Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Helsreach

One good thing about being sick, probably the only good thing, is it gives you a lot of time to lay around, watch TV or read. Being a bit particular in my TV watching habits, I've spent most of my time sleeping or reading, and hopefully getting better. Today I finished Helsreach by Aaron Dembski-Bowden. Sometimes I feel like a huge Black Library fanboy, but I think they have finally found a core cadre of writers who know how to get it right. Dembski-Bowden is definately one of them. He is able to capture the subtle differences between the Salamanders and the Black Templars whilst they fight alongside Legio Invigilata, Steel Legion and Hive Helsreach Militia. Even the late addition of the sisters of the Ardent Shroud are well characterized. One such characterization is a subtle, but poignant addition of the term knight instead of brother to describe the Black Templars. It enhances the crusading spirit of the chapter to the level that Sigismund intended when he declared the Great Crusade would never end for his chapter. This makes for a great contrast with the Salamanders who are seen only defending Imperial lives in Helsreach, and not seeking to aid in the winning of the war therein. All in all a good read, on par with Rynn's World and, just like that novel it has the same known story but expounded in an artful way. I hope the Hunt for Voldorius is as good.