What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood Angels #1-2
The Blood Angels Omnibus, Volume 1
New edition of the Blood Angels Omnibus that was ISBN 9781844165599
640 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
31 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
James Swallow
305 books1,072 followersJames Swallow is a New York Times, Sunday Times and Amazon #1 bestselling author and scriptwriter, a BAFTA nominee, a former journalist and the award-winning writer of over sixty-five books, along with scripts for video games, comics, radio and television.
DARK HORIZON, his latest stand-alone thriller, is out now from Mountain Leopard Press, and OUTLAW, the 6th action-packed Marc Dane novel, is published by Bonnier.
Along with the Marc Dane thrillers, his writing includes, the Sundowners steampunk Westerns and fiction from the worlds of Star Trek, Tom Clancy, 24, Warhammer 40000, Doctor Who, Deus Ex, Stargate, 2000AD and many more.
For information on new releases & more, sign up to the Readers’ Club here: www.bit.ly/JamesSwallow
Visit James's website at http://www.jswallow.com/ for more, including ROUGH AIR, a free eBook novella in the Marc Dane series.
You can also follow James on Bluesky at @jmswallow.bsky.social, Twitter at @jmswallow, Mastodon at @jmswallow@mstdn.social and jmswallow.tumblr.com at Tumblr.
DARK HORIZON, his latest stand-alone thriller, is out now from Mountain Leopard Press, and OUTLAW, the 6th action-packed Marc Dane novel, is published by Bonnier.
Along with the Marc Dane thrillers, his writing includes, the Sundowners steampunk Westerns and fiction from the worlds of Star Trek, Tom Clancy, 24, Warhammer 40000, Doctor Who, Deus Ex, Stargate, 2000AD and many more.
For information on new releases & more, sign up to the Readers’ Club here: www.bit.ly/JamesSwallow
Visit James's website at http://www.jswallow.com/ for more, including ROUGH AIR, a free eBook novella in the Marc Dane series.
You can also follow James on Bluesky at @jmswallow.bsky.social, Twitter at @jmswallow, Mastodon at @jmswallow@mstdn.social and jmswallow.tumblr.com at Tumblr.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 8, 2021
The Blood Angels Omnibus was quite a good read. It is a collection of two novellas and a short story in-between. All the stories are linked.
The adventure starts with a Word Bearers Legion attacking a Blood Angels' Shrine World. As the two forces fight, the focus falls on two Astartes- Rafen and his brother Ariko. It is exceedingly rare that two brothers, genetic, are able to join a Legion. Their close relationship is threatened by Ariko's "transformation" into the avatar of their Primarch.
Yet, all is not as it seems to be. Inquisitor Stele of the Ordo Hereticus has other plans. WHat motivates him? A truly interesting scenario where an Inquisitor makes bargains with the Chaos powers. The first story revolves around the fight for the shrine world and the emergence of the avatar.
The short story wedged in-between, gives us a look into what Stele did to fall to Chaos (which is a rather cool way to explain things).
The third, and final, part covers the conflict between the Blood Angels that follow the avatar and the Blood Angels sent from Baal, under the command of Mephiston, the Lord of Death .
Fun story and a lot of action. It also gives a great look at the Blood Angels.
The adventure starts with a Word Bearers Legion attacking a Blood Angels' Shrine World. As the two forces fight, the focus falls on two Astartes- Rafen and his brother Ariko. It is exceedingly rare that two brothers, genetic, are able to join a Legion. Their close relationship is threatened by Ariko's "transformation" into the avatar of their Primarch.
Yet, all is not as it seems to be. Inquisitor Stele of the Ordo Hereticus has other plans. WHat motivates him? A truly interesting scenario where an Inquisitor makes bargains with the Chaos powers. The first story revolves around the fight for the shrine world and the emergence of the avatar.
The short story wedged in-between, gives us a look into what Stele did to fall to Chaos (which is a rather cool way to explain things).
The third, and final, part covers the conflict between the Blood Angels that follow the avatar and the Blood Angels sent from Baal, under the command of Mephiston, the Lord of Death .
Fun story and a lot of action. It also gives a great look at the Blood Angels.
June 1, 2014
James Swallow takes us on a ride that I wanted off well before I reached the end. Fans of 40k will notice many blood angel characters act very different than how they are described in this book. I know that the 40k canon has this huge rule about if it could happen a story can be told about it, but this reaches fan fiction levels of bending the rules.
The protagonist is Rafen, a blood angel. He's not of a high rank, he is one of a thousand. This character is invented for this book. But this insignificant guy stops a civil war involving his brother, Defeats an unbeaten illness, survives a fight with an undefeated Astorath, injects himself with the blood of his primarch, and gains recognition and respect from the chapter master Dante.
This rafen guy goes on and does all of this, while still being a simple blood angel.
It really feels like the author made this character to simply one up the entire blood angels chapter. Rafen is so loaded with plot armor he's indestructible.
Poor writing and a disregard for anything other than the protagonist made me loathe this book and this series.
The protagonist is Rafen, a blood angel. He's not of a high rank, he is one of a thousand. This character is invented for this book. But this insignificant guy stops a civil war involving his brother, Defeats an unbeaten illness, survives a fight with an undefeated Astorath, injects himself with the blood of his primarch, and gains recognition and respect from the chapter master Dante.
This rafen guy goes on and does all of this, while still being a simple blood angel.
It really feels like the author made this character to simply one up the entire blood angels chapter. Rafen is so loaded with plot armor he's indestructible.
Poor writing and a disregard for anything other than the protagonist made me loathe this book and this series.
March 19, 2009
Just a note to James Swallow, "husked" is not an appropriate attributive. Said, yes. Whispered, sure. Yelled, maybe. Husked, no. You can husk corn, but you can't husk words.
December 9, 2012
A fantastic look at the blood angels chapter if not a little overly sentimental in places (blood angels hugging, hmmm?) with a very compelling protagonist who faces genuine emotional remorse and dilemmas other than the usual "which should I kill the alien with, bolter or chainsword" dilemmas which are often the case with other characters. The universe is fantastically realised and each named character seems to have been crafted with genuine thought, to the point where you actually pity them when they realise the error if their ways. I will say no more for fear of spoiling the storyline which is surprisingly well crafted and more complex than the usual hack and slash that I have become accustomed to with space marine novels, and the short story "blood debt" between the two main books is a great shift of pace, which helps give backstory to inquisitor Stele and why there is a blood debt owed to him (it bugged me through the whole first book) whilst changing the theme to a horror story reminiscent of event horizon. It is a fantastic read for any black library/ military sci-fi fans especially those fans of the blood angels, ( I absolutely love the authors nod to the death company, who never seem to feature enough in the novels but oh well) however it isn't perfect, certain chaos characters are very cliched and the action can be a little hard to follow. It still gets five stars however for the brutal action and compelling characters and storyline, also this book was a birthday present from my wonderful girlfriend, so very deserving of it's five stars, if you haven't read it yet, do it!
October 14, 2012
The first book is the awesome beginning of a great saga. Drama, pitched battles, glory and the mighty threat of Chaos, this book has it all. The characters are great and Swallow does an excellent job in portraying them; as he does with the worlds and starships the battles take place on. All in all, a great book and a good beginning to what promises to be an excellent story arc. The breathless battles are a nice change of pace from the Horus Heresy books I have been reading lately: this book packs a lot of action into a relatively small number of pages.
The short story sandwiched between the two books is nothing short of amazing. A whole book's worth of experiences that tell the tale of Inquisitor Stele's fall to Chaos. In this short story, Swallow really excels at his craft. Amazing work and extremely riveting.
The second book is a nice conclusion to the story arc of Rafen and Arkio. Things get a bit repetitive in places but all in all this is a worthy follow-up to the first book. It ends with a sufficiently satisfying battle that has everything from wanton slaughter at huge scale to the appearance of a Greater Daemon. And it is finally revealed how Stele managed to engineer Arkio's transformation. One thing that annoyed me was that Swallow kept referring to Arkio's Blood Angels as "loyalists" which is bloody confusing, especially if you have been reading the Horus Heresy novels.
In conclusion, I can thoroughly recommend this omnibus. A must read for every Blood Angels fan, it is still a very satisfying investment of time and money for any other fan of the 40K universe.
The short story sandwiched between the two books is nothing short of amazing. A whole book's worth of experiences that tell the tale of Inquisitor Stele's fall to Chaos. In this short story, Swallow really excels at his craft. Amazing work and extremely riveting.
The second book is a nice conclusion to the story arc of Rafen and Arkio. Things get a bit repetitive in places but all in all this is a worthy follow-up to the first book. It ends with a sufficiently satisfying battle that has everything from wanton slaughter at huge scale to the appearance of a Greater Daemon. And it is finally revealed how Stele managed to engineer Arkio's transformation. One thing that annoyed me was that Swallow kept referring to Arkio's Blood Angels as "loyalists" which is bloody confusing, especially if you have been reading the Horus Heresy novels.
In conclusion, I can thoroughly recommend this omnibus. A must read for every Blood Angels fan, it is still a very satisfying investment of time and money for any other fan of the 40K universe.
April 11, 2023
"Кровавые ангелы" - это первый шаг Джеймса Сваллоу в мире Вархаммера. И это весьма интересно, учитывая множество написанных романов и рассказов, которые вышли после "Кровавых ангелов". Для самого автора это был ответственный роман, который был согласован с Black Library. О Кровавых ангелах на тот момент было мало написано книг, а орден ведь интересный.
Основной сюжет крутится вокруг двух братьев, членов ордена, один из которых неожиданно для всех становится двойником самого Сангвиния. Почему-то все окружение готово падать ниц перед новым героем. Все, кроме его брата, который не верит в чудеса и подозревает, что где-то поблизости окопалась ересь.
В книге собраны три романа цикла (книга 1 намекает, что есть продолжение, но по факту его нету=) по крайней мере на русском языке), которые на самом деле образуют одну историю. И это просто самая классическая история из мира Вархаммера. Как обычно, злые силы хаоса с помощью легендарного волшебного артефакта пытаются сделать недоброе дело. В данном случае этим делом становится предание ереси целого ордена! Довольно жирный кусок пирога, если честно.
Брат пошел против брата с мечом (посмотрите, это Бог! - да какой это Бог, валенок?), чем же это может закончиться? Да совершенно обычной героической развязкой.
Не понравилось - Несущие слово просто статисты, которые выступают в роли тупого пушечного мяса. Кровавые ангелы похожи на самых белых и пушистых доверчивых кроликов, готовых идти за новой иконой на край света.
Вряд ли можно прийти от чего в восторг, при чтении этой книги. Вот прям совершенно обычная Ваха на 7 баллов. Герои молодцы, предатели-хаоситы подонки и мрут. как мухи. Кровавой жатвы очень мало :( Читать можно, но не обязательно. 7/10
Основной сюжет крутится вокруг двух братьев, членов ордена, один из которых неожиданно для всех становится двойником самого Сангвиния. Почему-то все окружение готово падать ниц перед новым героем. Все, кроме его брата, который не верит в чудеса и подозревает, что где-то поблизости окопалась ересь.
В книге собраны три романа цикла (книга 1 намекает, что есть продолжение, но по факту его нету=) по крайней мере на русском языке), которые на самом деле образуют одну историю. И это просто самая классическая история из мира Вархаммера. Как обычно, злые силы хаоса с помощью легендарного волшебного артефакта пытаются сделать недоброе дело. В данном случае этим делом становится предание ереси целого ордена! Довольно жирный кусок пирога, если честно.
Брат пошел против брата с мечом (посмотрите, это Бог! - да какой это Бог, валенок?), чем же это может закончиться? Да совершенно обычной героической развязкой.
Не понравилось - Несущие слово просто статисты, которые выступают в роли тупого пушечного мяса. Кровавые ангелы похожи на самых белых и пушистых доверчивых кроликов, готовых идти за новой иконой на край света.
Вряд ли можно прийти от чего в восторг, при чтении этой книги. Вот прям совершенно обычная Ваха на 7 баллов. Герои молодцы, предатели-хаоситы подонки и мрут. как мухи. Кровавой жатвы очень мало :( Читать можно, но не обязательно. 7/10
July 26, 2014
Bookworm Speaks!
The Blood Angels Omnibus
by James Swallow
****
Similar to anthologies, omnibus’ can be hard to review accurately, at least in a concise manner, due to the fact that they are made up of several stories that can vary in quality both in writing and the fact that are different stories.
Thankfully, in the case of the Omnibus of the Blood Angels, there are only two novels plus and short story contained within and all form a consistent story and plot.
The Story
The Blood Angels Omnibus contains two novels. Deus Encarmine and Deus Sanguinius and the short story Blood Debt. The Blood Angels are a First Founding Chapter of the Space Marines descended from the Primarch Sanquinius. Rafen and his brother Arkio are both loyal Battle Brothers. Rafen and Arkio are biological brothers thus care for each other deeply. Yet in the midst of fulfilling a Blood Oath to the Inquisitor Stele against the Traitor Legion of the World Bearers, Arkio comes into possession of ancient weapon and becomes convinced that he is the reincarnation of the Primarch Sanquinius. All other Blood Angels fall under his sway save for Rafen and he knows that he will have to confront his brother in order to save his Chapter.
The Good:
Where this book shines is in its main character: Rafen. Rafen is at war with his own loyalties, to his brother and his battle brothers. He does not want to to raise his hand against either of them but he knows in his heart he must but he has to be careful, lest they kill him for his heresy. The lone wolf in exile story is a very compelling one. The only loyal one left being pursued by former allies. Rafen’s pain in this situation just oozes of the page, he swore an oath to his brother and to his chapter but what happens when both become the enemy. The emotional torment he experiences (particularly one scene in the second book) is extremely well written.
Any story in Warhammer 40k that stresses the humanity of the Space Marines is always personal favorite. The Space Marines are so powerful compared to ordinary humans that it is easy for both the citizens of the Imperium and the Adeptus Astartes themselves to think of them as all-powerful demigods. But they are not gods. At their cores, beneath the training and genetic engineering they are still men, so infinite in their faculties.
That is the strength of this novel. It shows that even Space Marines can fall to the sins of pride and greed and can so cleverly disguise them as faith, something that has happened all too often throughout history. The fact that Rafen and Arkio are real brothers further advances the dramatic tension of the novel and creates a unique tragic side. Space Marines are supposed to forget about their old lives and families on becoming Space Marines, but Rafen and Arkio are truly family and thus the inner conflict Rafen experiences has a level of authenticity not often seen in Warhammer fiction.
The Flaws:
At times Rafen can come as a bit too noble considering, but this is quickly overshadowed by moments later in the novel. Perhaps is that the reader knows he will survive and confront his brother making the plot predictable. The torment Rafen experiences in dramatic enough that the reader can feel his anguish and fear, and thus while stoic, Rafen and his journey are not one dimensional. The fact that he was the only one not to fall under Arkio’s sway may raise some eyebrows, making him too much of an ideal protagonists. Maybe there should have been a small enclave of true believers including Rafen. One the other hand that could have distracted the reader from the main story which really is Rafen’s.
Warhammer 40k has existed for many years, nearly three decades. Many people have written stories and lores within it and it encompasses many forms of media. As a result there is an inevitable lack of consistency among the lore. One of these inconsistencies is found in this book. While it was true that they were manipulated, the Blood Angels are said to be among the greatest of the Space Marines and they fall under Arkio’s control perhaps a little too easily to be believable.
Finally: This happens often in Warhammer 40k, is that the antagonists, such as the World Bearers are very one dimesional. They are just pure evil and madness plain and simple. It could be said that is the whole point of Chaos, all consuming madness, but it can make its servants very boring.
Final Verdict:
Blood Angels is a story of loyalty, faith, deception, and brotherhood. A worthy edition to anyone’s personal Black Library.
Five out of Five Stars.
The Blood Angels Omnibus
by James Swallow
****
Similar to anthologies, omnibus’ can be hard to review accurately, at least in a concise manner, due to the fact that they are made up of several stories that can vary in quality both in writing and the fact that are different stories.
Thankfully, in the case of the Omnibus of the Blood Angels, there are only two novels plus and short story contained within and all form a consistent story and plot.
The Story
The Blood Angels Omnibus contains two novels. Deus Encarmine and Deus Sanguinius and the short story Blood Debt. The Blood Angels are a First Founding Chapter of the Space Marines descended from the Primarch Sanquinius. Rafen and his brother Arkio are both loyal Battle Brothers. Rafen and Arkio are biological brothers thus care for each other deeply. Yet in the midst of fulfilling a Blood Oath to the Inquisitor Stele against the Traitor Legion of the World Bearers, Arkio comes into possession of ancient weapon and becomes convinced that he is the reincarnation of the Primarch Sanquinius. All other Blood Angels fall under his sway save for Rafen and he knows that he will have to confront his brother in order to save his Chapter.
The Good:
Where this book shines is in its main character: Rafen. Rafen is at war with his own loyalties, to his brother and his battle brothers. He does not want to to raise his hand against either of them but he knows in his heart he must but he has to be careful, lest they kill him for his heresy. The lone wolf in exile story is a very compelling one. The only loyal one left being pursued by former allies. Rafen’s pain in this situation just oozes of the page, he swore an oath to his brother and to his chapter but what happens when both become the enemy. The emotional torment he experiences (particularly one scene in the second book) is extremely well written.
Any story in Warhammer 40k that stresses the humanity of the Space Marines is always personal favorite. The Space Marines are so powerful compared to ordinary humans that it is easy for both the citizens of the Imperium and the Adeptus Astartes themselves to think of them as all-powerful demigods. But they are not gods. At their cores, beneath the training and genetic engineering they are still men, so infinite in their faculties.
That is the strength of this novel. It shows that even Space Marines can fall to the sins of pride and greed and can so cleverly disguise them as faith, something that has happened all too often throughout history. The fact that Rafen and Arkio are real brothers further advances the dramatic tension of the novel and creates a unique tragic side. Space Marines are supposed to forget about their old lives and families on becoming Space Marines, but Rafen and Arkio are truly family and thus the inner conflict Rafen experiences has a level of authenticity not often seen in Warhammer fiction.
The Flaws:
At times Rafen can come as a bit too noble considering, but this is quickly overshadowed by moments later in the novel. Perhaps is that the reader knows he will survive and confront his brother making the plot predictable. The torment Rafen experiences in dramatic enough that the reader can feel his anguish and fear, and thus while stoic, Rafen and his journey are not one dimensional. The fact that he was the only one not to fall under Arkio’s sway may raise some eyebrows, making him too much of an ideal protagonists. Maybe there should have been a small enclave of true believers including Rafen. One the other hand that could have distracted the reader from the main story which really is Rafen’s.
Warhammer 40k has existed for many years, nearly three decades. Many people have written stories and lores within it and it encompasses many forms of media. As a result there is an inevitable lack of consistency among the lore. One of these inconsistencies is found in this book. While it was true that they were manipulated, the Blood Angels are said to be among the greatest of the Space Marines and they fall under Arkio’s control perhaps a little too easily to be believable.
Finally: This happens often in Warhammer 40k, is that the antagonists, such as the World Bearers are very one dimesional. They are just pure evil and madness plain and simple. It could be said that is the whole point of Chaos, all consuming madness, but it can make its servants very boring.
Final Verdict:
Blood Angels is a story of loyalty, faith, deception, and brotherhood. A worthy edition to anyone’s personal Black Library.
Five out of Five Stars.
March 19, 2015
These are a duology, not two novels, better in an omnibus than standalone, despite still having a somewhat awkward and unsatisfactory ending for Deus Encarmine and some awkward infodumping in Deus Sanguinius for people who hadn't picked up the first.
It opens with Brother Rafen and his squad, under his mentor Brother-Sergeant Koris, coming into contact with the Chaos-tainted Space Marines Word Bearers. The use of sorcery is driving them back when an force of new Blood Angels -- including Rafen's brother by blood, Arkio -- turn the tide. Then even more vicious sorcery brings them to their knees, and only Arkio's bold plan saves them. As a reward, he is allowed to present the Spear of Telesto, an ancient artifact that the Blood Angels have just recovered, in the chapel, and holding it has him take on the aspect of their primarch Sanguinius.
The Inquisitor Stele, instrumental in the recovery, shows that he is Up To Something.
This was Swallow's first book, and I think it shows since he doesn't plumb the dramatic irony of seeing what Rafen has to stumble through. (The writing's also frequently clumsy.) On the other hand, as the Blood Angels are drawn into believing Arkio the Reborn Angel, and Rafen struggling with whether it's true or whether he's just envying his younger brother. Sorcery, treachery, battle, and drama in abundance. I also particularly like the way it handles chances and coincidences and making them make sense, and a convincing and literal vision.
It opens with Brother Rafen and his squad, under his mentor Brother-Sergeant Koris, coming into contact with the Chaos-tainted Space Marines Word Bearers. The use of sorcery is driving them back when an force of new Blood Angels -- including Rafen's brother by blood, Arkio -- turn the tide. Then even more vicious sorcery brings them to their knees, and only Arkio's bold plan saves them. As a reward, he is allowed to present the Spear of Telesto, an ancient artifact that the Blood Angels have just recovered, in the chapel, and holding it has him take on the aspect of their primarch Sanguinius.
The Inquisitor Stele, instrumental in the recovery, shows that he is Up To Something.
This was Swallow's first book, and I think it shows since he doesn't plumb the dramatic irony of seeing what Rafen has to stumble through. (The writing's also frequently clumsy.) On the other hand, as the Blood Angels are drawn into believing Arkio the Reborn Angel, and Rafen struggling with whether it's true or whether he's just envying his younger brother. Sorcery, treachery, battle, and drama in abundance. I also particularly like the way it handles chances and coincidences and making them make sense, and a convincing and literal vision.
February 13, 2016
I had high hopes for this one, given that I enjoyed Swallow's books in the Horus Heresy series, but I struggled getting through this omnibus. There are a few interesting things here, including the pull toward being consumed by rage for the Blood Angel characters, and the battle scenes are vivid and well-executed. But there's just nothing that really stands out and makes these stories memorable among the slew of Black Library/Warhammer 40k novels. If you're a big fan of Warhammer 40k or the Blood Angels specifically, this might be one to pick up to complete your collection. If not, there are far better novels in the same universe to spend your time (and money) on.
September 17, 2008
I great book with lots of gore true to the warhammer tradition. I got this book because i have a blood angles army actually and decided it wold be fun to reda about them. I was rewarded with a fantastic reading experience, it is different from the imperial gaurd books but just as good.
July 23, 2012
If books were food, this little gem would be a great big Snickers bar. You can't eat fillet mignon and sushi every day. Sometimes mass quantaties of space marines killing the shit out of everything hits the spot.
November 10, 2018
By the Blood of Sanguinius!!!!
Αρχικά να ομολογήσω ότι μέχρι και πριν κάποια χρόνια (πλέον δεκαετία) δεν είχα την παραμικρή ιδέα για το Warhammer εκτός του ότι είναι ένα ακριβό χόμπι τύπου με καλοφτιαγμένες μινιατούρες και απίστευτες εικόνες στα εξώφυλλα. Μετά από προτροπή ενός φίλου ξεκίνησα να διαβάζω τις μεσαιωνικές νουβέλες (υπάρχει ο fantasy κόσμος και ο sci-fi κόσμος) οι οποίες με κάλυψαν σε πολλά σημεία. Δεν παίζω warhammer (οι επενδύσεις των περισσευμάτων μου γίνονται σε βινύλια και cd) αλλά οι νουβέλες είναι άκρως διασκεδαστικές.
Έτσι ερχόμαστε στο omnibus των Blood Angels (για όσους δεν γνωρίζουν οι B.A. ανοίκουν στους Space Marines δηλαδή είναι γενετικά τροποποιημένοι στρατιώτες που πολεμούν για τον αυτοκράτορα της ανθρωπότητας ενάντια στους θέους τους χάους, δηλαδή είναι δικά μας παιδιά) που περιλαμβάνει δύο βιβλία και μια μικρή ιστορία. Δεν χρειάζεται να επεκταθώ πολύ γιατί η λεζάντα στο εξώφυλλο τα λεεί όλα: warn-torn tales of loyalty and honour. Συνεπώς ο αναγνώστης (ακόμα και ο άσχετος με το warhammer) δεν θα βρει κάτι διαφορετικό: αιματοβαμμένες σελίδες με πολεμιστές ρομπότ που καταβυθίζονται μέσα σε ένα τσουνάμι αίματος, βίας, συναισθημάτων και γλαφυρότητας. Και εδώ θα ήθελα να σταθώ λίγο: αντιλαμβάνομαι ότι το gaming fiction δεν είναι παρά ένα συνοδευτικό προϊόν για την προώθηση των παιχνιδιών αλλά σε όσα βιβλία WH έχω διαβάσει παρατηρώ ότι αντιλαμβάνονται και σέβονται τους νόμους του pulp πολύ περισσότερο από επαγγελματίες του είδους: όχι δεν θα βρείτε σελίδες με αμπελοφιλοσοφίες δευτέρας διαλογής η ψευτοπροβληματισμούς προκειμένου να ψαρώσει ο αναγνώστης. Αντίθετα κυριαρχεί η ιδέα του stick to the basics: απλό σενάριο, γλαφυρές περιγραφές (υπάρχει πλούσιο λεξιλόγιο, επίθετα, κεφράσεις, παρομοιώσεις κ.α.) μαχών και υποτιπώδης ανάπτυξη χαρακτήρων οι οποίοι απλά απεικονίζουν τα στερεότυπα του είδους. Συνεπώς όσοι ξέρουν τι παίζει θα διαβάσουν αυτό που θέλουν αλλά όσοι δεν ξέρουν θα ανακαλύψουν ένα πολύ διασκεδαστικό βιβλίο με φτηνές συγκινήσεις και ένα κατατοπιστικό παράρτημα στο τέλος του βιβλίο για όσες ορολογίες αγνοούν.
Συνεπώς βρείτε ένα λεξικό στο κινητό (θα χρειαστεί) και επενδύστε σχεδόν άφοβα.
Αρχικά να ομολογήσω ότι μέχρι και πριν κάποια χρόνια (πλέον δεκαετία) δεν είχα την παραμικρή ιδέα για το Warhammer εκτός του ότι είναι ένα ακριβό χόμπι τύπου με καλοφτιαγμένες μινιατούρες και απίστευτες εικόνες στα εξώφυλλα. Μετά από προτροπή ενός φίλου ξεκίνησα να διαβάζω τις μεσαιωνικές νουβέλες (υπάρχει ο fantasy κόσμος και ο sci-fi κόσμος) οι οποίες με κάλυψαν σε πολλά σημεία. Δεν παίζω warhammer (οι επενδύσεις των περισσευμάτων μου γίνονται σε βινύλια και cd) αλλά οι νουβέλες είναι άκρως διασκεδαστικές.
Έτσι ερχόμαστε στο omnibus των Blood Angels (για όσους δεν γνωρίζουν οι B.A. ανοίκουν στους Space Marines δηλαδή είναι γενετικά τροποποιημένοι στρατιώτες που πολεμούν για τον αυτοκράτορα της ανθρωπότητας ενάντια στους θέους τους χάους, δηλαδή είναι δικά μας παιδιά) που περιλαμβάνει δύο βιβλία και μια μικρή ιστορία. Δεν χρειάζεται να επεκταθώ πολύ γιατί η λεζάντα στο εξώφυλλο τα λεεί όλα: warn-torn tales of loyalty and honour. Συνεπώς ο αναγνώστης (ακόμα και ο άσχετος με το warhammer) δεν θα βρει κάτι διαφορετικό: αιματοβαμμένες σελίδες με πολεμιστές ρομπότ που καταβυθίζονται μέσα σε ένα τσουνάμι αίματος, βίας, συναισθημάτων και γλαφυρότητας. Και εδώ θα ήθελα να σταθώ λίγο: αντιλαμβάνομαι ότι το gaming fiction δεν είναι παρά ένα συνοδευτικό προϊόν για την προώθηση των παιχνιδιών αλλά σε όσα βιβλία WH έχω διαβάσει παρατηρώ ότι αντιλαμβάνονται και σέβονται τους νόμους του pulp πολύ περισσότερο από επαγγελματίες του είδους: όχι δεν θα βρείτε σελίδες με αμπελοφιλοσοφίες δευτέρας διαλογής η ψευτοπροβληματισμούς προκειμένου να ψαρώσει ο αναγνώστης. Αντίθετα κυριαρχεί η ιδέα του stick to the basics: απλό σενάριο, γλαφυρές περιγραφές (υπάρχει πλούσιο λεξιλόγιο, επίθετα, κεφράσεις, παρομοιώσεις κ.α.) μαχών και υποτιπώδης ανάπτυξη χαρακτήρων οι οποίοι απλά απεικονίζουν τα στερεότυπα του είδους. Συνεπώς όσοι ξέρουν τι παίζει θα διαβάσουν αυτό που θέλουν αλλά όσοι δεν ξέρουν θα ανακαλύψουν ένα πολύ διασκεδαστικό βιβλίο με φτηνές συγκινήσεις και ένα κατατοπιστικό παράρτημα στο τέλος του βιβλίο για όσες ορολογίες αγνοούν.
Συνεπώς βρείτε ένα λεξικό στο κινητό (θα χρειαστεί) και επενδύστε σχεδόν άφοβα.
August 22, 2018
Good collection of first 2 books in the series with a depth adding short story. Really enjoyed the index/glossary at the end that provides definitions of items and info on Characters.
May 26, 2020
James Swallow never disappoints :D
Read
July 25, 2022Very good plot, a bit boring at first, but during the battles, you can really feel what the characters are feeling.
April 29, 2024
Reread of Angel’s Blood - Guild Hunter # 1 - Nalini Singh
September 10, 2025
Holy shit
October 24, 2015
Oh man, I really enjoy Warhammer 40k. This story (pair of them, really) is no different. It's a literal tome of violence and constant gore. I'm not talking some bloody fights... I'm talking 'sanguine swamps' and 'lakes of blood' and 'blood fountaining from injuries.' It never stops, and for some reason, it feels natural. It doesn't feel gratuitous in any manner. This feels like complete and utter war taken to the extreme of the 40th millennium.
If you push passed the well-crafted violence and battles, you have a story at its core that is enough to keep pages flipping. Despite being the standard trope of 'two brothers who haven't seen each other find one another through fate/luck and wind up on different sides of something,' the story is fun. The pace to which the plot unfurls is perfect. The development of Rafen and Arkio on their separate and polar-opposite paths is done in a splendid, natural manner that comes to a fantastic head near the end of the book.
The other thing I enjoy about Warhammer books is that they just throw you into the world. There's no coddling or guides. They just dump you into the 40th millennium and drown you in the jargon and terms as if you are a pro at it (trust me -- you're probably not unless you have a lot of experience). There's a little collection of terms at the end of the book that helps, but some of the character entries do have spoilers (so I avoided it).
This is a very fun and immersive read for fans of science fiction. Just make sure you can stomach violence... otherwise this is probably not for you.
If you push passed the well-crafted violence and battles, you have a story at its core that is enough to keep pages flipping. Despite being the standard trope of 'two brothers who haven't seen each other find one another through fate/luck and wind up on different sides of something,' the story is fun. The pace to which the plot unfurls is perfect. The development of Rafen and Arkio on their separate and polar-opposite paths is done in a splendid, natural manner that comes to a fantastic head near the end of the book.
The other thing I enjoy about Warhammer books is that they just throw you into the world. There's no coddling or guides. They just dump you into the 40th millennium and drown you in the jargon and terms as if you are a pro at it (trust me -- you're probably not unless you have a lot of experience). There's a little collection of terms at the end of the book that helps, but some of the character entries do have spoilers (so I avoided it).
This is a very fun and immersive read for fans of science fiction. Just make sure you can stomach violence... otherwise this is probably not for you.
March 20, 2016
This was an amazing novel. James Swallow has captured perfectly a few things that I feel other authors sometimes fail with.
1. Making the protagonists genuinely seem that they are going to lose. This novel had surprisingly little "plot armour" and I think it was all the better for it.
2. A lot of the Black Library releases I have read are rather anti-climactic. The entire book is so fast paced and intense that the ending ends up feelings rushed. I did not feel that at all with this book, the climax of the novel was a small series of climaxes leading to a VERY satisfying ending.
I am eager to start the second omnibus, and I think everyone that likes the 40K or specifically the Blood Angels should read it.
The only thing I didn't like about it was that I felt Warmaster Garand of the Word Bearers was not focused on enough, or near EVIL enough, though that may just be my love of chaos coming in!
Also, the Angeles Appendix I believe it is called in the back of the book was really awesome to read. The fact that it gave tiny snippets of what happened to some characters after the book ended was very rewarding.
1. Making the protagonists genuinely seem that they are going to lose. This novel had surprisingly little "plot armour" and I think it was all the better for it.
2. A lot of the Black Library releases I have read are rather anti-climactic. The entire book is so fast paced and intense that the ending ends up feelings rushed. I did not feel that at all with this book, the climax of the novel was a small series of climaxes leading to a VERY satisfying ending.
I am eager to start the second omnibus, and I think everyone that likes the 40K or specifically the Blood Angels should read it.
The only thing I didn't like about it was that I felt Warmaster Garand of the Word Bearers was not focused on enough, or near EVIL enough, though that may just be my love of chaos coming in!
Also, the Angeles Appendix I believe it is called in the back of the book was really awesome to read. The fact that it gave tiny snippets of what happened to some characters after the book ended was very rewarding.
July 19, 2012
I borrowed this book from a friend of mine who collect Warhammer40k books with much zeal. I myself am i fan of the universe of Warhammer40k and was kind of looking forward to this book. The Blood Angels are a special breed of Astartes in which they have a bane, the black rage. Warriors who have fallen to the black rage will find themselves reliving as their primarch and lose control of themselves. These warriors would then be placed into a special group lead by a chaplain to strike deep into enemy lines, unleashing their uncontrollable bloodlust upon the enemy. This book was interesting in the case where we explore how each Blood Angel space marine struggle with their bloodlust and helplessly watch as their fellow brothers fall to the black rage. Main story wise it was just like a spacemarine book. Rather straightforward and packed with gore and action. I experienced the same problem of being bored by the details of gore and action after reading through them several times over the whole book.
October 2, 2014
This omnibus collects two novels and a short story. Normally I'd review the novels separately, but they're basically two halves of the same tale, and if I had read the first novel by itself, I probably would have been pissed at the cliffhanger ending. (I also don't know that I have much to say without giving away the first book's story.)
Collected as a omnibus, the two novels work great; I have yet to read a bad James Swallow book, and the streak holds here. Swallow's villains are always more interesting than his heroes, and this omnibus stars a particularly loathsome piece of filth pitted against our (somewhat forgettable) heroes. I don't want to say much more except that this falls into solid good-not-great territory; it's a easy recommend for W40k fans, but if you're not familiar with the setting, I'd recommend Swallow's excellent Fear to Tread first, which covers the same chapter of Space Marines and serves as a very nice introduction.
Collected as a omnibus, the two novels work great; I have yet to read a bad James Swallow book, and the streak holds here. Swallow's villains are always more interesting than his heroes, and this omnibus stars a particularly loathsome piece of filth pitted against our (somewhat forgettable) heroes. I don't want to say much more except that this falls into solid good-not-great territory; it's a easy recommend for W40k fans, but if you're not familiar with the setting, I'd recommend Swallow's excellent Fear to Tread first, which covers the same chapter of Space Marines and serves as a very nice introduction.
January 14, 2011
Blood Angels, one of the first founding Space Marines outfits, are a very strange breed of Space Marines. Suffering from uncontrollable rage attacks (sort of a gene imposed disease of sorts) that they constantly fight to keep under control (although it eventually destroys them) they are what you may call the Vampires - both in appearance and in extremely violent and blood-thirsty behavior.
But nevertheless when one considers that this storyline takes place in war-torn apocalyptic post-Heresy period I find it refreshing to have all Space Marines portrayed as human beings with their doubts and fears.
Story is based around the plot of Chaos led Space Marines to corrupt the Blood Angels (and eventually all chapters that were created on the basis of the original Sanguinus' Legion) and bring them to the "dark-side" so to speak.
Interesting collection.
Recommended.
But nevertheless when one considers that this storyline takes place in war-torn apocalyptic post-Heresy period I find it refreshing to have all Space Marines portrayed as human beings with their doubts and fears.
Story is based around the plot of Chaos led Space Marines to corrupt the Blood Angels (and eventually all chapters that were created on the basis of the original Sanguinus' Legion) and bring them to the "dark-side" so to speak.
Interesting collection.
Recommended.
October 18, 2010
This book was great! This is my first book by James Swallow. I loved how there is absolutely non-stop action. The beginning of the two stories is on the planet Cybelle. This is a Blood Angel occupied planet and the Chaos Space Marines (Word Bearers) have invaded. The two Blood Angels are Rafen and Arkio. One of these two is supposed to be a direct relation to Sanguinius. (That is the Blood Angel primarch). The second story is actually about how the brothers are set apart, and they end up fighting against eachother. It turns out that Arkio is the spirtual son.
November 14, 2011
This was my dive into the 40k universe -other than the PC games- and I really enjoyed the book. So much so that I have already pre-ordered the next Blood Angels Omnibus.
This book is not for anyone expecting Ray Bradbury level SciFi. It is pure entertainment and I highly recommend it if you have a long road/flight trip ahead of you. Just dive in and disappear for awhile.
The characters, settings and back stories are very interesting. I also found myself rooting not only for the heros but also for the antagonists.
This book is not for anyone expecting Ray Bradbury level SciFi. It is pure entertainment and I highly recommend it if you have a long road/flight trip ahead of you. Just dive in and disappear for awhile.
The characters, settings and back stories are very interesting. I also found myself rooting not only for the heros but also for the antagonists.
August 15, 2012
I found this book to be highly enjoyable with plenty of action and intrigue. It was definitely on par with his best (and probably most well known) novel The Flight of the Eisenstein. What I liked the most was how he goes about describing the nature of Chaos and also how Psykers use their powers.
I'm not sure if the book is suitable for non-fans of the universe. However, I would recommend it as the first port of call for anyone looking for their first 40k novel to read as it is one of the best examples of this genre.
I'm not sure if the book is suitable for non-fans of the universe. However, I would recommend it as the first port of call for anyone looking for their first 40k novel to read as it is one of the best examples of this genre.
June 5, 2024
I think it was a good book for those with knowledge of Warhamer 41k I used to have a small force of Blood Angels which I used once only and won so I went to epic and had a large army of squats (space dwarfs).
I thought the book was excellent for people with that kind of knowledge which is not required to be that in depth so how ever much knowledge you have of the Warhamer 41k universe some would help.
I would recommend this book to anyone used to GW and their universe. The book depends on a knowing of that. I think it was really good though I haven't played for about 30-40 years.
I thought the book was excellent for people with that kind of knowledge which is not required to be that in depth so how ever much knowledge you have of the Warhamer 41k universe some would help.
I would recommend this book to anyone used to GW and their universe. The book depends on a knowing of that. I think it was really good though I haven't played for about 30-40 years.
October 1, 2015
This is the book i would recommend reading for people wanting to get into the Warhammer 40k lore, however some of the language would make it not the best book for someone that is absolutely blank on W40k, but its definitely one of the best.
I just love the language James Swallow used in the fights scenes, it made the fights far more alive compared to many other fight scenes that i have read, more... emotional.
I just love the language James Swallow used in the fights scenes, it made the fights far more alive compared to many other fight scenes that i have read, more... emotional.
December 10, 2013
slow starting but that is every book for me. thoroughly enjoyed this and really loved Mephiston. have not instantly felt such a strong appreciation for a character in a long time nor laughed at such dark honesty and truth in a long time. AND he was a supporting player in this two part epic!
the Warhammer 40k may not be for everyone but it should be.
the Warhammer 40k may not be for everyone but it should be.
December 15, 2012
This was my intro to Warhammer and ever since I been reading them they are a perfect blend of syfy and some how old fans try midevil even in the 40k series they surprise me every time Rafen made me crave to be a in the Blood Angel world.
April 24, 2013
the blood angels omnibus is a set of two books filled with nonstop action is a scientific setting filled with advanced tech for science fiction buffs this book is a must i rec amend it with five starts
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews