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Soul Drinkers #3
Crimson Tears
After replenishing their number with new recruits, the Soul Drinkers Chapter of Space Marines are once thrown into conflict with the forces of Chaos and the Imperium. This is the third volume in the trilogy dealing with the corruption of the Space Marine Chapter.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Ben Counter
158 books209 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 8, 2013
This is the 3rd book in the Soul Drinkers saga. In the 6th book, Phalanx, Sarpedon tries to claim that the conflicts between the Imperium of Man and the Soul Drinkers were regretable, but necessary. If the first 2 books weren't handy clues, then this book puts to rest that big fat lie.
In the 1st book, Soul Drinker, the Soul Drinkers assault a Mechanicus platform in order to prove to everyone that they mean business. During the assault, a Space Marine named Tellos is wounded. His wounds are hideous and saving his life involves severe amputation. With very limited resources, Apothecary Pallas is unable to graft bionics. Tellos takes it upon himself to attach 2 massive blades where his arms used to be.
In the 2nd book, The Bleeding Chalace, Tellos was one of the Soul Drinkers left behind during the hasty evacuation of Teturact's, um, place of birth for want of a better phrase.
Well, that was then, and this is now. There is evidence that Tellos survived that ordeal... by giving himself and his men over to the Blood God! Chapter Master Sarpedon commits the Soul Drinkers, including new recruits, to tracking down Tellos and dealing with them Soul Drinker to Soul Drinker.
Unfortunately, it seems Tellos is hiding on an agriworld targeted for reclamation by the Imperium. Is Tellos working with the evil Eldar or is he just there to enjoy the carnage? The quest for answers quickly become a contest to see who is the most bloodthirsty.
Ben Counter excels at giving every group a leader who makes rational decisions despite bad odds and impossible situations. The reader knows anyone who isn't a Soul Drinker has to lose, and lose horribly, but can't help but root for the doomed and damned. This book is worth it if for no other reason than the exposition on the role Space Marines should play in a military campaign versus the role Space Marines think they play. Of course, we also get a beautiful example of how horribly things go wrong when Space Marines confuse the two...
In the 1st book, Soul Drinker, the Soul Drinkers assault a Mechanicus platform in order to prove to everyone that they mean business. During the assault, a Space Marine named Tellos is wounded. His wounds are hideous and saving his life involves severe amputation. With very limited resources, Apothecary Pallas is unable to graft bionics. Tellos takes it upon himself to attach 2 massive blades where his arms used to be.
In the 2nd book, The Bleeding Chalace, Tellos was one of the Soul Drinkers left behind during the hasty evacuation of Teturact's, um, place of birth for want of a better phrase.
Well, that was then, and this is now. There is evidence that Tellos survived that ordeal... by giving himself and his men over to the Blood God! Chapter Master Sarpedon commits the Soul Drinkers, including new recruits, to tracking down Tellos and dealing with them Soul Drinker to Soul Drinker.
Unfortunately, it seems Tellos is hiding on an agriworld targeted for reclamation by the Imperium. Is Tellos working with the evil Eldar or is he just there to enjoy the carnage? The quest for answers quickly become a contest to see who is the most bloodthirsty.
Ben Counter excels at giving every group a leader who makes rational decisions despite bad odds and impossible situations. The reader knows anyone who isn't a Soul Drinker has to lose, and lose horribly, but can't help but root for the doomed and damned. This book is worth it if for no other reason than the exposition on the role Space Marines should play in a military campaign versus the role Space Marines think they play. Of course, we also get a beautiful example of how horribly things go wrong when Space Marines confuse the two...
August 4, 2011
The first novel had them fighting Chaos. The second Novel, fighting the Inquisition, Chaos, and for their own survival. This one...Chaos again, the Eldar, the Imperial Guard and the frigging crimson fists! Nice space marine civil war. Hard to chose sides. Good action. I HATED what Counter did the character of Luko, what a terrible moment.
July 10, 2024
Perhaps the best in the series, but marred by some needless misogyny, this Soul Drinkers book closes out the first half of the series on a high; the remainder of the sequence would end up somewhat muddle by comparison. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/201...
May 26, 2013
Still numbering only five hundred astartes even with the influx of new recruits, the Soul Drinkers have been avoiding many wars in the effort to ensure their survival. Unfortunately for them they are once more forced into battle, this time to ensure their secrecy. Despite having apparently been killed on Stratix Lumine, Tellos and his warriors have re-emerged on a war-torn world where the Imperium is fighting the Dark Eldar. Frenzied and having succumbed to Chaos, they now slaughter everything in their path. Despite this Tellos knew of the chapter’s secrets and of their base’s layout, something which could give the Imperium an edge it would need in destroying the chapter. Leading the astartes they have left, Sarpedon departs to deal with Tellos once and for all.
The novel is best remembered in the series for how it portrays many factions involved besides the Soul Drinkers. Both the Crimson Fists and Dark Eldar gain details which affect them for both better and worse, but it’s the Imperial Guard who benefit the most from the additional focus.
As a force who is wrongly normally presented with the tactic of throwing badly trained troops into meat grinders, they’re here shown in a more normal light. Having been gathered together at the last minute to retake the world the crusade consists of various regiments which have not been trained to work together. Ones who while having flaws and problems are not presented as utter incompetents sent in only to clog up the enemy’s guns.
Much of this is due to Lord Commander Xarius, a favourite among fans, who is an exception to your usual Imperial Supreme Commander. He values the lives of his men and understands the battlefield but remains a solid and surprisingly human character throughout. One who is desperately trying to hold a failing campaign together even as it falls apart around him, but isn’t willing to throw away lives at the drop of a hat.
What’s interesting about this is that it works in spite of the obvious use of the Imperials Counter was going for. He presents the campaign as the Imperium as a whole, at least from the Soul Drinkers’ perspectives. A force made up of various different regiments of different skills and varying degrees of competence who are all trying to act on their own, even as a single force tries to command them. One which while vital to the overall effort in bringing down their enemies can’t keep up with the battle as it takes place due to continual delays and interference. All the while the astartes themselves act as a law unto their own, pursuing their own agendas and often ignoring the force which is supposed to command them. They’re loose cannons who seem to have no regard for any overall plan and seem to frequently undermine any effort to effectively combat their enemies as a unified force. Something which is also not helped by the hit and fade tactics the Dark Eldar employ.
Again, this isn’t supposed to present the Imperium in any definitive way but instead as the Soul Drinkers’ see them. As a result it does a lot more to flesh out the Imperium from their perspective than we have seen in previous novels and serves as a good criticism. Many of the books in the Black Library are always from an Imperial perspective so it is interesting to see them in a way which could be critical of their tactics while not going “foolish worshippers of the corpse god.” Unfortunately though, some of this came at the cost of others.
While the Crimson Fists are given a rare degree of focus exploring their chapter’s diminished state post-Rynn’s World, the company here feels wrong. Not that they aren’t visibly space marines or act unusually towards traitors, but that they seem to have lost much of their insight. They continually pursue the Soul Drinkers above all other objectives and ignore the Imperial Guard’s war in favour of bringing them down. The problem is that the Crimson Fists are supposed to be a pragmatic chapter. One which would normally be able to keep things in perspective and have more tactical awareness than the average khorne berserker. If their commander, Reinez, had some dishonour to try and overcome or prove the Fists were a capable force even while diminished that would be one thing. The problem is that the novel never gives a powerful enough of a reason for him to be so zealously pursuing them.
The good news is that they’re the only space marines who come across as acting strangely here. The Soul Drinkers themselves behave in a far more sane manner and a few get some surprisingly good character development between events. Chief among these is Luko who, while being certainly likable, was rather one note in previous events and is given a new angle here. It presents something which is unfortunately never fully explored but makes him far more three dimensional than before. In addition to this the squad of Soul Drinkers scouts, led by Eumenes gives a new perspective on events and the chapter itself. Beyond them however we get few developments as Sarpedon remains largely the same and the few insights we get with Chaplain Iktinos don’t quite match up with what we see later.
The violence is handled in a surprisingly different way than before and it really works. The first two novels featured the Soul Drinkers jumping from planet to planet, leaving battlefields as soon as they arrive, but here they’re stuck in one place. It allows Counter to try something different and we see the Soul Drinkers trying to move through the city, lure enemies into traps and outmanoeuvre the enemy rather than just fleeing back into orbit. It’s nothing you’d not expect an army not to do, but it shows they do have more tactical sense than people usually give them credit for.
This novel is also the weakest when it comes to describing these environments. While some details do portray a truly hellish battleground of ruins and crumbling buildings, but they almost seem tame at times in comparison to daemon worlds and corrupted planets. Even the few distinct moments of gothic architecture add little to the overall atmosphere and the few times things do become interesting is when the Dark Eldar become involved. Speaking of the Dark Eldar, they’re an odd group here. Despite their role very early on little can actually be said without spoiling their involvement their plan is dubious at best. Given their relationship with Slaanesh it is just about plausible for them to attempt it, but it’s also on a much grander scale than the pirates would ever dare to try. Both because it would usually mean little to them and that at best they would gain the attention of those they would rather go unnoticed by.
At the end of the day the novel is extremely mixed with a few good elements holding out despite its flaws. There’s certain enough here to like but periodically you’re going to just raise your eyebrow and wonder “Really? They’re trying that!?” If The Bleeding Chalice got you interested enough in the Soul Drinkers then you’ll enjoy this one but just be warned it’s a step down from the previous novel.
The novel is best remembered in the series for how it portrays many factions involved besides the Soul Drinkers. Both the Crimson Fists and Dark Eldar gain details which affect them for both better and worse, but it’s the Imperial Guard who benefit the most from the additional focus.
As a force who is wrongly normally presented with the tactic of throwing badly trained troops into meat grinders, they’re here shown in a more normal light. Having been gathered together at the last minute to retake the world the crusade consists of various regiments which have not been trained to work together. Ones who while having flaws and problems are not presented as utter incompetents sent in only to clog up the enemy’s guns.
Much of this is due to Lord Commander Xarius, a favourite among fans, who is an exception to your usual Imperial Supreme Commander. He values the lives of his men and understands the battlefield but remains a solid and surprisingly human character throughout. One who is desperately trying to hold a failing campaign together even as it falls apart around him, but isn’t willing to throw away lives at the drop of a hat.
What’s interesting about this is that it works in spite of the obvious use of the Imperials Counter was going for. He presents the campaign as the Imperium as a whole, at least from the Soul Drinkers’ perspectives. A force made up of various different regiments of different skills and varying degrees of competence who are all trying to act on their own, even as a single force tries to command them. One which while vital to the overall effort in bringing down their enemies can’t keep up with the battle as it takes place due to continual delays and interference. All the while the astartes themselves act as a law unto their own, pursuing their own agendas and often ignoring the force which is supposed to command them. They’re loose cannons who seem to have no regard for any overall plan and seem to frequently undermine any effort to effectively combat their enemies as a unified force. Something which is also not helped by the hit and fade tactics the Dark Eldar employ.
Again, this isn’t supposed to present the Imperium in any definitive way but instead as the Soul Drinkers’ see them. As a result it does a lot more to flesh out the Imperium from their perspective than we have seen in previous novels and serves as a good criticism. Many of the books in the Black Library are always from an Imperial perspective so it is interesting to see them in a way which could be critical of their tactics while not going “foolish worshippers of the corpse god.” Unfortunately though, some of this came at the cost of others.
While the Crimson Fists are given a rare degree of focus exploring their chapter’s diminished state post-Rynn’s World, the company here feels wrong. Not that they aren’t visibly space marines or act unusually towards traitors, but that they seem to have lost much of their insight. They continually pursue the Soul Drinkers above all other objectives and ignore the Imperial Guard’s war in favour of bringing them down. The problem is that the Crimson Fists are supposed to be a pragmatic chapter. One which would normally be able to keep things in perspective and have more tactical awareness than the average khorne berserker. If their commander, Reinez, had some dishonour to try and overcome or prove the Fists were a capable force even while diminished that would be one thing. The problem is that the novel never gives a powerful enough of a reason for him to be so zealously pursuing them.
The good news is that they’re the only space marines who come across as acting strangely here. The Soul Drinkers themselves behave in a far more sane manner and a few get some surprisingly good character development between events. Chief among these is Luko who, while being certainly likable, was rather one note in previous events and is given a new angle here. It presents something which is unfortunately never fully explored but makes him far more three dimensional than before. In addition to this the squad of Soul Drinkers scouts, led by Eumenes gives a new perspective on events and the chapter itself. Beyond them however we get few developments as Sarpedon remains largely the same and the few insights we get with Chaplain Iktinos don’t quite match up with what we see later.
The violence is handled in a surprisingly different way than before and it really works. The first two novels featured the Soul Drinkers jumping from planet to planet, leaving battlefields as soon as they arrive, but here they’re stuck in one place. It allows Counter to try something different and we see the Soul Drinkers trying to move through the city, lure enemies into traps and outmanoeuvre the enemy rather than just fleeing back into orbit. It’s nothing you’d not expect an army not to do, but it shows they do have more tactical sense than people usually give them credit for.
This novel is also the weakest when it comes to describing these environments. While some details do portray a truly hellish battleground of ruins and crumbling buildings, but they almost seem tame at times in comparison to daemon worlds and corrupted planets. Even the few distinct moments of gothic architecture add little to the overall atmosphere and the few times things do become interesting is when the Dark Eldar become involved. Speaking of the Dark Eldar, they’re an odd group here. Despite their role very early on little can actually be said without spoiling their involvement their plan is dubious at best. Given their relationship with Slaanesh it is just about plausible for them to attempt it, but it’s also on a much grander scale than the pirates would ever dare to try. Both because it would usually mean little to them and that at best they would gain the attention of those they would rather go unnoticed by.
At the end of the day the novel is extremely mixed with a few good elements holding out despite its flaws. There’s certain enough here to like but periodically you’re going to just raise your eyebrow and wonder “Really? They’re trying that!?” If The Bleeding Chalice got you interested enough in the Soul Drinkers then you’ll enjoy this one but just be warned it’s a step down from the previous novel.
July 26, 2024
Алые слёзы текли
из моих глаз пока я дочитал это произведение! Теллос "руки-ножницы", точнее пило-мечи, окончательно охаосел. И подсев на кхорнатство ушёл кхорнатствовать со своей вар-бандой. Дальше идёт столица какого-то неважного агромира, название которого я не удосужился запомнить. Там окопались друкхари , которые не рейдят город, а делают с населением всякие друкхарийские штуки, превращая их в зомби и их пытаются выбить какие-то малоизвестные полки гвардии, которые уже обречены и там генерал гвардии, который прям чувствует свою обречённость. И друкхари заключили союз с хаоситскими колдунами, которые открывают варп-портал и там слаанешитские демонетки и эльдары решили сделать демонический мир своим владением (это типа как если бы еда заключила союз с обжорой) и ещё они в союзе с безумным Теллосом (появляется буквально в последней главе). И Испивающие Души решили прикинуться союзниками эльдар тоже, но там прибыли Багровые Кулаки, которые как бы зафрендили гвардосов, но на самом деле это чисто астартская разбрка и всё равно гвардосы обречены! А ещё космофлот не бомбит город, потому, что "это просто оставит руины" в руках врагов. А в конце просто бомбардирует мир циклоническими торпедами, ибо нефиг. Это просто какая-то ерунда. Не хватало ещё Тау и Тиранидов. Может быть Каунтер получил задание на то, чтобы поставить на "доску" такие-то фракции. Даже если так, то эта задача выполнена из рук вон плохо и это просто скучный бред. Ни одного запоминающегося персонажа, ни одного запоминающегося сражения.
из моих глаз пока я дочитал это произведение! Теллос "руки-ножницы", точнее пило-мечи, окончательно охаосел. И подсев на кхорнатство ушёл кхорнатствовать со своей вар-бандой. Дальше идёт столица какого-то неважного агромира, название которого я не удосужился запомнить. Там окопались друкхари , которые не рейдят город, а делают с населением всякие друкхарийские штуки, превращая их в зомби и их пытаются выбить какие-то малоизвестные полки гвардии, которые уже обречены и там генерал гвардии, который прям чувствует свою обречённость. И друкхари заключили союз с хаоситскими колдунами, которые открывают варп-портал и там слаанешитские демонетки и эльдары решили сделать демонический мир своим владением (это типа как если бы еда заключила союз с обжорой) и ещё они в союзе с безумным Теллосом (появляется буквально в последней главе). И Испивающие Души решили прикинуться союзниками эльдар тоже, но там прибыли Багровые Кулаки, которые как бы зафрендили гвардосов, но на самом деле это чисто астартская разбрка и всё равно гвардосы обречены! А ещё космофлот не бомбит город, потому, что "это просто оставит руины" в руках врагов. А в конце просто бомбардирует мир циклоническими торпедами, ибо нефиг. Это просто какая-то ерунда. Не хватало ещё Тау и Тиранидов. Может быть Каунтер получил задание на то, чтобы поставить на "доску" такие-то фракции. Даже если так, то эта задача выполнена из рук вон плохо и это просто скучный бред. Ни одного запоминающегося персонажа, ни одного запоминающегося сражения.
February 15, 2018
Brutal third book finds the Soul Drinkers in a nasty city fight against former allies, brothers, and evil xenos. Action from start to finish. Check it out.
September 25, 2020
Один з самих провисаючих творів по всес��іту В40К. Ніякий космодесант проти ніяких гвардії, ельдарів та хаоситів.
May 11, 2023
Quite fun.
March 20, 2016
Somehow Mr. Counter has done it again!
3 solid books in a row, getting better as they went!
Crimson Tears was absolutely amazing. I think I said that about the last book, but even that pales in comparison to this work!
Again, the different perspectives of this was a huge strength. Seeing Sarpedon struggle with the battle, losing his men, and the decisions he had to make as the Chapter Master was awesome. I think my favourite parts as far as perspective goes come from Luko and Greavus. Both close combat assault marines, who somehow knew how much I love reading and reveling in the glory of close combat, and neither of them disappointed. In fact, both in many ways went far beyond my expectations. I also like how the Psykers of the Soul Drinkers saw a little more page time this time around. From lightning to fire to premonition, and each time it was a pleasure to read.
I also really enjoyed the Crimson Fists perspective(even though they are lapdogs to the Imperium!).
I am very happy I picked up Rynn's world(and Traitor's Gorge will be on it's way soon!) so I can continue to follow the adventures of the boys in blue(with red hands).
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed reading about the Imperial Guard, as I have a slight disdain for them as I felt they were boring in comparison to Space Marines, Chaos, etc.
It also may be that while they had vastly superior numbers(for at least some of the battle), they got absolutely SLAUGHTERED. But reading about their small glories was genuinely fulfilling and has successfully changed my opinion on them, and I plan to look more into reading about them.
The overall plot was awesome, though I feel it got a tad bit overly complex for its own good. The Dark Eldar were awesome, and I loved any scene they were in. It also turns out I am dying to read Andy Chamber's Dark Eldar series!
The best part of this novel to me was the scale(which Mr. Counter has never failed to impress me with!). There was absolute HORDES of enemies, and I am a sucker for reading that.
The inclusion of Slaanesh(if only partially) was key point as well, as I am an avid worshipper and love to see my god/goddess in writing!
Lastly, Tellos. Oh god, Tellos. There is a reason I LOVE assault marines, and HE IS IT personified! Favourite character of the series by far!
3 solid books in a row, getting better as they went!
Crimson Tears was absolutely amazing. I think I said that about the last book, but even that pales in comparison to this work!
Again, the different perspectives of this was a huge strength. Seeing Sarpedon struggle with the battle, losing his men, and the decisions he had to make as the Chapter Master was awesome. I think my favourite parts as far as perspective goes come from Luko and Greavus. Both close combat assault marines, who somehow knew how much I love reading and reveling in the glory of close combat, and neither of them disappointed. In fact, both in many ways went far beyond my expectations. I also like how the Psykers of the Soul Drinkers saw a little more page time this time around. From lightning to fire to premonition, and each time it was a pleasure to read.
I also really enjoyed the Crimson Fists perspective(even though they are lapdogs to the Imperium!).
I am very happy I picked up Rynn's world(and Traitor's Gorge will be on it's way soon!) so I can continue to follow the adventures of the boys in blue(with red hands).
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed reading about the Imperial Guard, as I have a slight disdain for them as I felt they were boring in comparison to Space Marines, Chaos, etc.
It also may be that while they had vastly superior numbers(for at least some of the battle), they got absolutely SLAUGHTERED. But reading about their small glories was genuinely fulfilling and has successfully changed my opinion on them, and I plan to look more into reading about them.
The overall plot was awesome, though I feel it got a tad bit overly complex for its own good. The Dark Eldar were awesome, and I loved any scene they were in. It also turns out I am dying to read Andy Chamber's Dark Eldar series!
The best part of this novel to me was the scale(which Mr. Counter has never failed to impress me with!). There was absolute HORDES of enemies, and I am a sucker for reading that.
The inclusion of Slaanesh(if only partially) was key point as well, as I am an avid worshipper and love to see my god/goddess in writing!
Lastly, Tellos. Oh god, Tellos. There is a reason I LOVE assault marines, and HE IS IT personified! Favourite character of the series by far!
January 10, 2016
Sarpedon and the Soul Drinkers are proving an interesting Space Marine Chapter to read about thanks to Ben Counter. In particular he defines individual characters well with traits following them through the book.
March 24, 2016
Another great Soul Drinker story. Enjoyed the primary plot as well as the conclusion to the Tellos arc.
April 2, 2012
Pretty story about Souldrinkers.. Now I started thinking about them not as traitors, but as "free" chapter, that are not fully loyal to mankind, but fights against Chaos
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews