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Cypher: Lord of the Fallen
A Warhammer 40,000 Novel
Cypher has slipped his bonds on Holy Terra itself. Hunted by some of the most powerful forces the Imperium can muster, can he complete his mission before he’s apprehended?
READ IT BECAUSE
Cypher is one of the most mysterious figures in the galaxy, and this novel sheds light on his motivations and thoughts. Although, told from Cypher’s own point of view, his words are suspect by default…
THE STORY
As the Great Rift unfolds in the night sky above Terra and daemons walk upon the birth world of mankind, the Primarch Roboute Guilliman returns, heralding a dark new age.
During the breaking storm, Cypher and his band of Fallen escape from the most secure prison in the Imperium. Now loose in the Imperial Palace, they are hunted by warriors of the Dark Angels, forces of the Adeptus Custodes, and Imperial Assassins. But what are Cypher’s intentions? Can anything or anyone be trusted?
Told from Cypher’s own, unreliable point of view, this tale of truth, lies and secrets sees one of the Imperium’s most mysterious figures make war at its very heart. But what are the true motivations of the Lord of the Fallen?
Cypher has slipped his bonds on Holy Terra itself. Hunted by some of the most powerful forces the Imperium can muster, can he complete his mission before he’s apprehended?
READ IT BECAUSE
Cypher is one of the most mysterious figures in the galaxy, and this novel sheds light on his motivations and thoughts. Although, told from Cypher’s own point of view, his words are suspect by default…
THE STORY
As the Great Rift unfolds in the night sky above Terra and daemons walk upon the birth world of mankind, the Primarch Roboute Guilliman returns, heralding a dark new age.
During the breaking storm, Cypher and his band of Fallen escape from the most secure prison in the Imperium. Now loose in the Imperial Palace, they are hunted by warriors of the Dark Angels, forces of the Adeptus Custodes, and Imperial Assassins. But what are Cypher’s intentions? Can anything or anyone be trusted?
Told from Cypher’s own, unreliable point of view, this tale of truth, lies and secrets sees one of the Imperium’s most mysterious figures make war at its very heart. But what are the true motivations of the Lord of the Fallen?
179 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
33 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
John French
154 books294 followersJohn French is a writer and freelance game designer from Nottingham, England. His novels include the Ahriman series from Black Library, and The Lord of Nightmares trilogy for Fantasy Flight. The rest of his work can be seen scattered through a number of other books, including the New York Times bestselling anthology Age of Darkness. When he is not thinking of ways that dark and corrupting beings could destroy reality and space, John enjoys talking about why it would be a good idea... that and drinking good wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 26, 2023
In terms of worldbuilding, the novel is brilliant. It's cutting deep, and makes some very engaging arguments about the Imperium's depravity that may make the reader agree that rebellion against that system, refusal to be part of it, is a logical course of action.
But it's so hands-off on Cypher and the other Fallen, so underdeveloped on the unfolding plot, that I'm left disappointed regardless.
The book could have gone into detail about the other Fallen at least, telling us how they came to be by Cypher's side, or just glimpses of the final moments of Caliban and where they were, if we're not even going to talk about Cypher himself.
But nothing. Not even Korlael got much to go on beyond his loyalty and honour. And it's not like more than three of the Fallen were even significant enough to be named and have speaking roles (I think one fourth did, as an early sacrifice in the plot, but that's it?). Plenty of unnamed redshirts, at any rate.
The most I can say about Cypher is that we learn about his character through his thought patterns and outlooks on matters - but even that is up in the air as potential lies. I think his view of Chaos is about what I expected it to be, but that just makes the chapter iconography of the book stand out as silly.
To quote from the book itself:
I feel like this is the book's entire premise, summarized. The entire raison d'Être for French writing the book the way he did. He's fueling fan theories while giving reliable credence to none of them. To tell us one thing while repeatedly telling us that it can fall one way or the other, that you can't rely on any of the evidence before your eyes, and that it's all one major unreliable narrator narrative that you cannot take for granted no matter how hard you try.
And while on one hand, pulling a book like that off is a great achievement.... it is extremely dissatisfying for a multitude of reasons, because there's a massive discrepancy between what the author intends with and what the reader expects of the work. It's almost like the two are in opposition with regards to what they want this novel to be, what role to fulfill, even when the reader is fully on board with not learning all the facts and is ready to be deceived to a degree.
In the end, I felt like John French is mocking the fanbase somewhat with this hands-off approach. It's certainly the 40k Characters novel that tells the reader the least about its titular character.
But it's so hands-off on Cypher and the other Fallen, so underdeveloped on the unfolding plot, that I'm left disappointed regardless.
The book could have gone into detail about the other Fallen at least, telling us how they came to be by Cypher's side, or just glimpses of the final moments of Caliban and where they were, if we're not even going to talk about Cypher himself.
But nothing. Not even Korlael got much to go on beyond his loyalty and honour. And it's not like more than three of the Fallen were even significant enough to be named and have speaking roles (I think one fourth did, as an early sacrifice in the plot, but that's it?). Plenty of unnamed redshirts, at any rate.
The most I can say about Cypher is that we learn about his character through his thought patterns and outlooks on matters - but even that is up in the air as potential lies. I think his view of Chaos is about what I expected it to be, but that just makes the chapter iconography of the book stand out as silly.
To quote from the book itself:
Which is more important, the truth or what people believe? Most would say the truth, but that is too easy. No one actually wants the truth. Not in this universe. Hearing the truth is like looking on the face of a god – you have a moment of pure revelation, and then you are ash carried away to oblivion, knowing nothing, seeing nothing. When people say they want the truth, they mean that they want something they can understand, something that fits, that they can carry around in their thoughts like a relic, to touch and take away the fear of what they are living.
Am I a traitor? Am I one soul, or am I many? Have I had many names or only the one? Do I wish redemption or vengeance? It’s comforting to be able to pick one, and then see everything fall into line behind it – villain-hero, right-wrong, on and on. That’s what people want when they ask for the truth. They want the lie that makes the world simple.
But you are not like that, are you? You know that it is better not to ask for the truth. That what you should ask for are secrets.
I feel like this is the book's entire premise, summarized. The entire raison d'Être for French writing the book the way he did. He's fueling fan theories while giving reliable credence to none of them. To tell us one thing while repeatedly telling us that it can fall one way or the other, that you can't rely on any of the evidence before your eyes, and that it's all one major unreliable narrator narrative that you cannot take for granted no matter how hard you try.
And while on one hand, pulling a book like that off is a great achievement.... it is extremely dissatisfying for a multitude of reasons, because there's a massive discrepancy between what the author intends with and what the reader expects of the work. It's almost like the two are in opposition with regards to what they want this novel to be, what role to fulfill, even when the reader is fully on board with not learning all the facts and is ready to be deceived to a degree.
In the end, I felt like John French is mocking the fanbase somewhat with this hands-off approach. It's certainly the 40k Characters novel that tells the reader the least about its titular character.
August 31, 2024
Very good book. One of my favourites this year. 93/100
So this is the tale of Cypher, one of the most enigmatic characters on 40K universe. His he good or a evil character? His he really working for the emperor or for the downfall of Imperium. If you get all his stuff throughout the last 10,000 years he is doing 50\50.
The reason behind is that at times it seems he and his fallen angels are helping and at times they are not (or are they). You never know...
Cypher was capture on Terra by Adeptus Custodes and while he is imprisioned there, a bunch of dark angels learn of this and they are trying to capture for themselves. If you don't know, Cypher is what the Dark Angels call Fallen Angel. In the Heresy there were a bunch of DA that rebelled (or something) and they became renegade. As a very proud chapter and deep ashamed of that civil war the DA have a dedicate company that only deals with this kind. To be honest, all of DA story is shrouded in mystery, deceit and such. There are even people that believe the Fallen Angels are the good guys and Cypher is the flagstone of that. I will probably know more when I read Mike Lee stuff on HH.
But here is a tale of DA team trying to capture Cypher while dealing with a single Custodes. This is borderline , well scratch borderline, but treason on DA actions. They attack Terra (well camouflage as a invasion is going on) to bring one of them to justice because "god" forbid the Custodes and mainly the inquisition learn about cypher origin.
You get some really interesting battle scenes and you can see how Cypher is, rivalling and besting Assassins , Custodes and DA. One of the most interesting thing was the battle between a single custodes & DA squadron. My god. John French is really good providing a glimpse on all of this factions and differences and strengths. There are several interesting monologues of Cypher and his thoughts of what become of the Imperium. (He does not like it)
If you enjoy Cypher , you want to learn more of Terra or custodes pelase this is the book for you.
If not for Ghostmaker this would be a top contender for book of the month (and without doubt a contender for top ten of book of the year.
So this is the tale of Cypher, one of the most enigmatic characters on 40K universe. His he good or a evil character? His he really working for the emperor or for the downfall of Imperium. If you get all his stuff throughout the last 10,000 years he is doing 50\50.
The reason behind is that at times it seems he and his fallen angels are helping and at times they are not (or are they). You never know...
Cypher was capture on Terra by Adeptus Custodes and while he is imprisioned there, a bunch of dark angels learn of this and they are trying to capture for themselves. If you don't know, Cypher is what the Dark Angels call Fallen Angel. In the Heresy there were a bunch of DA that rebelled (or something) and they became renegade. As a very proud chapter and deep ashamed of that civil war the DA have a dedicate company that only deals with this kind. To be honest, all of DA story is shrouded in mystery, deceit and such. There are even people that believe the Fallen Angels are the good guys and Cypher is the flagstone of that. I will probably know more when I read Mike Lee stuff on HH.
But here is a tale of DA team trying to capture Cypher while dealing with a single Custodes. This is borderline , well scratch borderline, but treason on DA actions. They attack Terra (well camouflage as a invasion is going on) to bring one of them to justice because "god" forbid the Custodes and mainly the inquisition learn about cypher origin.
You get some really interesting battle scenes and you can see how Cypher is, rivalling and besting Assassins , Custodes and DA. One of the most interesting thing was the battle between a single custodes & DA squadron. My god. John French is really good providing a glimpse on all of this factions and differences and strengths. There are several interesting monologues of Cypher and his thoughts of what become of the Imperium. (He does not like it)
If you enjoy Cypher , you want to learn more of Terra or custodes pelase this is the book for you.
If not for Ghostmaker this would be a top contender for book of the month (and without doubt a contender for top ten of book of the year.
November 23, 2024
John French delves if anything too deep into the mysterious, enigmatic nature of Cypher, one of the 40k galaxy's most mysterious and enigmatic warriors. Narrated by the famous fence-sitter himself as he muses cryptically about the state of the Imperium while casually and not subtly breaking out of maximum security mega-prison, the tale gives some punchy action scenes but very few answers. Cypher talks constantly of truth, lies and secrets, to the extent that it is difficult to take anything he says with less than a bucketful of salt.
Kudos to French for the unique approach and distinctive character voice, but sadly the finished product falls a little flat.
Kudos to French for the unique approach and distinctive character voice, but sadly the finished product falls a little flat.
March 21, 2023
I’m really enjoying the series that this book seems to fall into, looking at significant characters from the 40k universe through key incidents in their lives. While this doesn’t challenge Ghazghull’s crown for the best in the run, it is still a very good book. Initially announced as an audio drama way back in 2019, it is one of the most unconventional 40k books I’ve read, and I’m assuming some of this has roots in it’s shift in format. Shifting to and from a first person narrative, occasionally directly addressing the reader it nails the ambiguity and mystery inherent to the character of Cypher, revealing *some* things about him but still managing to keep him, for want of a better word, a cypher. Unreliable narrators are nothing new in BL fiction (see Mike Brooks’ recent Alpharius for another good example), but the way that French plays with reader expectations and breaks the fourth wall is fantastic. French still managed to surprise me throughout the book despite apparently telegraphing the plot. Set in the immediate wake of Gulliman’s return to Terra/life, the book sits comfortably alongside Chris Wraight’s the Vaults of Terra and Watchers of the Throne series, as well as his Valdor book in really fleshing out the Throneworld, somehow convincingly and evocatively depicting the insanely densely populated Palace as empty in places.
November 24, 2025
still love my space-opera
October 19, 2024
If you are looking for a book to learn more about Cypher and Fallen then continue looking.
Cypher as unreliable narrator sounds like great idea but in reality it's very annoying.
This story doesn't bring anything. We didn't learn anything new about Cypher, Fallen or Dark Angels. One thing we learn is that we cannot trust Cypher because he lies all the time. And seeing him to be 1000 steps ahead of everyone only adds to his annoying character.
I was ready to give this book 4 starts but after scene where 10 space marines defeats custodian it was immediate 3 stars.
Author is really making fun of warhammer lore with this one.
Cypher as unreliable narrator sounds like great idea but in reality it's very annoying.
This story doesn't bring anything. We didn't learn anything new about Cypher, Fallen or Dark Angels. One thing we learn is that we cannot trust Cypher because he lies all the time. And seeing him to be 1000 steps ahead of everyone only adds to his annoying character.
I was ready to give this book 4 starts but after scene where 10 space marines defeats custodian it was immediate 3 stars.
Author is really making fun of warhammer lore with this one.
August 14, 2023
Anticlimactic Ending, but characters and setting is bloody amazing. Further, the main character is very amiable and it's nice to read another book from the point of view of Zahariel aka Lord Chypher.
March 30, 2024
Well written and world building is great, characters are well fleshed out for the most part, but nothing really happens, the plot is very thin even with the unreliable narrator shenanigans.
June 28, 2025
Book Review: Warhammer 40K: Cypher – Lord of the Fallen by John French
Entering the Warhammer 40,000 universe for the first time can be an overwhelming experience due to its dense lore and dark, complex themes. Cypher: Lord of the Fallen by John French was one of my first major forays beyond games and brief summaries, and it proved to be a gripping and intriguing introduction to this grimdark setting, centered around one of its most mysterious and elusive characters—Cypher.
Plot and Storytelling
The novel follows Cypher, an enigmatic figure associated with the secretive and shadowy Fallen Angels, who are rogue Space Marines with a troubled and complex past. For a newcomer, the story’s blend of action, mystery, and suspense provides a compelling narrative that doesn’t require extensive prior knowledge to engage with, though some familiarity with Space Marines and the broader conflict between Chaos and the Imperium helps enrich the experience.
John French paints Cypher as a lone, almost mythic antihero, someone who operates in the shadows, with motivations and allegiances that remain murky throughout much of the story. This mystery kept me hooked, as the novel slowly revealed layers of Cypher’s character and past while delivering intense combat scenes and political intrigue.
Accessibility
As someone new to Warhammer 40K, I appreciated how the book manages to balance introducing key elements of the universe—such as the Imperium, Chaos, and the Space Marines—without drowning the reader in excessive jargon or confusing backstory. While certain terms and factions pop up with little explanation, the narrative itself remains clear enough to follow, and the mood and tone convey the dark, oppressive atmosphere that defines the setting.
That said, the novel assumes some familiarity with the larger Warhammer 40K conflicts and mythos, so at times I found myself wanting to pause and look up certain references or concepts. But this curiosity felt like part of the fun and motivated me to explore the lore further.
Characterization
Cypher is a fascinating protagonist—part tragic, part enigmatic, and wholly compelling. His motivations are ambiguous, which adds layers of tension and intrigue. Unlike many traditional heroes, he operates in morally gray areas, which challenges the typical black-and-white view of good versus evil. This complexity made him stand out, especially since much of Warhammer 40K can sometimes feel overwhelmed by grand archetypes.
Supporting characters, while sometimes less fleshed out, add to the atmosphere of mystery and danger. The novel’s focus remains tightly on Cypher, which helps keep the story focused but occasionally left me wanting to learn more about the wider cast.
Writing Style and Tone
John French’s writing is atmospheric and immersive. The prose captures the grimdark tone of the Warhammer 40K universe well—dark, brooding, and often violent. Descriptions of battles are vivid and intense, and the tension never lets up. The pace is mostly brisk, with enough moments of reflection to deepen the emotional weight of Cypher’s journey.
For someone new, the book’s tone perfectly conveys the oppressive and brutal nature of this universe, balancing action and introspection effectively.
Length and Depth
At a moderate length, the novel felt just right for an introduction—long enough to build a meaningful story but not so long as to be intimidating for a newcomer. It gave me a solid sense of the character and setting without overcomplicating the plot.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Cypher: Lord of the Fallen is an excellent starting point for readers new to Warhammer 40K who want a dark, character-driven story that blends mystery, action, and lore. The novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the morally complex world of the Fallen Angels and their enigmatic leader. While some parts assume background knowledge, the story remains accessible and compelling, with a protagonist who breaks the mold of typical heroes.
If you’re curious about the Warhammer 40K universe but intimidated by its size and complexity, this book offers a thrilling and digestible entry point that will likely leave you eager to explore more of the grimdark galaxy.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Entering the Warhammer 40,000 universe for the first time can be an overwhelming experience due to its dense lore and dark, complex themes. Cypher: Lord of the Fallen by John French was one of my first major forays beyond games and brief summaries, and it proved to be a gripping and intriguing introduction to this grimdark setting, centered around one of its most mysterious and elusive characters—Cypher.
Plot and Storytelling
The novel follows Cypher, an enigmatic figure associated with the secretive and shadowy Fallen Angels, who are rogue Space Marines with a troubled and complex past. For a newcomer, the story’s blend of action, mystery, and suspense provides a compelling narrative that doesn’t require extensive prior knowledge to engage with, though some familiarity with Space Marines and the broader conflict between Chaos and the Imperium helps enrich the experience.
John French paints Cypher as a lone, almost mythic antihero, someone who operates in the shadows, with motivations and allegiances that remain murky throughout much of the story. This mystery kept me hooked, as the novel slowly revealed layers of Cypher’s character and past while delivering intense combat scenes and political intrigue.
Accessibility
As someone new to Warhammer 40K, I appreciated how the book manages to balance introducing key elements of the universe—such as the Imperium, Chaos, and the Space Marines—without drowning the reader in excessive jargon or confusing backstory. While certain terms and factions pop up with little explanation, the narrative itself remains clear enough to follow, and the mood and tone convey the dark, oppressive atmosphere that defines the setting.
That said, the novel assumes some familiarity with the larger Warhammer 40K conflicts and mythos, so at times I found myself wanting to pause and look up certain references or concepts. But this curiosity felt like part of the fun and motivated me to explore the lore further.
Characterization
Cypher is a fascinating protagonist—part tragic, part enigmatic, and wholly compelling. His motivations are ambiguous, which adds layers of tension and intrigue. Unlike many traditional heroes, he operates in morally gray areas, which challenges the typical black-and-white view of good versus evil. This complexity made him stand out, especially since much of Warhammer 40K can sometimes feel overwhelmed by grand archetypes.
Supporting characters, while sometimes less fleshed out, add to the atmosphere of mystery and danger. The novel’s focus remains tightly on Cypher, which helps keep the story focused but occasionally left me wanting to learn more about the wider cast.
Writing Style and Tone
John French’s writing is atmospheric and immersive. The prose captures the grimdark tone of the Warhammer 40K universe well—dark, brooding, and often violent. Descriptions of battles are vivid and intense, and the tension never lets up. The pace is mostly brisk, with enough moments of reflection to deepen the emotional weight of Cypher’s journey.
For someone new, the book’s tone perfectly conveys the oppressive and brutal nature of this universe, balancing action and introspection effectively.
Length and Depth
At a moderate length, the novel felt just right for an introduction—long enough to build a meaningful story but not so long as to be intimidating for a newcomer. It gave me a solid sense of the character and setting without overcomplicating the plot.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Cypher: Lord of the Fallen is an excellent starting point for readers new to Warhammer 40K who want a dark, character-driven story that blends mystery, action, and lore. The novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the morally complex world of the Fallen Angels and their enigmatic leader. While some parts assume background knowledge, the story remains accessible and compelling, with a protagonist who breaks the mold of typical heroes.
If you’re curious about the Warhammer 40K universe but intimidated by its size and complexity, this book offers a thrilling and digestible entry point that will likely leave you eager to explore more of the grimdark galaxy.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
October 14, 2023
Wrapped In A Mystery
“Wrists bound with electrocuffs, they were led away by stern Custodians and locked away within warded prison block that, for thousands of years, not a single inmate had escaped. In just a few short hours, however, Cypher would do just that, and in doing so leave no trace of his passing.”
Those two sentences were almost an aside in Rise of the Primarch; a minor detail in a campaign rulebook that split the galaxy asunder and revived a god’s son. Yet the author chose those humble origins to spin a tale in Cypher, and to my surprise, succeeded beyond expectations. A clever, character-driven story is the last thing I expect from WH40K, and it’s delightful to get that alongside a complex game of cat and mouse.
Cypher sinks deep into WH40K lore. Set upon Holy Terra itself, four factions of apex predators collide in a clash of titans. Any single member would be at the top of the food chain in a lesser novel, and the author is vividly aware of this with his respectful treatment of these posthuman warriors. The ensuing conflict is a deep game of move and countermove, the action is decisive, and when schemes unravel, it’s never due to mistakes but the victor’s superlative performance.
The capstone lies in the most unreliable of narrators: the titular Cypher. Those hoping to learn something of the living riddle will be disappointed because there’s no background story, nor insight gained from his interactions with his allies. His total page count is disturbingly low. Yet the brilliance of the character study is that the narrative structure itself contains Cypher’s personality. Every page oozes with charisma as he recounts the tale to us readers. It feels as if we’re conversing with him in an intimate setting. In seeking to discover the key behind Cypher’s actions, we learn everything about him, but also nothing at all.
Highly Recommended for WH40K fans.
“Wrists bound with electrocuffs, they were led away by stern Custodians and locked away within warded prison block that, for thousands of years, not a single inmate had escaped. In just a few short hours, however, Cypher would do just that, and in doing so leave no trace of his passing.”
Those two sentences were almost an aside in Rise of the Primarch; a minor detail in a campaign rulebook that split the galaxy asunder and revived a god’s son. Yet the author chose those humble origins to spin a tale in Cypher, and to my surprise, succeeded beyond expectations. A clever, character-driven story is the last thing I expect from WH40K, and it’s delightful to get that alongside a complex game of cat and mouse.
Cypher sinks deep into WH40K lore. Set upon Holy Terra itself, four factions of apex predators collide in a clash of titans. Any single member would be at the top of the food chain in a lesser novel, and the author is vividly aware of this with his respectful treatment of these posthuman warriors. The ensuing conflict is a deep game of move and countermove, the action is decisive, and when schemes unravel, it’s never due to mistakes but the victor’s superlative performance.
The capstone lies in the most unreliable of narrators: the titular Cypher. Those hoping to learn something of the living riddle will be disappointed because there’s no background story, nor insight gained from his interactions with his allies. His total page count is disturbingly low. Yet the brilliance of the character study is that the narrative structure itself contains Cypher’s personality. Every page oozes with charisma as he recounts the tale to us readers. It feels as if we’re conversing with him in an intimate setting. In seeking to discover the key behind Cypher’s actions, we learn everything about him, but also nothing at all.
Highly Recommended for WH40K fans.
May 15, 2025
One of the most amazing books I've read in this universe so far. John French is becoming one of my favourite writers in terms of prose, interesting narrative, and ideas. The book is super short, but it works perfectly: you have action, you have mystery and plot twists, you have lots of grim dark...
March 18, 2023
Enjoyable but frustrating, as the ever lovely John French says in the afterword, Cypher is a mystery that must remain unsolved. Perhaps the fall of the tarot and the return of the Lion will shed more light.
July 27, 2023
Not 100% sure what I expected from this but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Another superb effort by French, I think the style was perfect for the subject.
April 9, 2025
Eines meiner Lieblings warhammer Bücher
November 27, 2024
Well... It was a short novell, I enjoyed, but I wanted some more conclusion.
September 20, 2023
Rating of 4.75.
One of Warhammer 40,000’s most mysterious and elusive characters finally gets the spotlight in the awesome new book from John French with Cypher: Lord of the Fallen.
Thousands of years ago, at the end of the Horus Heresy, the Space Marines of the Dark Angels Legion suffered a devastating schism, as betrayal and deceit tore them apart from within. The resulting civil war destroyed their home planet, killed their Primarch, and scattered the Dark Angels who rebelled across space and time. Since then, the remaining loyal Dark Angels and their successor Chapters have hunted these traitors, known as the Fallen, throughout the galaxy, determined to bring them all to justice and hide the truth about their Legion’s fall.
Out of all the Fallen still at large in the galaxy, none is more hated or more dangerous the mysterious warrior known only as Cypher. A Space Marine with strange motivations and deadly martial ability, Cypher has haunted the Dark Angels for centuries, manipulating them for unknown reasons and threatening everything they hold dear. His latest mysterious scheme saw him and a small band of Fallen save the reborn Ultramarines Primarch, Roboute Guilliman, from the forces of Chaos and then accompany him to the Imperial Palace on Terra for his own purposes. But rather than being welcomed as honoured guests, the suspicions around Cypher have seen him and his Fallen comrades locked up in the Dark Cells of the Adeptus Custodes, the most secure prison in all the Imperium, designed to never be breached or release their occupants.
But Cypher is no ordinary prisoner, and as the Great Rift unfolds across the skies of Terra, strange and seemingly unpredictable events will allow him to escape from the Dark Cells into the Imperial Palace proper. Now loose in the most sacred and heavily guarded location in the entire Imperium of Man, Cypher leads his Fallen brothers from captivity and deeper into the palace complex.
However, their presence has not gone unnoticed, and Cypher and his comrades find themselves contending with the relentless defenders of Terra, including the Emperor’s personal bodyguards, the Adeptus Custodes, lethal Imperial Assassins and powerful predictive seers. Worse, the Dark Angels are aware of Cypher’s presence on Terra, and a desperate strike force soon arrives, determined to capture or kill Cypher no matter the cost. But as all these forces start to close around the members of the Fallen, it becomes clear that Cypher has a far greater agenda than anyone realised: to stand before the Emperor on the Golden Throne. But are Cypher’s intentions noble, or does he intend to destroy the Emperor and sacrifice all of humanity to Chaos gods?
Cypher: Lord of the Fallen was a very fun and tricky Warhammer 40,000 entry that fans of the franchise are going to absolutely love. French does a wonderful job of bringing the enigmatic and chaotic Cypher to life in all the best ways, pressing him and several other unique figures into a fast-paced and intense series of manipulations and conflicts. The book is slick, addictive and loaded with clever references and allusions to the wider Warhammer 40,000 canon. I managed to power through the audiobook version of this book in no time at all and had a wonderful time doing so.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/09/20/...
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One of Warhammer 40,000’s most mysterious and elusive characters finally gets the spotlight in the awesome new book from John French with Cypher: Lord of the Fallen.
Thousands of years ago, at the end of the Horus Heresy, the Space Marines of the Dark Angels Legion suffered a devastating schism, as betrayal and deceit tore them apart from within. The resulting civil war destroyed their home planet, killed their Primarch, and scattered the Dark Angels who rebelled across space and time. Since then, the remaining loyal Dark Angels and their successor Chapters have hunted these traitors, known as the Fallen, throughout the galaxy, determined to bring them all to justice and hide the truth about their Legion’s fall.
Out of all the Fallen still at large in the galaxy, none is more hated or more dangerous the mysterious warrior known only as Cypher. A Space Marine with strange motivations and deadly martial ability, Cypher has haunted the Dark Angels for centuries, manipulating them for unknown reasons and threatening everything they hold dear. His latest mysterious scheme saw him and a small band of Fallen save the reborn Ultramarines Primarch, Roboute Guilliman, from the forces of Chaos and then accompany him to the Imperial Palace on Terra for his own purposes. But rather than being welcomed as honoured guests, the suspicions around Cypher have seen him and his Fallen comrades locked up in the Dark Cells of the Adeptus Custodes, the most secure prison in all the Imperium, designed to never be breached or release their occupants.
But Cypher is no ordinary prisoner, and as the Great Rift unfolds across the skies of Terra, strange and seemingly unpredictable events will allow him to escape from the Dark Cells into the Imperial Palace proper. Now loose in the most sacred and heavily guarded location in the entire Imperium of Man, Cypher leads his Fallen brothers from captivity and deeper into the palace complex.
However, their presence has not gone unnoticed, and Cypher and his comrades find themselves contending with the relentless defenders of Terra, including the Emperor’s personal bodyguards, the Adeptus Custodes, lethal Imperial Assassins and powerful predictive seers. Worse, the Dark Angels are aware of Cypher’s presence on Terra, and a desperate strike force soon arrives, determined to capture or kill Cypher no matter the cost. But as all these forces start to close around the members of the Fallen, it becomes clear that Cypher has a far greater agenda than anyone realised: to stand before the Emperor on the Golden Throne. But are Cypher’s intentions noble, or does he intend to destroy the Emperor and sacrifice all of humanity to Chaos gods?
Cypher: Lord of the Fallen was a very fun and tricky Warhammer 40,000 entry that fans of the franchise are going to absolutely love. French does a wonderful job of bringing the enigmatic and chaotic Cypher to life in all the best ways, pressing him and several other unique figures into a fast-paced and intense series of manipulations and conflicts. The book is slick, addictive and loaded with clever references and allusions to the wider Warhammer 40,000 canon. I managed to power through the audiobook version of this book in no time at all and had a wonderful time doing so.
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July 30, 2023
I have to admit that I truly enjoy this series of books. Story is set in the period after Guillimans return to Terra. Cypher, mysterious Fallen Dark Angel, is part of his entourage. While he assisted Primarch, Guilliman is aware that there is something with Cypher that warrants worry so he sends him in prison under control of Custodes. But since Throne World is under daemonic attack, lots of eyes are looking at Terra and this news will trigger an unexpected action.
While Cypher is narrator this book is not so much about him but about the very nature of the Famous First. Fallen and loyalists clash and old fights the modern. But both so much wrapped in secrecy and mystery that one has to wonder how can Dark Angels function at all. Cypher here is a linchpin, figure that seems to act outside the space and time, master manipulator aiming for something, some ultimate goal and being able to put under his control everyone, from his hunters to chaos infused legionnaires. He is truly a force of nature, and nobody is smarter at the end about him. I think that future books on reawakened Lion will shed more light, especially since the position of Cypher is something that started with the Knights of Caliban, exclusively in Lion's own order if I am not wrong.
Besides Cypher remaining an enigma, novel is beautiful world building experience, showing multiple layers of the Imperium, safety mechanisms, double, triple locks put in place to control the order in Palace and Imperium at large (Custodes Shadowkeepers are excellent, and Doomscryers, oh man these are so Bene Gesseritt :) ).
At the end readers will be left wondering what did I just read. Book is more about mysterious forces vying for control of Palace, heart of the Imperium, and it leaves more open questions than it provides answers. I think this is just prelude to more stories set in shadow war, but even if it remains to stand on its own I think this is great action mystery story.
Highly recommended to all fans of action SF and W40K in general. But dont expect explicit revelations, goal of the book is to highlight the mysterious forces at large, and leave everything to judgement and interpretation of the reader.
While Cypher is narrator this book is not so much about him but about the very nature of the Famous First. Fallen and loyalists clash and old fights the modern. But both so much wrapped in secrecy and mystery that one has to wonder how can Dark Angels function at all. Cypher here is a linchpin, figure that seems to act outside the space and time, master manipulator aiming for something, some ultimate goal and being able to put under his control everyone, from his hunters to chaos infused legionnaires. He is truly a force of nature, and nobody is smarter at the end about him. I think that future books on reawakened Lion will shed more light, especially since the position of Cypher is something that started with the Knights of Caliban, exclusively in Lion's own order if I am not wrong.
Besides Cypher remaining an enigma, novel is beautiful world building experience, showing multiple layers of the Imperium, safety mechanisms, double, triple locks put in place to control the order in Palace and Imperium at large (Custodes Shadowkeepers are excellent, and Doomscryers, oh man these are so Bene Gesseritt :) ).
At the end readers will be left wondering what did I just read. Book is more about mysterious forces vying for control of Palace, heart of the Imperium, and it leaves more open questions than it provides answers. I think this is just prelude to more stories set in shadow war, but even if it remains to stand on its own I think this is great action mystery story.
Highly recommended to all fans of action SF and W40K in general. But dont expect explicit revelations, goal of the book is to highlight the mysterious forces at large, and leave everything to judgement and interpretation of the reader.
July 19, 2023
Moreso than any other BL author, John French captures the strange, baroque sadness of 40k. Cypher: Lord of the Fallen is an excellent example of his style, and a really strong, lean introduction to so many of the core themes of 40k.
The realisation of Cypher as a character is pitch perfect. Cypher and his actions make more sense than ever before, without really giving anything away. French has captured and refined what makes Cypher and his place in the 40k lore unique. It's a trite and imperfect comparison, but Cypher is almost the Deadpool of 40k, crossed with an intentional Mary Sue that knows he is a Mary Sue. French does so many clever things with the "unreliable narrator" trope, the reader ends up joining Cypher's in-book pursuers in their hunt. We're left vulnerable to the same corrupting sense of wanting to know more as are the Custodes of the epilogue. French shows us why that wanting corrupts, but we can't help it.
The book is an excellent companion piece to the Mike Brooks' recent The Lion: Son of the Forest. They are completely different books, and yet the depiction of the Fallen in each feels consistent. I'd love to know if either author had read the other's work, or if they discussed this aspect of their stories. Fans of Chris Wraight's Terra-set books will also find much to like here.
I listened to the audiobook, and Jon Rand's delivery is also pitch perfect. Subtle, but totally captures something new and unique about Cypher as a character. I'd actively choose something else narrated by Jon Rand on the strength of this.
The realisation of Cypher as a character is pitch perfect. Cypher and his actions make more sense than ever before, without really giving anything away. French has captured and refined what makes Cypher and his place in the 40k lore unique. It's a trite and imperfect comparison, but Cypher is almost the Deadpool of 40k, crossed with an intentional Mary Sue that knows he is a Mary Sue. French does so many clever things with the "unreliable narrator" trope, the reader ends up joining Cypher's in-book pursuers in their hunt. We're left vulnerable to the same corrupting sense of wanting to know more as are the Custodes of the epilogue. French shows us why that wanting corrupts, but we can't help it.
The book is an excellent companion piece to the Mike Brooks' recent The Lion: Son of the Forest. They are completely different books, and yet the depiction of the Fallen in each feels consistent. I'd love to know if either author had read the other's work, or if they discussed this aspect of their stories. Fans of Chris Wraight's Terra-set books will also find much to like here.
I listened to the audiobook, and Jon Rand's delivery is also pitch perfect. Subtle, but totally captures something new and unique about Cypher as a character. I'd actively choose something else narrated by Jon Rand on the strength of this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
Actors occasionally employ a technique known as method acting to fully immerse themselves in the characters they portray. In this instance, French adeptly adopts this approach, transforming into the enigmatic Cypher with commendable skill, and as expected delivering both positive and negative outcomes.
As Cypher, French skillfully navigates the complexities of a character who is equal parts plotting genius and manipulative mastermind. Much like the elusive Cypher, French leaves the audience with more questions than answers, weaving an engaging narrative that, while withholding the truth, offers an awesome tale.
The story unfolds through Cypher's perspective, employing the device of an unreliable narrator. It unfolds against a scenario teeming with assassins, Deathwing, Cypher's Fallen, Custodes, and formidable psykers.
The narrative is punctuated by intense action sequences, compelling revelations, moments of drama, and a substantial body count. Yet, even with these elements, familiarity with the 9th edition WH40K material foretells the ultimate conclusion. However, my anticipation for certain explanations—those elusive "whys"—went unfulfilled.
In essence, the storytelling prowess of French shines through, creating a narrative that while adhering to the overarching themes of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, manages to introduce its own unique twists and turns. Despite some frustrating lingering questions, the overall experience is well-executed, skillfully bringing the mysterious Cypher to life.
As Cypher, French skillfully navigates the complexities of a character who is equal parts plotting genius and manipulative mastermind. Much like the elusive Cypher, French leaves the audience with more questions than answers, weaving an engaging narrative that, while withholding the truth, offers an awesome tale.
The story unfolds through Cypher's perspective, employing the device of an unreliable narrator. It unfolds against a scenario teeming with assassins, Deathwing, Cypher's Fallen, Custodes, and formidable psykers.
The narrative is punctuated by intense action sequences, compelling revelations, moments of drama, and a substantial body count. Yet, even with these elements, familiarity with the 9th edition WH40K material foretells the ultimate conclusion. However, my anticipation for certain explanations—those elusive "whys"—went unfulfilled.
In essence, the storytelling prowess of French shines through, creating a narrative that while adhering to the overarching themes of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, manages to introduce its own unique twists and turns. Despite some frustrating lingering questions, the overall experience is well-executed, skillfully bringing the mysterious Cypher to life.
April 24, 2023
“What is more important, the truth or what people believe? Most would say the truth, but that is too easy. No one actually wants the truth. Not in this universe. Hearing the truth is like looking on the face of a god- you have a moment of pure revelation, and then you are ash carried away to oblivion, knowing nothing, seeing nothing.”
Cypher is all about secrets, not truth. Author John French does an amazing job of teasing you with secrets and truths. But as the above quote from Cypher suggests, maybe we don’t truly want to know the truth. Especially about this character. The intrigue about Cypher is all about what we the readers assume are his motivations and goals. Is he a traitorous servant of the ruinous powers? Is he a loyal son seeking redemption and forgiveness? Is he something else?
I think ultimately we may never get all the answers we seek. But I also believe the journey will be quite worth it. This novel is another step on that path and it is a quite enjoyable if short read.
Cypher is all about secrets, not truth. Author John French does an amazing job of teasing you with secrets and truths. But as the above quote from Cypher suggests, maybe we don’t truly want to know the truth. Especially about this character. The intrigue about Cypher is all about what we the readers assume are his motivations and goals. Is he a traitorous servant of the ruinous powers? Is he a loyal son seeking redemption and forgiveness? Is he something else?
I think ultimately we may never get all the answers we seek. But I also believe the journey will be quite worth it. This novel is another step on that path and it is a quite enjoyable if short read.
July 27, 2023
Do you want to know the truth? Cypher: Lord of the Fallen features the titular character on Terra, manipulating events to accomplish a certain goal. The story is told with a playful but philosophical prose style that works really well. Maybe my favorite writing from John French. There were just so many turns of phrases that were really well done.
The story itself is full of twists and turns, as you try to figure out what is going on and what is and isn't true. If you know anything about Cypher, he's not the most reliable of narrators, and the story ends with him telling you that he may have even made the whole story up. He does drop a lot of interesting lore tidbits, and the ending hints at a future event that will have massive repressions for the Imperium if GW ever decides to follow up with it.
I also have to shout out the audiobook version. The narrator nails the voice for Cypher. Since most of the book is Cypher telling you what is going on, it really feels like the ideal way to experience the story.
The story itself is full of twists and turns, as you try to figure out what is going on and what is and isn't true. If you know anything about Cypher, he's not the most reliable of narrators, and the story ends with him telling you that he may have even made the whole story up. He does drop a lot of interesting lore tidbits, and the ending hints at a future event that will have massive repressions for the Imperium if GW ever decides to follow up with it.
I also have to shout out the audiobook version. The narrator nails the voice for Cypher. Since most of the book is Cypher telling you what is going on, it really feels like the ideal way to experience the story.
December 1, 2025
Maybe I'm being unfair to this book, but after reading Luther: First of the Fallen, this was a bit of a let-down. Yes, it was well-written and had a few real gems in it ('Angels of Caliban, with me!'), but there was just so much description of the Imperial Palace and how huge and dreadful it is, and at the cost of more Dark Angel mystery stuff, which is what we all want from a book with such a title.
I get it that the teasing tone is deliberate but that makes it no less irritating when what I'd hoped for was some more insight into the Angels. You can't expect Cypher to let all his secrets go, but I'd really wanted something more than this.
By all means read for completion if you're a DA fan, just don't expect too many revelations.
I get it that the teasing tone is deliberate but that makes it no less irritating when what I'd hoped for was some more insight into the Angels. You can't expect Cypher to let all his secrets go, but I'd really wanted something more than this.
By all means read for completion if you're a DA fan, just don't expect too many revelations.
May 1, 2024
5 Stars for unreliable narrator and the author intentionally tricking the reader.
3 Stars for being only 175 pages and not really doing anything.
The way this is written is the real winner. Cypher tells you he is going to lie to you. Then tells you info then says or maybe this happened or this. He tells you info that he shouldn't know such as others motivations and what they are doing away from him. Midway he hits you with a huge twist and says, I told you I was going to lie to you.
Unreliable Narrator: Awesome!
Cypher: Awesome!!
The Dark Cells: Awesome!!!
Inner Circle doing Inner Circle Stuff: Awesome!!!!
3 Stars for being only 175 pages and not really doing anything.
The way this is written is the real winner. Cypher tells you he is going to lie to you. Then tells you info then says or maybe this happened or this. He tells you info that he shouldn't know such as others motivations and what they are doing away from him. Midway he hits you with a huge twist and says, I told you I was going to lie to you.
Unreliable Narrator: Awesome!
Cypher: Awesome!!
The Dark Cells: Awesome!!!
Inner Circle doing Inner Circle Stuff: Awesome!!!!
January 12, 2025
Although I already knew the ending beforehand, this book is thoroughly enjoyable. Having read 50+ books of WH40K, the way it is written and the whole plot makes is a fresh breath of air. Couldn't stop thinking about other books that he has written (i.e Pretorian of Dorn). I think that, although as a whole it does not say much, the devil is in the deatils and how certain things are phrased or referred to. Cypher is an enigmatic character, with countless theories about it, but at the I ended up in the disjunctive of whether "this is a lie" or "this is a secret".
All in all, a really good book to read
All in all, a really good book to read
January 31, 2025
Pretty weak stuff in the end. Cypher as narrator was an interesting twist. The insanely dedicated Dark Angels chasing him were interesting. Custodes I can take or leave, but they added to the story. Assassins are always welcome, and Terra as a setting was a joy as always.
The problem is that the story was overly padded with extraneous detail, descriptions and the occasional philosophical musings that 15-year-olds have when they read Nietzsche for the first time.
I know 40k books are not high art, but there are far better ones than this.
The problem is that the story was overly padded with extraneous detail, descriptions and the occasional philosophical musings that 15-year-olds have when they read Nietzsche for the first time.
I know 40k books are not high art, but there are far better ones than this.
October 2, 2025
Actual rating would be 3½ to 4. I appreciate the different tone and approach to Warhammer from other Warhammer 40k books I've read. In the end, I'm not sure it succeeds, or maybe it succeeds at telling the story of one mysterious Astartes, who may or may not be a bad guy (the narrator might say, who decides what's "good" or "bad," to which I'd answer bad as in Chaos-aligned) who may or may not have been truthful in his narration. I'd say read the book for the atmosphere and character insight but not with expectations of a defined plot.
February 8, 2024
I absolutely loved this book by John French. It was an amazingly, wonderful story that captured the enigma that is Cypher. I didn’t want the story to end. I could have read more and more about Cypher. John French wove a superb tale of intrigue and mystery, coupled with descriptive passages that filled in more background to scenes that you thought you knew and scenes you didn’t know you needed to know. Without a doubt this one of best, if not the best Black Library book I’ve ever read.
July 21, 2023
What a fantastic read. Just as Cypher toys with his enemies/allies on the expansive grounds of the Imperial Palace on Terra, so does John French tease readers about the reliability of the narrator. Aside from being a gripping story in itself, it's full of deep cuts into the WH40k lore and future, sometimes in the briefest of off-hand comments.
August 12, 2023
Although the entire book is a cliffhanger that does not push the story forward significantly, it is well written and exciting from the begging to the end. Cypher is an entertaining narrator, and his motives remain as elusive as ever. I think an opportunity was missed to give some details about the turmoil on the pos-rift Terra, however this is something mentioned but not portrayed in the book.
August 16, 2023
The shifting Povs were sometimes hard to follow which character you were dealing with. The only one that usually you could tell immediately was the custodian. The story could have been longer and have more impact.
This was the special edition version of the hard back which is a nice embossed cover of cypher on the cover and silver lettering.
This was the special edition version of the hard back which is a nice embossed cover of cypher on the cover and silver lettering.
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