Angel 's Reviews > The Ultramarines Omnibus
My rating:
The Ultramarines Omnibus
by Graham McNeill
by Graham McNeill
Angel 's review
bookshelves:
science_fiction
Jun 21, 11
Read from March 14 to June 21, 2011, read count: 1
I finally finished this big omnibus. This volume collects the first three novels chronicling the adventures and battles of Space Marine Captain Uriel Ventris and his 4th Company of the Ultramarines. This is all out escapist military science fiction but do not let that label fool you. There is some very good writing in these novels, and at least once I found myself really sympathizing with Captain Ventris. That particular instance for me came in the novel where the inquisitor lied about the fate of a certain planet that Uriel and his Space Marines struggled to save from the tyrannid invasion. There is an excellent passage where Uriel and a Space Marines admiral meditate on idealism and pragmatism that I found excellent. So the novels do have their noble moments, so to speak. And in the good tradition of Black Library WH40K novels, these novels have plenty of action and a fast pace to keep you moving along. Of the three novels in the book, I will note that the third one takes a much darker tone. I will not spoil the ending other than to say that it does set up for the next novel in the series. I liked all the novels, but I think my personal favorite for this volume was the first novel in the series. The connecting short story where Uriel inherits command of the 4th Company is a nice piece as well, and it sets the novels nicely. This is definitely good entertainment, and I will certainly continue seeking out the rest of this series.
The only reason I did not give it the 5th star is that, while I enjoyed it, I still like the Ciaphas Cain and Eisenhorn series better. Also, while I did like the darkness in the third novel (I do like some dark tones now and then), it did not seem as strong as the previous two. Still, do not let that deter you from reading this. If you are a Warhammer 40K fan, you should be reading this. If you are not a WH40K fan, but you enjoy military science fiction, I think you will enjoy this collection as well.
Finally, the only reason it took me as long to read as it did is that I had various interruptions and a very busy schedule in this time period. However, in that time, this was my go to book for my bedtime reading.
The only reason I did not give it the 5th star is that, while I enjoyed it, I still like the Ciaphas Cain and Eisenhorn series better. Also, while I did like the darkness in the third novel (I do like some dark tones now and then), it did not seem as strong as the previous two. Still, do not let that deter you from reading this. If you are a Warhammer 40K fan, you should be reading this. If you are not a WH40K fan, but you enjoy military science fiction, I think you will enjoy this collection as well.
Finally, the only reason it took me as long to read as it did is that I had various interruptions and a very busy schedule in this time period. However, in that time, this was my go to book for my bedtime reading.
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Reading Progress
| 06/16/2011 | page 710 |
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92.0% | "I am on the final stretch of the last novel. It is coming to the final showdown for Uriel and the renegades, who have found an unexpected, and very unstable, ally." |
| 06/02/2011 | page 562 |
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73.0% | "Uriel is given a way to fulfill his Death Oath, but at a very high price. This novel is much darker than then other two, but it is still interesting." |
| 05/31/2011 | page 551 |
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72.0% | "And moving along in the 3rd novel. Uriel and his sgt. get, basically, the boot out of their Chapter. One of those, do the heroic thing, but go against orders, so get prosecuted gigs. However, that may not be the worst thing to happen. Not by far." |
| 05/15/2011 | page 521 |
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68.0% | "Finished the second novel of the set. The action really picked up at the end. Though these novels are meant to be escapist, McNeill does draw some very compelling characters like that Sister of the Hospitaller Order. Did not care for Snowdog as much. Overall, still a pretty good tale." |
| 05/09/2011 | page 490 |
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64.0% | "On the final stretch of _Warriors of Ultramar_ (2nd novel in the set). While Capt. Bannon died heroically, my sympathy for him only went so far since he was such a mofo. On the other hand, that cowardly city councilor dying while trying to flee warmed my heart. Overall, the action pace is pretty good. Continue enjoying this." |
| 04/13/2011 | page 296 |
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39.0% | "Uriel's first meeting with the Mortifactors Chapter Master was quite a dark scene. But it was neat." |
| 04/08/2011 | page 275 |
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36.0% | "Finished the first novel in the collection. Very good tale." |
| 04/07/2011 | page 253 |
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33.0% | "Almost done with the first novel in the omnibus. This has been a fun read so far." |
| 04/01/2011 | page 181 |
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24.0% | "Hellhounds are sent to kill Ario the Adept, who, as it turns out, is a lot more than he seems. The plot keeps thickening. And as Ario himself said, things are about to explode. I am really enjoying this first novel in the book so far." |
| 03/25/2011 | page 134 |
|
17.0% | "Plot thickens. Adept Barzino not just another quill pusher. And Capt. Ventris finds clue as to the why the eldar are not just raiding as usual. Definitely keeping my attention." |
| 03/24/2011 | page 96 |
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13.0% | "A space battle, and on arrival to Pavonis, Capt. Ventris and his Space Marines start to see the intrigues revealed. Getting interesting." |
| 03/21/2011 | page 56 |
|
7.0% | "Finished the initial short story, which was pretty good. Into the first novel now. Starting interesting so far." |
