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Space Marine Conquests #5
Apocalypse
Forces from several Space Marine Chapters mobilise to defend the cardinal world of Almace from an invasion by the twisted traitors of the Word Bearers. But unbeknownst to the forces of the Imperium, conquest is not the enemy’s sole aim…
Book 5 in the Space Marine Conquest Series
Lieutenant Heyd Calder is a Primaris Marine whose mastery of warfare is matched only by his diplomatic prowess. Under the orders of Roboute Guilliman, he is deployed to Almace, a minor seat of the Ecclesiarchy, to protect the world at whatever cost. Yet even as diabolical forces leer from the system's edge, Calder discovers that the capital's Cardinal-Governor, a sharp, inscrutable figure of spiritual and material authority, is hiding something. When it becomes clear that conquest is not the enemy’s sole aim, Calder resolves to uncover the secret of Almace. As the system is set ablaze, clashes of faith, strategy and politics ensue in the capital, and it becomes clear that the forces of the Ecclesiarchy and the Adeptus Astartes must fight together if they are to have any hope of victory.
Book 5 in the Space Marine Conquest Series
Lieutenant Heyd Calder is a Primaris Marine whose mastery of warfare is matched only by his diplomatic prowess. Under the orders of Roboute Guilliman, he is deployed to Almace, a minor seat of the Ecclesiarchy, to protect the world at whatever cost. Yet even as diabolical forces leer from the system's edge, Calder discovers that the capital's Cardinal-Governor, a sharp, inscrutable figure of spiritual and material authority, is hiding something. When it becomes clear that conquest is not the enemy’s sole aim, Calder resolves to uncover the secret of Almace. As the system is set ablaze, clashes of faith, strategy and politics ensue in the capital, and it becomes clear that the forces of the Ecclesiarchy and the Adeptus Astartes must fight together if they are to have any hope of victory.
558 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2019
93 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Reynolds
313 books337 followersJosh Reynolds’ work has previously appeared in such anthologies as Historical Lovecraft from Innsmouth Free Press and Horror for the Holidays from Miskatonic River Press, and his novel, Knight of the Blazing Sun, is currently available from Black Library. He can be found at: http://joshuamreynolds.wordpress.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 11, 2019
Most people will likely write this one off as bolter porn. Those people would be wrong to do so.
Oh, it's an understandable mistake to make both from the premise and also the fact that the name is synonymous with big explosions now. However, while the novel is undeniably direct, there is much more to offer in this one than merely a lot of 'splosions and some fodder to bump off. In fact, out of all the Space Marine Conquests books thus far, this is probably the one I would recommend to new fans the most. Why? Because it manages to be both elegantly simplistic and trope defying at the same time.
The Synopsis:
As M42 rolls onward, the Imperium continues to fight its ever more desperate battles. Short on men, ships, supplies and with its armies stretched ever thinner, the world of Almace has but a token force to defend it. As a growing force of Word Bearers encroaches upon the system, the Imperium is only able to spare three demi-companies of Imperial Fists, White Scars and Raven Guard to bolster its defenses. Led by Heyd Calder, Suboden Khan, and Sael Karros respectively, they soon begin fortifying the world against the oncoming storm. Fighting against both Almace's bureaucracy and severely limited resources, even their might seems unlikely to turn the tide.
Yet more than merely the desire to spill blood has brought the sons of Lorgar to this world. Something old and very rare resides upon the world, and they will stop at nothing to ensure that it falls within their power.
The Good:
To cite the first point before anything else: This book has seemingly been written to break past concepts. While this isn't some gigantic battering ram hell-bent upon breaking the setting for its own sake, there are multiple counter-arguments made against past depictions. Perhaps one of the biggest ones is in the form of Astartes failing to understand human niceties, or being unable to comprehend such a lifestyle. While they do not appreciate them, each uses them to their own advantage for diplomatic reasons, and it helps to establish Calder's versatility very early on. The book is littered with such moments, both highlighted and kept in the background to give it a surprisingly unique feel to any veterans. The benefit of this is that, even during the conflict's most straightforward moments, it always throws enough surprising curve-balls to keep you hooked.
Another definite benefit stems from the villains of the work. Apocalypse truly comes to life at any moment where Reynolds is given a chance to put any member of the Word Bearers legion into focus. There are many definite shout-outs to the ideas covered in Anthony Reynolds' Word Bearers stories, highlighting past concepts, but this is used to better establish their nature rather than being used as a crutch. If anything, it helps as the points covered end up being almost a commentary on the legion as a whole, and how their depiction in those novels has both helped and held them back. Amatnim, the main antagonist, is also a fantastic creation with a genuinely engaging background and outlook on the universe. He's someone who clearly deserves at least a novella to better expand upon his role, and is a stark contrast to many devout Chaos worshippers. These qualities allow the book to have one of my personal favourite examinations of the legion to date, even if I would not wish for this version to become the definitive one.
Character banter and interactions remain a strong point within the novel throughout it, and this is as evident in its moments with mortals as among the astartes. One great example is where Suboden addresses the naval Captains defending the world. It is a short sequence, but it helps to touch on themes of changing times, the state of the Imperium, and one or two reactions which could only be written with a mortal facing down a seven foot tall giant in white armour. There is a constantly human quality to the work which helps to elevate many scenes which would otherwise feel dead or dull, keeping them easy to read and engaging in a remarkably fun manner.
However, perhaps more than anything else, one major boon to the story is how it handles the ideas of its era. The subject of changing times is a constant focus, and it dominates much of the narrative. However, it's treated as more of a fact and acknowledged as a desperate state of affairs rather than dominating the entire script. Compared with how Spear of the Emperor seemed to be trying to drive a "THE IMPERIUM IS DOOMED!" theme into the reader's skull with the subtlety of a battering ram, Apocalypse acknowledges it. It doesn't downplay the desperation of current times, nor even the fact the Imperium may well lose the war, but it doesn't allow the theme to dominate the story at the cost of other elements. In contrast to some other tales, that kind of balance is extremely welcome.
The Bad:
So, for the bad. While this might sound contrary to some of the points above, the trio of primary loyalist marines feel as if they fit into their chapters a little too well. The Imperial Fist is stoic, the White Scar is a laughing Mongol, and the Raven Guard is sneaky git. While each is certainly given more than enough moments to help humanize them, and break a few tropes along the way, they never fully stand out as their own characters. I ended up enjoying moments surrounding them rather than their personalities and, while they were memorable enough to remember by name, by the end I was still remembering them more by chapter than anything else.
Another issue in regards to the work is how its faster pace leaves events being glossed over in a few key cases. While the system itself is clearly under threat and you can see in many places just how it is on the verge of a total loss, there are elements we learn about after the fact. Segments like the Word Bearers invading a world en mass is told more thought the eyes of its commander than through broader descriptions. The story also lacks the sense of momentum behind events I would normally expect to see, or a much bigger display of sheer carnage. While there is plenty of satisfying action, it is either told from a distance (or through the reactions or characters than direct visuals) or it is delivered via more squad-based combat. For a book called Apocalypse, it just doesn't have quite the bang that you would expect to see.
Finally, there is a somewhat rushed quality to the work. This seems hardly worth noting but, when compared with some of Reynolds' previous stories, it lacks some of the more poetic and nuanced descriptions which makes the atmosphere of his books so excellent. In a few chapters, the prose feels more akin to Graham McNeill's more direct style of presenting events than what typically makes Reynolds books work. However, the novel is still leagues above many other tomes and it only suffers when compared with the likes of the Fabius Bile books.
The Verdict:
Apocalypse is undoubtedly Josh Reynolds' most conventional Warhammer novel to date, but that is by no means a bad thing. As much of this review has covered, its shortcomings do stem from some of its focus on action, but it is far more than just the sum of its parts. This could have just been a by the numbers "marines shoot at one another" read and discard affair, but it instead proves to be a fun and insightful outing. At its absolute worst it's a reminder of some of the novels that dominated the Black Library a good fifteen years ago, but in the best possible way.
If you want to see more of this era, this is the book I would recommend the most alongside the Spear of the Emperor and Devastation of Baal to help explore the Great Rift era wars. It's a great counterpoint to both of those works and an excellent, yet easy to access installment overall. If you overlooked this one due to its title or sounding too unengaging, I would definitely recommend giving it a chance.
Oh, it's an understandable mistake to make both from the premise and also the fact that the name is synonymous with big explosions now. However, while the novel is undeniably direct, there is much more to offer in this one than merely a lot of 'splosions and some fodder to bump off. In fact, out of all the Space Marine Conquests books thus far, this is probably the one I would recommend to new fans the most. Why? Because it manages to be both elegantly simplistic and trope defying at the same time.
The Synopsis:
As M42 rolls onward, the Imperium continues to fight its ever more desperate battles. Short on men, ships, supplies and with its armies stretched ever thinner, the world of Almace has but a token force to defend it. As a growing force of Word Bearers encroaches upon the system, the Imperium is only able to spare three demi-companies of Imperial Fists, White Scars and Raven Guard to bolster its defenses. Led by Heyd Calder, Suboden Khan, and Sael Karros respectively, they soon begin fortifying the world against the oncoming storm. Fighting against both Almace's bureaucracy and severely limited resources, even their might seems unlikely to turn the tide.
Yet more than merely the desire to spill blood has brought the sons of Lorgar to this world. Something old and very rare resides upon the world, and they will stop at nothing to ensure that it falls within their power.
The Good:
To cite the first point before anything else: This book has seemingly been written to break past concepts. While this isn't some gigantic battering ram hell-bent upon breaking the setting for its own sake, there are multiple counter-arguments made against past depictions. Perhaps one of the biggest ones is in the form of Astartes failing to understand human niceties, or being unable to comprehend such a lifestyle. While they do not appreciate them, each uses them to their own advantage for diplomatic reasons, and it helps to establish Calder's versatility very early on. The book is littered with such moments, both highlighted and kept in the background to give it a surprisingly unique feel to any veterans. The benefit of this is that, even during the conflict's most straightforward moments, it always throws enough surprising curve-balls to keep you hooked.
Another definite benefit stems from the villains of the work. Apocalypse truly comes to life at any moment where Reynolds is given a chance to put any member of the Word Bearers legion into focus. There are many definite shout-outs to the ideas covered in Anthony Reynolds' Word Bearers stories, highlighting past concepts, but this is used to better establish their nature rather than being used as a crutch. If anything, it helps as the points covered end up being almost a commentary on the legion as a whole, and how their depiction in those novels has both helped and held them back. Amatnim, the main antagonist, is also a fantastic creation with a genuinely engaging background and outlook on the universe. He's someone who clearly deserves at least a novella to better expand upon his role, and is a stark contrast to many devout Chaos worshippers. These qualities allow the book to have one of my personal favourite examinations of the legion to date, even if I would not wish for this version to become the definitive one.
Character banter and interactions remain a strong point within the novel throughout it, and this is as evident in its moments with mortals as among the astartes. One great example is where Suboden addresses the naval Captains defending the world. It is a short sequence, but it helps to touch on themes of changing times, the state of the Imperium, and one or two reactions which could only be written with a mortal facing down a seven foot tall giant in white armour. There is a constantly human quality to the work which helps to elevate many scenes which would otherwise feel dead or dull, keeping them easy to read and engaging in a remarkably fun manner.
However, perhaps more than anything else, one major boon to the story is how it handles the ideas of its era. The subject of changing times is a constant focus, and it dominates much of the narrative. However, it's treated as more of a fact and acknowledged as a desperate state of affairs rather than dominating the entire script. Compared with how Spear of the Emperor seemed to be trying to drive a "THE IMPERIUM IS DOOMED!" theme into the reader's skull with the subtlety of a battering ram, Apocalypse acknowledges it. It doesn't downplay the desperation of current times, nor even the fact the Imperium may well lose the war, but it doesn't allow the theme to dominate the story at the cost of other elements. In contrast to some other tales, that kind of balance is extremely welcome.
The Bad:
So, for the bad. While this might sound contrary to some of the points above, the trio of primary loyalist marines feel as if they fit into their chapters a little too well. The Imperial Fist is stoic, the White Scar is a laughing Mongol, and the Raven Guard is sneaky git. While each is certainly given more than enough moments to help humanize them, and break a few tropes along the way, they never fully stand out as their own characters. I ended up enjoying moments surrounding them rather than their personalities and, while they were memorable enough to remember by name, by the end I was still remembering them more by chapter than anything else.
Another issue in regards to the work is how its faster pace leaves events being glossed over in a few key cases. While the system itself is clearly under threat and you can see in many places just how it is on the verge of a total loss, there are elements we learn about after the fact. Segments like the Word Bearers invading a world en mass is told more thought the eyes of its commander than through broader descriptions. The story also lacks the sense of momentum behind events I would normally expect to see, or a much bigger display of sheer carnage. While there is plenty of satisfying action, it is either told from a distance (or through the reactions or characters than direct visuals) or it is delivered via more squad-based combat. For a book called Apocalypse, it just doesn't have quite the bang that you would expect to see.
Finally, there is a somewhat rushed quality to the work. This seems hardly worth noting but, when compared with some of Reynolds' previous stories, it lacks some of the more poetic and nuanced descriptions which makes the atmosphere of his books so excellent. In a few chapters, the prose feels more akin to Graham McNeill's more direct style of presenting events than what typically makes Reynolds books work. However, the novel is still leagues above many other tomes and it only suffers when compared with the likes of the Fabius Bile books.
The Verdict:
Apocalypse is undoubtedly Josh Reynolds' most conventional Warhammer novel to date, but that is by no means a bad thing. As much of this review has covered, its shortcomings do stem from some of its focus on action, but it is far more than just the sum of its parts. This could have just been a by the numbers "marines shoot at one another" read and discard affair, but it instead proves to be a fun and insightful outing. At its absolute worst it's a reminder of some of the novels that dominated the Black Library a good fifteen years ago, but in the best possible way.
If you want to see more of this era, this is the book I would recommend the most alongside the Spear of the Emperor and Devastation of Baal to help explore the Great Rift era wars. It's a great counterpoint to both of those works and an excellent, yet easy to access installment overall. If you overlooked this one due to its title or sounding too unengaging, I would definitely recommend giving it a chance.
May 7, 2022
The plot and story is good and seemingly promising, but this book is hampered by forcing suspense, mediocre writing, and overly abundant and repetitive. The amount of times the word conflagration was used almost seemed like it was trying to break a record.
Three chapters of Space marines, Imperial Fists, White Scars, and Raven Guard are sent to Odoacer system to defend it from a Chaos Word Bearers invasion. Led by a Primaris Imperial Fist marine, they mount a defense on the main planet and send an advance fleet to engage the enemies first on another planet being attacked.
Sounds exciting, but nothing happens in the first 150 pages. Primaris talks to White Scar captain, White Scar captain chuckles or snorts at everything, and says smart alecky things that is unbecoming of a space marine. Then the Word Bearer characters Amatnim and Lakmhu have a "Will they, won't they?" situation where they're just snidely and aggressively conversing with each other about Kor Phaeron & Erebus all the time. Like, we get it, White Scars have a douchey personality and the Word Bearers seem to have a lot of hateful tension to the point maybe they should just kiss.
And then the story pans back to each of them to do it all over again, for 150 pages. The author was really testing its reader's patience here. I almost just put the book down but then I'd be blatantly tossing $16.
Josh Reynolds, you wanna know why Aaron Dembski Bowden is good? It's because Emperor's gift started with Grey Knights teleporting into a Daemon hotzone in the first 20 pages. It's because Dan Abnett knows how to temper conversations with useful, intriguing dialogue not meant to pander to cliches. Even Gregor Eisenhorn killed 20 cultist, discovered a hidden Chaos cult, and chased down a heretic by the 50 page mark.
Moving along, first battle supposedly happens. Sisters of Battle and Imperial Guard are fortifying an important Chapel Library with secrets, and the Chaos have to drop planetside to take it. Perfect, a battle is coming! The suspense has been building for so long... and we don't get to see any of it!
The scene cuts to everyone is dead already and the Chaos leader is already in the library burning books. Are you kidding me? There could've been an incredible kick off to a great first battle where the Word Bearers drop in with daemons and envelope the city in fire and blood, and it's all skipped.
This keeps happening by the way, until the end of the book. The format is essentially, here's dialogue between two characters, they have a plan, something is definitely coming, enemies are here, ready to engage... and then, cut scene and lets talk about something else that's happening elsewhere. I literally skipped entire paragraphs just to get back into the heat of the previously skipped action sequences.
There's a part where all the Space Marines, Sisters, and Guards are all lined up at a gate ready to blast everything that comes. Blood from enemy bodies start boiling, daemons are coming, and then it suddenly cuts to the perspective of the chaos leader and he's just thinking about whether his follower is trustworthy or not, oh and his daemons already attacked and broke the Imperial defenses, whatever, not important enough to describe I guess. Author decided it was probably excessive to walk through the steps of literally the most exciting parts of these stories.
For a book that sounds promisingly full of action, especially part of a collection called Space Marine Conquests, this book spends an incredible amount of time avoiding action. It's insane, and definitely absurd.
Three chapters of Space marines, Imperial Fists, White Scars, and Raven Guard are sent to Odoacer system to defend it from a Chaos Word Bearers invasion. Led by a Primaris Imperial Fist marine, they mount a defense on the main planet and send an advance fleet to engage the enemies first on another planet being attacked.
Sounds exciting, but nothing happens in the first 150 pages. Primaris talks to White Scar captain, White Scar captain chuckles or snorts at everything, and says smart alecky things that is unbecoming of a space marine. Then the Word Bearer characters Amatnim and Lakmhu have a "Will they, won't they?" situation where they're just snidely and aggressively conversing with each other about Kor Phaeron & Erebus all the time. Like, we get it, White Scars have a douchey personality and the Word Bearers seem to have a lot of hateful tension to the point maybe they should just kiss.
And then the story pans back to each of them to do it all over again, for 150 pages. The author was really testing its reader's patience here. I almost just put the book down but then I'd be blatantly tossing $16.
Josh Reynolds, you wanna know why Aaron Dembski Bowden is good? It's because Emperor's gift started with Grey Knights teleporting into a Daemon hotzone in the first 20 pages. It's because Dan Abnett knows how to temper conversations with useful, intriguing dialogue not meant to pander to cliches. Even Gregor Eisenhorn killed 20 cultist, discovered a hidden Chaos cult, and chased down a heretic by the 50 page mark.
Moving along, first battle supposedly happens. Sisters of Battle and Imperial Guard are fortifying an important Chapel Library with secrets, and the Chaos have to drop planetside to take it. Perfect, a battle is coming! The suspense has been building for so long... and we don't get to see any of it!
The scene cuts to everyone is dead already and the Chaos leader is already in the library burning books. Are you kidding me? There could've been an incredible kick off to a great first battle where the Word Bearers drop in with daemons and envelope the city in fire and blood, and it's all skipped.
This keeps happening by the way, until the end of the book. The format is essentially, here's dialogue between two characters, they have a plan, something is definitely coming, enemies are here, ready to engage... and then, cut scene and lets talk about something else that's happening elsewhere. I literally skipped entire paragraphs just to get back into the heat of the previously skipped action sequences.
There's a part where all the Space Marines, Sisters, and Guards are all lined up at a gate ready to blast everything that comes. Blood from enemy bodies start boiling, daemons are coming, and then it suddenly cuts to the perspective of the chaos leader and he's just thinking about whether his follower is trustworthy or not, oh and his daemons already attacked and broke the Imperial defenses, whatever, not important enough to describe I guess. Author decided it was probably excessive to walk through the steps of literally the most exciting parts of these stories.
For a book that sounds promisingly full of action, especially part of a collection called Space Marine Conquests, this book spends an incredible amount of time avoiding action. It's insane, and definitely absurd.
September 4, 2023
TLDR: Weak plot, little to no character development.
A promising setting and cast of good potential characters, followed by an underwhelming act 2 & 3 as well as little to no character development. it's a blockbuster action novel with subpar action and story.
Spoilers to follow:
There are 3 main loyalist and 2 main traitor characters followed throughout the novel. Each act in a cookie cutter predictably and the author has seemingly forgotten that it's the human quirks and characteristics that make the space marines alluring. It's their seeking perfection whilst maintaining a link to humanity, that makes them relatable and interesting. As listening, I kept waiting hoping the story would get better but instead I felt I spent 10 hours listening to the tale of 5 servitors disguised as Astartes- How underwhelming. Moreso, the big boss battles at the end of the book were incredibly disappointing whether the fights were finished in moments to an outsider, off screen or worst of all in a way that did nothing to credit the characters previous personalities or arcs (think Daenerys end of GOT).
I believe no storyboard was made when writing this up. And no plot arc. The author references religion as a reason one main character gives up but there's no build up to this. It's just a casual shrug that makes NO SENSE at all. A word bearer saying "oh well" the gods don't will it anymore.
All in all it's another brick in the servitor wall of bad Astartes-books. Do yourself a favor; avoid this one.
PS. In light of not trying to be overly critical: perhaps the author was rushed for time on this one's execution? Budget causing a rushed product?
A promising setting and cast of good potential characters, followed by an underwhelming act 2 & 3 as well as little to no character development. it's a blockbuster action novel with subpar action and story.
Spoilers to follow:
There are 3 main loyalist and 2 main traitor characters followed throughout the novel. Each act in a cookie cutter predictably and the author has seemingly forgotten that it's the human quirks and characteristics that make the space marines alluring. It's their seeking perfection whilst maintaining a link to humanity, that makes them relatable and interesting. As listening, I kept waiting hoping the story would get better but instead I felt I spent 10 hours listening to the tale of 5 servitors disguised as Astartes- How underwhelming. Moreso, the big boss battles at the end of the book were incredibly disappointing whether the fights were finished in moments to an outsider, off screen or worst of all in a way that did nothing to credit the characters previous personalities or arcs (think Daenerys end of GOT).
I believe no storyboard was made when writing this up. And no plot arc. The author references religion as a reason one main character gives up but there's no build up to this. It's just a casual shrug that makes NO SENSE at all. A word bearer saying "oh well" the gods don't will it anymore.
All in all it's another brick in the servitor wall of bad Astartes-books. Do yourself a favor; avoid this one.
PS. In light of not trying to be overly critical: perhaps the author was rushed for time on this one's execution? Budget causing a rushed product?
July 19, 2019
Part of Black Library’s Space Marine Conquests series, Josh Reynolds’ Apocalypse is the first in the range to not focus on a single specific Chapter of Space Marines. Instead, it features a mixed Imperial force defending an isolated system against Word Bearers intent on conquest. As Amatnim Ur-Nabas Lash leads his fractious forces towards the Ecclesiarchy world of Almace, Lieutenant Calder of the Imperial Fists plans the loyalist defences with the aid of Suboden Khan of the White Scars and Raven Guard Lieutenant Karros. If he’s to succeed Calder knows he must play to his forces’ unique strengths but also get the most out of Almace’s Ecclesiarchy overlords.
It’s a long book, with a lot going on and plenty of variety and excitement to maintain the reader’s interest. It’s perhaps not quite to the grand scale that the title Apocalypse might imply, but semantics aside, narratively it sits at an interesting intersection of faith, politics and warfare which aptly reflects the Imperium as a whole. In particular there’s an ongoing theme of the contrast between faith as espoused by the Imperium and the Word Bearers, largely shown through Amatnim’s eyes, as well as some tantalising glimpses of a different age of the Imperium via Calder’s occasional recollections of his pre-stasis youth. Overall it’s a typically Reynolds sort of story, combining conventional Space Marine action and adventure with wry observational humour and satisfying storytelling.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/07/...
It’s a long book, with a lot going on and plenty of variety and excitement to maintain the reader’s interest. It’s perhaps not quite to the grand scale that the title Apocalypse might imply, but semantics aside, narratively it sits at an interesting intersection of faith, politics and warfare which aptly reflects the Imperium as a whole. In particular there’s an ongoing theme of the contrast between faith as espoused by the Imperium and the Word Bearers, largely shown through Amatnim’s eyes, as well as some tantalising glimpses of a different age of the Imperium via Calder’s occasional recollections of his pre-stasis youth. Overall it’s a typically Reynolds sort of story, combining conventional Space Marine action and adventure with wry observational humour and satisfying storytelling.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/07/...
July 25, 2019
I make no attempt to hide that I bought this book after various teasers and suggestions that Josh Reynolds would be tackling Word Bearers in depth. I had very high hopes for their portrayal in Apocalypse, and they were easily met.
The petty power struggles, grand ambitions, ploys within ploys were so easy to get swept up in that I managed to forget that my favourite faction, even the key characters within this book, are to their Gods as their cultists are to them. You'll get reminded, though. It knocked the wind out of me.
Another thing that Apocalypse does is touch on the various logistics of actually defending (and attacking) a system. How less important worlds and cities will fare, how to maintain order in a populace facing invasion (and your invasion force,) how a void-based mining facility can cause more trouble than you'd think... but I would like to specifically mention the void warfare and the dogfights. They were easily my favourite combat scenes, and it was good to have the White Scars to provide enthusiasm for their craft.
There is, ultimately, too much to unpack in terms of theme without spoiling the surprise. And I think that it should remain a surprise. Suffice to say, I was waiting for a time when a little bit of truth would come out, I got a taste of it here. Apocalypse is a very fun book, that could mean a lot, or nothing at all, to the setting and it is absolutely worth your time.
The petty power struggles, grand ambitions, ploys within ploys were so easy to get swept up in that I managed to forget that my favourite faction, even the key characters within this book, are to their Gods as their cultists are to them. You'll get reminded, though. It knocked the wind out of me.
Another thing that Apocalypse does is touch on the various logistics of actually defending (and attacking) a system. How less important worlds and cities will fare, how to maintain order in a populace facing invasion (and your invasion force,) how a void-based mining facility can cause more trouble than you'd think... but I would like to specifically mention the void warfare and the dogfights. They were easily my favourite combat scenes, and it was good to have the White Scars to provide enthusiasm for their craft.
There is, ultimately, too much to unpack in terms of theme without spoiling the surprise. And I think that it should remain a surprise. Suffice to say, I was waiting for a time when a little bit of truth would come out, I got a taste of it here. Apocalypse is a very fun book, that could mean a lot, or nothing at all, to the setting and it is absolutely worth your time.
January 17, 2025
The Word Bearers are coming and, because Word Bearers are awesome, three Big Name Chapters work together to defend the Maguffin of the Week in a really big battle. As a fan on (almost) all things Chaos I am perhaps a little biased, but I found all the Imperial shenanigans here pretty dull.
A lot more focus goes into Primaris and OldMarines of the different chapters trying to work together than goes into selling the scale of the conflict, so the whole thing the doesn't feel deserving of it's 'Apocalypse' title. The Imperial leaders play to their archetypes Raven Guard leader is sneaky, the White Scar fierce and tribal, the Imperial Fist stoic, and for all the time spent with them none were terribly memorable.
The Word Bearers were more interesting, giving a little more insight into the current state of play of some of the key factions within the legion. Reynolds deserves credit for making them believable characters with relatable motivations, rather than moustache-twirling baddies.
By no means the worst 40k novel I've encountered. Well written, but full of ideas and tropes not all of which are equal either in quality or in love and attention. There's a better, more focussed and definitely shorter novel in here somewhere.
A lot more focus goes into Primaris and OldMarines of the different chapters trying to work together than goes into selling the scale of the conflict, so the whole thing the doesn't feel deserving of it's 'Apocalypse' title. The Imperial leaders play to their archetypes Raven Guard leader is sneaky, the White Scar fierce and tribal, the Imperial Fist stoic, and for all the time spent with them none were terribly memorable.
The Word Bearers were more interesting, giving a little more insight into the current state of play of some of the key factions within the legion. Reynolds deserves credit for making them believable characters with relatable motivations, rather than moustache-twirling baddies.
By no means the worst 40k novel I've encountered. Well written, but full of ideas and tropes not all of which are equal either in quality or in love and attention. There's a better, more focussed and definitely shorter novel in here somewhere.
June 12, 2020
The Cardinal World of Almace is under attack from the foul traitors from the Wordbearer Legion. Sent to stand against them is a force from three different Chapters, the White Scars, the Raven Guard under the command of Lieutenant Calder from the Imperial Fists. But why has the Wordbearer fleet come to this world? Is it just a random attack? Cardinal Worlds do make tempting targets for these arch iconoclasts. Or is there a deeper purpose to their attacks?
This is the first book i've read featuring the Primaris Marines in it. But what's nice though is that it's still set at the time when Primaris and First Born are serving together and the Primaris are still a novel thing for the Traitor Marines to encounter. The story is solid showing how the Space Marines defend a world against a superior force and equally the scheme that the traitors come up with when thy attack and the infighting that plagues both sides.
This is the first book i've read featuring the Primaris Marines in it. But what's nice though is that it's still set at the time when Primaris and First Born are serving together and the Primaris are still a novel thing for the Traitor Marines to encounter. The story is solid showing how the Space Marines defend a world against a superior force and equally the scheme that the traitors come up with when thy attack and the infighting that plagues both sides.
February 4, 2021
Ein solider Warhammer-Roman, aber nicht ohne Schwachpunkte: Gerade in der zweiten Hälfte kommt es vermehrt zu Kapiteln, in denen neue Charaktere eingeführt werden, die offensichtlich Kanonenfutter sind - so weit, so normal für Warhammer. Aber diese Kapitel werden viel zu oft nicht zu Ende geführt, man darf sich den Rest denken. Das sähe bestimmt in einem Film toll aus, hat bei mir beim Lesen aber immer wieder für Irritation gesorgt.
Ach ja, und dass ein Primaris-Marine sich nicht denken kann, der Feind könnte einfach mitten in der Stadt landen und dass er stattdessen draußen landet, um dann gegen die Mauern anzurennen, das war peinlich.
Nichtsdestotrotz hält der Roman, was versprochen wird. Es gibt mehr als genug Geballer und Gemorde, und das aus allen Winkeln, die man sich wünschen kann. Ich bin zufrieden.
Ach ja, und dass ein Primaris-Marine sich nicht denken kann, der Feind könnte einfach mitten in der Stadt landen und dass er stattdessen draußen landet, um dann gegen die Mauern anzurennen, das war peinlich.
Nichtsdestotrotz hält der Roman, was versprochen wird. Es gibt mehr als genug Geballer und Gemorde, und das aus allen Winkeln, die man sich wünschen kann. Ich bin zufrieden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
I wonder if the author was paid for the amount of times they referred to people as “meat”. I guess it sort of makes sense for the Word Bearers but even the loyalists end up doing it a few times, and while there obviously aren’t any real good guys, the White Scars aren’t exactly Erebus level assholes.
Anyway, it’s a pretty good book. It’s an especially good Word Bearer and Raven Guard book. It’s probably one of my favorite portrayals of the Raven Guard in any 40k book that I’ve read, and I’ve read quite a few. In the audiobook they even talk like I AM BATMAN, which is pretty hilarious. Anyway, the White Scars, the Fists and the Sisters of Battle are there as well, but their appearances are less impressive or at least compared to what you’ll find in other books.
To story is ok. It’s pretty interesting, though maybe a little bit obvious if you know a lot of the lore behind the imperial faith beforehand, but it’s well told and the characters are great.
Anyway, it’s a pretty good book. It’s an especially good Word Bearer and Raven Guard book. It’s probably one of my favorite portrayals of the Raven Guard in any 40k book that I’ve read, and I’ve read quite a few. In the audiobook they even talk like I AM BATMAN, which is pretty hilarious. Anyway, the White Scars, the Fists and the Sisters of Battle are there as well, but their appearances are less impressive or at least compared to what you’ll find in other books.
To story is ok. It’s pretty interesting, though maybe a little bit obvious if you know a lot of the lore behind the imperial faith beforehand, but it’s well told and the characters are great.
February 1, 2025
The book was adequate. A good premise and a good cast of characters, but it was hampered by focusing too much on the Space Marines, and representing the transhumans is a very difficult task. The Word Bearers were also well-represented, diverse and given some needed depth (unlike the usual unidimensional Word Bearer villains), but the dialogues were forced and ultimately, both Word Bearers and Imperials suffered by having the attention of the book split between them. The story would have been much better if told from either PoV, but not both.
A fine effort, an enjoyable read and a plot and cast that held great promise. The execution was somewhat off, but this was a far cry from mere bolter porn and could have been a much better book if it had been one part of a Word Bearer omnibus, for example.
A fine effort, an enjoyable read and a plot and cast that held great promise. The execution was somewhat off, but this was a far cry from mere bolter porn and could have been a much better book if it had been one part of a Word Bearer omnibus, for example.
June 13, 2024
I really liked this one. The heroes are all distinct from each other in terms of personality, and they each provide a key piece of the plot. The villains have this beautiful Megatron/Starscream meets Game of Thrones dynamic which leaves you wanting more of them (and since they have about 40-50% of the book to themselves you will get it). The pacing is quite good, the times where there is any pausing is so there can be these amusing scenes that add color to the world.
The one thing that didn't work well was the big reveal. It didn't feel as big as it could and should have been, and I think there could have been a little more time spent on it to give it the weight it needed.
Fun read. Would recommend to 40k fans.
The one thing that didn't work well was the big reveal. It didn't feel as big as it could and should have been, and I think there could have been a little more time spent on it to give it the weight it needed.
Fun read. Would recommend to 40k fans.
August 8, 2019
With an armada of warships of the Word Bearers legion bearing down on the world of Almacia, defenders of the Imperial Fists, Raven Guard, and White Scars must find a way to defend the world from the dark plans of the traitors. Having set the scene so well, Reynolds is able to turn to characterizing the major players of the book. Often through charged dialogue and explanatory passages we learn about the natures of the defenders and the attackers, as well as the dark secret hidden at Almacia's heart. The book is action packed, featuring both space and land battles, culminating in an epic siege and features a great payoff. I can't recommend this book enough for those who love Warhammer 40,000.
May 31, 2023
В книге на редкость рациональные Несущие Слово, атакую кардинальский мир, где оказывается один . Вроде бы Несущие Слова, как ударившиеся в демонопоклонство вскоре после сожжения Монархии, в Истваану давно уничтожили у себя всех про-Имперских легионеров, но нет. Обычно силы хаоса представляют собой бесконечную орду, но здесь видно как уязвимы хаоситы. Имперские силы, кроме Белых Шрамов (иронично), выглядят здесь несколько бледновато. Книга довольно долго тянется до начала решительных схваток, но оно того стоит.
March 22, 2023
One of the best portrayals of Space Marines interacting with Humans in this brave new world.
I'm a huge fan of Apocalypse, and I have read it twice. This is an excellent introductory book to Warhammer 40K, giving both the Imperial Marines, the Imperial Navy, Imperial Guard and Chaos Hordes plenty of time to shine. It explores their thoughts, their actions and their views of the world, including funny quips, deep philosophical discussion, descriptive action and thoughtful plans being completed or interrupted.
I'm a huge fan of Apocalypse, and I have read it twice. This is an excellent introductory book to Warhammer 40K, giving both the Imperial Marines, the Imperial Navy, Imperial Guard and Chaos Hordes plenty of time to shine. It explores their thoughts, their actions and their views of the world, including funny quips, deep philosophical discussion, descriptive action and thoughtful plans being completed or interrupted.
September 9, 2020
I found this enjoyable. I didn't grow a connection to any of the characters but there were times when it almost happened. I got to learn more about the word bearers in the 40k setting, about the various ways they dedicate themselves to the dark gods and how some of them just do the bare minimum to avoid their ire. The awkward moments between non-devout space marines and the faithful of the ecclesiarchy is always entertaining.
January 31, 2022
Don't judge a book by it's cover.
At first I thought it was another low effort bolter porn just to promote a new line of GW miniatures.
It's way better than it looks. It has some nice narration, interesting character interaction and many nice dialogues. Overall it was worth the read. However not all is so good. The later chapters felt a bit rushed and I think that compared to other Reynolds books it was a bit less well written. I still recommend it despite its flaws.
At first I thought it was another low effort bolter porn just to promote a new line of GW miniatures.
It's way better than it looks. It has some nice narration, interesting character interaction and many nice dialogues. Overall it was worth the read. However not all is so good. The later chapters felt a bit rushed and I think that compared to other Reynolds books it was a bit less well written. I still recommend it despite its flaws.
July 20, 2019
An excellent book about a Word Bearer’s planetary invasion of an Imperium planet defended by the Imperial Fists, White Scars, Raven Guard, Sisters of Battle and the PDF. The characters are very personable, the pace is fast, the plot straightforward and the ending satisfying. There is a lot of action, especially void war. I’m greedy: I wanted even MORE ground fighting.
April 6, 2021
I must admit that I'm a bit surprised by this book. I came to it with an expectation of pure bolter porn, and there is still a bit of that in it, don't get me wrong. But what I really liked are some new things that add to the whole lore of the Warhammer 40k, and shed new lights. I also liked most of the characters in it, both chaos and loyal.
August 15, 2024
I think this is a great entry book to warhammer 40k. Sure the characters are stereotypical for their chapters but there are enough of them to get variety and show three first founding ones. The book also shows different sides of chaos and the incongruence that is the Imperium. It also has some ties to 30k to maybe get people interessted.
August 6, 2019
Great book by Josh Reynolds. Loved the interactions that the three main characters had with each other - each space marine captains / lieutenants from different chapters. If you liked the Fabius Bile books you'll really enjoy this one.
March 8, 2020
This one had some amazing action sequences. And evil warlords that were more than just 'rawr, I'm so evil, watch me flay some innocents' thought to be fair that was in there too. Loved seeing the inclinations and view points of so many different factions within the factions.
January 31, 2022
Reynolds has written a compelling space marine novel. The political relationship between the two opposing factions of marines was interesting. I enjoyed reading about the many adaptations to marine hardware over time.
August 2, 2025
Easily one of my very favourite 40k books. I’ve had it a year but I’ve finished it at least 4 times, that’s how much I like it. I love seeing different chapters cooperating and the interplay of relationships between the White Scars, Imperial Fists and Raven Guard were top-tier.
August 12, 2019
Loved the way the characters were written and the different Pov. I loved that the main traitor space marine was not a mindless idiot.
May 31, 2020
More tidbits of the 40K universe revealed and explained. Another decent book in a long line of novels. Well worth the read.
September 23, 2020
There is a very interesting thread buried in the build up but it it is only partially uncovered by the payoff.
September 30, 2020
Surprisingly good WH40k audiobook, which I usually find lacking.
November 15, 2020
Definitely one of the better pieces of bolter porn I've read of late.
August 21, 2023
Four stars for a Warhammer book. Lots of fun, good villains, the heroes are a little flat but fine for what you have. Really enoyed it.
February 26, 2025
What are they hiding? What are they hiding?? Oh that’s what!!! Damn!!!
A great 40K novel, featuring different Chapters of Marines and Chaos. With battles raging across the planet and in space.
A great 40K novel, featuring different Chapters of Marines and Chaos. With battles raging across the planet and in space.
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