Customer Reviews

Draco (Warhammer Novels)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was the first Warhammer 40K novel I ever read---something about the cover art resurrected strange dark emotions in me which had been repressed for too long. After reading this book, I've never looked back---I now try to read every Warhammer novel I can find. As for those who didn't like it, I can't imagine why. It reads like a movie. It is loaded with action, an endless variety of Imperial, Chaos and alien-filled worlds---and since it is an Inquistion novel, the action doesn't consist entirely of repetitious Vietnamesque battle scenes like you find in some Warhammer novels. It's more like comparing a James Bond film to a 1950's war flick. If you like tank-filled battle scenes then stay away. If you like conspiracies, strange alien worlds and magical artifacts, then this may be more your style. This trilogy and Dan Abnett's Eisenhorn trilogy are still the best Warhammer books I've read so far. Don't pass this one up!

I, too, am an avid reader and miniture gamer in the Warhammer 40k realm. The book introduces well-thought characters and keeps with the "fluff" of the game. It's a great start to a trilogy and I personally can't wait for the release of the next 2 books.

My only complaint is that the author gets a little too wordy and descriptive as you become overly bombarded by adjectives and adverbs near the end. But for those new to Warhammer 40k and the "when's and where's" of the story line, this is a great start.

I first read this book (then called "Inquisitor") about nine years ago, when I was 11. I was (and am) fascinated with the Games Workshop's numerous gaming products, so I thought I'd give it a try. I loved it at the time, and after many years, many re-readings, and hundreds of other novels, it remains one of my favorite speculative fiction novels ever.

Many bizarre events occur in this novel, and it would be impossible to describe them all. It is set in the universe of Warhammer 40,000, probably the most successful science fiction wargame ever. It will particularly appeal to GW fans, but even those not familiar with the game should have no trouble reading it, as Ian Watson describes the setting in considerable detail.

The protagonist, Jaq Draco, is an agent of the galaxy-spanning Human Imperium. It is his job to root out all who would oppose the Emperor, an unspeakably ancient and powerful being who is both head of the Imperial government and god of the Imperial religion. Draco is trained to be absolutely ruthless in the destruction of his enemies, even if he must kill millions or billions of innocent people to achieve his goals. His job, already enormously stressful, becomes even more difficult when he stumbles across the Hydra plot. This massive conspiracy has enormous plans for the human race-- but whose side are they really on? In order to answer this question, Draco and his several companions travel all over the galaxy, from a hideously mutated world at the heart of Chaos to the legendary, grossly-overpopulated homeworld of Ancient Terra.

Along the way, Ian Watson manages to ask a surprising number of philosophical questions. In a time when humanity is surrounded by enemies and absolute evil is an everyday reality, is absolute tyranny justified? Can the zealous agent of such a tyranny rise above his station in life to become a true hero? In a society built upon intolerance and hate, is love even a possibility?

Such questions are there for those who wish to consider them, but they are by no means the only aspect of the novel. The story is one of adventure on a massive scale, covering just about every aspect of speculative fiction. For science fiction fans, there are spaceships, alien beings, and truly fascinating worlds. For fantasy lovers, there are magical powers and arcane secrets galore. For horror buffs, there are bizarre cults, hideous demonic entities, and brutal witch hunts.

This book works on every level. There are fascinating characters, terrific (and often terrifying) atmosphere, ethical conundra, and darn good adventure. Whether you're looking for post-modern morale ambiguity or just an enormously entertaining read, you can't go wrong with this one.

NOTE:This is the first book in a trilogy, books 2 and 3 of which are "Harlequin" and "Chaos Child." By early next year, all will be back in print.

Let me start off by saying this is a great book for a fan of the warhammer 40k universe. Now with that out of the way I'll tell you what it's not, it's not a book that will let you look inside the world of an Inquisitor. What you get instead is a glimpse into the shadows of the Imperium through the experiences of the Inquisitor Jaq Draco, and then down a most questionable path for an Inquisitor.

Excellent book, I read it from start to finish in 2 days. It is a tad wordy but not overly much and it does fit with the flavor of Warhammer 40k. I do wish that it would translate the latin though.

This novel reads as if you were watching a movie. Intense action...character developement...intimate love scenes...betrayal...and a down right confusing ending gets you all hyped up for the second book. Age Rec. - 13 or older. If you're a 40k player and you're still not curious yet then let me tell you something...THE EMPEROR SPEAKS!

This is one of the most mature, almost high-brow, WH40K books I've come across. Ian Watson writes using sometimes very obscure adjectives and adverbs that might considerably slow down your reading speed, but succeeds in casting the world of WH40K in a very dark and disturbing light. That being said, this is still an action-packed and fun novel that you'll want to read when you should be doing your errands.

Inquisitor Jaq Draco reminds me in some ways of Abnett's Eisenhorn, but being a bit more melancholy and doubting of his ideals. He finds himself in the middle of an extremely confusing and possibly devastatingly powerful plot involving mysterious strangers and previously trusted allies. Through most of the book Draco is lead around like a dog on a leash by supposed adversaries that he doesn't know but is determined to identify. Both Draco, his companions, and the antagonist are extremely compelling characters that each hide their own secrets but are easy to fall in love with. They are, in my opinion, the best part of this book.

Draco is the first book in the Inquisition War trilogy and is followed by Harlequin (Warhammer 40,000). In this first book, you'll get a different perspective on many parts of the Imperium than you get in other WH40K books. You even get a tour of the Emperor's Palace on Terra, and receive a somewhat disturbing view of the Emperor himself (somewhat like a Wizard of Oz character) that I personally did not find pleasing. Ian Watson has received a lot of criticism from fans of WH40K because of his somewhat lofty writing style and his slightly altered view of the WH40K universe, but I'd recommend giving him a try.

I believe the only reason I enjoyed the book somewhat was because I am, in fact, a big fan of Inquisitors and Chaos in the Warhammer 40K background. Otherwise, there are many things going on in this book that someone would find it hard to understand if they were not. Very dark and gloomy, and very wordy. Stay on your toes while reading it.

There was a lot of hype around this old trilogy (written close to ten years ago) and that's what it is hype, and thats what left hype. It was maybe good back then, when there was no WH40K novels, but now, out of 30 novels, the whole trilogy is at the bottom of the lines, they're is a few intersting part, but the story line change to much, without saying why, and nothing is never explained, youre always why? what? when? And how long is that boring story going to last.

The world is dead, and taste like ash, everything is dark, evil, it is hard to understand, even for a fan. The author change the story line like I change my hair style, without a reason, just for fun. Its respectable for back then, and maybe worth reading for hardcore fan, but dont expect too much. Without the hype I would give 3 stars, but because of the hype I gave it 2 stars.