First and Only

Needed to replace my copy lost in a fire glad I found it.

This is the first Warhammer 40k book I've read, but there's no way it'll be the last. In this first of the Gaunt's Ghost books, the Tanith First and Only and their inspiring leader are introduced. The team of warriors is lead through terrible battles in which characters are brought to life with vivid detail and killed off in gory fashion. This book is not for the faint of heart but is great for someone seeking a thrilling adventure in the dark and unforgiving universe of the 41st millenium. I ended up reading the entire second half of the book in one day (instead of doing chores that really needed doing) because I couldn't put it down. Just had to see what was going to happen! The book was just what I expected: a dark and fast-paced war story with elements of honor, bravery, deciet and betrayal. The world of Warhammer 40k is absolutely brutal and engulfing and I really look forward to reading more novels in this unique setting.

I simply wanted to weigh in on this book. I was very pleasantly surprised at the action, storyline, characters, etc. This little book is far more than some sidline marketing tool. Mr. Abnett writes very well indeed, and I would rate this one right up there with some of the best in my collection.

The book First & Only is a great read for fans of Sci-Fi or just military fiction in general. This book introduces highly defined characters and a story line that is truly unique. The Imperial Guard regiment in this book are from a destroyed planet. When each member of the unit perishes this culture is one step closer to utter extinction. The whole story line captures the reader as the members of Gaunt's Ghosts fight the evil of chaos and the natural survival instinct given to us all. Whether or not you are already a fan of Warhammer, it does not matter. This book can stand alone as a great Sci-Fi novel while keeping the integrety of the Warhammer Universe as developed by the members of Games Workshop. If Dan Abnett continues this level of writing in the upcoming sequel, he could very easily become one of my personal favorite Sci-Fi writers.

First and Only is an excellent novel. Fans of Warhammer 40,000, and war novels in general will really enjoy this tale of Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and his "Ghosts" of Tanith.Gaunt is a compelling protagonist, ruthless yet compassionate, and the characterization of the men of the Tanith First Regiment really lets you know and care about each soldier.The plot has numerous twists, and the suspense builds until you won't be able to put this book down.If you enjoyed First and Only, DO NOT MISS Dan Abnett's second Gaunt's Ghosts novel, Ghostmaker.

Picking up First and Only with only the most superficial knowledge of Warhammer 40,000, I wasn't expecting much. The book was a most pleasent surprise. Gaunt is one of the most intelligent military men I have encountered in science fiction. He managed to survive not through superior firepower but through his wits. A great book with a unique setting that I would recommend to anyone.