February 2024 Read as additional for the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order - Omnibus IV Shattersong (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus/iv-shattersong) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy saga and extras.

This is my sixth Primarchs novel and all the many (actual details at the bottom) Horus Heresy works I've read and listened to so far and this is by far the one I have *enjoyed* the most, standing above the brilliant Master of Prospero (the most alike in covering elements that are of major significance within the main series), the absolutely solid Palatine Phoenix, and bloody, slowburn, and eventual sobworthy Great Wolf, and towering over Lord of Ultramar and Bearer of the Word. In fact (and this isn't an original thought by any means), Hammer of Olympia is unlike its siblings in the fact that it contains essential plot and character evolution for Perturabo in the main series. Yes, the events and experiences each Primarch faces in their entry into this this series shows something that shapes and/ or illuminates aspects of their personality that deepens our understanding of them...that's the premise of the side series and kinda essential for the stories, but the events portrayed here are as essential as the two major plot points of The Dark King for Nighthaunter.

I would actually go one further and say that this is actually a Horus Heresy main series novel, being the Lord of Iron's Fulgrim (2007), and if this was written before Angel Exterminatus (2012) it absolutely would have been.

This is the heartbreaking story of how Perturabo the idealistic architect was reforged into a warrior, before his brutal quenching exposed the cracks in his edge, even as it was hardened into a tragic tyrant.

The novel follows a number of timelines and perspectives it handles well. I was only confused listening to the audiobook when one Perturabo storyline ended and it jumped to another one. In the past we see the young, amnesiac Primarch displaying his innate sense of self, skill, and views, despite knowing nothing but his name, as he is adopted by a Tyrant and exploited as a curiosity, while in the present of the novel Dantioc his company defending what appear to be unpopulated and unimportant worlds from the lesser-spotted Xenos faction, the Hrud (https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Hrud), who share a great number of similarities with the Mimics from Live Die Repeat (the infinitely better alternative title of Edge of Tomorrow) and All You Need Is Kill on which it is based, to the point where I do wonder if the Hrud were an inspiration. This storyline then becomes that of the previously only referenced as an off screen event, the genocide of Olympia.

The writing is phenemonal throughout, wonderfully brought to life by Jonathan Keeble in the audiobook, with a great mix of action, which against the Hrud is very different and strange, Legion interactions, Perturabo's backstory, and the ultimate tragedy of what they become. The events at the end are appropriately harrowing, while not becoming gratuitous, showing the horrors being committed, but focusing on the discomfort a d discord between Iron Warriors.

There are many things have brought tears to my eyes during ym reading of the Horus Heresy, but this book contained the first time I got choked up because someone was being so mean and unfair. Some people haven't seen that episode of Stargate SG-1 with the beach and Roman stuff (I think?) and it shows.

All in all this is a cracking Horus Heresy novel, which makes it and stupendous Primarchs one!

Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 10 Horus Heresy novels, 5 novellas, 18 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 6 Primarchs novels, 3 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels...this run. I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue. ( )

It seems that Emperor created all of the Primarchs as reflections of his own personality (and by that humans at large).

Perturabo is walking computer, man who sees things only in absolutes, there is no grey area for him. He is also a person fully aware of his superiority over normal humans and thus very very alone. In his mind he is so off from the main human that he cannot trust them and thus isolates himself from everyone - be them bearing gifts, love or death. He tries to act like he has no emotions but he is in constant internal turmoil. In order to stifle his emotions he blunts his soul against ever so increasing levels of violence and rigidness.

He needs company, he needs someone to look at him and say "Well done" but unfortunately by perfecting his isolation he became for all means and purposes completely invisible. For superhuman who does not bask in lights of glory he is of no interest to anyone and soon his legion and himself are fighting extremely hard offensives in deep space out of everyone's sight.

If he was Alpharion/Omegon this would be his life dream. But unlike these two and even Curze, Perturabo is living among people, he seeks attention but [knowing what he truly is] he punishes himself in more and more brutal ways while hoping that someone will say "Stop it! You have greater purpose, lets achieve it!" and take him in to build and create instead to destroy.

This of course is his fatal flaw and as such paves the way for the ultimate fall.

Very good book, good addition to the series.

Highly recommended. ( )

Peter Turbo, such an amusingly mopey spaz ( )