This is my third time reading this book, and much like the last two, I enjoyed it cover to cover. Abnett has mastered the ability to jump from character to character, often only after doing a few paragraphs as one character. Though this is generally warned again when it comes to writing, Abnett has managed to handle it with a skill I haven't seen in a lot of writers. Within the context of 'Necropolis', this technique works really well as it helps to draw together multiple characters over a warzone and paints a general picture of the battle as a whole. It is an amazing thing to read and one I recommend to any writer interested in doing military fiction.Beyond using multiple points of view, Abnett continues his wonderful character work with the members of both the hive, as well as the regiment of Tanith. There are characters you can't help but hate, others you borderline despise, and yet more you cheer on as you read through the novel. Abnett knows how to get the reader involved with his characters and each of his books is a wonderful exercise on this skill.My only true issue with this novel was the ending, which felt a bit too close to a deus ex machina climax. Though it was brought together really well, and the events came together easily, the climactic battle to take down the monstrous war machine felt almost too easy. That said, with how the novel played out, I am not sure there was a true way to have things finish quickly at that point. Even the arrival of reinforcements would have seemed equally too convenient. So as it stands, the novel's climax went the only way it really could.All in all, Abnett did a really good job with the third Gaunt's Ghost novel, and solved with it the issue of the slowly dwindling regiment. He has also set up the next couple novels well, and opened up more than a few possible routes for the series to take.
NecropolisThe beginning of the novel is told from many perspectives - ranging from the rich nobility to low-class civilians - and tells of the opening phases of the siege on Vervunhive. The mega-city's neighbouring hive, Ferrozoica, amasses an army and marches on their former rival with an unknown agenda. The Vervun Primary militia prepares to repel the invasion forces, but as Vervunhive's High Master refuses to believe that Ferrozoica has mobilised against them, they are not given permission to arm their defence batteries before the Zoicans fire the opening salvoes. Much of Vervunhive is plunged into panic and thousands perish in the first few days, and aid from the Imperial Guard is called for.The Tanith First-and-Only is deployed as part of the reinforcement army sent by Warmaster Macaroth. They learn that Ferrozoica, whom Vervunhive had fought in the Trade War ninety years before, had silenced communications with its neighbours in recent months and began arming. The influence of Chaos is evident. Colonel-Commissar Gaunt and his Ghosts face opposition from not only the enemy, but also their fellow Guard regiments and the local politicians.Necropolis is a significant point in the series; at the end of the novel, the under-strength Tanith First receives an influx of replacement soldiers from the militia and general populace of Vervunhive. A number of major characters are introduced in the novel. A short story titled 'In Remembrance' directly follows the siege of Vervunhive, and is included in The Founding (the first Omnibus).
What do You think about Necropolis (2005)?
Warhammer 40k at their best, most own for all SF fansPosted: 19/06/2009May I make it clear from the off, those people who think just because this is a warhammer novel it's not worthy of reading, you are so wrong !, this is one if not the best science fiction series I have ever read, and I’ve read lots with the best included, dan abnett simply does action brilliantly, I’ve not come across a sf writer who does it better, also his character building is up there with the best also, this series grips you so you need to get the next one straight away, and it doesn’t have a weak book so far (I think there’s been about 12 or so), a must read for all sf fans, not just gw fans, simply awesome
—Matthew
The third book in the Gaunts Ghosts series "Necropolis" is one of the most exciting sci-fi books I have read yet, with only the later Gaunts Ghost novels having a chance to beat it. Dan Abnett has a rare skill, he is able to catch your attention and hold it from the very beginning. Notorious for killing characters he is able to introduce a character, make you feel like you know this character, make you think this character might have some significance and then kill that character off all in less than two pages. There are dozens of characters that run through the series and many more that are introduced in each book. The characters are strong and distingtive. The setting, as is everything, is well described so you always have a clear image of the story. The esspecially in "Necroplois" is so exhilirating and brilliant that, though the book is very much a page turner, you find you have to drop the book every now and then just to take all the events and plot twists in. The Gaunts Ghosts series is a masterpiece and "Necropolis" proves it.
—Cold Winter
Third book in the Gaunt series. This one is a little heavier on the political intrigue that is interstitially spread throughout the other two books. It does, however, still deliver on the action and ridiculous violence that you should be accustomed to by now from this series.This book was specifically interesting because Gaunt's role as a political officer is made more apparent and what it is that he does also becomes clearer. The introduction of a character with the same rank as Gaunt but very different methods also goes a long way towards showing more of what this universe is like.Abnett continues his streak of very understandable and action packed writing, so if you are into the series, you should probably read this.
—Ren the Unclean
