by Dan Abnett
Sci-Fi/Warhammer
When Verghast's Vervunhive falls prey to a neighbouring hive, it seems like another Trade War has erupted. But the Zoican's are massed in terrifying numbers and there's the stench of Chaos in the air. Gaunt's Ghosts are one of a handful of Imperial regiments able to reach Vervunhive a few days in to the siege. Local politics and the animosity of the Imperial Generals make the internal situation difficult but it is nothing compared to the horror that Heritor Asphodel -- one of the great leaders of Chaos -- rains down upon Vervunhive. As civillians and soldiers are slaughtered around them, Gaunt's Ghosts must do anything they can to hold the hive. And Gaunt himself must live by the words of his mentor: never send men in to a situation you would be unwilling to enter yourself.
Necropolis is an excellent read, by far the best of the initial trilogy; probably because it's the first one to be written as a novel, rather than a collection of short stories/novellas. The combination of local politics and Imperial rivalry plays well but it's the huge battles that keep you turning the pages. Abnett holds the tension throughout, juggling a vast landscape and large cast of characters. This is bitter and bloody warfare told brilliantly well, as good as any war story around. Very highly recommended.