40K: Enforcer – A Book Review
I read pretty fast, so I’m always happy to get an omnibus. Read on to find out why Enforcer has more perks than just its page-count.
Enforcer details the story of Arbitor senioris Shira Calpurnia during her tour of duty in the Hydraphur system. Its full of interesting little fluff bits on both the system, and the functioning of the Arbites as a whole. One of the things that really stands out about the series is how well Matthew Farrer manages to illustrate the setting. I have yet to read a 40k novel that manages to capture the essence of the 41st millenium as strongly as Enforcer.
From the elaborate ritualized technology of the Mechanicus, to the bizarre decadence of a Rogue Trader fleet, the book really digs in to just how crazy the Imperium is without going so far as to make the characters un-relateable.
The story itself is full of twists and turns, and the characters are interesting and well developed. One of the cool things that really adds to the immersion in the setting is that all the chapters in the first book a prefaced with an excerpt from an Imperial text describing the proper conduct and procedures for the Mass of Saint Balronas, the event around which the first book revolves.
While the first book in the omnibus, Crossfire, is really excellent, the second and third are not quite up to the same standard. Now, they aren’t bad by any stretch. In fact their also quite good, they just aren’t as good as the first one. The third book is notable, however, for its deep delve into the workings of the Adeptus Astrotelepathica.
Overall, I found this an excellent read, and would consider it an absolute must for anyone who plays or runs Dark Heresy.
~ 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this one all the way through Wargamescon. What are your thoughts?
