Book Review // Crossfire by Matthew Farrer (Shira Calpurnia #1)
The last time I read this title was way back in 2018. That’s why I decided to pick it up again and give Crossfire by Matthew Farrer another go. This book explores a different side of Warhammer 40K—one that doesn’t focus on massive battles or superhuman warriors but instead dives into the gritty world of law enforcement and political intrigue. I was eager to see how it held up.
Book Stats
Title: Crossfire
Author: Matthew Farrer
Publisher: Black Library
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 288
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The Premise
The bustling dockyards of the Hydraphur system serve as a key hub for the mighty Imperial warfleets—where ships are repaired, rearmed, and sent back out into endless war. But even within the heart of Imperial space, danger lurks. A major religious festival ignites a storm of civil unrest, political scheming, and murder within the hive cities.
Newly arrived Arbites officer Shira Calpurnia quickly finds herself at the centre of the chaos, becoming the target of multiple assassination attempts. As she battles corruption and betrayal within her ranks, Shira must uncover who is trying to kill her before the unrest escalates into full-blown heresy. Trapped in a deadly game among the ancient and ruthless aristocracy of Hydraphur, can she survive the storm?
My Thoughts
I attempted to read Crossfire a few years ago but never finished it. This time, I was determined to see it through. Unlike many Warhammer 40K novels, this one doesn’t revolve around warfare, aliens, or Space Marines. Instead, it follows the perspective of an Adeptus Arbites officer (think Judge Dredd but in the grim darkness of the far future). The story is structured like a detective novel, where each new chapter unveils fresh clues leading toward the final revelation.
Matthew Farrer does an excellent job crafting a strong female protagonist in Shira Calpurnia. The opening chapters are particularly immersive, especially with his rich descriptions of the chapels and shrines of the Adeptus. However, as the story progresses, the pacing begins to falter. What starts as an engaging mystery soon feels bogged down by excessive scene shifts and an increasingly convoluted plot. While I appreciated the worldbuilding, I can now see why I struggled to finish it on my first attempt.
That said, I’m glad I pushed through to the end. While it’s not my favourite Warhammer 40K novel, it was refreshing to experience a different kind of story within this universe.
Final Verdict
Crossfire is a solid read, though its slow pace may deter some readers. If you’re looking for a detective-style 40K novel with strong worldbuilding and a capable female lead, this one is worth checking out. However, this may not be the best fit if you prefer action-packed war stories.
Pros:
Vivid and immersive descriptions of Hydraphur’s environment
A strong and well-developed female protagonist
Cons:
The pacing slows significantly in the second half
Heavy reliance on culture shock as a narrative device
While it didn’t fully meet my expectations, I’m still open to reading the other books in the series. Have you read Crossfire or any of the Shira Calpurnia novels? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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