Marines that actually wear their helmets.
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Finally a Space Marine book that moves away from the pseudo-Gothic caricature that has been so prevalent for the past decade or so in Warhammer 40K literature.
Instead here are marines that understand their high technology equipment, think for themselves, and even cover up the most vulnerable pasts of their bodies (i.e. they actually wear their helmets - imagine that!).
It is both a refreshing read, harking back to the very earliest Warhammer 40K books of the early 90's in flavour, and is a very well structured book allowing for plenty of action and variety without a silly twisting and overly convoluted plot.
In all honesty one of the best Space Marine books to date.
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More from The Iron Snakes please Mr Abnett and Black Library!
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I remember just being amazed by the old PC game Space Hulk years back. Ever since then I've loved Warhammer 40000. Then I started reading the books... which I think on the whole are brilliant with the exception of the "Dawn of War" trilogy which is quite poor in my humble opinion. How the first novel ever went to print is beyond me. Still I never forgave the programmers for giving the Orks "Mockney" accents in the game the book tied into. So, I put down the Omnibus edition of "Dawn of War" feeling rather disappointed ( sorry C S Goto ) and picked up "Brothers of The Snake" I treated myself to the hardback edition.
Basically it follows the exploits of Priad a Space Marine who's steadfast and loyal but with a poor grasp of humour. Priad has a goodness which comes across. You really connect with him. Dan Abnett really gets across how marines are more than human yet still human in some ways. This novel actually got to me at the end and I felt for the characters. Check out the excellent use of the female character and the dog who marks the passage of time... the dog also enforces the loyal, steadfast aspect. There is a real sense of the passage of time in this book. Can't say no more it'll spoil it! This novel works on many levels. Oh yeah, you'll love the laidback Librarian who fights and jokes with equal passion. I thought it would just be some short stories but it's actually a proper novel that comes full circle... oh man! Well done Dan. If ever the Space Marines make it to a full blown Sci-fi movie then this would surely be the book to use. I now have a third character that I really like from the Warhammer 40000 universe. the other two being Uriel Ventris and Ragnar Blackmane. I'm going to go back to the Gaunt's Ghosts series. It didn't really click with me initially although that's probably more to do with the fact that I like the Space marines to be the main characters.
Other must read Warhammer 40000:
Ultramarines series.
Space Wolf Series.
Angels of Darkness.
All the Horus Heresy titles!
Storm of Iron ( superb! )
Dark Apostle.
The Blood Angels series.
Soul drinkers series ( very good! )
The Grey Knights series isn't bad... bit of a slow burner.
Warrior Coven's ok but I just don't think Goto's up there with the other writers... sorry.
To the Black Library and Dan Abnett... please write more Iron Snake novels. This is what we all want. Priad is a great character!
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The best loyal marine book I have read
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In many ways this book from the author of the Gaunt's Ghosts series of books is more of a series of short stories than a traditional novel as each section of the book, despite involving the same characters, is generally self contained and could easily be read individually. The book tells the tale of Brother Priad of the Iron Snakes Space Marines as he embarks on missions for the Chapter and rises through the ranks. Each of the seven sections of the book details one of the missions he is involved in and although separate there are things that tie all seven together.
Dan Abnett is a talented writer and although I am not personally a fan of the Gaunt's Ghosts books I do like both the Ravenor and Eisenhorn trilogies. I feel he has outdone himself with `Brother of the Snake', able to do something that any others have tried but few have succeeded in, humanising the Space Marines. Abnett brings all his characters to life and his action scenes are all very well written and easy to follow. This book is the best loyalist Marine book I have read and I would also include it in my top five favourite Warhammer 40,000 novels. This book is a very well written and enjoyable novel and I hope we will se the characters from this book again in the future.
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Back to form
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A new chapter erupts onto the stage as Dan reclaims his throne as the Black Libraries best loved and most prolific author. With a cracking lead protagonist and a wonderful sense of wonder as we carry on with the characters tour of action around the Imperium with efforts to preserve the Emeperor's Peace. Fast paced, high Promethium fueled action and numerous characters to get your hooks into make this a return to form for Dan. Cracking read and something I will be recommending to other 40k Fans. I suspect the chapter to be appearing on a battlefield near you soon.
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excellent ! ! !
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typical Abnett, great combat, strong plot, (and following the Gaunt series it had to be! ) if your in to sci-fi/combat books this is the top of the pile, buy it !
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