Book seven in the New York Times bestselling series A Great War is coming, and it will engulf the Imperium of Man. The Space Marines of the Alpha Legion, the last and most secretive of all the Astartes brotherhoods, arrive on a heathen world to support the Imperial Army in a pacification campaign against strange and uncanny forces. But what drives the Alpha Legion? Can they be trusted, and what side will they choose when the Heresy begins? Loyalties are put to the test, the cunning schemes of an alien intelligence are revealed, and the fate of mankind hangs in the balance.

This new collection of works by a master of science fiction adventure includes two complete novels--"Planet Run," on which he collaborated with Gordon R. Dickson, and "A Trace of Memory." Original.

Set in the universe of "Ranks of Bronze, Foreign Legions" presents masterful new novellas by David Drake, Eric Flint, S.M. Stirling, Marl L. Van Name, and David Weber. "David Drake is now the king of military science fiction".--"Philadelphia Weekly Press".

Chastised by the Emperor, the Word Bearers set out on their own path - one that will eventually lead them to damnation and heresy… Distraught at the judgement of the Emperor, the Word Bearers cast their fury and fervour onto the battlefield. All the while they explore the old ways of Colchis, seeking their own path - one that can only lead to damnation and heresy…

The coldly methodical and unrelenting Iron Hands Space Marine Chapter clash with the cybernetic soldiers of the Adeptus Mechanicus over control of the world of Thennos. Ever since the dark days of the Great Heresy, the Iron Hands have a long and tortured history. Their years of suffering and war has left them hardened and believing in a brutal tenet: the flesh is weak. Heavily cybernetic, their flesh extensively altered, these warriors of the Imperium are more machine than man, cold in aspect as well as demeanour. Their methods of recruitment are harsh, their rituals arcane, their pride unshakable. So when a world under the protection of the Chapter falls foul of insurrection, the Iron Hands answer with fire and cold retribution. It matters not that Thennos is considered sovereign territory by the Adeptus Mechanicus - the Iron Hands' campaign is one of extermination. But there is something dark lurking within Thennos, a horror that defies the purity of cold logic and the machine, and threatens something more, something ruinous...

The Blood Gorgons, a Chaos Space Marine warband, fight the threat from Nurgle-infected foes on the planet of Hauts Bassiq. The Blood Gorgons Chaos Space Marines are called to one of their recruiting worlds as the populace is struck down by a plague of mutation. But the expeditionary force is decimated by a mysterious foe, and Sargaul is one of few survivors. The polluted world has become even more nightmarish than before, and Sargaul faces insurmountable odds if he is to save the savage planet. Facing a hostile environment, shadowy xenos enemies and treachery from within his own forces, Sargaul must dig deep into his hatred and determination to leave Haute Bassiq alive.

"I am omnipotent and omniscient. I want every man on every planet to shudder and grow pale when he thinks of Me. For I have suffered gross injuries that must be avenged..." This sinister message - and a loathsome serpent-like trademark - were the only clues the Legion of Space had to the identity of Mankind's most evasive and horrible enemy. But meanwhile, He or IT - had meticulously begun to destroy the world... The Legion of Space was well accustomed to facing mortal peril in the black depths of outer space in order to defend humanity against its unearthly foes. But even they were to find their courage and ingenuity tested to the utmost limits in their fight against the vile phantom that called itself God and shrouded the Universe in an incredible web of terror...