Black Library: Eisenhorn Omnibus

A great read in its own right, this Omnibus edition of the career of the Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn, brings together an ideal collection of short stories about his exploits and of those of his comrades in arms. But it is also much more than that.

If you want an insight into the galaxy of Warhammer 40K, an insight into ordinary society, the politics and the incessant conflict that is such a key feature of the Imperium, then this collection of stories is a great start and primer for knowledge.

This omnibus edition brings together four stories, namely, Xenos, Malleus, Hereticus and the latest story, The Magos. Interspersed between these are an additional four short pieces that add a further layer of context to the setting. The stories each form part of the narrative of Eisenhorn’s career and more notable, career defining missions. They can be read and enjoyed on their own or taken as a series and over the course of the stories the reader will see how Inquisitor Eisenhorn operates and gain insight into his motivations and his dilemmas.

Eisenhorn isn’t perfect. The reader will see this just by the decisions he makes alone which may certainly at times seem questionable, but also by the consequences of his actions. But then, as you would expect at times not everything is as it seems and the inquisitor is seen to make choices that seem the most appropriate in the circumstances. Nevertheless, I think it will be clear that Inquisitor Eisenhorn is undeniably a good man, who must make difficult decisions and sacrifices for a greater good.

During the course of the series, one of the features I enjoyed reading, was regarding some of the side characters. Alizabeth Bequin with her rise from an anonymous witness and Godwin Fischig’s beginning as an Arbites officer to both becoming invaluable allies. Their stories are told in parallel. There are other key characters and given Eisenhorn’s long life and career, I did enjoy reading the continuity through the years as well.

If you are a fan of Warhammer 40K, especially if you are looking for good source material for inspiration for creating a roleplay campaign, then this Omnibus collection is a must read to gain insight into the mindset of one of the most famous inquisitors as well as a greater understanding of Imperium culture. Furthermore, the collection is definitely one that can be re-read to gain new ideas and insight.

Things you may like: Rich theme, background source material for creative writing, good solid career spanning stories.

Things you may not like: It’s a brutal future, endings are not always happy