Warrior Brood

by C S Goto

Review by James R.Cain

C S Goto's other novels include the Necromunda novel 'Salvation' and the books 'Warrior Coven', and 'Ascension' the sequel to book 'Dawn of War'.  'Warrior Brood' is another edition to the Deathwatch series, following the saga of the Deathwatch Space Marines. 

The story begins on the world of Herodian IV, where Space Marines from the Mantis chapter battle to save the planet from Tyranid invasion.  The Tyranids - insect-like monstrosities of varying shapes and sizes - assault the planet with waves of their number, devouring anything living in their wake.  If the Space Marines do not stop the invasion, not only will be planet be lost but the Tyranid hive fleet will grow.  The harvested bio-matter of the planet and its occupants is used to create more Tyranids and spacecraft.  Ultimately, this is a struggle to not only save the planet but other systems as well.

The Mantis marines are joined in the final hours of struggle by the Deathwatch marines - a chapter of elite marines that serve the Inquisition.  The Deathwatch are led by Inquisitor Kalypsia on a mission to investigate a research outpost before the planet falls.  But not everything is as it seems.  The Mantis warriors are a disgraced and dying Chapter of Space Marines and hope to regain the honour of their Chapter assisting the Deathwatch Marines on their mission.   Goto unfolds a tale that involves plenty of action and conspiracies within the higher echelons of the Inquisition.  The battle for the planet rages in both space and on the planet surface. The stakes are high, as what lies within the outpost is a secret that could lead to the destruction of humanity as a whole.

I don't want to say more than that.  The addition of the Mantis Marines really made the novel in my opinion. Goto is not afraid to kill more than a few of them unfolding his tale and this makes for superior action and battle sequences.  In some of his other novels, it's almost like the Marines simply can't lose; this isn't the case in 'Warrior Brood'.  If you're a Warhammer 40,000 fan or enjoy novels of militiaristic SF, this is certainly a book I'd suggest adding to your collection.   

Publisher: Black Flame

ISBN: 1-84416-234-6 - Paperback (251 pages)