There's nothing more exciting than diving into a new series. Except, perhaps, diving into a new series written by Dan Abnett. (In this case, by new series, I mean 'new to me.') Dan Abnett is my favorite Black Library author, so I've meant to read Xenos for some time. Now, I've finally made a bit of time for it.

Gregor Eisenhorn is an Inquisitor, which means he serves the God-Emperor, following his bidding to the end. More specifically, it means he hunts heresy and obliterates it from existence. For many, this means they face an endless war, for there will always be corruption and those that look for other paths.

This is a fact of life Eisenhorn has accepted, and it won't stop him from doing his job. Perhaps this is the reason he spotted the conspiracy happening within the shadows. What will it cost to shut it all down?

“But my patience isn't limitless... unlike my authority.”

Dan Abnett does it again. He has successfully woven a complex tale of war and honor, creating compelling characters and intriguing motivations. Xenos is a breath of fresh air, especially for a world/series where war is constantly rising up.

You might be wondering, how is Xenos refreshing if it covers the same war I just mildly criticized? It's because of the way he handled it. In everything I've read by Abnett, Xenos included, he's tried to add context and reason to his plots. This consists of the overarching and unavoidable ones, such as the God-Emperor-led war.

I'll admit, I even think that Eisenhorn may be one of my favorite Warhammer characters now, and that's saying something (though nothing will ever top my love of Garviel Loken, just saying!).
So if you're sitting there debating about reading Xenos (like I was), give it a try! This is true regardless of your reading experience within Warhammer 40K. It would work for both experienced and new readers, which is always a delight to see.

Dan Abnett is a powerhouse of the Black Library, I don’t think I’ve read any of his books and ever been disappointed. Eisenhorn, Inquisitor of the Imperium, cleansing daemons and evil from the universe. This adventure sees him hunting for a dark text, The Necrotuech, and it’s a race as other dark forces are on the search as well.

Dan Abnett at it's best. I always go for Abnett books in the w40k in this universe not only because the usually are very rich on lore but because his writing is superb. This is the perfect example that a Warhammer novel is not a book only for geeks and nich readers. It is a very good book about treason, friendship, adventures, political issues and more. Very recomended.

I received this free book from Netgalley in exchange for a sincere review.

A quick reread of what I consider the best starting point for Warhammer 40k. This edition reads with a bit of more fluidity, either because I'm more familiar with the world or characters or because Abnett's writing needed some minimal fixing.

If you're interested in exploring this monumental universe, this is where I suggest you start, Eisenhorn is a well crafted character with clear goals and a very firm personality that will guide you through the Imperium of Man and beyond.

Honestly, as surprising as it may be, the start of Eisenhorn's adventures has become comfort food for me.

Wow, what a fantastic book. Its very well written and a joy to read. Dan Abnett is on top form here.

I hadnt been that intrested with the inquisition as i thought them very boring and religiously biased. Dan has proven me very wrong.

This book does a fantatsic job of explaining the background and the inquisitions place in the warhammer universe. The characters are very well written and a joy to behold.

Well worth a read if you like anything related to wargammer 40k, the inquisition or sci-fi in general.

Being honest I really struggle with most books set in the Warhammer universe that deal with the Inquisition, it’s not that they are bad books it’s just I really don’t care about a bunch of zealots and fanatics, that said this anthology is very written and very well told and if religious bigotry is your thing then this is for you 😉

I'm probably biased, but since the Eisenhorn Omnibus got me into WH40k, re-reading anything from that wonderful tome sends me back to the days when I was just dipping my toes into the grimdark future that awaits us all. Abnett is a master of his craft - his characters are so real, you partially expect to read about them in history textbooks, and his worldbuilding is in a league of its own. Definitely, definitely, definitely read Xenos, and then devour the rest of the stories of Eisenhorn, and then Ravenor, and then Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only, and then you'll be so far down the rabbit hole, you won't have any options but to keep digging into the worlds that Abnett has created and populated. Can't recommend this book enough.