So I just got Know No Fear, the newest Heresy novel. It's about the Ultramarines, which might be a turn off for a lot of fans, but it is very, very good. I mean, I was quite surprised. The last time Abnett wrote about the Ultras (the movie), they came off as very generic. It wasn't even the animation, the writing itself was just very forgettable.
Not here.
Heresy-era Ultramarines are a whole new breed from the Codex worshipping Ultrasmurfs of modern day. They don't check the Codex everytime they have to go to the bathroom in case they're breaking rules (hint: Ultras, you're not supposed to do that in the first place. The Codex is a living document that's supposed to change with the times, not be set in stone like you think it is), but rather in two broad steps.
1) Theoretical: How did I get in this situation, what future situations will I enter, etc...?
2) Practical: How do I rip this moron in front of me a new asshole?
Awesome.
Anyway the plot (don't worry no spoilers) is that the vast majority of the Ultramarines, maybe around 200,000 of the 250,000 in existence are all gathered on a single planet called Calth, as they ready themselves to invade Ork space with backup from the Word Bearers. As we all know though, the Heresy is on, and the unsuspecting warriors of Ultramar are in for a rude surprise.
Pros:
Strong characters. Unlike the Ultramarines movie, every character here stands out. One marine in particular is incredibly humorous, with a deadpan delivery and badassdom to match.
I also really want to point out Guilliman's character here. His was the single best written of the entire novel and it really goes to show Abnett's mastery of the character. You remember how just about every time a Primarch is introduced, everyone is all 'Oh lo, I'm not worthy,' and then weeps at their beauty, etc, etc...? Not here. Guilliman's always been thought of as the most human of the Primarchs and it shows. He's not an inscrutable force of nature. He's an inhumanly skilled man doing the best he can at the job he's great at. His rage at the betrayal is very convincing, and overall it's just a blast to see him. Something I thought I'd never say about Rowboat Girlyman.
Betrayal. Now that was very good too. In the Horus Heresy novels I'd read, I never really clicked with the betrayal thing. Sure it was sad when Horus turned and the Luna Wolves fought the Loyalists, when the Space Wolves killed the Thousand Sons and such, but here the betrayal factor of it all is highlighted very well. It really goes into the whole 'Brother vs Brother' aspect of the war even for the rank and file Marines.
Action was good. Nothing too much to note, general Bolter Porn passed easily.
Cons:
Neglected or Shoddy subplots. One in particular really springs to mind, and that's the introduction of a Dreadnought character early in the novel. By seeing his POV you'd think you'd get to see him kick Heretic ass, but all he gets is an ending that feels like Abnett hastily added on for closure after he'd built him up so much. Very disappointing.
Ollanius Pius is changed yet again. First he was a regular Guardsman, then he was a Terminator, then he was a Custodes, now he's a freaking Immortal who's been around forever just like John Grammaticus. He dates back to Ancient Greece for God's sakes.
Favorite moment of the novel has to be when Guilliman punches through Kor Phaeron. Immensely satisfying.
I highly recommend you all check this out.
