Book Review: Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter
When I started this blog, I planned one filled with Judge Dredd, painting guides and Warhammer. No way did I expect the blog aspect to become primary books and comics. I will have to fix this soon. Until then, let’s get into today's review.
Book Details
Title: Galaxy in Flames
Author: Ben Counter
Publisher: Black Library
Type: Paperback
Page Count: 416
Commercial Fluff: Having recovered from his grievous injuries, Warmaster Horus leads the triumphant Imperial forces against the rebel world of Isstvan III. Though the rebels are swiftly crushed, Horus's treachery is finally revealed when virus bombs and Space Marines raze the planet and turn on their battle brothers in the most bitter struggle imaginable.
Review
Having read this novel when it first came out, I am sad to start it again, as I know where it will lead. I will feel the same heartbreak for the characters once more. I enjoyed this book back then because I had an idea of where it may lead, but now I know for sure, and I feel I am picking at an old wound that has not fully healed.
The novel itself is split into three parts. So, if it is good enough for the book, it is good enough for the review.
Part One: Long Knives
This sounds deadly, as the term Long Knives brings up images of Night of the Long Knives. It was a night in real life when a rising dictator cleared his rank of those who could stand against them. The beginning half of this chapter brings us to speed, Horus has fallen to treachery and with the help of Erebus is now forming pacts with daemons. We also discover that a few of Horus' brothers have already sided with him - chief amongst these being Fulgrim of the Emperor's children.
Elsewhere on the ship, Euphrati Keeler is still unconscious after her run-in with daemons in the library and, with the aid of Kyril Sindermann, is on the run from the Legions. While prone, Keeler is entirely unaware of the cult that is forming around her. And the ultimate effect she is having on those around her and the future of the Imperium.
This section finishes with a battle on Isstvan Extremis where forces (possibly not loyal to the Warmaster) are deployed against a Warsinger and protecting troops. In this battle, we get reintroduced to characters that have only played a bit of a role or have been mentioned in passing. Characters like Saul Tarvitz from the Planet Murder story and Garro of the Deathguard. It is also revealed that something isn't quite right within the ranks of the Emperor's Children. Leading us nicely into:
Part Two: The Choral City
Following the failed attempt to sway Tarvitz, the Captain of the Emperor's Children finally sees the light and notices something is amiss. Then, as the war for Isstvan III begins, Tarvitz's fears are realized. This is a purge of the ranks, and the Primarchs have gone rogue. Fleeing from his flagship, Tarvitz steals a Thunderhawk and attempts to escape to the planet in hopes of warning the others. During this attempt, Tarvitz is aided by a long-time friend, Garro, who destroys the pursuing crafts chasing the Thunderhawk.
Elsewhere in the fleet, the traitorous moves are being played out, and on the Vengeful Spirit, the remembrancers are gathered together and purged from the fleet in bloody gunfire from the Sons of Horus. Euphrati Keeler and Kyril Sindermann only survive this purge by being aided by the Sons of Horus Captain 'The Half Heard.” With his assistance, they escape the Vengeful Spirit and find refuge with Garro. During this section of the book, the betrayal is set in motion, and the virus bombs "Life Eaters" are launched on the unaware troops on the planet below.
Part Three: Brothers
Thanks to Tarvitz's warning, a large amount of the Isstvan group forces survive the bombing, enraging the World Eaters Primarch, who leads an assault against his former brothers in arms. Horus is forced to commit troops to the planet with the war going awry, and a drawn-out battle begins. During this time, Tarvitz rises to take command and leads the defence of the betrayed troops. Unfortunately, the betrayals keep coming, and Tarvitz's friend Lucius double-crosses the defenders and weakens their defences. The book ultimately finishes with some epic showdowns.
Up first, Tarvitz versus Lucius, though completely outclassed by Lucius. Tarvitz uses a move learnt from Loken in an earlier book to gain the upper hand, forcing Lucius to flee into the swirling melee to escape. Then we get the title fight - Loken and Torgaddon versus Abaddon and Aximand. Set in the dramatic parliament building, the fighting breaks into two groups. It soon becomes apparent that the traitors are better fighters, and Aximand claims first blood killing Torgaddon. Fearing the end is near, Loken attempts to sell his life nearly, but as all seems lost, a giant titan foot crushes the chamber, forcing Abaddon and a regretful Aximand to flee. The final scene is a trapped Loken watching the bombs fall once more as the traitors firebomb the city from orbit.
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Ouch, this book broke my soul. I find myself hoping that Loken somehow lives (a space marine can survive bombs dropping on them, right!?). I even found myself hoping Lucius wouldn't betray Tarvitz, even though I know how the stories go. And I guess that is the sign of a good tale; even with prior knowledge of how it plays out, I was still 100% sucked into the story.
As I finish writing this, I am close to completing Flight of the Eisenstein, so it would seem we are on the Horus Heresy train for a while. Until my next post, stay safe.
