Reviewed by Steve Dean

Although a follow on to the previous novel, Faith and Fire, it’s not a direct sequel, so don’t feel pressurised into reading that one first.

The Sisters of Battle are a religious order devoted to killing the enemies of the Imperium wherever they find them, and they find them everywhere!

After the Ecclesiarchy outpost of Sanctuary 101 is wiped out by necrons, Sister Miriya and the other gals set off on a mission to reconsecrate the site. Unfortunately, the necrons haven’t actually left yet. The Sisters are accompanied by a tech priest and his entourage, who have a secret agenda of their own, and who rile up the necrons something fierce. On top of this, there is a mysterious character stalking the wastelands, but whose side are they on?

I found this one to be very readable, with some original set pieces, decent combat, and a simple plot that nevertheless works fine. It’s well written, the characters four dimensional, and some actual hints this time that the characters are female! Well, one or two of them.

There is a rumoured third novel, called Blood and Sex, and I for one am looking forward to reading it.