Are you ready to experience one of the most harrowing and epic battles in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000? Dan Abnett’s Necropolis is a must-read if you’re a fan of high-stakes warfare, unforgettable characters, and vivid world-building. This third installment in the legendary Gaunt’s Ghosts series thrusts readers into the heart of the siege of Vervunhive—and trust us, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Our latest YouTube video takes an in-depth look at Necropolis to celebrate this iconic novel. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade or a newcomer curious about what makes this book a standout, this review is for you.
What You’ll Discover in Our Video:
An Overview of the Story: Learn about the brutal siege of Vervunhive and the deadly stakes faced by its defenders.
Character Spotlights: Get to know Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt, the Tanith First and Only, and the intriguing cast of hive residents.
Themes and Tone: Explore the grim realities of siege warfare and the devastating toll it takes on soldiers and civilians alike.
Why Necropolis Stands Out: From political intrigue to gripping action sequences, we explain why this novel is considered a cornerstone of the Gaunt’s Ghosts series.
Why You Should Watch
Whether you’ve already read Necropolis or are considering picking it up, this review delves deep into the book’s strengths and its lasting impact on the Warhammer 40K universe. Plus, we discuss how Dan Abnett’s storytelling elevates the series to new heights.
Watch Now!
Check out the full review on our YouTube channel and join the discussion. Have you read Necropolis? Do you agree it’s one of the best entries in the series? Let us know in the comments!
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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:
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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“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.
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.
Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on one of my Amazon links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue creating content for you. Thank you for your support!
“Gaunt’s Ghosts” is a series of military science fiction novels by Dan Abnett, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The series follows the exploits of Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First-and-Only, a regiment of Imperial Guard troops known as the Ghosts.
The Ghosts are from the planet Tanith, which is destroyed by the forces of Chaos, leading to the regiment becoming a ghostly presence in the war against the enemies of the Imperium. The series spans multiple campaigns and battles, showcasing the grim and gritty nature of warfare in the 41st millennium.
Throughout the series, Gaunt and his Ghosts face a variety of challenges, including traitorous commanders, insidious Chaos plots, and the horrors of war on a galactic scale. The series is known for its strong characterization, engaging storytelling, and gritty depiction of warfare in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
The Gaunt’s Ghosts series is extensive, so here’s a general reading order to get you started:
First and Only– This is the first novel in the series and introduces Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First-and-Only regiment.
Ghostmaker – Follows the Ghosts as they participate in various campaigns and battles.
Necropolis – The Ghosts are deployed to the city of Vervunhive, which is under siege by the forces of Chaos.
Honour Guard – Gaunt and the Ghosts are assigned to protect a high-ranking Imperial official.
The Guns of Tanith – The heretical forces of Chaos fight back in the Sabbat Worlds Crusade, cutting off Imperial forces. Gaunt and his men must recapture the key world Phantine, in order to save the Emperor’s beleaguered forces.
Straight Silver – The Ghosts are sent on a mission behind enemy lines.
Sabbat Martyr – The Ghosts are involved in a major campaign on the planet of Hagia.
Traitor General – Gaunt and the Ghosts pursue a traitor through dangerous territory.
His Last Command – Gaunt faces challenges to his leadership of the Ghosts.
The Armour of Contempt – The Ghosts are sent to a hostile world to recover a valuable asset.
Only in Death – The Ghosts face a desperate last stand against overwhelming odds.
Blood Pact – Gaunt and the Ghosts battle against the Chaos forces of the Blood Pact.
Salvation’s Reach – The Ghosts undertake a dangerous mission into uncharted space.
The Warmaster – Gaunt and the Ghosts face their greatest challenge yet as the Sabbat Worlds Crusade reaches its climax.
Anarch – The aftermath of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade and its impact on Gaunt and the Ghosts.
This list provides a general order, but some books and short stories can be read out of sequence without losing the overall narrative arc.
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