Bookworm Speaks!- The Blood Angels Omnibus Review

Bookworm Speaks! 

The Blood Angels Omnibus 

by James Swallow

****

Similar to anthologies, omnibus’ can be hard to review accurately, at least in a concise manner, due to the fact that they are made up of several stories that can vary in quality both in writing and the fact that are different stories. 

Thankfully, in the case of the Omnibus of the Blood Angels, there are only two novels plus and short story contained within and all form a consistent story and plot. 

The Story

The Blood Angels Omnibus contains two novels. Deus Encarmine and Deus Sanguinius and the short story Blood Debt. The Blood Angels are a First Founding Chapter of the Space Marines descended from the Primarch Sanquinius. Rafen and his brother Arkio are both loyal Battle Brothers. Rafen and Arkio are biological brothers thus care for each other deeply. Yet in the midst of fulfilling a Blood Oath to the Inquisitor Stele against the Traitor Legion of the World Bearers, Arkio comes into possession of ancient weapon and becomes convinced that he is the reincarnation of the Primarch Sanquinius. All other Blood Angels fall under his sway save for Rafen and he knows that he will have to confront his brother in order to save his Chapter. 

The Good:

Where this book shines is in its main character: Rafen. Rafen is at war with his own loyalties, to his brother and his battle brothers. He does not want to to raise his hand against either of them but he knows in his heart he must but he has to be careful, lest they kill him for his heresy. The lone wolf in exile story is a very compelling one. The only loyal one left being pursued by former allies. Rafen’s pain in this situation just oozes of the page, he swore an oath to his brother and to his chapter but what happens when both become the enemy. The emotional torment he experiences (particularly one scene in the second book) is extremely well written. 

Any story in Warhammer 40k that stresses the humanity of the Space Marines is always personal favorite. The Space Marines are so powerful compared to ordinary humans that it is easy for both the citizens of the Imperium and the Adeptus Astartes themselves to think of them as all-powerful demigods. But they are not gods. At their cores, beneath the training and genetic engineering they are still men, so infinite in their faculties. 

That is the strength of this novel. It shows that even Space Marines can fall to the sins of pride and greed and can so cleverly disguise them as faith, something that has happened all too often throughout history. The fact that Rafen and Arkio are real brothers further advances the dramatic tension of the novel and creates a unique tragic side. Space Marines are supposed to forget about their old lives and families on becoming Space Marines, but Rafen and Arkio are truly family and thus the inner conflict Rafen experiences has a level of authenticity not often seen in Warhammer fiction.

The Flaws:  

At times Rafen can come as a bit too noble considering, but this is quickly overshadowed by moments later in the novel. Perhaps is that the reader knows he will survive and confront his brother making the plot predictable. The torment Rafen experiences in dramatic enough that the reader can feel his anguish and fear, and thus while stoic, Rafen and his journey are not one dimensional. The fact that he was the only one not to fall under Arkio’s sway may raise some eyebrows, making him too much of an ideal protagonists. Maybe there should have been a small enclave of true believers including Rafen. One the other hand that could have distracted the reader from the main story which really is Rafen’s. 

Warhammer 40k has existed for many years, nearly three decades. Many people have written stories and lores within it and it encompasses many forms of media. As a result there is an inevitable lack of consistency among the lore. One of these inconsistencies is found in this book. While it was true that they were manipulated, the Blood Angels are said to be among the greatest of the Space Marines and they fall under Arkio’s control perhaps a little too easily to be believable. 

Finally: This happens often in Warhammer 40k, is that the antagonists, such as the World Bearers are very one dimesional. They are just pure evil and madness plain and simple. It could be said that is the whole point of Chaos, all consuming madness, but it can make its servants very boring. 

Final Verdict:

Blood Angels is a story of loyalty, faith, deception, and brotherhood. A worthy edition to anyone’s personal Black Library. 

Five out of Five Stars.