Flesh Tearers

Space Marine Battles

by Andy Smillie

Formed in the aftermath of the Horus Heresy, the Flesh Tearers, veterans of the Blood Angels Legion now cast adrift, gather behind their leader, Chapter Master Amit, and set out to forge their own destiny.

None of the scions of Sanguinius are as bloody or wrathful as the Flesh Tearers. The fury of this Chapter, scorned by the Blood Angels and many of their successors, is legendary. Within them, the Black Rage is made manifest, a curse on the Imperium and its enemies. In the uncertain years following the end of the Great Heresy, it fell to Amit to lead this benighted Chapter. Upon his shoulders lay a heavy burden, for to prevent their own self-annihilation, the Flesh Tearers must not only fight their many foes but their very nature itself.

Genres: 40k, Science Fiction, Anthologies

512 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2016

Reviews

[Hawke Embers · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there’s anything that you should take away from this book, it’s that head butting someone is apparently the key to winning any debate. In contrast to the similarly aggressive World Eaters, who tend to stave off their anger for the gladiatorial arena or desperately cling onto the remenants of their Legion identity when written by Reynolds and Bowden. Well in this novella the FT’s have none of that, they just want to murder stuff.... and they’re the good guys somehow!

This story is about how the Flesh Teaers establish their home world.... by fighting angry murder dinosaurs and hi-5ing angry tribes people. It’s pretty one dimensional, containing one pretty good character moment between Chapter Master Amit and a dreadnought.., that’s it, just the one.

Despite this the novel isn’t bad, it’s great if you looking for some skin deep action and love reading about Flesh Teaer shinnanigans. Otherwise maybe give it a miss

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

an anthology inside an omnibus! how fun!
i do wish i read this closer to the end of the siege, but c’est la vie. that’s 40k. to try and read everything chronologically is a bit of a challenge haha.
also to clarify, since i’m reading the ‘sons of sanguinius’ omnibus, which has this anthology in it, i’m reviewing them separately. also - the trials by blood i reviewed, im specifically reviewing that novella. not the anthology that shares its name..


Flesh of Cretacia: 4/5
- i have to say, amit was one of my favourites throughout the heresy and siege, so it was nice to be reunited with him! this was actually a really good read considering it’s all action (which usually isn’t my favourite). i do wish this was a whole novel in itself, to go more into depth with certain things/not give us such a rushed ending. but overall, really good read!

Sons of Wrath: 5/5
- another surprisingly good read! this really went into the tragedy of the flesh tearers, and some special callbacks to the heresy! my only thing for future readers.. read this BEFORE flesh of cretacia. it’s odd this was the second book in the anthology.

Trial by Blood: 5/5
- oh man! that was stellar! i’ve been wanting to get more into gabriel seth and his savagery, and this was an excellent way to tell that story!

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very battle and rage-heavy, not much lore or character development. Seems almost like a bunch of short stories crammed together. If you love the Blood Angels and World Eaters this is for you, if not it's solid warhammer 40k fare.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 2 stories are good, but Trial of Blood really stands out in the book, really interesting dive into the character of the Flesh Tearers

[Ulzeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite fun.