Day Four of 2017’s Black Library Summer of Reading campaign
The third in a growing series of stories featuring the Carcharadon Astra, Death Warrant sees Robbie MacNiven continue to explore this most unusual of Space Marine chapters. Two months after landing on the jungle moon of Terix IX, Rogue Trader Anjelika Trayn and her crew are getting close to finding what they came for, when the unexpected appearance of a force of terrifying grey-clad Space Marines changes everything. Journeying alongside the Carcharadons into the depths of an ancient temple whose guardians are slowly rousing, Trayn learns that even her Warrant of Trade can’t protect her from some things.
As a standalone story this is as much about Trayn as it is the Carcharadons, as we’re introduced to her crew and shown a little of her backstory, but don’t worry – seen through her eyes the Carcharadons are just as scary as the ancient guardians she’s accidentally awoken, and there’s a nice link back to Red Tithe. There’s a creepy, early 40k feel to Trayn and co’s ignorance of what they’re getting into, and while the story’s structure – the hunt for treasure in a danger-filled underground temple – is hardly original it’s plotted and paced well, and works both on its own and as setup for what’s to come next. Another enjoyable Carcharadons tale!
