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Eisenhorn: The Omnibus
In the grim far future, the Inquisition moves amongst mankind like an avenging shadow, striking down daemons, aliens and heretics with uncompromising ruthlessness. Written by Gaunt’s Ghosts creator, Dan Abnett, this volume charts the career of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn as he changes from being a zealous upholder of the truth to collaborating with the very powers he once swore to destroy. Part detective story, part interplanetary Epic, this omnibus brings together the novels Xenos, Malleus, Hereticus and The Magos, as well as four short stories.
944 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 12, 2026
For a long time, one of my close friends insisted that the Eisenhorn trilogy was the ideal entry point into Warhammer 40k literature. Despite this, I initially began elsewhere, with the opening novels of the Horus Heresy. Admittedly, I already possessed a reasonable grasp of the setting’s lore, so I was never at a loss when confronted with the dense web of references and assumptions that underpin these works.
Having since read a number of other 40k titles, I approached this trilogy that is set in the “old” 40k (pre fall of Cadia) with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. I was keen to understand why it is so frequently recommended as a starting point, and whether it truly lived up to its reputation.
Now, having completed the original three novels (with plans to continue on to the Ravenor omnibus and associated short fiction before tackling The Magos), I can see that the praise is largely deserved. However, I have to admit a few elements, for me, prevent it from reaching five-star territory.
Eisenhorn himself is a compelling protagonist. Outwardly austere, yet fundamentally engaging. Experiencing events through his perspective does much to anchor the narrative. The supporting cast, too, contains several well-drawn and interesting figures. However, the structure of the trilogy, with each instalment separated by decades, means that his retinue is in constant flux. Characters are sometimes introduced or lost off-page, which diminishes their impact, and some never receive the depth their potential suggests. I didn't like this.
I think there are a few characters that offer promise and then underdeliver. Bequin, as an example, was intruiging when she was introduced. She has her moments throughout the trilogy, but ended up playing a smaller role than I expected and I felt a little disappointed as a result. Simlarly, I was hoping we'd get a bit more of Ravenor, a character who I didn't know anything about save that he would eventually have his own trilogy off the back of the Eisenhorn stories. To be fair, I felt like he delivered when he appeared.
The worldbuilding was hard to describe. Some of it I found to be strong, some a little weak. I found myself wondering how the trilogy would read to someone with little or no prior knowledge of the setting. There is little in the way of foundational exposition. That's not necessarily a criticism, but I thought that maybe we'd get some introduction to the series since this trilogy is supposedly the entrypoint. I think perhaps the best way to describe this series is that it's a good thriller series set in the 40k universe. Your familiarity with the setting enhances the experience, but is by no means essential.
That said, this review likely undersells its strengths. The trilogy offers gripping action, moments of genuine cosmic horror, and a persistent undercurrent of moral and psychological tension. It is, above all, an engaging and often compelling read... One that delivers far more than anybody might reasonably expect from fiction rooted in a tabletop wargame.
4.25 out of 5
Having since read a number of other 40k titles, I approached this trilogy that is set in the “old” 40k (pre fall of Cadia) with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. I was keen to understand why it is so frequently recommended as a starting point, and whether it truly lived up to its reputation.
Now, having completed the original three novels (with plans to continue on to the Ravenor omnibus and associated short fiction before tackling The Magos), I can see that the praise is largely deserved. However, I have to admit a few elements, for me, prevent it from reaching five-star territory.
Eisenhorn himself is a compelling protagonist. Outwardly austere, yet fundamentally engaging. Experiencing events through his perspective does much to anchor the narrative. The supporting cast, too, contains several well-drawn and interesting figures. However, the structure of the trilogy, with each instalment separated by decades, means that his retinue is in constant flux. Characters are sometimes introduced or lost off-page, which diminishes their impact, and some never receive the depth their potential suggests. I didn't like this.
I think there are a few characters that offer promise and then underdeliver. Bequin, as an example, was intruiging when she was introduced. She has her moments throughout the trilogy, but ended up playing a smaller role than I expected and I felt a little disappointed as a result. Simlarly, I was hoping we'd get a bit more of Ravenor, a character who I didn't know anything about save that he would eventually have his own trilogy off the back of the Eisenhorn stories. To be fair, I felt like he delivered when he appeared.
The worldbuilding was hard to describe. Some of it I found to be strong, some a little weak. I found myself wondering how the trilogy would read to someone with little or no prior knowledge of the setting. There is little in the way of foundational exposition. That's not necessarily a criticism, but I thought that maybe we'd get some introduction to the series since this trilogy is supposedly the entrypoint. I think perhaps the best way to describe this series is that it's a good thriller series set in the 40k universe. Your familiarity with the setting enhances the experience, but is by no means essential.
That said, this review likely undersells its strengths. The trilogy offers gripping action, moments of genuine cosmic horror, and a persistent undercurrent of moral and psychological tension. It is, above all, an engaging and often compelling read... One that delivers far more than anybody might reasonably expect from fiction rooted in a tabletop wargame.
4.25 out of 5
December 13, 2022
This is the first Warhammer 40,000 book that I have read, and I didn't have high expectations. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book(s) and the world building that continued to develop based on where the inqisitor went.
February 2, 2023
Just shy of a 1000 pages for this trilogy and it flew past. Recommended for anyone liking their stories on the darker side.
November 24, 2023
"Nie płacz ,że się skończyło. Ciesz się ,że sie wydarzyło". Tymi słowami bym określił tą serie książek o detektywie eisenhornie w uniwersum warhammera 40,000 .Sama podróż ,samo czytanie była długie (nie pamiętam kiedy to zacząłem) ale to głównie z powodu mojego lenistwa , wielkości serii i samego faktu ,że nie chciałem aby się skończyła. Oczywiście sama seria nie jest idealna ,posiada swoje wady (które są lekkim czepialstwem) jak nie częste pojawianie się głównych antagonistów w Malleus i Hereticus i okazjonalna trudność w wyobrażeniu sobie niektórych scen nie wspominając o samym fakcie ,że 2 książka (Malleus) ciągneła się bez końca . A plusy? Ciekawie napisane postaci , świetne relacje między nimi , mroczne uniwersum sci-fi ,które zadziwia jak i zachwyca swoją absurdalnością. Gdybym miał je uporządkować w kolejności od najlepszej do najgorszej to Hereticus , Xenos i Malleus (co nie znaczy ,że żadna z nich jest w jakiś sposób bardzo zła). Jeżeli ktokolwiek chciałby się zagłębić do świata warhammera 40,000 ,lubicie takie klimaty kryminału w mrocznym sci-fi oraz poszukujecie jakiejś długiej serii do przeczytania to nie znam lepszych książek. " 'In the name of the Holy God-Emperor of Terra,' i said quitely, 'i call thee diabolus and here deliver thy sentence.' ' the Emperor protects' ".
December 14, 2024
Dan Abnett’s Eisenhorn offers a compelling journey into the dark and intricate universe of Warhammer 40,000, blending action with deeply philosophical themes. While Abnett is not the original creator of this grim future, his storytelling makes the complex world accessible and richly immersive, especially for readers intrigued by the intersections of politics, war, and religion.
Set within the ruthless Imperium of Man, Eisenhorn follows the Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn as he grapples with threats both external and internal to humanity. Abnett's writing shines in his ability to paint a picture of the brutal reality of this far-future setting—one where war is constant, and survival requires a cold balance of morality and pragmatism. The novel doesn’t shy away from exploring how belief systems shape individuals and institutions, offering a nuanced commentary on the nature of power and justice. These themes resonate strongly with anyone who has an interest in how ideals are weaponized, how dogma drives politics, and how one navigates personal conviction in the face of necessity.
Though the world itself was established before Abnett took the helm, his contributions in terms of character development and narrative structure give Eisenhorn a lasting appeal. The protagonist, Gregor Eisenhorn, serves as a guide through the Imperium’s labyrinth of intrigue, but it is Abnett’s deft handling of Eisenhorn’s internal conflict—his slow shift from rigid puritanism to radicalism—that keeps the story gripping. It’s this human element, set against a backdrop of planetary war and religious zeal, that allows the novel to transcend the trappings of military science fiction and delve into deeper, more philosophical territory.
From a military standpoint, the novel offers a fascinating look at the logistics and psychology of warfare in an extreme, dystopian future. Abnett’s battles are chaotic and brutal, yet his focus on the political manoeuvring behind the scenes reveals the true power struggles at play. In Eisenhorn’s world, war is not merely a physical confrontation but a layered game of alliances, manipulation, and sacrifice. Abnett’s experience in writing such conflict is evident, as he crafts these moments with both tactical precision and narrative weight.
The novel also touches on questions of law and order, exploring the moral compromises made by those tasked with enforcing the Imperium’s will. Eisenhorn’s role as an Inquisitor raises complex legal issues—how far can one go to protect humanity? What are the limits of law when confronted with existential threats? These are timeless questions, and Abnett gives them their due, making the reader pause to consider the parallels with our own struggles in maintaining justice in a world of conflicting interests.
Overall, Eisenhorn stands as a testament to Dan Abnett’s skill as a writer. While he works within an already-established universe, his ability to weave together elements of philosophy, politics, and military strategy elevates the novel beyond its genre roots. It may not be the origin point for Warhammer’s dark, baroque world, but Abnett’s work ensures it remains one of the most engaging ways to experience it. At least to me.
Set within the ruthless Imperium of Man, Eisenhorn follows the Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn as he grapples with threats both external and internal to humanity. Abnett's writing shines in his ability to paint a picture of the brutal reality of this far-future setting—one where war is constant, and survival requires a cold balance of morality and pragmatism. The novel doesn’t shy away from exploring how belief systems shape individuals and institutions, offering a nuanced commentary on the nature of power and justice. These themes resonate strongly with anyone who has an interest in how ideals are weaponized, how dogma drives politics, and how one navigates personal conviction in the face of necessity.
Though the world itself was established before Abnett took the helm, his contributions in terms of character development and narrative structure give Eisenhorn a lasting appeal. The protagonist, Gregor Eisenhorn, serves as a guide through the Imperium’s labyrinth of intrigue, but it is Abnett’s deft handling of Eisenhorn’s internal conflict—his slow shift from rigid puritanism to radicalism—that keeps the story gripping. It’s this human element, set against a backdrop of planetary war and religious zeal, that allows the novel to transcend the trappings of military science fiction and delve into deeper, more philosophical territory.
From a military standpoint, the novel offers a fascinating look at the logistics and psychology of warfare in an extreme, dystopian future. Abnett’s battles are chaotic and brutal, yet his focus on the political manoeuvring behind the scenes reveals the true power struggles at play. In Eisenhorn’s world, war is not merely a physical confrontation but a layered game of alliances, manipulation, and sacrifice. Abnett’s experience in writing such conflict is evident, as he crafts these moments with both tactical precision and narrative weight.
The novel also touches on questions of law and order, exploring the moral compromises made by those tasked with enforcing the Imperium’s will. Eisenhorn’s role as an Inquisitor raises complex legal issues—how far can one go to protect humanity? What are the limits of law when confronted with existential threats? These are timeless questions, and Abnett gives them their due, making the reader pause to consider the parallels with our own struggles in maintaining justice in a world of conflicting interests.
Overall, Eisenhorn stands as a testament to Dan Abnett’s skill as a writer. While he works within an already-established universe, his ability to weave together elements of philosophy, politics, and military strategy elevates the novel beyond its genre roots. It may not be the origin point for Warhammer’s dark, baroque world, but Abnett’s work ensures it remains one of the most engaging ways to experience it. At least to me.
January 8, 2025
Great book, hits all the aspects of 40k. Love it.
January 14, 2026
This collection of stories (4 novels and 4 short stories) follow the character Eisenhorn, an Inquisitor of the galaxy-spanning empire of mankind in the far future of the year 40,000.
The stories are structured like a detective novel, where Eisenhorn and his crew (no spoilers) investigate, explore and fight against the ancient, eldritch powers of the 'warp', a parallel dimension of emotion and psychic seas.
These stories come recommended from the 40k community as a great starting point to get into the overwhelming mountain of Warhammer literature, and so following my recent foray into the Horus Heresy books in 2025, I decided to try this omnibus, and I am very happy I did and can highly recommend it.
The back of the book tells you of the path Eisenhorn will travel, that he will begin steadfast and zealous in his beliefs but slowly, over the course of his career, finds himself collaborating with the powers he should hate, so you know that it WILL happen, but you find yourself constantly WISHING it otherwise, that somehow Eisenhorn will be able to realise what is happening to himself, the choices he makes, the constant re-drawing of the line he vows to never cross. I was gripped to this book and loved the way it had me.
Also, Tobias Maxilla has my full heart.
The stories are structured like a detective novel, where Eisenhorn and his crew (no spoilers) investigate, explore and fight against the ancient, eldritch powers of the 'warp', a parallel dimension of emotion and psychic seas.
These stories come recommended from the 40k community as a great starting point to get into the overwhelming mountain of Warhammer literature, and so following my recent foray into the Horus Heresy books in 2025, I decided to try this omnibus, and I am very happy I did and can highly recommend it.
The back of the book tells you of the path Eisenhorn will travel, that he will begin steadfast and zealous in his beliefs but slowly, over the course of his career, finds himself collaborating with the powers he should hate, so you know that it WILL happen, but you find yourself constantly WISHING it otherwise, that somehow Eisenhorn will be able to realise what is happening to himself, the choices he makes, the constant re-drawing of the line he vows to never cross. I was gripped to this book and loved the way it had me.
Also, Tobias Maxilla has my full heart.
November 9, 2023
Xenos review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Malleus review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hereticus review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Magos review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Malleus review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hereticus review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Magos review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 11, 2023
Another great warhammer series by Abnett. Started out as the most light hearted goofy adventure that could be expected of a warhammer series. Ended with Magos, where half the book I wasn’t sure if the characters I’d grown to love were on the right side anymore. Incredible.
October 17, 2025
“I thought you hated me for pulling you out of that cage,” said Drusher.
“I’ve had time to reflect,” said Eisenhorn. “If you hadn’t, it would have ended badly.”
“That’s what ending WELL looks like?” Asked Drusher.
“Often.”
And with The Magos (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) my time in the company of the legendary Gregor Eisenhorn comes to a bittersweet end. At least…FOR THE TIME BEING! Or at least until I can get my hot little hands on the Ravenor and Bequin books, but just to cut to it, yeah, these fucking rip.
And I think beyond what amazing introductions and explorations they are of 40k, they really just sing because of their characters and plots. By now you probably know the game of these being essentially detective novels set throughout this vastly insane expansive universe, but even that doesn’t really even capture what all these end up being.
They are mysteries, sure, but also just incredible action pieces and sterling examples of how tie in stuff can far outshine the make up of its parts. And ALSO show you how the scope and range of time these things can cover can be handled really compellingly and not as just papering over the stuff an author doesn’t want to cover.
It’s almost amazing besides, these kinda work as single novels too! I think maybe The Magos would be the most inscrutable of the four but every novel really stood up well as its own thing and then handily delivered something different than the one before it. It was very impressive to get to experience them all in one chunk (though the ending of Hereticus likely would have made me mad had I had to wait that long for the follow up)
But yeah, killer stuff here. Something I’m really happy to have finally come around on as I’ve always heard they were great as their own things and also great 40k things so it’s nice to be proven right in both those regards.
“I’ve had time to reflect,” said Eisenhorn. “If you hadn’t, it would have ended badly.”
“That’s what ending WELL looks like?” Asked Drusher.
“Often.”
And with The Magos (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) my time in the company of the legendary Gregor Eisenhorn comes to a bittersweet end. At least…FOR THE TIME BEING! Or at least until I can get my hot little hands on the Ravenor and Bequin books, but just to cut to it, yeah, these fucking rip.
And I think beyond what amazing introductions and explorations they are of 40k, they really just sing because of their characters and plots. By now you probably know the game of these being essentially detective novels set throughout this vastly insane expansive universe, but even that doesn’t really even capture what all these end up being.
They are mysteries, sure, but also just incredible action pieces and sterling examples of how tie in stuff can far outshine the make up of its parts. And ALSO show you how the scope and range of time these things can cover can be handled really compellingly and not as just papering over the stuff an author doesn’t want to cover.
It’s almost amazing besides, these kinda work as single novels too! I think maybe The Magos would be the most inscrutable of the four but every novel really stood up well as its own thing and then handily delivered something different than the one before it. It was very impressive to get to experience them all in one chunk (though the ending of Hereticus likely would have made me mad had I had to wait that long for the follow up)
But yeah, killer stuff here. Something I’m really happy to have finally come around on as I’ve always heard they were great as their own things and also great 40k things so it’s nice to be proven right in both those regards.
June 22, 2024
what a ride
There is a few inconsistencies I noticed throughout the book. And the change from first to third person tense for the last book was jarring. Also it never explains how he goes from delta class psyker to alpha by the last book but still enjoyable
There is a few inconsistencies I noticed throughout the book. And the change from first to third person tense for the last book was jarring. Also it never explains how he goes from delta class psyker to alpha by the last book but still enjoyable
May 7, 2025
An enjoyable read that worked well for helping me learn about Warhammer and its universe. I got genuinely emotionally involved with the book and its characters and I think it was generally well written. Eisenhorn is one impressive dude.
October 13, 2024
1. Regia Occulta
A decent introduction, but there was a definite feeling to it that it was written after a few other entries were already complete. Eisenhorn was fully formed beyond this story, and it somewhat expected you to know more about him before reading, making it a little awkward to read before Xenos. I did find the story interesting, though, and there were some amusing lines - hopefully it's prepared me for the first novel.
2. Xenos
Entertaining and enlightening. Eisenhorn isn't exactly a hero, in the classic sense, but he stands firm as an enjoyable protagonist for whom it's easy to root. He feels human, despite the seriousness of his task.
Plotwise, I appreciated the twists and turns as the conspiracy was unravelled; visiting various planets provided strong world building, showing the differences between worlds in the Imperium. Action was well-written - it was a shame some moments were somewhat glossed over because Eisenhorn wasn't there and could only relay information secondhand, but this did allow the plot to remain focused and well-paced. Most characters, even those with small parts, were engaging and felt real - it was fun to see how Eisenhorn compared to them, and how, in many ways, he's more laid back than others in his business. I understand why this is considered a good intro to Warhammer lore.
3. Missing in Action
A solid crime story, well-written and engaging. The first line is a good hook, and the intrigue leaves you wanting to know the outcome. I appreciated the exploration of how nations fail to care for their soldiers once the war is done. A better short story than Regia Occulta - it likely helped that I'd now spent the duration of a novel with Eisenhorn.
4. Malleus
My first thought having finished is that the ending felt rushed. Everything was resolved rather quickly and neatly. Good stuff, but I would have liked a little more there.
Beyond that, this was full of twists and turns, with a healthy heaping of tension. Whilst it was rather obvious that Eisenhorn would make it out alive, the story still achieved that sense of "what if he doesn't?"
I enjoyed how the story had several other stories within in, that kept the action going when the overarching plot needed to slow down, yet without feeling like an unnecessary tangent.
What was also great was the further insight into the workings (and disfunction) of the Inquisition, and how it treats those of its own who are believed to have turned traitor.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
5. Backcloth for a Crown Additional
This was an interesting story, again taking a somewhat alternate view of the 40K universe than the scope of the novels. This time, it showed both the aristocracy and the commoners, and how they both differed and we're alike. The mystery of the story was simple but interesting, and well presented, with a somewhat unexpected outcome that shows that not all "heresy" is intentional.
6. Hereticus
I really enjoyed the cat and mouse feel of this story, with loyalties questioned and the clarity of the fact that no one is safe. After the journey through the first two novels, the emotional resonance is strong when bad things happen to characters we've connected to. To an extent, the resolution felt rushed, but overall the plot, and the twists along the way, was engaging. Mild spoilers, but it was also pleasant to see other xenos included, though chaos remained the main threat. As a side note, I am mildly confused that Eisenhorn is Ordo Xenos but mostly seems to deal with Chaos, but oh well. Good stuff, and I'm interested to see where it goes from here to round out the omnibus.
7. The Keeler Image
An entertaining insight into where Eisenhorn has been since the events of Hereticus. Decent twist, well set up, and well laid out. A minor continuity error, perhaps, regarding one character, but otherwise good. Looking forward to seeing where things go even more so, now.
8. The Magos
The different perspective brought a freshness to these stories. I felt like the pacing was improved, somewhat; The Magos passed by quicker in some ways. Somehow, being outside of Eisenhorn's head made the stakes feel greater, like he was lined up to be a victim of the narrative. Moreover, it gave that sense of what it would be like to get dragged into such affairs as a somewhat ignorant member of the Imperium's wider populace. Eisenhorn always presented a nonchalance; the Magos is out of his depth. The third person perspective also allowed action to be explored without being secondhand from Eisenhorn, which meant less was glossed over. Perhaps I missed some of the wit and insight from Eisenhorn, but it felt like a tidy send-off for the Omnibus...with threads established for more in future.
Overall Thoughts:
I enjoyed these stories. The presentation was overall consistent and well-written, and the characters well developed and interesting. At times, scenes would be dragged out too much, and other times events - especially conclusions - felt somewhat rushed, but I appreciate the positive sentiment for this series. It did strike me as an effective means of entering the universe without being drawn into massive battles. I would recommend it.
A decent introduction, but there was a definite feeling to it that it was written after a few other entries were already complete. Eisenhorn was fully formed beyond this story, and it somewhat expected you to know more about him before reading, making it a little awkward to read before Xenos. I did find the story interesting, though, and there were some amusing lines - hopefully it's prepared me for the first novel.
2. Xenos
Entertaining and enlightening. Eisenhorn isn't exactly a hero, in the classic sense, but he stands firm as an enjoyable protagonist for whom it's easy to root. He feels human, despite the seriousness of his task.
Plotwise, I appreciated the twists and turns as the conspiracy was unravelled; visiting various planets provided strong world building, showing the differences between worlds in the Imperium. Action was well-written - it was a shame some moments were somewhat glossed over because Eisenhorn wasn't there and could only relay information secondhand, but this did allow the plot to remain focused and well-paced. Most characters, even those with small parts, were engaging and felt real - it was fun to see how Eisenhorn compared to them, and how, in many ways, he's more laid back than others in his business. I understand why this is considered a good intro to Warhammer lore.
3. Missing in Action
A solid crime story, well-written and engaging. The first line is a good hook, and the intrigue leaves you wanting to know the outcome. I appreciated the exploration of how nations fail to care for their soldiers once the war is done. A better short story than Regia Occulta - it likely helped that I'd now spent the duration of a novel with Eisenhorn.
4. Malleus
My first thought having finished is that the ending felt rushed. Everything was resolved rather quickly and neatly. Good stuff, but I would have liked a little more there.
Beyond that, this was full of twists and turns, with a healthy heaping of tension. Whilst it was rather obvious that Eisenhorn would make it out alive, the story still achieved that sense of "what if he doesn't?"
I enjoyed how the story had several other stories within in, that kept the action going when the overarching plot needed to slow down, yet without feeling like an unnecessary tangent.
What was also great was the further insight into the workings (and disfunction) of the Inquisition, and how it treats those of its own who are believed to have turned traitor.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
5. Backcloth for a Crown Additional
This was an interesting story, again taking a somewhat alternate view of the 40K universe than the scope of the novels. This time, it showed both the aristocracy and the commoners, and how they both differed and we're alike. The mystery of the story was simple but interesting, and well presented, with a somewhat unexpected outcome that shows that not all "heresy" is intentional.
6. Hereticus
I really enjoyed the cat and mouse feel of this story, with loyalties questioned and the clarity of the fact that no one is safe. After the journey through the first two novels, the emotional resonance is strong when bad things happen to characters we've connected to. To an extent, the resolution felt rushed, but overall the plot, and the twists along the way, was engaging. Mild spoilers, but it was also pleasant to see other xenos included, though chaos remained the main threat. As a side note, I am mildly confused that Eisenhorn is Ordo Xenos but mostly seems to deal with Chaos, but oh well. Good stuff, and I'm interested to see where it goes from here to round out the omnibus.
7. The Keeler Image
An entertaining insight into where Eisenhorn has been since the events of Hereticus. Decent twist, well set up, and well laid out. A minor continuity error, perhaps, regarding one character, but otherwise good. Looking forward to seeing where things go even more so, now.
8. The Magos
The different perspective brought a freshness to these stories. I felt like the pacing was improved, somewhat; The Magos passed by quicker in some ways. Somehow, being outside of Eisenhorn's head made the stakes feel greater, like he was lined up to be a victim of the narrative. Moreover, it gave that sense of what it would be like to get dragged into such affairs as a somewhat ignorant member of the Imperium's wider populace. Eisenhorn always presented a nonchalance; the Magos is out of his depth. The third person perspective also allowed action to be explored without being secondhand from Eisenhorn, which meant less was glossed over. Perhaps I missed some of the wit and insight from Eisenhorn, but it felt like a tidy send-off for the Omnibus...with threads established for more in future.
Overall Thoughts:
I enjoyed these stories. The presentation was overall consistent and well-written, and the characters well developed and interesting. At times, scenes would be dragged out too much, and other times events - especially conclusions - felt somewhat rushed, but I appreciate the positive sentiment for this series. It did strike me as an effective means of entering the universe without being drawn into massive battles. I would recommend it.
April 2, 2026
Fantastic entrance into 40k, especially for those interested in the Imperium. Give a great view of the normal common life of the Imperium, while at the same time engaging you in some of the grander politics that plague the Imperium of Man.
March 2, 2026
Really enjoyed the series, Dan Abnett is a fantastic writer. looking forward to reading The Ravenor Omnibus.
March 28, 2025
I’ll read ✨A N Y T H I N G✨ Dan Abnett writes for the rest of my life. What a fun time.
August 23, 2025
Xenos. Malleus. Hereticus. Magos.
A series of adventure tales wrought with espionage, political intrigue, action, and eternal servitude to the Emperor. Eisenhorn is the perfect entry-point into the otherwise daunting, overwhelming IP that is Warhammer 40k.
Eisenhorn offers the reader fantastic character work, vile villains, nail-biting action, and not least of all moral dilemmas abound. Throughout my read, I was constantly asking myself the question: "do the ends justify the means?". Eisenhorn's work for the Inquisition is morally grey on a regular basis and it makes the reader consider the implications of how far he's willing to go for his cause. How far must an Inquisitor go before crossing the line between Amalathian and radical? Radical and heretic?
Dan Abnett provides a robust character study of Gregor Eisenhorn through the lens of his "friends" and comrades, with early every encounter or exchange offering insight into the dynamic of their complex and nuanced relationships. Characters like Uber Aemos, Godwyn Fischig, Alizabeth Bequin, Valentin Drusher, Harlon Nayl, Midas and Medea Betancore, and Tobias Maxilla provide a peek behind the curtain of the world that is Warhammer 40k, that is at it's core, human.
Personally, I found the conclusions to some of the primary conflicts/encounters to be rather abrupt, and even the endings to one or two of the books.. however, The Magos' ending floored me and left me with an immense sense of sentimentality, and appreciation, neither of which I anticipated to get from a book of Eisenhorn's kind.
Whether you are a Warhammer fan that started your Black Library elsewhere, or just a fan of Fantasy/Sci-Fi, I cannot recommend the stories of Eisenhorn enough.
5/5.
A series of adventure tales wrought with espionage, political intrigue, action, and eternal servitude to the Emperor. Eisenhorn is the perfect entry-point into the otherwise daunting, overwhelming IP that is Warhammer 40k.
Eisenhorn offers the reader fantastic character work, vile villains, nail-biting action, and not least of all moral dilemmas abound. Throughout my read, I was constantly asking myself the question: "do the ends justify the means?". Eisenhorn's work for the Inquisition is morally grey on a regular basis and it makes the reader consider the implications of how far he's willing to go for his cause. How far must an Inquisitor go before crossing the line between Amalathian and radical? Radical and heretic?
Dan Abnett provides a robust character study of Gregor Eisenhorn through the lens of his "friends" and comrades, with early every encounter or exchange offering insight into the dynamic of their complex and nuanced relationships. Characters like Uber Aemos, Godwyn Fischig, Alizabeth Bequin, Valentin Drusher, Harlon Nayl, Midas and Medea Betancore, and Tobias Maxilla provide a peek behind the curtain of the world that is Warhammer 40k, that is at it's core, human.
Personally, I found the conclusions to some of the primary conflicts/encounters to be rather abrupt, and even the endings to one or two of the books.. however, The Magos' ending floored me and left me with an immense sense of sentimentality, and appreciation, neither of which I anticipated to get from a book of Eisenhorn's kind.
Whether you are a Warhammer fan that started your Black Library elsewhere, or just a fan of Fantasy/Sci-Fi, I cannot recommend the stories of Eisenhorn enough.
5/5.
April 23, 2026
Bon je préviens, je vais beaucoup blablater pour pas grand chose, mais faut que je yap quelque part et c’est un peu le dernier endroit où je peux le faire maintenant, donc force si quelqu’un lis ça, même si sûrement personne le feras honnêtement.
Dès le début on nous pose le cadre dans lequel on seras pendant environs 1000 pages, et tout ça en une petite nouvelle de quoi, 30 pages ? Et pourtant il en fallait pas plus pour tout très bien poser, notre narrateur est le protagoniste, Gregor Eisenhorn, un inquisiteur, donc l’histoire suivras ses enquêtes, qui sont évidemment à une échelle énorme. Et directement avec Xenos on nous le fait bien comprendre, après la mise en place de l’intrigue et une démonstration de l’importance du rang d’inquisiteur, on rencontre mes deux personnages préférés, Alizebeth Bequin, une Pariah/Untouchable, qui est en quelque sorte l’opposé total d’Eisenhorn, et Aemos, le savant de l’équipe qui va vraiment carry les enquêtes. Et de fil en aiguille ils démontent un complot d’une famille noble corrompue depuis des générations qui cherchaient à mettre la main sur un tome maudit, pour finir à faire une opération GIGANTESQUE sur une planète xenos, où on découvre une nouvelle espèce, les Saruthi, qui sont une sorte d’hybride de ce que j’ai compris entre une espèce qui a existé et le Chaos qui les a corrompu ? En tous cas c’était un sacré bordel mais j’ai pas du tout pu lâcher le livre pendant cette partie là, il m’a bien accompagné à travers les nuits. Mais surtout on nous présente vraiment l’antagoniste qui hantait les rêves d’Eisenhorn, Cherubael.
J’étais totalement scotché au livre et l’intrigue à partir de là, j’adore comment Dan a pu écrire le début de tout cela car il le fait super bien.
Après ça j’ai enchaîné avec la nouvelle qui était plutôt cool, mais surtout Malleus, qui lance vraiment le lent déclin d’Eisenhorn et son éloignement de ses valeurs. Dès le début avec l’intro ( que j’adore vraiment, l’idée que à chaque début de roman on voit une sorte de message qui est censé être crypté et envoyé nous mets bien dans le mood ), on suspecte un lien entre Cherubael et Eisenhorn, que lui même redoute, de par son apparition dans ses rêves, et lire ce conflit interne c’était vraiment passionnant. On auras dans la première partie du roman bien sûr un rappel de l’échelle de tout ça, car Warhammer hein, donc on a un Titan dans un défilé, aka une machine de la taille de la statue de la liberté. Mais surtout on s'immerge vraiment dans les relations entre les personnages, que ça soit l'amitié de Nayl et Eisenhorn ( deux singes ), ou même la romance entre Eisenhorn et Alizebeth, qui s'est étendue sur ce roman et celui d'après, pour malheureusement peu de réussite. Ce qui était pas étonnant, L'un est un psyker, et l'autre une pariah, ils ne peuvent juste pas se toucher, n'empêche c'était quand même déchirant de voir leurs émotions, ça se voyait qu'ils tenaient l'un à l'autre mais c'est resté une sorte de non dit. Et clairement il s'en veut, à la fois des actes qu'il commet tout au court de l'histoire, mais aussi de comment ça se déroule avec Alizebeth.
Je dis beaucoup de choses pour rien mais ce fil conducteur était vraiment un de mes trucs préférés à travers le livre, j'en voulais toujours plus mais bon, il arrive ce qu'il arrive après.
Après ça on passe à une petite nouvelle plutôt cool, mais surtout la fin de la trilogie ( oui y'a 4 romans mais c'est juste un bordel sans nom ), Hereticus. Rien qu'au nom et ce qu'il est passé avant on se doute de ce qu'il va arriver, Eisenhorn s'éloigne encore plus dans l'inquisition jusqu'à être considéré comme un hérétique et être traqué, la fête quoi. Puis bam premier quart du livre, je termine un chapitre qui transitionne direct sur le début de celui d'après, et Alizebeth meurt devant Eisenhorn. Enfin dans le feu de l'action c'est ce qu'ils ont cru, n'empêche il était vraiment dans le mal sur le moment et je le comprends totalement, c'est pas facile de tout perdre comme ça.
En réalité elle est dans un coma dont elle sortira jamais vraiment, ce qui n'est pas vraiment mieux, mais juste ce roman est une purge, presque tous les personnages qu'on a appris à aimer meurent ou trahissent Eisenhorn, on a le retour de Pontius Glaw ( un peu le grand méchant du début ) dans un corps robotique que Eisenhorn lui avait donné en échange d'infos, donc tout ce qui arrive là, de la "mort" d'Alizebeth jusque la perte de la presque totalité de ses alliés, c'est du à son hubris, ça met un gros coup au moral. Puis juste la fin avec Aemos qui se sacrifie afin de retenir Cherubael ( qui termine en daemonhost au service d'Eisenhorn, c'est limite si y'a pas un peu d'affection parfois on dirait), Fischig qui trahis Eisenhorn pour se prendre un gros retour de flamme après ça, et juste l'arrivée de l'inquisition ça fait un sacré climax.
En soit l'omnibus aurait dû se terminer ici, car j'ai pu voir après coup dans la chronologie ( qui est à la fin de l'omnibus, allez savoir pourquoi ), que la trilogie Ravenor se passe avant "The Magos", donc heureusement que ça impact pas trop car sinon j'aurais vraiment eu envie de me tirer une balle.
On a une nouvelle qui m'a fait réalisé que j'avais déjà lu un livre de Dan, le premier sur l'hérésie d'Horus qui date de y'a 2 ans dans mes lectures, donc j'étais chokbar, et qu'en plus il fait références à un personnage de ce livre là et je m'attendais pas à le reconnaitre, mais par pitié mettez plus de dramatis personnae dans les livres car ça sauve.
Et maintenant il faut bien terminer cet omnibus, donc "The Magos", avec lequel j'ai eu du mal au début, on change totalement de narrateur, pendant la majorité du livre on suit Valentin Drusher, un Magos Biologis ( en gros un gars s'y connaissant bien en biologie ), qui est alpagué dans une enquête d'Eisenhorn, c'est aussi à la 3 ème personne et j'ai eu la sensation que la façon de tout raconter avait un peu changé. Donc après 700 pages c'était un peu bizarre, mais j'ai pu vite me rendre compte que ça en faisait pas un mauvais livre, l'intrigue est INCROYABLE, au début on est vraiment dans le brouillard et on a aucune idée sur quoi ça va nous mener mais quel délice de tout relier peu à peu. Et puis pour nous briser un peu plus Drusher et Macks étaient mariés mais ça s'est mal passé, c'est lâché comme une bombe au milieu du récit et ça change tout leurs échanges jusque là. Sauf qu'une sorte de nouvelle romance se crée de nouveau, car de base le style de vie de Drusher est pas du tout celui de Macks, qui fait partie de l'Arbites ( une organisation qui s'occupe de faire régner l'ordre ), et là avec l'enquête Drusher change, il doit improviser et sort du confort de son bureau. Et le livre se termine vraiment avec eux qui s'embrasse, donc c'est ouvert mais je prie pour que ça remarche pour eux, car ils allaient bien ensemble.
Et puis je peux pas passer à coté du point central du livre, The King in Yellow, bon c'est un terme assez répandu mais si vous connaissez pas, ça désigne souvent un être avec beaucoup de connaissance et qui est plutôt mystérieux, je suis presque sûr d'avoir vu passer ce terme dans du Lovecraft. Et là ça colle plutôt bien au personnage qu'il désigne, qui apparemment s'appelle Orpheus , à la tête d'un culte du Chaos d'une ampleur gigantesque, mais on en apprends pas beaucoup plus car de ce que j'ai compris c'est ce qui se passe dans la prochaine série de livre ( Bequin pas Ravenor ).
De base je pensais juste avoir craqué à Londre en achetant cet omnibus mais à aucun moment c'était un craquage, c'était une pépite de la première jusque la dernière page. J'ai un peu relate avec certains personnages, bon parfois pas du tout surtout avec Gregor qui reste un gros hypocrite de temps à autre, mais Drusher lui par contre oui.
"I have the ruination of your nice comfortable existence on my conscience"
"I'm sorry, I'll make amend"
"I told that brute that none of you meant anything to me. But I didn't mean it"
"I think... I think I should have made more of a life. Made time for things. Been more than a magos. I think we should be optimists again, or whatever we were "
"-I'm sorry I did it.
-Why?
-Because it reminded me of a time when we were close too. "
"-Bet you wished you'd never met me.
-Not even once."
-------
C’est un peu tout ce que j’avais à dire sur l’omnibus même si c’est très brouillon, faut juste en retenir que je l’ai adoré et que c’était cool pendant cette période pas très folle d’avoir un livre comme ça pour me tenir compagnie. Je suis pas trop sûr sur ce que je lirais après mais ça dépendras de mon passage à la librairie je pense
Dès le début on nous pose le cadre dans lequel on seras pendant environs 1000 pages, et tout ça en une petite nouvelle de quoi, 30 pages ? Et pourtant il en fallait pas plus pour tout très bien poser, notre narrateur est le protagoniste, Gregor Eisenhorn, un inquisiteur, donc l’histoire suivras ses enquêtes, qui sont évidemment à une échelle énorme. Et directement avec Xenos on nous le fait bien comprendre, après la mise en place de l’intrigue et une démonstration de l’importance du rang d’inquisiteur, on rencontre mes deux personnages préférés, Alizebeth Bequin, une Pariah/Untouchable, qui est en quelque sorte l’opposé total d’Eisenhorn, et Aemos, le savant de l’équipe qui va vraiment carry les enquêtes. Et de fil en aiguille ils démontent un complot d’une famille noble corrompue depuis des générations qui cherchaient à mettre la main sur un tome maudit, pour finir à faire une opération GIGANTESQUE sur une planète xenos, où on découvre une nouvelle espèce, les Saruthi, qui sont une sorte d’hybride de ce que j’ai compris entre une espèce qui a existé et le Chaos qui les a corrompu ? En tous cas c’était un sacré bordel mais j’ai pas du tout pu lâcher le livre pendant cette partie là, il m’a bien accompagné à travers les nuits. Mais surtout on nous présente vraiment l’antagoniste qui hantait les rêves d’Eisenhorn, Cherubael.
J’étais totalement scotché au livre et l’intrigue à partir de là, j’adore comment Dan a pu écrire le début de tout cela car il le fait super bien.
Après ça j’ai enchaîné avec la nouvelle qui était plutôt cool, mais surtout Malleus, qui lance vraiment le lent déclin d’Eisenhorn et son éloignement de ses valeurs. Dès le début avec l’intro ( que j’adore vraiment, l’idée que à chaque début de roman on voit une sorte de message qui est censé être crypté et envoyé nous mets bien dans le mood ), on suspecte un lien entre Cherubael et Eisenhorn, que lui même redoute, de par son apparition dans ses rêves, et lire ce conflit interne c’était vraiment passionnant. On auras dans la première partie du roman bien sûr un rappel de l’échelle de tout ça, car Warhammer hein, donc on a un Titan dans un défilé, aka une machine de la taille de la statue de la liberté. Mais surtout on s'immerge vraiment dans les relations entre les personnages, que ça soit l'amitié de Nayl et Eisenhorn ( deux singes ), ou même la romance entre Eisenhorn et Alizebeth, qui s'est étendue sur ce roman et celui d'après, pour malheureusement peu de réussite. Ce qui était pas étonnant, L'un est un psyker, et l'autre une pariah, ils ne peuvent juste pas se toucher, n'empêche c'était quand même déchirant de voir leurs émotions, ça se voyait qu'ils tenaient l'un à l'autre mais c'est resté une sorte de non dit. Et clairement il s'en veut, à la fois des actes qu'il commet tout au court de l'histoire, mais aussi de comment ça se déroule avec Alizebeth.
Je dis beaucoup de choses pour rien mais ce fil conducteur était vraiment un de mes trucs préférés à travers le livre, j'en voulais toujours plus mais bon, il arrive ce qu'il arrive après.
Après ça on passe à une petite nouvelle plutôt cool, mais surtout la fin de la trilogie ( oui y'a 4 romans mais c'est juste un bordel sans nom ), Hereticus. Rien qu'au nom et ce qu'il est passé avant on se doute de ce qu'il va arriver, Eisenhorn s'éloigne encore plus dans l'inquisition jusqu'à être considéré comme un hérétique et être traqué, la fête quoi. Puis bam premier quart du livre, je termine un chapitre qui transitionne direct sur le début de celui d'après, et Alizebeth meurt devant Eisenhorn. Enfin dans le feu de l'action c'est ce qu'ils ont cru, n'empêche il était vraiment dans le mal sur le moment et je le comprends totalement, c'est pas facile de tout perdre comme ça.
En réalité elle est dans un coma dont elle sortira jamais vraiment, ce qui n'est pas vraiment mieux, mais juste ce roman est une purge, presque tous les personnages qu'on a appris à aimer meurent ou trahissent Eisenhorn, on a le retour de Pontius Glaw ( un peu le grand méchant du début ) dans un corps robotique que Eisenhorn lui avait donné en échange d'infos, donc tout ce qui arrive là, de la "mort" d'Alizebeth jusque la perte de la presque totalité de ses alliés, c'est du à son hubris, ça met un gros coup au moral. Puis juste la fin avec Aemos qui se sacrifie afin de retenir Cherubael ( qui termine en daemonhost au service d'Eisenhorn, c'est limite si y'a pas un peu d'affection parfois on dirait), Fischig qui trahis Eisenhorn pour se prendre un gros retour de flamme après ça, et juste l'arrivée de l'inquisition ça fait un sacré climax.
En soit l'omnibus aurait dû se terminer ici, car j'ai pu voir après coup dans la chronologie ( qui est à la fin de l'omnibus, allez savoir pourquoi ), que la trilogie Ravenor se passe avant "The Magos", donc heureusement que ça impact pas trop car sinon j'aurais vraiment eu envie de me tirer une balle.
On a une nouvelle qui m'a fait réalisé que j'avais déjà lu un livre de Dan, le premier sur l'hérésie d'Horus qui date de y'a 2 ans dans mes lectures, donc j'étais chokbar, et qu'en plus il fait références à un personnage de ce livre là et je m'attendais pas à le reconnaitre, mais par pitié mettez plus de dramatis personnae dans les livres car ça sauve.
Et maintenant il faut bien terminer cet omnibus, donc "The Magos", avec lequel j'ai eu du mal au début, on change totalement de narrateur, pendant la majorité du livre on suit Valentin Drusher, un Magos Biologis ( en gros un gars s'y connaissant bien en biologie ), qui est alpagué dans une enquête d'Eisenhorn, c'est aussi à la 3 ème personne et j'ai eu la sensation que la façon de tout raconter avait un peu changé. Donc après 700 pages c'était un peu bizarre, mais j'ai pu vite me rendre compte que ça en faisait pas un mauvais livre, l'intrigue est INCROYABLE, au début on est vraiment dans le brouillard et on a aucune idée sur quoi ça va nous mener mais quel délice de tout relier peu à peu. Et puis pour nous briser un peu plus Drusher et Macks étaient mariés mais ça s'est mal passé, c'est lâché comme une bombe au milieu du récit et ça change tout leurs échanges jusque là. Sauf qu'une sorte de nouvelle romance se crée de nouveau, car de base le style de vie de Drusher est pas du tout celui de Macks, qui fait partie de l'Arbites ( une organisation qui s'occupe de faire régner l'ordre ), et là avec l'enquête Drusher change, il doit improviser et sort du confort de son bureau. Et le livre se termine vraiment avec eux qui s'embrasse, donc c'est ouvert mais je prie pour que ça remarche pour eux, car ils allaient bien ensemble.
Et puis je peux pas passer à coté du point central du livre, The King in Yellow, bon c'est un terme assez répandu mais si vous connaissez pas, ça désigne souvent un être avec beaucoup de connaissance et qui est plutôt mystérieux, je suis presque sûr d'avoir vu passer ce terme dans du Lovecraft. Et là ça colle plutôt bien au personnage qu'il désigne, qui apparemment s'appelle Orpheus , à la tête d'un culte du Chaos d'une ampleur gigantesque, mais on en apprends pas beaucoup plus car de ce que j'ai compris c'est ce qui se passe dans la prochaine série de livre ( Bequin pas Ravenor ).
De base je pensais juste avoir craqué à Londre en achetant cet omnibus mais à aucun moment c'était un craquage, c'était une pépite de la première jusque la dernière page. J'ai un peu relate avec certains personnages, bon parfois pas du tout surtout avec Gregor qui reste un gros hypocrite de temps à autre, mais Drusher lui par contre oui.
"I have the ruination of your nice comfortable existence on my conscience"
"I'm sorry, I'll make amend"
"I told that brute that none of you meant anything to me. But I didn't mean it"
"I think... I think I should have made more of a life. Made time for things. Been more than a magos. I think we should be optimists again, or whatever we were "
"-I'm sorry I did it.
-Why?
-Because it reminded me of a time when we were close too. "
"-Bet you wished you'd never met me.
-Not even once."
-------
C’est un peu tout ce que j’avais à dire sur l’omnibus même si c’est très brouillon, faut juste en retenir que je l’ai adoré et que c’était cool pendant cette période pas très folle d’avoir un livre comme ça pour me tenir compagnie. Je suis pas trop sûr sur ce que je lirais après mais ça dépendras de mon passage à la librairie je pense
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
This book fucked me up.
It was my intro to the 40k universe. It explores the descent to darkness of this space detective as he travels around the galaxy hunting demons. It's oddly emotionally compelling and the plot threads it weaves are so intricate and complex. While it can be a lot to keep up with it absolutely rewards you for for sticking with it by the end. I finished it a few weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it today.
It was my intro to the 40k universe. It explores the descent to darkness of this space detective as he travels around the galaxy hunting demons. It's oddly emotionally compelling and the plot threads it weaves are so intricate and complex. While it can be a lot to keep up with it absolutely rewards you for for sticking with it by the end. I finished it a few weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it today.
March 3, 2023
I really like everything but the magos, I've read that some extra short stories included in the standalone magos publication are needed to get the most out of the novel, so I'll pick it up at some point and read it then.
May 16, 2024
STOP. SKIPPING. AROUND. ABNETT
January 28, 2025
"Vīrietim Neveicas: The Omnibus"
December 28, 2024
Eisenhorn je jedna z najviac odporucanych knih pre novacikov do 40k. Ja uplne novy nie som, ale musim priznat, ze som precital len par knih a aj to v cestine a naozaj roky dozadu. Preto som sa rozhodol, ze sa do tohto celeho pustim nanovo a teda zacnem s niecim, co je odporucane pre novacikov.
A musim uznat, ze ako zaciatok je to super. Nenasiel som asi nic, comu by som nerozumel. Zaroven je tu velmi pekne zobrazene vseobecne fungovanie Imperia, najma teda zo strany Inkvizicie, ale aj inych zloziek. Aby bolo jasno, toto nie je seria plna obrovskych bitiek (Gauntovi duchovia), space marinov a podobne. Je to v podstate detektivka v univerze W40k. S tym, ze dany detektiv ma autorizaciu na znicenie planety.
Tento omnibus obsahuje celu povodnu trilogiu plus dve poviedky, takze som ho cital prerusovane, prekladany inymi knihami. Rovno mozem povedat, ze prva poviedka (Missing in Action) je to najlepsie, co kniha obsahuje a naopak druha poviedka (Backcloth For A Crown Additional) to najhorsie.
Co sa tyka romanov, bavili ma vsetky. Kazdy ma svoje problemy a svoje silne stranky. Prvy sa podla mna rozbieha pomerne pomaly, ale zhruba od polovice sa zenie ku koncu skvelym tempom. Druhy obsahuje jedno z mojich najmenej oblubenych klise opakujucich sa v detektivkach (interne oddelenie podozrieva hrdinu z porusovania zakona), ale zaroven obsahuje aj najlepsiu pasaz v celej serii (nechcem spoilerovat, tak poviem len ze suvisi s armadnou prehliadkou na pocest vitazstva). Povedal by som ale, ze tento diel je najslabsi zo serie, pretoze obsahuje aj pomerne zdlhave nudne pasaze, bez ktorych by som sa zaobisiel.
No a tretia kniha ma urcite najvyrovnanejsie tempo a asi je aj najlepsia. Nic moc o nej hovorit nebudem, kedze by sa jednalo o spoilery, len poviem ze su tu pekne zobrazene nasledky rozhodnuti urobenych pocas predoslych knih. A inkvizitor lahke rozhodnutia nerobi nikdy.
Vseobecne sa mi seria naozaj pacila a pre novacikov ju mozem smelo odporucit. Urcite takisto pojdem do dalsich, nepriamych, pokracovani (trilogia Ravenor a dalej), ale najprv sa zastavim pri niecom viac military, pri prvej trilogii Gaunts Ghosts od rovnakeho autora.
A musim uznat, ze ako zaciatok je to super. Nenasiel som asi nic, comu by som nerozumel. Zaroven je tu velmi pekne zobrazene vseobecne fungovanie Imperia, najma teda zo strany Inkvizicie, ale aj inych zloziek. Aby bolo jasno, toto nie je seria plna obrovskych bitiek (Gauntovi duchovia), space marinov a podobne. Je to v podstate detektivka v univerze W40k. S tym, ze dany detektiv ma autorizaciu na znicenie planety.
Tento omnibus obsahuje celu povodnu trilogiu plus dve poviedky, takze som ho cital prerusovane, prekladany inymi knihami. Rovno mozem povedat, ze prva poviedka (Missing in Action) je to najlepsie, co kniha obsahuje a naopak druha poviedka (Backcloth For A Crown Additional) to najhorsie.
Co sa tyka romanov, bavili ma vsetky. Kazdy ma svoje problemy a svoje silne stranky. Prvy sa podla mna rozbieha pomerne pomaly, ale zhruba od polovice sa zenie ku koncu skvelym tempom. Druhy obsahuje jedno z mojich najmenej oblubenych klise opakujucich sa v detektivkach (interne oddelenie podozrieva hrdinu z porusovania zakona), ale zaroven obsahuje aj najlepsiu pasaz v celej serii (nechcem spoilerovat, tak poviem len ze suvisi s armadnou prehliadkou na pocest vitazstva). Povedal by som ale, ze tento diel je najslabsi zo serie, pretoze obsahuje aj pomerne zdlhave nudne pasaze, bez ktorych by som sa zaobisiel.
No a tretia kniha ma urcite najvyrovnanejsie tempo a asi je aj najlepsia. Nic moc o nej hovorit nebudem, kedze by sa jednalo o spoilery, len poviem ze su tu pekne zobrazene nasledky rozhodnuti urobenych pocas predoslych knih. A inkvizitor lahke rozhodnutia nerobi nikdy.
Vseobecne sa mi seria naozaj pacila a pre novacikov ju mozem smelo odporucit. Urcite takisto pojdem do dalsich, nepriamych, pokracovani (trilogia Ravenor a dalej), ale najprv sa zastavim pri niecom viac military, pri prvej trilogii Gaunts Ghosts od rovnakeho autora.
February 3, 2025
El ómnibus de Eisenhorn ha sido mi primera toma de contacto con el mundo de Warhammer 40K y entiendo bastante bien porque se recomienda que este libro sea la introducción.
Como novela negra es decente dentro de su género aunque lo que la hace realmente especial es como combina este género con lo especial del mundo en el que existe.
La galaxia del Milenio 41 es un setting complejo, oscuro, difícil de entender y quizás un poco lioso. Pero eso no quita que mientras lees quieras conocer más y más sobre esta sociedad y sus habitantes.
En lo referente a las tramas y sus protagonistas, el Inquisidor Eisenhorn ve bastante evolución a lo largo de los tres libros y a lo largo de las 17 décadas durante las cuales le seguimos (gracioso eso eh, 17 décadas). Opino que justamente esa evolución de personaje es la clave y lo revelante dentro del libro porque Eisenhorn vive envuelto en una batalla constante contra lo malévolo, contra sus creencias y contra su forma de hacer justicia, entremezclándose esas tres cosas para crear unos conflictos de difícil resolución y que acompañan al inquisidor durante todos sus trayectos e investigaciones.
En lo relacionado a los defectos del ómnibus Eisenhorn, quizás en los libros "Malleus" y "Hereticus" la conclusión de la historia se ve un poco apresurada y las condiciones/acciones por las que acaban los clímax sean un poco irreales o no llegan a la altura que yo esperaba. Acabar en dos páginas con un conflicto que amenaza a un sector entero de la galaxia no creo que sea lo adecuado.
Aún así seguiré leyendo sobre Warhammer 40k aunque creo que mi siguiente será volviendo al Milenio 31.
"No importa, lo extravagante de la idea, lo remoto del mito, ni a qué distancia tenga el origen la historia, algo de indeleble verdad siempre se encuentra al comienzo de la historia."
-Gregor Eisenhorn
Como novela negra es decente dentro de su género aunque lo que la hace realmente especial es como combina este género con lo especial del mundo en el que existe.
La galaxia del Milenio 41 es un setting complejo, oscuro, difícil de entender y quizás un poco lioso. Pero eso no quita que mientras lees quieras conocer más y más sobre esta sociedad y sus habitantes.
En lo referente a las tramas y sus protagonistas, el Inquisidor Eisenhorn ve bastante evolución a lo largo de los tres libros y a lo largo de las 17 décadas durante las cuales le seguimos (gracioso eso eh, 17 décadas). Opino que justamente esa evolución de personaje es la clave y lo revelante dentro del libro porque Eisenhorn vive envuelto en una batalla constante contra lo malévolo, contra sus creencias y contra su forma de hacer justicia, entremezclándose esas tres cosas para crear unos conflictos de difícil resolución y que acompañan al inquisidor durante todos sus trayectos e investigaciones.
En lo relacionado a los defectos del ómnibus Eisenhorn, quizás en los libros "Malleus" y "Hereticus" la conclusión de la historia se ve un poco apresurada y las condiciones/acciones por las que acaban los clímax sean un poco irreales o no llegan a la altura que yo esperaba. Acabar en dos páginas con un conflicto que amenaza a un sector entero de la galaxia no creo que sea lo adecuado.
Aún así seguiré leyendo sobre Warhammer 40k aunque creo que mi siguiente será volviendo al Milenio 31.
"No importa, lo extravagante de la idea, lo remoto del mito, ni a qué distancia tenga el origen la historia, algo de indeleble verdad siempre se encuentra al comienzo de la historia."
-Gregor Eisenhorn
April 16, 2026
Warhammer 40k novels seem to be the male equivalent of romantasy novels. The pulpy over-the-top grimdark action set in a technofascist dystopian world checks all of the boxes that the average cishet man with autistic tendencies might be looking for.
Suffice to say, that what I've read so far of the Eisenhorn series would immediately crumble under a crude feminist analysis (of the three women introduced in the text thus far, one dies immediately, the second is in an asylum and the third is a sex worker with the preternatural ability to repulse everyone around her).
The first book in the Eisenhorn series, Xenos, reads like a Micheal Bay movie adapted into a novel. The text is the text, if you're looking for subtext you won't find it.
But, there's value in critically thinking about any and all art and Warhammer 40k novels are no exception to this. Especially, when they're this much fun, bold and satirical.
Bonus points for at least one interesting autistic depiction...
... which I'm excited to unpack over the course of the series.
- Xenos: ⭐⭐⭐⭐▫️
- Malleus:
- Hereticus:
Suffice to say, that what I've read so far of the Eisenhorn series would immediately crumble under a crude feminist analysis (of the three women introduced in the text thus far, one dies immediately, the second is in an asylum and the third is a sex worker with the preternatural ability to repulse everyone around her).
The first book in the Eisenhorn series, Xenos, reads like a Micheal Bay movie adapted into a novel. The text is the text, if you're looking for subtext you won't find it.
But, there's value in critically thinking about any and all art and Warhammer 40k novels are no exception to this. Especially, when they're this much fun, bold and satirical.
Bonus points for at least one interesting autistic depiction...
‘Most perturbatory,’ said Aemos. It was his most frequent expression.
[...]
"Uber Aemos was my savant, and my longest serving companion."
[...]
I saw how Aemos watched the work with keen interest, making notes tohimself on a data-slate strapped to his wrist. At the age of forty-two, he hadcontracted a meme-virus that altered his brain function for ever, driving him tocollect information – any sort of information – whenever he got the chance. Hewas pathologically compelled to acquire knowledge, a data-addict. That madehim an aggravating, easily sidetracked companion, and a perfect savant, asfour inquisitors had discovered.
... which I'm excited to unpack over the course of the series.
- Xenos: ⭐⭐⭐⭐▫️
- Malleus:
- Hereticus:
December 9, 2024
I'm giving this book five stars—for what it is, not for its general literary value!
If you enjoy the Warhammer 40,000 universe, this is everything you could ask for. If you don’t, well, don’t touch it with a ten-foot pole!
This is unapologetically pulpy science fiction, crafted solely to give those iconic plastic models some thrilling backstory.
The omnibus collects the main Eisenhorn trilogy, where we follow Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn as he hunts for heresy in the Helican subsector of Imperial space, the Magos novel, which takes place later in Eisenhorn’s distinguished career, and a couple of short stories. Suffice it to say, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
The narrative takes us to a variety of exotic locales, from the tranquil hills of Gudrun to the bustling ecumenopolis of Thracian Prime, and beyond to alien worlds. Along the way, we meet a plethora of colorful characters, all seemingly plucked from the expansive range of Games Workshop’s miniature collection!
Since Eisenhorn is an Inquisitor, there’s a touch more mystery here than in your average Warhammer novel. Plots and counterplots unfold, and the author keeps things engaging, even though we all know that, in the end, the heretics will inevitably meet their demise in the name of the God-Emperor.
And of course, there’s battle—glorious battle! Eisenhorn faces off against mutants, aliens, and heretics of every variety. Guns blaze, swords clash, and spacecraft roar through the void. The action is fast-paced, vividly described, and undeniably heart-pounding.
All in all, anyone interested in the Warhammer 40,000 universe should give this omnibus a shot. It’s a must-read for fans looking to immerse themselves in the grim darkness of the far future.
If you enjoy the Warhammer 40,000 universe, this is everything you could ask for. If you don’t, well, don’t touch it with a ten-foot pole!
This is unapologetically pulpy science fiction, crafted solely to give those iconic plastic models some thrilling backstory.
The omnibus collects the main Eisenhorn trilogy, where we follow Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn as he hunts for heresy in the Helican subsector of Imperial space, the Magos novel, which takes place later in Eisenhorn’s distinguished career, and a couple of short stories. Suffice it to say, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
The narrative takes us to a variety of exotic locales, from the tranquil hills of Gudrun to the bustling ecumenopolis of Thracian Prime, and beyond to alien worlds. Along the way, we meet a plethora of colorful characters, all seemingly plucked from the expansive range of Games Workshop’s miniature collection!
Since Eisenhorn is an Inquisitor, there’s a touch more mystery here than in your average Warhammer novel. Plots and counterplots unfold, and the author keeps things engaging, even though we all know that, in the end, the heretics will inevitably meet their demise in the name of the God-Emperor.
And of course, there’s battle—glorious battle! Eisenhorn faces off against mutants, aliens, and heretics of every variety. Guns blaze, swords clash, and spacecraft roar through the void. The action is fast-paced, vividly described, and undeniably heart-pounding.
All in all, anyone interested in the Warhammer 40,000 universe should give this omnibus a shot. It’s a must-read for fans looking to immerse themselves in the grim darkness of the far future.
July 1, 2025
Where to start?
The Eisenhorn series has truly enhanced my perspective of what the daily lives of the imperium of mankind experiences.
A gritty, grounded, and exciting investigative action thriller unfolds onto the page in front of your eyes. We are swiftly carried away on the shoulders of the protagonist in a thrilling adventure in which we experience excitement, turmoil, heartfelt moments, and gut-wrenching endings.
This book truly has it all - Dan Abnett truly had me tantalised with the depth of his writing and setting the not only the scene, but the characters with the scenes. This allowed each set piece to feel alive, grounded in reality, and allowed me to somewhat rationalise how close some of these grim dark futuristic settings are to home.
I was gripped reading the inner monologues and justifications Eisenhorn would make to sanction his actions in the defence of the imperium. A man torn between duty, and vengeance while finding the lines blurring at what is simply radical, or just a means to an end for the protection of mankind.
The companions on the way were exciting and nuanced - I found that I developed deep emotions about how they were and how they impacted our protagonist.
These feelings were enriched further when I felt that no one was safe in Dan Abnett’s world. Eisenhorn’s companions were a vital part of the story but at no point did they ever feel whimsically protected by plot armour or that they were not a major component in the success of Eisenhorn’s adventure.
Highly recommended as a great primer into the life of the inquisition and the general life within the 40k universe. A great book for beginners or intermediate fans of the 40K grim dark settings.
The Eisenhorn series has truly enhanced my perspective of what the daily lives of the imperium of mankind experiences.
A gritty, grounded, and exciting investigative action thriller unfolds onto the page in front of your eyes. We are swiftly carried away on the shoulders of the protagonist in a thrilling adventure in which we experience excitement, turmoil, heartfelt moments, and gut-wrenching endings.
This book truly has it all - Dan Abnett truly had me tantalised with the depth of his writing and setting the not only the scene, but the characters with the scenes. This allowed each set piece to feel alive, grounded in reality, and allowed me to somewhat rationalise how close some of these grim dark futuristic settings are to home.
I was gripped reading the inner monologues and justifications Eisenhorn would make to sanction his actions in the defence of the imperium. A man torn between duty, and vengeance while finding the lines blurring at what is simply radical, or just a means to an end for the protection of mankind.
The companions on the way were exciting and nuanced - I found that I developed deep emotions about how they were and how they impacted our protagonist.
These feelings were enriched further when I felt that no one was safe in Dan Abnett’s world. Eisenhorn’s companions were a vital part of the story but at no point did they ever feel whimsically protected by plot armour or that they were not a major component in the success of Eisenhorn’s adventure.
Highly recommended as a great primer into the life of the inquisition and the general life within the 40k universe. A great book for beginners or intermediate fans of the 40K grim dark settings.
July 7, 2024
The Eisenhorn novels were the very first Warhammer 40k novels I read about twenty years ago now. Since then, I’ve read many more and, rather improbably, even written some. So I decided to go back to my original door to the 40k galaxy to see how they would read coming at them with the eyes of a writer of these stories as well as a reader.
The answer, of course, is very well. Dan Abnett is a very, very, very good writer, with an unmatched ability to coin words that not just fit into the 40k universe but with a single word engage the reader more fully into that universe.
But now, working from a 40k writer perspective, I’m pretty sure I know how Dan pitched the idea of these novels originally: this was James Bond in 40k. But James Bond with a 40k twist – which means that there’s no sex but even bigger guns. What the Eisenhorn novels and the Bond films share is a breakneck pace with a huge range of exotic locations: unusually for 40k, the stories escape the usual round of polluted hive cities to take in a far wider range of planets, some of which seem like they actually might be quite pleasant to live on (so long as you have money).
In another Bond trope, there’s an unusual emphasis on fine food and drink, with many meals described in loving detail. As an Inquisitor, Eisenhorn unfortunately couldn’t really have an interest in gambling, which is a shame as I’d have loved to have read Abnett’s take on a 40k casino.
As the stories progress, the tie to Bond lessens as the story and characters grow into themselves, but, yes, I still think that’s how they began, when Dan emailed the editors at Black Library and said, “Let’s do Bond in space!”
The answer, of course, is very well. Dan Abnett is a very, very, very good writer, with an unmatched ability to coin words that not just fit into the 40k universe but with a single word engage the reader more fully into that universe.
But now, working from a 40k writer perspective, I’m pretty sure I know how Dan pitched the idea of these novels originally: this was James Bond in 40k. But James Bond with a 40k twist – which means that there’s no sex but even bigger guns. What the Eisenhorn novels and the Bond films share is a breakneck pace with a huge range of exotic locations: unusually for 40k, the stories escape the usual round of polluted hive cities to take in a far wider range of planets, some of which seem like they actually might be quite pleasant to live on (so long as you have money).
In another Bond trope, there’s an unusual emphasis on fine food and drink, with many meals described in loving detail. As an Inquisitor, Eisenhorn unfortunately couldn’t really have an interest in gambling, which is a shame as I’d have loved to have read Abnett’s take on a 40k casino.
As the stories progress, the tie to Bond lessens as the story and characters grow into themselves, but, yes, I still think that’s how they began, when Dan emailed the editors at Black Library and said, “Let’s do Bond in space!”
November 11, 2025
Time to start Gregging your Eisenhorn
This is a tremendous gateway drug. Chances are you have ended up here looking to get into 40K. What is on offer here is a wonderful series of books that subsequently leads into the Ravenor trilogy that eases you into this grim dark world.
Eisenhorn is a spectacular character and Abnett has done an incredible job stringing all the narrative threads together over an insanely large portfolio of stories that are centered around our main man Greg, super duper inquisitor extraordinaire.
The reviews for each of the contained stories are linked below. I had an incredible time with this and it is well worthy of your attention. An incredible batch of stories.
💀 Short Story: Regia Occulta - 4/5
💀 Book 1: Xenos - 5/5
💀 Short Story: Missing in Action - 4/5
💀 Book 2: Malleus - 5/5
💀 Short Story: Backcloth for a Crown Additional - 3/5
💀 Book 3: Hereticus - 4/5
💀Short Story:The Keeler Image - 4/5
💀Book 4:The Magos - 5/5
This is a tremendous gateway drug. Chances are you have ended up here looking to get into 40K. What is on offer here is a wonderful series of books that subsequently leads into the Ravenor trilogy that eases you into this grim dark world.
Eisenhorn is a spectacular character and Abnett has done an incredible job stringing all the narrative threads together over an insanely large portfolio of stories that are centered around our main man Greg, super duper inquisitor extraordinaire.
The reviews for each of the contained stories are linked below. I had an incredible time with this and it is well worthy of your attention. An incredible batch of stories.
💀 Short Story: Regia Occulta - 4/5
💀 Book 1: Xenos - 5/5
💀 Short Story: Missing in Action - 4/5
💀 Book 2: Malleus - 5/5
💀 Short Story: Backcloth for a Crown Additional - 3/5
💀 Book 3: Hereticus - 4/5
💀Short Story:The Keeler Image - 4/5
💀Book 4:The Magos - 5/5
December 1, 2024
A great collections of stories showing the adventures of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn and his crew across the WH40K universe as they hunt heretics, occultists and recidivists in the name of the God Emperor!
The book contains 4 novels and 4 short stories. They are organized in chronological order:
1. Regia Occulta (short story)
2. Xenos (novel)
3. Missing in action (short story)
4. Malleus (novel)
5. Blackcloth for a crown additional (short story)
6. Hereticus (novel)
7. The Keeler image (short story)
8. The Magos (novel)
Gregor Eisenhorn, despite the title of Inquisitor is pretty much a jack of all trades. He is a powerful psyker, an incredible detective and a gifted fighter, but Dan Abnett manages to write a very believable character that, despite being a power house, faces several challenges across his adventures. Every story and novel imprints Eisenhorn with a new set of scars and traumas that carry over into the next story.
I also enjoyed a lot following his crew across the different challenges they face. Betancore, Harlan Nayl, Alizabeth and several other characters enrich the story with their individualities. The roster of characters that interact Gregor is very rich and it's one of the strongest points of these stories in my opinion.
If you enjoy WH40K, detective stories and action packed adventures, I strongly recommend this book!
The book contains 4 novels and 4 short stories. They are organized in chronological order:
1. Regia Occulta (short story)
2. Xenos (novel)
3. Missing in action (short story)
4. Malleus (novel)
5. Blackcloth for a crown additional (short story)
6. Hereticus (novel)
7. The Keeler image (short story)
8. The Magos (novel)
Gregor Eisenhorn, despite the title of Inquisitor is pretty much a jack of all trades. He is a powerful psyker, an incredible detective and a gifted fighter, but Dan Abnett manages to write a very believable character that, despite being a power house, faces several challenges across his adventures. Every story and novel imprints Eisenhorn with a new set of scars and traumas that carry over into the next story.
I also enjoyed a lot following his crew across the different challenges they face. Betancore, Harlan Nayl, Alizabeth and several other characters enrich the story with their individualities. The roster of characters that interact Gregor is very rich and it's one of the strongest points of these stories in my opinion.
If you enjoy WH40K, detective stories and action packed adventures, I strongly recommend this book!
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