Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Beginning, February 16, 2006
At the risk of sounding like a broken record (particularly if one has read any of my other reviews of 40K novels), M. Abnett is easily the most talented writer in the Black Library stable of authors. His works often become canon in the game universe, and much of his writings have formative effects on the latter editions of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40K game, much in the same way that M. Watson's writings did for the earlier editions.
Ravenor, is an excellent action-adventure that utilizes many of the characters introduced in the Eisenhorn Trilogy: Inquisitor Ravenor, Kara Swole, and Harlon Nayl to name a few. M. Abnett also adds a wealth of entirely new cast-members for our entertainment. Ravenor himself is a fascinating character, essentially limited to the realm of his psychic abilities by his physical restrictions. This book clearly delves more into the background of psykers, their abilities, and the interesting physical consequences thereof than any other penned so far.
One of M. Abnett's chief talents lies in creating a vivid, believable setting. The locations sing with the gothic feel of the universe, but from the vibrant view of the privileged and powerful, rather than the teeming, hopeless masses. His characters are bigger than life, but he ensures that there are equally capable antagonists who can match them blow for blow. This contrast provides dynamic tension throughout the work. Unlike some, his villains act intelligently and have believable motivations of their own. Unlike some less capable 40K authors, he makes very little use of dues ex machina and creates resolutions that don't destroy suspension of disbelief.
If M. Abnett has a weakness, it's his endings, during which his plot devices can become a little too abrupt and a little less believable, but this is a minor annoyance in an otherwise excellent whole. It is also clearly the first book in a series, and though it comes to a conclusion of sorts, it leaves most of the bigger questions unanswered, and the characters make plans for future operations in the "last" chapter.
"Fluff"-ologists will love the book, as it covers new ground for psykers and has an abundance of other background material. General science fiction readers will enjoy it on its own merits. There is a worthy sequel already out, Ravenor Returned (which I have also reviewed).
In short: an excellent action thriller which promises to be the start of another trilogy for a fine writer.
|
|
|
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another Great "40K Universe" Story from Abnett, February 4, 2005
This book is another great addition to the growing list of fiction set in the "Warhammer 40,000 Universe," the setting of the "Warhammer 40,000" miniatures game and other related games by Games Workshop. Dan Abnett does his usual great job with the story, as well, providing a good mixture of action and character development in the story line. Well worth reading, especially if you're a fan of the shadowy servants of the Imperium of Man known as the Inquisition!
Despite my enjoying this book immensely, I just couldn't bring myself to give it a full five stars, for two reasons:
First and foremost, I think it very likely that readers who haven't yet read Dan Abnett's "Eisenhorn" trilogy will be at least somewhat confused by this novel. There are many references to people and events that won't make much sense without the background provided in those three books. Not to say that readers won't enjoy "Ravenor" without reading the "Eisenhorn" books first.... just that they might enjoy it more if they do so.
Second, and less significantly, this book is clearly the beginning of a series: the ending of the book is a "very-near-cliff-hanger" that leaves much unsettled business hanging.... great for sales of the next installment, but pretty tough on readers left to impatiently await that next installment's arrival!
Some friends of mine who've read the book have mentioned the frequent cuts from scene to scene and changes in narration from first-person to third-person as being distracting or confusing. I myself didn't find them to be so, but then I've been known to read books by the likes of Tom Clancy, who not only is a master of the frequent scene change but writes a *much* longer book most of the time, as well!
All in all, a very enjoyable read..... but do yourself a favor, and read the three books about Inquisitor Eisenhorn ("Xenos," "Malleus," and "Hereticus") first!
|
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
On Par with the Eisenhorn Series, April 1, 2004
I've read almost every Warhammer 40k novel out there, and I have to say that this ranks as the most in-depth experience a reader can ever take into the Warhammer 40k universe. Abnett has reached a new level in his writing style, making it virtually impossible to put this book down. It has all of the action of the Eisenhorn Trilogy and presents it in a way that makes the reader feel as if he or she is walking alongside the characters. For readers familiar with Abnett's previous Eisenhorn novels, Ravenor takes place several decades after Hereticus and follows the exploits of Inquisitor Ravenor as he investigates the spread of a new type of drug called 'flects'. Several favorite characters from the Eisenhorn series have also been included in this novel, which is a big plus. I suggest reading the Eisenhorn Trilogy before this novel but even first time readers can get an appreciation for this incredible tour through the Imperium of Mankind.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Dan Abnett
by Dan Abnett
by Dan Abnett
by Dan Abnett
by Dan Abnett
See all Editorial Reviews
