isauldur's review
4.0
Despite being the third book in its own series, and despite there being books published later that take place prior to this novel, Galaxy in Flames (and the first two Horus Heresy books, really) has this particularly strong prequel vibe, but in a good way. There is a sense that things aren't like this usually or will not be like this for long, that pieces are moving towards a future status-quo. Yes, the Horus Heresy novels are prequels that take place 10,000 years before the present in the Warhammer 40k universe, but there's more than that. Almost like they are building up to the calm before the storm.
Counter's prose does not feel quite as strong as Abnett's (who wrote the first book) or McNeill's (who wrote the second), but it is impressive that the tone and characters were kept pretty damn consistent throughout the first three books especially considering that a much larger series was planned.
As a mild Warhammer 40k fan, I enjoyed it. As a fan of sci-fi, I enjoyed it. I'm sad to say that we don't really get a complete story in the first three books and that further reading into the 54+ books series is needed, but for some characters, we get some very satisfying conclusions. These first three books could well be a good introduction to the universe of Warhammer 40k, for any interested. And, frankly, the this book feels conclusive enough despite there being clearly more to the story. Almost like the ending to Revenge of the Sith except that there, we knew the rest of the story already.
Honestly, it's been a worthwhile read. Fun as hell, and surprisingly deep at times. The first three books (the prior two more than this one) pose some quite interesting questions about the nature of religion, faith, and even the power of them over the physical universe. I wasn't expecting to think of these things while reading a book about super armor duded shooting each other with hand-held rocket-launchers.
I think I will continue reading the Horus Heresy, but I may take breaks between books. It is good, but the action can get a little same-y and can even drag for a few pages. Regardless, I'm interested enough to continue.
Counter's prose does not feel quite as strong as Abnett's (who wrote the first book) or McNeill's (who wrote the second), but it is impressive that the tone and characters were kept pretty damn consistent throughout the first three books especially considering that a much larger series was planned.
As a mild Warhammer 40k fan, I enjoyed it. As a fan of sci-fi, I enjoyed it. I'm sad to say that we don't really get a complete story in the first three books and that further reading into the 54+ books series is needed, but for some characters, we get some very satisfying conclusions. These first three books could well be a good introduction to the universe of Warhammer 40k, for any interested. And, frankly, the this book feels conclusive enough despite there being clearly more to the story. Almost like the ending to Revenge of the Sith except that there, we knew the rest of the story already.
Honestly, it's been a worthwhile read. Fun as hell, and surprisingly deep at times. The first three books (the prior two more than this one) pose some quite interesting questions about the nature of religion, faith, and even the power of them over the physical universe. I wasn't expecting to think of these things while reading a book about super armor duded shooting each other with hand-held rocket-launchers.
I think I will continue reading the Horus Heresy, but I may take breaks between books. It is good, but the action can get a little same-y and can even drag for a few pages. Regardless, I'm interested enough to continue.
cr0wley25's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bogdanbalostin's review
4.0
Again, I have to start by saying how disappointing this third book is comparing to the first one. And it's impossible to not make this comparison because you have to had read Horus Rising before this one. And from the brilliance of the first book (for a 40K novel) to devolve to brutal battlefields and dull characters. Even the main character changed. Loken is here only for a fraction of this book. Surprisingly, Saul Tarvitz from the Emperor's Children seems to be the main focus of this book.
Though to be honest, there is no focus character in this third book. It's a series of events, and it's hard to connect to them. It's almost like a textbook of Horus Heresy. Things need to happen, therefore they happen.
It's still engaging to read and a page-turner because the plot carries this story forward and the characters were already developed in the previous two books, so you're already attached to them a little, by force of inertia.
If it wasn't connected to the main trilogy of Horus Heresy, this book would be just a generic Warhammer 40K battle story. As it is, it's still enjoyable to a degree.
I would recommend if you finished reading the second book or if you thought the first book was too devoid of Warhammer action.
For a longer review and personal thoughts, see https://balostin.com/galaxy-in-flames-horus-heresy-3/
Though to be honest, there is no focus character in this third book. It's a series of events, and it's hard to connect to them. It's almost like a textbook of Horus Heresy. Things need to happen, therefore they happen.
It's still engaging to read and a page-turner because the plot carries this story forward and the characters were already developed in the previous two books, so you're already attached to them a little, by force of inertia.
If it wasn't connected to the main trilogy of Horus Heresy, this book would be just a generic Warhammer 40K battle story. As it is, it's still enjoyable to a degree.
I would recommend if you finished reading the second book or if you thought the first book was too devoid of Warhammer action.
For a longer review and personal thoughts, see https://balostin.com/galaxy-in-flames-horus-heresy-3/
thluke91's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
What a great end to the starting trilogy of books.
gramesjay's review
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
sadnarav's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
buf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
holtoncaulfield's review against another edition
2.0
If you're reading the Horus Heresy series, this book is essential because of the events it details, and I would recommend reading it just based on that. However, the prose in it is just terrible, a significant step down from the already mediocre writing of the previous book.