Ashes of the Imperium - thoughts?

So, the first book of the Scouring series has been out for a couple days now, how are we feeling about it?

I thought it was a good start, lots of politics and intrigue which I think Wraight excels at. I liked the clear direction for at least one plot line with Iron Warriors and the Iron Cage getting set up, and I really enjoyed the proto-inquisition shenanigans.

My favourite part though was easily the last stand of the Sons of Horus on Luna. Kraiya stole the show for me, I loved his reckless abandon to go down fighting and take as many ultramarines with him as possible. I’m also interested to see what becomes of Abidemi and his obviously cursed sword. Given how picking up chaos swords usually go could we see him and other Salamanders potentially be corrupted by it, and that be the final straw for Vulkan to abandon the impierum? Who knows, but I’m looking forward to finding out.

Anyway, what are your thoughts about the novel? Are you looking forward to the rest of the series? I am, though after Dawn of Fire I’m hoping GW is able to keep this series more coordinated and focused.