Xenos: Eisenhorn: Warhammer 40,000, Book 1

The Eisenhorn books, all four of them, are exceptional. Definitely the best 40k stories I have ever read, and the best fiction I have read in the past ten years. I'm disappointed that it took me 20 years to read them. Looking back, I suspect they have had considerable influence on popular science fiction in the 20 years since the first book was written.Dan Abnett's Eisenhorn books are not just an excellent introduction to the world of 40k, but compelling fiction in their own right.

This is the first Warhammer 40k Novel I have read.I picked this one based off of an article on Forbes.com. I was actually looking for the Eisenhorn Omnibus, but since that version is no longer in print I opted for this new printing of the first novel.I have been somewhat interested in Warhammer based off the art-style. Mostly I have been looking for something cool in the sci-fi genre. Friends recommended Warhammer, but they couldn't agree on where to start. So I looked online, and the Forbes article looked like a good guide.On the Book itself, I will say there is a lot to know about if you are unfamiliar with the Universe. This mostly has to do with objects and weapons. Stub-Pistols, Gun-Cutter craft, Hell-guns, servitors, savants, the General Armament/Equipment of a given army/unit in Warhammer 40k. I found myself looking up things online to get the picture straight. As it is a recommended starting place to get to know the Warhammer 40k Universe I found it a bit opaque in what the author is taking for granted in the Universe. I had to read more than just the novel itself in order to understand what what was being referenced throughout the book. So, I'm not sure if it really is the best for a virgin of the 40k Universe. In my opinion the book could really use a glossary. Or a few illustrations for the uninitiated. Of course its the only novel I have read in the universe so far so its hard to judge it against anything else.On the story side, I really did enjoy the action and the pace and the vividness of the set-pieces in the novel. I think Mr. Abnett's use of color in his descriptions is akin to Gene Wolfe in his Solar Cycle novels. So, its Top-Notch is what I'm saying.In reviewing here I have the option with the question: How would you describe the characters? to select One-Dimensional, Developed, Complex.This story is told in the First Person perspective, so the only really developed character is Eisenhorn himself, the narrator of the story. The other characters are somewhat opaque, and perhaps thought of in a one-dimensional way by Eisenhorn. This is the first book in a trilogy, so hopefully as his relationships continue the characters will become more fleshed out.All in all it is a good book, and it is a good story, it takes a lot for granted with its audience though. For me it was a much more immersive than usual with a book because all the things I had to look up. I imagine if you are initiated with the setting already this book probably is more than a little amazing.

After all these years of Warhammer and WH40K stuff, growing up with it, learning English partly because of it - the Eisenhorn saga is still my favourite.Many flaws:- Somewhat silly fight scenes here and there.- Somewhat implausible plot developments very occasionally.- A bit of disconnection issues in between the three books, with new characters introduced that should logically have been at least mentioned in this and the next book.But finally:VERY VERY GOOD stuff. Can easily stand on its own as a work of serious military science fiction with plenty of atmosphere and character work. Truly a genre-busting breakout effort, even though Mr. Abnett is severely limited by heavy-handed limits on the length of his works for the Black Library, and the pressure on him to get stuff out the door asap, whether he is happy with the level of polish or not.Months later I found myself still thinking about the stories, so bought the book again (had decided to rid myself of non-essential property prior to some difficult stuff in my life). Now several years later I'm doing it again, after having gotten rid of the book a second time.

This is my introduction to the War hammer verse. Really nice starter point. It told a compelling story with interesting characters.You really don't need to know much of anything prior to enjoy this

Half way through but that's only because I have to sleep. Great writing!

This is the first 40K book I've read. I checked recommendations on YouTube and Amazon before purchasing this, and I'm pleased with the results. While there's a good amount of lore to enjoy, it's pertinent to the story and never 'bogs' down the plot. The main character is interesting and I want to know more about his companions. The plot isn't predictable and leads you nicely into the next volume. I look forward to the rest of this series.

One of the first books I read years ago. I knew it was good and hadn't intended to pick it up again but I bought the Magos book and am reading things in the order Dan Abnett laid out. Phenomenal book, I can't stress how awesome this entire series of books is.

This book is the first book that I've read in the entire Warhammer 40k lore/fluff and must say that it is a great place to start. Abnett really captures the universe that the book is set in and tell's Eisenhorn's story in a manor which keeps you turning the page! I will be promptly purchasing the following books as i simply can't get enough of the Inquisitor's bad-assery :)Extra info:This book is the first book of a triple trilogy.The first trilogy centers around Esienhorn (and is named such)The second follow's RavenorThe third and final part follows Bequin - note this trilogy isn't yet complete as only the first book has been released by Abnett so far!

En general está bien el librom un poco lente en algunas partes y a menos que estes muy bien versado en el munod de WH40K muchas cosas no las vas a entender en un primer momento.Del mimos modo que el misterio no está tan bien construido y los personajes, salvo el propio protagonista, no están muy bien desarrollados o tienen demasiado poco tiempo en pantalla para generar un apego con ellos o que te preocupe lo que les pase.Pero en general, está bien el libro.

Great book. Unique perspective from an Inquisitorial point of view. I've heard great things about this series in general and it's a great first book of the group.

It was a present for a boyfriend who wanted to start reading and now he is a reader!

I want to preface my review by saying that I have been a fan of 40k for a long time but this is first book I have read for it. The two things I love the most about this book is the main cast of characters (Especially Eisenhorn himself) and also the exceptional conveying of the horrors of the 40k universe.An exceptional read in my eyes and I can’t wait to read the next 3 books of the series.

This was the first warhammer 40k book I’ve read..it definitely will not be the last. Incredibly well written and action packed.