Cult of the Spiral Dawn (Warhammer 40,000)

Considering this is in the genestealer cult series, I think the appearance of said genestealers should not be a spoiler.When you hear about a cult, you should know what you are getting. And you do. There are some nice characters introduced, although the fates of some them frankly don't make a lot of sense to me. The Witch Captain, for instance (I think there must be some misreading going on).I'm glad I read it (unlike the other one in teh series) but no motivation for me to go in again.I understand why the author felt the need to write the additional short story, but honestly it answered questions I didn't need answered.

Good book.

Very easy and entertaining read. Just flowed every time i picked it up, finished it in a weekend which is rare for me.

Note: Even though Amazon lists this title as "Book 2" in the Genestealer Cults 'series', this book was originally released as a standalone under the Legends of the Dark Millennium banner, under the name "Genestealer Cults". This edition renames that short book, and adds in a short story, previously unavailable in print. It is not, however, a continuation of any other work.Cult of the Spiral Dawn was GW's first tie-in novel coinciding with the recent release of the 7th Edition Genestealer Cults Codex and miniuature line. For the inaugural novel, they tapped the amazing Peter Fehervari, an author celebrated for his dark and intricate works, to bring these insidious creatures to life.The novel focuses on members of the Spiral Dawn, a religious sect officially sanctioned by the Imperium, as they embark on a journey to the homeworld of the "Spiral Father". For them it is a sort of "pilgrimage to Mecca".However, as with all tales told by Fehervari, there are some dark surprises awaiting them at the end of their journey, a planet called Redemption. Redemption is no paradise at all; in fact, it is a soot-choked world, populated by the shady residents of an Innsmouth-ian city, as well as a weary, coldly pragmatic Guard regiment; which maintains its ranks via tithes from new arrivals.The real terror, of course, lies within a force which permeates throughout Redemption. It's tendrils have snaked into every corner; every aspect of life, and its voice will be heard.Cult of the Spiral Dawn excels in every aspect; setting, tone, characters, action, and "special features". It is a very dark, very bleak, very unforgiving work, but there are strong characters throughout (especially the young pilgrim turned Gaurdswoman Ariken).The world itself is as intricately and meticulously designed as life there is bleak. It's a study in polar opposites; with Redemption a literal chessboard, and the opposing factions facing off with the utmost of stakes at play.There is outstanding work done in bringing the Genestealers to life. Fehervari's research goes beyond just getting the 'look' or 'tactics' right; more importantly, he has sought to understand their belief system, and present that to us. What is it exactly that makes them a 'cult'? It is that effort above and beyond that demonstrates he has the dedication and audacity to be a Black Library author of more reknown.Finally, by 'special features'; I mean the nice little touches that Fehervari is famous for. This book is accessible to the casual reader, but long time fans of his works know to look for clever wordplay; references, and ties to his other works, the mind-bending 'dark coil' he has woven into the 40K universe.Cult of the Spiral Dawn is an outstanding book; and now it is available in this affordable volume, along with a side story. Grab a copy today!The side story, Cast a Hungry Shadow, takes place in the period between the prologue and the first chapter of the book. For best effect, read the story after the book. It is a blisteringly outstanding story that not only answers some questions posited in the book; but also features an action set piece inspired by Fury Road. Great stuff.

I ordered this thinking it was the 2nd in a series. I was wrong. While I did enjoy the book, I already had it. It is also sold as Genestealer Cults. I am very disappointed in the publisher for selling me the same book twice. While a solid read, if you have the book I mentioned before, DO NOT BUY.