The casebook is every bit as intriguing as the novella. Abnett has this knack for eschewing the typical 40k emo/bolter-porn passages for lots of dialogue that vitalizes the supporting cast. ( )

A fine addition to the Eisenhorn series. Full of action, lots of grimdark ridiculousness, and Dan Abnett has done something very few writers have done well before - he's written a novel whose plot involves and interlinks a number of the author's earlier short fiction plots, without that new novel being a sack of crap! This passes the Would You Recommend It To Someone Who Doesn't Do Warhammer test, which is the highest praise I can heap upon a Black Library novel. ( )

A new addition to the Eisenhorn Saga, plus a collection of short stories about either Gregor himself or his associates. The short stories and the novel itself are in chronological order, and the table of contents also tells you where the Eisenhorn, Ravenor and Bequin novels occur in the timeline. At the very end, a more detailed timeline contains the stories, novels and specific events.

The short stories range from a little boring to good. They do provide some context to things in the novels, such as how Eisenhorn lost his hand. Others, notably the stories following Magos Drusher, are there to set up the novel.

The Magos novel is a departure from the previous Eisenhorn novels. It's not in first person, and the main POV character is Drusher from some of the short stories. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, the perspective of someone unbiased seeing the now radical Eisenhorn could make for interesting conflict. This conflict is there somewhat, though a bit odd at times. The meek biologist who is afraid of a wounded caged bird in his care also somehow has the confidence to stand up to Eisenhorn. I also thought that Drusher and Macks should be more affected seeing the horrors of the Warp. Both initially believed all talk of daemons was only Imperial propaganda meant to scare its citizens into obedience. The other point of contention is the absence of Cherubael. On one hand it adds some tension since Gregor can't have it solve all his problems. The downside is that the explanation for Cherubael's being elsewhere is only given a couple throwaway lines.

Abnett's strengths still come through in the actions scenes, and in the character of Eisenhorn. Gregor's mission has taken it's toll on him, mentally and physically. Now even his targets refer to him as heretic. The characters don't really grow, but does showcase Eisenhorn's current mental state. The last paragraph hints that we'll see more of Drusher in the future. ( )