Hello and a good day to everyone.

I hope this is not too early of a post considering the book has been out only for a week or so. I wanted to share some thoughts about this book and encourage others to give it a read.

I really enjoyed this book. I believe Rachel Harrison is a new writer for 40k, I think she has written a short story before, and honestly it felt like it fits right in with the rest of Black Library. It starts off strong, has a lot of intrigue and side plots, and ends with a plausible ending that made me want more. It is proper grimdark, with what happens and the body count as well as the quite chilling descriptions, and a solid action book with just enough backstory to add weight and context. She does an incredible job with the pacing. I never thought that the action was drawn out or gratuitous nor did I find the backstory parts to be a space filler.

Severina Raine is a wonderful character. She fills that interesting Commissar character well. She is unflinching in her resolve, will inspire, will punish, and is utterly committed to the Imperium. She isn’t over the top, isn’t impervious or infallible. Her history fully supports her character and she is believable.

The main thing I loved about this book was the description of the new regiment: the Antari Eleventh Rifles. One of my first books of 40k was Gaunt’s Ghosts and a well designed Imperial Guard regiment is a pleasure to read about. WE of course know about the history of the Valhallans, the Cadians, the Catachans. They have descriptions and annals aplenty. So I love reading about new regiments thought up by authors. The Tanith has such deep lore built up over many books.

The Antari 11th are so interesting to me. They have a background that’s almost tribal. Squads are named after folklore and their own mythos. The regiment has their own traditions and the way they interact with each other is refreshing to see. You have deep characters that, as far as the reader knows, exemplifies their world’s culture and it’s fascinating to me.

I would love to chat about the book with others that have read it. If you were interested then by all means pick it up. One of the books I have really enjoyed reading.