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  • First and Only

  • Gaunt's Ghost, Book 1
  • Written by: Dan Abnett
  • Narrated by: Toby Longworth
  • Length: 10 hrs
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (387 ratings)

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First and Only cover art

First and Only

Written by: Dan Abnett
Narrated by: Toby Longworth
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Publisher's Summary

A Warhammer 40,000 audiobook.

In the Chaos-infested Sabbat Worlds, Imperial Commissar Gaunt must lead his men through as much in-fighting amongst rival regiments as against the forces of Chaos.

Listen to it because: First and Only was one of the first books published by Black Library and is the most read Warhammer 40,000 novel ever, an absolute classic. This story begins the saga of Colonel Commissar Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only that has since grown into a multi-novel epic. It all starts here.

The story: For a thousand years, the Sabbat Worlds have been lost to the Imperium, claimed by the dread powers of Chaos. Now, a mighty crusade seeks to return the sector to Imperial rule. And at the forefront of that crusade are Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only - better known as Gaunt’s Ghosts. Trapped in the grinding trench warfare of Fortis Binary, the Ghosts find themselves drawn into a conspiracy to assassinate the crusade’s leader, Warmaster Macaroth.

With enemies all around them and no one to trust, Gaunt and his men must find a way to save the warmaster and prevent the Sabbat Worlds Crusade from falling into anarchy - even if it means waging war on their supposed allies.

©2019 Games Workshop Limited (P)2019 Games Workshop Limited

What listeners say about First and Only

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

The story of a regiment from many points of view

The book is set on the front lines of a fight against Chaos forces in a couple different arenas. It's told across multiple perspectives of various soldiers and officers from the same regiment.

The multiple points of view took getting used to. Overall it was a little hard to get into. Besides multiple points of view there are also a few time jumps back to things that happened in the past, and it isn't always smooth to follow.

Despite all that it's another fun Warhammer 40K book. The writer does action well. The main characters are quickly established as underdogs and are easy to root for.
Ibram Gaunt is a much different type of hero than Ciaphas Cain. He is more of a straight up hero than an anti-hero type. To me that was less interesting, although still enjoyable in a different way.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Unreal

This is a great book! Can’t wait to dive deeper in the series might have to make them on the tabletop

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love it!

I’m coming off the Eisenhorn series and this is a great follow up in the 40k universe.
Fast paced while still building conspiracy and political intrigue.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Buy it

Written by Dan Abnett and narrated by Toby Longworth.
(if you're new here that means it's a banger and you should buy it)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Lupercal!!! - Slaanesh

Thought I was C.C. Gaunt, I can't wait to Finish the Series and contiue the Imperium's Story.

13/01

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

New Reader

A very strong start to the series. Gaunt is an interesting protagonist. Though the cast is huge, many introduced don't last very long. Abnett had a very detailed and exciting narrative flow. The performance was incredible by Toby Longworth.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Many scenes to repeat, but remain as good

I quite overall agree with Marcus' assessments in regards to the many POVs of characters. It is seldom difficult in certain parts of the scene and is required to read two or three times to fully understand the events.

What makes this story so well revered by fans alike is how Abnett have fully fleshed out these characters, made them almost believable to root for them. Another thing besides that of Guant and his regiment is other regiments and their way of war that contrast from one another.

If I have to choose a favorite moment in the novel, it would be the two characters, Milo and Commissar Blenner. Milo as a young able aide to Guant from every situation, and Commissar Blenner's 'diplomatic' skill in the world of Pyrites.

First and Only is a simple, very 'in your face' read with moderate actions to sate your thirst for conflict. It is quite difficult to follow the story as there are many characters in the book and is required to repeat several times before understanding the rest of it. Additionally, it is also quite addictive to listen to as Toby Longworth had done an excellent performance into voicing each characters.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Terrific 40k story

At times I found the imagery difficult to picture but overall this story creates a beautiful universe.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

lbram Gaunt...

l love the ghosts the kick ass. Awesome book great stories 40k universe rocks...Thanks to Dan Abnett

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

One of the best 40k novels. Really captures the vibe and tone of the genre. Phenomenal narration, too

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