Book Review // Desert Raiders by Lucien Soulban
It's time for a 40k book review about an Imperial Guard Regiment of Desert Raiders taking on the vile Tyranids.
Book Details
Title: Desert Raiders
Author: Lucien Soulban
Publisher: Black Library
Type: Paperback
Page Count: 245
Fluff: When an Imperial listening station receives an enigmatic call for help from a far-flung planet, a regiment of Tallarn Desert Raiders is sent to investigate. Pretty soon, the Imperial Guard find themselves locked in a desperate running battle with wave upon wave of Tyranids. Is there any way they can ever triumph against such numberless alien hordes?
My Review
This was my first time reading a Tallarn-themed book. Going in, all I could imagine was the classic 2nd edition Imperial Guard models with the over-the-top nod to the Middle East and Lawrence of Arabia, so I had to try not to view it that way and be open-minded to the author’s vision. But it would seem that was the theme of the army the author leaned into. Soulban lent heavily on Arabic culture and gave us a believable Imperial Guard regiment using this source material.
Soulban shows that not all regiments are like the Cadians. This newly formed regiment comprises two older regiments mashed together, and with that comes infighting and an inability to work together. Can this new regiment get past their petty rivalry, or will their shared foe destroy them? This is the theme of the first half of the book. Which is fun and gives us an insight into everyday Imperial Guard life; it shows us what happens when the guards are left to get on with it. The only downside to this half of the book was the huge cast list, many names, ranks, and details to remember. Whilst the second half is action, action, action with Tyranids and death on every page (bye cast I just managed to get straighten out in my mind). I had moments of pure shock (the poor Sentinel Crews) and heartbreak (the brave 50-man holding force) and was left hooked to the last page, hoping beyond hope that the Tallarn would overcome the threat.
SPOILERS SPOILERS
First up the Colonel, so stubborn and arrogant, the other officer had a better plan but due to being from a rival tribe he ignores it, this is crazy in my mind. No matter how much you hate someone, do you risk your men's lives to prove a point? Then, the Colonel commits suicide towards the end due to shame. Emperor be damned! This man is a waste of genetic material. How did he become the leader of the regiment? Thirdly, the commissar. He is another waste of space, starts the book with heat stroke, fails to rally the regiment together and slaughters about twenty men to bring about a grudging peace between the tribes. I wish the commissar had taken control sooner or at least got himself dragged instead! Up fourth the paradise caves, for me these were a missed opportunity. This is where the Tyranids should have come from! Creepy caves full of life in a desert world....come on, this screams perfect plot location!? The fifth and final issue was the distress signal. The beginning and the end? Ultimately, it was from the psyker who received it. Meaning she received a message from herself in the future but wouldn't realize it until time caught up. I get that time flows differently in the warp, but it is a twist that was not wanted or needed for this tale.
Final Thoughts
It was a solid read that I enjoyed. I felt it had excellent pace and action. It could have used a smaller cast to play off, but ultimately, it was a good read.
