Ghostmaker is the second novel in Dan Abnett’s Gaunt’s Ghosts series. The novel is set during the Sabbat Worlds Crusade on the Chaos-infested world of Monthax. Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only, or Gaunt’s Ghosts, are waiting in trenches for orders to attack.
The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories interspersed with a framing narrative of the Monthax campaign. This structure has been met with mixed reviews.
The short stories provide backstories for and character development of the Ghosts, including:
● Colm Corbec
● Elim Rawne
● Hlaine Larkin
● Tolin Dorden
● Brin Milo
● Dermon Caffran
● Oan Mkoll
These stories highlight the soldiers’ relationships with Gaunt and each other, as well as their experiences as soldiers. One reviewer notes that Larkin’s chapter is a favorite.
Criticisms of the Structure
Some reviewers find the structure of Ghostmaker to be disjointed and difficult to follow. They believe that the short stories would have been more effective if they were presented as an anthology, without the framing narrative. One reader notes that Ghostmaker can be safely skipped on a first read-through of the series.
.One reviewer describes the main Monthax plotline as “pretty weak fare”. Another calls the over-arching plot “bare bones” and criticizes the ending as deus ex machina.
The Monthax Campaign
The main narrative focuses on the Ghosts’ campaign on Monthax, where they fight Chaos cultists in a difficult jungle environment. The Ghosts and their allies in the Royal Volpone regiment, under the command of General Sturm, experience strange hallucinatory effects.
.It is later revealed that a group of Eldar are present on Monthax. They are attempting to seal a Webway gate to prevent it from falling into Chaos hands. The Eldar use psychic powers to create a warp storm and manipulate the perceptions of the Imperial forces, causing them to see visions of their homeworld, Tanith. Under the influence of the Eldar illusions, the Ghosts and Volpone achieve impossible feats, fighting through overwhelming numbers of Chaos soldiers.
Inquisitor Lilith Abfequarn investigates the psychic disturbances and, after the death of the Eldar warlock, helps to seal the Webway gate. The Eldar depart with Lilith, leaving the Ghosts to continue their campaign. The Ghosts and Volpone, having fought for a vision of their lost homes, find a sense of closure.
Overall Impressions
Ghostmaker explores the history and individual personalities of the Tanith First and Only through its short story format. Despite criticisms of its structure, the novel develops the characters and sets the stage for future installments in the series.
Why Read “Ghostmaker”?
To learn more about the Ghosts
While the first book in the series, First and Only, introduces Colonel-Commissar Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only, Ghostmaker provides a deeper look into the individual soldiers that make up this regiment. The book explores their backstories, motivations, and relationships with each other.
To experience some of the best Gaunt’s Ghosts stories
Although Ghostmaker is a divisive book in the series, some reviewers consider certain stories within it to be among the strongest in the entire Gaunt’s Ghosts series. Some of the standout tales include those focused on Mkoll, Dorden, Rawne, Corbec, and Milo. These stories provide insights into the Ghosts’ unique skills and their struggles to adapt to the horrors of war.
To follow plotlines that continue in later books
Some of the events and character arcs introduced in Ghostmaker are revisited in subsequent novels. The complex relationship between Gaunt and Rawne, explored in the previous blog post summary, is a prime example.
Understanding the events of Ghostmaker can enhance your appreciation of later books.
To gain a better understanding of the Tanith First and Only and the Sabbat Worlds Crusade: The sources note that Ghostmaker offers a more in-depth introduction to the Ghosts, potentially filling in gaps from First and Only. It also provides more context for the ongoing Sabbat Worlds Crusade, including encounters with various enemies like Chaos Space Marines, Orks, and Eldar. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for the Ghosts’ unique skills and their contributions to the wider conflict.
To explore themes of compassion and sacrifice within the grim darkness of Warhammer 40,000
The book’s short stories showcase how individual soldiers grapple with the brutality of the 41st millennium. One reviewer specifically highlights Dorden’s story, which challenges the notion that everyone in the Imperial Guard is expendable by depicting his dedication to saving injured soldiers from another regiment.
It’s important to note that the unique structure of Ghostmaker, using interconnected short stories, is not universally praised. As discussed in the previous blog post summary, some readers find this approach disjointed, arguing that the stories would have been better presented as a standalone anthology or expanded into full-fledged novels. You may want to consider these criticisms when deciding whether or not to read Ghostmaker, especially if you prefer a more traditional narrative structure.
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