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Renegades
Harrowmaster
A Warhammer 40,000 Novel
The leader of an Alpha Legion warband continues the Long War against the Imperium of Mankind, while harbouring the ambition to become the Harrowmaster and unite his Legion.
READ IT BECAUSE
See the Alpha Legion in the wake of the Great Rift, as they face the power of the Primaris Space Marines of the Indomitus Crusade.
THE STORY
The Alpha Legion are devious beyond measure, but deceit is a double-edged sword. As the Indomitus Crusade pushes into the far reaches of the Ultima Segmentum, and Solomon Akurra and his warband the Serpent’s Teeth encounter the feared Primaris Marines, the Alpha Legion is faced with a choice – fade into the shadows, or adapt and strike back.
Solomon intends to take the title of Harrowmaster and bind together the feuding heads of the hydra that make up his Legion, but his allies are disparate and unproven, and his enemies march with the might of the Imperium at their back. Much is not as it seems, and the odds are stacked against the sons of Alpharius… but Solomon is armed with a weapon the Imperium cannot ignore: the truth.
The leader of an Alpha Legion warband continues the Long War against the Imperium of Mankind, while harbouring the ambition to become the Harrowmaster and unite his Legion.
READ IT BECAUSE
See the Alpha Legion in the wake of the Great Rift, as they face the power of the Primaris Space Marines of the Indomitus Crusade.
THE STORY
The Alpha Legion are devious beyond measure, but deceit is a double-edged sword. As the Indomitus Crusade pushes into the far reaches of the Ultima Segmentum, and Solomon Akurra and his warband the Serpent’s Teeth encounter the feared Primaris Marines, the Alpha Legion is faced with a choice – fade into the shadows, or adapt and strike back.
Solomon intends to take the title of Harrowmaster and bind together the feuding heads of the hydra that make up his Legion, but his allies are disparate and unproven, and his enemies march with the might of the Imperium at their back. Much is not as it seems, and the odds are stacked against the sons of Alpharius… but Solomon is armed with a weapon the Imperium cannot ignore: the truth.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2022
81 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Mike Brooks
79 books548 followersMike Brooks was born in Ipswich, Suffolk and moved to Nottingham when he was 18 to go to university. He’s stayed there ever since, and now lives with his wife, two cats, two snakes and a collection of tropical fish. When not working for a homelessness charity he plays guitar and sings in a punk band, watches football (soccer), MMA and nature/science documentaries, goes walking in the Peak District or other areas of splendid scenery, and DJs wherever anyone will tolerate him.
And, y’know, writes.
And, y’know, writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 15, 2023
The Alpha Legion have a growing number of books and stories dedicated to them in 40k and this may be the definitive take on them. Mike Brooks tackles their nature with his typical style- the book is as pacy as one could hope for, the world building great and distinct characters are juggled well. There are several fantastic battle sequences but just as many conflicts are explored through conversation. It now feels customary to have a scene where veterans of the long war encounter Primaris for the first time, and this book has one of the better examples of that. Brooks gets the character of the Legion perfectly; like many of those who lost the Heresy they’re having to compromise but unlike their peers, this suits the Alpha Legion perfectly. This book depicts the fractured nature of the legion as well as the steps that they’ve taken to survive, and the balance between Astartes and regular human characters helps to emphasise this.
If the title suggests that this is the start of a series looking at Renegades from the Imperium I more than welcome the development- as much as seeing more Xenos stories be published recently had pleased me, reading more from non-Imperium humans is what I’ve been crying out for for years.
If the title suggests that this is the start of a series looking at Renegades from the Imperium I more than welcome the development- as much as seeing more Xenos stories be published recently had pleased me, reading more from non-Imperium humans is what I’ve been crying out for for years.
September 2, 2023
Well, this was a wild ride. Only thing I will say is that after reading about the Alpha Legion I can say that Dark Angels are actually sane and very transparent military organization.
In this book we follow Solomon Akurra, leader of one of the Alpha Legion warbands and - following very deadly battle with newly deployed Primaris - newly appointed Harrowmaster. Selected to this role by a unanimous vote of Alpha Legion warbands, Solomon aims high - to re-establish the Alpha Legion in a way that will give them chance of not only waging war as guerillas but also to engage the Imperium forces directly on the battlefield.
On the other end we have Kayzen Hart, Inquisitor who dedicated his entire life hunting the Alpha Legion, and he aims to behead the Hydra in more ways than one. To achieve this, he will do whatever it takes.
In the background of this conflict, reader, same as every Imperium and to a degree Alpha Legion troop, will be driven crazy by the level of twists, plots, backstabbing, lies and maneuvers that at some point I was not sure if Alpha Legion was not just at war with Imperium but also with itself - for no other reason but because .... you know, it is what they do.
Witnessing this level of manipulations and lies it is clear why of all traitor legions, Alpha Legion, although never operated fully in the Eye of Terror like other traitors, never became the threat to the Imperium that it could be. But then again, Solomon only now showed up on the stage.
Where this will lead, I have no idea, because I am not sure how you can build anything in the atmosphere of total mistrust. It will be interesting to see where this goes.
Recommended to fans of the Hydra and W40K in general.
In this book we follow Solomon Akurra, leader of one of the Alpha Legion warbands and - following very deadly battle with newly deployed Primaris - newly appointed Harrowmaster. Selected to this role by a unanimous vote of Alpha Legion warbands, Solomon aims high - to re-establish the Alpha Legion in a way that will give them chance of not only waging war as guerillas but also to engage the Imperium forces directly on the battlefield.
On the other end we have Kayzen Hart, Inquisitor who dedicated his entire life hunting the Alpha Legion, and he aims to behead the Hydra in more ways than one. To achieve this, he will do whatever it takes.
In the background of this conflict, reader, same as every Imperium and to a degree Alpha Legion troop, will be driven crazy by the level of twists, plots, backstabbing, lies and maneuvers that at some point I was not sure if Alpha Legion was not just at war with Imperium but also with itself - for no other reason but because .... you know, it is what they do.
Witnessing this level of manipulations and lies it is clear why of all traitor legions, Alpha Legion, although never operated fully in the Eye of Terror like other traitors, never became the threat to the Imperium that it could be. But then again, Solomon only now showed up on the stage.
Where this will lead, I have no idea, because I am not sure how you can build anything in the atmosphere of total mistrust. It will be interesting to see where this goes.
Recommended to fans of the Hydra and W40K in general.
October 2, 2023
Harrowing Opponents
Harrowmaster marks the return of the Alpha Legion to the 40K timeline after a five-year hiatus since Shroud of Night and Sons of the Hydra. Set in the Era Indomitus, the novel is bold in its scope and has significant political and diplomatic elements. Included are Imperial perspectives that read like protagonist POVs, but are more morally ambiguous than usual. The result is a fluid, complex and ambitious tale that’s hampered by its action sequences.
Traitor Legion novels differ from Imperial ones by a matter of degrees: there are more scenes of the villains. Battles in Harrowmaster show the perspectives and mindset of both sides. The issue is that in trying to make the Alpha Legion live up to their trademark misdirection, the Imperium performs like utter fools. To be fair, I prefer competence as a universal trait, but it’s infuriating when genetically engineered super soldiers fall for basic tricks. The protagonists win because they plan two moves ahead, and that’s just too simplistic for me.
On the other hand, the novel masterfully blends logistical requirements of ten thousand years of guerrilla warfare with the politics of uniting isolated cells. The author thought through these implications and it surfaces in the subtlest of ways. Equally, the representation of the Indomitus Crusade is magnificent. Readers will get the sensation that the hydra is only sparring with fringe elements, and even then they face the might of Inquisitors and entire Chapters. The Imperium is a complex, corrupt mass, and in the best of ways, the Alpha Legion feels like a natural part of it.
Harrowmaster revels in the deep lore of the WH40K universe. While the battles are underwhelming, the novel surprisingly delivers involved politics, internecine feuds and a few delightful easter eggs. The author doesn’t try to justify its protagonist villains but also shies away from the recent trend of whitewashing the Imperium. Instead, he reminds us that there are no good factions, just less bad ones. Now that’s grimdark.
Recommended for WH40K fans.
Harrowmaster marks the return of the Alpha Legion to the 40K timeline after a five-year hiatus since Shroud of Night and Sons of the Hydra. Set in the Era Indomitus, the novel is bold in its scope and has significant political and diplomatic elements. Included are Imperial perspectives that read like protagonist POVs, but are more morally ambiguous than usual. The result is a fluid, complex and ambitious tale that’s hampered by its action sequences.
Traitor Legion novels differ from Imperial ones by a matter of degrees: there are more scenes of the villains. Battles in Harrowmaster show the perspectives and mindset of both sides. The issue is that in trying to make the Alpha Legion live up to their trademark misdirection, the Imperium performs like utter fools. To be fair, I prefer competence as a universal trait, but it’s infuriating when genetically engineered super soldiers fall for basic tricks. The protagonists win because they plan two moves ahead, and that’s just too simplistic for me.
On the other hand, the novel masterfully blends logistical requirements of ten thousand years of guerrilla warfare with the politics of uniting isolated cells. The author thought through these implications and it surfaces in the subtlest of ways. Equally, the representation of the Indomitus Crusade is magnificent. Readers will get the sensation that the hydra is only sparring with fringe elements, and even then they face the might of Inquisitors and entire Chapters. The Imperium is a complex, corrupt mass, and in the best of ways, the Alpha Legion feels like a natural part of it.
Harrowmaster revels in the deep lore of the WH40K universe. While the battles are underwhelming, the novel surprisingly delivers involved politics, internecine feuds and a few delightful easter eggs. The author doesn’t try to justify its protagonist villains but also shies away from the recent trend of whitewashing the Imperium. Instead, he reminds us that there are no good factions, just less bad ones. Now that’s grimdark.
Recommended for WH40K fans.
March 20, 2024
Throughly enjoyed this story and all of the characters involved, the opening chapter is great with twists and who the focus of the book is meant to be on.
This book gives an excellent insight to post heresy alpha legion and also a view into the workings of an agent of the inquisition. Further surprises through the book, particularly in part three which are great.
Had a good time reading this and look forward to reading further renegades novels and mike brooks works.
Hydra Dominatus 🐍
This book gives an excellent insight to post heresy alpha legion and also a view into the workings of an agent of the inquisition. Further surprises through the book, particularly in part three which are great.
Had a good time reading this and look forward to reading further renegades novels and mike brooks works.
Hydra Dominatus 🐍
September 5, 2023
I’m a simple man - I see a Mike Brooks 40K book, I buy.
It’s interesting to see different authors of Warhammer’s Black Library find their niche with different factions of the 40K universe; Chris Wraight redefined the White Scars, ADB’s work with Chaos Space Marines is unmatched, and Graham McNeil’s insanity is perfect for the Thousand Sons. But in recent years, Mike Brooks has arrived on the scene, giving us a variety of great books, but I think his best work has been updating and redefining the most obscure of the Space Marine Legions - The Alpha Legion. And whilst Harrowmaster might not reach the peaks of his writing, it is still a fascinating in-depth redefinition of the Alpha Legion well worth a read to anyone interested in the 40K universe.
Harrowmaster follows Solomon Akurra, an Alpha Legion member who, following the death of his commander and the former Harrowmaster, seeks the title for himself. The Harrowmaster - at least as far as I gathered - is essentially the de facto leader of the Alpha Legion in a particular region of the galaxy. Tired of hiding in the shadows, winning pyrrhic victories and getting high on the fumes of their self-satisfaction, Solomon leads a conglomeration of various Alpha Legion warbands into a cohesive army, placing concrete goals and aspirations above subterfuge and petty skirmishes. And whilst the Alpha Legion runs loose through Imperium territory, Solomon must defend his new title, and seek a reward that will definitively name him the de facto leader of the Alpha Legion.
Solomon is a brilliant character, a perfect blend of the old and new Alpha Legion Mike Brooks has defined. Smart, calculating, but without losing the unpredictable, reprehensible behavior endemic to the Chaos Space Marines. His relationship with his Chaos psyker companion is genuinely wonderful and even wholesome in its own way, and the way he slowly takes control of his Alpha Legion warbands is exciting and feels earned, not subverted. In fact, much of the Alpha Legion characters we see are really enjoyable to read about, all of them bringing something unique to the table, though beyond Solomon, I was particularly fond of the leader of the Rustbloods Alpha Legion warband - a combination of an Alpha Legion marine and a member of the New Mechanicum? Sign me up!
The most defining trait of the Alpha Legion has always been their subterfuge and plans within plans, and Mike Brooks doesn’t take this away from the Legion, but he absolutely lampshades the popular conceptions of the Alpha Legion being this bizarre boogeymen who even when they’re utterly defeated, they’ve won a victory no one else expected. A variety of different Alpha Legion warbands are present, each presenting different facets of the Legion; some more suited to frontline combat, others involved in subterfuge, and even a group called The Faceless, who all model their appearance after their missing/dead Primarch Alpharius Omegon, each of them claiming to be Alpharius true. Mike Brooks takes the Alpha Legion in a more offensive direction, having them partake in larger scale warfare with defined plans, but without taking away from the wetwork and subterfuge their known for - each of their invasions follow in-depth strategies that cripple a planet before they ever set foot upon it, thankfully in a way that makes sense.
The Alpha Legion brand of combat also helps break up the infamous ‘bolter-porn’ 40K books are known for - sure, there’s still a bunch of giant Space Marines shooting big guns at each other, but seeing the Alpha Legion’s moment-to-moment schemes and tactics playout in essentially real-time is delightful - mixing that with a delicious amount of Chaos magic and monsters, and you’ve got some excellent action. Also, shout out to the first chapter and it’s five or so POVs - the reason it jumped so frequently made me giggle when I realized what Brooks was doing, and it’s just such a fun way to bounce around viewpoints so early on.
Parallel to Soloman’s story is a second POV following a pair of warring Inquistors specifically hunting the Alpha Legion alongside the Silver Templar Primaris Space Marines, and this is honestly my biggest problem of the book. They aren’t bad segments, not by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve never been the biggest fan of the Inquistion as a faction, and seeing Hart and Nessa butting heads and arguing over plans to battle the Alpha Legion just never really interested me, and I just wanted to jump back to Soloman as quickly as possible. Thankfully, that story does end in a amazing moment in regards to Hart’s Space Marine lifeward, so at least it did have a good payoff for me.
Also, just a little sad not to see that little taste of queerness that was present in Brook’s other novels, specifically Alpharius: Head of the Hydra or The Lion: Sons of the Forest - it ain’t any real problem, but it always made me smile seeing Brooks, a known queer author, dabbing a bit of that energy into his books.
Harrowmaster might not hit the highs of Head of the Hydra or Sons of the Forest, but it’s still an incredibly solid book that sticks out from the occasional sameness that is endemic to 40K. This is the Alpha Legion displayed at their best, and I really hope Mike Brook’s has future plans for these characters; it seems Soloman’s path to glory for the Alpha Legion is just beginning, and in victory or defeat, I want to see where this nightmare warband of backstabbing lunatics goes. The Alpha Legion, after all this time, are truly in good hands.
It’s interesting to see different authors of Warhammer’s Black Library find their niche with different factions of the 40K universe; Chris Wraight redefined the White Scars, ADB’s work with Chaos Space Marines is unmatched, and Graham McNeil’s insanity is perfect for the Thousand Sons. But in recent years, Mike Brooks has arrived on the scene, giving us a variety of great books, but I think his best work has been updating and redefining the most obscure of the Space Marine Legions - The Alpha Legion. And whilst Harrowmaster might not reach the peaks of his writing, it is still a fascinating in-depth redefinition of the Alpha Legion well worth a read to anyone interested in the 40K universe.
Harrowmaster follows Solomon Akurra, an Alpha Legion member who, following the death of his commander and the former Harrowmaster, seeks the title for himself. The Harrowmaster - at least as far as I gathered - is essentially the de facto leader of the Alpha Legion in a particular region of the galaxy. Tired of hiding in the shadows, winning pyrrhic victories and getting high on the fumes of their self-satisfaction, Solomon leads a conglomeration of various Alpha Legion warbands into a cohesive army, placing concrete goals and aspirations above subterfuge and petty skirmishes. And whilst the Alpha Legion runs loose through Imperium territory, Solomon must defend his new title, and seek a reward that will definitively name him the de facto leader of the Alpha Legion.
Solomon is a brilliant character, a perfect blend of the old and new Alpha Legion Mike Brooks has defined. Smart, calculating, but without losing the unpredictable, reprehensible behavior endemic to the Chaos Space Marines. His relationship with his Chaos psyker companion is genuinely wonderful and even wholesome in its own way, and the way he slowly takes control of his Alpha Legion warbands is exciting and feels earned, not subverted. In fact, much of the Alpha Legion characters we see are really enjoyable to read about, all of them bringing something unique to the table, though beyond Solomon, I was particularly fond of the leader of the Rustbloods Alpha Legion warband - a combination of an Alpha Legion marine and a member of the New Mechanicum? Sign me up!
The most defining trait of the Alpha Legion has always been their subterfuge and plans within plans, and Mike Brooks doesn’t take this away from the Legion, but he absolutely lampshades the popular conceptions of the Alpha Legion being this bizarre boogeymen who even when they’re utterly defeated, they’ve won a victory no one else expected. A variety of different Alpha Legion warbands are present, each presenting different facets of the Legion; some more suited to frontline combat, others involved in subterfuge, and even a group called The Faceless, who all model their appearance after their missing/dead Primarch Alpharius Omegon, each of them claiming to be Alpharius true. Mike Brooks takes the Alpha Legion in a more offensive direction, having them partake in larger scale warfare with defined plans, but without taking away from the wetwork and subterfuge their known for - each of their invasions follow in-depth strategies that cripple a planet before they ever set foot upon it, thankfully in a way that makes sense.
The Alpha Legion brand of combat also helps break up the infamous ‘bolter-porn’ 40K books are known for - sure, there’s still a bunch of giant Space Marines shooting big guns at each other, but seeing the Alpha Legion’s moment-to-moment schemes and tactics playout in essentially real-time is delightful - mixing that with a delicious amount of Chaos magic and monsters, and you’ve got some excellent action. Also, shout out to the first chapter and it’s five or so POVs - the reason it jumped so frequently made me giggle when I realized what Brooks was doing, and it’s just such a fun way to bounce around viewpoints so early on.
Parallel to Soloman’s story is a second POV following a pair of warring Inquistors specifically hunting the Alpha Legion alongside the Silver Templar Primaris Space Marines, and this is honestly my biggest problem of the book. They aren’t bad segments, not by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve never been the biggest fan of the Inquistion as a faction, and seeing Hart and Nessa butting heads and arguing over plans to battle the Alpha Legion just never really interested me, and I just wanted to jump back to Soloman as quickly as possible. Thankfully, that story does end in a amazing moment in regards to Hart’s Space Marine lifeward, so at least it did have a good payoff for me.
Also, just a little sad not to see that little taste of queerness that was present in Brook’s other novels, specifically Alpharius: Head of the Hydra or The Lion: Sons of the Forest - it ain’t any real problem, but it always made me smile seeing Brooks, a known queer author, dabbing a bit of that energy into his books.
Harrowmaster might not hit the highs of Head of the Hydra or Sons of the Forest, but it’s still an incredibly solid book that sticks out from the occasional sameness that is endemic to 40K. This is the Alpha Legion displayed at their best, and I really hope Mike Brook’s has future plans for these characters; it seems Soloman’s path to glory for the Alpha Legion is just beginning, and in victory or defeat, I want to see where this nightmare warband of backstabbing lunatics goes. The Alpha Legion, after all this time, are truly in good hands.
July 1, 2025
Forget Legion - THIS is the quintessential Alpha Legion book. All the questions I had about them a few months ago like “are they really traitor?” “Are they ALL traitor?” “Are they united?” “Do they align with the daemons?” - all were answered here. Excellent, excellent, excellent world building and what👏 a 👏 twist 👏 (which I should have seen coming but I’m like a deer in the headlights)
October 5, 2025
Good book, felt Alpha Legion-y. Focused on detailed story events and not the number of story events - felt like not a lot happened, but objectively, a lot did. “Plans within plans” evident
Alpha Legion needed this. I’m on my hands and knees begging for a sequel (or anything to move the overarching plot forward with this warband).
Alpha Legion needed this. I’m on my hands and knees begging for a sequel (or anything to move the overarching plot forward with this warband).
March 3, 2024
Really enjoyable book and kind of makes me want to start an alpha legion army! Great twists and turns and look forward to reading more by this author.
April 27, 2024
Fantastic, intriguing tale from the biggest liars in the grim dark galaxy.
Well written, not cheesy like some chaos space marine books. Entertaining characters and events.
Well written, not cheesy like some chaos space marine books. Entertaining characters and events.
August 1, 2025
More Space Marine slop! I can't complain, because I got exactly what I wanted from Harrowmaster, which is a fairly generic space marine story with some Alpha Legion flavored scheming. The concept and setting are interesting enough - the idea of coming to grips with the changes of the Indomitus crusade and Primaris marines and it being a catalyst for change is an interesting enough idea. There are some cute moments in the style of Warhammer storytelling that tickles me pink, emphasizing balkanization and inefficiency of the systems built up over millenia. The 'twist' is somewhat bland and predictable - there's only so many space marines that could be Alpha Legion in hiding. There's also the problem which plagues these kinds of stories, that it all feels confusing rather than deceptive. This story begs who is playing who, and to what end, but doesn't do enough to quite pull off the 'web of lies' vibe. This book did not stand out, but was passable pulp fiction which is exactly what I wanted.
May 23, 2025
Quite a fun read, and I enjoyed Solomon Akurra very much as a character. Him and Tulava’s banter was by far the best part of the book. When Akurra schemes, I am always very invested.
I did find that the story lacked the level of intrigue, subterfuge and backstabbing that I was expecting though, which is a bit of a letdown. It only truly got interesting to me during the final battle on Qampar. And my interest in the sub-plot of the Inquisitors very quickly fizzled out as I found neither of them very engaging as characters. I felt that way for many of the side characters really, Solomon, Tulava and Malfax were the only ones interesting and memorable to me.
Overall, it was a good read, but rather a slow one for me as my interest waned quite often, but when I was engaged it was quite enjoyable.
I did find that the story lacked the level of intrigue, subterfuge and backstabbing that I was expecting though, which is a bit of a letdown. It only truly got interesting to me during the final battle on Qampar. And my interest in the sub-plot of the Inquisitors very quickly fizzled out as I found neither of them very engaging as characters. I felt that way for many of the side characters really, Solomon, Tulava and Malfax were the only ones interesting and memorable to me.
Overall, it was a good read, but rather a slow one for me as my interest waned quite often, but when I was engaged it was quite enjoyable.
May 6, 2023
Another incredible novel from Mike Brooks.
I really loved the deception of the various characters, and the uncertainty about things that come with dealing with two factions steeped in shadows.
I really liked Solomon as a character and his arm. Tulava was also quite humorous throughout the book.
I liked the Inquisitors and their internal politics.
Would love to see more from all the character involved in a sequel.
I really loved the deception of the various characters, and the uncertainty about things that come with dealing with two factions steeped in shadows.
I really liked Solomon as a character and his arm. Tulava was also quite humorous throughout the book.
I liked the Inquisitors and their internal politics.
Would love to see more from all the character involved in a sequel.
August 14, 2023
A story of great highs taken down slightly by moments of bordom. If this book was as consistant as its highs this would be an easy 5 stars.
November 22, 2024
"'You're not the Silver Templars,' he managed shakily.
The helmet tilted, as if slightly curious.
'No.'
A weapon with a muzzle as large as Stevaz's head was raised, and the bolt-shell it discharged detonated so forcefully that his entire upper body disintegrated."
TL;DR:
As a stand-alone science fiction novel for the reader uninitiated to Warhammer, this book is a 2.75/5. As a WH:40k novel, this gets five stars. A plurality of 40k novels are infamous for their poor logistics, 'bolter porn', uninteresting concepts or characters, and inconsistent depictions or lore understandings of entire factions. Readers will suffer very little of these writing deficiencies in Harrowmaster.
This novel allows readers an unparalleled glimpse into the post-Heresy Alpha Legion, revealing the mechanics and machinations of a faction intentionally obfuscated in the lore. Naval space battles, land engagements, ambushes, philosophical debates, diabolical deeds, double-crosses, muli-layered schemes, traitor psykers, recruitment drives, heretic in-fighting, disinformation, the Dark Mechanicum, Inqusitorial intrigue -- this novel has everything a 40k fan would hope to see out of a Renegades anthology title, and it's executed wonderfully by Mike Brooks.
*****
Harrowmaster's primary protagonist is Solomon Akurra, a Space Marine who begins the novel as the second-in-command of The Serpent's Teeth, one of the largest Alpha Legion warbands on this 'side' of the galaxy -- although their numbers are paltry when compared to all of the warband's immediate threats. In his quest to ascend to Harrowmaster and unify the splintered Alpha Legion factors on this side of the galaxy against the Imperium of Man, Akurra will face challenges from without and within his own organization.
Akurra's auspicious moves against the Imperium of Man quickly result in a disturbing revelation, motivating the Harrowmaster-aspirant to integrate the infamously fractured Legion as a matter of survival. This may prove to be a greater challenge than striking out against his enemies -- given that the secessionist Legion has made it a point to avoid overt unification for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, Akurra's compatriot sub-factions have developed their own identities, motivations, and schemes far removed from his own. As always within the Alpha Legion, the enemy may lay coiled much closer than one expects...
Parallel to Akurra and his warband of clandestine marauders, we find Inqusitor Kayzen Hart of the Ordo Malleus aiding the newly commissioned Silver Templar Space Marines in a cold-war-turned-hot against one the Archenemy's many servants -- the Alpha Legion. Just as Akurra's unorthodox and robust methods have aided in his subterfuge against the Imperium, Inquisitor Hart's radical approach to hounding and destroying humanity's enemies has served him well in his own duties. Hart and Akurra's duel of strategy, military prowess, and misinformation sets the stage for an incredibly engaging cat-and-mouse subplot. Inquisitor Kayzen Hart will also face challenges from within -- the vainglorious scheming of a rival Inquisitor and the headstrong excitability of the Silver Templars will be only the beginning of Hart's struggles to foil the duplicitious Alpha Legion's machinations.
It's very difficult to summate just how adeptly Mike Brooks characterized and illustrated the Alpha Legion in this particular novel, but it is truly a testament to how much Brooks has immersed himself in the Legion and the 40k world at large. The 20th Legion is often portrayed as the 'everywhere-but-nowhere' specter that haunts the 40k world in the most confusing and convoluted ways possible, making ostensibly important 5D chess moves that ultimately result in nothing-burgers while declaring, even in the face of obvious defeat, "All according to plan!"
Rather than acting like the third-strongest villain on a Saturday morning cartoon show, the Alpha Legionnaires in Harrowmaster are result-oriented and overwhelmingly adaptable guerilla warriors with an advanced predatory intelligence. Even in their greatest weaknesses they find strength -- and the opposite goes for their foes.
Akurra and his battle-brothers are nearly devoid of ego and have entirely evacuated the concept of honor -- they are weathered survivors, some of the only traitor forces still left patrolling real-space in a galaxy where absolutely everything considers them an enemy. As a result, they behave accordingly on the battlefield and in the war room while still retaining individual personalities & motivations.
Brooks' excellent interpretation of the Alpha Legion allows him to explore not only the subjects of this book, but the dichotomy of every Heretic Astartes faction at large. Akurra's struggle to unite wildly varied sub-factions of Alpha Legion devotees, including but not limited to:
- Khornate-tainted vanguard specialists who care little for anything except battle,
- Biological terrorists, and
- Alpharius impersonators
is a similar struggle suffered by every Chaos faction, but one exacerbated by the philosophy and approach of the Alpha Legion. This problem is one explored in-depth by Brooks, and the novel becomes a much richer tale of the 40k universe and its most devious denizens because of his approach.
While the characters aren't always exactly subtle, they address as well as exemplify the disoriented credo and doctrine of the Alpha Legion with such robust definition that any lore buff won't be able to stop from enjoying themselves. Suffice it to say that Alpha Legion enthusiasts will be thrilled with the amount of weaponry, strategy, technology, and terminology unique to the Legion that is utilized throughout the events of Harrowmaster.
Mike Brooks took great effort in reminding the reader that this is a story depicting the fell deeds of renegade Astartes: forcible chaos spawn conversions, the wanton slaughter of innocent life on a military scale, monstrous Warp mutations of both body and mind, 'friendly fire' that isn't so friendly... these are but a few of the atrocities committed by our main cast.
The mystery and twist(s) within this book are well done, but fairly simple. Mike Brooks is not a mystery novelist -- he is a science fiction and fantasy author. Ergo, I would not expect a mind-bending galactic-wide conspiracy with genius-level sleuthing employed either by the characters or the reader, because that isn't what Harrowmaster offers. However, Brooks' tight and thoughtful writing allows for a cheeky few twists and turns that help keep the novel and its' premise scintillating, which is exactly that kind of balance a Space Marine-centric novel desperately needs.
While sometimes comprising the weaker portions of the novel, the looks into Kayzen Hart's experience from the Inquisitorial standpoint is often fascinating and just as engaging as the traitorous stars of the novel. His uncensored look into the politicking, inefficiency, and zealous haste that has sept into the Imperium's infrastructure as well as its' most powerful guardians helps reinforce the imperfect nature of even the supposed 'protagonists' of the 40k setting at large, and to reinforce the imperfect reality of Imperial existence that drives many to turn traitor.
I would suggest this book to any 40k fan -- especially those among us with an affinity for the Heretic Astartes. You do not have to be an Alpha Legion devotee to enjoy this novel, especially due to the healthy presence of other factions and the true-to-form representation of the Chaos Space Marine diaspora in the 41st millenium.
The helmet tilted, as if slightly curious.
'No.'
A weapon with a muzzle as large as Stevaz's head was raised, and the bolt-shell it discharged detonated so forcefully that his entire upper body disintegrated."
TL;DR:
As a stand-alone science fiction novel for the reader uninitiated to Warhammer, this book is a 2.75/5. As a WH:40k novel, this gets five stars. A plurality of 40k novels are infamous for their poor logistics, 'bolter porn', uninteresting concepts or characters, and inconsistent depictions or lore understandings of entire factions. Readers will suffer very little of these writing deficiencies in Harrowmaster.
This novel allows readers an unparalleled glimpse into the post-Heresy Alpha Legion, revealing the mechanics and machinations of a faction intentionally obfuscated in the lore. Naval space battles, land engagements, ambushes, philosophical debates, diabolical deeds, double-crosses, muli-layered schemes, traitor psykers, recruitment drives, heretic in-fighting, disinformation, the Dark Mechanicum, Inqusitorial intrigue -- this novel has everything a 40k fan would hope to see out of a Renegades anthology title, and it's executed wonderfully by Mike Brooks.
*****
Harrowmaster's primary protagonist is Solomon Akurra, a Space Marine who begins the novel as the second-in-command of The Serpent's Teeth, one of the largest Alpha Legion warbands on this 'side' of the galaxy -- although their numbers are paltry when compared to all of the warband's immediate threats. In his quest to ascend to Harrowmaster and unify the splintered Alpha Legion factors on this side of the galaxy against the Imperium of Man, Akurra will face challenges from without and within his own organization.
Akurra's auspicious moves against the Imperium of Man quickly result in a disturbing revelation, motivating the Harrowmaster-aspirant to integrate the infamously fractured Legion as a matter of survival. This may prove to be a greater challenge than striking out against his enemies -- given that the secessionist Legion has made it a point to avoid overt unification for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, Akurra's compatriot sub-factions have developed their own identities, motivations, and schemes far removed from his own. As always within the Alpha Legion, the enemy may lay coiled much closer than one expects...
Parallel to Akurra and his warband of clandestine marauders, we find Inqusitor Kayzen Hart of the Ordo Malleus aiding the newly commissioned Silver Templar Space Marines in a cold-war-turned-hot against one the Archenemy's many servants -- the Alpha Legion. Just as Akurra's unorthodox and robust methods have aided in his subterfuge against the Imperium, Inquisitor Hart's radical approach to hounding and destroying humanity's enemies has served him well in his own duties. Hart and Akurra's duel of strategy, military prowess, and misinformation sets the stage for an incredibly engaging cat-and-mouse subplot. Inquisitor Kayzen Hart will also face challenges from within -- the vainglorious scheming of a rival Inquisitor and the headstrong excitability of the Silver Templars will be only the beginning of Hart's struggles to foil the duplicitious Alpha Legion's machinations.
It's very difficult to summate just how adeptly Mike Brooks characterized and illustrated the Alpha Legion in this particular novel, but it is truly a testament to how much Brooks has immersed himself in the Legion and the 40k world at large. The 20th Legion is often portrayed as the 'everywhere-but-nowhere' specter that haunts the 40k world in the most confusing and convoluted ways possible, making ostensibly important 5D chess moves that ultimately result in nothing-burgers while declaring, even in the face of obvious defeat, "All according to plan!"
Rather than acting like the third-strongest villain on a Saturday morning cartoon show, the Alpha Legionnaires in Harrowmaster are result-oriented and overwhelmingly adaptable guerilla warriors with an advanced predatory intelligence. Even in their greatest weaknesses they find strength -- and the opposite goes for their foes.
Akurra and his battle-brothers are nearly devoid of ego and have entirely evacuated the concept of honor -- they are weathered survivors, some of the only traitor forces still left patrolling real-space in a galaxy where absolutely everything considers them an enemy. As a result, they behave accordingly on the battlefield and in the war room while still retaining individual personalities & motivations.
Brooks' excellent interpretation of the Alpha Legion allows him to explore not only the subjects of this book, but the dichotomy of every Heretic Astartes faction at large. Akurra's struggle to unite wildly varied sub-factions of Alpha Legion devotees, including but not limited to:
- Khornate-tainted vanguard specialists who care little for anything except battle,
- Biological terrorists, and
- Alpharius impersonators
is a similar struggle suffered by every Chaos faction, but one exacerbated by the philosophy and approach of the Alpha Legion. This problem is one explored in-depth by Brooks, and the novel becomes a much richer tale of the 40k universe and its most devious denizens because of his approach.
While the characters aren't always exactly subtle, they address as well as exemplify the disoriented credo and doctrine of the Alpha Legion with such robust definition that any lore buff won't be able to stop from enjoying themselves. Suffice it to say that Alpha Legion enthusiasts will be thrilled with the amount of weaponry, strategy, technology, and terminology unique to the Legion that is utilized throughout the events of Harrowmaster.
Mike Brooks took great effort in reminding the reader that this is a story depicting the fell deeds of renegade Astartes: forcible chaos spawn conversions, the wanton slaughter of innocent life on a military scale, monstrous Warp mutations of both body and mind, 'friendly fire' that isn't so friendly... these are but a few of the atrocities committed by our main cast.
The mystery and twist(s) within this book are well done, but fairly simple. Mike Brooks is not a mystery novelist -- he is a science fiction and fantasy author. Ergo, I would not expect a mind-bending galactic-wide conspiracy with genius-level sleuthing employed either by the characters or the reader, because that isn't what Harrowmaster offers. However, Brooks' tight and thoughtful writing allows for a cheeky few twists and turns that help keep the novel and its' premise scintillating, which is exactly that kind of balance a Space Marine-centric novel desperately needs.
While sometimes comprising the weaker portions of the novel, the looks into Kayzen Hart's experience from the Inquisitorial standpoint is often fascinating and just as engaging as the traitorous stars of the novel. His uncensored look into the politicking, inefficiency, and zealous haste that has sept into the Imperium's infrastructure as well as its' most powerful guardians helps reinforce the imperfect nature of even the supposed 'protagonists' of the 40k setting at large, and to reinforce the imperfect reality of Imperial existence that drives many to turn traitor.
I would suggest this book to any 40k fan -- especially those among us with an affinity for the Heretic Astartes. You do not have to be an Alpha Legion devotee to enjoy this novel, especially due to the healthy presence of other factions and the true-to-form representation of the Chaos Space Marine diaspora in the 41st millenium.
October 17, 2024
Renegades: Harrowmaster by Mike Brooks is a thrilling plunge into the cunning, multilayered world of Warhammer 40,000’s Alpha Legion, where no action is without ulterior motives and every betrayal carries the seeds of another. The story opens with the harrowing death of Harrowmaster Drazus Jate in an attack on the Alpha Legion's Serpents Teeth forces, triggering a power vacuum that fuels a sequence of brutal maneuvers and shifting allegiances.
Central to the story is Solomon Akurra, an ambitious Alpha Legionnaire who sees an opportunity amidst the chaos to claim the Harrowmaster’s mantle. His rise is anything but simple, involving deft manipulation, sacrificial gambits, and uneasy alliances. His witch-like accomplice, Tulava Dyne—an ex-Imperial psyker with her own mysterious motives—adds an unpredictable layer, especially as they battle the Silver Templars and are caught between two feuding Inquisitors: the radical Kayzen Hart and the puritanical Nessa Karnis. Their rivalry is intense and visceral, each driven by divergent philosophies on the Imperium’s future, yet ironically bound in their pursuit to dismantle the Alpha Legion's schemes.
Brooks deftly presents the endless layers of deception and tactical subterfuge that make the Alpha Legion so elusive and enigmatic. Solomon’s calculated rise involves manipulating his own forces, like the Guns of Freedom and Penitent Sons, as he plots to use infiltrated agents supposedly loyal to the Imperium, while orchestrating brutal attacks from within. His risky gambit involving the Pale Spear artifact, a relic of Alpharius, illustrates his obsession with consolidating his power even at immense personal risk. This obsession, however, leaves him vulnerable, a reality exploited by Hart’s calculated betrayal and the eventual ascension of Qeele, the twisted Metalphage with a hunger for power over machine gods.
Brooks’ intricate narrative is a web of counterintelligence, shifting alliances, and merciless ambition. Akurra’s relentless pursuit of dominance is thrilling, from his strategic infiltrations to his ruthless confrontations with rivals, even while in constant danger of being outwitted. The prose captures the Alpha Legion's own sardonic attitude toward their concealed goals and echoes the inherently deceptive nature of their existence. And as Hart and Karnis clash politically and personally, Brooks crafts a brutal portrayal of Inquisitorial politics, embodying the broader struggle between ideological purity and radical adaptation within the Imperium.
For those drawn to the dark allure of Warhammer 40,000, Renegades: Harrowmaster is an intense, labyrinthine tale of treachery, power plays, and the unyielding ambition of the Alpha Legion. The novel is steeped in paranoia and secrecy, providing a brilliantly layered story that thrives on the machinations of its ruthless characters and their hidden agendas. Brooks has crafted an excellent work of intrigue that is both a fitting tribute to the Alpha Legion’s mystique and an exhilarating ride for fans of Warhammer 40,000.
Central to the story is Solomon Akurra, an ambitious Alpha Legionnaire who sees an opportunity amidst the chaos to claim the Harrowmaster’s mantle. His rise is anything but simple, involving deft manipulation, sacrificial gambits, and uneasy alliances. His witch-like accomplice, Tulava Dyne—an ex-Imperial psyker with her own mysterious motives—adds an unpredictable layer, especially as they battle the Silver Templars and are caught between two feuding Inquisitors: the radical Kayzen Hart and the puritanical Nessa Karnis. Their rivalry is intense and visceral, each driven by divergent philosophies on the Imperium’s future, yet ironically bound in their pursuit to dismantle the Alpha Legion's schemes.
Brooks deftly presents the endless layers of deception and tactical subterfuge that make the Alpha Legion so elusive and enigmatic. Solomon’s calculated rise involves manipulating his own forces, like the Guns of Freedom and Penitent Sons, as he plots to use infiltrated agents supposedly loyal to the Imperium, while orchestrating brutal attacks from within. His risky gambit involving the Pale Spear artifact, a relic of Alpharius, illustrates his obsession with consolidating his power even at immense personal risk. This obsession, however, leaves him vulnerable, a reality exploited by Hart’s calculated betrayal and the eventual ascension of Qeele, the twisted Metalphage with a hunger for power over machine gods.
Brooks’ intricate narrative is a web of counterintelligence, shifting alliances, and merciless ambition. Akurra’s relentless pursuit of dominance is thrilling, from his strategic infiltrations to his ruthless confrontations with rivals, even while in constant danger of being outwitted. The prose captures the Alpha Legion's own sardonic attitude toward their concealed goals and echoes the inherently deceptive nature of their existence. And as Hart and Karnis clash politically and personally, Brooks crafts a brutal portrayal of Inquisitorial politics, embodying the broader struggle between ideological purity and radical adaptation within the Imperium.
For those drawn to the dark allure of Warhammer 40,000, Renegades: Harrowmaster is an intense, labyrinthine tale of treachery, power plays, and the unyielding ambition of the Alpha Legion. The novel is steeped in paranoia and secrecy, providing a brilliantly layered story that thrives on the machinations of its ruthless characters and their hidden agendas. Brooks has crafted an excellent work of intrigue that is both a fitting tribute to the Alpha Legion’s mystique and an exhilarating ride for fans of Warhammer 40,000.
June 8, 2025
Without going into spoilers, this was a fun read! Mike Brooks's writing does a fantastic job at keeping it interesting and entertaining, plus it manages to satisfyingly stick its landing in the end. You don't have to have wild, insane knowledge about the factions in this book to know what's going on or enjoy it. I wouldn't recommend it as a first read, however, if you wanted to get into 40k, but it's definitely one that you should have on a list to read eventually should you like the 40k universe.
***Some spoilery stuff***
It was fun to see the story from both sides in this, following mainly 2 characters, Inquisitor Hart and an Alpha Legionnaire named Solomon. Most of my favorite bits were at the start of the book with them, when the Alpha Legion is chased off this planet by the new Primaris Marines, the Alpha Legion took some heavy losses and even lost their Harrow Master in the battle. Solomon is lamenting over it back on their ship as they're retreating, but his psyker aide named Tulava assures him that the Imperium would still see this as an Alpha Legion victory. Given how elaborate their plans are, the Imperium would be trying to figure out some grand scheme that surely the Alpha Legion pulled off instead of claiming a victory for themselves. There were some elaborate plans that I'm not sure how to write into a condensed version, but one of the first ones boils down to "My plan was for you to think your plan succeeded by leaking the location of our HQ to you, allowing you to warp in with a full crusade fleet to blow up my ship and catch us by surprise! But in actuality, I knew you were coming all along, so I deliberately had my ship right in front of everyone else's so you would target it first, making it look like we didn't know you were coming at all! I already had a crazy counterattack set up to save us and force you to flee, which allowed me to convince my allies to unite and elect me as their new Harrow Master."
Elaborate plans within bigger elaborate plans where it even keeps the reader sometimes in the dark until the plan is pulled off, but in a good way that doesn't feel jarring or confusing.
One bit near the start of the book that got me to grin, I already mentioned it and I'll condense it a bit here.
****
Halver scowled "Another set back, the Imperium might be encouraged by how easy it was to rout us here." "Look on the bright side" Tulava said, from where she already strapped herself in.
"And what is that?" Solomon demanded, turning to her. He had no regrets about the order he'd given, but that didn't change the fact that the Serpents Teeth were withdrawing without the resources they came to claim.
"Your the mysterious unknowable Alpha Legion" Tul said, and the mockery in her voice was not directed at him, or his Legion. "The odds are good that whatever you did here, the Imperium will be jumping at shadows assuming that it went exactly as you planned, and that they're somehow missing the bigger picture."
Solomon grimaced. "If only that were true"
"I fought for them for twenty years," Tul pointed out. "Trust me. It'll be true enough."
***Some spoilery stuff***
It was fun to see the story from both sides in this, following mainly 2 characters, Inquisitor Hart and an Alpha Legionnaire named Solomon. Most of my favorite bits were at the start of the book with them, when the Alpha Legion is chased off this planet by the new Primaris Marines, the Alpha Legion took some heavy losses and even lost their Harrow Master in the battle. Solomon is lamenting over it back on their ship as they're retreating, but his psyker aide named Tulava assures him that the Imperium would still see this as an Alpha Legion victory. Given how elaborate their plans are, the Imperium would be trying to figure out some grand scheme that surely the Alpha Legion pulled off instead of claiming a victory for themselves. There were some elaborate plans that I'm not sure how to write into a condensed version, but one of the first ones boils down to "My plan was for you to think your plan succeeded by leaking the location of our HQ to you, allowing you to warp in with a full crusade fleet to blow up my ship and catch us by surprise! But in actuality, I knew you were coming all along, so I deliberately had my ship right in front of everyone else's so you would target it first, making it look like we didn't know you were coming at all! I already had a crazy counterattack set up to save us and force you to flee, which allowed me to convince my allies to unite and elect me as their new Harrow Master."
Elaborate plans within bigger elaborate plans where it even keeps the reader sometimes in the dark until the plan is pulled off, but in a good way that doesn't feel jarring or confusing.
One bit near the start of the book that got me to grin, I already mentioned it and I'll condense it a bit here.
****
Halver scowled "Another set back, the Imperium might be encouraged by how easy it was to rout us here." "Look on the bright side" Tulava said, from where she already strapped herself in.
"And what is that?" Solomon demanded, turning to her. He had no regrets about the order he'd given, but that didn't change the fact that the Serpents Teeth were withdrawing without the resources they came to claim.
"Your the mysterious unknowable Alpha Legion" Tul said, and the mockery in her voice was not directed at him, or his Legion. "The odds are good that whatever you did here, the Imperium will be jumping at shadows assuming that it went exactly as you planned, and that they're somehow missing the bigger picture."
Solomon grimaced. "If only that were true"
"I fought for them for twenty years," Tul pointed out. "Trust me. It'll be true enough."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
This was my first 40K novel, having been a fan of the setting for a while. Previously have loved some Warhammer Fantasy and Star Wars novels, so I was expecting similar B grade writing set in a familiar universe; nothing that would be considered literature but a fun and easy read.
I was very disappointed unfortunately. There are great highs in this book, almost all of which occur during down time with Akurra and his followers. The twists and turns that i was expecting either where too predictable or never felt earned. And the action never felt as if it had any real stakes and was overly descriptive; "He grabbed his Mkvii heavy bolter and raised the sights to his ancient relic targeting array..." type stuff.
On top of all this, it had one of the worst introductory chapters i think I have ever read. It constantly swapped POV between characters who were immediately killed after being introduced. Left me reeling for any connection to the setting or the protagonist. Felt like the author wanted to keep you guessing who the protagonist would be, but thats very ineffective when you stay with a character for maybe a page and a half at most...
Wish I liked this more, but ultimately it was a very flawed read. some good stuff in here for Alpha Legion fans, but not a lot else...
I was very disappointed unfortunately. There are great highs in this book, almost all of which occur during down time with Akurra and his followers. The twists and turns that i was expecting either where too predictable or never felt earned. And the action never felt as if it had any real stakes and was overly descriptive; "He grabbed his Mkvii heavy bolter and raised the sights to his ancient relic targeting array..." type stuff.
On top of all this, it had one of the worst introductory chapters i think I have ever read. It constantly swapped POV between characters who were immediately killed after being introduced. Left me reeling for any connection to the setting or the protagonist. Felt like the author wanted to keep you guessing who the protagonist would be, but thats very ineffective when you stay with a character for maybe a page and a half at most...
Wish I liked this more, but ultimately it was a very flawed read. some good stuff in here for Alpha Legion fans, but not a lot else...
August 12, 2023
‘I am not Alpharius.’ He stared around the chamber, letting them hear the words, and understand the weight of them. ‘We, of all the Legions, should be able to reach beyond our progenitor. Whatever plan the primarchs had for us, if ever they did, must be adapted for this new era. It is time for us to forge our own destiny, and become a Legion again in more than just name.’
(…)
‘We have always assigned ranks and responsibilities based on suitability for the task at hand. I have, on occasion, pulled out a warrior’s heart and shown it to them, still beating, as they died. I intend to do the same to the Imperium. I wish to reach into its chest, rip out its rotten core, and watch its systems go into failure from the shock. Perhaps, when everything is done, there may be something worth saving. There might still be some future for humanity, the race that originally birthed us all, but the Imperium, that foetid carcass that spreads its entrails across the stars and bleats glory to its own name, will be dead. ‘And if humanity cannot survive without the Imperium,’ he said, ‘then it does not deserve to survive at all.’
- Solomon Akurra in "Harrowmaster" by Mike Brooks.
(…)
‘We have always assigned ranks and responsibilities based on suitability for the task at hand. I have, on occasion, pulled out a warrior’s heart and shown it to them, still beating, as they died. I intend to do the same to the Imperium. I wish to reach into its chest, rip out its rotten core, and watch its systems go into failure from the shock. Perhaps, when everything is done, there may be something worth saving. There might still be some future for humanity, the race that originally birthed us all, but the Imperium, that foetid carcass that spreads its entrails across the stars and bleats glory to its own name, will be dead. ‘And if humanity cannot survive without the Imperium,’ he said, ‘then it does not deserve to survive at all.’
- Solomon Akurra in "Harrowmaster" by Mike Brooks.
March 11, 2025
Mike Brooks is my favorite Black Library author, in no small part due to his incredible work with the best faction in Warhammer 40k, the Orks. Once I'd finished all his ork novels, I figured I'd check out his other books, too; if anyone could make me like the Drukhari, Dark Angels, and Alpha Legion, wouldn't it be Mike Brooks? And boy was I not disappointed in this one.
I am a baby chaos space marine player, and I love the Emperor's Children, but damn it if the Alpha Legion aren't my number two pick now. This book captures the real horror of realizing the Emperor's angels efficiency, and how terrifying it is to have it directed at you. The Alpha Legion work at a scale here that rivals most chapters of Space Marines, and they are ruthlessly effective. They are so entertaining to read about, and Brooks lends them a wonderfully sardonic, acidic humor befitting of the venomous vipers they are. Just a joy to read, and all the characters are entirely likeable and are so invested in their own games of 4-D Chess. Watching them all play out their plans laid ever so carefully is as rewarding as it is entertaining!
I am a baby chaos space marine player, and I love the Emperor's Children, but damn it if the Alpha Legion aren't my number two pick now. This book captures the real horror of realizing the Emperor's angels efficiency, and how terrifying it is to have it directed at you. The Alpha Legion work at a scale here that rivals most chapters of Space Marines, and they are ruthlessly effective. They are so entertaining to read about, and Brooks lends them a wonderfully sardonic, acidic humor befitting of the venomous vipers they are. Just a joy to read, and all the characters are entirely likeable and are so invested in their own games of 4-D Chess. Watching them all play out their plans laid ever so carefully is as rewarding as it is entertaining!
June 2, 2024
Harrowmaster shows how some of the Alpha Legion marines are dealing with the new and improved Primaris Marines that Imperium have rolled out. The main character Solomon wants to rally and unify the various Alpha Legion warbands; He wants the Alpha Legion to become a significant power again. Harrowmaster showed several different Alpha Legion warbands; all of them had diverse beliefs and tactics. I have had an interest in the mysterious Alpha Legion and this book gave me a better idea of who they are. I thought the story was compelling and the characters were interesting and had depth. Although I should mention I had to look a couple of warhammer 40k terms. Overall I would highly recommend this book for people who are interested in the 40k universe, especially those interested in the Chaos Space Marines.
July 24, 2024
Harrowmaster is a difficult novel for me to "quantify": I liked it. It's everything anyone who loves the Alpha Legion loves it for. But... not much more than that. It does its job, and does it amazingly well. I found myself smiling at every plot twist and thinking "this is how the Alpha Legion does things!" but I don't feel like it establishes as much of a solid storyline that could become an awesome trilogy like that of the Orks did. I mean, I'd happily be proven wrong if a sequel came up at some point. And don't get me wrong, it's a totally enjoyable book, just not as brilliant a book as Alpharius: Head of the Hydra was. Or Warboss. But still definitely a book I'd recommend any Alpha Legion fan to read. And even those fools who aren't Alpha Legion fans (seriously, what's wrong with you?)
February 25, 2025
Mike Brooks gets his hands on 41st millennium Alpha Legion - by far my least favourite of the Heresy legions - and not only makes them enjoyable but actually has me rooting for them.
A fairly weak plot - protagonist does some battles and seeks prominence within his warband - isn't helped by two-dimensional antagonists, but if the substance is a little lacking then Brooks produces a triumph of style. Banging (if silly) space battles, gentle ribbing of the Heresy tropes that made the earlier Alphariuses so infuriating, creative side characters and clever shenanigans propel an action-packed adventure. Too many Black Library books are held back by the need to maintain a status quo. Brooks is clearly highly talented so I'd love to see him let loose in a higher stakes corner of the setting.
A fairly weak plot - protagonist does some battles and seeks prominence within his warband - isn't helped by two-dimensional antagonists, but if the substance is a little lacking then Brooks produces a triumph of style. Banging (if silly) space battles, gentle ribbing of the Heresy tropes that made the earlier Alphariuses so infuriating, creative side characters and clever shenanigans propel an action-packed adventure. Too many Black Library books are held back by the need to maintain a status quo. Brooks is clearly highly talented so I'd love to see him let loose in a higher stakes corner of the setting.
April 28, 2025
Mike Brooks does it again, at this point I feel like it's unfair to write a review, I'm surely developing a bias.
Harrowmaster is a great read, the exploration of the legion is really well done in my opinion, The characterisation of Solomon is great as well, I found myself really enamoured with his story and itching to see what will happen in the next page. I like how this story engages just as much in battles of wits and silver tongues as it does with bolter and chainsword. It also does really well to make Space Marines feel like capable hundreds of years old warriors.
Once I finished this I kit-bashed and painted up some Alpha Legionnaires. I don't collect them, I just wanted some, testament to how good the book is.
Harrowmaster is a great read, the exploration of the legion is really well done in my opinion, The characterisation of Solomon is great as well, I found myself really enamoured with his story and itching to see what will happen in the next page. I like how this story engages just as much in battles of wits and silver tongues as it does with bolter and chainsword. It also does really well to make Space Marines feel like capable hundreds of years old warriors.
Once I finished this I kit-bashed and painted up some Alpha Legionnaires. I don't collect them, I just wanted some, testament to how good the book is.
January 6, 2025
This was such a fun read. I’m new to the world of Warhammer in general, so I did occasionally get tripped up, but in truth Mike Brooks cleverly provides necessary exposition in ways that feel unobtrusive and do not break immersion. His writing is punchy, with great pacing—a feat when writing such an action heavy book. The first chapter sets the tone for the entire read in that Brooks does not give quarter or even option to speculate on what may be happening next. Great characters, fantastic action scenes, intrigue, switch-back plot twists left me engaged, hooked, and absolutely reeled in. I’m looking forward to reading his other works!
February 22, 2025
The only downsides I found with this novel are that the comic relief character seemed incredibly out of place in the tone and the audible VA decreased my enjoyment of the book significantly, but of course I can't blame the author for that. However, other than those two downsides the book is a great source for knowledge of the Alpha Legion. Brooks explores several facets of the Alpha Legion and seamlessly provides a narrative device to allow you to see how different warbands have developed over the ten thousand years since the Heresy. Highly recommend for anyone looking to learn more about the Alpha Legion, and I hope to see more of this protagonist's story.
June 2, 2025
Hydra Dominatus!
follow this tale of subversion,hiding in plain sight, deceipt and betrayal of the only legion to survive what they've wrought unto themselves!
The 41st Millenium hasn't been kind to the Alpha Legion, leaderless, split into many warbands and the treat of the imperium looming ever so large.
Solomon akurra navigates all of the above ,whilst battling primaris space Marines and the INQUISITION!
Mike brooks writes a winding tale, filled from many viewpoints be it soldiers or even a starters,one would wish some stories written in further detail but readers will enjoy rooting for doomed legion(or are they?)
follow this tale of subversion,hiding in plain sight, deceipt and betrayal of the only legion to survive what they've wrought unto themselves!
The 41st Millenium hasn't been kind to the Alpha Legion, leaderless, split into many warbands and the treat of the imperium looming ever so large.
Solomon akurra navigates all of the above ,whilst battling primaris space Marines and the INQUISITION!
Mike brooks writes a winding tale, filled from many viewpoints be it soldiers or even a starters,one would wish some stories written in further detail but readers will enjoy rooting for doomed legion(or are they?)
March 3, 2025
Mike Brooks, the writer that you are! What an amazing book! I blazed through this book, hooked on its intrigue, action, backstabbing and humour. It was an amazing rollercoaster ride, fully true to the “plans within plans within plans” ideology and tricks that makes the Alpha Legion the powerhouse of deceit, cunning victories and confusing jokes we know and love. I was reluctant to put this book down and I hope Mike Brooks writes future entries in the legend of Lord Akkura Solomon and the Alpha Legion (and it’s many facets).
June 21, 2025
The A plot suffers from to many characters with complicated names that I forgot who was who half the time. And that B plot takes up WAAAY to much focus. Its a book about space marines, focus on the space marines!
(This is a book about the Alpha Legion, if you think the next part is a spoiler you need to understand what you are getting into a bit better) I did at least expect a different twist at the end so it did a decent job of keeping me on my toes there. I am at least interested a bit more in getting some more Alpha Legion stuff in the future that I otherwise have been.
(This is a book about the Alpha Legion, if you think the next part is a spoiler you need to understand what you are getting into a bit better) I did at least expect a different twist at the end so it did a decent job of keeping me on my toes there. I am at least interested a bit more in getting some more Alpha Legion stuff in the future that I otherwise have been.
January 13, 2025
La Legión Alfa era un meme para mí. Después de esto ha Sido reivindicada, ganándose, al igual que los amos de la noche mi aprecio. El señor Brooks nos presenta una historia sencilla e interesante, con un giro inesperado y con muchos personajes con los que uno termina empatizando. Humaniza a una legión que hasta el momento, al menos a mí, me parecía un chiste. También nos muestra una Inquisición más oscura de lo que pensaba. Viva la Legión Fantasma 👻
November 11, 2022
ghost legion!
There is a lot of lore in this book I was unaware of and I thank Mike brooks for educating me, the relationships between the characters are best part of this book, we have void battles and primaris versus heretic marines fighting which are told well but it’s the interaction and humour that is the highlight
There is a lot of lore in this book I was unaware of and I thank Mike brooks for educating me, the relationships between the characters are best part of this book, we have void battles and primaris versus heretic marines fighting which are told well but it’s the interaction and humour that is the highlight
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