“First and Only” the inaugural book in Dan Abnett’s Gaunt’s Ghosts series, plunges readers into the gritty, action-packed world of Warhammer 40,000 fiction. The story centers around Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only, a regiment renowned for their stealth, reconnaissance expertise, and unyielding loyalty. Hailing from the forest planet Tanith, this regiment is tragically orphaned when their home world is destroyed by Chaos forces, earning them the moniker “Gaunt’s Ghosts.”
The narrative follows Gaunt’s Ghosts through a series of five distinct campaigns, each brimming with military action, political intrigue, and compelling character drama. The opening chapter throws readers headfirst into the siege of Voltimand, an icy world where the Ghosts’ stealth and reconnaissance skills are put to the test. This campaign also establishes the rivalry between Gaunt and Colonel Draker Flint, a Janitine officer who harbors contempt for the Tanith.
Their deployment to Fortis Binary, a crucial Forge World overrun by chaos-worshipping workers called the Shriven, showcases the Ghosts’ resilience and brotherhood as they confront relentless waves of enemies, including the formidable Iron Warriors Chaos Space Marines.
Abnett masterfully crafts a narrative that emphasizes the human cost of war, exploring the bonds that unite these soldiers. The Ghosts are not superhuman warriors but ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances, relying on their courage, skills, and camaraderie to survive. The story introduces a diverse cast of characters, including Colonel Colm Corbec, Gaunt’s dependable second-in-command, Major Elim Rawne, a skilled but ambitious officer with questionable loyalty, and young Brin Milo, the regiment’s mascot with an uncanny intuition.
Beyond the battlefield, Gaunt finds himself entangled in a web of conspiracy and betrayal. During a brief respite on the pleasure world of Pyrites, Gaunt receives a cryptic warning from an old friend in the Imperial intelligence network about a dangerous plot within the Sabbat Worlds Crusade High Command. He inadvertently stumbles upon a scheme involving a mysterious crystal containing information about a hidden Standard Template Construct (STC), a repository of ancient technology that could drastically alter the course of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade.
Thrust into a deadly game of espionage, Gaunt must rely on his wit and the unwavering loyalty of his Ghosts to navigate the treacherous waters of Imperial politics and confront the insidious forces seeking to manipulate him. This plotline introduces Inquisitor Heldane, a chillingly sinister figure who embodies the Imperium’s darker side, willing to resort to psychic torture and manipulation to achieve his objectives.
“First and Only” is lauded as a must-read for fans of Warhammer 40,000 fiction, praised for its gripping narrative, emotional depth, and masterful balance of action, suspense, and character development. The book not only serves as an excellent introduction to the beloved Gaunt’s Ghosts series but also stands as a powerful, thought-provoking story about war, loyalty, and the human cost of conflict.
Why Read “First and Only“?
If you enjoy military science fiction with deep character development and intricate plots, “First and Only” is an excellent choice. Dan Abnett’s ability to blend high-stakes action with profound themes of loyalty and survival makes this novel a compelling read. Whether you are a fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe or new to it, “First and Only” offers a gripping entry point into a richly detailed and darkly fascinating world.
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