Book Review: Savage Scars

Savage Scars

So taking a break from the Horus Heresy novels I have started to read, I decided on reading Savage Scars by Andy Hoare. This book evolves around Space Marines, The Imperial Guard and the Tau Empire. But even better is that it focuses on Dal'yth Prime which coincides with my 4th Hunter Cadre from the Dal'yth Sept. So for me it was a must read.

This novel took me a little longer to read that normal because I have been busy painting in the evenings, but my review of this fantastic read should give you an insight into why I crammed every other spare moment into reading it.

***WARNING SPOILERS BELOW***

What's it about:

Dal’yth. The forces of the Greater Good have established a stranglehold on the planet, and the time has come for the Imperium to move against them. The White Scars lead the ground assault against the tau, launching into combat with speed and fury, shedding blood as they gain ground against their enemies. Meanwhile, the members of the Crusade Council are determined to pursue their own agendas, and their politicking and back-stabbing will place the entire war effort in jeopardy. But little do they know that Inquisitor Grand has more extreme measures in mind, and the White Scars must achieve victory quickly or the cost to Dal’yth will be devastating.

My Thoughts:

This is a very good read in my opinion, not only because I love reading about Space marines and Tau, but the book carries a lot of momentum, in other words, once you start reading it is hard to stop. It also gives a great account into the Damocles Gulf crusade.

Starting off in space with a battle between the Tau and some Imperial scout craft and the intervention of Veteran Sergeant Sarik of the White Scars Chapter. This book has a great beginning.

It follows two main characters in the book, Veteran Sergeant Sarik of the White Scars and Lucian Gerrit a Rouge Trader of the Clan Arcadius. The both make planet fall on the Tau world of Dal'yth Prime to clear an area for the rest of the Imperial army to land. They then push out towards the Tau city of Gel'bryn. The Space Marines spear head the advance with Titan support driving the force forwards, while Lucian accompanies the Rakarshan Rifles an Imperial light infantry regiment along the flank.

Not very much of the book is written from the Tau's point of view but this is very well interpreted in the novel. Every time a new Tau unit is engaged, a detailed explanation is given which really embodies how good the Tau tech is and there culture.

Inquisitor Grand on the crusade council basically goes a little nuts and orders Exterminatus on the planet, giving the armies not long to escape. But the Space marines and a the Imperial Guard including the Titans left on the planet, decided to take the star port in the hope of preventing the Inquisitors plan of destroying the planet with a Virus bomb. If they do not stop it they could at least escape.

The Space Marine contingent that is made up of White Scars, Ultramarines, Iron Hands, Emperors Scythes and many more Chapters, are the spear tip of this force and drive on towards the star port with Lucian hot on his heels. They meet extremely heavy resistance and battle ensues.

The Inquisitor decides to bring his plans forward giving the force on the ground very little time to evacuate and the battle between the Imperium and the Tau is brutal and at a knife edge, with incredible losses on both side.

Towards the end of the book, the Space Marines win, capturing the star port but are surprised that the Inquisitor has not launch the bomb on the planet. In truth, another senior Inquisitor, Lord Inquisitor Kryptman, whom has higher authority sends a beautiful envoy to the crusade council. She tells them all of a new threat, the Tyranids. She orders the crusade to disband and send all resources to the Macragge system in the Realm of Ultramar. For to not obey would be the end of the Eastern fringe.

She also upsets Inquisitor Grand by telling him that his plan of Exterminatus is no longer authorised and that the Tau could aid in the greater threat. Grand not liking this goes down into the depths of the ship to launch the bomb anyway.

Sarik and Lucian arrive back on the ship and confront Grand, but not before he sets the Virus bomb on its way, Sarik eventually kills Grand and a psychic shock wave destroys the bomb and the planet of Dal'yth is saved.

A treaty is made between the Imperium and the Tau and they are allowed to withdraw and head to there new destinations.

Lots more goes on in this novel with lots of little side stories that are very interesting to read, including Lucian's daughter who is trying to escape from the Tau and his son who is trying to save the crusade from the political side,  but I will let you read them for yourself.

Parting Shot:

A great book that keeps you interested and a very good read for those interested in the Tau or not. I also like the way it focused on the fighting more than the politics, but even that was interesting to read. Lots of interesting twists keeps the story going. Would I read it again? Yes, next year maybe when I get my Tau up and running again. This book also seems to lead onto 'Warriors of Ultramar' by Graham McNeill, and this I intend to read very soon.

My star rating:

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You're comments and thoughts on the book if you have read it, are most welcome.

Please remember that these are only my personal views and opinions. They are by no means intended to criticize the novel, author or the Black Library in any way.

~ Failure is the path of least resistance ~