Dante

[caladancid]

Pretty incredible book. Makes me want to play Blood Angels even more.

 

When I read Guy's interview on the community site I wasn't sure what he meant exactly about fleshing out the BA background. He knocked it out of the park. This is easily one of the best 'current' Adeptus Astartes novels, and best of all, I think it is a continued progression of Guy Haley's writing ability.

[Jareddm]

I'm really looking forward to reading this one.  I generally describe ADB as writing incredible people, but Guy Haley as writing incredible "things."

[Blindhamster]

Just can't wait for the next one now.

[DarkChaplain]

I'm really looking forward to reading this one.  I generally describe ADB as writing incredible people, but Guy Haley as writing incredible "things."

 

The man has an incredible understanding of how to write compelling settings, too. Some of his ideas can be very abstract but hot damn does he go deep into the matter. I'd honestly recommend reading his books outside of Black Library as well, since he can really let loose there.

To me, it is pretty awesome that Haley ended up writing Dante and the Blood Angels (even Sanguinius) despite not being hugely invested in them before and pulling off what may well be considered the best depictions of them in Black Library to date. If his Blood Drinkers from Death of Integrity are anything to go by, his Blood Angels should be stunning.

[HeritorA]

Pretty incredible book. Makes me want to play Blood Angels even more.

 

When I read Guy's interview on the community site I wasn't sure what he meant exactly about fleshing out the BA background. He knocked it out of the park. This is easily one of the best 'current' Adeptus Astartes novels, and best of all, I think it is a continued progression of Guy Haley's writing ability.

Good - sure. Incredible? Kind off that's too overzelous to call Dante that. It does not contain 'really' good story with 'memorable' moments.

 

Just can't wait for the next one now.

The second book probably would be incredible with BA VS TY at Baal. But it could easily went into 'Death of Integrity' vibe and could be nothing more as a bolter porn.

But so far I believe in Haley (due to a lot of reasons) - and he definitely write even bolter porn better than all the GS team combined

[DarkChaplain]

What's a memorable moment really comes down to personal preference and what sticks out for them. There are some moments that will likely be memorable for everyone (like the charge of the Rohirrim in The Return of the King), but for the most part what sticks with us is what manages to connect with our own ideas and experiences on some level. It doesn't need to be a knock-out moment, and can just be a throwaway line of dialogue.

Heck, one of my fondest memories of The Children of Húrin which I still uphold as my favorite Fantasy book, is a short section about the morals of charity. Most people will brush it over and think little of it, but for me it struck a chord. If some people find gigantic skeleton beasts coming out of lava seas in AoS memorable, then that's fine too.

[HeritorA]

SM "fear" failure, dishonour...but nothing, other than perhaps the Emperor or a primarch, could make SM feel instinctive fear of the stomach-turning, shaky kneed, sweaty palmed, wide-eyed variety

Exactly

[caladancid]

 

Pretty incredible book. Makes me want to play Blood Angels even more.

 

When I read Guy's interview on the community site I wasn't sure what he meant exactly about fleshing out the BA background. He knocked it out of the park. This is easily one of the best 'current' Adeptus Astartes novels, and best of all, I think it is a continued progression of Guy Haley's writing ability.

Good - sure. Incredible? Kind off that's too overzelous to call Dante that. It does not contain 'really' good story with 'memorable' moments.

 

Just can't wait for the next one now.

The second book probably would be incredible with BA VS TY at Baal. But it could easily went into 'Death of Integrity' vibe and could be nothing more as a bolter porn.

But so far I believe in Haley (due to a lot of reasons) - and he definitely write even bolter porn better than all the GS team combined

 

 

Perhaps you may find this a continuation of hyperbole, but you couldn't be more wrong.

 

The novel has more than one scene which is fantastic, but we can start with one fairly early on. The one where the BAs turn into a far darker version of themselves during the final step of inprocessing is one of my favorite origins scenes in the BL. Especially if you have read the BA codex where a gorgeous piece of artwork shows towering BAs over scrawny initiates about to drink from the chalice. Now picture that scene fast forwarded a few moments into Guy's description. Pretty compelling stuff.

[HeritorA]

 

 

Pretty incredible book. Makes me want to play Blood Angels even more.

 

When I read Guy's interview on the community site I wasn't sure what he meant exactly about fleshing out the BA background. He knocked it out of the park. This is easily one of the best 'current' Adeptus Astartes novels, and best of all, I think it is a continued progression of Guy Haley's writing ability.

Good - sure. Incredible? Kind off that's too overzelous to call Dante that. It does not contain 'really' good story with 'memorable' moments.

 

Just can't wait for the next one now.

The second book probably would be incredible with BA VS TY at Baal. But it could easily went into 'Death of Integrity' vibe and could be nothing more as a bolter porn.

But so far I believe in Haley (due to a lot of reasons) - and he definitely write even bolter porn better than all the GS team combined

 

 

Perhaps you may find this a continuation of hyperbole, but you couldn't be more wrong.

 

The novel has more than one scene which is fantastic, but we can start with one fairly early on. The one where the BAs turn into a far darker version of themselves during the final step of inprocessing is one of my favorite origins scenes in the BL. Especially if you have read the BA codex where a gorgeous piece of artwork shows towering BAs over scrawny initiates about to drink from the chalice. Now picture that scene fast forwarded a few moments into Guy's description. Pretty compelling stuff.

 

It has it's moments.

[Orblivion]

I think it was pretty great.  My only complaint was the increased participation of the Sanguinor in Dante's past.  I think as far as the characterization of Luis/Dante in his early years, I think Haley nailed the "talented but not exactly legendary" status, but he leaned more towards Dante being a chosen one by continually having the Sanguinor intervene in Dante's affairs.

 

The overall tone of the last 3rd or so of the book is rather worrying to me though, especially with news of the next novel.  I fear what might happen to our dear Sons of Sanguinius.

[HeritorA]

I think it was pretty great.  My only complaint was the increased participation of the Sanguinor in Dante's past.  I think as far as the characterization of Luis/Dante in his early years, I think Haley nailed the "talented but not exactly legendary" status, but he leaned more towards Dante being a chosen one by continually having the Sanguinor intervene in Dante's affairs.

 

The overall tone of the last 3rd or so of the book is rather worrying to me though, especially with news of the next novel.  I fear what might happen to our dear Sons of Sanguinius.

Too much Sanguinor for sure - it makes him some 'religious' chosen figure.  As for what happens with them - they would be fine. Through they have the smallest presentation in BL novels range - they are still one of the most beloved Legions/Chapters in the world.

 

Also - the foreshadowing for the events to come was brilliant.

'The hunger came for my father. The puppets of the Dark Gods clashed with the hunger for the pleasure of killing him. There was a warrior in gold before the throne, surrounded by my father's Custodians and other heroes who, mighty through they were, paled next to the lords of our days. There they fought, and there they died. The vision ended as the devourer of flesh and the devourers of souls closed in on my lord and creator. There was despair only, despair and more despair. But before I woke something more. I sensed stirring in the warp, and the touch of my father, His mind made anew, and the knowledge that all might be well. As I am fated to, so did this golden warrior lay down his life to protect my father. The precious seconds he bought with his blood could change everything, or they could change nothing... I do not know who this golden warrior was. He appeared similar to my Herald, and saw my own face depicted upon his mask, but he was not me, and he wore a form off armour I do not know...'

Sad that Guy Haley said 'I make that up'

[b1soul]

 I fear what might happen to our dear Sons of Sanguinius.

Please elaborate?

[Jim Shady]

 

 I fear what might happen to our dear Sons of Sanguinius.

Please elaborate?

 

I believe the next novel out is a new SMB from Guy. The 'Nids have reached the Baal system and this is when The Gathering Storm has kicked off. Think I've seen somewhere that they've requested aid to fight the 'Nids but none are forthcoming due to the attack on Cadia......

[Mirbeau]

 

 

I don't like Astartes having reveries. It makes it seem like their minds wander when they are meant to be focussed.

in fairness at no point does Dante zone out into a pleasant day dream, its more my description that the book. The story jumps about between his childhood and current day.

 

Haley also portrays Tyranids rather well in my opinion.

haha the idea of them just zoning out mid battle for a nostalgia trip is hilarious

 

Isn't that just a nice way of describing the black rage

[b1soul]

Har har

 

Why yes it is

[HeritorA]

 

 

 I fear what might happen to our dear Sons of Sanguinius.

Please elaborate?

 

I believe the next novel out is a new SMB from Guy. The 'Nids have reached the Baal system and this is when The Gathering Storm has kicked off. Think I've seen somewhere that they've requested aid to fight the 'Nids but none are forthcoming due to the attack on Cadia......

 

Through it is a GS setting - 'Devastation of Baal' events happens after the destruction of Cadia.

'haha the idea of them just zoning out mid battle for a nostalgia trip is hilarious' - that's one of the best descriptions of the BR ever, lol

[Knockagh]

I think the 'know no fear' is a bit of an idiom of sorts. I think to hold fear to a literal meaning leaves marines with so little character it leaves them bland and pretty boring. Fear can mean a variety of things and with each legion DNA being so different it allows the authors to express the lack of fear in a wide variety of ways.

I think in Dante, Haley does a fantastic job showing an emotive character who is riddled with worry and some shame but is totally 'fearless' in battle.

Ultra Marines love themselves and are fairly characterless. Maybe they come closest to a literal interpretation of fearless.

[HeritorA]

As for the Dante itself - here is my full review:

 

Auribus teneo lupum (Holding the wolf by the ears) or how to do justice to poor sods of Blood Angels Legion.

Guy Haley has done justice to a lot of poor sods of W40K/AoS in his career line of a BL author. From brave tankers of Astra Militarum (in their time of being old Imperial Guard to the new incarnation) to Space Hulk clearance duty. This time through via his pen for the first time, we discover the history of the glorious Blood Angels Commander Dante and his many centuries serving the Imperium.

Carpe noctem or seizing the night again with his amazing flick of Blade Runner meet Aliens meet SMB novel. And it was long past time that author of his caliber do justice to poor sods of Blood Angels Legion/Chapter. Blood Angels are one of the most famous Legions/Chapters in W40K history, which strangely has the minimal amount of written stuff for them. So it was long past time for someone to fix that mistake.

And thus 'Dante' was born. Despite being one of the greatest figureheads in Warhammer40k, Dante is the first time the BA chapter master of legendary status has been given a proper written treatment from Black Library. At long last Haley has corrected that oversight.

Plot and characters

As the synopsis says - even among the hallowed ranks of Space Marine Chapter Masters, Commander Dante of the Blood Angels is a legend. With over a thousand years of service, he has defended both the Imperium and his cursed brothers with every breath. This is his story.

Dante is Chapter Master of one of the noblest but most troubled Chapters of Space Marines in the Imperium: the Blood Angels. From the time of his birth in the rad-scarred wastes of Baal Secundus, he was destined for glory and strife. From his apotheosis to Scout, to the hive cities of Armageddon and the alien menace of the Cryptus system, Dante has waged war against all the enemies of the Imperium. He has witnessed the divine, and struggled against the darkness within all sons of Sanguinius. Longer lived than any other Chapter Master, this is his chronicle, his great and storied legend.

And thus the story is structured into 2 narrative lines. One of the young Dante - baalist human colonist on his childhood to a neophyte/ and Dante as a commander of the mighty BA chapter after massacre at Cryptus system which is depicted profoundly in 'Shield of Baal' campaign book from GW and novel from Joshua Reynolds.

Combining interesting and unique to Haley writing style - author weaves a story which began as a story with a Blade Runner/Aliens vibe (Gareth Armstrong as always did great justice to that part in an 9 hour run of 'Dante' audio) - then a young Luis is tutored by his Father on the universe and it's disparity.

Being a story of a character building up to his legendary status - novel do good to show the humility and sincerity of a small boy who always have been a 'true human' person. We saw the 'real' him, the boy who was destined for greatness. We saw his fears, his achievements, his friendship and most of all his 'humility'. Maybe I'am wrong - but I do believe that author write simply 'human' characters the best. It is not a story of a superhero 'creation' - it is a story of human evolution into one. By this author is also able to show and explore the Baalite society life. How the poor, fearful tribes exist in Baal system. Also he continued to create an epic character by showing his 'older' true self after the debacle at Cryptus system. He is fearful of his choices, tired, hollowed and most of all exhausted. Exhausted of leading, exhausted of failures, exhausted of deaths, exhausted by the Universe he is struggling against and most of all exhausted of his self-struggle versus Black Rage and Red Thirst. His agonising choices that led to the death of systems and to the extinction of the trillions of human souls lay heavily on his conscience and honour. How he live with that, how he struggle against all the dark Galaxy throw against him, how he overcome the odds - physical and mental. That's what 'older' Dante narrative is about. Haley wrote it admirably and brilliantly.

This is a dark story, a 'character building' novel - thus it is written in 2 different ways. One to show the naivety/humility/respect/honor of the cheerful youth to the grim and inspiring image of an old Dante, the one who went through his trials and agonies and emerged triumphant again.

Prose gives us good dialogs, imagination is always running wild, action scene are good from the 'bolter-porn' view. But most of all - [author:Guy Haley|4423928] always do best 'descriptive' context to everything he writes. His depiction of Chapter, human, planets, environments, the void are brilliant. Going with all that author was able to show the deepest exploration Blood Angels’ flaw and the ways they tried to control both of them.

And one of the most glories moments of all - is the revelations Dante sees for himself. Revelations that with the 'Gathering Storm' setting running would have had a bitter repercussions for the fans, if author himself hadn't told that they are just a fiction of his own imagination.

Direct quote of Dante prophecy to come. It is written by Sanguinius himself during the Siege of Imperial Palace and read by Dante during his crisis of faith and despair:

The hunger came for my father. The puppets of the Dark Gods clashed with the hunger for the pleasure of killing him. There was a warrior in gold before the throne, surrounded by my father's Custodians and other heroes who, mighty through they were, paled next to the lords of our days. There they fought, and there they died. The vision ended as the devourer of flesh and the devourers of souls closed in on my lord and creator. There was despair only, despair and more despair. But before I woke something more. I sensed stirring in the warp, and the touch of my father, His mind made anew, and the knowledge that all might be well. As I am fated to, so did this golden warrior lay down his life to protect my father. The precious seconds he bought with his blood could change everything, or they could change nothing... I do not know who this golden warrior was. He appeared similar to my Herald, and saw my own face depicted upon his mask, but he was not me, and he wore a form off armour I do not know...

As for the cons - there are several:

First - a little bit to much of Sanguinor and religious zeal. If to take Sanguinor appearances to Dante at different moments of his life and the point He did said that to Chaplaincy - it is strange BA leadership did not make him a figurehead much earlier.

Second - period between neophyte and Chapter Master is too sketchy and patched up with 'mediocre' bolter porn stuff. Through it has a little bit of foreshadowing for BA war at Armageddon.

Third - at times (in 990-s of M40K) author overdo Dante despair and self-doubt. It is too much even by pessimistic standards. But usually the story moves quickly from that point.

Score

For the great story and grim darkness of the W40K universe and Blood Angels Chapter in it's best this novel deserve the best praise I could give it. But at the same time due to the several cons and 'being an character creation' story I will give it 4 out of 5 stars. Strangely the best part - is the one about young Luis. Sometimes it even does not look like a Warhammer 40000 novel :) In a universe of grim darkness, destruction on Galactic scale and suffering in epic proportions that is a jewel BA fans was waiting for with lot of hints of worse to come. It is a story that gives us a bridge between the end of the 'Shield of Baal' campaign and Massive tyranid Leviathan arrival into Baal system. Which we would have as our pleasure to read this lovely autumn in Haley novel 'The Devastation of Baal'

I don't know about you - but I definitely want and gonna read it.

[Knockagh]

Good review mate! I think I would have gone full bore and given a full 5, loved this novel. A 40k classic which is hard to do in a book about space marines.

[HeritorA]

Good review mate! I think I would have gone full bore and given a full 5, loved this novel. A 40k classic which is hard to do in a book about space marines.

It is good - but does not deserve 5 - too many small cons.

[Mantras]

I enjoyed it - one concept I felt would be cool to explore is that Dante has led the Blood Angels for 1000 years (as per the Novel) whereas Sanguinius only led them for 250 (max) during the great crusade and HH era.

[HeritorA]

I enjoyed it - one concept I felt would be cool to explore is that Dante has led the Blood Angels for 1000 years (as per the Novel) whereas Sanguinius only led them for 250 (max) during the great crusade and HH era.

He does feel 'old' - Sanguinius thought 100 years are long - guess again ;)

[Mantras]

 

I enjoyed it - one concept I felt would be cool to explore is that Dante has led the Blood Angels for 1000 years (as per the Novel) whereas Sanguinius only led them for 250 (max) during the great crusade and HH era.

He does feel 'old' - Sanguinius thought 100 years are long - guess again

 

Its interesting isn't it when you consider the HH was 7 years long and Imperium Secundus was I think only 2 years long?

 

The impact vs time thing in 30k / 40k isnt well established

[HeritorA]

 

 

I enjoyed it - one concept I felt would be cool to explore is that Dante has led the Blood Angels for 1000 years (as per the Novel) whereas Sanguinius only led them for 250 (max) during the great crusade and HH era.

He does feel 'old' - Sanguinius thought 100 years are long - guess again

 

Its interesting isn't it when you consider the HH was 7 years long and Imperium Secundus was I think only 2 years long?

 

The impact vs time thing in 30k / 40k isnt well established

 

In general  to be honest with ourselves 'main' heresy stage took 10 years. Since Istvaan 3-Istvaan 5 to Siege of Imperial Palace. So since 004.M31 to 014.M31 (Siege of Imperial Palace).  All the events like AL choice, Lorgar corruption etc. etc. are outside the 'main' stage.

 

As for the impact - they could still change a lot of things. For example kill that whimpering Lorgar :)

[b1soul]

I have finally gotten around to reading this one...what an absolute gem