Xenos (Eisenhorn, #1) (Warhammer 40,000 Novels (Paperback))

by Dan Abnett

The Inquisition moves amongst mankind like an avenging shadow, striking down the enemies of humanity with uncompromising ruthlessness. When he finally corners an old foe, Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn is drawn into a sinister conspiracy. As events unfold and he gathers allies - and enemies - Eisenhorn faces a vast interstellar cabal and the dark power of demons, all racing to recover an arcane text of abominable power: an ancient tome known as the Necroteuch.

• ISBN10: 1849708738
• ISBN13: 9781849708739
• Publish Date: 21 July 2015 (first published 28 June 2001)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Out of Print: 5 May 2021
• Imprint: Games Workshop
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 416
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

There's nothing more exciting than diving into a new series. Except, perhaps, diving into a new series written by Dan Abnett. (In this case, by new series, I mean 'new to me.') Dan Abnett is my favorite Black Library author, so I've meant to read Xenos for some time. Now, I've finally made a bit of time for it.

Gregor Eisenhorn is an Inquisitor, which means he serves the God-Emperor, following his bidding to the end. More specifically, it means he hunts heresy and obliterates it from existence. For many, this means they face an endless war, for there will always be corruption and those that look for other paths.

This is a fact of life Eisenhorn has accepted, and it won't stop him from doing his job. Perhaps this is the reason he spotted the conspiracy happening within the shadows. What will it cost to shut it all down?

“But my patience isn't limitless... unlike my authority.”

Dan Abnett does it again. He has successfully woven a complex tale of war and honor, creating compelling characters and intriguing motivations. Xenos is a breath of fresh air, especially for a world/series where war is constantly rising up.

You might be wondering, how is Xenos refreshing if it covers the same war I just mildly criticized? It's because of the way he handled it. In everything I've read by Abnett, Xenos included, he's tried to add context and reason to his plots. This consists of the overarching and unavoidable ones, such as the God-Emperor-led war.

I'll admit, I even think that Eisenhorn may be one of my favorite Warhammer characters now, and that's saying something (though nothing will ever top my love of Garviel Loken, just saying!).
So if you're sitting there debating about reading Xenos (like I was), give it a try! This is true regardless of your reading experience within Warhammer 40K. It would work for both experienced and new readers, which is always a delight to see.

Thanks to Black Library and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks