Guy Haley in his best and the worst

The book is... curious.
As a detective story it fails on almost every aspect. There are little tension, little clues gathering or mystery. The investigation feels rushed and abrupt.
However, Guy Haley is still Guy Haley. The main characters - Noctis and Lux (not very subtle) both are complex and interesting. Noctis in particular is a restless soul: tortured by guilt and regrets, but longing for justice, redemption and desire to make things right. It may sound like a cliche that we had seen hundreds of times but it works. You almost instantly like him. The only complaint I have is that he is too similar to another Guy Haley’s character: Honoured Lieutenant Bannick from Baneblade/Shadowsword novels. Disgraced scion of a noble house, driven by guilt and seeking for redemption. However, unlike Bannick, Noctis has more grit, personal charisma and determination. And to be frank, Noctis’ backstory is much more tragic and can give you a punch in the guts. The second main character - Lux is a bit of a mystery. You only know a few things about her history, but as the story progresses she is shown as compassionate as Mechanicus could be. The dynamic between her and Noctis is a bit awkward but also cute and sweet with a lot of hints for further development.
Those two are what make this story work. You want to know what will happen with them. I was supposed to ran 6km, instead I ran 12km because I didn’t want to stop listening the book. Once you started you are on the hook.
Not everything is fun and sun though. First, Haley overuses phrases “he said/she said/I said”. It can be really really irritating when you constantly hear it over and over and over again: “I said, then he said, then she said, then I said, then they said, then I said again, and said, and said, and said”. The second biggest drawback: lack of proper detective story. Everything just... happens. Not through clever investigation or wit and mind games, but through luck and other characters who suddenly appear to spill the bins for our detectives. Deus Ex Machina in its worst.
Third thing and it is really subjective but Haley used that trick so many times in his previous books that I really sick of it already. The plot-lines that are obvious and shameless sequel baits! From Noctis and Lux backstories to stupid subplot about the officials going through Noctis personal journal.
I’ve never regretted buying this book, but the strong feeling of irritation won’t let me until I finally get my grabby hands on the second book and find out what will happen next. And in my book (no pun intended) it worths something.
The performance is superb. The narrator kinda sounds tired and depressed capturing the mood and the atmosphere. Great job!
Overall, I quite enjoyed it but if Guy Haley won’t release the second part soon I will be reeealy really mad.

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4 people found this helpful

A great story with great characters.

Really great story that gives us a look into the lives of people that make up hive cities. these characters aren't super soldiers, they won't change the galaxy or even their own world, but it's intreseting to see how they interact with it. It was also nice to see blacklibrary focusing more on character relationships.

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My new favourite from The Black Library

I have liked every story involving the Mechanicus is that I’ve read so far but this one is even better than the rest.
Loved it.
Loved the main characters.
The setting is amazing.
Guy Haley did better with the 40k economy than Dan Abnett did in Eisenhorn.
The supporting characters are cool.
The plot is a wild ride.
This one is right up there with Imperator: Wrath of the Omnissiah by Gav Thorpe.

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IMO

the noir detective genre fits the Warhammer 40K universe like a glove. add to that a self loathing protagonist and a cast of varangantuas worst, we get a very enjoyable book

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Unique within the 40k Universe

Possibly one of the most enjoyable modern stories set within the warhammer 40k universe. one of the few non-war stories available and filled with compelling characters. 10/10 would recommend reading for anyone familiar with, or new to, the warhammer setting

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Just crappy tbh

Bad writing and just political bitching about capitalism trying to disguise lack of narrative. Skip

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Let down ending

The story was quite enjoyable though at times a bit hard to follow as character narration chops and changes and past and present tense swaps out of nowhere.

Unfortunately it is an open-ended story which leaves you wondering and personally I really don't enjoy that.

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