Avenging Son

Dawn of Fire: Warhammer 40,000, Book 1

By: Guy Haley

Narrated by: John Banks

Length: 13 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

As the Indomitus Crusade spreads out across the galaxy, one battlefleet must face a dread Slaughter Host of Chaos. Their success or failure may define the very future of the crusade - and the Imperium.

Listen to it because: the brand-new Warhammer 40,000 saga begins here. Experience the Indomitus Crusade and a battle that will be a tipping point for the future in an all-action tale by Guy Haley.

The story: a great darkness has befallen the galaxy, and the armies of Chaos are rampant. To survive, humanity must retaliate and take back what they have lost. By the will of the reborn primarch, Roboute Guilliman, is the Indomitus Crusade launched - a military undertaking that eclipses all others in known history. From the Throneworld of Terra does the Avenging Son hurl his fleets, their mission the very salvation of mankind.

As vessels in their thousands burn through the cold void, the attention of Fleetmistress VanLeskus turns to the Machorta Sound - a region under attack by a dreaded Slaughter Host of the Dark Gods. The success of the Indomitus Crusade will be determined by this conflict, and the desperate mission of Battlegroup Saint Aster, led by Space Marine Lieutenant Messinius. Even then it is but a prelude to the forthcoming bloodshed.

©2020 Games Workshop Limited (P)2020 Games Workshop Limited

Great overall

Explains what happens after Guilliman wakes up and his actions to begin restoring the imperium. Only gripe about this book is the story jumps around a bit and you lose track of what it happening. One story line makes no sense at all. But this is a must read if you want to know about the dark imperium. And John Banks is brilliant in the narration.

40k with some much needed humanity/personality

Follows a lot of different threads, some more deeply than others. Still, I couldn't put it down. Awesome void warfare early on. Interesting characters at every turn; human, post-human, modified human and xenos. Really nice insight into the Primaris Revelation (honestly some great perspective transitions from First Born to newly awakening Primaris) and the beginning of the Indomitus era. No real "bad guy" characters revealed throughout (with a possible exception at the end). It would have been kinda nice to have a named antagonist to balance at least one of the many protagonists... but it wasn't necessary to this story so I get it.

This next bit is superfluous to the review but I want to say it anyway. Hearing Roboute talk about how Space Marines need to rediscover or just plain not forget their own humanity is flat out one of the biggest steps forward in 40k writing ever. SMs removed aloofness, while based, is one of the biggest issues in the 40k universe and is so clearly there but always ignored. So finally hearing about this issue from none other than the big blue hero man himself is refreshing. ok. glad I got that off my chest. read this book...IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR! (FLILTHY HERETICS DON'T READ THIS BOOK! ARE YOU A FILTHY HERETIC!?!)

Just what I was looking for in a new warhammer story!

The book was great and sets up so much to come in the franchise. A great entrance to the Primaris and so many likable characters with development!

Good

It bounces areound a lot and I wish there was more of a way to tell between characters views while listening. Easier to read then listen for me at least.

Great intro to Indomitus

Book shows the beginning of the Indomitus Crusade. Follows after Carrion Throne, and Emperors Legion. This book is just before Regents Shadow.

Best introduction to Era Indomitus

After reading the Dark Imperium and Watcher of the Throne, among others. I found that this book stands as the best introduction of Guilliman's return, the great rift, the Primarus marines, and the beginning of the Indomitus Crusade. it does a good job of setting the stage. if you're looking for a good introduction to the most current events in W40k events, this is a good place to start.

Some good Universe Building, Good enough Story

Mostly worth it for the 40k universe-building. Guilliman, Primaris, Admiral Van Leskus & some well detailed bits & pieces.

The story is nothing special. Not bad, just standard 40k fair. A lil back-ended, not much action at the start, in the middle. Could have done without 90% of the Scribum's story but otherwise an entertaining listen.

As the intro to 9th edition's time/storyline, going back to the start of the Indomitus Crusade, it sets the table well.

jumping in

a good starting point into the current setting of warhammer40k for new readers or people just starting a new series

Really enjoyed it !

moving to book two after this. Story was great ! narration was excellent. you will enjoy this if you are a 40k fan .

New lore delivered in a rough package.

Tons of new lore for the 40k universe, but the delivery left something to be desired. the story could have been stretched out much further and the characters given more room to breathe. Guy Haley could have written a wonderful novel if he were given the opportunity to stretch his legs.