Battle for the Abyss (Novel)
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Battle for the Abyss was written by Ben Counter, and is the eighth novel in the Horus Heresy Series.
Published in August, 2008, a sneak release of the book became available in July 2008.
The novel concentrates entirely on a giant Word Bearers space vessel, the Furious Abyss. Set after the events in the Isstvan system, the novel explores the development of the Word Bearers' planned attack on Calth and concentrates on showcasing a small number of individual Astartes from several different Space Marine Legions. It marks the first appearances of members of the Ultramarines and Space Wolves in the series, as well as the return of the World Eaters and Thousand Sons.
Plot Summary
The dark pact between the traitorous Space Marines and the Mechanicus results in the launching of the Furious Abyss, the most formidable space vessel yet constructed, under the banner of the Word Bearers. Essential to the Word Bearers' plans to eliminate the Ultramarines Legion, the Furious Abyss, under the command of Fleet Captain Zadkiel, makes best speed for Calth.
En route, Zadkiel's actions attract the attention of Fleet Commander Lysimachus Cestus of the Ultramarines. Convinced that something is awry, Cestus assembles an ad-hoc battleforce from nearby legionaries and space vessels and sets off in pursuit. Eventually, after a series of events including a pitched space battle, the attack of creatures from the Warp and a desperate boarding action, the Furious Abyss is destroyed, but at great cost.
Notable Characters
- Brynngar Sturmdreng - Captain, Wolf Guard
- Mhotep - Fleet Captain
- Lysimachus Cestus - Captain, 7th Company
- Antiges - Honour Guard, Battle Brother
- Zadkiel - Fleet Captain
- Skraal - Captain
- Kaminska - Rear Admiral (Saturnine Fleet, Wrathful)
