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Soul Drinkers #5
Hellforged
The Space Marines are humanity's champions, their loyalty to the Emperor beyond question. When a Chapter falls from grace, the Imperium will stop at nothing to hunt them down and exterminate them. The disgraced Souldrinkers Chapter attempts to elude their pursuers in a desolate area of space, but Sarpedon and his battle-brothers soon find themselves fighting for their lives against a deadly new enemy – the necrons!
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2009
4 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Ben Counter
158 books211 followersBen Counter, as well as making several contributions to Inferno magazine, has written the Soul Drinkers and Grey Knights series and two Horus Heresy novels for the Black Library. He is an ancient history graduate and avid miniature painter with a bronze demon under his belt.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 23, 2023
This is the 5th book in a series, and it felt like it. I didn't really know what was going on or who the characters were, but it wasn't a huge problem. The Soul Drinkers space marine chapter has gone rogue due to perceived problems with the running of the Imperium. However, they are still loyal to the Emperor. Their commander and a few of the other characters have mutations but they are not Chaos worshipers, so I'm not sure what's going on there.
The marines are based on a space hulk and enter an unexplored region of space in an effort to be left alone. They are pursued by an Adeptus Mechanicus fleet. The book's blurb gives a clue what happens next.
The book is a fairly typical space marine story in some ways, and not bad in that regard. However, I didn't really feel like I cared what happened to the marines, and their enemy was just bland. It's probably more enjoyable if you read this as part of a series, but it sounds like this isn't the best element of that series either.
The marines are based on a space hulk and enter an unexplored region of space in an effort to be left alone. They are pursued by an Adeptus Mechanicus fleet. The book's blurb gives a clue what happens next.
The book is a fairly typical space marine story in some ways, and not bad in that regard. However, I didn't really feel like I cared what happened to the marines, and their enemy was just bland. It's probably more enjoyable if you read this as part of a series, but it sounds like this isn't the best element of that series either.
March 1, 2025
Получше предыдущих частей. Не то, чтобы Каунтер открыл в себе талант, просто сократил количество сюжетных веток и этого оказалось достаточным для написания читабельной истории. Эксплораторский флот Механикус настиг Испивающих на краю неисследованной туманности, куда и устремляются в погоню. Там гнездилась небольшая не-имперская цивилизация из, примерно, десятка систем. В прошедшем времени, поскольку буквально до прибытия Испивающих по всей туманности пробудились некроны и методически выпилили все живых. Некроны несколько полоумные, поскольку их лорд, похоже (Каунтер не вдаётся в лор), схватил вирус-разрушитель и просто горит желанием убить всех живых. Выхватив от некронов, механикус, Душепивцы и остатки местных людишек решают объединиться и выпилить некрон-лорда пока он окончательно не пробудился. В конце прилетели Имперские Кулаки и всех повязали для доставки в Участок.
Кажется, самые интересные части книги - цитаты из Дениятоса, духовного лидера Душепивцев, который может смело встать рядом с такими графоманами, как Жиллиман и Лоргар.
Кажется, самые интересные части книги - цитаты из Дениятоса, духовного лидера Душепивцев, который может смело встать рядом с такими графоманами, как Жиллиман и Лоргар.
March 27, 2024
i'm 50/50 on weather I should rate this a 3 or a 4 out of 5. to be really honest this book feels really weird and different from chapter war and the necrons just seem like a filler content between the chapter war and Lysander killing sarpedon. i want to say the pacing is off but I can't tell if that is it or not. it also feels weird that it's never explained why Scamander stayed with the chapter. also its bulls*** that the countess in the last book lives and dyrmida dies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2017
Probably would have been better if I read the 4 books that came before this, but it isn't bad by itself. You're not as attached to the characters I would bet but it was still tense. The Necrons are just as scarily messed up as you would expect. I liked the characters quite a bit so I'm planning to go back and read the other books in their series.
August 12, 2022
A novel which clearly only exists to set up the next book in the series, rather than because it has a distinct story of its own to tell. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/201...
June 23, 2013
Still reeling from their losses from the events on Vanqualis, the Soul Drinkers find themselves severely diminished in number and lacking in resources. Things are only made worse when they discover an Adeptus Mechanicus fleet determined to bring the chapter to “justice” who severely damage the Brokenback and a force lurking in the unknown worlds of the galaxy’s rim: The Necrons.
On the surface Chapter War and Hellforged seem like very similar books. You have a world under threat from an enemy, the Soul Drinkers attempting to rescue its people from oblivion while the Imperium attempts to fight the Soul Drinkers. Efforts initially go well but are undercut by later revelations which turn the tables against them, forcing later alliances against mutual enemies. What separates them is ultimately two things: Focus and delivery.
Chapter War was supposed to be about the conflict within the chapter itself, yet tried to juggle one too many elements. Resulting in a plot which had too many sides, too many characters and too much endless combat. Lacking the breaks between fights, single true enemy or the focus needed to give the novel a more coherent plot. Hellforged thankfully corrects this and is a more superior novel as a result. Rather than being a three sided melee, the Mechanicus, Soul Drinkers and Necrons fight one another on separate occasions. Each encounter separated out or outlined well enough beforehand to easily keep track of events, often using more memorable quiet moments to enhance the atmosphere.
As with The Bleeding Chalice there is very much a feeling of dread and nihilism within the book, emphasising upon the chapter’s diminished state. While It’s never so much to overwhelm the book or reach Evangelion levels of tediousness, it works well in combination with the book’s place within the series and the alien foe they face. It was clear that the Soul Drinkers were not going to meet a happy end and with their recent losses it was obvious said end was coming soon. Between Iktinos’ plotting and their continued losses, whatever finale was planned for the series was going to be grim and bloody.
The Necrons themselves represented what the Soul Drinkers faced in some respects – inevitability. Unlike their current versions, these were actual Necrons. Rather than cyber-toffs prancing into battle while quoting Ming the Merciless and using the C’Tan as Pokemon, they were the silent legion of old gods. They couldn’t be reasoned with, distracted or feinted and at best their force could only be temporarily slowed via the death of their leaders. Outside of the Word Bearers series the novel shows how chillingly horrifying a force they could be; not requiring long speeches of death or characteristics lifted from the Tomb Kings to feel compelling. When they strike they strike in force and even the absolute most staunch defence will only temporarily turn back the tide, often with heavy casualties as a result.
This level of doom and gloom is only emphasised further by the characters. Sarpedon’s self doubt is evident after the initial engagements against the Mechanicus and Luko’s state can only be described as fatigued. Both have been worn down by the continual fighting and more than anything else some are simply desiring to see an end to their conflict. Contrasting with this is the populace of the worlds the Necrons are invading, staunch and determined humans who can best be described as a 40K Slayer cult. Many war aspects of their society revolve around finding a worthy death in battle, sacrificing themselves against the Necrons to continually buy more time.
While this is very basic and borderline cliché, the way it is used is surprisingly fitting for the story. It’s easy to see the culture’s actions performed by space marines and criticises the ultimate flaws in such a mentality. The tactical issues and problems which can arise from warriors determined to fight to the bitter end; and how complete annihilation can undermine such resolve. The Mechanicus mirror the human populace in some respects, but it is more out of cold logic than warrior spirit. Many elements from their military forces and fleet being willing sacrificed against the Necrons to try and ensure ultimate survival.
If there is one major flaw to be found within the novel it’s the conclusion. While setting the stage for Phalanx and feeling like an end to events befitting the novel’s themes, how exactly it took place is questionable at best. The way it is set up suggests that a specific military force hurtled across the galaxy in days If not hours at extremely little notice. It might seem like a nitpick but it comes so far out of left field and without prior hints that it can easily throw a reader off at the last second. This lack of explanation is not helped by the book ending on a cliffhanger, leaving what happens next unclear.
Still, it’s an otherwise minor problem for an otherwise fairly solid book ignoring some very minor canon discrepancies and definitely one of the best of the series.
On the surface Chapter War and Hellforged seem like very similar books. You have a world under threat from an enemy, the Soul Drinkers attempting to rescue its people from oblivion while the Imperium attempts to fight the Soul Drinkers. Efforts initially go well but are undercut by later revelations which turn the tables against them, forcing later alliances against mutual enemies. What separates them is ultimately two things: Focus and delivery.
Chapter War was supposed to be about the conflict within the chapter itself, yet tried to juggle one too many elements. Resulting in a plot which had too many sides, too many characters and too much endless combat. Lacking the breaks between fights, single true enemy or the focus needed to give the novel a more coherent plot. Hellforged thankfully corrects this and is a more superior novel as a result. Rather than being a three sided melee, the Mechanicus, Soul Drinkers and Necrons fight one another on separate occasions. Each encounter separated out or outlined well enough beforehand to easily keep track of events, often using more memorable quiet moments to enhance the atmosphere.
As with The Bleeding Chalice there is very much a feeling of dread and nihilism within the book, emphasising upon the chapter’s diminished state. While It’s never so much to overwhelm the book or reach Evangelion levels of tediousness, it works well in combination with the book’s place within the series and the alien foe they face. It was clear that the Soul Drinkers were not going to meet a happy end and with their recent losses it was obvious said end was coming soon. Between Iktinos’ plotting and their continued losses, whatever finale was planned for the series was going to be grim and bloody.
The Necrons themselves represented what the Soul Drinkers faced in some respects – inevitability. Unlike their current versions, these were actual Necrons. Rather than cyber-toffs prancing into battle while quoting Ming the Merciless and using the C’Tan as Pokemon, they were the silent legion of old gods. They couldn’t be reasoned with, distracted or feinted and at best their force could only be temporarily slowed via the death of their leaders. Outside of the Word Bearers series the novel shows how chillingly horrifying a force they could be; not requiring long speeches of death or characteristics lifted from the Tomb Kings to feel compelling. When they strike they strike in force and even the absolute most staunch defence will only temporarily turn back the tide, often with heavy casualties as a result.
This level of doom and gloom is only emphasised further by the characters. Sarpedon’s self doubt is evident after the initial engagements against the Mechanicus and Luko’s state can only be described as fatigued. Both have been worn down by the continual fighting and more than anything else some are simply desiring to see an end to their conflict. Contrasting with this is the populace of the worlds the Necrons are invading, staunch and determined humans who can best be described as a 40K Slayer cult. Many war aspects of their society revolve around finding a worthy death in battle, sacrificing themselves against the Necrons to continually buy more time.
While this is very basic and borderline cliché, the way it is used is surprisingly fitting for the story. It’s easy to see the culture’s actions performed by space marines and criticises the ultimate flaws in such a mentality. The tactical issues and problems which can arise from warriors determined to fight to the bitter end; and how complete annihilation can undermine such resolve. The Mechanicus mirror the human populace in some respects, but it is more out of cold logic than warrior spirit. Many elements from their military forces and fleet being willing sacrificed against the Necrons to try and ensure ultimate survival.
If there is one major flaw to be found within the novel it’s the conclusion. While setting the stage for Phalanx and feeling like an end to events befitting the novel’s themes, how exactly it took place is questionable at best. The way it is set up suggests that a specific military force hurtled across the galaxy in days If not hours at extremely little notice. It might seem like a nitpick but it comes so far out of left field and without prior hints that it can easily throw a reader off at the last second. This lack of explanation is not helped by the book ending on a cliffhanger, leaving what happens next unclear.
Still, it’s an otherwise minor problem for an otherwise fairly solid book ignoring some very minor canon discrepancies and definitely one of the best of the series.
June 14, 2023
A fun read.
March 4, 2014
A largely unnecessary entry into the series, in my rather fanboyish opinion. I spent most of the novel wanting to get to a solid conclusion for the Soul Drinkers. I did enjoy the confused gleaning of information about this novel's big-bad, If I'd not known about Phalanx existing I might have thought this was the end, however Counter doesn't set-up the events to be series-ending, so there is that.
Overall it was a fun read, if a little off-putting after the end of Chapter War. Lygris was definitely the star here. It was somewhat touching to see Sarpedon, this enormous tank mutant of a man, become sentimental over his synthetically flesh-faced comrade in arms. Damn Lygris, you lovable bastard! The section concerning
One thing of note is that the chapter-opening Daenyathos quotations seemed more apt than ever for the series. Malazan, Book of the Fallen is my favorite fantasy series of all-time and anything that does chapter-opening poems/quotations/foreboding text nearly as well as Erikson deserves some credit. Not nearly as mind-boggling or confusing, of course (Daenyathos seems a bit straight-forward for a warrior philosopher, as a philosophy guy myself) but the excerpts did a nice job of setting the tone. I'm looking forward to the novella and closing novel.
Overall it was a fun read, if a little off-putting after the end of Chapter War. Lygris was definitely the star here. It was somewhat touching to see Sarpedon, this enormous tank mutant of a man, become sentimental over his synthetically flesh-faced comrade in arms. Damn Lygris, you lovable bastard! The section concerning
One thing of note is that the chapter-opening Daenyathos quotations seemed more apt than ever for the series. Malazan, Book of the Fallen is my favorite fantasy series of all-time and anything that does chapter-opening poems/quotations/foreboding text nearly as well as Erikson deserves some credit. Not nearly as mind-boggling or confusing, of course (Daenyathos seems a bit straight-forward for a warrior philosopher, as a philosophy guy myself) but the excerpts did a nice job of setting the tone. I'm looking forward to the novella and closing novel.
August 4, 2011
Meh.
I have never really enjoyed this author's depiction of Space Marines. In fact, the much maligned Battle for the Abyss was probably my favorite of his works.
That being said, I greatly enjoyed the Chapter of Marines that he dubbed the Soul Drinkers. Although, they have only done that trick once. They were an interesting enough Chapter, and their story and plight for survival a compelling one.
However, this story does not satisfy. I have read better defense of cities with hopeless odds from better authors. I don't really care at all about the Necrons, they are boring to me, and I am most put off by the space marines themselves.
Counter's characterization of Marines here is really getting on my nerves. I am surprised how right he got it in Battle and how wrong he gets it in these novels.
As a story, this 4th book in the series DOES NOT pick up from the cliff hanger of book 3, and in fact creates yet another giant cliff hanger for book 5, whenever that is coming.
I hope the next book finishes the story of the Chapter because I am ready to be done with them.
I have never really enjoyed this author's depiction of Space Marines. In fact, the much maligned Battle for the Abyss was probably my favorite of his works.
That being said, I greatly enjoyed the Chapter of Marines that he dubbed the Soul Drinkers. Although, they have only done that trick once. They were an interesting enough Chapter, and their story and plight for survival a compelling one.
However, this story does not satisfy. I have read better defense of cities with hopeless odds from better authors. I don't really care at all about the Necrons, they are boring to me, and I am most put off by the space marines themselves.
Counter's characterization of Marines here is really getting on my nerves. I am surprised how right he got it in Battle and how wrong he gets it in these novels.
As a story, this 4th book in the series DOES NOT pick up from the cliff hanger of book 3, and in fact creates yet another giant cliff hanger for book 5, whenever that is coming.
I hope the next book finishes the story of the Chapter because I am ready to be done with them.
January 24, 2013
The Soul Drinkers Space Marines are down and almost out.
After their 2nd chapter war (in the 4th book, helpfully titled Chapter War), they retreated to uncharted territories to lick their wounds. Unfortunately, an Adeptus Mechanicus fleet is hot on their trail, eager to avenge their losses and maybe even recover the Soul Spear. Even better, the Soul Drinkers' search for supplies leads them to worlds bursting at the seams with Necrons.
It's entirely possible that author Ben Counter was making things up left and right, but the more likely explanation is that I was unaware of what Necrons are capable of. He captured the eerie quiet of their soullessness perfectly, and I consider myself schooled.
Never in my adult (ha!) life did I dream I would read about a Space Marine who had grown tired of war. How is such a thing even possible? Yet, here the Soul Drinkers are with no choices except fight or die. And if there's one thing they're good at, it's fighting.
After their 2nd chapter war (in the 4th book, helpfully titled Chapter War), they retreated to uncharted territories to lick their wounds. Unfortunately, an Adeptus Mechanicus fleet is hot on their trail, eager to avenge their losses and maybe even recover the Soul Spear. Even better, the Soul Drinkers' search for supplies leads them to worlds bursting at the seams with Necrons.
It's entirely possible that author Ben Counter was making things up left and right, but the more likely explanation is that I was unaware of what Necrons are capable of. He captured the eerie quiet of their soullessness perfectly, and I consider myself schooled.
Never in my adult (ha!) life did I dream I would read about a Space Marine who had grown tired of war. How is such a thing even possible? Yet, here the Soul Drinkers are with no choices except fight or die. And if there's one thing they're good at, it's fighting.
June 23, 2011
I had recently gotten into playing the Warhammer 40K tabletop game and stumbled upon a section in my local Borders that had several 40K books. I looked for one that had Necrons in it since that was the army I was playing and this was the only book I could find. It turns out that this is the 5th book in the "Souldrinkers" series so I was a bit lost at first as to who the characters were, but soon I was invested in the story and what a great story it is. The necrons are really brought to life in the book and they are frightening to say the least. I really let me enjoy playing the game more because I had a better understanding of the type of destruction the necrons were capable of.
This is definitely worth reading if you play 40K
This is definitely worth reading if you play 40K
March 20, 2016
At first, I was a little worried about where Mr. Counter was going to take this novel. I still have no idea what a certain someone is planning, and I figure I will find out in the last book, or in the novella that goes in between books 5 and 6(Daenyathos).
The best part of this novel for me, was the Necrons. They were written exactly like they should have been. Cold, calculated, and as soulless as a machine created by malevolent gods should be.
The ending battles against the Necrons were particularly amazing, and I am dying to know what happens next, now that the buys in yellow have shown up.
The best part of this novel for me, was the Necrons. They were written exactly like they should have been. Cold, calculated, and as soulless as a machine created by malevolent gods should be.
The ending battles against the Necrons were particularly amazing, and I am dying to know what happens next, now that the buys in yellow have shown up.
March 24, 2016
Already a fan of the Soul Drinker series, this was one of my favorites - they encounter a new, frightening and perplexing foe deep within the isolated Veiled Region, and a get surprise visit from their past - it kept me interested and entertained throughout. Looking forward to book 6!
July 2, 2011
The best Ben Counter book by far. Characters, battles on an epic level, gut wrenching moments and a doozy of a cliffhanger. This book was finally about the Soul Drinkers themselves.
August 8, 2011
Hey, Necrons ain't this amazing in the game! Though I am confused with the fluff's portrayal of some intermediary between the Necron Lords and the C'tan...
January 19, 2012
the whole, rogue chapter is a fun premise.
March 11, 2012
A good read, up until the end.... Left a lot to be desired. VERY anti-climactic.
It almost seems like Ben Counter didn't know where to go with the story.
It almost seems like Ben Counter didn't know where to go with the story.
June 2, 2012
So far one of my favourite series of all time.
June 13, 2013
Is this going somewhere?
December 28, 2012
One my favourite stories so far! The necrons are so creepy!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews