Reviews

First and Only by Dan Abnett

Only show reviews with written explanations

gearyofbooks's review against another edition

5.0

This is the fourth time I have read this book never mind series. It's gripping, grim and full of characters you can get attached too. Abnett crafts a small section of this universe for himself and ensures you want to know more.

agentpurple's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark inspiring tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

stygian_theophany's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

dalegouveia12's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous tense fast-paced

alebohl's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

unidentifiedfilipinoobject's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

lhgluke's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I'm a big nerd but I've never delved into Warhammer 40k as it just seemed too immense and overwhelming.

I love sci-fi but I like it to be grounded in some amount of reality and at least be somewhat plausible. I'm not a huge fan of supernatural or other-worldly elements, which is what put me off 4ok for so long.

I heard that this book series was the easiest way to enter the lore and world, as it's the most "realistic" as W4ok gets (or can get all things considered) and I was pleasantly surprised. There are elements of psychic abilities and some far-fetched goings on but by and large the story is kept relatively grounded and focused on Gaunt and his men.

This really helped me to think like a regular trooper and not worry about those elements too much, or be genuinely shocked by them or in awe of them like a regular infantryman would be.

I listened on Audible and the narrator was amazing, he really brought the brilliant writing to life. I've got ADHD and sometimes I have to re-read/re-listen to large parts of books as I lose focus and can't pay attention, only to realise I wasn't taking in what I was reading/listening to. This never happened in the almost 10 hours of listening, I was gripped.

If you're a fan of very well written sci-fi I cannot recommend this enough, whether you're a Warhammer 40k fan or not.