Blind: Shira Calpurnia

Blind marks the third novel of the Shira Calpurnia series, set in Games Workshop's dark gothic Warhammer 40,000 (W40K) universe. Returning as the heroine of the work is Adeptus Arbites (essentially the Imperial police of that background) Arbitor Senioris Shira Calpurnia, a duty- and conscience-driven woman of considerable intelligence and skill. M. Farrer leaves the familiar secondary characters from the first two books behind, and focuses instead on the Bastion Psykana, a telepathic communications station in deep space, and the psykers of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica. The book marks fairly radical departure from the formula of the previous books in terms of tone and pacing. Much of the body of the tale brings home just how different, practically alien, the experiences of the Astropaths (psykers) are from the human norm. That, and the situation in which Calpurnia is placed, makes it quite difficult to empathize with any of the characters till one comes to the last portions of the tale. On the whole, the characters seemed to have slightly less complexity than prior works, though they still retained very believable motivations and actions. The pacing, at which M. Farrer typically excels, also diverges from the norm. Rather than the gradual revelation of a mystery in layers, we find a jumble of puzzle pieces that don't really come together till the end. Readers used to a more formulaic plot-line may become frustrated at the apparent lack of progress as the tale progresses, but those willing to finish will be well rewarded, seeing hints and clues hidden throughout - even if only in retrospect. In short: this is not the more typical action tale of the W40K background, but a more cerebral work, and those looking for the former may be disappointed. However, for those interested in a more subtle tale, and especially those interested in M. Farrer's insights into Astropaths and psykers, will be well rewarded.

I'm a devout fan of WH40K fiction. I don't care what anybody else says, I enjoy reading these dark tales of a Gothic future where struggle is the only constant in a universe devoid of the fluffy Star Trek mentality. This isnt a techno-utopian cosmos where humanity has reached its apex. Superstition, fascism, religious fanaticism, cruelty, avarice run rampant, alongside faith in the divine, valour, loyalty, ingenuity, and honour. Calpurnia is basically, a senior member of the Imperium's civil law enforcers. She is dealing with a recent failure and her own lingering doubts about her competency in fulfilling her duty, which is central to her existence. The story that unfolds, becomes a vehicle for her to resolve these issues ... the conclusion is well worth the time taken ... it's not Shakespeare, but it's a good read!

Shira Calpurnia bore the office and duties of arbitor senioris in the service of the "Lex Imperia". Having failed in one of her duties, she is preparing for her trial. But then the unexpected happens. The master of the Bastion Psykana is murdered. Shira's trial is postponed. Master Chastener Dast and Preacher Orovene divert the garrison ship to the Bastion Psykana. It is a vast fortification housing countless telepaths. Due to possible violent tendencies, each Astropath takes every step at gun point. Should the seer lose control of his mind, the armed vitifer automatically executes the psyker without hesitation. Shira is temporarily given back her rank and tasked with finding the killer. Master Otranto's body had been found within his inner chambers. Whoever killed him got through all seals and wards before doing the deed. The killer should not have been able to get in, but more disturbing is the fact that once sealed within the chambers, there is not way out. The killer should have still been in the room with the body. No auspex can smell the killer. No psyker-seance can pin him down, and no Verispex can track him. The murderer is like a phantom. Everything and everyone, alive and machine, claim that Master Otranto was alone at all time. If alone, he could not have been killed. Shira's first thought is one of the psykers. Perhaps one who is ambitious and wants the succession to the Master's seat. But the Watchmaster on duty at the time of the killing is the best at what he does. The Watchmaster keeps balance. In other words, he knows what each and every Astropath is doing at every second of every day. Whoever killed the master was not a psyker and no one else could have gotten close. Shira must somehow locate an invisible traitor. To do this, she has to confront the one kind of weakness and failure she may not be able to deal with: her own. ***** YES! FINALLY! I knew that author Matthew Farrer had it in him to write a five star novel and here it is! The author gives readers a heroine that is human and fallible yet stands tall and does the duty she is charged with doing, no matter the cost. The novels read like a forensic mystery. The characters are well developed and the story flows smoother than fine silk. BRAVO! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.