Reviews

Helsreach by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

untitledlullaby's review against another edition

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5.0

I love you andrej.

daniel_wood's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

javierlee's review against another edition

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3.0

Me ha gustado mucho, es una muy buena historia para comenzar en el universo de warhammer y deja en claro com funcionan los Templarios negros, el mecanicus, la existencia de los xenos y lo complicado del mismo universo

daleywhaley's review against another edition

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dark hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

astator's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The second half off the book is amazing. It’s a riveting read of a desperate last stand. And all characters know there is no hope and they have to try and cope with that knowledge and find a way to keep fighting regardless. 

First half was a bit slow for my taste. 

nraptor's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.75

nraptor's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bentheoverlordsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Helsreach is an epic fast paced 40K that kept me turning every page wanting to know where it was going next. I'm a fan of Warhammer and have played it on and off since high school but had never picked up any books till last year, and I can say that each one I've read has been a fun ride. Helsreach tells the story of The Black Templars battling against the Ork horde for the planet Armageddon, and let me say that once the action begins it barely slows down, its one epic set piece after another.
My only real issue I had with the story was the character work, I wanted more from it, but at the same time I enjoyed the stuff we got.
Definitely a fun romp thats gritty. gruesome at times and altogether I worthwhile read.

patremagne's review against another edition

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4.0

"We are judged in life for the evil we destroy."

Helsreach is possibly the most brutal 40k novel I've read yet. At what cost is victory worth it?

ADB is arguably the best of the Black Library authors. He excels at character depth and in humanizing the Astartes. The difference in the creeds of the Black Templars and the Salamanders was interesting to behold - how those of differing chapters may not understand one another's beliefs - it's very humanizing. Gemmell-esque, in a way. Courage in the face of insurmountable odds, both from the Astartes and the humans.

Leave it to ADB (and often the 40k universe) to create a fantastic band of brothers, each with very different personalities, and leave you feeling utter despair in the end.

Bravo. I didn't need these feels today, where they're already abound with the death of Robin Williams.

"Hero of Helsreach, the crowd cheers.
As if there is only one."

2ndchance_chad's review against another edition

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4.0

This read goes beyond just the book. As I am a first and foremost a Black Templar player in this tabletop wargame, I love reading the lore behind this chapter and the world. That being said, I'm not sure how much others would like many of the Warhammer books if they weren't at least a little invested into the game itself.