This was a very interesting read for multiple reasons.

First (sort of a side-story) we are given more details on Belisarius Cawl's early career. Because of his talents and constant unwillingness to gain higher Adeputs Mechanicum position he will find himself in crosshairs of his superior, commander of the security and troops defending the loyalist Mechanicum station placed in the vital Trisolian star system, very near to vital junction of Beta Garmon. This unwanted attention will make him member of Skitarii forces and in this position he will witness the events of this book.

Second reason is main story - one about Leman Russ, Primarch of the Space Wolves. We witness the Space Wolves getting involved in raids and attacks on the borders of the Solar system, biting into the traitors but not being able to inflict serious damage. This forces Russ to reconsider the direct attack on the Horus himself. Short meeting with Malcador's task force (Loken being one of the survivors) gives Russ an idea how to proceed but reports on the Horus' corruption and the level of powers he wields throw quite a shadow on the entire endeavor. But Space Wolves are Space Wolves, Emperor's Executioners, so details related to possible high casualties are not something that will make them change their mind.

And this is where inner workings of the Space Wolves are presented to the reader. Russ was the one of Primarchs asking for Librarium dissolvement in front of the Emperor but Russ and Space Marines of the Space Wolves have a much stroger link to the understanding of Warp than they let be known. Nothing shows this more than Russ' decision to go back to Fenris, famed Fang, and try to find the advice using his seers on how to proceed. This very scene of self-exploration and beautiful, wild nature images of Fenris and Fang, mountain fortress reaching to the very skies and starscape, are truly outstanding. Here we are given another Primarch with ties to Warp, but one that is as open in this as Thousand Sons and not hiding it that much (as First (Watchers in the Dark) or Blood Angels). Of course this are all inner workings of the Space Wolves, not open to the outsiders (but explains why Thousand Sons wanted to infiltrate it). Heavy presence of the seers in Space Wolves forces is visible to other Primarchs and they do call Russ a hypocrite. But this does not disturb him at all - Space Wolves are obviously force made with certain purpose in mind so presence of these Warp-wielders is expected. That this disturb his other brothers indicates that not everyone is aware of Emperor's plans.

I like how author is giving us scene where Russ discusses the situation with his chief seer but every time he starts talking about the mysteries of the past (lost legions amongst other things) his words are (for us, readers) drowned in noise coming from the outside. I especially liked Russ' comment on the way he came up with the name for the legion :)

What Russ learns (this part of the book truly makes you think what would the Primarchs be where they allowed to grow on Earth) makes him decide to attack Horus.

I wont go into much detail but what follows shows that Space Wolves are not berserkers and savages rest of the Emperor's armies sees them like. The very way they progress through Vengeful Spirit, orchestrate full offensive ship boarding and attack on multiple fronts, it just shows that they are enigma to everyone but Emperor.

Battle between Horus and Russ is brutal and short (not unlike combat with Sanginius) and shows how warped Horus has become. What Russ succeeds in is making a dent in the Horus' armor and maybe, just maybe, bringing old Horus back for at least a second. This just might prove to be an advantage that can be used in the future.

Unexpectedly good story (considering it is a side-story for the main events) and I truly enjoyed it. If you are interested in the Space Wolves and their Primarch I cannot recommend it enough.

Highly recommended. ( )

The last HH novel by Guy Haley that I read was Titandeath, released shortly after this novel. It was an absolute stinker, dull and overlong. Now I understand why it was such bobbins - this book sapped Haley's creative juices! This is a great genre novel; nothing in here is the remotest bit important or philosophical, nothing to make you think or change your life. But it is a great science fantasy novel of a desperate suicide mission full of action and adventure, with a cool sub-plot for an occasional change of tone. Great work. ( )

Padding a Russ themed book with some Cawl fanfic? ( )