Innocence Proves Nothing

Dark Heresy #2

by Sandy Mitchell

The sequel to Scourge the Heretic, by 'Ciaphas Cain' author Sandy Mitchell. An Imperial Inquisitor and his retinue fight heresy and corruption across the galaxy.

With Kyrlock and Elyra inflitrating the network of rogue psykers, the rest of the team start investigating the xenos artefact smuggling ring. As the operatives work their way deeper into the two criminal organisations, they unravel clues that suggest they might both be part of one greater evil. With danger at every turn, and paranoia running rife, can the Inquisition figure out what is going on before the Scintilla system is overrun by heretics?

Genres: 40k, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Sandy Mitchell is a pseudonym of Alex Stewart, who has been a full-time writer since the mid nineteen eighties. The majority of his work as Sandy has been tie-in fiction for Games Workshop's Warhammer fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 science fiction lines. The exceptions have been a novelisation of episodes from the high tech thriller series Bugs, for which he also worked as a scriptwriter under his own name, some Warhammer roleplaying game material, and a scattering of short stories and magazine articles.

His hobbies include the martial arts of Aikido and Iaido, miniature wargaming, role-playing games, and pottering about on the family allotment.

He lives in the North Essex village of Earls Colne, with his wife Judith and daughter Hester.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad adventure story set in the Warhammer 40k universe. Although this is the second book in the yet to be completed trilogy, it does work as a stand-alone story.

The dual-story plot was a bit confusing throughout the book, despite the time/date stamping and the ending was a bit rushed although exciting enough to make you want to keep reading 'just one more chapter' for the last 15 or so chapters.

Keira was perhaps the strongest character in terms of development and it seems the others were nearly forgotten to make way for her.

It was however a nice romp through the genre and a fun and easy read nonetheless.

[Rob Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

picks up right where the first one left off. Unfortunately you can tell this is leading up to the third in the series so the ending isn't fantastic. I am looking forward to the third installment! I have really grown to like the characters in this series, Krylock, Barda, Kiera, and many others. they are very diverse and I could see several dark heresy/rouge trader characters stemming from this read.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Sandy Mitchell writes well with a happier tone than most 40k authors. Even in the grim darkness of 40k people can find moments of happiness. Light romance was appreciated. The novel focused in more on two characters, who develop as the novel continues, and felt less like an ensemble piece. The mystery is compelling and it’s tragic that we will likely never learn how the story concludes.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought this was a standalone when I started it. It is not! Nor is it the first in its series. So that decreased my comprehension and hence enjoyment a bit. Might have been a four otherwise as I quite like both 40K and Sandy Mitchell.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid novel, although it seems that there had been a third planned that never came through.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Inquisitorial series thus far.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, but there is no third. The series got cancelled so...enjoy the cliff hanger I guess.

[Adrian Dumitru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this series BUT i did not find the last book and that made me a little sad because the ending of the second book was good and also i liked the characters ...

[Ulzeta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite boring.

[Frank Mikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that this is a worthy sequel to the first book, Scourge of the Heretic. It takes up directly where it left off and tracks the intrepid agents of the Inquisition from Sepheris Secundus to Scintilla by two different means.

The split between the characters points of view allows the author a broader view of the Calixis sector and the adventures the characters face. These are well written, the pace is good and the characters, even the minor ones, are well fleshed out and interesting.

At Scintilla, the plot advances and we are re-introduced to some of the characters found only in the prologue of the first book. After a little more cat-and-mouse and some interesting scenes, the book finishes in another climactic battle.

My only real criticisms of the book is that it is definitely a 'middle book' and suffers from a real lack of resolution but provides us with different settings and more characters to explore.

Also, the final battle seemed to end a little too suddenly, as did the book. I look forward to reading the third book when it comes out though.

[Marc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall it's the same as Mitchell's previous book in the series. That is to say, it's a bit slow moving until the end, and the threads of the multiple plots can get lost (especially between the books). It seems almost like Mitchell has written a novelization of a roleplaying group, though some of the intrigue among the inquisitor factions is pretty well done.

[Christopher Stilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly annoying, as I thought this was a duology rather than a trilogy, to find no sign of the plot winding up with twenty pages to go. Certain aspects of the story are horribly belabored (such as the relationship between Mordechai and Keira, which, in spite of them both having been aware that the attraction is mutual since midway through the first book, is still unresolved).

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel a lot. It's very interesting and engaging. I guess it deserves a 4.5. The book is definitely imbued with Sandy Mitchell's writing talent. Its a pity he didn't write the third one yet(I hope maybe one day...).

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needs a sequel, good stuff. Fun to juxtapose with Warhammer 40k role playing.