Helsreach

I have listened to this book, I have watched the fan made film and now I have read the book, it is without doubt the best Warhammer book ever!

Aaron Dembski-Bowden is one of my favourite Black Library authors. In Helsreach, like in so many of his books, Dembski-Bowden was able to create characters that are flawed enough that they remain compelling, and relatable despite the over-the-top insanity of space marines.  Perhaps not his best work, but certainly worth a read for any 40k fan.

A re-release of one of the Black Library classics, Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Helsreach continues to be a great story - his dive into the Black Templars and the greenskin menace help set the tone for those factions for years of lore and rules, and his writing has only continued to improve.  This is definitely one any WH40k fan should read.

WORDS!
This book is filled with nothing but words!

But god dang what Aaron Dembski-Bowden can do with words. The actions scenes are vivid, clear, and detailed whether large scale or small. The emotions he conjures are palpable and lasting. Dialogue to break your heart or make you cheer and his characters are larger than life but relatable and human, sincerely this guy has some amazing characterization in his novels.

I've read other books by him and I thought this was the first full length novel he wrote for Black Library but thanks to Gianfranco for setting me straight, Cadain Blood was his first. Helsreach is an amazing story of teamwork and courage against impossible odds. This is one long siege with multiple shout oud loud moments of insane bravery and sacrifice. Helsreach is also a great place to start if you've never read anything in the Warhammer 40K universe. I still consider myself a newbie with about forty books read and can say this is a very accessible entry, it's all Warhammer all day but not too esoteric or full of unknowable lingo that might scare uninitiated readers away.

This was one of those books that I consumed my thoughts when I wasn't reading. At work, with friends, driving... my mind would be on Helsreach. I'm pretty high strung and part of my self-care is making sure I read for at least an hour a day, no matter what is going on. Even though this book was intense and heart pounding it was a great escape and good therapy, highly recommended.

I want to thank Black Library, Aaron Dembski-Bowden, and Netgalley for the copy to review, opinions are my own.