I finished Dan Abnett's new Inquisitorial novel, Pariah, about half an hour ago. My mind is still buzzing. The Eisenhorn trilogy still ranks among my favourite ever books - the twisted world of Inquisitorial politics narrated by Gregor Eisenhorn - a man who, in the words of Pariah, makes 'even the most heretical ideas make sense'. Following his journey from upright puritan to wanted heretic has been really very interesting.
Ravenor, for me, never quite matched up to Eisenhorn; I think mainly because the rigid first-person narrative of the first trilogy was dispensed with in order to allow us to see more characters operating within the retinue of an Inquisitor. What I did like about the Ravenor trilogy was that he showed us a really interesting world in Eustis Majoris. Throughout all six books, there have been some really interesting settings, all of which would be perfect for a game of Inquisitor.
Pariah, then - where would it fall? I think the gap between the Ravenor trilogy and the Bequin trilogy has allowed the "Abnettverse" to mature in deepen - this book has in many ways the flavour of Dark Heresy - and that's a good thing. A "bottom up" vision of a conspiracy, rather than a "top down" view. The main character - Alizebeth Bequin - is soon caught up in a tangled web which leaves the reader guessing - particularly if they are fans of the series.
It was very interesting to see many familiar characters appearing - the first time we see Eisenhorn was a particular treat for me - but my biggest concern was when another Abnett character was shoehorned in to the narrative. I didn't think it was entirely warranted and for me, it was a slight disappointment.
However, there is a lovely tone to this book, and Abnett has created a really interesting "voice" in Bequin. Ensnared between many differing factions, each with differing objectives and aims, I look forward to seeing where this trilogy goes next.