Let the Galaxy Burn

by Marc Gascoigne and Reese Ryan

By popular demand, we've gathered up the best sf short stories ever written for the Black Library into one massive volume, and added some brand new tales! Warhammer 40,000 fans will be keen to get... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1844163423
• ISBN13: 9781844163427
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Games Workshop(uk)
• Length: 765 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Great read for fans of 40k

`Let the Galaxy Burn' is a collection of short stories set in Games Workshop's Warhammer 40 000 science fiction setting. Published by Black Library - Games Workshop's own publishing branch - it contains thirty eight tales, as well as an introduction and an excerpt from Dan Abnett's `Eisenhorn Omnibus'. Like most 40k books, `Let the Galaxy Burn' is made for the fans. If you don't know much or anything about the setting, you won't understand what these stories are about. As with all anthologies, the writing quality varies from story to story. Some were quite well written (the ones from Dan Abnett, William King, Gav Thorpe, and Ben Counter in particular), while some were terrible ("Tenebrae" by Mark Brendan, "Small Cogs" by Neil Rutledge, "Unthinking Justice" by Andras Millward, and "The Raven's Claw" by Jonahan Curran, all contain some memorably bad writing). Sadly, many of these writers lack elementary knowledge of Warhammer 40k universe. We're treated to a bunch of obvious mistakes that an editor should've fixed before putting `Let the Galaxy Burn' into print. Here are some examples: Leman Russ battle tanks being described and used as APCs; an `over-two-meters-tall' hive tyrant; a male callidus assassin; space wolf scouts who are also novices; Tzeench-worshipping Alpha Legionnaires, etc. On the other hand, we're given insight into some under-described facets of the 41st millennium; such as life of Imperial Navy pilots and slaves, life on some of the more primitive worlds, the insides of Tyranid hive ships, having chaos worshippers as protagonists, etc. I expected at least one tale starring an Eldar or a Tau (or maybe even an Ork), but no such luck. All of the stories are either about the Imperium, or the servants of chaos gods. On the whole, `Let the Galaxy Burn' is a good anthology. The stories are fast paced, the writing is alright for the most part, and the book itself is very affordable considering it's almost eight hundred pages long. Fans of 40k will enjoy this book. Others, not so much.

Excellent short story compilation

I liked the fact that each story is only 10-15 pages allowing a quick dip in the 40k universe whenever you have 30 minutes to spare. The stories are grouped in logical categories so that while you are reading from different authors the topic stays focused for 4-5 stories. You get all the Space Marine stories together and all the Inquisition stories together and so on. There are really ingenious plot twists in a couple of the stories that take the expected "we're all gonna die" 40k mantra in fresh directions. If you enjoy the 40k "fluff" in all the rulebooks and codices then you'll really enjoy this.

Wonderful collection of short stories capturing W40K universe.

This was my first book that I read of the W40K universe, even though I was familiar with the original game and had played the "Dawn of War" series on my PC. I was also familiar with the Horus Heresy which is essential to understanding the W40K universe. I absolutely enjoyed every story as they bounced around through the entire cast of characters and races that make up W40K. Even a newcomer should enjoy reading this collection and if they are patient they will begin to connect the dots between the stories as far as the entire scope of W40K.

brilliant starting place for new comers

i've been collecting warhammer books for about 7 years now and have over a hundered, so i'm pretty well versed in it's universe. when i saw this book i snapped it up instantly but was a bit dissapointed to learn that most of the stories (about 80%) were from books i already own. however, in all fairness to black library, they have collected some of the best, most memorable stories in this one awesome (and very large) tome. for those interested in introducing others to the world of warhammer 40,000 or if you're a new comer, i can't recommend a better book to begin with. it won't answer all the questions you have about warhammer but it will give you a pretty solid foundation and it will whet your appetite for more black library books...beware, once you start, you'll never want to stop (that is if you're into hot blooded, fast paced, violent sci-fi action)!

A Great Read For SF & Warhammer 40k Fans!

I don't follow the WH40k universe and have only read 1 other Warhammer compilation. I am a rabid SF/Fantasy reader though, and the short stories in this compilation are great! The stories are interesting and make you feel as though you are a participant. Lots of action and well fleshed out characters abound. Couple a low list price with a whopping 1+ pound book weight and this is a sure fire hit if you like SF and/or Warhammer.