From a ragtag band of surviving Guardsmen to a handful of specialist Space Marines, two upcoming novels from Black Library show the odds the beleaguered Imperium must overcome to ensure its survival.
Crucible of Fire
Author Tom R Pike’s first full length Black Library novel follows Astra Militarum Lieutenant Kallisto Rytsar* who, when his company is decimated, must lead a ragtag group of surviving tanks and their crews on a mission to secure a vital manufactorum.
Unfortunately for Rytsar, they're not the only ones with their eyes on the complex, as a massive ork warband is on the way to loot it for themselves! With the xenos closing in, the Valhallan officer is forced to arm workers and the wounded in a desperate attempt to repel their attacks – can they hold out until reinforcements arrive?
Raptors: War and Shadow
Strike from shadow. Choose the place and time of battle. Seize victory by any means necessary. These are the doctrines that define the Raptors Chapter, doctrines which are put to the test under the most extreme circumstances in War and Shadow.
This new novel by William Crowe – whose previous credits include the Astra Militarum novel, Veterans of the Fall and various short stories – follows a demi-company led by Lieutenant Chandrel Voise, tasked with destroying a tendril of Hive Fleet Leviathan.
After arriving on an isolated world, with no hope of reinforcements or resupply, the unorthodox tactics of the Raptors are tested to the very limit as the hunters become the hunted. With every bolt round fired bringing the Space Marines closer to victory or defeat, the Lieutenant is left with a stark choice – save the world, or save the warriors under his command.
Crucible of Fire and Raptors: War and Shadow will both be available to pre-order soon. In the meantime, follow another rag-tag bunch of Astra Militarum troops in Demolisher and see how the Ultramarines fare against Hive Fleet Leviathan in Leviathan.
* As first seen in the short story Worm of Valhalla – available via the Black Library App.
