The End and the Death: Volume I Hardcover – 2 March 2023

Husband has been an avid follower of the series. He enjoyed this latest addition.

This book is long, really long, so long that Abnett had to split it in order to release in 2? volumesNow the issue is that not all that is written here is good, seriously if you see the chapter's title is "Fragments" skip it, you're not missing much. But what's good is REALLY GOOD, it sets up the final confrontation while also doing its best to pave the way for the send-off of most of the main characters and their respective plots, some interesting developments and revelations and even bittersweet moments for characters that are not gonna make it.I'm eagerly waiting the conclusion.

Amazon is my least favourite fulfilment group for 40k books, having several times delivered hardbounds damaged with little more than the corporate equivalent of an "oopsie". That out of the way, Dan Abnett's writing is so superlative, sublime, majestic, complex and mind blowingly glorious that I'll give a 5 stars and not care about the torn jacket. This finale is years of reading and emotional investment that is a crescendo of human culture and enlightenment. War and humanity rendered into glory and tragedy, beautiful and horror. An examination of the human condition, and the angels and daemons within us, set upon the backdrop of the Siege of Terra and our species's fictionalised near extinction. The pinnacle of fantasy and science fiction written with a love of the written word, of all human endeavour and folly, reaching the heights of Shakespeare and the absurdity of Kafka, composed with the melancholy of Poe and the ability to compose thousands of years of humanity into moments like Herbert. I couldn't put it down, I was so...absorbed that I finished it in a single sitting, and I like to enjoy my books over at least a few days. And it stayed with me, profoundly, changing my mind, my heart and soul. It cements Dan Abnett not merely as the best 40k writer, but one of the greatest writers of all time. And there's a part II, imagine that, there is a part II!

Dan Abnett is a master of the narrative. Everyone knows how this dramatic conflict ended but finally some questions about more particular events are answered. I don't want to make spoilers so i just would say that is worth every euro. Can't wait for the Vol II

First off, this is 663 pages. not 480 pages. And I see why it had to be split out into two books.Yes, Abnett likes his dictionary. And yes, he likes to say in 30 words what could be done in 10.But my God, this is wonderful!The scale is suitably huge. The wider story is told in little chunks. while we get the main focus with details.We get inside Malcador's mind. We even get point of view from him on the Golden Throne. And, yes, he is the Hero of this.The decision to attack the Vengeful Spirt is laid out. And who isn't going. And Malcador thoughts of the replies are just great.The war is revealed for what it is, a huge ritual sacrifice.There are so many call backs, that I'm sure that I missed most of them.Page 659 - HUGE SPOILER!Still here?LOKEN IS GOING HOME!