The Soul Drinkers Omnibus

If you're looking for a deep storyline, complex characters, metaphors, aesops, or stellar writing, then you're definitely not going to enjoy Soul Drinkers Omnibus. The plots are simplistic and predictable, the protagonists are paper-thin, and overall writing quality is average. Then again, I don't know why would anyone search for literary merit in a media tie-in novel, anyway. If it's there, great. If not, who cares? That's not what these books are for. That being said, Soul Drinkers novels are pure entertainment. They're perfect, because they're a work of joy created with the sole purpose to spark joy in others, and that's something they absolutely succeed at. They're crammed with explosive action, over-the-top moments, and delicious stereotypes. Exactly what it says on the tin. The depiction of the 41st millennium is spot on. The atmosphere of the novels is ominous, morbid, and pessimistic. The feeling of constant, desperate warfare is ever-present. It's obvious the Soul Drinkers chapter is on a downward spiral, stuck fighting for goals that are ultimately beyond their power to achieve. Yet it's equally obvious there's nothing else they can do. Grim Darkness of the Far Future, indeed. [SPOILERS] Sadly, some plot developments overstretch the willing suspension of disbelief, creating a lot of "What the hell, Ben?" moments. These include, but are not limited to: seven hundred or so loyalist space marines readily accepting what is (very) obviously a chaos mutant as their new chapter master; a space marine, with his throat ripped out, surviving for a long time in hard vacuum; an inquisitor inexplicably deciding to abandon the assignment he was ready to die for mere moments earlier; Dark Eldar openly worshipping Slaanesh; the fact that Soul Drinkers apparently have no ground-based vehicles, etc.[/SPOILERS] Overall, Soul Drinkers Omnibus is a fine science fiction collection. Fans of Warhammer 40k and Space Marines are definitely going to enjoy it. If, on the other hand, you never heard of 40k, then this collection is a good place to get involved - it won't give you much food for thought, but it'll keep you page-turning.

This is the best 40K book I have read. After being disappointed with the Ravenor books, this was just what I needed. There is a ton of battle with disturbing imagery and gore. Anyone who likes 40K books is most likely a veteran of the 40K tabletop game, and craves intense battles. I was so glad to see that this book is more than just a bunch of stories abut Imperial procedure and administration (I'm looking at you Ravenor books). I hope the author does some more books on the rebellious Soul Drinkers

I started off reading the Space Marine sci-fi with Iron Hands, so my bar was set far lower than most. The problem with Space Marines in fiction is there personality. By definition, they're not supposed to have much of one, due to a rigorous multi-year course of indoctrination and subliminal suggestion. which is what makes the Soul Drinkers storyline so appealing. It shows the Space Marines for what they really are: humans, with minds and wills of their own. The storyline, which is sparked by a betrayal of staggering proportions, and spirals quickly out of control, is original and well thought out. It shows an incredibly dark side of the Imperium, where the greatest enemy Man faces is really itself. Despite being manipulated in the extreme, the characters act out of rational planning and thought, rather than a knee-jerk reaction of "Destroy!" that most would expect from Space Marines. The main protagonist, Sarpedon, is well thought out and develops a great deal in a short amount of time. His psychic abilities are well used and described, without seeming either boring or overly god-like. This story arc is well planned and executed, and leaves the door open for another and another, which I am personally eagerly awaiting.

One thing must be said right away... if you are a 40k fan and enjoy reading the works of the Black Library then this collected series will not let you down in any way shape form or fashion. First, Sarpedon's rise to power of the Soul Drinkers Chapter; an off shoot chapter of the Imperial Fists and brother chapter to the Crimson Fists and Black Templars, will suck you in and the following events will lead you hook line and sinker around the galaxy! Second, the character development that Ben Counter creates for each of the top 7 is so engrossing you are physically wounded when they began their trek down the chaos path. Each hurdle they most overcome as a chapter that is completely cutoff from the Imperium is so wonderfully written its almost impossible to put this book down. Third, the price is what lured me in initially! For under $10 you get three books written by Ben Counter, when each sold separately for $8 - $9. That is a big savings however its not a mere 15 chapter paperback you can put in your coat pack and read on the tram. No this is a 4 inch thick brick that could cause some rent-a-cop to stop you and ask to see what the bulge in your coat is before getting past the turnstile. :) If you are having doubts on whether to pick this up let me add to the first review and just put it simply, yes this is a must buy. If your a 40k fan and interested in reading about a space marine chapter that has lost its way from the throne of Terra, sides with chaos then breaks those chains, and then goes smashing thru the galaxy as its own chapter who is based on individual freedom that continues to destroy the threats to mankind then pick it up!

Ben Covnter's THE SOUL DRINKERS OMNIBUS packs in action surrounding the Soul Drinkers: genetically engineered superhumans who have served the Emperor for thousands of years but retain their singular goal of retrieving an ancient relic. It's delightful to see the three novels - SOUL DRINKER, THE BLEEDING CHALICE and CRIMSON TEARS under one convenient cover.