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Blood Angels #1
Deus Encarmine
Un roman Blood Angels de James Swallow. Sur le monde lointain de Cybele, les guerriers surhumains du chapitre des Blood Angels mènent une bataille perdue d'avance contre les plus implacables de leurs ennemis : les forces du Chaos. Mais lorsque frère Arkio prend la tête d'une éclatante contre-attaque qui met l'adversaire en déroute, on commence alors à parler tout bas d'intervention divine. Arkio aurait-il été touché par la grâce ? Tandis que les événements s'enchaînent bientôt tambour battant, la conspiration cauchemardesque ourdie par les forces du Chaos se dévoile. Si frère Rafen ne découvre pas de quoi il retourne véritablement, tout le chapitre pourrait bien se retrouver damné pour l'éternité. Deus Encarmine est le premier tome d'un diptyque de romans trépidants qui illustrent le plus populaire des chapitres de Space Marines tirés de l'univers de Warhammer 40,000, les Blood Angels.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2004
19 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
James Swallow
304 books1,070 followersJames Swallow is a New York Times, Sunday Times and Amazon #1 bestselling author and scriptwriter, a BAFTA nominee, a former journalist and the award-winning writer of over sixty-five books, along with scripts for video games, comics, radio and television.
DARK HORIZON, his latest stand-alone thriller, is out now from Mountain Leopard Press, and OUTLAW, the 6th action-packed Marc Dane novel, is published by Bonnier.
Along with the Marc Dane thrillers, his writing includes, the Sundowners steampunk Westerns and fiction from the worlds of Star Trek, Tom Clancy, 24, Warhammer 40000, Doctor Who, Deus Ex, Stargate, 2000AD and many more.
For information on new releases & more, sign up to the Readers’ Club here: www.bit.ly/JamesSwallow
Visit James's website at http://www.jswallow.com/ for more, including ROUGH AIR, a free eBook novella in the Marc Dane series.
You can also follow James on Bluesky at @jmswallow.bsky.social, Twitter at @jmswallow, Mastodon at @jmswallow@mstdn.social and jmswallow.tumblr.com at Tumblr.
DARK HORIZON, his latest stand-alone thriller, is out now from Mountain Leopard Press, and OUTLAW, the 6th action-packed Marc Dane novel, is published by Bonnier.
Along with the Marc Dane thrillers, his writing includes, the Sundowners steampunk Westerns and fiction from the worlds of Star Trek, Tom Clancy, 24, Warhammer 40000, Doctor Who, Deus Ex, Stargate, 2000AD and many more.
For information on new releases & more, sign up to the Readers’ Club here: www.bit.ly/JamesSwallow
Visit James's website at http://www.jswallow.com/ for more, including ROUGH AIR, a free eBook novella in the Marc Dane series.
You can also follow James on Bluesky at @jmswallow.bsky.social, Twitter at @jmswallow, Mastodon at @jmswallow@mstdn.social and jmswallow.tumblr.com at Tumblr.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 20, 2016
I personally thought this was an awesome novel. James Swallow does a fantastic job at really building tension. There were a good number of times when things happened that were completely unexpected to me. I also love that there is far less plot armour than in some 40K fiction *cough* ultramarines *cough*. Though I would say that the best part of this novel is the main characters thoughts and reactions to the events unfolding around him.
I heard a lot of bad things about this series and James Swallow's writing, but I really enjoyed it. Check it out if you are a 40K fan, or particularly Blood Angels or the Word Bearers!
I heard a lot of bad things about this series and James Swallow's writing, but I really enjoyed it. Check it out if you are a 40K fan, or particularly Blood Angels or the Word Bearers!
July 9, 2015
Deus Encarmine is a Space Marine action book that does exactly what it says on the tin. There are battles, interspersed with a few scenes of exposition until the next action scene.
I have to admit that the thing is a little boring, in the sense that by the end of the book I was shocked we had already reached the end because very little had actually happened.
Though it is only the first half of the series, so I am certain that it will wrap up a bit more in the next instalment.
What I did really enjoy about the novel was a bit of a trek back into the past of 40k, when everything was a bit less GRIM and things had a bit more character. Sure, the Space Marines here act much more like regular soldiers than brainwashed super-warrior knights. Sure, a battle in the book in which "a few hundred Blood Angels die" would have been a Chapter-scarring event that would have merited more than a couple devotional prayers. Sure, the Word Bearers are hilariously cartoon villains with three tongues, raspy voices and no reservations about backstabbing their companions.
That is what I liked most about this story. Back to a simpler time when 40k took itself a little less seriously, and when whacky stuff was the norm.
Overall a decent read for a 40k fan, but not much besides that.
I have to admit that the thing is a little boring, in the sense that by the end of the book I was shocked we had already reached the end because very little had actually happened.
Though it is only the first half of the series, so I am certain that it will wrap up a bit more in the next instalment.
What I did really enjoy about the novel was a bit of a trek back into the past of 40k, when everything was a bit less GRIM and things had a bit more character. Sure, the Space Marines here act much more like regular soldiers than brainwashed super-warrior knights. Sure, a battle in the book in which "a few hundred Blood Angels die" would have been a Chapter-scarring event that would have merited more than a couple devotional prayers. Sure, the Word Bearers are hilariously cartoon villains with three tongues, raspy voices and no reservations about backstabbing their companions.
That is what I liked most about this story. Back to a simpler time when 40k took itself a little less seriously, and when whacky stuff was the norm.
Overall a decent read for a 40k fan, but not much besides that.
August 4, 2011
Amazing battles. Two books of practically nothing but hardcore warfare. The characterations of the marines was a bit off to me...but the action was hot!
December 24, 2013
This is the kind of 40k fiction that originally made me swear off anything longer than a page in a Codex. I am, however duty bound to read the rest of the series since I'm a Blood Angels player.
April 4, 2016
There is no peace amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter, and the laughter of thirsting gods.
December 16, 2023
What the hell is this bookcover?!
May 3, 2023
Overall the world-building is the most enjoyable part of this book. However, the characters are compelling in their own right. I am interested to continue the series and find out everyone's motivation involved in the destruction of the Blood Angels. What is Stele's, Sachiel's, and Arkio's end goal? I am excited to find out. I definitely recommend if you are a fan of Warhammer 40,000 already, but also, if like me, you are just now discovering the world and are hoping to learn a little more of the lore, atmosphere,and goal of play--I think this is a worthwhile read. It is also just fun if you like Military Sci-Fi.
July 10, 2018
One of the best GW books i have read.
Deus Encarmine is action packed and superbly written. The descriptions are vivid and it's characters are as intriguing as it's perpetually thickening plot. Falls short in its pacing at times and relies on cliches a little too often, but I would recommend to fans of Warhammer 40k every time.
Deus Encarmine is action packed and superbly written. The descriptions are vivid and it's characters are as intriguing as it's perpetually thickening plot. Falls short in its pacing at times and relies on cliches a little too often, but I would recommend to fans of Warhammer 40k every time.
March 19, 2015
I reviewed this in the combined form The Blood Angels Omnibus.
January 14, 2023
Rating of 4.5.
Prepare for blood, death and faith in the fantastic first entry of the Warhammer 40,000 Blood Angels series, Deus Encarmine by James Swallow.
Out of all the Space Marines chapters who faithfully defend the Imperium of Man, few are as revered, respected or feared as the legendary Blood Angels. The genetic descendants of the angelic primarch Sanguinius, the Blood Angels are proud warriors whose martial prowess and resolve are known across the galaxy. However, their strength comes at a great cost, as the traumatic death of Sanguinius millennia before during the Horus Heresy still lingers in their shared genes and has the potential to drive even the best of them mad.
As the Imperium once again finds itself invaded by the forces of Chaos, one of the Blood Angels’ greatest tests is about to begin on the planet of Cybele. A grave world dedicated to the memory of fallen Imperial warriors, Cybele is brutally invaded by Chaos Space Marines of the traitor Word Bearers legion, who overwhelm the Blood Angels honour guard stationed there and a relief force from the Blood Angels battle barge Bellus. Only an ambitious plan by a young Battle-Brother, Arkio, turns the tide against the forces of Chaos, a victory that is considered by many to be a miracle.
As the Blood Angels follow the Word Bearers back to their base of operations, the conquered planet of Shenlong, more miracles seem to surround Arkio, leading his fellow Space Marines to believe that he is the blessed reincarnation of Sanguinius himself. The only Blood Angel who doubts is Arkio’s older brother, Rafen, who notices strange changes in his sibling that his fellows are too blinded to see. Only Rafen can discover whether Arkio’s gifts are a Chaos plot or the divine will of Sannguinius, but will he find out the truth before humanity’s greatest protectors are torn apart from within?
This was an excellent and captivating Warhammer novel from Swallow that tells a bleak and compelling story of faith, betrayal and family. Making full use of the grim Warhammer 40,000 universe and the focus on the iconic Blood Angels, Deus Encarmine set up this first part of this series perfectly and you come away from this book extremely satisfied.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/01/14/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Prepare for blood, death and faith in the fantastic first entry of the Warhammer 40,000 Blood Angels series, Deus Encarmine by James Swallow.
Out of all the Space Marines chapters who faithfully defend the Imperium of Man, few are as revered, respected or feared as the legendary Blood Angels. The genetic descendants of the angelic primarch Sanguinius, the Blood Angels are proud warriors whose martial prowess and resolve are known across the galaxy. However, their strength comes at a great cost, as the traumatic death of Sanguinius millennia before during the Horus Heresy still lingers in their shared genes and has the potential to drive even the best of them mad.
As the Imperium once again finds itself invaded by the forces of Chaos, one of the Blood Angels’ greatest tests is about to begin on the planet of Cybele. A grave world dedicated to the memory of fallen Imperial warriors, Cybele is brutally invaded by Chaos Space Marines of the traitor Word Bearers legion, who overwhelm the Blood Angels honour guard stationed there and a relief force from the Blood Angels battle barge Bellus. Only an ambitious plan by a young Battle-Brother, Arkio, turns the tide against the forces of Chaos, a victory that is considered by many to be a miracle.
As the Blood Angels follow the Word Bearers back to their base of operations, the conquered planet of Shenlong, more miracles seem to surround Arkio, leading his fellow Space Marines to believe that he is the blessed reincarnation of Sanguinius himself. The only Blood Angel who doubts is Arkio’s older brother, Rafen, who notices strange changes in his sibling that his fellows are too blinded to see. Only Rafen can discover whether Arkio’s gifts are a Chaos plot or the divine will of Sannguinius, but will he find out the truth before humanity’s greatest protectors are torn apart from within?
This was an excellent and captivating Warhammer novel from Swallow that tells a bleak and compelling story of faith, betrayal and family. Making full use of the grim Warhammer 40,000 universe and the focus on the iconic Blood Angels, Deus Encarmine set up this first part of this series perfectly and you come away from this book extremely satisfied.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/01/14/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
June 25, 2020
A blood spilling, bone snapping, skull crunching, viscera tearing good time. Being a newbie in many ways to the universe of 40k except for some basic knowledge, it was a harder sell - many things are left undescribed, such as weaponry, vehicles, and even basic premises, but it's to be expected when jumping into a long running franchise with decades of history, and hundreds of books.
That said, I was engaged by the martyrdom plot, which offered a nice simplistic hook to drag me into the next novel. But the real treat here, simply, was the endless pages of descriptive, gore spilling violence. The language used here is absurdly descriptive. There were one or two times where some repetitive descriptions were used, sometimes on the same or next page (the Rhino "biting into" the ground, a great description, but not when it is used in nearly the very next paragraph) and anyone looking for a story transcending the realm of pulp fiction might be disappointed by the plot, which was spread thin even over the 185 or so pages that were here. (At least as far as the Omnibus is concerned which is how I read this story.)
But let's be honest, if you are reading a 40k novel about genetically mutated space marines with guns that fire exploding shells, your expectation is likely more along the lines of a paragraph explaining how blood sprayed from the arteries of the Blood Angels' kill, and how they drank it thirstily. In the grim dark future, there is of course, only war. I paid the price of admission expecting an action movie novelization, and I got it.
I am looking forward to the next novel, to see where the story takes Rafaen, Arkio, and the insidious antagonist from Deus Encarmine. And if it has even half the brutality this book contained, I will be content.
It loses a star only because the action can only be sustained for just as long as it was without getting tiring, even for a guy who craves it when the plot is this paper thin. But what there is, was a great time, even if it felt like it could have been a bit more depthful.
That said, I was engaged by the martyrdom plot, which offered a nice simplistic hook to drag me into the next novel. But the real treat here, simply, was the endless pages of descriptive, gore spilling violence. The language used here is absurdly descriptive. There were one or two times where some repetitive descriptions were used, sometimes on the same or next page (the Rhino "biting into" the ground, a great description, but not when it is used in nearly the very next paragraph) and anyone looking for a story transcending the realm of pulp fiction might be disappointed by the plot, which was spread thin even over the 185 or so pages that were here. (At least as far as the Omnibus is concerned which is how I read this story.)
But let's be honest, if you are reading a 40k novel about genetically mutated space marines with guns that fire exploding shells, your expectation is likely more along the lines of a paragraph explaining how blood sprayed from the arteries of the Blood Angels' kill, and how they drank it thirstily. In the grim dark future, there is of course, only war. I paid the price of admission expecting an action movie novelization, and I got it.
I am looking forward to the next novel, to see where the story takes Rafaen, Arkio, and the insidious antagonist from Deus Encarmine. And if it has even half the brutality this book contained, I will be content.
It loses a star only because the action can only be sustained for just as long as it was without getting tiring, even for a guy who craves it when the plot is this paper thin. But what there is, was a great time, even if it felt like it could have been a bit more depthful.
April 30, 2020
Dans l'ensemble, le roman était vraiment bien écrit ; j'ai assez bien apprécié les descriptions des armures, les véhicules, des armes et autres caractéristiques qui composent autant les Blood Angels que les armées du Chaos mais j'aurai préféré avoir aussi une petite illustration. Ce que je n'ai pas apprécié par contre, c'est le visage du Blood Angel sur la première de couverture.
Lien de ma chronique en entier ici : https://myliteraturemyworld.blogspot....
Lien de ma chronique en entier ici : https://myliteraturemyworld.blogspot....
May 26, 2025
Kind of your average warhammer 40k bolterporn. Marine man does things, shoots people, remains doggedly loyal and shoots some more people. It is worth noting too that this is one of the interpretations of 40k that turns the space marines and their chapters into just essentially just strong men with quirks. I would have much preferred a stranger, more alien blood angels chapter but eh, it's not exactly high literature so who really cares.
January 24, 2021
Just finished this and I’m looking forward very much to continue the story. At first I found it a little slow but defined picked up the more for me the more I read. Dislike the inquisitor a lot and crossing fingers he gets his due.
Overall really enjoy James swallows work and this is another to add to that statement
Overall really enjoy James swallows work and this is another to add to that statement
August 12, 2023
I have never enjoyed a book packed with action but here the comradery and all the sacrifices from great men mixed in with all the dramas of war has sparked a new interest in me. This world of war is rich with things to discover and I can't wait to explore more! Heck, I can't wait to explore all of it!
January 25, 2025
A fairly entertaining book full of intrigue and mystery. The action was occasionally quite entertaining but usually only okay, and I enjoyed watching everyone's schemes and plans develop & unfold. Could've been better, certainly, but I enjoyed it.
July 26, 2018
Pretty good book. Was a quick read although at times it seemed the author wrote every sentence with a thesaurus in hand. Overall a good violent romp in 40k land.
April 4, 2019
Grim and fun. Excellent read. =)
January 3, 2024
A fun read.
April 21, 2013
I'm knew to the games workshop universe and wanted to read some stories in it while I paint up my first game pieces. Since it seems the space marines are the most paid attention too I thought I'd start this series and see what I think.
I must say, so far I've read about four books of various authors. They certainly make the space marines and humans of the 41st millennia out to be some evil dudes. The constant betrayal is downright annoying. I guess in an universe gained by war forever this would happen but it'd be nice to have a good guy to root for.
The book flowed well and I didn't find myself pushing through just to finish. The characters were great and believable and you didn't
T need a history of space marines to understand what was going on. Things were explained just enough as you went along. Not sure if I will finish the series, but this was a great start
I must say, so far I've read about four books of various authors. They certainly make the space marines and humans of the 41st millennia out to be some evil dudes. The constant betrayal is downright annoying. I guess in an universe gained by war forever this would happen but it'd be nice to have a good guy to root for.
The book flowed well and I didn't find myself pushing through just to finish. The characters were great and believable and you didn't
T need a history of space marines to understand what was going on. Things were explained just enough as you went along. Not sure if I will finish the series, but this was a great start
October 11, 2015
This is a classic Warhammer! This is what I want from the series! Fantastic story with great cast of heroes - the noble Rafen, the great Arcio, doomed to Fall, their mentor Koris, the sinister villain... story worthy of the Star Wars movies, but much more badass. To a degree it is a small mirror of the Horus Heresy, but because of this, it is much more personal, action packed and straight to the point. Possibly the best Warhammer I have read this year, if not the best book overall. If I could, I would have given it six stars.
July 30, 2012
By the God Emperor! The Blood Angels sure do fight a lot amongst themselves. I hope as this series goes on, players of Blood Angel armies are rewarded by awesomeness: Mass combat involving drop pods and jet packs, Sanguinary Guard. bad ass Furioso dreadnoughts and deep striking Land Raiders! Here's to hoping...
December 10, 2007
On the cemetery world of Cybele, an honor guard of Blood Angels is attacked by the forces of Chaos.
It is shocking how easily Space Marines and Inquisitors are turned by Chaos.
Iskavan the Hated of the Word Bearers finds that he is only a pawn in the larger game.
It is shocking how easily Space Marines and Inquisitors are turned by Chaos.
Iskavan the Hated of the Word Bearers finds that he is only a pawn in the larger game.
February 5, 2008
got this book from Brian after we started reading the Warhammer 40,000 Horus Heresy series. This one is ok. It has some nice 40k action and describes the Blood Angels Chapter of Space Marines very well. Read only if you play 40k.
March 18, 2011
I needed something to read while I was sick so I picked up one of my husband Eric's books. This was hard for me to get through, mostly because of the blood, gore, and military speak, but the story was actually not too bad with an interesting twist at the end.
December 22, 2014
Ugh. Barely readable. I remember being so excited to read this b/c this chapter really interests me, as they're interested in collecting lore. Then it's just a bunch of them jumping around and fighting each other. Yeesh. Should have been called Deus Enbickering.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews