Review: Outer Dark

Outer Dark by Robbie MacNiven
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Left a bit disappointed after reading, the last outing (which I know), of the Carcharodon chapter. Although we got an appearance of big boy chapter master Tyberos , as well as the pleasure of seeing him single handedly eviscerate an entire Tyranid boarding group, little else was known about his character.

Also, the book has an issue with pacing. With the entirety of the first half devoted to slow investigations which go nowhere, and negotiations which seem set up just for the purpose of the plot. Then, in the last arc, things come to head, more like things literally start spilling out from behind the doors, walls, curtains, crevices. They transpire and climax faster than.... //I was going to make a joke related to horny teenagers here, but then thought better. Although, just by adding this disclaimer, you must've already figured out the punchline. Well, it's the thought that counts. //

It also creates some discrepancy, in regard to (view spoiler)[the Renegade Astral Claws chapter, as well their relationship with the Carcharodon Astra.

Although I haven't read it, the books describing the Badab war, between a trio of renegade chapters led by the Astral Claws, were defeated by loyalists, supported by the Space Sharks. Then again, there is some ambiguity as to whether those are the same as our Carcharodons. Even though google specifically tells you that 'Carcharodon Astra' translates to 'Space Sharks'. Go figure.

There is a feeling in regard to that whole sub arc, as if characters and conflicts are set up for some other story we're not privy to. And really don't connect well with the main narrative, other than for plot. (hide spoiler)]

Another pet peeve I had was how (view spoiler)[stupid the Inquisitor in the story was. Granted he was a member of the Ordo Hereticus, who was sent to investigate what was technically an affair for Ordo Xenos. But come on man, if you suspect a Xenos cult to have taken hold on a planet, the first thing you do is read up on the Xenos who have a penchant of forming cults on planets in their wake, for the purpose of nom nom.

Instead, our guy, belonging to one of the most paranoid and suspicious groups in the galaxy, walked face first into what was clearly an ambush. Like fucking Charlie Brown. Come on, man. (hide spoiler)]

Other than these shortcomings, it's a standard affair. We see the Space sharks take on a mountain's worth of Tyranid cultists, with nominally minor casualties. At least compared to their taxing previous outing.

A neat point to note, is how several characters, who were first introduced in Red Tithe, return as major characters. Something little to look forward to at least.

Here's hoping for a future story, where we are able to see their stealth-based battle tactics, ones that go beyond 'shooting while being utterly silent'.


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