Examiner.com

Graham McNeil''s "The Chapter's Due"
photo courtesy of the Black Library

Released on June 1st, 2010, Graham McNeill's "The Chapter's Due" is, without question, a well-written, poignant end to the Ultramarines series. Available in hardback at local bookstores, or through the Black Library, this is a new-release that is not to be missed.

McNeill made a lot of promises through various short stories and the previous entries into the series and somehow, he manages to deliver on every one. Far too often in series authors create so many side plots and nuanced characters that it becomes nigh impossible to wrap them all up neatly (King's beloved "Dark Tower" series leaps to mind, as does the seemingly never-to-be-finished Martin series, "The Song of Ice and Fire"). McNeill proves to be a master of his craft by seamlessly bringing all these elements not only to conclusion, but to a satisfying conclusion.

The book reminds us that if there is one thing that Graham McNeill does well, it is apply space marines to combat. He writes both loyalist and traitor marines equally well and manages to showcase both the Ultramarines' Codex-approved tactics, and the Iron Warriors' brute force and siege-warfare with affinity and respect. No chapter or battle feels ham-handed or thrown together.

Honsou, as always, proves a vicious and worthy adversary. The daemon-prince M'kar is interesting and truly horrific, but because fans of the Ultramarines series have seen Honsou on so many occasions, he has a far more substantial feel and behavior that the reader both loves and hates. That is to say, we like him as a villain. Vaanes, the Newborn and Grendel all provide excellent drama and, as mentioned, have befitting and satisfying conclusions.

The high point of the novel is, of course, seeing the Ultramarines in full force. Calgar, Tigurius, Learchus, Pasanius, Tiberius, Clausel and Uriel play out like a WH40k "Magnificent Seven," each a hero in their own rights and resplendent on the field. McNeill has cast aside the petty squabbling (and, it should be noted, his commentary on present day events) and shows the Ultramarines to move and work like the well-oiled machine Guilliman demanded they be.

Needless to say the book is a page-turner. Truly devout fans will find it hard to not stay up until three in the morning just to see how it turns out. The book is emotional, heart-pounding and just *great.* Really, there is no other word to describe it.

Also, as a compete digression, McNeill needs to write a Raven Guard book. A few of the sons of Corax make an appearance in this book for the sole purpose of reminding us just how darn cool they are.

Can't get enough Black Library? Click to subscribe above and receive alerts when this Black Library fanatic publishes news, reviews and more!