Rites of Passage isn’t only Mike Brooks’ debut Black Library novel, it’s also the first 40k novel ever to focus entirely on the Navigator Houses, a crucial but previously under-explored element of the Imperium of Man. Returning home to Vorlese after the death of her husband (which she herself arranged), Chettamandey Brobantis’ careful plans for the future of her house are interrupted by inter-house politics, mysterious disappearances and the looming threat of warp-based disaster. As danger builds, Chetta comes to realise that all of her meticulous planning and all her skill in diplomacy might not be enough to save her house, and Vorlese itself, from what’s coming.
Black Library novels which lean towards ‘domestic 40k’ have historically tended to focus on the Inquisition, but while this shares some similarities with those stories – a central mystery; investigative elements; ruthless, strong-willed characters with almost bottomless resources – the focus on Navigator houses lends it a tone all of its own. Central to that is Chetta herself, one of the most atypical 40k characters you’re likely to come across but at the same time a deeply entertaining protagonist. A physically frail, older woman with a sharp tongue and a fierce intellect who’s willing to go to considerable lengths to achieve her goals, she’s wonderfully representative of Brooks’ desire to show characters who, when they’re in their element, are exceedingly good at what they do, but when taken out of their comfort zones find things considerably trickier.
Interestingly, the same applies to the book’s main antagonist, Radimir Niklau – a servant of the Ruinous Powers with some specialised skills which make him incredibly dangerous under the right circumstances, and capable of posing a serious threat to Vorlese. To the bickering Navigator Houses, always out for themselves and angling for opportunity in their endless political maneuvering, he’s a horror in the darkness whose actions strike at their weakest points, but he knows he has to work to his strengths if he’s any chance to succeed in his mission. With Chetta’s wonderful combination of single-minded focus and crotchety impatience, Radimir’s shadowy threat drawing in the disillusioned dregs of Vorlese, and a supporting cast of scheming, manipulative Navigators, various hangers-on and even an enigmatic Rogue Trader, there’s all the conflict you want despite the (relative) lack of straight-up action.
Despite the notable absence of Space Marines and full-on battlefields, this feels as 40k as they come – partly because there are plenty of other cool 40k archetypes on display – while the chance to explore the workings of a Navigator House (not to mention how Navigators view the rest of humanity) is deeply fascinating. It has the usual Brooks hallmarks of well-observed characters with a natural sense of variety and inclusivity, who feel real by virtue of dealing with relatable problems (like a dodgy hip, in Chetta’s case), and some genuinely fantastic dialogue…mostly from Chetta, who utterly steals the show. If you’re looking for a traditional action-heavy 40k story then look elsewhere – there are plenty of great examples, after all – but instead if you’re interested in inter-House politics, great female characters and a glimpse behind the scenes of the Imperium, then this should be right up your street.
