#black library

[lastpositivist]

The purest expression of being a Warhammer fan

[cursed-40k-thoughts]

(No spoilers) Hive by Dan Abnett is an extremely good book. It has a very slow, somewhat indulgent first half that takes great pains to establish the setting, lay out characters and explore the cultural norms of the hive city in which the narrative unfolds. It will be, I think, obtuse at times for some, but the payoff is a second half whose drama and conflict is significantly amplified by the passive information given to you beforehand.

It's a novel written with great precision, to the point I think it's genuinely an accomplishment on Abnett's part. It very precisely sequences events and wields perspectives to play off of the out-of-universe knowledge of the reader, heightening those moments when story beats and events click into place. I don't often get a 40k novel that makes me think oh fuck, but this one managed it more than once.

I've seen some outlets and people suggest Hive is a good starting novel for 40k fans. I disagree with this. I think for some, perhaps, it could be, but the initial pacing and setup will be off-putting for more than a few people. It also, in my opinion, functions far more effectively when you have informed preconceptions about 40k as a setting and a bit of familiarity with Abnett's writing style. There are more suited books for general first-timers.

Nonetheless, it is a very good book. I fully endorse the reading of this book. Indulge the book in indulging itself, and you will be rewarded. To be metaphorical, Hive is watching Abnett lovingly and carefully paint an extremely detailed painting and then, when you politely clap, he pulls out a can of gasoline, matches and a scalpel and asks you if you want to see something interesting.

Go read it.

[farsight-the-char]

Jurgen helping Trazyn with his romantic videos collection.

by @boltertokokoro

[csh3n75]

How this mf Mephiston genuinely be pulling up in Revenant Crusade:

[quortknee]

Wow these guys are such awesome friends I’m sure nothing bad will ever happen to them haha

[titanomancy]

POV: you're just a little hater.

Anyway, new Infinite and Divine sequel for the Necron girlies. Have fun.

[soraka-in-warhammer40k]

The difference between factions books in 40k is always hillarious.

Space Marine books are rarely ever anything else besides "big man shoot space gun", the literary equivalent of a sloppy action movie you can enjoy with friends while drunk if its well made enough, because that's what they think the audience wants. It is rare for one of these books to ever gain any sort of recognition or fandom relevance.

Ork books meanwhile are the same, but they can give it a new spin through the perspective of the Orks, which makes it hillarious. In a way you could consider Ork-books some sort of meta-analysis of the setting from the view of someone who barely gives a shit about most things commonly seen as important, but is instead heavily invested in their own little perspective. It is weirdly grounding.

But then the most anticipated book ever announced is for Necrons and runs with the theme of "the toxic old man yaoi arc continues" and the book that preceeds it is generally considered the best book they ever pushed out for 40k.

[disarmonia]

Orfeo's Lament 🌌 Alternative title for this was "Don't lower the Geller field, kids!".

Captain Argel Tal of the Serrated Sun of the Word Bearers Legion experiencing his first true exposure to the Warp aboard the Orfeo's Lament. ____________

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