Catechism of Hate Book Review

This is the latest in the Space Marine Battles series and is a limited edition novella much like Aurelian was a few months back. Only 1500 copies were printed (mine was number 807), each hand numbered and also signed by Gav Thorpe.

It cost me £30 but the postage was free. For that hefty sum I got a 118 page hardback book with a sweet blue embossed cover, and a small double sided poster of either Cassius or a Tyranid. Slightly overpriced I feel but I couldn't miss out on some Ultra action!

It starts off with the prologue (as you do!) of Cassius about to launch an attack on a hive ship when he decides it's time for a story about when he helped to defend a planet called Styxia.

First off there is a great council meeting between all the heads of the Ultramarines chapter; Cassius, Calgar, Agemman etc where they try to decide if they should help the stricken system. Cassius as you can imagine gets quite irate so they let him take a small force to the surface. He's met by the Imperial Guard and quickly sets up a plan of action. Basically the Guard hold the main town, the Ultras head off to meet the Tyranids.

Along the way they encounter Lictors, Spore Mines, all kinds of cool aliens and finally make a big push to destroy the hive mind. Running all through the tale is the theme of hatred towards the xenos for what they did to Macragge.

It's a really well written story, the pace is fantastic and it doesn't get too bogged down in the details. Most of the characters are quite likeable but I feel there could have been a bit more about each of them to flesh them out a bit.

If you can manage to get your hands on a copy I definitely recommend it. I'm hoping that the rest of this series is as good so I think I'll be trying the Gildar Rift next. A solid 8/10.