The Curiosity

Eisenhorn/Ravenor/Bequin #3.1

by Dan Abnett

Magos Biologis Valentin Drusher, charged with compiling a complete record of indigenous fauna on the world of Gershom is somewhat perturbed when it appears that he missed out an apex predator from his list. Investigating this curiosity with the local Arbites and a hunter or two, Drusher discovers that his new form of fauna is anything but indigenous.

Genres: 40k, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction, Fantasy

Audiobook

Published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Gareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting short story this one, I quite liked Magos Drusher here, and the situation he finds himself in is an interesting one. His character traits add a bit of humour to the story I think, given he is having to deal with things well outside his purview. The Tyranid form featured in this book is captured well, as always by Dan Abnett, though again is another bit of evidence (or continuity error) showing Tyranids present well before Behemoth came on the scene (though at least it wasn't referenced as a Tyranid, just as the Great Devourer). I also liked the other characters, albeit didn't see too much of them.

[Matthew Schiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little Drusher story!

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monster hunter.

I had a great time with this and it was a lovely little palate cleanser after the Eisenhorn trilogy. Contained within this punchy short tale is our introduction to Valentin Drusher (I think he pops up in Magos later, I haven't got there yet) as he investigates the reports of a mysterious animal causing havoc.

This little short is quite reminiscent of the movie Predator and features a wonderful segment in the forest that would not feel out of place in the movie. The violence is amped up to 11 and Abnett once again manages to accomplish an awful lot with world building within such a small word count.

Really good fun and I look forward to more of Valentin Drusher in the future.

[Igc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meh