Reviews

The Flight of the Eisenstein by James Swallow

aoc's review against another edition

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3.0

In conclusion of my review of the previous installment of Horus Heresy I raised the question of needing an entirely new cast for the next one given what transpires, and I was only somewhat correct. Enter the Flight of the Eisenstein.

What we have here is essentially Galaxy in Flames told from a new, parallel perspective we only witnessed brief bits of in that one. Half-way through, at least. Where previously there were Luna Wolves, Sons of Horus and Emperor's Children we now step into the shoes of Death Guard legion as narrative surrounding Horus' betrayal and Isstvan 3 massacre continues to unfold. This time we don't take the boots-on-the ground approach very much to Nathaniel Garro's dismay as he becomes our protagonist of the new legion earlier held somewhat aloof. Provided you've read the three novels up to this point you know what the deal is - getting to know legion culture from the inside, cast of Astartes and support cover familiar archetypes and insidious problems festering that would only escalate as, unfortunately, Death Guard would also turn traitor. That's only half of the story as it then breaks to, well, the title itself and it falls on Eisenstein and its crew to navigate through dangers of the Warp for a miniscule chance they can get the message of the Warmaster's treachery back to Terra and warn everyone of the danger that's in the making.

What's my biggest issue with the Flight of the Eisenstein? If there was foreshadowing in earlier novels, and there was aplenty, it enters blatant territory here. While I was glad to see the Death Guard expanded on I wish there was less obvious leaning to what their fate would become. Particularly their future affiliation with a certain disease-loving entity. There's precisely one too many instance of Astartes turning into a malignant monstrosity when it should've been reserved for the final showdown only. Depending on the perspective this could be seen as fan service, though.

lloyd_e's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Good, very consumable and not difficult to read. If you like WH books this one was enjoyable. 

jonocal's review

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adventurous dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

abyanismangil's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

wookieeatemyshoe's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lapismydear's review against another edition

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4.0

El personaje de Nathaniel Garro esta excelentemente escrito, como te van formulando la necesidad de la religión en las personas que pierden su propósito aunque sea para tener Fe es increíble.
Las escenas de acción son una delicia, si eso, algunas escenas del principio se hacen un poco soporíferas.

davieid's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bensbooknook's review against another edition

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5.0

As someone who is very interested in lore behind the Grey Knights, this was a fantastic read. The book really delves deep into the emotional and moral struggles that Battle Captain Harrow had to go through during the beginning of the heresy.

I read this via audiobook, it was fantastically narrated and voice acted all the way through.

roofrei's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

3.25

am_woody's review against another edition

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3.0

Has a somewhat rocky start but grows into its own once it enters the story properly. Really cool seeing the events of the previous books told from a new perspective.