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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Warhammer 40k at its finest, September 12, 2003
This review is from: Sabbat Martyr (Gaunt's Ghosts) (Mass Market Paperback)
The Tanith First and Only Regiment, Gaunt's Ghosts, have been charged with securing the safety of the Saint Sabbat reincarnated. As in Abnett's previous Ghosts novels, there is gruesome depictions of combat not for the squeamish, but the author also mixes in a great deal of the human side of things, with some mysticism thrown in to boot. While it seemed from the previous novel that this storyline was stagnating (at least it did to me), Abnett completely redeemed my faith in him with Sabbat Martyr. While there are some more unfortunate losses of personnel, both to combat and other less desirable circumstances, I never felt betrayed in any way, as I did somewhat in Straight Silver (two books prior), when one of the better characters died somewhat uselessly. But authorial fiat is sacrosanct, and Abnett came through in this one. Despite some attempts at misdirection, the conclusion was not surprising. There were three main partings of ways in this book, all unfortunate in their own respects, but there were also two reunitings of sorts. Finally, it seems that there is some hope for the Imperials in this dark future universe. In all ways, atmosphere, characterization, suspense, action, dialogue, Abnett delivers a winner in this one. While the book might be somewhat confusing for readers not familiar with the characters, nothing really would be missed too much by picking up the story here. And if you have not read the other six Ghosts novels, what are you waiting for? Thus far, they have all been worth the read.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I hope this is not the last ..., April 17, 2004
This review is from: Sabbat Martyr (Gaunt's Ghosts) (Mass Market Paperback)
Dan Abnett is an exceptional writer. I have read 'Xenos' and now, all of the Gaunts Ghosts novels. They are all very entertaining and engaging stories. I agree with other reviewers about the limit imposed by the publishers regarding the length of these novels. I would appreciate an increase of their page total, if only to have more to read! When I begin each novel in the series, I am faced with a conundrum. I want to read it so much, I cannot put it down, and I want to savor each paragragh, yet know that before I know it I will come to the Epilogue and it will be over all-too-quickly. That is the typical experience when you read an Abnett novel. It's like a fine dessert. You dive into it with relish and consume each morsel with gusto and when finished, you lament the fact that there is no more. I fervently hope there will be another novel to further chronicle the adventures of the Tanith First-And-Only. It would be a shame to end their story now. I would (and most likely will) read the entire series again if left with nothing else; the series is so good. If you are unfamiliar with the history of the characters in this particular book, it will not take anything away from your enjoyment or appreciation of the story. Each book in the series is comprehensive enough to stand on its own without any problem. If anything, those of you who are introduced to Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and his 'Ghosts' in this novel, will undoubtably be driven to acquire the previous novels. I began with 'The Guns of Tanith', which is the 5th installment and went back and read 'The First And Only' so I could see where it all began. In 'Sabbat Martyr', you will experience plenty of detailed accounts of close quarter fighting, naval engagements in the vaccuum of space, and the exhilarating examples of heroism, tenacity, and outright carnage that is inherent in any war. If I could use a tangible reference for what this series compares to, I would use the HBO miniseries, 'Band of Brothers' to illustrate the literary quality of this body of work. You will grow to know and care for each of the signature characters within the regiment. Each of you will have a different person or persons that will draw your attention and further your interest. From 'The First And Only' up to 'Sabbat Martyr', you will follow the progression of these individuals and mourn their falls or celebrate their triumphs. Finally, if Dan Abnett never comes out with another installment, you will most likely envision their potential future and where they ultimately finish up. Either way, this book and those preceding it are well worth your time.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent novel, September 8, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Sabbat Martyr (Gaunt's Ghosts) (Mass Market Paperback)
It was a great read and ,unlike the other Ghost books,it was told from the perspective of "the archenemy" as well as the imperial guard. If you haven't read the previous Tanith books:I suggest you do before you pick up this book.This book deals a lot with what is going within the regiment and,unless you are familliar with the characters,lil of it is going to make any sense.I would recommend it for those who have already read the first books:there is a lot of backstory involved. The plot is pretty simmilar to Necropolis:defend the hive from the hordes of Chaos.However there are some nice twists and turn including several assasins dispatched to take down the centerpoint of the imperial resistance. Also there is a void battle between Chaos and the imperial battlefleet which is sort of nice. I would have rated it 5 out of 5 stars but it ends on a really flat note:I can't tell if the author is trying to conclude the whole First-and-only Storyline or trying to create a new setting for would be a really messed up sequel. The other problem is that it never goes in detail on the Ghost casualties.We get to hear about major characters getting hit but you get the feeling that the whole regiment just walks-out fine and dandy from a seriously messed up Hive battle. I still think it is the best ghost book I've ever read,except for Ghostmaker and that one is a collection of stories,and at such I suggest you buy it.
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