Brothers of the Snake (Black Library, 2007) follows Priad of Damocles Squad as he rises through the ranks of a Space Marine chapter known as the Iron Snakes of Ithaka. Each chapter is basically a short story or novelette about Priad and his brothers in arms fighting against aliens and other agents of Chaos in the Warhammer 40K universe. Some good character development in between the action, and I liked the use of Greek and pseudo-Greek names which brought to mind Greek mythology. The final chapter, the longest in the book, had an epic feel to it and I liked how it tied into the first story. I really enjoyed how I learned more about the characters and their world as each story progressed, something I see in the sword & sorcery genre but not often in other genres.
Part One: Grey Dawn - Undertaking to Baal Solock
After something crash lands on their planet, the inhabitants reach out to the legendary Iron Snakes, who have not been needed for 600 years. When help arrives it’s not what they were expecting. As a reader new to Warhammer, I liked how we follow from the perspective of people who don’t know much about these legendary warriors. A suspenseful start that held my attention, which moved to gradual revelations and an explosive finale.
Rating: 5/5
Part Two: Black Gold - Undertaking to Rosetta
Damocles Squad is sent to a planet to liberate an oil refinery from invaders. A straightforward and well done “men on a mission” and “things don’t go as planned” story with lots of action.
Rating: 4/5
Part Three: White Heat - Undertaking to Eidon
Chapter Librarian Petrok is introduced as he joins Damocles Squad during a mission to retake a city from the Dark Eldar. It’s an okay “men on a mission” story but I didn’t get a handle on Petrok or his role as Chapter Librarian.
Rating: 3/5
Part Four: Red Rain - Undertaking to Ceres
Four squads of Iron Snakes investigate towns that may have been taken over by Chaos forces on the agricultural world of Ceres. I enjoyed the build-up of tension and the creepy folk horror-like atmosphere.
Rating: 4/5
Part Five: Crimson Wake - Ithaka
The squad returns to their home planet to honor team members lost in battle and to decide on replacements. Priad investigates when one of his choices is refused. An excellent “between missions” story with some great world building. I loved getting to see Ithaka up close after hearing about it in the previous stories.
Rating: 5/5
Part Six: Blue Blood - Undertaking to Iorgu
The squad is sent to a planet as emissary guards for the coronation of a new king. Priad is disappointed about being sent on a non-combat mission but then Chaos ensues. I liked the fast pace and the introduction of the mysterious Inquisitor, a kind of intelligence agent in the Warhammer 40K universe.
Rating: 4/5
Part Seven: Green Skin - Undertaking to Ganadarak
The longest story in the book brings more character development, more world building, and adds conflict within the squad. The story then moves on to an epic battle with the realization that brawn and force of arms alone isn’t always enough to lead to victory in battle. There are so many things I liked about this novella, including the reintroduction of Chapter Librarian Petrok, as I got a much better handle on his character this time, how the story eventually ties into the first story, and how the conflict within the squad was eventually resolved.
Rating: 5/5
This was my second Warhammer 40K read and I found it to be a fantastic introduction to the 40K universe. Looking forward to reading more.
