I picked this book series at random because I thought the premise seemed interesting, but I never expected them to become some of my all-time favorite novels
It feels like the authors writing for comparatively underdeveloped factions have been getting greater latitude, and it's definitely paying off for the Necrons!
@@MTFTabletop that’s the fun part. The novel has Tau, but it isn’t really about them. The stars of the show are one of the most unique and interesting Imperial Guard regiments I’ve encountered, the Arkan Confederates. Their world, Providence, has only been been incorporated into the Imperium relatively recently in the grand scheme of Imperial History, so they consider themselves to be separate from the “Imps”. Their civilization was going through a scientific revolution when Providence was rediscovered so they have a very liberal interpretation of the “No New Tech” rule. This has resulted in sentinel cavalry equipped with jumppacks, and officers clad in steam driven power armor. Their culture is a steampunk version of the Ante Bellum South mixed with a bit of the Wild West, so they go in to battle in kepis, slouch hats, and carrying lever action lasrifles. The reason I find them so compelling is that the standard of life on their world isn’t terrible. This means that the Arkan in the book see the Imperium for the dystopian nightmare that it is, but realize that it’s pretty much humanities only hope. “Better our evil empire than theirs.” Is an oft repeated sentiment among the guardsmen of Providence. The book is incredibly well written with lots of good twists and action and with a tone that feels properly 40k. It’s nice to see some actual diversity in a galaxy spanning empire where 99% of its culture is just Bri’ish people in space.
Ruin and Reign were the first two WH4K books I ever read (listened), and I was very pleasantly surprised. Not going to lie, I am not a big fan of game franchise books. But I realy enjoyed these. Also good review!
Is there going to be a third? Based on an old WarCom interview, I think it was initially going to be one book and ended up growing into two. It ended at a good stopping point, but there is definitely room for more story.
@@thomascrabtree Thanks for the confirmation. I was pretty sure that was the case. Not gonna lie, I'm terrified of what a lore subreddit would do to me if I poked my head in 😆
Spoiler warning . . . . . . . . . . . either i didnt read properly or the ghostwind is a massive plot hole becuase its described as one of many unexplored dimensions besides the warp. in side the ghostwind is nothing which would than create the idea that they are in the warp since necrons cant percive warp but there was no warp intervention and if its not warp how did the human ships follow them there without a way to dig into said dimention
Good point. It's been a minute since I read this, but at the time I think I read it as they were somehow just able to follow them through almost like a portal? I may be way off, there, though.
I’m a Necron player and avid reader, I found the Greek and Mesopotamian cultural reference very enjoyable
I picked this book series at random because I thought the premise seemed interesting, but I never expected them to become some of my all-time favorite novels
It feels like the authors writing for comparatively underdeveloped factions have been getting greater latitude, and it's definitely paying off for the Necrons!
@@MTFTabletop Necrons have a lot of potential, it's just that most of the Necrons are basically mindless soldier robots
The whole way yhe curse is shown. Scares the absolute shit out of me.
Man I was going to wait and listen to this after I finished Caine's Last Stand but now I'm going to have to pause that one for this.
The Ciaphas Cain stuff is absolutely quality, but it's definitely a different vibe.
I think this is the first review I’ve seen that actually speaks mostly highly of Reign
I've seen it get some hate, but I genuinely enjoyed it.
Have you read “Firecaste” by Peter Fehervari? It’s easily my favorite 40k novel, but I’ll give this one a shot. I like the concept
I haven't. Admittedly, I haven't gone much into T'au lore, but I will add it to my "to read" list.
@@MTFTabletop that’s the fun part. The novel has Tau, but it isn’t really about them. The stars of the show are one of the most unique and interesting Imperial Guard regiments I’ve encountered, the Arkan Confederates. Their world, Providence, has only been been incorporated into the Imperium relatively recently in the grand scheme of Imperial History, so they consider themselves to be separate from the “Imps”. Their civilization was going through a scientific revolution when Providence was rediscovered so they have a very liberal interpretation of the “No New Tech” rule. This has resulted in sentinel cavalry equipped with jumppacks, and officers clad in steam driven power armor. Their culture is a steampunk version of the Ante Bellum South mixed with a bit of the Wild West, so they go in to battle in kepis, slouch hats, and carrying lever action lasrifles. The reason I find them so compelling is that the standard of life on their world isn’t terrible. This means that the Arkan in the book see the Imperium for the dystopian nightmare that it is, but realize that it’s pretty much humanities only hope. “Better our evil empire than theirs.” Is an oft repeated sentiment among the guardsmen of Providence. The book is incredibly well written with lots of good twists and action and with a tone that feels properly 40k. It’s nice to see some actual diversity in a galaxy spanning empire where 99% of its culture is just Bri’ish people in space.
Ruin and Reign were the first two WH4K books I ever read (listened), and I was very pleasantly surprised. Not going to lie, I am not a big fan of game franchise books. But I realy enjoyed these. Also good review!
You picked a good place to start! And I get what you mean about game franchise books, but 40k really does have some good stuff
I’m worried that the next book has so much to live up too.
Is there going to be a third? Based on an old WarCom interview, I think it was initially going to be one book and ended up growing into two. It ended at a good stopping point, but there is definitely room for more story.
@@MTFTabletop The author confirmed on Reddit he’s only doing two books… He’s very active in the 40K Lore subreddit.
@@thomascrabtree Thanks for the confirmation. I was pretty sure that was the case. Not gonna lie, I'm terrified of what a lore subreddit would do to me if I poked my head in 😆
@@thomascrabtree I respect that and I think the books ended on a stellar note
But damnit I'd love to see it become a trilogy
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either i didnt read properly or the ghostwind is a massive plot hole becuase its described as one of many unexplored dimensions besides the warp. in side the ghostwind is nothing which would than create the idea that they are in the warp since necrons cant percive warp but there was no warp intervention and if its not warp how did the human ships follow them there without a way to dig into said dimention
Good point. It's been a minute since I read this, but at the time I think I read it as they were somehow just able to follow them through almost like a portal? I may be way off, there, though.