Fist of the Imperium by Andy Clark, a review. A look at the Imperial Fists as they seek out a cult, a new Primaris Librarian, and the impact of experience over natural ability.

 

Fist of The Imperium, by Andy Clark. A Review

    I have to admit, I have never been a big fan of the Imperial Fists. They have always struck me as a little boring, or maybe the novels I have read just haven't landed for me in the past. Thankfully, this novel has gone some way to turn me around on the matter. It hasn't changed my mind completely, but it has made them more interesting. The use of genestealer cults, and the insidious nature of their conversion, is a fresh insight and made them somewhat tragic. The story brings, yet another, Primaris marine to the fore, highlighting how new he is to his position and the brotherhood that his peers have enjoyed for decades or more. As a Primaris psyker, I was interested to see how his enhanced nature would impact his powers and how he would utilize them on the battlefield. I had wondered if the story would consist of the usual head-first approach of the more orthodox member of the Astartes. The acts first, think later, mentality, but the Fists are shown to have a greater range than I had feared. Going in I had not expected the initial casualty. Taking out the veteran commander proved to be something of a surprise, but it did have the immediate effect of putting Aster Lydorran center stage. It works well from a narrative standpoint, ensuring that the cultists are seen as a serious threat and not to be underestimated. 

    We, as the reader, know that this cult is brought about by the Tyranids through the use of Genstealers. The Imperial Fists, and their allies, believe that this may be the result of Chaos' influence. This is due, largely in part, to the recent events in the galaxy. With the death of Captain Tor, we see Lydorran leading the Astartes forces as they seek to root out this cult from the world of Ghyre. This is unusual as others should be taking charge, foremost amongst them Chaplain Storn or Chapter Champion Hastur. This turn of events does lead to some inner conflict, as Lydorran's inexperience makes him unsure of his path and how to lead his brothers in battle. What makes it more difficult for the Sons of Dorn is that the insurrectionists are using tactics they are unused to dealing with, and they believe that there are spies amongst those that should be their allies. Things do not go well for them, they take many losses and casualties as they fail to anticipate their enemy's moves, and Lydorran is gifted many harsh lessons about leadership. Like the Ultramarines, the Imperial Fists are conventional fighters, they are fantastic siege warriors, but this story highlights how slow they are to adapt to unconventional tactics.

    Things continue down a dire path until they receive reinforcements in the form of the Deathwatch. Immediately there is a conflict in their approaches, the Xenos hunters specialize in this type of warfare, and they have little time to educate their cousins on the intricacies that will prove vital in their hunt of this cult. We have a great conflict as Lydorran comes into direct opposition with the DeathWatch Captain, Lothar Redfang. Their different views and approaches mean that they don't see eye to eye, the Space Wolf Watch Captain is far more aggressive than his Fist counterpart. There is a great scene between them, where things become violent, and it is great to see Lydorran simply weather Redfang's assault when he possesses the power to stop him at any moment. From that moment, there grows a wealth of respect, something that, in time, develops into a kind of brotherhood between the two leaders.

    It is worth highlighting the pov of view from the cult members. It is well written, showing that they truly believe that their masters, this Father, will bring them to true enlightenment. They will be freed from the Imperium and then reach some kind of Ascension as their Star Children come to liberate them. Through their own brand of indoctrination, these cultists are twisted to the ends of the figure known as 'Father'. We see just how dangerous this kind of belief can be as they throw themselves at the Imperial Fists and commit horrendous acts against their 'oppressors'. They are kind of tragic, as the reader knows just how dangerous this uprising is and what it could ultimately lead to. 

    The final conflict is a great action sequence that leads to their forces combining to take on the heart of the infection. Lydorran and his brothers lead the charge, with Redfang and his brothers at their side. Even the Lord-Governor and the planetary forces play their part in the desperate attempt to bring 'Father' down. The fight between the Genestealer Patriarch, Lydorran, his brothers, and Redfang is brutal and bloody. The Astartes take many injuries and casualties but in the end, the Patriarch is brought low, ending the Tyranid threat to the Segmentum Solar. We see in its demise the mind-control over its followers dissipates, freeing them. It is far too late for many as they have been altered by Genestealers. The Astartes forces are not known for their mercy, and this is on display as they purge the cult utterly from Ghyre. 

    There is a lot I have not mentioned, for fear of it being too much of a spoiler. This is a solid book that gives a great deal of insight into the Imperial Fists, how Genestealer cults work and how the Deathwatch forces operate. This book has some great set pieces, the action is well done, and it gives deeper insight into how the Imperial Fists fight.  

    I give this book 7 out of 10 stars and recommend it for any fan of the Imperial Fists. It is another solid entry into the Warhammer 40k universe and a great read for anyone looking to discover more about how genestealer cults work.