Outer Dark (Carcharodons Book 2)

It’s a hard read. It has good parts and some very stale parts. The story is not bad it’s just the narrating from time to time get very slow.

This was really really good! A perfect mix of action along with a lot of tantalizing glimpses at the mysterious history and true nature of the Charcharodons. However, the book’s blurb is a little misleading. It says the story centers around Genestealers on Piety V, but the plot only arrives at the planet like halfway through the novel. The first half actually involves the Carcharodons negotiating with another chapter, the Ashen Claws, and an Inquisitor investigating evidence of the Carcharodons on another planet, and *then* the two plotlines converge on the Genestealers on Piety V.With that consideration in mind, this might be the best MacNiven work I’ve read yet. Tons of great action all throughout the book, ranging from one-on-one duels to the climactic final battle with the genestealers, mixed in with a ton of worldbuilding. I’d say the portions of the novel involving the Inquisitorial investigation of the Carcharodons are masterful, really gives you the impression you’re reading a fine mystery novel as they try to tease through the scraps of centuries-old evidence leading them to the wanderers of the Outer Dark. Now, you’ll notice I haven’t given many specifics, but that’s cause I don’t wanna spoil anything. This really is a straight-up sequel to the first Carcharodons novel, Red Tithe, and you’ll find out what happened to characters like Skell and Rannik here! But there are definitely some big revelations (especially one that seems like intriguing fodder for future stories) so I don’t wanna give them away. There’s even a little cameo from a character from Death Warrant! But yeah, since all of these plotlines are so significant, I gotta keep mum about them in this review. You should definitely give this story a look! 5 stars, easily.

Just gonna put it out there, the book does not have as much action as Red Tithe. Whereas the first book was an ongoing slugfest between two groups of astartes, this one takes it's time and establishes story first, the action doesn't really kick in hearnest until a little under halfway through, which for a 40K book, is YEARS.That said, it had a great deal more story and character development than the last one. Every major character and even some minor ones had tangible differences by the time the epilogue came, like really big differences.The book also maintains the mysterious air around the carcharadon Astra, and deepens the riddle of their founding, while establishing a little of their history. Their original legion is still up for conjecture by the end. Speaking of airs though, whereas the last book had a horror vibe ressembling that of a slasher film, this one takes on a tone more akin to a lovecraftian story, or a, forgive me, alien movie.Robbie additionally nails the description and flavor of the imperial worlds seen, giving them enough character to hold the reader's attention until the teeth really sink in.Overall, good book, I still prefer Red Tithe but I am nothing but hyped for the third installment.

It takes awhile to get to the action but when it does it makes for a fun read. Good solid characters. Overall a fun time. Looking forward to a third book. I hope the author makes one and I hope as well that Robbie MacNiven does some Imperial Guard stories.

This is a good read, there's more going on and more detail provided than in Red Tithe. My only gripe is the author heaaavvvillly abuses the words "wicked" and "ponderous."Once you realize it, you notice he uses the words damn near twice on each page it's kind of wild.

it was like trying to bring them back into the fold, or give them a possible noble future, while at the same time making them a possible 2nd legion breakaway or something like that to want to draw you in?????

Mr MacNiven really outdid himself with this one. Never have I had so many moments sitting on the edge of my seat reading a book in the 40k universe. Artfully done and will read again. I can only hope for a sequel. Sharr’s story must go on.

Im giving this 4 stars because it did not have the same amount of action in it than the last Carcharodons book. It is still a MUST read if you like the Carcharodons and space marine chapters that are not boring like the Ultrasmurfs.

For a space marine book, pretty good considering most of them are not good

Gave it a 4 star because it's not over, it was a good ride but not a fully fulfiled one.It would make a very good season 1 for TV.I dont know friend... You like the space marines? Then you like book.

Much better than the previous book. I loved it. Can't wait for a third in the series. I loved the Ashen Claw stuff, it could be interesting to see a redemptive arch.

The Carcharodon Astra return in 'bloody' good form in this one. Few authors manage to engage me in action scenes that flow so vividly in my head as to not detract from the underlying plot. Several familiar faces come- and go- and betrayal, nastiness and a pervasive threat that the wider Imperium never even saw coming are all on the table for this one. A must read for anyone that enjoys trips into the grim darkness of the future, a REQUIRED read for any fan of the chapter and their lore. I want more already. Marvelous.

Good, enjoyable story. Carcharodons are a very different chapter with a good back story.Hope a third book is coming.