and foremost a Black Templar player in this tabletop wargame, I love reading the lore behind this chapter and the world. That being said, I'm not sure how much others would like many of the Warhammer books if they weren't at least a little invested into the game itself.
December 1, 2020
Aaron Dembski-Bowden is one of my favourite Black Library authors. In Helsreach, like in so many of his books, Dembski-Bowden was able to create characters that are flawed enough that they remain compelling, and relatable despite the over-the-top insanity of space marines. Perhaps not his best work, but certainly worth a read for any 40k fan.
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