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Carcharodons #2
Carcharadons: Outer Dark
With tyranid hive fleets approaching, the Carcharodons make a stand on the world of Piety V. If they can stop the xenos here, they will be able to end the menace before it begins.
The Carcharodons’ remit is an unenviable one - this Chapter of Space Marines plies the dark areas of space, endlessly hunting down the enemies of mankind. Living on the edge, with no fixed base of operations, they are creatures shaped by their environment, renowned for their ruthlessness and their brutality. With a fresh wave of tyranid hive fleets approaching the galactic plane, the Carcharodons decide to use the world of Piety V as a bulwark. If they can stop the xenos here, they will be able to end the menace before it begins. But as they mobilise the planet’s defenders and fight the tyranids, the Carcharodons come to learn what the value of mankind truly is.
The Carcharodons’ remit is an unenviable one - this Chapter of Space Marines plies the dark areas of space, endlessly hunting down the enemies of mankind. Living on the edge, with no fixed base of operations, they are creatures shaped by their environment, renowned for their ruthlessness and their brutality. With a fresh wave of tyranid hive fleets approaching the galactic plane, the Carcharodons decide to use the world of Piety V as a bulwark. If they can stop the xenos here, they will be able to end the menace before it begins. But as they mobilise the planet’s defenders and fight the tyranids, the Carcharodons come to learn what the value of mankind truly is.
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2018
122 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Robbie MacNiven
124 books117 followersRobbie MacNiven is a Scottish author and historian. His published fiction includes over a dozen novels, many fantasy or sci-fi works for IPs such as Warhammer 40,000 and Marvel's X-Men. He has also written two novellas, numerous short stories and audio dramas, has worked on narrative and character dialogue for multiple digital games (SMITE: Blitz and Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground), has written the colour text for multiple RPG rulebooks and has penned the scripts for two graphic novels and three comics, for Osprey Publishing and Commando Comics respectively. In 2022 his X-Men novel "First Team" won a Scribe Award.
On the non-fiction front, Robbie specialises in Early Modern military history, particularly focussing on the 18th century. He has a PhD in American Revolutionary War massacres from the University of Edinburgh - where he won the Compton Prize for American History - and an MLitt in War Studies from the University of Glasgow. Along with numerous articles for military history magazines he has written six books on different aspects of the American Revolutionary War, five for Osprey Publishing and one for Helion Books. He has also written the scripts for ten episodes of the hit YouTube educational channel Extra Credits.
Outside of work and writing, his passions include re-enacting, gaming, and football.
On the non-fiction front, Robbie specialises in Early Modern military history, particularly focussing on the 18th century. He has a PhD in American Revolutionary War massacres from the University of Edinburgh - where he won the Compton Prize for American History - and an MLitt in War Studies from the University of Glasgow. Along with numerous articles for military history magazines he has written six books on different aspects of the American Revolutionary War, five for Osprey Publishing and one for Helion Books. He has also written the scripts for ten episodes of the hit YouTube educational channel Extra Credits.
Outside of work and writing, his passions include re-enacting, gaming, and football.
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April 7, 2018
With one book having now established the chapter within the Black Library, the Carcharodons return for a second. This time the conflict is one of a very different nature, however, and the story takes a very different turn.
Synopsis
Set ten years after the conflict with the Night Lords, the Carcharodons find themselves waging a losing war against the Tyranid Hive Fleets. With more tendrils emerging with every passing year, the chapter is slowly being whittled away by attrition, and must find ways to conserve then rebuild its strength.
Sharr's company is dispatched on two missions. The first to gather the flesh and steel needed to continue their war against xenos incursions. The second is to confront a psychic beacon on a shrine world drawing in the Tyranid ships, as the rest of the chapter attempts to delay the fleet's advance. Yet other things await them on that world, and the scars left by old battles still haunt more than one loyal follower of the Emperor. Ones which run deeper than any might have imagined...
The Good
Something which should be made clear when reading this review is this - There are large sections it will need to omit. This goes beyond simple late-story spoilers, as there is a massive bomb-shell dropped very early on into the tale people will want to be surprised at. The review will briefly address this later on in as vague a fashion as possible, but it does mean that some of its best parts cannot be directly analysed. Please keep this in mind when reading the following points.
The most immediate strength of Outer Dark is that the story seems to consciously tackle and deal with the greatest flaws of the past book. Many of the key failings cited in The Red Tithe are absent here, and others have been dramatically improved on. The most obvious among these is the total absence of the rock-paper-scissors engagements cited in the previous review. Furthermore, the threats posed in the novel are - barring one exception - purely xenos in nature, which is a welcome change from the sheer volume of Imperial vs. Chaos stories.
The book also takes a noted risk in terms of how it handles character developments. In a massive breach of the "show don't tell" rule, the story has jumped ahead ten years from the last novel. As such, it opts to cite moments such as how Sharr has matured as a leader since that time. Normally this would be an instant mark of failure, but MacNiven makes it work. The first half of the book focuses more on lore building and quieter scenes than the usual bolter porn. As such, the story mentions this fact, but then proves it with a number of major scenes. It certainly helps that, despite this change, the characters are still clearly the same people and visibly retain the same quirks.
There is also a much more memorable and engaging ensemble of human characters this time around (including one familiar face) in the form of an Inquisitorial warband. Due to the book's broader focus across the wider galaxy, this group is put to good use in performing some of the storytelling's heavy lifting. They serve to better show how the Inquisition views the chapter, establish a world within the story before the chapter arrives, and furthers one character's arc. It's a definite upgrade from the prison wardens of The Red Tithe, and while many of them have only a limited presence they still do enough for you to keep track of their names.
The character-building of the work goes hand-in-hand with many segments which build on the nature of the chapter. While the previous book established many key factors from their tactics to teasing the reader over their origin, this one is more interested in their history and operations. We see how a grey tithe, the gathering of material and munitions, is conducted very early on and the relationship they have with the Mechanicus. Furthermore, the novel also introduces several very interesting additions to their history. The big one debunks a key theory behind the Carcharodons, and also further highlights how they operate with factions beyond the Imperium's power. It's a key point within the story, and shows how flexible they can be in terms of following Imperial law while still remaining loyal. What this actually addresses cannot be detailed without delving into spoilers, so I will simply say this: They deal with a faction as old as the Horus Heresy which chose to follow no one.
The novel also avoids directly relying on its mysterious origins. While it certainly brings it up a few times, it's so often as The Red Tithe. Without the addition of the Night Lords, any heavy reliance on the mystery would have seemed exaggerated or unnecessary without something to work off of. This is a definite move for the better as, since there is no definitive answer behind this point, creating too many questions and dragging out the payoff could have seemed cheap.
The battles themselves do feature a number of major improvements here as well. There's a clear sense of scale to the ground battles, and there is much less of an emphasis on unit vs unit action. Much of the latter half of the story focuses on massed army scale engagements, and these work brilliantly. While the narrative is not concerned with tracking every single soldier in the battle, and will often focus on individual actions, it always has pauses. There are moments where it will work within the atmosphere of a scene to remind you of those involved, the state of the conflict and how the battle is progressing. While this might sound basic, it means that the fight sequences in question are not heavy going. Even when chapter after chapter focuses on nothing but white hot combat, you can easily breeze through them without feeling bogged down with details. It's certainly not a style which would work well for every story, but for the type of battles that Outer Dark focuses on, it definitely benefits the book.
Also, as a minor tangent, Outer Dark is one of the few examples which truly depicts the nature of "brutal" chapters properly. The Carcharodons are notably savage, uncompromising and are perfectly willing to let innocents die horrible deaths to more effectively achieve their goals. The difference is that they're not stupid about it, and they retain enough control (and self-awareness) to avoid making enemies of their allies. This is evident even in their most extreme examples, and it avoids turning them into exaggerated cliches.
Quite frankly, such a treatment of ingrained savagery the sort of quality I wish the Iron Hands would go back to having prior to the "We betray our father! We are only failures!" downward spiral they have been stuck in since Codex: Clan Raukaan. Yes, that might have seemed largely irrelevant, but any book which can get this right is one to be celebrated.
Still, Outer Dark does fall short in a few specific areas despite its strengths. So, here's a brief list of them.
The Bad
The book's negative qualities stem from something of an odd structure. The story itself is one of small missions and engagements which can be regarded as separate events. It does not follow a singular cohesive three act structure as a result. In fact, the main threat only truly appears in the last third of the story. The issue behind this is that said threat is intended to be an insidious force which infiltrates and turns societies upon themselves. There simply wasn't enough space here to make this work, and you can very quickly predict just who is going to be a member.
The actual battles which take place here are, as mentioned above, still effective but more than a few points seem extremely rushed. Having a group like the Carcharodons dealing with an invisible war bereft of a direct threat could have been an interesting subversion of their usual battles. Instead, their enemy is pushed into quickly revealing themselves and results in open combat within a few pages of their arrival. The actual conflict in this last part is still engaging, but it's just the issue of getting there which is problematic.
In order to balance out a broader depiction of the story as a whole, the book ends up following three groups. The first of these is an Inquisitorial warband, then Sharr's company, and finally Kahurangi. For the most part this works throughout the story, fleshing out certain details, offering varied scenes and offering depictions of characters outside of the Adeptus Astartes. The problem is that, toward the end, two quickly become superfluous. The Inquisitor and his small group are quickly bumped off save for one character, and take a back-seat once the Carcharodons show up. Kahurangi, meanwhile, serves only to offer brief glimpses of a much bigger battle. These are always extremely fleeting in nature, and not enough is done to emphasise the sheer scale of the conflict in question. In many regards, it's a flaw is shares with The Devastation of Baal's treatment of void warfare.
Character development takes something of a back-seat this time as well. MacNiven handles off-screen developments with a far defter hand than I would ever expect, but more than a few characters lack further development within the story. Sharr, for example, displays how he has developed since his conflict with the Night Lords but much of the story only establishes what has changed. Kahurangi is his usual self, but that can be justified thanks to his advanced age. Khauri, meanwhile, can get past this thanks to being relatively new. Others such as Korro, or supporting characters from previous novels such as Nikora and Uthulu remain out of focus. This lack of further development can usually be excused when a story is especially action heavy. However, the number of quieter moments in Outer Dark makes it feel as if it lacks opportunities to further benefit and establish the series' core characters.
A number of key points within the book are left unresolved. Several of these seem to be established in order for future novels to build on them, but others lack the benefit of being well ingrained into the story. A stand-out example of this is the presence of a wraith-like figure who haunts a side character for much of the tale. This only becomes relevant within the core story for a very brief scene, and is then forgotten in the face of a bigger threat. Like many of the flaws found here, the actual moments themselves are good, but the process of getting to them is heavily flawed. That and the fact that this, and the epilogue, might as well come with a message saying "See you in the sequel!"
However, the final and greatest failing of the overall story is how it lacks a sense of atmosphere in its locations. This is far more true of - as with anything - the second half once the action moves onto the planet of Piety V than anywhere else. While locations are described and detailed, the prose only seems to truly shine when MacNiven has something much more tangible to work with. A Tyranid boarding pod being carved apart by a living legend, an ancient battleship serving as both a fortress monastery and drinking hall, and even the semi-submerged Carcharodon warship interiors. Something more nebulous such as a cathedral city or slums lacks that same strength, and it can make some larger scale scenes less engaging as a result. There doesn't need to be constant reminders of what the terrain is like, but the use of it to create clearer visuals would have benefited certain scenes.
The Verdict:
On the whole, Outer Dark is everything that a sequel should be. It actively minimised the flaws present in the previous release, worked to further the characters established, brought around suitable replacements for those killed, and pushed to explore new ideas. It still utilises themes and points that The Red Tithe introduced, but it was never so reliant upon them that it becomes creatively limited. It's enough to stick to familiar territory but shows enough innovation to constantly expand on the existing internal mythos.
Overall, this is a pretty damn good one. While The Red Tithe is still the novel you should start with, this is a rare example of a book which can serve as a solid gateway series while still offering old fans something engaging. If we (hopefully) get another novel, it will be where the story fully hits its stride. Definitely set some cash aside to buy it when you have the chance.
Synopsis
Set ten years after the conflict with the Night Lords, the Carcharodons find themselves waging a losing war against the Tyranid Hive Fleets. With more tendrils emerging with every passing year, the chapter is slowly being whittled away by attrition, and must find ways to conserve then rebuild its strength.
Sharr's company is dispatched on two missions. The first to gather the flesh and steel needed to continue their war against xenos incursions. The second is to confront a psychic beacon on a shrine world drawing in the Tyranid ships, as the rest of the chapter attempts to delay the fleet's advance. Yet other things await them on that world, and the scars left by old battles still haunt more than one loyal follower of the Emperor. Ones which run deeper than any might have imagined...
The Good
Something which should be made clear when reading this review is this - There are large sections it will need to omit. This goes beyond simple late-story spoilers, as there is a massive bomb-shell dropped very early on into the tale people will want to be surprised at. The review will briefly address this later on in as vague a fashion as possible, but it does mean that some of its best parts cannot be directly analysed. Please keep this in mind when reading the following points.
The most immediate strength of Outer Dark is that the story seems to consciously tackle and deal with the greatest flaws of the past book. Many of the key failings cited in The Red Tithe are absent here, and others have been dramatically improved on. The most obvious among these is the total absence of the rock-paper-scissors engagements cited in the previous review. Furthermore, the threats posed in the novel are - barring one exception - purely xenos in nature, which is a welcome change from the sheer volume of Imperial vs. Chaos stories.
The book also takes a noted risk in terms of how it handles character developments. In a massive breach of the "show don't tell" rule, the story has jumped ahead ten years from the last novel. As such, it opts to cite moments such as how Sharr has matured as a leader since that time. Normally this would be an instant mark of failure, but MacNiven makes it work. The first half of the book focuses more on lore building and quieter scenes than the usual bolter porn. As such, the story mentions this fact, but then proves it with a number of major scenes. It certainly helps that, despite this change, the characters are still clearly the same people and visibly retain the same quirks.
There is also a much more memorable and engaging ensemble of human characters this time around (including one familiar face) in the form of an Inquisitorial warband. Due to the book's broader focus across the wider galaxy, this group is put to good use in performing some of the storytelling's heavy lifting. They serve to better show how the Inquisition views the chapter, establish a world within the story before the chapter arrives, and furthers one character's arc. It's a definite upgrade from the prison wardens of The Red Tithe, and while many of them have only a limited presence they still do enough for you to keep track of their names.
The character-building of the work goes hand-in-hand with many segments which build on the nature of the chapter. While the previous book established many key factors from their tactics to teasing the reader over their origin, this one is more interested in their history and operations. We see how a grey tithe, the gathering of material and munitions, is conducted very early on and the relationship they have with the Mechanicus. Furthermore, the novel also introduces several very interesting additions to their history. The big one debunks a key theory behind the Carcharodons, and also further highlights how they operate with factions beyond the Imperium's power. It's a key point within the story, and shows how flexible they can be in terms of following Imperial law while still remaining loyal. What this actually addresses cannot be detailed without delving into spoilers, so I will simply say this: They deal with a faction as old as the Horus Heresy which chose to follow no one.
The novel also avoids directly relying on its mysterious origins. While it certainly brings it up a few times, it's so often as The Red Tithe. Without the addition of the Night Lords, any heavy reliance on the mystery would have seemed exaggerated or unnecessary without something to work off of. This is a definite move for the better as, since there is no definitive answer behind this point, creating too many questions and dragging out the payoff could have seemed cheap.
The battles themselves do feature a number of major improvements here as well. There's a clear sense of scale to the ground battles, and there is much less of an emphasis on unit vs unit action. Much of the latter half of the story focuses on massed army scale engagements, and these work brilliantly. While the narrative is not concerned with tracking every single soldier in the battle, and will often focus on individual actions, it always has pauses. There are moments where it will work within the atmosphere of a scene to remind you of those involved, the state of the conflict and how the battle is progressing. While this might sound basic, it means that the fight sequences in question are not heavy going. Even when chapter after chapter focuses on nothing but white hot combat, you can easily breeze through them without feeling bogged down with details. It's certainly not a style which would work well for every story, but for the type of battles that Outer Dark focuses on, it definitely benefits the book.
Also, as a minor tangent, Outer Dark is one of the few examples which truly depicts the nature of "brutal" chapters properly. The Carcharodons are notably savage, uncompromising and are perfectly willing to let innocents die horrible deaths to more effectively achieve their goals. The difference is that they're not stupid about it, and they retain enough control (and self-awareness) to avoid making enemies of their allies. This is evident even in their most extreme examples, and it avoids turning them into exaggerated cliches.
Quite frankly, such a treatment of ingrained savagery the sort of quality I wish the Iron Hands would go back to having prior to the "We betray our father! We are only failures!" downward spiral they have been stuck in since Codex: Clan Raukaan. Yes, that might have seemed largely irrelevant, but any book which can get this right is one to be celebrated.
Still, Outer Dark does fall short in a few specific areas despite its strengths. So, here's a brief list of them.
The Bad
The book's negative qualities stem from something of an odd structure. The story itself is one of small missions and engagements which can be regarded as separate events. It does not follow a singular cohesive three act structure as a result. In fact, the main threat only truly appears in the last third of the story. The issue behind this is that said threat is intended to be an insidious force which infiltrates and turns societies upon themselves. There simply wasn't enough space here to make this work, and you can very quickly predict just who is going to be a member.
The actual battles which take place here are, as mentioned above, still effective but more than a few points seem extremely rushed. Having a group like the Carcharodons dealing with an invisible war bereft of a direct threat could have been an interesting subversion of their usual battles. Instead, their enemy is pushed into quickly revealing themselves and results in open combat within a few pages of their arrival. The actual conflict in this last part is still engaging, but it's just the issue of getting there which is problematic.
In order to balance out a broader depiction of the story as a whole, the book ends up following three groups. The first of these is an Inquisitorial warband, then Sharr's company, and finally Kahurangi. For the most part this works throughout the story, fleshing out certain details, offering varied scenes and offering depictions of characters outside of the Adeptus Astartes. The problem is that, toward the end, two quickly become superfluous. The Inquisitor and his small group are quickly bumped off save for one character, and take a back-seat once the Carcharodons show up. Kahurangi, meanwhile, serves only to offer brief glimpses of a much bigger battle. These are always extremely fleeting in nature, and not enough is done to emphasise the sheer scale of the conflict in question. In many regards, it's a flaw is shares with The Devastation of Baal's treatment of void warfare.
Character development takes something of a back-seat this time as well. MacNiven handles off-screen developments with a far defter hand than I would ever expect, but more than a few characters lack further development within the story. Sharr, for example, displays how he has developed since his conflict with the Night Lords but much of the story only establishes what has changed. Kahurangi is his usual self, but that can be justified thanks to his advanced age. Khauri, meanwhile, can get past this thanks to being relatively new. Others such as Korro, or supporting characters from previous novels such as Nikora and Uthulu remain out of focus. This lack of further development can usually be excused when a story is especially action heavy. However, the number of quieter moments in Outer Dark makes it feel as if it lacks opportunities to further benefit and establish the series' core characters.
A number of key points within the book are left unresolved. Several of these seem to be established in order for future novels to build on them, but others lack the benefit of being well ingrained into the story. A stand-out example of this is the presence of a wraith-like figure who haunts a side character for much of the tale. This only becomes relevant within the core story for a very brief scene, and is then forgotten in the face of a bigger threat. Like many of the flaws found here, the actual moments themselves are good, but the process of getting to them is heavily flawed. That and the fact that this, and the epilogue, might as well come with a message saying "See you in the sequel!"
However, the final and greatest failing of the overall story is how it lacks a sense of atmosphere in its locations. This is far more true of - as with anything - the second half once the action moves onto the planet of Piety V than anywhere else. While locations are described and detailed, the prose only seems to truly shine when MacNiven has something much more tangible to work with. A Tyranid boarding pod being carved apart by a living legend, an ancient battleship serving as both a fortress monastery and drinking hall, and even the semi-submerged Carcharodon warship interiors. Something more nebulous such as a cathedral city or slums lacks that same strength, and it can make some larger scale scenes less engaging as a result. There doesn't need to be constant reminders of what the terrain is like, but the use of it to create clearer visuals would have benefited certain scenes.
The Verdict:
On the whole, Outer Dark is everything that a sequel should be. It actively minimised the flaws present in the previous release, worked to further the characters established, brought around suitable replacements for those killed, and pushed to explore new ideas. It still utilises themes and points that The Red Tithe introduced, but it was never so reliant upon them that it becomes creatively limited. It's enough to stick to familiar territory but shows enough innovation to constantly expand on the existing internal mythos.
Overall, this is a pretty damn good one. While The Red Tithe is still the novel you should start with, this is a rare example of a book which can serve as a solid gateway series while still offering old fans something engaging. If we (hopefully) get another novel, it will be where the story fully hits its stride. Definitely set some cash aside to buy it when you have the chance.
January 10, 2019
Carcharadons was a very good read. It sheds light on an interesting concept- the Renegade Astartes. Renegades are not heretics nor servants of Chaos. Some are still loyal to the Emperor, but it is the current version of the Imperium and the High Lords of Terra they refuse to answer too.
In the Outer Dark, the area of space beyond even the most outer Imperial settlements or outposts, there are a myriad of threats to humanity. But, since there is often no Imperial control or resources, threats can metastasize into terrible events. A mysterious chapter of Astartes known in Low Gothic as "Space Sharks" and in High Gothic as "Carcharadon Astra".
Their past is murky (they could be gene-seed progeny of Konrad Kurze of the Nigh Lords) but they were once led by a Chapter Master only referred to as the Forgotten One. His remit was that the Carcharadons were to travel the Outer Dark lay waste to the enemies of the Emperor, though not necessarily the current Imperium. Thus while not heretics and not anti-Imperial, due to the lack of control over them-the Imperium considers them renegade.
The Carcharodons are pretty impressive. Brutal and hard, even for Asartes, they are pale skinned with all black eyes and razor file their teeth. They are led by their Current Chapter Master - Lord Tyberos, the Red Wake. This is an impressive dude. The rest of the story revolves around a Tyranid invasion force, the Inquisition, an Imperial Shrine World and the Carcharadon's defense of it.
More than that would be spoilers- but this a great read for any WH 40K fan. Very interesting chapter and you also get to find out about the renegade pirate chapter known as Ashen Claws as well. This one would have gotten 5 stars, save for the vague ending with the Inquisitor, which leads me to think there is more to the series but it was an untied string in an otherwise excellent story.
In the Outer Dark, the area of space beyond even the most outer Imperial settlements or outposts, there are a myriad of threats to humanity. But, since there is often no Imperial control or resources, threats can metastasize into terrible events. A mysterious chapter of Astartes known in Low Gothic as "Space Sharks" and in High Gothic as "Carcharadon Astra".
Their past is murky (they could be gene-seed progeny of Konrad Kurze of the Nigh Lords) but they were once led by a Chapter Master only referred to as the Forgotten One. His remit was that the Carcharadons were to travel the Outer Dark lay waste to the enemies of the Emperor, though not necessarily the current Imperium. Thus while not heretics and not anti-Imperial, due to the lack of control over them-the Imperium considers them renegade.
The Carcharodons are pretty impressive. Brutal and hard, even for Asartes, they are pale skinned with all black eyes and razor file their teeth. They are led by their Current Chapter Master - Lord Tyberos, the Red Wake. This is an impressive dude. The rest of the story revolves around a Tyranid invasion force, the Inquisition, an Imperial Shrine World and the Carcharadon's defense of it.
More than that would be spoilers- but this a great read for any WH 40K fan. Very interesting chapter and you also get to find out about the renegade pirate chapter known as Ashen Claws as well. This one would have gotten 5 stars, save for the vague ending with the Inquisitor, which leads me to think there is more to the series but it was an untied string in an otherwise excellent story.
April 10, 2018
Outer Dark has big shoes to fill, and in my opinion it does so with gusto; developing the strengths laid down in Red Tithe and developing them into a compelling narrative.
Struggling with their numbers following harrowing war with the Tyranids in the Outer Dark, the Carcharodons set about replenishing their numbers and facing down the threat against them. Third company under Sharr are deployed to the world of Piety V, while the depleted chapter holds against the hive fleet.
MacNiven builds on the culture and traditions of the chapter and counterpoints them with the visceral command of tyranid biology and Genestealer cultists that he developed in The Last Hunt.
The novel takes its time to establish matters and get started, diverting at first to negotiations with the Ashen Claws renegades; equally well-realised. The author loves to toy with expectations of the Carcharodon's lineage, and uses the Ashen Claws to agitate this. Again, the hints run to a number of possibilities.
We get to see the other half of how the Chapter survives, in the Grey Tithe of materiel. MacNiven should write more Ad Mech, as their brief appearance is very artfully handled.
And of course, the Red Wake turns up. Grim, implacable, utterly lethal. His pure surety of being is a great contrast with Sharr's ongoing youthful impetuousness, which is itself mellowed.
The inquisition plot from the previous novel moves from framing device to full plot, casting up a more moderated and measured detective romp before the plots collide and the carnage commences. It dovetails into a hook for future books, which will hopefully reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Its hard to fault a novel that I found engaging, fun and interesting. MacNiven has a solid grasp of his subject matter and has become accomplished at both making them an organic and vital force while keeping them equally as shadows on the wall, their provenance uncertain.
It is a mystery I hope he carries on for a good long time.
Struggling with their numbers following harrowing war with the Tyranids in the Outer Dark, the Carcharodons set about replenishing their numbers and facing down the threat against them. Third company under Sharr are deployed to the world of Piety V, while the depleted chapter holds against the hive fleet.
MacNiven builds on the culture and traditions of the chapter and counterpoints them with the visceral command of tyranid biology and Genestealer cultists that he developed in The Last Hunt.
The novel takes its time to establish matters and get started, diverting at first to negotiations with the Ashen Claws renegades; equally well-realised. The author loves to toy with expectations of the Carcharodon's lineage, and uses the Ashen Claws to agitate this. Again, the hints run to a number of possibilities.
We get to see the other half of how the Chapter survives, in the Grey Tithe of materiel. MacNiven should write more Ad Mech, as their brief appearance is very artfully handled.
And of course, the Red Wake turns up. Grim, implacable, utterly lethal. His pure surety of being is a great contrast with Sharr's ongoing youthful impetuousness, which is itself mellowed.
The inquisition plot from the previous novel moves from framing device to full plot, casting up a more moderated and measured detective romp before the plots collide and the carnage commences. It dovetails into a hook for future books, which will hopefully reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Its hard to fault a novel that I found engaging, fun and interesting. MacNiven has a solid grasp of his subject matter and has become accomplished at both making them an organic and vital force while keeping them equally as shadows on the wall, their provenance uncertain.
It is a mystery I hope he carries on for a good long time.
February 8, 2021
An excellent example of the GrimDark universe of WH40K
April 10, 2018
Veni, vidi, perii...
With another book to the splendid 'space shark' franchise, which cemented itself in the W40K with it's mystery and brutality, I was expecting nothing less than 'Red Tithe'.
Sadly, 'Outer Dark' is less than it's predecessor in everything.
Don't get me wrong > Robbie tried to continue the thread left from the first book. But here is where everything went wrong. Characters in comparison are totally uninteresting, you have 'zero' reasons to be afraid for them.
First of all Sharr is like a standard company captain. You could easily exchange him to any smurf captain with the same result. He has no 'charcharodon individuality here'. Inquisitorial retinue is a mess. They are names, given 2 pages to shine and killed of. Rannik the last survivor from the previous book are worse than useless. And making deduction based on each wrong fact...
Secondary characters and mainly Pale Nomad and 'main/secondary' character Khauri are what makes this novel at least partly interesting.
This was not a very fun read, a continuation of the first book, that catches the reader up on what some characters are doing. But in general it gives a fan what he desires - action and bolter porn and 'Space Sharks'. And a lot of fan-service: for example we are given the inside glimpse into the Ashen Claw 'renegades', tradition's of the Outer Dark and waking rituals of the contemptor's. Plus all the fans of Tyberos would be beyond themselves with happiness.
But at the same time author decisions as to the danger is kinda strange. Why not simply abandon the world or even sector to it's fate. 'Sharks' are in the dire peril as they must replenish their recruitment pool and actively combat all threats to the Imperium; in this case a Tyranid Hive fleet supported by a Genestealer Cult. Why put a fleet into the direct course of a fleet if 3rd company can do what it should? Why fight a tendril at all? Why ask for help from the renegades to be owing them big time... All the book is threaded with pointless and unnecessary decisions.
'Why would the hive fleet turn back after the cult is defeated? Cults only draw hivefleets once they grow to great size on a suitable world, so its the intergalactic snack signal, killing the cult would not change why the fleet is heading there? I mean sure there is a chance a hive fleet has many signals and so chooses to re allocate to a sure thing if one goes dark. But the novel presents this possibility as a sure thing, with the entire chapter risking extinction on the sure hand knowledge it will work, but we know for a fact that killing a cult late stage DOES NOT mean this.'
A secondary plot line with librarian is simply put just to be where - it has zero point from the point of a separate novel. Maybe as a second book in the trilogy it has some sense and will be explored further on in the next book.
As another person said: 'There is a lot of back and forth with a plot involving the Inquisition and that made me feel like I was watching a Transformers movie: Who cares about the humans?'
As a separate novel about war between SM and tyranids/genestealers it is a good bolter-porn book.
As a continuation to a really splendid 'Red Tithe' - it is a fail. Without any redeeming qualities.
Sadly, because I was expecting much more from Robbie.
But it is also almost a general rule with Black Library books nowadays. They forgot what makes books interesting and solely focused on the bolter porn.
With another book to the splendid 'space shark' franchise, which cemented itself in the W40K with it's mystery and brutality, I was expecting nothing less than 'Red Tithe'.
Sadly, 'Outer Dark' is less than it's predecessor in everything.
Don't get me wrong > Robbie tried to continue the thread left from the first book. But here is where everything went wrong. Characters in comparison are totally uninteresting, you have 'zero' reasons to be afraid for them.
First of all Sharr is like a standard company captain. You could easily exchange him to any smurf captain with the same result. He has no 'charcharodon individuality here'. Inquisitorial retinue is a mess. They are names, given 2 pages to shine and killed of. Rannik the last survivor from the previous book are worse than useless. And making deduction based on each wrong fact...
Secondary characters and mainly Pale Nomad and 'main/secondary' character Khauri are what makes this novel at least partly interesting.
This was not a very fun read, a continuation of the first book, that catches the reader up on what some characters are doing. But in general it gives a fan what he desires - action and bolter porn and 'Space Sharks'. And a lot of fan-service: for example we are given the inside glimpse into the Ashen Claw 'renegades', tradition's of the Outer Dark and waking rituals of the contemptor's. Plus all the fans of Tyberos would be beyond themselves with happiness.
But at the same time author decisions as to the danger is kinda strange. Why not simply abandon the world or even sector to it's fate. 'Sharks' are in the dire peril as they must replenish their recruitment pool and actively combat all threats to the Imperium; in this case a Tyranid Hive fleet supported by a Genestealer Cult. Why put a fleet into the direct course of a fleet if 3rd company can do what it should? Why fight a tendril at all? Why ask for help from the renegades to be owing them big time... All the book is threaded with pointless and unnecessary decisions.
'Why would the hive fleet turn back after the cult is defeated? Cults only draw hivefleets once they grow to great size on a suitable world, so its the intergalactic snack signal, killing the cult would not change why the fleet is heading there? I mean sure there is a chance a hive fleet has many signals and so chooses to re allocate to a sure thing if one goes dark. But the novel presents this possibility as a sure thing, with the entire chapter risking extinction on the sure hand knowledge it will work, but we know for a fact that killing a cult late stage DOES NOT mean this.'
A secondary plot line with librarian is simply put just to be where - it has zero point from the point of a separate novel. Maybe as a second book in the trilogy it has some sense and will be explored further on in the next book.
As another person said: 'There is a lot of back and forth with a plot involving the Inquisition and that made me feel like I was watching a Transformers movie: Who cares about the humans?'
As a separate novel about war between SM and tyranids/genestealers it is a good bolter-porn book.
As a continuation to a really splendid 'Red Tithe' - it is a fail. Without any redeeming qualities.
Sadly, because I was expecting much more from Robbie.
But it is also almost a general rule with Black Library books nowadays. They forgot what makes books interesting and solely focused on the bolter porn.
February 8, 2025
A slow but satisfying conclusion (so far) to the Carcharadons.
As usual with the setup of new chapter novels, this series tends to take a lot of time into building the culture and style of these astartes, and MacNiven really nails the overall grimy and gloomy ambience that surrounds the carcharadons. It takes itself seriously not only in the way it presents the story but the way the characters treat the seriousness of the situation while trying to keep themselves balanced against their own rage. It feels melancholic, even, with just how desperate the situation gets at times. However, the whole buildup and construction on how the chapter works and acts does bog down the overall pace.
The novel takes a while to get going. The prose at times feels glacial, as if nothing is happening for entire chapters, and the plotline never becomes clear until the latter half of the novel where the threads start to come together, and even then it leaves questioning the real motives behind this whole delusion. My problem with is that it feels, at least the first half of it, like I'm reading a very elaborate wiki entry on who the Carcharadons are and how they act with others. Is it good? Yeah, it is entertaining and elaborate, but I prefer to see things actually unfold; I prefer a dynamic story that is organic and natural to develop, but this one felt a tad too disoriented for me to enjoy.
The characters are also rather dull. Too alike, it seems like nobody really stands out and they all share pretty much the same style, personality and vibe. The infamous Tyberos makes an appearance here and while it is brutal and gory, it's also rather unremarkable and boring. It's just bolter-porn personified without any emotional depth or impact.
Ironically what captured my attention more was the bits with the Ashen Claws, the renegade chapter that has a tumultous relation with the Carcharadons. They are a substantial part of the first half the book, and work as a fascinating insight into the world of rebellious space marines that don't follow neither Chaos nor the Empire but try to protect humanity, in their own inhumane ways. Now I wish we could get more stories about these guys.
There's also the human cast of arbites, inquisitors and eclesiarch members, and, to be honest, I found them to be even more dull than the Carcharadons. Their story is very fragmented at first and hard to follow with the various names thrown around. It also doesn't help that the names of the humans are very similar in phonetic style to that of the Carcharadons, so sometimes I would get them confused. Still, despite that, I've read worse.
The last part of the novel does pick up after everything finally comes together and we get to see the explosive climax of it. It is enjoyable and very cinematic, but after such a long ride to get to that point it also felt like it could have been much better. Still, I think Outer Dark is a decently fun novel that while flawed in some aspects, passes my mark.
As usual with the setup of new chapter novels, this series tends to take a lot of time into building the culture and style of these astartes, and MacNiven really nails the overall grimy and gloomy ambience that surrounds the carcharadons. It takes itself seriously not only in the way it presents the story but the way the characters treat the seriousness of the situation while trying to keep themselves balanced against their own rage. It feels melancholic, even, with just how desperate the situation gets at times. However, the whole buildup and construction on how the chapter works and acts does bog down the overall pace.
The novel takes a while to get going. The prose at times feels glacial, as if nothing is happening for entire chapters, and the plotline never becomes clear until the latter half of the novel where the threads start to come together, and even then it leaves questioning the real motives behind this whole delusion. My problem with is that it feels, at least the first half of it, like I'm reading a very elaborate wiki entry on who the Carcharadons are and how they act with others. Is it good? Yeah, it is entertaining and elaborate, but I prefer to see things actually unfold; I prefer a dynamic story that is organic and natural to develop, but this one felt a tad too disoriented for me to enjoy.
The characters are also rather dull. Too alike, it seems like nobody really stands out and they all share pretty much the same style, personality and vibe. The infamous Tyberos makes an appearance here and while it is brutal and gory, it's also rather unremarkable and boring. It's just bolter-porn personified without any emotional depth or impact.
Ironically what captured my attention more was the bits with the Ashen Claws, the renegade chapter that has a tumultous relation with the Carcharadons. They are a substantial part of the first half the book, and work as a fascinating insight into the world of rebellious space marines that don't follow neither Chaos nor the Empire but try to protect humanity, in their own inhumane ways. Now I wish we could get more stories about these guys.
There's also the human cast of arbites, inquisitors and eclesiarch members, and, to be honest, I found them to be even more dull than the Carcharadons. Their story is very fragmented at first and hard to follow with the various names thrown around. It also doesn't help that the names of the humans are very similar in phonetic style to that of the Carcharadons, so sometimes I would get them confused. Still, despite that, I've read worse.
The last part of the novel does pick up after everything finally comes together and we get to see the explosive climax of it. It is enjoyable and very cinematic, but after such a long ride to get to that point it also felt like it could have been much better. Still, I think Outer Dark is a decently fun novel that while flawed in some aspects, passes my mark.
October 11, 2019
They live in the Void, in the dark beyond the Galaxy's light, hunting the enemies of the Imperium before they even reach it. There be monsters there, in the dark. But as monstrous as those monsters are the silent hunters, the Space Sharks, the Carcharadon chapter of the Space Marines. For ten thousand years they have cruised the Void, going deep into great silence, on an eternal crusade.
So, yes, they're pretty weird. Ten thousand years fighting the sort of monsters that inhabit the 40th millennium would make anyone a little bit strange: the Carcharadons are off the scale strange. Perhaps that could have come across a little more strongly in these novels, but Robbie MacNiven does a great job of setting up this chapter of solitary hunters of the abyss in these two novels, the first, Red Tithe, pitting the Sharks against the Night Lords, the second, Outer Dark, taking on the Tyrannids.
So, yes, they're pretty weird. Ten thousand years fighting the sort of monsters that inhabit the 40th millennium would make anyone a little bit strange: the Carcharadons are off the scale strange. Perhaps that could have come across a little more strongly in these novels, but Robbie MacNiven does a great job of setting up this chapter of solitary hunters of the abyss in these two novels, the first, Red Tithe, pitting the Sharks against the Night Lords, the second, Outer Dark, taking on the Tyrannids.
December 8, 2025
slow start, satisfying ending.
June 6, 2018
I loved MacNiven’s take on the Charcharodons in ‘Red Tithe’ and ‘Outer Dark’ continues it. In fact it’s probably my favourite of his stories to date.
April 22, 2023
I’ve taken to describing my Warhammer novels as “guy smut”
June 2, 2018
What a fantastic read!!!
July 31, 2021
Auch der zweite Teil der Carcharodons-Reihe weiß einen zu fesseln.
Eine spannende Handlung die gut geschrieben ist.
Eine spannende Handlung die gut geschrieben ist.
June 29, 2021
Hola Amigos! Как всегда пройдемся по пунктам:
О чем:
Сеттинг Warhammer 40к.
Если не читали первую часть цикла ("Красная подать"), то не спойлерите себе сюжет и ознакомьтесь с рецензией на неё (https://www.livelib.ru/review/2162095...).
После событий первой книги проходит 10 лет. Бейл Шарр провёл ещё одну Красную Подать, а "отловленный" псайкер стал перспективным библиарием.
Тем временем на галактику надвигается смертельная угроза Тиранидов для устранения которой малочисленным и ослабленным Кархародонам придется пойти на самые отчаянные меры.
Вторая сюжетная линия повествует о знакомой нам арбитрес Джейд Ранник, что стала оперативником в свите инквизитора Нзогву, их общая цель - найти Кархародонов и призвать их к ответственности.
Персонажи:
В числе ключевых персонажей остались Первый Жнец и библиарий, к которым присоединился ученик библиария, известный нам в первой книге по другим именем.
Больше "внимания" автора получила так же знакомая нам арбитрес Ранник. И если в первой части половину объема книги у Кархародонов отнимали Повелители Ночи, то в сиквеле эту роль исполняют она и члены инквизиторской свиты с ним самим во главе.
В плане ��аскрытия персонажей через их развитие, внутренние конфликты и драматические события - все так же плохо, как и в первой части.
Зачатки подобного из предыдущего романа так и не получили никакого развития. По сути сиквел избавился даже от подобных зачатков.
Зато все ещё есть относительно прописанные характеры, что тоже неплохо.
Повествование:
Книга написана неплохо, однако хуже предшественницы.
Сюжет стал менее динамичным, хоть и сохранил определенную долю интриги, а количество экшена изрядно убавилось. Оставшийся экшен, при этом, утратил изобретательность.
Отлично погружающая атмосфера, к счастью осталась. Однако, на фоне провисающего сюжета и отсутствия экшена, описания и экспозиция кажутся куда более нудными и затянутыми.
Юмор всё так же отсутствует.
Мнение:
Читая выше написанные пункты нужно помнить, что написаны они в сравнении с первой частью, которая является примером простого, но добротного и качественного боевика.
Внешняя тьма - книга так же очень неплохая.
К сожалению, освобожденное от экшена место автор заполнил не развитием и раскрытием персонажей, а довольно пресными событиями и излишними описаниями.
Таким образом боевик не превратился в остросюжетный триллер или военную драму, а стал просто чуть более скучным боевиком. Будто первую часть "разбавили водой".
В итоге можно сказать, что Внешная тьма - достойный сиквел Красной подати, к сожалению не пошедший путем развития и улучшения идей оригинала.
Оценка "8-" подразумевает некую поблажку за продолжение добротного цикла. Если же на свет появится триквел о Кархародонах такого же уровня - подобной поблажки он не получит.
Оценка 8-/10.
Не хватило: драматизма и развития персонажей, интересных событий, захватывающего экшена.
Рейтинг "goodreads" - 4.2/5
Моя группа Вконтакте - https://vk.com/ashborndetv
О чем:
Сеттинг Warhammer 40к.
Если не читали первую часть цикла ("Красная подать"), то не спойлерите себе сюжет и ознакомьтесь с рецензией на неё (https://www.livelib.ru/review/2162095...).
После событий первой книги проходит 10 лет. Бейл Шарр провёл ещё одну Красную Подать, а "отловленный" псайкер стал перспективным библиарием.
Тем временем на галактику надвигается смертельная угроза Тиранидов для устранения которой малочисленным и ослабленным Кархародонам придется пойти на самые отчаянные меры.
Вторая сюжетная линия повествует о знакомой нам арбитрес Джейд Ранник, что стала оперативником в свите инквизитора Нзогву, их общая цель - найти Кархародонов и призвать их к ответственности.
Персонажи:
В числе ключевых персонажей остались Первый Жнец и библиарий, к которым присоединился ученик библиария, известный нам в первой книге по другим именем.
Больше "внимания" автора получила так же знакомая нам арбитрес Ранник. И если в первой части половину объема книги у Кархародонов отнимали Повелители Ночи, то в сиквеле эту роль исполняют она и члены инквизиторской свиты с ним самим во главе.
В плане ��аскрытия персонажей через их развитие, внутренние конфликты и драматические события - все так же плохо, как и в первой части.
Зачатки подобного из предыдущего романа так и не получили никакого развития. По сути сиквел избавился даже от подобных зачатков.
Зато все ещё есть относительно прописанные характеры, что тоже неплохо.
Повествование:
Книга написана неплохо, однако хуже предшественницы.
Сюжет стал менее динамичным, хоть и сохранил определенную долю интриги, а количество экшена изрядно убавилось. Оставшийся экшен, при этом, утратил изобретательность.
Отлично погружающая атмосфера, к счастью осталась. Однако, на фоне провисающего сюжета и отсутствия экшена, описания и экспозиция кажутся куда более нудными и затянутыми.
Юмор всё так же отсутствует.
Мнение:
Читая выше написанные пункты нужно помнить, что написаны они в сравнении с первой частью, которая является примером простого, но добротного и качественного боевика.
Внешняя тьма - книга так же очень неплохая.
К сожалению, освобожденное от экшена место автор заполнил не развитием и раскрытием персонажей, а довольно пресными событиями и излишними описаниями.
Таким образом боевик не превратился в остросюжетный триллер или военную драму, а стал просто чуть более скучным боевиком. Будто первую часть "разбавили водой".
В итоге можно сказать, что Внешная тьма - достойный сиквел Красной подати, к сожалению не пошедший путем развития и улучшения идей оригинала.
Оценка "8-" подразумевает некую поблажку за продолжение добротного цикла. Если же на свет появится триквел о Кархародонах такого же уровня - подобной поблажки он не получит.
Оценка 8-/10.
Не хватило: драматизма и развития персонажей, интересных событий, захватывающего экшена.
Рейтинг "goodreads" - 4.2/5
Моя группа Вконтакте - https://vk.com/ashborndetv
November 6, 2024
Left a bit disappointed after reading, the last outing (which I know), of the Carcharodon chapter. Although we got an appearance of big boy chapter master Tyberos , as well as the pleasure of seeing him single handedly eviscerate an entire Tyranid boarding group, little else was known about his character.
Also, the book has an issue with pacing. With the entirety of the first half devoted to slow investigations which go nowhere, and negotiations which seem set up just for the purpose of the plot. Then, in the last arc, things come to head, more like things literally start spilling out from behind the doors, walls, curtains, crevices. They transpire and climax faster than.... //I was going to make a joke related to horny teenagers here, but then thought better. Although, just by adding this disclaimer, you must've already figured out the punchline. Well, it's the thought that counts. //
It also creates some discrepancy, in regard to
Another pet peeve I had was how
Other than these shortcomings, it's a standard affair. We see the Space sharks take on a mountain's worth of Tyranid cultists, with nominally minor casualties. At least compared to their taxing previous outing.
A neat point to note, is how several characters, who were first introduced in Red Tithe, return as major characters. Something little to look forward to at least.
Here's hoping for a future story, where we are able to see their stealth-based battle tactics, ones that go beyond 'shooting while being utterly silent'.
Also, the book has an issue with pacing. With the entirety of the first half devoted to slow investigations which go nowhere, and negotiations which seem set up just for the purpose of the plot. Then, in the last arc, things come to head, more like things literally start spilling out from behind the doors, walls, curtains, crevices. They transpire and climax faster than.... //I was going to make a joke related to horny teenagers here, but then thought better. Although, just by adding this disclaimer, you must've already figured out the punchline. Well, it's the thought that counts. //
It also creates some discrepancy, in regard to
Another pet peeve I had was how
Other than these shortcomings, it's a standard affair. We see the Space sharks take on a mountain's worth of Tyranid cultists, with nominally minor casualties. At least compared to their taxing previous outing.
A neat point to note, is how several characters, who were first introduced in Red Tithe, return as major characters. Something little to look forward to at least.
Here's hoping for a future story, where we are able to see their stealth-based battle tactics, ones that go beyond 'shooting while being utterly silent'.
January 20, 2020
A good read. Much better than Red Tithe, in fact it probably makes Red Tithe worth reading more as it will enhance the experience of Outer Dark.
The first thing I'd note about Outer Dark is that it covers a much bigger range than it's predecessor. True, that's quite easy when Red Tithe spent all it's time on Zartak, but MacNiven shows his skills at depicting a wide range of Imperial life. He brings in a broader range of factions and pulls off a great effort at representing them. While this does enable my common complaint about Space Marine books - they don't allow for complex characterisation - I still really enjoyed the diversity. It aids the pacing of the novel, and I definitely wanted to spend more time in and amongst the worlds he created.
With regard to characters, they're not bad. Not a lot of time is spent in their development, aside from those we've met before and some standout figures. Old favourites show up. Most of them (Rannik, The Nomad, Sharr) don't really develop, unless it's to acquire even greater traumas. A couple of names are dropped in from Red Tithe, but for the impact that they had on the story they may as well have been randomly named. Some new additions appear, and make their mark noticeably to their credit, but it's character's don't really stand out.
The action. Normally I find the action of a Space Marine book to be generic at best, lore breaking at worst. Outer Dark is different. Again, MacNiven shows off a lot of range. There's naval combat (with a couple of absolutely cracking scenes back-to-back), ambushes, set piece battles, and psykic duels. I got enjoyment out of all them to a varying degree, and it's one of the view space marine books that I wouldn't be inclined to skip through. The climatic third act is certainly grand, and it's a superb pay-off.
Another thing I'd like to note is that there is a great paranormal thriller sub-plot... that's tied up too quickly for me. Another common lament for me - "Oh, but for a few more pages". MacNiven does a stellar job bring A and B together until they actually meet, where it's just sort of dispensed with. It could be, and I really hope it is, setting up for a third book, but I can't judge it on that. Still though, MacNiven's range as a writer stands out.
In the course of writing this, I've almost talked myself into giving the book 5 stars. It's not perfect, no. But it's damn good for it's genre. I don't think that it's quite good enough for the full five, but what an attempt!
I am now eagerly awaiting any news of a third Carcharadon book - and anything else from Robbie MacNiven. He's done a great job here, and Outer Dark should be on the shelf of any 40k reader.
The first thing I'd note about Outer Dark is that it covers a much bigger range than it's predecessor. True, that's quite easy when Red Tithe spent all it's time on Zartak, but MacNiven shows his skills at depicting a wide range of Imperial life. He brings in a broader range of factions and pulls off a great effort at representing them. While this does enable my common complaint about Space Marine books - they don't allow for complex characterisation - I still really enjoyed the diversity. It aids the pacing of the novel, and I definitely wanted to spend more time in and amongst the worlds he created.
With regard to characters, they're not bad. Not a lot of time is spent in their development, aside from those we've met before and some standout figures. Old favourites show up. Most of them (Rannik, The Nomad, Sharr) don't really develop, unless it's to acquire even greater traumas. A couple of names are dropped in from Red Tithe, but for the impact that they had on the story they may as well have been randomly named. Some new additions appear, and make their mark noticeably to their credit, but it's character's don't really stand out.
The action. Normally I find the action of a Space Marine book to be generic at best, lore breaking at worst. Outer Dark is different. Again, MacNiven shows off a lot of range. There's naval combat (with a couple of absolutely cracking scenes back-to-back), ambushes, set piece battles, and psykic duels. I got enjoyment out of all them to a varying degree, and it's one of the view space marine books that I wouldn't be inclined to skip through. The climatic third act is certainly grand, and it's a superb pay-off.
Another thing I'd like to note is that there is a great paranormal thriller sub-plot... that's tied up too quickly for me. Another common lament for me - "Oh, but for a few more pages". MacNiven does a stellar job bring A and B together until they actually meet, where it's just sort of dispensed with. It could be, and I really hope it is, setting up for a third book, but I can't judge it on that. Still though, MacNiven's range as a writer stands out.
In the course of writing this, I've almost talked myself into giving the book 5 stars. It's not perfect, no. But it's damn good for it's genre. I don't think that it's quite good enough for the full five, but what an attempt!
I am now eagerly awaiting any news of a third Carcharadon book - and anything else from Robbie MacNiven. He's done a great job here, and Outer Dark should be on the shelf of any 40k reader.
April 1, 2021
This sequel to Red Tithe cemented the Carcharodons as one of my favourite Chapters and novel series. It expands on this mysterious Chapter; how they operate and survive in the Void, we see a Grey Tithe in action and the inclusion of the terrifying Tyberos the Red Wake was very much welcome. As much as we got new information, the author does well to leave many other questions unanswered, especially regarding their origins and founding.
The continuation of Rannick’s story from Red Tithe and her obsessive hunt for the Carcharodons was was well handled and a good change of pace as the story progressed and drew towards its climax.
The Tyranids and Genestealer Cults are perhaps one of the most insidious threats the Imperium faces and they are clearly shown as such. Also very interesting to place the Carcharodons as a buffer in the dark before hive fleets even reach the Imperium’s borders. It makes complete sense and again shows the author’s awareness and focus to detail.
I have reread both books several times and always enjoy them. I can’t wait for a third novel.
The continuation of Rannick’s story from Red Tithe and her obsessive hunt for the Carcharodons was was well handled and a good change of pace as the story progressed and drew towards its climax.
The Tyranids and Genestealer Cults are perhaps one of the most insidious threats the Imperium faces and they are clearly shown as such. Also very interesting to place the Carcharodons as a buffer in the dark before hive fleets even reach the Imperium’s borders. It makes complete sense and again shows the author’s awareness and focus to detail.
I have reread both books several times and always enjoy them. I can’t wait for a third novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2018
I found it less captivating as the previous book in this nascent trilogy yet it still is a prime example of raw space marine action in the uncaring coldness of space.
My slightly lesser appreciation is due to the character Rannik. I really don't get her obsession with the Carcharodons or how she convinced herself they are traitor marines. Yes sure they are brutal and she was witness and only survivor of their previous red tithe on the prison world in the last book, but come on... Her ideals on what the adaptus astartes are supposed to be is utterly naive and her idea of justice is so out of place in the imperium of 40K that it would have been considered borderline heretical.
I get why it is in there and I can already predict the premise of the next book and I have no doubt it will be as raw as this book, but still I do feel it is kinda forced in there.
My slightly lesser appreciation is due to the character Rannik. I really don't get her obsession with the Carcharodons or how she convinced herself they are traitor marines. Yes sure they are brutal and she was witness and only survivor of their previous red tithe on the prison world in the last book, but come on... Her ideals on what the adaptus astartes are supposed to be is utterly naive and her idea of justice is so out of place in the imperium of 40K that it would have been considered borderline heretical.
I get why it is in there and I can already predict the premise of the next book and I have no doubt it will be as raw as this book, but still I do feel it is kinda forced in there.
May 20, 2018
A rare look into some of the chapters that did not fully embrace the Imperium but nor where they supportive of Chaos. The Carcharadons Astra, a chapter with its roots in the Blood Angels live on the outer edge of the galaxy in exile. When an arm of the Great Devourer turns its attention to the Sol Galaxy they are all that stands in the way. Knowing that a beacon of some sort is drawing the attention of the Hive fleet they risk the annihilation of their chapter to either detour the coming menace or stop it before it gets any further. While the larger part of the chapter fleet engage the Hive fleet a small force is sent to a tomb world that they believe holds the beacon but they must do this without drawing the attention of the Imperium as a whole. The story is intense and riveting, giving another unique view of the 40K universe.
January 25, 2024
In the Grim darkness of the Void, there is only Space-Sharks.
From the cold darkness of the outer-void, something is approaching the heart of the Imperium and the Nomad-Predation fleet stand ready to face them yet again. On course towards Piety V is a massive hive fleet of Tyranids, as the Carcharadons split their forces, 1 to hunt the Genestealer cultists on planet, the other to face the foe in the void to slow them down.
The silent guardians and judges of the Imperium ask for no praise or recognition, they simply do what must be done. And that really shines in this story. A teaser was left at the end of the book that there would be more to this story, and i truly hope so.
For while i at first thought this would be a rather boring read as Space Marine stories sadly often can be. I was surprised and found it a enjoyable read. Can recommend if you enjoy Warhammer 40k.
From the cold darkness of the outer-void, something is approaching the heart of the Imperium and the Nomad-Predation fleet stand ready to face them yet again. On course towards Piety V is a massive hive fleet of Tyranids, as the Carcharadons split their forces, 1 to hunt the Genestealer cultists on planet, the other to face the foe in the void to slow them down.
The silent guardians and judges of the Imperium ask for no praise or recognition, they simply do what must be done. And that really shines in this story. A teaser was left at the end of the book that there would be more to this story, and i truly hope so.
For while i at first thought this would be a rather boring read as Space Marine stories sadly often can be. I was surprised and found it a enjoyable read. Can recommend if you enjoy Warhammer 40k.
October 11, 2019
Robbie MacNiven is quickly becoming one of my favorite Black Library authors.
Outer Dark takes place 10 years after the events of Red Tithe, so it could easily be read on its own, but readers of the first book will be happy to see the return of all the main characters, including the Inquisitor whose notes introduced each chapter of Red Tithe.
The book nicely balances the intertwining stories of Rannik and the Carcharadons Astra and introduces some interesting new characters and backstory including the Ashen Claws.
The Carcharadon stories prove to be a great starting point for those (like me) newer to 40K fiction, while providing some interesting new tidbits and history for those more familiar with the universe.
I just hope there will be a third in the series.
Outer Dark takes place 10 years after the events of Red Tithe, so it could easily be read on its own, but readers of the first book will be happy to see the return of all the main characters, including the Inquisitor whose notes introduced each chapter of Red Tithe.
The book nicely balances the intertwining stories of Rannik and the Carcharadons Astra and introduces some interesting new characters and backstory including the Ashen Claws.
The Carcharadon stories prove to be a great starting point for those (like me) newer to 40K fiction, while providing some interesting new tidbits and history for those more familiar with the universe.
I just hope there will be a third in the series.
April 4, 2018
This was a fun read, a continuation of the first book, that catches the reader up on what some characters are doing. The Space Sharks are in dire peril as they must replenish their recruitment pool and actively combat all threats to the Imperium; in this case a Tyranid Hive fleet supported by a Genestealer Cult. There is a lot of back and forth with a plot involving the Inquisition and that made me feel like I was watching a Transformers movie: Who cares about the humans? The plot accelerates in the last quarter of the book and delivers on the carnage and bolter porn I read these books for.
May 4, 2018
Back when I picked up reading as a hobby I promised myself that I wouldn't drop any book. No matter how bad it was.
This book (and it's prequel before it) almost made me break that promise.
This book is everything that's bad with warhammer fiction. Empty one and dimensional characters, nondescript action, a shallow plot. The works.
The book does "flesh out" the Carcharadons, however, what's in there comes down to "they've fought tyranids a lot" and having a Polynesian theme.
Avoid this one unless you're really really sleep deprived.
This book (and it's prequel before it) almost made me break that promise.
This book is everything that's bad with warhammer fiction. Empty one and dimensional characters, nondescript action, a shallow plot. The works.
The book does "flesh out" the Carcharadons, however, what's in there comes down to "they've fought tyranids a lot" and having a Polynesian theme.
Avoid this one unless you're really really sleep deprived.
December 27, 2018
Robbie MacNiven's stuff has consistently been three stars for me, being rather too action-heavy for my tastes. But I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The mood is appropriately murky and gloomy for a chapter with a shark theme and there is a lot of exploration of the greater setting, including action on a Cemetery World, a type of place I've never visited before in a 40k novel. There was also a fun subplot involving the Ashen Claws, the rare rogue chapter loyal to neither the Imperium or Chaos. I especially liked the follow-up with Rannick and her character development, as well as the establishment of a lurking threat involving Khauri (Mika Doren Skell) and her connection to it.
March 8, 2025
Sheesh what a series.
The Carcharodons are insanely cool. A broken, exiled chapter that’s still loyal to the imperium - even if they don’t believe in what it’s become - and who fight the imperiums enemies in complete silence.
The beginning of the book felt a little slow, but mainly because it was setting up the conflict of the book, and there were a lot of moving parts. But, when the action starts it doesn’t let up and the pages just start flying.
We even got to see some Ashen Claws in action.
Great series, and obscure chapters like these need more love.
The Carcharodons are insanely cool. A broken, exiled chapter that’s still loyal to the imperium - even if they don’t believe in what it’s become - and who fight the imperiums enemies in complete silence.
The beginning of the book felt a little slow, but mainly because it was setting up the conflict of the book, and there were a lot of moving parts. But, when the action starts it doesn’t let up and the pages just start flying.
We even got to see some Ashen Claws in action.
Great series, and obscure chapters like these need more love.
June 2, 2025
Robbie MacNiven's Shark Marines return for a second, stronger outing in which they face off against another of the Imperium's most predatory enemies.
Once again plot and character take a back seat to entertaining and thoughtfully crafted action, but bonus points for the quality of the inevitable introspection; MacNiven is more overtly willing to explore the darkest aspects of the Imperium than many of his contemporaries. The humility of his antiheroes is as welcome as his eagerness to embrace renegades and exiles.
Once again plot and character take a back seat to entertaining and thoughtfully crafted action, but bonus points for the quality of the inevitable introspection; MacNiven is more overtly willing to explore the darkest aspects of the Imperium than many of his contemporaries. The humility of his antiheroes is as welcome as his eagerness to embrace renegades and exiles.
February 1, 2025
I would give this a 3.5 if Goodreads permitted half stars. MacNiven is an able enough writer, and I was entertained by the book. But it largely squanders an intriguing premise (how do the brutally pragmatic Carcharadons deal with a subtle problem like a genestealer infestation) by first taking too long to get to it and then mostly having it take place in the background of action scenes. Also, several of the final fights are kind of perfunctory.
October 7, 2025
Book 2 of the Space Sharks Trilogy ( ? ) and it's a doozy. Genestealers! Demons! Hive Fleets! Ashen Claws! It's got it all.
A solid book with entertaining bolter porn, some obvious twists that still keep you guessing a bit and it does nothing to endear your protagonists to the general public. Let's face it, the Space Sharks are real bastards, even by 40k standards, even though they think they're the good guys.
Let's face it, that's what makes these books fun.
A solid book with entertaining bolter porn, some obvious twists that still keep you guessing a bit and it does nothing to endear your protagonists to the general public. Let's face it, the Space Sharks are real bastards, even by 40k standards, even though they think they're the good guys.
Let's face it, that's what makes these books fun.
April 23, 2018
D0 not suffer the mutant to live.
And with the Carcharodons, this is what you get. Once again you ride along with the third Company while they purge vile mutant.
On top of that you get some nice sidestorys with a charakter from the Book "the Red Tithe" and some interchapter dynamics with the Ashen Claws.
Time to start a Carcharodon army for the Tabletop I think.
And with the Carcharodons, this is what you get. Once again you ride along with the third Company while they purge vile mutant.
On top of that you get some nice sidestorys with a charakter from the Book "the Red Tithe" and some interchapter dynamics with the Ashen Claws.
Time to start a Carcharodon army for the Tabletop I think.
September 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but I have to say the blurb is wildly misleading. I mean:
"The most inhuman and brutal Chapter of Space Marines get a first hand look at the common people they fight to protect, and the results are surprising."
No. They're really, really not. But like I said, it's a good book! I just would have preferred the publisher to describe it honestly.
"The most inhuman and brutal Chapter of Space Marines get a first hand look at the common people they fight to protect, and the results are surprising."
No. They're really, really not. But like I said, it's a good book! I just would have preferred the publisher to describe it honestly.
July 10, 2020
It's funny but much like the previous Carcharodons book, I started this one then after only a few pages I put it down and there it remained and untouched again for months. Roll on this past Sunday and wham!...within 5 days of starting over I finish it with gusto, wondering why I ever put it down in the first place.
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