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Usually when looking for a good read I do prefer a longer, continuous story or at least a collection of linked stories as you get with Omnibus editions. This omnibus set of short stories about the Blackstone Fortress is similar but different, yet it has still held my appeal.
What is different, is although many of the characters featured do so in several stories and there is a sense of similar themes about what the Blackstone Fortress is, how it works and what is happening, the stories don’t follow a single narrative storyline and many can be taken in isolation. Whilst you can read and enjoy the continuing exploits of certain heroes in some works, there are multiple characters taking centre stage in the Blackstone Fortress stories throughout the collection. In addition to Janus Draik, following the adventures of the ratling brothers has been amusing.
I’ll be honest, I’ve found the book has taken more time to read through in part as I reflect on the stories and partly as I’ve not been gripped in the same way I have with other collections, yet what I value is the sheer change of vision manifest from a typical Imperium viewpoint to a more cosmopolitan, even more tolerant view, albeit through circumstances and necessity for the most part from the perspective of certain characters.
The main character though is easily the rogue trader, Janus Draik and his varied crew of misfits and xenos as he begins to forge a life beyond his previous routine. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers, but for me the Draik saga is both the centrepiece and more detailed storyline in this collection. Several authors have collaborated on this omnibus allowing for a wider range of insights and interpretations. Some stories just neatly touch on a subject whilst part of me in other stories wishes for more depth and a longer storyline, but ultimately, this collection still works for me.
Ultimately, I’ve enjoyed the wider contribution of different race and character types being featured as well as the insights into what the Blackstone Fortress is.