Second volume (of unexpected trilogy), and I can say what a book.

I have read some of the reviews and comments and how people think that three giant books are too much. I have to admit that in this case I do not agree. Although 720 pages seem like a lot I have to say that author managed to make it work. Story flow is so natural that you will finish the book in the day or two.

All parties introduced in the first volume play a role. Perpetuals are a pivotal set of characters - they manage to persuade the Emperor to step down from the apocalypse path. Of course they do not do it on their own but with help of other loyalists. Emperor is presented as a very deadly psyker, who sometimes gets a little bit too much driven and is not a person who easily trusts the others. But when confronted with arguments he is ready to take the necessary steps. Horus is crazy as ever, with grand plan of rebuilding the entire reality, He even has a role for some of his kin. Others are just scattered throughout the crazy new reality, fighting daemons and traitor forces who have finally breached the last bastion.

Author manages to paint a very bleak picture of devastation and horror unleashed, sheer despair but also courage and tenacity of remaining loyalists.

Battle between Sanguinius and Horus is not just physical battle but psychological - what can be more moral breaking but destruction of one Primarch that is personification of deities of past. Sheer brutality of the duel is breathtaking. And everything seems to be done with goal of goading the Emperor to cross the threshold and cause more harm than good.

Excellent book, rather difficult and bleak but their is hint of optimism at the end.

Cannot wait for the third volume.

Highly recommended. ( )

Rogal Dorn pissing off Khorne by orating Nichomachean Ethics is a delight but this book doesn't really start until 2/3rds of the way in.