Book Review // The Outcast Dead by Graham McNeill

Back into the darkness of the Warhammer 30k series - Horus Heresy. I've managed to keep pace with the series, with the ultimate goal of being finished with the series by the end of 2024. But damn, does it feel great to be re-reading these again.

Book Details

Title: The Outcast Dead

Author: Graham McNeill

Pages: 416 pages

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Publisher: Black Library

Fluff:

The galaxy is burning. The Emperor’s loyal primarchs prepare to do battle with Warmaster Horus and his turncoat Legions on the black sand of Isstvan. Such dark times herald new and yet more terrible things still to come, and when Astropath Kai Zulane unwittingly learns a secret that threatens to tip the balance of the war, he is forced to flee for his life. Alongside a mysterious band of renegades, he plunges into the deadly underworld of Terra itself, hunted like a criminal by those he once trusted. In the face of betrayal, Kai must decide where his own loyalties lie and whether some truths should be buried forever.

Review

Damn, this was a book and a half. I had forgotten how good it was, and how interesting the characters are. First up let me say I enjoyed the slow build-up to the action. It helped build up suspense and love for the characters involved. Without a spoiler every two seconds I will only say that the space marine cast was some of the best so far, it is just a shame that they didn't get more backstory! We had a Thousand Son, a Deathguard, a Luna Wolf, an Emperor's Childen and three World Eaters Space Marines, possibly guarding the most essential individual in the 30k verse.

The story gains momentum about halfway through and builds up to a heart-thumping battle as the villain of the piece (possibly a Thunder-Warrior - how cool!) finally gets to grips with the group. We also get Custodians and what I would describe as a space marine hunter chasing the group down (maybe the beginnings of Ordo Hereticus?). Overall, the second half was a lot stronger than the first. In my opinion, there are some problems with the title. I felt page space was wasted, especially as too many story plots were left wide open and not dealt with in the story. I like good teasing, but some could have been left out.

Overall a very enjoyable tale. Now on to the Raven Guard and Deliverance lost.