The Emperor's Gift - Spoiler Free Review

[Rob P]

This is an excellent entry in the Black Library.

It's also an excellent entry point into Warhammer 40k fiction.

The author places a note at the beginning of the book that sets out how he had to re-write the entire story due to the release of the new Grey Knights codex mid production. I've not read the codex but I really like what's been done with the Grey Knights here.

So let's start with characters. The Grey Knights have a bit of reputation as the no messing incorruptible hidden daemon fighting army of the Imperium. I was worried that this might mean that characters were dulled in order to meet this reputation. Thankfully this was not the case. The protagonist. Hyperion, was fleshed out in such a way that he was relatable rather than cold and unfeeling. Similarly, his supporting Grey Knights (though obviously less prominent) felt like they were individuals with almost normal concerns.

Any potential issues with the Grey Knights was also headed off with an inquisitor (of Fenrisian origin no less) with a retinue of diverse characters.

As the story progresses we also meet the Space Wolves, who add a level of humor to the story. We also see other side characters who make life difficult for hte protagonist.

Basically, the characters are done well.

Moving on to plot, the story is split into four key parts. The first introduces the key characters, the second sets up the catalyst for the story, we then have a false climax and a pretty awesome climax. I really liked the flow of the story, the false climax didn't feel like it would be enough for me to think it was a great story, but it could have been the real climax of another book by another author on another day. The author did an excellent job here.

The pacing is equally good. In fact, I read the last 1/3 in almost one sitting. It ticked along so well.

I liked the vignette that was thrown in too. The author did the same in MOM to excellent effect and it was the same here.

One of the things I really liked about this story, and something that is often a let down in other tie-in fiction, was the stakes were so high, and where the story took us to the precipice. In classic grim dark style it pulled us back from the precipice and then said 'you're getting pushed off that in the future'. I loved how high the stakes were. It would be interesting to know how well this integrates with later tie-in fiction by other authors.

Almost as an afterthought, I should comment on the lore bits. As usual the author does an excellent job of exploring the lore he is focussing on, whether it by the structure of the Grey Knights; their numbers; their rituals; the fractious nature of the inquisition; the mind of the Space Wolves; and so on. It's a pleasure to read.

There are very few downsides (hence 5 star). I could say that the Grey Knights didn't feel alien enough, but it would have hurt the narrative if they had. I found some of the battle scenes a little long, but I always do and the author handles them in a way which avoids boring exposition. The easter egg story line is arguable pointless - it doesn't serve the plot, but it's hardly intrusive.

If you like 40k read it.

[Mellow]

I liked the way their ships cut through the Warp faster due to their wards.

[Rob P]

I liked the imagery of them cutting through the warp too!

[veterannoob]

Found this book when re-organizing last week. I'd like to read it again in 2017.

[HeritorA]

Found this book when re-organizing last week. I'd like to read it again in 2017.

Oh yesss. The part with the teleport assault of the full brotherhood on Armageddon with the seconds counter running WAS AWESOME! Can reread it for eternity.

Plus the 'Bladebreaker'

Sadly - the second part of the book is horrible, especially the point with overpowered space wolves. Grimnar killing a Captain of an elite 'psyker' brotherhood without any problems was like -golly gee