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Warhammer 40,000
What Price Victory
In the nightmare world of the 41st millennium, humanity is locked in a desperate struggle for survival against a relentless tide of aliens.
Read tales of heroism and valour in this action-packed selection of savage science fiction stories ripped from the pages of Inferno! magazine.
Featuring brand new unseen stories from Dan Abnett and Simon Spurrier, as well as stories by Darius Hinks, Sandy Mitchell, Mitchel Scanlon, Andy Hoare and James Swallow.
Read tales of heroism and valour in this action-packed selection of savage science fiction stories ripped from the pages of Inferno! magazine.
Featuring brand new unseen stories from Dan Abnett and Simon Spurrier, as well as stories by Darius Hinks, Sandy Mitchell, Mitchel Scanlon, Andy Hoare and James Swallow.
252 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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94 people want to read
About the author
Marc Gascoigne
101 books61 followersPublisher, editor, designer – a lifetime in books. Previously publisher of Aconyte, Angry Robot, Black Library, and Solaris. Before that, responsible for a whole bookcase worth of books, both fiction and non-fiction, tie-ins and original works, as well as games design, journalism, computer game scripting, etc. Winner of both the World Fantasy Award and British Fantasy Award.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 19, 2022
This is a fun and variegated Warhammer 40k short fiction anthology. I enjoyed all of the stories. Dan Abnett's "Thorn Wishes Talon" is an intriguing tale of the Inquisition that syncs with the lore he has created in his Eisenhorn Trilogy. Michael Scanlon's "Forever Loyal" features the Necrons and a dark betrayal. Simon Spurrier's "Elucidium" was about a genestealer cult and incorporates espionage fiction elements (there are betrayals within betrayals). Darius Hinks's "Calculus Logi" is about a naieve Enginseer who has to learn that life is more than logic and math. "Crimson Night" by James Swallow is the only story that focuses on the Space Marines: the Astartes engage a mystery involving dishonor and a blood-filled urban myth. "Hunter/Prey" by Andy Hoare is about a night time Chaos incursion. Finally, Sandy Mitchell's, "The Beguiling," is a tale of Commissar Ciaphas Cain and his encounter with a beautiful woman who has a secret. My favorites were probably "Calculus Logi" and "Crimson Night." As short stories, they worked really well. The other tales are great but they felt a little truncated, more previews of or supplements to later novel-length narratives (except for "Elucidiun," which is a complete and cohesive novella).
August 7, 2022
This was an interesting anthology with one of my favourite tales of all times set in the warhammer 40k.
"Elucidium" by Simon Spurrier is a masterpiece. This tale made me swear in the end. It's that good. Twist upon twist that make you think what a heck just happenend. A inquisitor that really puts a question in our mouth. What a heck would you sacrifice to achieve victory in the end? What are willing to sacrifice? Surely Simon Spurrier is one of the best authors to write for BL. Unfortunally he left. Just one correction. Istaavanias were named after the Battle of Istvaan and not a inquisitor called Istvaar. Jaw Dropping. Expect a genestealer point of view.
"Thorn Wishes Talon" by Dan Abnett written is a prequel of Ravenor. I didn't read it because I am waiting for reading Eisenhorn first.
Mitchel Scanlon's "Forever Loyal" is a story about a PDF unit (but with guardsmen elements) try to uncover the mysteries of a long forgotten city. Their they find that it's not that deserted as it seems.
"Calculus Logi" by Hinks is a nice story with an interesting twist. Mechanicum versus human. Which is more pure? Which are the true son of the God-Emperor or are both? Indeed, at what price victory?"
"Crimson Night by James Swallow is a story with two of my favourite chapters. Doom Eagles and Flesh Tearers. Unfortunally in my humble opinion Simon Spurrier tale of Doom Ealges in another anthology is way better than this one. The Doom Eagles on this book feel like other chapter without anything particular. The Flesh Tearers in the other hand are well portrayed with their arrogance and faults. Good story."
"Hunter/Prey" by Andy Hoare is a good tale about IG against Chaos Marine as they get help from nowhere. Satisfying.
Sandy Mitchell's "The Beguiling" is a Ciaphas Cain story. As other tales by him he gets himself into trouble even if he doesn't want it. In the end as other novels he is hailed as a hero. (A bit repetitive at times).
"The Beguiling
"Elucidium" by Simon Spurrier is a masterpiece. This tale made me swear in the end. It's that good. Twist upon twist that make you think what a heck just happenend. A inquisitor that really puts a question in our mouth. What a heck would you sacrifice to achieve victory in the end? What are willing to sacrifice? Surely Simon Spurrier is one of the best authors to write for BL. Unfortunally he left. Just one correction. Istaavanias were named after the Battle of Istvaan and not a inquisitor called Istvaar. Jaw Dropping. Expect a genestealer point of view.
"Thorn Wishes Talon" by Dan Abnett written is a prequel of Ravenor. I didn't read it because I am waiting for reading Eisenhorn first.
Mitchel Scanlon's "Forever Loyal" is a story about a PDF unit (but with guardsmen elements) try to uncover the mysteries of a long forgotten city. Their they find that it's not that deserted as it seems.
"Calculus Logi" by Hinks is a nice story with an interesting twist. Mechanicum versus human. Which is more pure? Which are the true son of the God-Emperor or are both? Indeed, at what price victory?"
"Crimson Night by James Swallow is a story with two of my favourite chapters. Doom Eagles and Flesh Tearers. Unfortunally in my humble opinion Simon Spurrier tale of Doom Ealges in another anthology is way better than this one. The Doom Eagles on this book feel like other chapter without anything particular. The Flesh Tearers in the other hand are well portrayed with their arrogance and faults. Good story."
"Hunter/Prey" by Andy Hoare is a good tale about IG against Chaos Marine as they get help from nowhere. Satisfying.
Sandy Mitchell's "The Beguiling" is a Ciaphas Cain story. As other tales by him he gets himself into trouble even if he doesn't want it. In the end as other novels he is hailed as a hero. (A bit repetitive at times).
"The Beguiling
May 25, 2025
What Price Victory: Of Victory's Cost – Review
Thorn Wishes Talon – Dan Abnett
Following a lead from a "trusted source", Gideon Ravenor’s team is dispatched to root out cultists preparing for a ritual – and they're directly tied to it. Some gunfights, some cryptic prophecies, and familiar faces – it’s essentially a prologue to Ravenor’s second novel.
Forever Loyal – Mitchel Scanlon
A greedy, arrogant notary launches an expedition to find a lost city, but foolishness rarely ends well. Notably, Scanlon grimly answers the question: "What do the C’tan do when they’re not devouring stars?"
Elucidium – Simon Spurrier
A peculiar cardinal arrives on a storm-wracked world and immediately sets out to ‘correct’ the local cult – with unvoluntary aid from within. Or not? Or yes? What's happening?! Possibly one of the best Inquisition and Genestealer cults stories I’ve ever read. It’s got everything: two-faced radicals, an intriguing cult premise, a vivid setting, and above all – doubt, deception, and layers of mystery on top of each other that don’t fully unravel until the very end. Unsurprisingly so – Spurrier was a pioneer in his time, and many of his ideas (including some from there) would later inspire Fehervari and Dembski-Bowden. In a way, Elucidium embodies the anthology’s title – what price victory? And how far will the Ordo go to achieve it?
Calculus Logi – Darius Hinks
This story echoes Scanlon’s a bit, but instead of jungles it’s a desert with a monster, and instead of a notary we’ve got a hard-bitten Mechanicus. About desperation, survival, and the reminder that betraying someone may well earn you betrayal in return.
Crimson Night – James Swallow
Doom Eagles launch an investigation! On the planet they’ve just been stationed to, something is draining human blood – and the Flesh Tearers, about to depart, aren’t in the mood to share answers. While the mystery isn’t particularly intricate, it’s an engaging piece lore-wise – the ending raises some interesting questions about both Chapters and the "vampire’s" purpose. The protagonist, a Doom Eagles sergeant, reappears in other Swallow stories too.
Hunter/Prey – Andy Hoare
This is the least to comment on, just a snapshot of a Black Legion raid on cadians, interrupted by the appearance of the Space Wolves 13th Company. A good breather after Elucidium but nothing more.
The Beguiling – Sandy Mitchell
As much as I wish I saw less of commissar Cain in my life, he keeps popping up in anthologies with the same familiar formula. Monster of the day: villainous ladies, Jurgen’s driving skills, and Cain’s usual flirtiness. The punchline: a self-execution joke. The takeaway: this will happen again.
Thorn Wishes Talon – Dan Abnett
Following a lead from a "trusted source", Gideon Ravenor’s team is dispatched to root out cultists preparing for a ritual – and they're directly tied to it. Some gunfights, some cryptic prophecies, and familiar faces – it’s essentially a prologue to Ravenor’s second novel.
Forever Loyal – Mitchel Scanlon
A greedy, arrogant notary launches an expedition to find a lost city, but foolishness rarely ends well. Notably, Scanlon grimly answers the question: "What do the C’tan do when they’re not devouring stars?"
Elucidium – Simon Spurrier
A peculiar cardinal arrives on a storm-wracked world and immediately sets out to ‘correct’ the local cult – with unvoluntary aid from within. Or not? Or yes? What's happening?! Possibly one of the best Inquisition and Genestealer cults stories I’ve ever read. It’s got everything: two-faced radicals, an intriguing cult premise, a vivid setting, and above all – doubt, deception, and layers of mystery on top of each other that don’t fully unravel until the very end. Unsurprisingly so – Spurrier was a pioneer in his time, and many of his ideas (including some from there) would later inspire Fehervari and Dembski-Bowden. In a way, Elucidium embodies the anthology’s title – what price victory? And how far will the Ordo go to achieve it?
Calculus Logi – Darius Hinks
This story echoes Scanlon’s a bit, but instead of jungles it’s a desert with a monster, and instead of a notary we’ve got a hard-bitten Mechanicus. About desperation, survival, and the reminder that betraying someone may well earn you betrayal in return.
Crimson Night – James Swallow
Doom Eagles launch an investigation! On the planet they’ve just been stationed to, something is draining human blood – and the Flesh Tearers, about to depart, aren’t in the mood to share answers. While the mystery isn’t particularly intricate, it’s an engaging piece lore-wise – the ending raises some interesting questions about both Chapters and the "vampire’s" purpose. The protagonist, a Doom Eagles sergeant, reappears in other Swallow stories too.
Hunter/Prey – Andy Hoare
This is the least to comment on, just a snapshot of a Black Legion raid on cadians, interrupted by the appearance of the Space Wolves 13th Company. A good breather after Elucidium but nothing more.
The Beguiling – Sandy Mitchell
As much as I wish I saw less of commissar Cain in my life, he keeps popping up in anthologies with the same familiar formula. Monster of the day: villainous ladies, Jurgen’s driving skills, and Cain’s usual flirtiness. The punchline: a self-execution joke. The takeaway: this will happen again.
January 25, 2008
This is a collection of seven short stories set in the Warhammer 40k universe:
Ravenor/Eisenhorn inquisitor story
PDF vs. necrons
inquisitor vs. gene-stealer cult
human vs. servitor after a crash on a desert world
Doom Eagle Space Marines relieve Flesh Tearer Space Marines in garrison duty
the Black Legion attacks a world defended by Cadians, not realizing that they are in turn stalked by an enigmatic hunter
a commissar gets caught in the crossfire when he walks into clash between the Chaos forces of Nurgle and Slaanesh
A good mix of stories.
Ravenor/Eisenhorn inquisitor story
PDF vs. necrons
inquisitor vs. gene-stealer cult
human vs. servitor after a crash on a desert world
Doom Eagle Space Marines relieve Flesh Tearer Space Marines in garrison duty
the Black Legion attacks a world defended by Cadians, not realizing that they are in turn stalked by an enigmatic hunter
a commissar gets caught in the crossfire when he walks into clash between the Chaos forces of Nurgle and Slaanesh
A good mix of stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2020
The ravenor short story was quite good, with a cameo of eisenhorn, the elucidium short story was one of the best stories I have read in this universe, calculus logi was also very good, I love the survivor as a point of view, as for the last two, prey/hunter was boring in my opinion, and the beguiling could have done with only being the last 10 pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2017
A collection of short stories set in the Grim Darkness of the 40k verse. Worth reading at least once.
October 1, 2023
Definitely a spoiler for the last story;
Worth it for Ciaphas Cain does
St. Trinian's story alone.
(I was going to say *Chaos
St. Trinian's*, but it seems rather a tautology.)
Worth it for Ciaphas Cain does
St. Trinian's story alone.
(I was going to say *Chaos
St. Trinian's*, but it seems rather a tautology.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2013
Imagine my surprise at finding a Warhammer book at my local library. I haven't read much outside of the Horus Heresy series, but I occasionally will read one of these when I can get my hands on them. This is a short anthology. The leading story is by Dan Abnett, and features his popular characters, the Inquisitors Eisenhorn and Ravenor. The rest of the stories are uneven, though I enjoyed the twists and turns of Simon Spurrier's "Elucidium".
June 29, 2012
Book was good and has one of the best 40K short stories I think I've read - the one y Simon Spurrier was fantastic and had so many twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the book. Overall, a few of the stories are covered elsewhere (the Caiphas Cain one is one of the omnibuses, as is the Ravenor/Esienhorn one). Overall, a gripping read.
November 28, 2011
Good collection of Warhammer 40,000 short stories. The best one is the Eisenhorn/Ravenor cross-over.
June 29, 2012
Best 40K short stories collection ever. Simon Spurrier's "Elucidium" is a masterpiece!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews