Rating: 
Summary: A fun tale filled with quite a bit of action
Review: I'm not a gamer of the Warhammer 40k universe but I've taken a definite interest in the WH40k books since Dan Abnett's First and Only story of the Tanith Ghosts.Dan Abnett's Tanith First & Only tales aren't filled with the depth or complexity you'd find in an Orson Scott Card or Joe Halderman tale but helps to provide the meat and backbone of the science fiction genre. First & Only is a solid tale of the Tanith "Ghosts". The "first and only" regiment of light infantry troops to make it off a homeworld that was lost to them by the forces of chaos. Packed with lots & lots & LOTS of action, First & Only is a great read from beginning to end with fully fleshed out characters and a vivid view of the grim battlefields from the eyes of the light infantry scouts. He does an incredible job of giving the reader the perspective of not just the main character but quite a few characters from the "Ghosts". I'd recommend all of the series (I'll be writing a review of all five books) but you'd definitely want to make sure you start out with the First and Only.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice story of war and survival...
Review: In my opinion, a slightly above average novel when compared to the other novels available with the same warhammer 40k universe background. If you love the Warhammer 40k game, and would love to see from another point of view that is not from a superhuman Space Marine, you will probably like this novel. For those Warhammer 40k imperial guard players out there, this novel (as in basically all of the series)will serve as an inspiration or even a conversion or two. My only complaint is that in the novel series, the troops basically have to fight the same type of enemies: Chaos troops and corrupt comrades. Those who have played the game know that basically there are from 5+ different aliens armies in which conflict could have erupted, and so I would have included different enemies in each novel.
Rating:
Summary: The Ghosts Will Haunt *You*
Review: Like Eye of Terror, another Warhammer 40,000 novel that I read with some apprehension, First & Only caught me by surprise. I read it to get some additional background for the WH40K game world. Where Eye of Terror was only partially combat-focused, First & Only is basically a war novel, with back to back battles. I thought it would bore me, but it didn't. Comic writer Dan Abnett, who does a number of comics for Game's Workshop, is a *very* good long-form writer. His descriptions of the 40K world are compelling and very "painterly" at times, his characters have real depth and charm and his battle descriptions keep you on the edge of your seat. What really makes this book work though,are the unique characters of Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First, the so-called Ghosts, who are a fighting force from a dead civilization. Every time one of the Tanith die, their race moves one step closer to extinction. Gaunt, who was promoted to Commissar ahead of the line, has made many enemies in the Imperium who constantly put him and his men in harm's way in hopes of getting rid of him. They always manage to pull through (albeit with tragic loses to the Tanith), which makes his Imperial detractors all the more determined to do him in. The day I finished this book, I ordered the second volume in the series: Ghostmaker. I can't wait to read it and others in the Gaunt's Ghost series.
Rating:
Summary: The Ghosts Will Haunt *You*
Review: Like Eye of Terror, another Warhammer 40,000 novel that I read with some apprehension, First & Only caught me by surprise. I read it to get some additional background for the WH40K game world. Where Eye of Terror was only partially combat-focused, First & Only is basically a war novel, with back to back battles. I thought it would bore me, but it didn't. Comic writer Dan Abnett, who does a number of comics for Game's Workshop, is a *very* good long-form writer. His descriptions of the 40K world are compelling and very "painterly" at times, his characters have real depth and charm and his battle descriptions keep you on the edge of your seat. What really makes this book work though,are the unique characters of Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First, the so-called Ghosts, who are a fighting force from a dead civilization. Every time one of the Tanith die, their race moves one step closer to extinction. Gaunt, who was promoted to Commissar ahead of the line, has made many enemies in the Imperium who constantly put him and his men in harm's way in hopes of getting rid of him. They always manage to pull through (albeit with tragic loses to the Tanith), which makes his Imperial detractors all the more determined to do him in. The day I finished this book, I ordered the second volume in the series: Ghostmaker. I can't wait to read it and others in the Gaunt's Ghost series.
Rating:
Summary: The ghosts that walk
Review: One word:great,the book shows Ibram Gaunt as a child,a cadet and a Imperial commisar(colonel)and respect for his troops the ghosts,could'nt put the book down it was so good.
Rating:
Summary: Gothic Science Fiction
Review: Picking up First and Only with only the most superficial knowledge of Warhammer 40,000, I wasn't expecting much. The book was a most pleasent surprise. Gaunt is one of the most intelligent military men I have encountered in science fiction. He managed to survive not through superior firepower but through his wits. A great book with a unique setting that I would recommend to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Great Intro to Warhammer 40K
Review: The book First & Only is a great read for fans of Sci-Fi or just military fiction in general. This book introduces highly defined characters and a story line that is truly unique. The Imperial Guard regiment in this book are from a destroyed planet. When each member of the unit perishes this culture is one step closer to utter extinction. The whole story line captures the reader as the members of Gaunt's Ghosts fight the evil of chaos and the natural survival instinct given to us all. Whether or not you are already a fan of Warhammer, it does not matter. This book can stand alone as a great Sci-Fi novel while keeping the integrety of the Warhammer Universe as developed by the members of Games Workshop. If Dan Abnett continues this level of writing in the upcoming sequel, he could very easily become one of my personal favorite Sci-Fi writers.
Rating:
Summary: a good book for a Warhammer 40k fan
Review: The book is a good read and one you'd probably recomend to a friend. There isn't much to criticize about this book. It's excellent light reading material, if anything it was sometimes too light in my thoughts. I enjoyed it enough that I'm continueing to read the series.
Rating:
Summary: a good book for a Warhammer 40k fan
Review: The book is a good read and one you'd probably recomend to a friend. There isn't much to criticize about this book. It's excellent light reading material, if anything it was sometimes too light in my thoughts. I enjoyed it enough that I'm continueing to read the series.
Rating:
Summary: Best 40K book Series and this is the one that started it all
Review: The Gaunt series is by far one of the best series in the Warhammer 40K universe. The concept of comradre and honor really shines through here backed by treachery and human corruption. The focus of these series is the the grand battles but more of character building which makes me love the characters even more. Soldiers like Gaunt, Try Again Bragg, and Caffran really helps make this book shine. Get this series.
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