Ravenor Returned (2) Paperback – July 11, 2017

An excellent sequel. All the characters were back, the conspiracy got even bigger, and the writing was both fast and tight. Definitely one of those times where the second book is at least as good as the original. Highly recommended.

The Black Library publishes some mightly fine sci-fi, but Dan Abnett is truly one of its best! I thought his Eisenhorn series was outstanding, and was terribly disappointed when he finally retired Gregor after 3 terrific books! But you can still get almost the same taut, compelling Abnett style since Ravenor continues the tradition with a twist; if Eisenhorn was dashing and lit up his universe with bright swatches of color; Ravenor is reserved and paints his universe with shades and hues.In Returned, Ravenor goes rogue and returns his strike team to a planet where the corruption goes right to the top. His team gets some help from unexpected places(!) and the action is more subtle, but still twists and turns in ways that will keep you reading! I can't wait for the next sequel!

It virtually goes without saying by now that M. Abnett is the most talented writer in the Black Library stable of authors. His works have had a formative effect on the game universe, and much of his writings have become canon in the 3rd and 4th editions of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40K game, much in the same way that M. Watson's writings did for the 1st and 2nd.Ravenor Returned, the sequel to Ravenor, is clearly a middle tale, in much the same way The Empire Strikes Back was a middle tale in the "first" three Star Wars films. This is not to say that it doesn't have an engaging storyline of its own, but it clearly leaves space for the next book in the series as it concludes.M. Abnett clearly has a talent for immersing the reader in his world, making the background come alive, and helping the reader "see" the words. His characters are bigger than life in many ways, and yet they each have frailties to match their strengths. This contrast makes them seem much more real, even though they are all clearly "heroes" in some form of the mold. His villains act intelligently, having believable motivations of their own, and there are virtually no abominable "belief in the Emperor somehow turns the tide" plot devices (excepting one on a thankfully very minor matter).Warhammer 40K "fluff" fanatics will love the book, as it's chalk full of background material from the aforementioned immersive world, but even non-gamers will enjoy it on its own merits, though I highly recommend reading Ravenor prior to this one to get the most out of the tale.In short: a highly entertaining tale; I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book.

The book arrived in great condition and very fast! I'm very excited to get into this book!

Ravenor is a great book! I love the series! If you liked Eisenhorn you will like these too!

The best. Period. (the trilogy, I mean)

The first entry was bland, but this one kicks things back into gear, and delivers the grim-dark guardians of the galaxies experience we all know and love. Abnett is at his best in this kind of story.

Arrived in good condition.