Space Marine Conquests: Fist of the Imperium

More space marine delights, I am newcomer to the Warhammer universe and am by no means knowledgeable of the lore, each book I read helps expand my understanding and this book continues with my education, as well as being a really good read

Dark and grim with mutiple view points on the pricw of duty and faioure. Space marijes are altogher more vulnerable than thyed like to be. For an imperial fist novel its reflective of the chapter steady dogged and grim.

This was an excellent read! Focused on the Imperial Fists fighting a genestealer cult. I thoroughly enjoyed the contrast in tactics and goals between the two sides, as well as the way the characters were presented. The action was excellent, the book was well paced, and I would recommend it to any 40k fan. A fun and light read! 
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC!

"https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/109424927-david-toye"

3.5

The mining world of Ghyre is protected by an Imperial Fists honour guard, but when rising unrest prompts a call for reinforcements from the Chapter, a cult worshipping the mysterious ‘Father’ rises up in planet-wide rebellion. Forced by circumstance into taking command of the Imperial forces, Primaris Librarian Aster Lydorran has to contend with not just a coordinated and well-equipped insurgency driven by a prodigious psychic presence, but also Ghyre’s pampered, dithering, divided ruling elite.

It’s a book which puts the Imperial Fists front and centre, but at the same time takes them out of their element, ably demonstrating that they’re about more than just defending fortresses. Key protagonists not knowing that they face a genestealer cult does require a slight additional suspension of disbelief, but it also emphasises the overarching (very 40k) theme of characters coming to understand the cost incurred by the Imperium’s determination to do whatever it takes to find victory. If it’s a little predictable in some respects, it gleefully confounds expectations in others, and while it and doesn’t quite capture the fun factor of some of Clark’s other stories, it’s nevertheless an enjoyable and satisfying story which should make a good entry point to the more action-oriented 40k novels.

Another great WH40k novel. Clark has a flair for combat, unfolding each scene with empathetic prose and turmoil. I always enjoy getting to explore the ideas of the various chapters of the Adaptus Astartes, and the Imperial Fists provide a great canvas for this story. All in all, a great addition to the Black Library's collection of tales.

I've enjoyed all of Andy Clarke's Black Library fiction that I've read so far. So, when he wrote a Space Marines Conquest novel, I jumped at the chance to read it. I've never been the biggest fan of the Imperial Fists - a rather over-serious Chapter/Legion - but Clark does a great job of making these characters interesting. I also liked that he throws them into a situation that doesn't play to, or allow them to rely on their greatest strength, but rather shows readers that they are still deadly and exceptionally capable warriors. (Even thought the various Chapters/Legions have their own special areas of skill and expertise, they all share a ruthless and super-human skill for warfare and so forth.)

The novel has everything one has come to expect from Clark: excellent action scenes, but also great "quieter moments" of character-building and so forth. Recommended.