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Soul Drinkers #4
Chapter War
THE SOUL DRINKERS Space Marines are outcasts from the Imperium, hunted down due to the physical mutation of their gene-seed. But in reality, none are more loyal to the Emperor of Mankind than the Soul Drinkers. Having stabilised their gene-seed, and brought a halt to their mutation, the Soul Drinkers start to rebuild their Chapter with new recruits. But the recruits have their own ideas -- rather than, protect the Imperium, they wish to wage war against it.
With the Imperial forces and the Inquisition closing in (on the renegade Chapter, can their commander Sarpedon rally his troops to face the true enemy?
With the Imperial forces and the Inquisition closing in (on the renegade Chapter, can their commander Sarpedon rally his troops to face the true enemy?
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 24, 2007
7 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Ben Counter
158 books211 followersBen Counter, as well as making several contributions to Inferno magazine, has written the Soul Drinkers and Grey Knights series and two Horus Heresy novels for the Black Library. He is an ancient history graduate and avid miniature painter with a bronze demon under his belt.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 4, 2011
The only thing that I really did not like was the ending. I really don't enjoy it when authors end a novel on a cliffhanger. Especially when the next novel is neither out in stores or announced yet. Having said that, I once again enjoyed the plight of the Soul Drinkers, I feel like the Ork story line was just a means to an end for Counter, just like the last two novels before this, with the Daemon wanna-be who could raise the dead, and then the Eldar Daemon wanna-be who served she who thirsts. Just backdrops for the Soul Drinker story. I liked the inclusion of the Howling Griffons, seems like the Soul Drinkers move another step closer to someone actually listening to them with every novel. I hope there is another one.
December 13, 2024
Там тзинчиты тзинчуют
В книгах Каунтера поражает их потрясающая унылость, безликость персонажей, обилие неумелых сюжетных линий. На мир (неудосужился запомнить название) навалилась орда орков. Местные СПС пытаются их вяло контрить. Потом туда прилетает штрафной легион и начинает выпиливать орков. Потом туда прилетают сарпедоновцы и начинают выпиливать орков. Потом Евмен тзинчует Сарпедона и евменовцы начинают выпиливать сарпедоновцев. Потом туда прилетают Воющие Грифоны и вместе с штрафбатом и СПС начинают выпиливать душепивцев. В процессе абордажа "Сломанного Хребта" штрафники прижимают евменовцев. В абордаже. Штрафники. Прижимают. Астартес. Штурмового ордена со специализацией на абордаж. Какой бред! Грифоновцы и сарпедоновцы решают расстаться добрыми врагами. Где-то здесь я думал, что Каунтер вкинет ещё и демонов. Сарпедоновцы выпиливают евменовцев. Грифоновцы возвращаются и выпиливают орков. Ну в стиле: нашли главного вожака орков и отрубили голову. До этого он был неубиваемым, но тут Каунтеру понадобилось закончить сюжетку. Лояльные тзинчиты Императора едут тзинчивать дальше и шатать Империум.
Здесь есть некоторые нормальные места, но всё это тонет в десятках страниц скучной бредятины.
В книгах Каунтера поражает их потрясающая унылость, безликость персонажей, обилие неумелых сюжетных линий. На мир (неудосужился запомнить название) навалилась орда орков. Местные СПС пытаются их вяло контрить. Потом туда прилетает штрафной легион и начинает выпиливать орков. Потом туда прилетают сарпедоновцы и начинают выпиливать орков. Потом Евмен тзинчует Сарпедона и евменовцы начинают выпиливать сарпедоновцев. Потом туда прилетают Воющие Грифоны и вместе с штрафбатом и СПС начинают выпиливать душепивцев. В процессе абордажа "Сломанного Хребта" штрафники прижимают евменовцев. В абордаже. Штрафники. Прижимают. Астартес. Штурмового ордена со специализацией на абордаж. Какой бред! Грифоновцы и сарпедоновцы решают расстаться добрыми врагами. Где-то здесь я думал, что Каунтер вкинет ещё и демонов. Сарпедоновцы выпиливают евменовцев. Грифоновцы возвращаются и выпиливают орков. Ну в стиле: нашли главного вожака орков и отрубили голову. До этого он был неубиваемым, но тут Каунтеру понадобилось закончить сюжетку. Лояльные тзинчиты Императора едут тзинчивать дальше и шатать Империум.
Здесь есть некоторые нормальные места, но всё это тонет в десятках страниц скучной бредятины.
March 24, 2024
10/10 the soul drinkers are not my favorite chapter but they have interesting characters and interesting motives. this is the first soul drinkers book I've read and unlike a few other Warhammer books I've read this one had a clear A plot B plot and C plot. one con is that I wasn't given the time to form emotional attachments to varr and Thaddeus. while interesting characters there deaths didn't make me feel any particular emotions like some other characters did. there were a couple repeated uses of phares like "only a space marine could ___" but I don't think it took away from the flow or story. over all this was a great book and I plan to read hellforged next.
August 12, 2022
One of the better entries in the series, tackling the necessary question of "what if some of the Chapter get fed up of Sarpedon leading them from failure to failure?" Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/201...
June 23, 2013
Set decades after the conclusion to Crimson Tears, Chapter War shows the Soul Drinkers having rebuilt to their full strength. While lacking in vehicles and specialists, they once more number one thousand battle brothers and are united in their cause to protect humanity rather than the Imperium. However, some interpret their cause differently. Eumenes and many of the later recruits, lacking the indoctrinated loyalty of the chapter’s teaching machines, wish to directly wage war against the Imperium. Striking out against Imperial strongholds with the eventual goal of assaulting Terra itself and smashing the astronomican.
As the Soul Drinkers find themselves on the brink of another chapter war, caught between the Orks they arrived on Vanqualis to fight, Imperial Penal Guard regiments and the loyalist Howling Griffons; a grim truth about their history begins to surface…
As with Soul Drinker, the novel has good ideas but fails to realise them and is largely undercut by its plot. In an effort to make a kind of “soft reboot” many elements were altered from the previous novel and several acts are very questionable. Most notable among them is the personality transplant Eumenes has suffered, turning him into Starscream and resembling little of the Scout Sergeant from before. While this could be put down to changes which have taken place over decades, we’re not really told or shown them and they’re hard to accept given the dramatic changes in attitudes between novels. Many of the long standing character who side with Eumenes are little better, with only their duties or a handful of scenes to support their decisions.
Furthermore the fact the rebellion itself could take place seems like a level of incompetence Sarpedon would not be capable of on his worst days. It seems unlikely that he, Karraidin or Luko would go so long without noticing any undesirable traits among their scouts or significant signs of disloyalty. While their actions in Soul Drinker can at least be somewhat justified, here it’s fairly inexcusable.
Along with the Soul Drinkers, the Howling Griffons have suffered somewhat in their portrayal. In their handful of other details they seemed to be written as somewhat level headed crusaders. A chapter who followed the Codex Astartes as a guideline to war rather than holy writ but followed it none the less, acting like Black Templars with a degree of sanity. Here though, Counter portrays them as fanatics obsessed with correcting any slight against them and crossing the thin line of what passes for sanity in the 41st millennium. They seem constantly like screaming madmen hell-bent upon serving the Emperor, okay more than a usual space marine, with many of their later decisions seeming questionable. Contradicting their established personalities or as if the plot as suddenly jumped several scenes without warning.
This also isn’t helped by the fact that, despite near non-stop action, areas of the plot in the second and third acts definitely drag. Feeling sluggish or uninteresting in their delivery, it’s enough to make you forget some of the big turns later on. Lost either due to the endless battles or their predictability. The best moments of the novel tend to either be reserved for the final moments following the war or take place during the first half.
Yes, there are actually good moments in this.
For starters the Orks have one of their better “serious” portrayals outside of Rynn’s Word. Having insights into the WAAAGH!’s leader and presenting them more as raiders than pub brawlers, and lacking some of their more humourous elements. While this might not appeal to some readers, a more straight faced look at them is certainly interesting to read about. Furthermore the Imperial Guard regiments seen consist of elements not often seen. Those initially fighting the Orks maintained control of their systems through appearance of power rather than actual training and the Penal Legions consist of those the Inquisition wished disposed of. The book repeatedly makes use of them to examine ideas of the Imperium rarely explored; and the focus characters stand out enough to keep things interesting.
The returning character of Inquisitor Thaddeus is another welcome return but his presence is minor and even Iktinos’ behind the scenes actions are only briefly touched upon; ominous as they are. The truly great character moments tend to be in the heat of combat such as Karraidin’s stand against the traitors, which can result in them easily being forgotten as one battle jumps to the next.
As was the case for the Killing Fields in the Ultramarines series, Chapter War ultimately feels more like an excuse to tie up loose ends and start anew than something the author wanted to write. The few interesting elements it has exist outside of the main plot and it can be a real slog to force yourself through the book. While unfortunately necessary reading to understand the second arc of the series, it’s definitely a novel otherwise worth ignoring.
As the Soul Drinkers find themselves on the brink of another chapter war, caught between the Orks they arrived on Vanqualis to fight, Imperial Penal Guard regiments and the loyalist Howling Griffons; a grim truth about their history begins to surface…
As with Soul Drinker, the novel has good ideas but fails to realise them and is largely undercut by its plot. In an effort to make a kind of “soft reboot” many elements were altered from the previous novel and several acts are very questionable. Most notable among them is the personality transplant Eumenes has suffered, turning him into Starscream and resembling little of the Scout Sergeant from before. While this could be put down to changes which have taken place over decades, we’re not really told or shown them and they’re hard to accept given the dramatic changes in attitudes between novels. Many of the long standing character who side with Eumenes are little better, with only their duties or a handful of scenes to support their decisions.
Furthermore the fact the rebellion itself could take place seems like a level of incompetence Sarpedon would not be capable of on his worst days. It seems unlikely that he, Karraidin or Luko would go so long without noticing any undesirable traits among their scouts or significant signs of disloyalty. While their actions in Soul Drinker can at least be somewhat justified, here it’s fairly inexcusable.
Along with the Soul Drinkers, the Howling Griffons have suffered somewhat in their portrayal. In their handful of other details they seemed to be written as somewhat level headed crusaders. A chapter who followed the Codex Astartes as a guideline to war rather than holy writ but followed it none the less, acting like Black Templars with a degree of sanity. Here though, Counter portrays them as fanatics obsessed with correcting any slight against them and crossing the thin line of what passes for sanity in the 41st millennium. They seem constantly like screaming madmen hell-bent upon serving the Emperor, okay more than a usual space marine, with many of their later decisions seeming questionable. Contradicting their established personalities or as if the plot as suddenly jumped several scenes without warning.
This also isn’t helped by the fact that, despite near non-stop action, areas of the plot in the second and third acts definitely drag. Feeling sluggish or uninteresting in their delivery, it’s enough to make you forget some of the big turns later on. Lost either due to the endless battles or their predictability. The best moments of the novel tend to either be reserved for the final moments following the war or take place during the first half.
Yes, there are actually good moments in this.
For starters the Orks have one of their better “serious” portrayals outside of Rynn’s Word. Having insights into the WAAAGH!’s leader and presenting them more as raiders than pub brawlers, and lacking some of their more humourous elements. While this might not appeal to some readers, a more straight faced look at them is certainly interesting to read about. Furthermore the Imperial Guard regiments seen consist of elements not often seen. Those initially fighting the Orks maintained control of their systems through appearance of power rather than actual training and the Penal Legions consist of those the Inquisition wished disposed of. The book repeatedly makes use of them to examine ideas of the Imperium rarely explored; and the focus characters stand out enough to keep things interesting.
The returning character of Inquisitor Thaddeus is another welcome return but his presence is minor and even Iktinos’ behind the scenes actions are only briefly touched upon; ominous as they are. The truly great character moments tend to be in the heat of combat such as Karraidin’s stand against the traitors, which can result in them easily being forgotten as one battle jumps to the next.
As was the case for the Killing Fields in the Ultramarines series, Chapter War ultimately feels more like an excuse to tie up loose ends and start anew than something the author wanted to write. The few interesting elements it has exist outside of the main plot and it can be a real slog to force yourself through the book. While unfortunately necessary reading to understand the second arc of the series, it’s definitely a novel otherwise worth ignoring.
June 13, 2023
A fun read.
February 12, 2017
I've gone into detail as to why I couldn't take the Soul Drinkers seriously as of the first book, but I figured, hell, this is three books later, maybe Counter's ridiculousness has settled down by now, AND, still, purple and black are my favorite colors, so I kind of HAVE to like the Soul Drinkers somewhat.
Thankfully, this one is not as bad as the earlier outings. This is fairly fun because it's like ... 20 pages of plot, but EVERYONE IS AGAINST EACH OTHER. We have the Soul Drinkers chapter, BUT it's rent by division! Eumenes, a newer member, leads a group that wants to take down Sarpedon's old-fashioned ways! We also have the 901st Penal Legion on the planet they go to. They basically follow the orders of whatever Space Marine is closest! There are also the ... Flaming Griffons? I think? They're the Space Marines who think the Soul Drinkers are super evil! Then there's also the Inquisition! And the PDF! Oh, and shit, I haven't even mentioned the ORKS yet ...
It damn near becomes a free-for-all battle royale at one point, but Counter overall manages to keep the plot fairly straightforward and all the characters at least marginally distinct from one another. I had a good enough ride here that I'll most likely check out the next one, though ... oh, man, "the Hell." Still the dumbest name ever.
Ah well.
Thankfully, this one is not as bad as the earlier outings. This is fairly fun because it's like ... 20 pages of plot, but EVERYONE IS AGAINST EACH OTHER. We have the Soul Drinkers chapter, BUT it's rent by division! Eumenes, a newer member, leads a group that wants to take down Sarpedon's old-fashioned ways! We also have the 901st Penal Legion on the planet they go to. They basically follow the orders of whatever Space Marine is closest! There are also the ... Flaming Griffons? I think? They're the Space Marines who think the Soul Drinkers are super evil! Then there's also the Inquisition! And the PDF! Oh, and shit, I haven't even mentioned the ORKS yet ...
It damn near becomes a free-for-all battle royale at one point, but Counter overall manages to keep the plot fairly straightforward and all the characters at least marginally distinct from one another. I had a good enough ride here that I'll most likely check out the next one, though ... oh, man, "the Hell." Still the dumbest name ever.
Ah well.
January 10, 2013
This is the 4th book in the Soul Drinkers saga. Orks have appeared on Vanqualis, a very remote Imperial world. Unfortunately, this Ork Waaagh is led by a slightly more intelligent Warboss than average, and he uses surprise to annihilate the bulk of the Planetary Defense Force. The Soul Drinkers learn of the planet's plight and move to assist.
What you need to know:
* Sarpedon, Chapter Master of the renegade Soul Drinkers, feels the citizens of the Imperium are not the same as the Imperium. He believes the Soul Drinkers have a duty to protect the former, not serve the latter. The new Space Marines recruited in the previous book, Crimson Tears, strongly disagree.
* Thaddeus, the Inquisitor from the 2nd book, The Bleeding Chalice, has gone rogue. In fact, his failure to bring the Soul Drinkers to justice helps explain why the Inquisition skipped the 3rd book.
* The new head of Vanqualis' ruling family calls upon the Howling Griffons Space Marines to honor an ancient oath to defend the planet from the Orcs.
* The oath the Howling Griffons swore to the people of Vanqualis was to defend them against against the evil Black Chalice.
* The Soul Drinkers logo is a chalice.
As seems to always be the case with Ben Counter, the main draw is the interactions between the many different factions led by characters who know they are in the right. The corruption permeating the fabric of the Imperium guarantees that no good deed is unpunished, and the result is a kinetic, frenetic tragedy. It's Space Marines vs Space Marines vs Space Marines vs Imperial Guard vs Orks, with the readers as the only clear winners.
What you need to know:
* Sarpedon, Chapter Master of the renegade Soul Drinkers, feels the citizens of the Imperium are not the same as the Imperium. He believes the Soul Drinkers have a duty to protect the former, not serve the latter. The new Space Marines recruited in the previous book, Crimson Tears, strongly disagree.
* Thaddeus, the Inquisitor from the 2nd book, The Bleeding Chalice, has gone rogue. In fact, his failure to bring the Soul Drinkers to justice helps explain why the Inquisition skipped the 3rd book.
* The new head of Vanqualis' ruling family calls upon the Howling Griffons Space Marines to honor an ancient oath to defend the planet from the Orcs.
* The oath the Howling Griffons swore to the people of Vanqualis was to defend them against against the evil Black Chalice.
* The Soul Drinkers logo is a chalice.
As seems to always be the case with Ben Counter, the main draw is the interactions between the many different factions led by characters who know they are in the right. The corruption permeating the fabric of the Imperium guarantees that no good deed is unpunished, and the result is a kinetic, frenetic tragedy. It's Space Marines vs Space Marines vs Space Marines vs Imperial Guard vs Orks, with the readers as the only clear winners.
October 4, 2007
A fantastic sequel to the Soul Drinkers saga. The storyline is so full of action and deceit that sometimes you don't know who is on the side of the main character. There is a lot of foreshadowing that suggest a fifth book. I cnt wait for the fifth book if there's going to be one.
This time Chapter Master Sarpedon is trying desperately to keep his Chapter together, while fighting the Emperor's foes. But the new recruits, especially Eumenes is convince that the Imperium must fall. They journey to a Ork invasion on a black water planet where a Penal legion is fighting a losing battle. The Howling Griffons Chapter has also responded to the cry for help, when a local planetary defense captain mistakes the Soul Drinker icon for the Black Chalice (said to have been a Chaos artifact from which evil spews out of, has been a legend on this planet for centuries). Sarpedon is surrounded by enemies when the majurity of the Chapter mutinys and trynto kill Sarpedon and his remaining loyal marines.
I enjoy this book because i have been reading the series and this is the best so far and i'm looking forward to a sequel if there is going to be one.
This time Chapter Master Sarpedon is trying desperately to keep his Chapter together, while fighting the Emperor's foes. But the new recruits, especially Eumenes is convince that the Imperium must fall. They journey to a Ork invasion on a black water planet where a Penal legion is fighting a losing battle. The Howling Griffons Chapter has also responded to the cry for help, when a local planetary defense captain mistakes the Soul Drinker icon for the Black Chalice (said to have been a Chaos artifact from which evil spews out of, has been a legend on this planet for centuries). Sarpedon is surrounded by enemies when the majurity of the Chapter mutinys and trynto kill Sarpedon and his remaining loyal marines.
I enjoy this book because i have been reading the series and this is the best so far and i'm looking forward to a sequel if there is going to be one.
March 20, 2016
This was a very fun read. It was not the best the series has had to offer, but it was still greatly enjoyable.
I loved the Ork invasion, and that Thaddeus had a cameo appearance. The Howling Griffons were also surprisingly awesome.
I was a little disappointed in the Chapter War itself, as there was so much more going on, I feel like it took a back seat to the other conflicts that were so prominent throughout the novel. The action was amazing as usual, and the betrayal felt VERY real due to how it played out and who took part.
I only wish Tellos was around to help out!
I loved the Ork invasion, and that Thaddeus had a cameo appearance. The Howling Griffons were also surprisingly awesome.
I was a little disappointed in the Chapter War itself, as there was so much more going on, I feel like it took a back seat to the other conflicts that were so prominent throughout the novel. The action was amazing as usual, and the betrayal felt VERY real due to how it played out and who took part.
I only wish Tellos was around to help out!
March 24, 2016
I continue to enjoy Counter's stories of the Soul Drinkers. This was an exceptionally how-are-they-going-to-get-out-of-this-one adventure - facing ork, Howling Griffons and the second chapter war - when it rains...
March 27, 2008
great addition to the soul drinkers omnibus it really adds to it
Read
January 17, 2016Warhammer 40K,Horus Heresy
February 9, 2011
Not bad. I like the Horus Heresy novels better, but this one scratched the space marine itch.
September 11, 2016
How could you not love a fight between the ultimate warriors.
May 21, 2012
His best book by far in the Soul Drinkers chronicle.
October 5, 2007
Great ending to the series..... or is it?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews