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Ravenor #1-3
Ravenor: The Omnibus
In the war-torn future of the 41st millennium, the Inquisition fights a secret war against the darkest enemies of mankind – the alien, the heretic and the daemon. The three stories in this omnibus tell the tale of Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor and his lethal band of operatives, whose investigations take them from the heart of the Scarus Sector to the wildest regions of space beyond, and even through time itself. Wherever they go, and whatever dangers they face, they will never give up until their mission succeeds.
Contains the novels Ravenor, Ravenor Returned and Ravenor Rogue, plus two short stories and an introduction by the author.
Contains the novels Ravenor, Ravenor Returned and Ravenor Rogue, plus two short stories and an introduction by the author.
891 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
November 24, 2012
If you have any interest in the Warhammer 40k universe, you owe it to yourself to read this book. It is a very fun read. Of course, literature it is not, but someone looking for a good story can't go wrong.
Having said that, if you haven't read the Eisenhorn trilogy do that first. It's not necessarily better exactly (though very different), but I would say it is as good, it's chronologically first, and provides some background for the stories told here.
One of the things that Mr. Abnett does well is put us in the thick of the dark future that is WH40K. His worlds live and breathe, his cities have smelly corners where the poor (barely) survive and the luxurious enclaves of the rich. His ships heave and groan as they make their way through space. It feels like a lived in world, and that's not always easy to do.
I also like the way he creates little details that bring us into his story - fictional types of clothing, varieties of alcohol, drugs of choice, etc. They blend together to give his settings a real verisimilitude and his characters some life.
So yeah, unless you don't like dark (rather dark) space opera go ahead and read this. But as I said, read Eisenhorn first.
Having said that, if you haven't read the Eisenhorn trilogy do that first. It's not necessarily better exactly (though very different), but I would say it is as good, it's chronologically first, and provides some background for the stories told here.
One of the things that Mr. Abnett does well is put us in the thick of the dark future that is WH40K. His worlds live and breathe, his cities have smelly corners where the poor (barely) survive and the luxurious enclaves of the rich. His ships heave and groan as they make their way through space. It feels like a lived in world, and that's not always easy to do.
I also like the way he creates little details that bring us into his story - fictional types of clothing, varieties of alcohol, drugs of choice, etc. They blend together to give his settings a real verisimilitude and his characters some life.
So yeah, unless you don't like dark (rather dark) space opera go ahead and read this. But as I said, read Eisenhorn first.
January 16, 2012
This sprawling collection is probably best read in one full sweep, as the stories are interconnected and the dramatic tension builds through the earlier novels. Even though the three main Ravenor books are separated by short stories, it's not jarring to have those pauses. Especially not when the former introduces some important plot points.
I enjoyed the attention to detail in how things functioned, from the grandiosely grotesque societies of 41st millenium from richest to poorest, to the governments running their lives, and to the powers that try to control those governments. The dialogue and pacing were sharp and very rarely did I skim even when I knew what was coming. One of the things I like best about the 40k universe is that it's so very different from most science fiction settings. Humanity is not a noble race defending itself from enemies, rather it is just as 'evil' and flawed and willing to do anything to survive as any other. So the reader must apply their own sense of right and wrong, their own moral compass. Much of the 40K world is grey, but there's shades of silver here and there. Ravenor's team of operatives, as well as many people they come across, represent those slivers even if they're also servants of an Inquisition that would unhesitatingly annihilate billions if it was that or total destruction of humanity. And those are the sorts of odds they play with. There is never a saviour or a Great Noble Captain to come to the rescue, people do the best they can in their limited capacities.
Nonetheless, I think that at times the intricate and for the most part enjoyable plot denied us a chance to get to know these characters better. With the exceptions of Kara Swole and Ravenor himself, most of his team didn't grow nor change throughout the series. Not to say they weren't interesting, but even something like falling in love (with a ridiculously stereotyped and yet still awesome warrior-woman in one case) or nearly losing everyone you cared about did not affect the tough and grim band.
To his credit Abnett doesn't create stereotypes of anyone, hero or villain. Molotch is a sublimely understated agent of daemonic forces. Unlike a lot of that type however, he understands fully that while he's a genius-level pysker with resources both cerebral and physical that are the envy of most men, he's not infallible (despite cheating death no less than 3 times) nor immortal. What Abnett does is turn the stereotypes around until the cliches feel new. In a genre like science-fiction, that's often the best one can hope for.
I enjoyed the attention to detail in how things functioned, from the grandiosely grotesque societies of 41st millenium from richest to poorest, to the governments running their lives, and to the powers that try to control those governments. The dialogue and pacing were sharp and very rarely did I skim even when I knew what was coming. One of the things I like best about the 40k universe is that it's so very different from most science fiction settings. Humanity is not a noble race defending itself from enemies, rather it is just as 'evil' and flawed and willing to do anything to survive as any other. So the reader must apply their own sense of right and wrong, their own moral compass. Much of the 40K world is grey, but there's shades of silver here and there. Ravenor's team of operatives, as well as many people they come across, represent those slivers even if they're also servants of an Inquisition that would unhesitatingly annihilate billions if it was that or total destruction of humanity. And those are the sorts of odds they play with. There is never a saviour or a Great Noble Captain to come to the rescue, people do the best they can in their limited capacities.
Nonetheless, I think that at times the intricate and for the most part enjoyable plot denied us a chance to get to know these characters better. With the exceptions of Kara Swole and Ravenor himself, most of his team didn't grow nor change throughout the series. Not to say they weren't interesting, but even something like falling in love (with a ridiculously stereotyped and yet still awesome warrior-woman in one case) or nearly losing everyone you cared about did not affect the tough and grim band.
To his credit Abnett doesn't create stereotypes of anyone, hero or villain. Molotch is a sublimely understated agent of daemonic forces. Unlike a lot of that type however, he understands fully that while he's a genius-level pysker with resources both cerebral and physical that are the envy of most men, he's not infallible (despite cheating death no less than 3 times) nor immortal. What Abnett does is turn the stereotypes around until the cliches feel new. In a genre like science-fiction, that's often the best one can hope for.
January 3, 2012
I really enjoyed it, very descriptive and sensitively written. I did however feel that half of the 3rd book was a waste of time. The second half picked up the same pace as the rest of the book and ended with a flourish. I wld recommend.
January 11, 2013
**Spoiler-ish**
I saved my review of Eisenhorn for after I completed Ravenor, since, before reading Ravenor I kind of figured they were all part of the same story. Now that I am done with it all I can really say is, "I kind of hate Dan Abnett." Dude wrecks my life. Wrecks it. The Gaunt's series is amazing, if you have read those and not been pissed off every time DA kills off a character you are not reading it right. The Inquisitor series is pretty much the same thing, only there are a lot fewer characters, and your heart breaks just a little bit more when one of them, well I wont say dies because that would be too easy. What can you say when characters you love, oh I don't know, are locked up in prison with no resolution to their fate, or perhaps turned into a host for a daemon (this has happened MORE THAN ONCE), or perhaps in order to combat the evil and darkness they hate they have to give in to its power and use it becoming the very thing they hate? you can say nothing. You can just accept it, and come to the realization that you hate hate hate Dan Abnett, because he makes you care so damn much.
I know I am late to the party, the Inquisitor novels are old as publication standards go, but after suffering through some pretty crap Black Library novels, when you read the good stuff it is like finding Sting in a pile of rusted shit. Seriously, the Inquisitor trilogies are awesome, do yourself a favor...f-ing read them. Read Eisenhorn, then wipe your tears and read Ravenor. If you can, pick your jaw up and dive into the new ones. I have not moved into the Bequin trilogy yet or the Ravenor vs. Eisenhorn books...mainly because he is not done with them and I kind of want to read them all at once. If I had gotten to the end of Ravenor and not be assured there was more to come I may have ordered an Exterminatus on Nottingham. That is it. They are awesome, what did you expect? Stop being weird and start turning the pages.
I saved my review of Eisenhorn for after I completed Ravenor, since, before reading Ravenor I kind of figured they were all part of the same story. Now that I am done with it all I can really say is, "I kind of hate Dan Abnett." Dude wrecks my life. Wrecks it. The Gaunt's series is amazing, if you have read those and not been pissed off every time DA kills off a character you are not reading it right. The Inquisitor series is pretty much the same thing, only there are a lot fewer characters, and your heart breaks just a little bit more when one of them, well I wont say dies because that would be too easy. What can you say when characters you love, oh I don't know, are locked up in prison with no resolution to their fate, or perhaps turned into a host for a daemon (this has happened MORE THAN ONCE), or perhaps in order to combat the evil and darkness they hate they have to give in to its power and use it becoming the very thing they hate? you can say nothing. You can just accept it, and come to the realization that you hate hate hate Dan Abnett, because he makes you care so damn much.
I know I am late to the party, the Inquisitor novels are old as publication standards go, but after suffering through some pretty crap Black Library novels, when you read the good stuff it is like finding Sting in a pile of rusted shit. Seriously, the Inquisitor trilogies are awesome, do yourself a favor...f-ing read them. Read Eisenhorn, then wipe your tears and read Ravenor. If you can, pick your jaw up and dive into the new ones. I have not moved into the Bequin trilogy yet or the Ravenor vs. Eisenhorn books...mainly because he is not done with them and I kind of want to read them all at once. If I had gotten to the end of Ravenor and not be assured there was more to come I may have ordered an Exterminatus on Nottingham. That is it. They are awesome, what did you expect? Stop being weird and start turning the pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
'Is it true?' he asked.
She nodded and blew her nose.
'Well, I am five saken,' he said.
'Five?'
It is one more than four saken,' he replied. 'It is a level of grief behind which is no furthestmost.'
'Except six?'
'Pray no one ever experiences six saken,'
Ravenor is better than Eisenhorn. Yeah yeah, taste is subjective, everyone remembers Eisenhorn over a guy literally floating in a barrel.
But Abnett did do Ravenor second and crafted it better, with multiple perspectives, tighter timeframes and much much better dialogue. This isn't a swipe at the first series, it had (and has!) alot going for it. But put the somewhat forced Bequin against Kara Swole or Patience Kys, the hurried end to Fischig vs tragedy of Thonius, or even anyone against the perpetual straight man Harlon. And hey, the lead character is permanently disabled. Score one for consistent and positive representation throughout.
He'd liked that frigging finger. It had been in his top ten list of favourite fingers.
As always, you can linger on imperfections, like the number of times "voluptuous" is used as a descriptor. But it's a trilogy and change that managed to combine character and setting with a consistent plot thread. Abnett repeatedly puts together exciting and varied setpieces, at a circus, at a meat market, at a bank, at a church. It's the time taken to have fun.
When he exhaled, smoke puffed out of the hole in his chest too.
She nodded and blew her nose.
'Well, I am five saken,' he said.
'Five?'
It is one more than four saken,' he replied. 'It is a level of grief behind which is no furthestmost.'
'Except six?'
'Pray no one ever experiences six saken,'
Ravenor is better than Eisenhorn. Yeah yeah, taste is subjective, everyone remembers Eisenhorn over a guy literally floating in a barrel.
But Abnett did do Ravenor second and crafted it better, with multiple perspectives, tighter timeframes and much much better dialogue. This isn't a swipe at the first series, it had (and has!) alot going for it. But put the somewhat forced Bequin against Kara Swole or Patience Kys, the hurried end to Fischig vs tragedy of Thonius, or even anyone against the perpetual straight man Harlon. And hey, the lead character is permanently disabled. Score one for consistent and positive representation throughout.
He'd liked that frigging finger. It had been in his top ten list of favourite fingers.
As always, you can linger on imperfections, like the number of times "voluptuous" is used as a descriptor. But it's a trilogy and change that managed to combine character and setting with a consistent plot thread. Abnett repeatedly puts together exciting and varied setpieces, at a circus, at a meat market, at a bank, at a church. It's the time taken to have fun.
When he exhaled, smoke puffed out of the hole in his chest too.
September 10, 2020
Abnett is so much better than he has to be. Poverty and corruption before gibbering legions and building-sized guns. (Though he also does the latter.)
November 24, 2025
“The stuff you know.”
And with Ravenor Rogue (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and “Perihelion” (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) my time on the hunt for ruthless heretic Zygmunt Molotch in the shadow of Ravenor and his giddily doomed band of friends comes to a close.
And like…Holy Throne, are these good. Even better than I could have hoped for and a whole lot fuckin’ more, I’ll tell you that. So good that I’m probably going to have to take a break from them until the third Bequin book is released because now I can’t imagine reading about any of these bastards NOT in a binge.
And I love love loved Eisenhorn. I think Eisenhorn does a lot of stuff really well and also ended up being another great in road into 40k too. But like…I sincerely was not prepared for the experience of these. Nor did I expect to come away with some of my favorite 40k characters so far. Truly madly deeply love Patience and Kara Swole and basically every villain it introduced while also just being so taken by Ravenor and Abnett’s whole take on what it means to be “devout” in a universe as punishing as this one.
Because too while Eisenhorn is a much more active character and his adventures are far more straight-forward action pieces, these taking almost a back-footed approach to their plots while also condensing them tighter around a core collection of characters really, REALLY makes them shine.
The shifting constantly from first to third person, the keeping the trilogy contained to just one major sector of space (while also pulling of literal warp magic to not even make that true), the tracking of Ravenor and his team’s mental and emotional state as they continually LOSE across three books (and the change of the shorts;which really add to the whole experience of these too, thank you Black Library for these Omni editions).
I just like…it’s gut-wrenching tense at times, it’s harrowing, it’s massively addictive, and it made me cry really fucking hard a bunch. Interesting to say that about books with city-sized demons made of mouths and a quantity of graphic headshots that would make an average COD player wince but that’s really the juice of 40k I’m finding. Or at least the flavor of 40k I’ve dipped into at least.
Sincerely do not know how I’m going to follow this up. I think everything else might be paled in comparison. Certainly whatever 40k thing I read next will probably not make me feel like these did. That’s gonna have to be okay I suppose.
And with Ravenor Rogue (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and “Perihelion” (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) my time on the hunt for ruthless heretic Zygmunt Molotch in the shadow of Ravenor and his giddily doomed band of friends comes to a close.
And like…Holy Throne, are these good. Even better than I could have hoped for and a whole lot fuckin’ more, I’ll tell you that. So good that I’m probably going to have to take a break from them until the third Bequin book is released because now I can’t imagine reading about any of these bastards NOT in a binge.
And I love love loved Eisenhorn. I think Eisenhorn does a lot of stuff really well and also ended up being another great in road into 40k too. But like…I sincerely was not prepared for the experience of these. Nor did I expect to come away with some of my favorite 40k characters so far. Truly madly deeply love Patience and Kara Swole and basically every villain it introduced while also just being so taken by Ravenor and Abnett’s whole take on what it means to be “devout” in a universe as punishing as this one.
Because too while Eisenhorn is a much more active character and his adventures are far more straight-forward action pieces, these taking almost a back-footed approach to their plots while also condensing them tighter around a core collection of characters really, REALLY makes them shine.
The shifting constantly from first to third person, the keeping the trilogy contained to just one major sector of space (while also pulling of literal warp magic to not even make that true), the tracking of Ravenor and his team’s mental and emotional state as they continually LOSE across three books (and the change of the shorts;which really add to the whole experience of these too, thank you Black Library for these Omni editions).
I just like…it’s gut-wrenching tense at times, it’s harrowing, it’s massively addictive, and it made me cry really fucking hard a bunch. Interesting to say that about books with city-sized demons made of mouths and a quantity of graphic headshots that would make an average COD player wince but that’s really the juice of 40k I’m finding. Or at least the flavor of 40k I’ve dipped into at least.
Sincerely do not know how I’m going to follow this up. I think everything else might be paled in comparison. Certainly whatever 40k thing I read next will probably not make me feel like these did. That’s gonna have to be okay I suppose.
October 3, 2022
Much like Dan Abnett's Eisenhorn trilogy, the Ravenor series gets better as it goes on. It starts well (if a little slowly with the first entry) but rapidly gathers pace and the initial slowness is entirely paid off by the series' conclusion. Excellent characters (all are well crafted and it is easy to get invested in them), wonderful world building, and superb pacing once the story is established by around halfway through the first entry.
Highly recommended! Note that I would recommend you read the Eisenhorn trilogy and Magos (plus it's series of attached shorts) before you dive into this.
Highly recommended! Note that I would recommend you read the Eisenhorn trilogy and Magos (plus it's series of attached shorts) before you dive into this.
October 26, 2025
I will start that reading this omnibus was a huge undertaking. I will say that the start of these stories were quite slow, and it took a while for me to get really emotionally invested in these characters. But once you do the pay-off is immense. Having come off the back of the terrific Eisenhorn series, the Ravenor omnibus had big shoes to fill. I was particularly interested in Ravenor as a character upon his introduction and subsequent "major event" that had him reduced to what I would say is quite a debiliating injury for a universe like the 40k universe.
Ravenor's unique nature as a high level psyker and his disability had enabled the notion of a protagonist to be flipped on it's head. His unique way of influencing the situations and his companions had almost an isometric view of the adventure in a way in which I enjoyed. His feats of strength were impressive, his guidance of his companions was both thrilling and showed the strong bond they had with Ravenor and how they could function around his disability.
The story beats were grounded and remained in the realm of belief - the hunt and the metophorical game of regicide that permeated the books in the effort to disrupt the Cognitae faction leads to terrific situations and heartbreaking moments. I believe that the Ravenor's series strongest assest is Dan Abnett's ability to incoporate side characters and breathing life into them. There are multiple occasions where side characters are introduced and either I am frustrated at how villainous they are and how it disrupts the quest in a compelling way, or I love and cherish a character and it saddens me when any wrongdoing occurs to them.
Ravenor and his companions quickly has become some of my favourite characters in the 40k universe. The way they work together is compelling and the more I read the more I could not put my book down. There are moments where I do wonder how Ravenor should of reacted given his demise of his physical body in the Eisenhorn series, that I felt Abnett may have missed. Or how certain characters in the end only had a mild contribution to the final twist for the characters, considering they were quite major components of the team in the earlier stages of the series.
Overall, it was a thrilling ride to see Ravenor and his gang embroiled in uncertainty, assassins, the warp, and the mundane of the Administratum of the Imperium. I hope to potentially see more of Ravenor in the future either in other books, or perhaps sequels - or even prequels of Ravenor's adventures.
Ravenor's unique nature as a high level psyker and his disability had enabled the notion of a protagonist to be flipped on it's head. His unique way of influencing the situations and his companions had almost an isometric view of the adventure in a way in which I enjoyed. His feats of strength were impressive, his guidance of his companions was both thrilling and showed the strong bond they had with Ravenor and how they could function around his disability.
The story beats were grounded and remained in the realm of belief - the hunt and the metophorical game of regicide that permeated the books in the effort to disrupt the Cognitae faction leads to terrific situations and heartbreaking moments. I believe that the Ravenor's series strongest assest is Dan Abnett's ability to incoporate side characters and breathing life into them. There are multiple occasions where side characters are introduced and either I am frustrated at how villainous they are and how it disrupts the quest in a compelling way, or I love and cherish a character and it saddens me when any wrongdoing occurs to them.
Ravenor and his companions quickly has become some of my favourite characters in the 40k universe. The way they work together is compelling and the more I read the more I could not put my book down. There are moments where I do wonder how Ravenor should of reacted given his demise of his physical body in the Eisenhorn series, that I felt Abnett may have missed. Or how certain characters in the end only had a mild contribution to the final twist for the characters, considering they were quite major components of the team in the earlier stages of the series.
Overall, it was a thrilling ride to see Ravenor and his gang embroiled in uncertainty, assassins, the warp, and the mundane of the Administratum of the Imperium. I hope to potentially see more of Ravenor in the future either in other books, or perhaps sequels - or even prequels of Ravenor's adventures.
March 13, 2022
Ravenor: The Omnibus is brilliant collection of stories that really introduce you to Ravnor and his gang! Humour and action are present right from the start add to the other tones of daring do, cunning etc that you see right from the start! Right from the start you realise what they are willing to do to get the job done! Ravenor, Patience Kys, Zeph Mathuin are all given there limelight right from the start so you actually get the sense of an anctual team working together! Alll the characters are three-dimensional and are distinct individuals with their own motivations and loyalities! This makes for complex character interactions that will keep you on your toes guessing which way the characters are going to go!
The pace of the story comes fast and at full throttle right from the beginning and the way the team goes about their business is brillianlty handled and the comparisons to other teams is brilliantly done! This really shows how radical but brilliant the team really is! The collection cleverly leaves things nealty set up situations and plots for future events! The dive into the elements of society they find and the other other planets they go to really brings in the world builing brilliantly! At the same time Abnett doesn't hesistate to put his characters through the wringer making for an epic book that never lets up from the beginning!
Ravenor: The Omnibus the is a roller coaster ride from the beginning! Edge of the seat right the start that will keep you guessing as to waht is going to happen and whose side people are actually on! You will be up late seeing how things go and work! Brace yourself! Ravenor: The Omnibus is full of daring do, worldbuilding, three-dimensional charcters, daring do, plot twists you won't see coming, adventure and action! Brilliant and highly recommended! Crisp High Five! Get it when you can!
The pace of the story comes fast and at full throttle right from the beginning and the way the team goes about their business is brillianlty handled and the comparisons to other teams is brilliantly done! This really shows how radical but brilliant the team really is! The collection cleverly leaves things nealty set up situations and plots for future events! The dive into the elements of society they find and the other other planets they go to really brings in the world builing brilliantly! At the same time Abnett doesn't hesistate to put his characters through the wringer making for an epic book that never lets up from the beginning!
Ravenor: The Omnibus the is a roller coaster ride from the beginning! Edge of the seat right the start that will keep you guessing as to waht is going to happen and whose side people are actually on! You will be up late seeing how things go and work! Brace yourself! Ravenor: The Omnibus is full of daring do, worldbuilding, three-dimensional charcters, daring do, plot twists you won't see coming, adventure and action! Brilliant and highly recommended! Crisp High Five! Get it when you can!
March 26, 2024
[In deutscher Übersetzung gelesen]
3 Bücher + 2 Kurzgeschichten
Ärgster Pulp, voll von billigen Klischees und doch das beste (weil einzige) WH40K Werk das ich gelesen habe. Ich habe einen over the top Sci-fi Kriegsroman erwartet und eine solide Sci-Fi Detekivgeschichte bekommen.
Wirklich spannend ist der (leider auf 1400 Seiten gestreckte) Plot, der sich als Mosaik von verschachtelten Intrigen und Geheimkulten entfaltet, wobei der 3. Band meiner Meinung nach stark an Fahrt verliert. Gerade das Ende wirkt gehetzt, vor allem wenn man die Fülle der 3 Bände betrachtet.
Neben der teilweisen sehr kreativen Story, sind hintergründig auch die dystopischen Welten mit den Megametropolen der Menschheit eine Reise in Abnetts Werk wert.
Bemerkenswert:
- Eine Droge die man "schauen" muss (Userjargon: "to take a look")
- Baba Yagas Hütte auf einem Unterwasser/Eisplanet
- der gesamte Verwaltungsapparat eines Verwaltungsplaneten arbeitet *unwissentlich* an der Übersetzung einer geheimen Sprache
3 Bücher + 2 Kurzgeschichten
Ärgster Pulp, voll von billigen Klischees und doch das beste (weil einzige) WH40K Werk das ich gelesen habe. Ich habe einen over the top Sci-fi Kriegsroman erwartet und eine solide Sci-Fi Detekivgeschichte bekommen.
Wirklich spannend ist der (leider auf 1400 Seiten gestreckte) Plot, der sich als Mosaik von verschachtelten Intrigen und Geheimkulten entfaltet, wobei der 3. Band meiner Meinung nach stark an Fahrt verliert. Gerade das Ende wirkt gehetzt, vor allem wenn man die Fülle der 3 Bände betrachtet.
Neben der teilweisen sehr kreativen Story, sind hintergründig auch die dystopischen Welten mit den Megametropolen der Menschheit eine Reise in Abnetts Werk wert.
Bemerkenswert:
- Eine Droge die man "schauen" muss (Userjargon: "to take a look")
- Baba Yagas Hütte auf einem Unterwasser/Eisplanet
- der gesamte Verwaltungsapparat eines Verwaltungsplaneten arbeitet *unwissentlich* an der Übersetzung einer geheimen Sprache
December 24, 2025
When I finished reading the Eisenhorn omnibus years ago, I was left wanting more.
Sadly the Ravenor omnibus was nowhere to be found. Every city i visited, I'd look for warhammer and boardgame stores and hoped they'd have a copy.
And finally in the year of our god emperor 2025 they announced the new Bequin novels. (something else i'm very excited for)
I guess this prompted them to release the Ravenor omnibus again aswell because i finally found a copy on one of my random searches.
Anyway, the book is a must read for any fan of WH40K.
Where the Eisenhorn books focussed more on the man himself, this book gives Ravenor's allies the time in the spotlight they deserve.
The villains are also very interesting and the author really allows you to imagine what life on a hiveworld is really like.
there isn't a single dull moment in this book!
Sadly the Ravenor omnibus was nowhere to be found. Every city i visited, I'd look for warhammer and boardgame stores and hoped they'd have a copy.
And finally in the year of our god emperor 2025 they announced the new Bequin novels. (something else i'm very excited for)
I guess this prompted them to release the Ravenor omnibus again aswell because i finally found a copy on one of my random searches.
Anyway, the book is a must read for any fan of WH40K.
Where the Eisenhorn books focussed more on the man himself, this book gives Ravenor's allies the time in the spotlight they deserve.
The villains are also very interesting and the author really allows you to imagine what life on a hiveworld is really like.
there isn't a single dull moment in this book!
March 29, 2024
Good book. Some parts of the stories are predictable. With that said, I really enjoyed reading this book and am sad I am done with it.
It’s a fun book to read and really connect with the characters. In my opinion, this series is better than the Eisenhorn series. I also enjoyed the Ravenor/Eisenhorn crossovers with characters. It was nice to see Nayl and Kara’s characters continue to develop while developing new characters that are fun to read about. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Warhammer.
It’s a fun book to read and really connect with the characters. In my opinion, this series is better than the Eisenhorn series. I also enjoyed the Ravenor/Eisenhorn crossovers with characters. It was nice to see Nayl and Kara’s characters continue to develop while developing new characters that are fun to read about. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Warhammer.
October 9, 2021
This is what a trilogy of Inquisitor books should feel like. Multiple different characters, a plot overarching all 3 books, rising stakes, looming danger, increasing difficulty, conflict and scary antagonists. Dan Abnett learned from Eisenhorn and delivered in this Omnibus :)
July 29, 2023
Closer to a 4.5 stars. Absolutely gripping in the last third with the last story. Great narrative and character development.
October 8, 2012
Dan Abnett's Eisenhorn trilogy was well-written and popular. Another book in the series was a no brainer. What we got instead was a focus shift to Eisenhorn's interrogator, Gideon Ravenor. After The Atrocity on Thracia Primaris (capital letters, not to be confused with any other atrocity), Ravenor was reduced to pulp. By all rights, he should be dead, but his psyker powers and hatred sustained him long enough for Martian tech priests to entomb him in a mobile coffin. He spent some time studying w/ the Eldar in secret, and was eventually promoted to full Inquisitor by people who had no idea Ravenor associated with the filthy xenos.
Fans will recognize a couple of characters from Eisenhorn's retinue, Kara Swole (the acrobat) and Harlon Nayl (the bounty hunter) and Cynia Preest (captain of the Hinterlight). The rest of the team is new:
* Patience Kys, the telekinetic stabby chick.
* Zeph Mathuin, the mercenary.
* Wystan Frauka, one of Alizabeth Bequin's untouchables who survived the purge on that horrible night.
* Carl Thonius, the pretty, pretty princess.
* Zael Effernetti, a drug-addicted kid most of the cast is convinced is a daemon.
* Sholto Unwerth, the very short, very annoying captain of the barely spaceworthy Arethusa.
* Maud Plyton, a cop guilty of the high crime of working in the same police department with someone who, once upon a time, asked a question.
* Patrik Belknap, a retired Imperial Guard medic will who will assist anyone, anywhere, regardless of their ability to pay.
* Iosob - Young, blank housekeeper of a psychic house on stilts miles underneath the ice.
* Angharad Esw Sweydyr - a swordswoman identical in every way to Ravenor's former lover Arianhrod.
Thonius started as my favorite character because I am a pretty, pretty princess, but I couldn't relate to his, um, sudden drug habit. Unwerth was the exact opposite: he starts out worthless (pun intended??), but through blood and tears he proves himself.
Eisenhorn himself narrated the first 3 books. You knew what he knew, you suspected what he suspected. As he walked the road to damnation, you nodded along with his self-serving lies because nothing else made sense. This time it's all 3rd person, but it works because now we can see how the villains must adapt to handle the Inquisition in real time. I can't say too much about the many different opposition groups because their identities and roles reveal major spoilers. They are deliciously good at what they do, and seeing the main two in action against each other before they team up is a real treat.
This omnibus is comprised of 3 books and 2 short stories:
* Ravenor - After successfully executing the heretic Zygmunt Molotch, Ravenor and his team head for Eustis Majoris to investigate narcotics. Kids, don't do drugs! Thank Xenu I read this in omnibus form, because the ending is no ending at all. If I didn't have easy access to the sequels, the sudden stop would make me throw the book out the window.
* Thorn Wishes Talon is a bridge story. The title is a reference to Eisenhorn's code language, Glossia. The story sets up the major tension for the next 2 books: what Ravenor does (or does not do) could trigger the summoning of a daemon that will kill billions. It also sets a fight, Eisenhorn vs Ravenor, that we have yet to see.
* Ravenor Returned - The team has figured out where the narcotics are coming from, and the consequences are dire indeed, yet the danger is minimal compared to the real threat. What's the real threat? Computers. Yes, in the grim dark future of the 41st millenium, computers that haven't been lovingly annointed with sacred oils and prayed over are evil.
* Playing Patience - This short story explains how Patience met Ravenor.
* Ravenor Rogue - The results of the 2nd book lead to Ravenor's superiors questioning his methods. The Inquisition sends their own to keep Ravenor in check. And they do! For about 5 pages. All secrets are exposed , and Abnett succeeds in winding (almost) all of the storylines to a close in a manner that's as poetic as it is catastrophic.
These books are half adventure, half role-playing session. "We have these people, we're in this location, we have these things, and everyone is about to die. Try this combination. ... OK, try that combination. ..." And so on as they scramble from one emergency to the next. If that's your idea of a good time, you will love this.
Fans will recognize a couple of characters from Eisenhorn's retinue, Kara Swole (the acrobat) and Harlon Nayl (the bounty hunter) and Cynia Preest (captain of the Hinterlight). The rest of the team is new:
* Patience Kys, the telekinetic stabby chick.
* Zeph Mathuin, the mercenary.
* Wystan Frauka, one of Alizabeth Bequin's untouchables who survived the purge on that horrible night.
* Carl Thonius, the pretty, pretty princess.
* Zael Effernetti, a drug-addicted kid most of the cast is convinced is a daemon.
* Sholto Unwerth, the very short, very annoying captain of the barely spaceworthy Arethusa.
* Maud Plyton, a cop guilty of the high crime of working in the same police department with someone who, once upon a time, asked a question.
* Patrik Belknap, a retired Imperial Guard medic will who will assist anyone, anywhere, regardless of their ability to pay.
* Iosob - Young, blank housekeeper of a psychic house on stilts miles underneath the ice.
* Angharad Esw Sweydyr - a swordswoman identical in every way to Ravenor's former lover Arianhrod.
Thonius started as my favorite character because I am a pretty, pretty princess, but I couldn't relate to his, um, sudden drug habit. Unwerth was the exact opposite: he starts out worthless (pun intended??), but through blood and tears he proves himself.
Eisenhorn himself narrated the first 3 books. You knew what he knew, you suspected what he suspected. As he walked the road to damnation, you nodded along with his self-serving lies because nothing else made sense. This time it's all 3rd person, but it works because now we can see how the villains must adapt to handle the Inquisition in real time. I can't say too much about the many different opposition groups because their identities and roles reveal major spoilers. They are deliciously good at what they do, and seeing the main two in action against each other before they team up is a real treat.
This omnibus is comprised of 3 books and 2 short stories:
* Ravenor - After successfully executing the heretic Zygmunt Molotch, Ravenor and his team head for Eustis Majoris to investigate narcotics. Kids, don't do drugs! Thank Xenu I read this in omnibus form, because the ending is no ending at all. If I didn't have easy access to the sequels, the sudden stop would make me throw the book out the window.
* Thorn Wishes Talon is a bridge story. The title is a reference to Eisenhorn's code language, Glossia. The story sets up the major tension for the next 2 books: what Ravenor does (or does not do) could trigger the summoning of a daemon that will kill billions. It also sets a fight, Eisenhorn vs Ravenor, that we have yet to see.
* Ravenor Returned - The team has figured out where the narcotics are coming from, and the consequences are dire indeed, yet the danger is minimal compared to the real threat. What's the real threat? Computers. Yes, in the grim dark future of the 41st millenium, computers that haven't been lovingly annointed with sacred oils and prayed over are evil.
* Playing Patience - This short story explains how Patience met Ravenor.
* Ravenor Rogue - The results of the 2nd book lead to Ravenor's superiors questioning his methods. The Inquisition sends their own to keep Ravenor in check. And they do! For about 5 pages. All secrets are exposed , and Abnett succeeds in winding (almost) all of the storylines to a close in a manner that's as poetic as it is catastrophic.
These books are half adventure, half role-playing session. "We have these people, we're in this location, we have these things, and everyone is about to die. Try this combination. ... OK, try that combination. ..." And so on as they scramble from one emergency to the next. If that's your idea of a good time, you will love this.
June 2, 2025
A really compelling follow-up to Eisenhorn. It starts off slowly but steadily builds momentum, with the plot growing more intense and engaging as it unfolds. I really enjoyed it.
March 13, 2015
Collects Ravenor, Ravenor Returned, Ravenor Rogue.
I consider Dan Abnett's previous Inquisition trilogy, collected as the Eisenhorn omnibus, to be among the best examples not just of fiction set within the worlds of Games Workshop's Warhammer and Warhammer 40k universes, but of the tie-in fiction of any setting. That series mixed space opera with horror, detective-work, action, impressive science fiction ideas, and a truly tragic hero to create a fantastic story which went beyond the basic (but fun and well-told) military sci-fi which dominates the Black Library's 40k output.
Eisenhorn was spectacular. Ravenor is better. This sprawling omnibus tells a suitably epic story, across not only the primary setting of the Scarus Sector), but across the galaxy spanning Imperium of Man and, in a rare move for 40k fiction, time itself. The characters are all fleshed out and distinct, with the most notable being the titular Inquisitor himself, Gideon Ravenor, a massively powerful psychic and intellectual who is physically confined to a mobile life support system (think Davros meets Charles Xavier). Abnett also brings life to a particularly nasty, but not simply evil, collection of villains.
Abnett, as always, is not content to play around in the sandbox of the 40k universe. He is building in it, making something new. I am glad for it. Not only do we get excellent books like this, but he enriches the 40k setting considerably (as he has also done in the Horus Heresy and Gaunt's Ghosts settings).
I consider Dan Abnett's previous Inquisition trilogy, collected as the Eisenhorn omnibus, to be among the best examples not just of fiction set within the worlds of Games Workshop's Warhammer and Warhammer 40k universes, but of the tie-in fiction of any setting. That series mixed space opera with horror, detective-work, action, impressive science fiction ideas, and a truly tragic hero to create a fantastic story which went beyond the basic (but fun and well-told) military sci-fi which dominates the Black Library's 40k output.
Eisenhorn was spectacular. Ravenor is better. This sprawling omnibus tells a suitably epic story, across not only the primary setting of the Scarus Sector), but across the galaxy spanning Imperium of Man and, in a rare move for 40k fiction, time itself. The characters are all fleshed out and distinct, with the most notable being the titular Inquisitor himself, Gideon Ravenor, a massively powerful psychic and intellectual who is physically confined to a mobile life support system (think Davros meets Charles Xavier). Abnett also brings life to a particularly nasty, but not simply evil, collection of villains.
Abnett, as always, is not content to play around in the sandbox of the 40k universe. He is building in it, making something new. I am glad for it. Not only do we get excellent books like this, but he enriches the 40k setting considerably (as he has also done in the Horus Heresy and Gaunt's Ghosts settings).
October 9, 2012
Degno seguito/spin-off della trilogia di Eisenhorn di cui riprende
tematiche e personaggi aggiungendo una maggiore dose di azione ed ironia.
C'é giusto un enorme errore di continuity.. ma i non esperti dell'ambientazione di W40K non se ne accorgeranno nemmeno.
La fantasia di Dan Abnett é inesauribile ed é diventato in poco tempo uno dei miei autori preferiti.
La saga proseguirà presto con La trilogia di Bequin, Eisenhorn vs Ravenor! Non vedo l'ora. :)
tematiche e personaggi aggiungendo una maggiore dose di azione ed ironia.
C'é giusto un enorme errore di continuity.. ma i non esperti dell'ambientazione di W40K non se ne accorgeranno nemmeno.
La fantasia di Dan Abnett é inesauribile ed é diventato in poco tempo uno dei miei autori preferiti.
La saga proseguirà presto con La trilogia di Bequin, Eisenhorn vs Ravenor! Non vedo l'ora. :)
November 29, 2020
Awesome
One of the best books I've ever read. Dan Abnett immerses you in the warhammer world every step of way. Even if you was new to the war hammer world or haven't read it in a while. I throws you head first into the dark hardboiled world of the imperium.
One of the best books I've ever read. Dan Abnett immerses you in the warhammer world every step of way. Even if you was new to the war hammer world or haven't read it in a while. I throws you head first into the dark hardboiled world of the imperium.
September 4, 2012
This was better written than it had to be. It felt a bit padded though, and the character who spoke in constant malapropisms grew somewhat wearying.
April 28, 2013
Cracking read!
November 1, 2025
I think it says a lot about the quality of this series that it's the first 40K novel that I've been able to put down for a long period of time and not feel compelled to go back to. If you're looking for more Eisenhorn, this isn't it .
I was hoping going into this follow-up series to see the development of Ravenor further as a character, as he hardly had any screentime in Eisenhorn , and to get more details on his partnership with the Eldar; like his mentor before him though, Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor of the Ordo Xenos Helican leaves almost any mention of aliens in the dust as he pursues demons and heretics throughout his sphere of influence. Ravenor himself is also barely a character in his own novels, as his status as a sack of psi-active meat in a wheelchair means that his retinue engage in most of the action in his stead, with him only sometimes looking in on or puppeting ("waring") them.
Not only does Ravenor drop the reader into the adventures of its namesake with little context as to his development between the end of the previous series and the beginning of this one, but it also begins with 2 cold opens, one of which doesn't even pay off until the middle of the 2nd book. The plot itself is also pretty messy, with there not really being a clear antagonist until roughly the halfway point of the omnibus, a lot of elements that are really choreographed, but that take way too long to pay off, and the story itself feeling like one novel that was stretched out to be 3 and change. Any character deaths that occur also don't have a lot of weight behind them, as they happen suddenly and (for the most part) happen to characters that don't see much development and/or time in the spotlight.
One thing that especially irked me about this series was the fact that
There are also a lot of strange, oddly convenient, and out of place feeling elements throughout the series that somewhat put me off (as well as unresolved plot threads), including, but not limited to:
I was hoping going into this follow-up series to see the development of Ravenor further as a character, as he hardly had any screentime in Eisenhorn , and to get more details on his partnership with the Eldar; like his mentor before him though, Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor of the Ordo Xenos Helican leaves almost any mention of aliens in the dust as he pursues demons and heretics throughout his sphere of influence. Ravenor himself is also barely a character in his own novels, as his status as a sack of psi-active meat in a wheelchair means that his retinue engage in most of the action in his stead, with him only sometimes looking in on or puppeting ("waring") them.
Not only does Ravenor drop the reader into the adventures of its namesake with little context as to his development between the end of the previous series and the beginning of this one, but it also begins with 2 cold opens, one of which doesn't even pay off until the middle of the 2nd book. The plot itself is also pretty messy, with there not really being a clear antagonist until roughly the halfway point of the omnibus, a lot of elements that are really choreographed, but that take way too long to pay off, and the story itself feeling like one novel that was stretched out to be 3 and change. Any character deaths that occur also don't have a lot of weight behind them, as they happen suddenly and (for the most part) happen to characters that don't see much development and/or time in the spotlight.
One thing that especially irked me about this series was the fact that
There are also a lot of strange, oddly convenient, and out of place feeling elements throughout the series that somewhat put me off (as well as unresolved plot threads), including, but not limited to:
December 24, 2021
Ах, до чего приятно издание 2011 года. Обложка с тиснением, устрашающий рисунок. Так и ждешь, что сразу с первых страниц Рейвенор будет эффектно мочить всех еретиков до последнего.
Если главным героем цикла про Эйзенхорна был сам Эйзенхорн, то в цикле про Рейвенора трудно сказать, что главный герой именно Рейвенор. Скорее можно сказать, что это Рейвенор и его верная команда. А порою даже вообще кажется, что Рейвенор теряется на фоне своих помощников.
Рейвенор когда-то работал вместе с Эйзенхорном до его предательства. После трагических происшествий на одном из опасных заданий Рейвенор получил страшные увечья, и единственным выходом из этой трудной ситуации было помещение тела покалеченного инквизитора в конструкцию, представляющую собой закрытое кресло (примерно как у стоматолога, только зашитое броней). Странноватое решение, если честно, иногда вызывает улыбку (как и у некоторых персонажей цикла в том числе), но главное, что Рейвенор получил возможность продолжать свою работу по выявлению неверных Императору.
В первой книге цикла все начинается с самого простого - кто-то приторговывает опасным наркотиком. В ходе расследования выясняется, что предмет, дарящий прекрасные минуты или часы наслаждения помутнением разума, красными нитями связан с порчей, что находится по ту сторону варпа. Рейвенору и его команде попадаются пока мелкие сошки, которые разводят руками и не могут сказать, кто же именно поставляет им наркотик. Но незнание не избавляет их от ответственности.
Во втором романе Тимур и его команда выходит на главных зачинщиков, чьи цели значительно мрачнее, нежели торговля наркотой. Сектанты хотят уничтожит целый улей, ибо так просто им жить интереснее.
Третий роман является финальным пунктом, придя в который Рейвенор уже успел запятнать свою репутацию, но жажда добить извечного врага превыше всего. Из минусов - команда говорящего "кресла" с псайкерскими умениями вдруг находит друг друга привлекательными, привнося в роман нотки любви и страсти. Выглядит это довольно странно, если честно. Я же привык к жесткому боевику про монстров и сверхлюдей, а тут сюсю-мусю.
Все-таки цикл про Эйзенхорна мне показался более интересным. Говорящее катающееся кресло - это как-то больше сюр, чем что-то серьезное. А вот его команда - вполне себе интересная бригада. Каждый персонаж имеет свой уникальный характер, свою историю попадания в команду.
В целом неплохой детективно-триллерный боевичок получился, но не могу сказать, что он чем-то выделяется на фоне среднестатистического романа из мира Вархаммера. Но он обложка, конечно, шикарная.
Если главным героем цикла про Эйзенхорна был сам Эйзенхорн, то в цикле про Рейвенора трудно сказать, что главный герой именно Рейвенор. Скорее можно сказать, что это Рейвенор и его верная команда. А порою даже вообще кажется, что Рейвенор теряется на фоне своих помощников.
Рейвенор когда-то работал вместе с Эйзенхорном до его предательства. После трагических происшествий на одном из опасных заданий Рейвенор получил страшные увечья, и единственным выходом из этой трудной ситуации было помещение тела покалеченного инквизитора в конструкцию, представляющую собой закрытое кресло (примерно как у стоматолога, только зашитое броней). Странноватое решение, если честно, иногда вызывает улыбку (как и у некоторых персонажей цикла в том числе), но главное, что Рейвенор получил возможность продолжать свою работу по выявлению неверных Императору.
В первой книге цикла все начинается с самого простого - кто-то приторговывает опасным наркотиком. В ходе расследования выясняется, что предмет, дарящий прекрасные минуты или часы наслаждения помутнением разума, красными нитями связан с порчей, что находится по ту сторону варпа. Рейвенору и его команде попадаются пока мелкие сошки, которые разводят руками и не могут сказать, кто же именно поставляет им наркотик. Но незнание не избавляет их от ответственности.
Во втором романе Тимур и его команда выходит на главных зачинщиков, чьи цели значительно мрачнее, нежели торговля наркотой. Сектанты хотят уничтожит целый улей, ибо так просто им жить интереснее.
Третий роман является финальным пунктом, придя в который Рейвенор уже успел запятнать свою репутацию, но жажда добить извечного врага превыше всего. Из минусов - команда говорящего "кресла" с псайкерскими умениями вдруг находит друг друга привлекательными, привнося в роман нотки любви и страсти. Выглядит это довольно странно, если честно. Я же привык к жесткому боевику про монстров и сверхлюдей, а тут сюсю-мусю.
Все-таки цикл про Эйзенхорна мне показался более интересным. Говорящее катающееся кресло - это как-то больше сюр, чем что-то серьезное. А вот его команда - вполне себе интересная бригада. Каждый персонаж имеет свой уникальный характер, свою историю попадания в команду.
В целом неплохой детективно-триллерный боевичок получился, но не могу сказать, что он чем-то выделяется на фоне среднестатистического романа из мира Вархаммера. Но он обложка, конечно, шикарная.
September 29, 2018
Ravenor is Professor Xavier meets WH40k Emperor on his Golden Throne: a vulnerable near-corpse kept alive (and mobile) by a chair, housing massive psychic powers — mind over matter.
This needs some major plot devices to be workable over three novels and more: ‘waring’ = possessing other people’s bodies, psychic ‘locks’ to make betraying a mind reader possible, psychic combat that feels a bit like 1990s cyberspace (minds transforming into virtual creatures attacking each other) and doesn’t quite ever build tension because the reader has no reference to how strong strong and how hurt hurt is in this all fictional/virtual conceit.
That said, Abnett’s plotting and writing become tighter with every book: the Ravenor novels outshine the Eisenhorn ones, and each Ravenor novel improves over the last one. His weakness remains characterisation: there’s just too many expendables (and on the baddies’ side, expended) with little more than a name, vest, and weapon attached, no real conflict or character development among hired guns and a superhuman hard boiled detective. The last two novels in this collection are by far the best in Abnett’s Inquisitor trilogy or trilogies so far. Two characters (Carl Thonius and Patience Kys) have actual arcs and conflicts. Everyone has secrets. There are strong interesting locations. Sholto Unwerth is a comic relief that works AND one you end up actually caring about. And the novel directly works with the series’ main concept, Ravenor’s physical vulnerability, but stops short of making something significant of it, i.e. a palpable change in Ravenor’s character after going through the Hero’s Journey underworld of facing the world as a literal naked lump of flesh. (Ravenor’s main arc is the same as Eisenhorn’s and by now familiar and expectable, and with far less surrounding introspection and doubts by Ravenor to give it the same significance: a faithful Inquisitor’s slow descent into “radicalism” = the ends justify the means, using the enemy’s tools (or even the enemy) to fend off a greater evil.)
If you like the WH40k universe and look for a good page turner that isn’t just mercenary porn, it probably doesn’t get better than this.
This needs some major plot devices to be workable over three novels and more: ‘waring’ = possessing other people’s bodies, psychic ‘locks’ to make betraying a mind reader possible, psychic combat that feels a bit like 1990s cyberspace (minds transforming into virtual creatures attacking each other) and doesn’t quite ever build tension because the reader has no reference to how strong strong and how hurt hurt is in this all fictional/virtual conceit.
That said, Abnett’s plotting and writing become tighter with every book: the Ravenor novels outshine the Eisenhorn ones, and each Ravenor novel improves over the last one. His weakness remains characterisation: there’s just too many expendables (and on the baddies’ side, expended) with little more than a name, vest, and weapon attached, no real conflict or character development among hired guns and a superhuman hard boiled detective. The last two novels in this collection are by far the best in Abnett’s Inquisitor trilogy or trilogies so far. Two characters (Carl Thonius and Patience Kys) have actual arcs and conflicts. Everyone has secrets. There are strong interesting locations. Sholto Unwerth is a comic relief that works AND one you end up actually caring about. And the novel directly works with the series’ main concept, Ravenor’s physical vulnerability, but stops short of making something significant of it, i.e. a palpable change in Ravenor’s character after going through the Hero’s Journey underworld of facing the world as a literal naked lump of flesh. (Ravenor’s main arc is the same as Eisenhorn’s and by now familiar and expectable, and with far less surrounding introspection and doubts by Ravenor to give it the same significance: a faithful Inquisitor’s slow descent into “radicalism” = the ends justify the means, using the enemy’s tools (or even the enemy) to fend off a greater evil.)
If you like the WH40k universe and look for a good page turner that isn’t just mercenary porn, it probably doesn’t get better than this.
June 6, 2018
I never disliked Ravenor, but always had a hard time getting into his stories after Eisenhorn. Revisiting this Omnibus, I remember the first book the most, small parts of the second, and almost none of the third. I'm not actually sure I ever finished this omnibus originally. I'm very glad I finally did. Overall, I think the Ravenor trilogy has a few rough points, particularly in the beginning, but really comes together brilliantly in the end.
Ravenor: 3 stars. The first third of this book is rough. It's not that it's bad and could be a product of expectations coming off Eisenhorn, but it feels really cluttered and confusing trying to keep track of the wide variety of new characters and viewpoints. The plot also plods along setting up this new team and their missions. Once this moves off to Wild Space, however, it really seems to pick right up and races to it's finale. Overall, a rocky start, but solid.
Ravenor Returned: 4 stars. I like this one as a whole way more than the first. You're well acquainted with the characters this time and their mission feels more cohesive as a whole. My main issue with the story largely have to do with Carl's story. So much of it feels painfully obvious to literally everyone but people who spend every single day of their lives with him and should notice. Given some details in the third book, I wonder if this is on purpose, but at the time it feels a bit forced given how detail oriented all of the characters are meant to be in this universe.
Ravenor Rogue: 4 stars. A really exciting book. It ties all the events of the first two books and new events together while rushing to a very satisfying conclusion. Some crazy stuff happens in this one and I really enjoy all of it.
The short stories in this collection I'm reviewing as a part of The Magos collection. As a novel collection, though, I think it's quite excellent and, by the end, a worthy continuation of Abnett's chunk of the 40K universe.
Ravenor: 3 stars. The first third of this book is rough. It's not that it's bad and could be a product of expectations coming off Eisenhorn, but it feels really cluttered and confusing trying to keep track of the wide variety of new characters and viewpoints. The plot also plods along setting up this new team and their missions. Once this moves off to Wild Space, however, it really seems to pick right up and races to it's finale. Overall, a rocky start, but solid.
Ravenor Returned: 4 stars. I like this one as a whole way more than the first. You're well acquainted with the characters this time and their mission feels more cohesive as a whole. My main issue with the story largely have to do with Carl's story. So much of it feels painfully obvious to literally everyone but people who spend every single day of their lives with him and should notice. Given some details in the third book, I wonder if this is on purpose, but at the time it feels a bit forced given how detail oriented all of the characters are meant to be in this universe.
Ravenor Rogue: 4 stars. A really exciting book. It ties all the events of the first two books and new events together while rushing to a very satisfying conclusion. Some crazy stuff happens in this one and I really enjoy all of it.
The short stories in this collection I'm reviewing as a part of The Magos collection. As a novel collection, though, I think it's quite excellent and, by the end, a worthy continuation of Abnett's chunk of the 40K universe.
September 21, 2023
I don’t know what to say. I just finished the whole omnibus and… it made me sad. I won’t spoiler it. But, it sort of drove home what people have said of Warhammer lore : there are seldom good guys or happy endings.
I like to think of Gideon as a good guy. He isn’t perfect, but he is perhaps the closest to a hero between the 6 books and several short stories I’ve read so far in this series. Even considering Eisenhorn.
If you liked the Eisenhorn books, these will be a little jarring at first. The writing jumps around more, which after plowing through the three Eisenhorn novels, throws you off. But as you ease into it, it makes perfect sense, and creates an enjoyable read.
I don’t do 2-4 stars. If I read something and I liked it, 5 stars. Nothing in this world is perfect. But I think this one is different. The way it ends and sets the tone for what is to come… it feels like a storm rolling in at a bad time. It was a mix of relief and sadness, and it’s been a long while since a book pulled that out of me. Is it because it’s so well written? I can’t say. All I can tell you, with any certainty is that it made me feel something, and that is really all I ask for.
I like to think of Gideon as a good guy. He isn’t perfect, but he is perhaps the closest to a hero between the 6 books and several short stories I’ve read so far in this series. Even considering Eisenhorn.
If you liked the Eisenhorn books, these will be a little jarring at first. The writing jumps around more, which after plowing through the three Eisenhorn novels, throws you off. But as you ease into it, it makes perfect sense, and creates an enjoyable read.
I don’t do 2-4 stars. If I read something and I liked it, 5 stars. Nothing in this world is perfect. But I think this one is different. The way it ends and sets the tone for what is to come… it feels like a storm rolling in at a bad time. It was a mix of relief and sadness, and it’s been a long while since a book pulled that out of me. Is it because it’s so well written? I can’t say. All I can tell you, with any certainty is that it made me feel something, and that is really all I ask for.
August 23, 2019
Firstly don't be put out by the fact that this a Warhammer 40K set of novels , the complete Ravenor trilogy with 2 short stories. I've never played Warhammer, painted a few figures yes, bought my sons the White Dwarf mags when they were playing years ago, but never bothered with the table top games
Dan Abnett is a master story teller, you lose yourself in the descriptions of characters, of cities, of planets and action scenes. The descriptive language reminds me of Clark Ashton Smith and at times reaching for a dictionary.
Ravenor is an inquisitor, his loyalty to the God Emperor and the Imperium, his job to root out chaos and destroy it, to stop it infecting those around it.
Bounty hunters, his nemesis, deamons, the dangers of the warp threaten, he loses comrades, gains some and loses his honour .
Fascinating stories that take you to a far flung future read as sci-fi and forget that its from a game
Dan Abnett is a master story teller, you lose yourself in the descriptions of characters, of cities, of planets and action scenes. The descriptive language reminds me of Clark Ashton Smith and at times reaching for a dictionary.
Ravenor is an inquisitor, his loyalty to the God Emperor and the Imperium, his job to root out chaos and destroy it, to stop it infecting those around it.
Bounty hunters, his nemesis, deamons, the dangers of the warp threaten, he loses comrades, gains some and loses his honour .
Fascinating stories that take you to a far flung future read as sci-fi and forget that its from a game
October 8, 2025
Read this after the eisenhorn series and I find it even better. Dan Abnett does world building really well. So well in fact that in the first book (titled Ravenor) that he does so much world building that it feels like the actual story only starts in the last chapters. Fortunately because of this extreme world building, everything that comes after in the omnibus has all the room and foundation to be a great story. If you like Abnett’s other stories and specifically the Eisenhorn series, you’ll love this. It is more of the same but better. He managed to create a believable villain, whose threat can be felt both in the scenes they’re in and in the background when they’re not. On to the Bequin series to finish this epic off I guess
November 20, 2025
Finished this a few days ago but still not really sure how I feel about it. I didn't enjoy it as much as the Eisenhorn omnibus. I'm not sure whether it's the people working under Ravenor or the setting or what. Like I found the books riveting and full of suspense. But the sense of the grimdark was really strong in them, with these Hive residents stuck in this damned, declining world, and that social discordance sort of seeps into Ravenor's entourage. It could also be, as a commenter pointed out somewhere, that Ravenor's lack of a physical body makes it so his perspective—and therefore narration—will differ from Eisenhorn's.
Now I'm just going to wait for the third Bequin book to be published before I delve into Abnett's next series in this story arc.
Now I'm just going to wait for the third Bequin book to be published before I delve into Abnett's next series in this story arc.
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