Malediction

Warhammer 40,000

by Christian Z. Dunn, Seán Barrett (Narrator), Rupert Degas (Narrator)

On the world of Amadis, veteran Imperial Guard officer Regan Antigone is being honoured for his role in the planet’s liberation from the forces of Chaos, some twenty-five years earlier. But when his old comrade, Master Tigrane of the Dark Angels Space Marine Chapter, arrives to join the festivities and asks to hear the glorious tale told once more, Antigone seems flustered. With the details of his account cast under close scrutiny and with the judgement of the Imperium hanging over him, will his noble reputation remain intact?

Genres: Science Fiction, 40k, Audiobook, Fiction

1 pages, Audio CD

First published July 31, 2012

About the author

Christian Dunn, sometimes credited as C.Z. Dunn, is a senior editor for Black Library.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Terrible Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Having a grudge is one thing, but holding it for 10,000 years is just… unhealthy”

I’ve never been a fan off the Dark Angels, though I did enjoy Descent of Angels which looked at the inhabitants of Caliban before they became Adeptus Astartes – it had this dark age feel to it, mixed with chivalry – it just worked for me. I feel the Dark Angels are a borderline heretical Chapter – given their fanatical fervour given to finding members of the Fallen, Dark Angels who sided with Luther (other than the Lion there primarch) during the Caliban betrayal. They put this infatuation above anything and everything else, including the Imperium – there are examples where they go out of their way NOT to help fellow Space Marines, Imperial Guard and civilians just to prosecute their vendetta. Just ask the Space Wolves.

On the world of Procel V, a veteran Imperial Guard officer Regan Antigone is being honoured for his role in the plant’s liberation from the forces of Chaos, some twenty-five years earlier when he fought with the Procel Irregulars. He is revered by the populace of Provel V – by now an elderly man and the lone survivor of that conflict which saved the city from that Chaos incursion. An old comrade arrives during this ceremony, Master Tigrane of the Dark Angels Chapter and joins in the festivities and asks to hear the glorious tale once more. We soon find out that something is amiss and the Space Marine starts to pick apart Antigone’s regaling of his heroics.

I’m a big fan of stories focusing upon the more human side of things, it’s certainly a personal tale for both sides of the coin here. Malediction tackles this theme and made me feel sympathetic to Antigone plight – that being caught between a 10,000-year-old grudge between Space Marines. I really enjoyed the different take on the Imperial never-ending war against the Archenemy – Chaos. Antigone is sick of the propaganda being spouted by his fellow officers. The fact he has lost his sons and the reasoning's of how-and-why are glossed over to inflate his own reputation further. He ‘grins-and-bares’ it.

As I’ve mentioned once Master Tigrane arrives, he turns from being friendly to one of questioning and the discussion turns from that to one of interrogation. Backed into a corner, I rather felt for the Imperial officer – the story plays out and I’m not sure I would have done anything differently myself – how was he to know there are none-Chaos worshipping traitor Space Marines out there. I’ve not even mentioned that bastard of a Colonel, sheez.

Another element to Malediction that works so well is the narration – it’s fantastic and helped pull me in even further. The Irish accent for Antigone is great and I rather enjoyed his squad-mates who have either a scouse (from Liverpool) or southern English twang to them. Sound effects are OK. I’m going to say now, the story is fantastic and rather unique – it’s probably the best audio drama I’ve listened to so far. C Z Dunn is missed.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better novels from CZ Dunn, though the cover and the sub-title of it being a Dark Angels book is a little misleading. It's more about Imperial Guard officer Regan Antigone, a highly-honored veteran who survived a big battle some 25 years earlier. It's been clearly mentioned that he's living a lie, that the honor bestowed upon him was a sham. And in the middle of the latest parade made in his honor, along comes Tigrane of the Dark Angels Space Marine Chapter, asking Regan the truth of his past exploits.
The truth, and the narration leading to it, is well-crafted, amidst the great voice acting and the furious battle dins as Regan recounts what happened. I really recommend reading / listening to this novel, as it sets itself apart as being a fresh take into the many war stories in the WH40k universe.

[Taddow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Dark Angels stories, especially if they include ties to the Fallen. While this was a little bit of both (and I liked the lead up and reveal at the end) I was hoping for a little more punch. Granted while the web of secrets and intrigues of the Dark Angels' is vast and unfathomable, the termination of a war hero in front of many witnesses by a Dark Angels company master with no reasons other than a vague accusation and verdict would seem to draw more scrutiny but then again the Adeptus Astartes are absolute in their judgement and who are any to question. The author did a great job of describing the tragedy of the main character- one who survived the impossible to lose all in the end.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maledication is a brilliant story with a twist that you will not see coming! Malediction features appearnaces by Master Tigrane who is used in a way that you will not see coming! From the start the stroy being spun by Regan Antigone is suspicious but Malediction doesn't hesitate to show the conflicting morality of the characters!

The presentation of the story is brilliant ginving you the effect of actual being there! The insight into the planets defence forces is cleverly handled! You can feel the awkwardnes of the events ans well! Master Tigrane appearing simply adds fuel to the fire! There is world building and character development all over the place to boot! The action is staged on a epic canvas and the all the characters come across as three-dimensional! This gives everything a lived in feel in Maledictions story from the startthat will keep you guessing as wo how things are going to go right from the beginning and keep you hopping trying to outguess things!

Malediction is epic from the beginning! You will not be pasuing this one! Brilliant, hard, epic, full of world building, daring do, moral debates, adventure and action

[Paul Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark angels and dark tidngs

A reasonably good short story detailing the length that the dark angels will go to keep their dirty secrets again loo

[Walt · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting story, but the end was not likely to be how the dark angels would have handled it. Not so publicly. Good until the last 2 min

[Ulzeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly the most compelling use of the Dark Angels' central conceit that I've seen... even though (perhaps because) it doesn't actually star a Dark Angel.

[RatGrrrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is literally everything I could want from a Warhammer 40K story. There's actual criticism of all manner of aspects the Imperium, both called out by the protagonist and show in the text, some action, a fascinating and perfectly embodied named character, an Astartes being appropriately immense, inhuman, and unforgiving.

The hypocrisy and awfulness is the point. Way too much in GW and BL lionise the Space Marines and Imperium, but this shows things as ridiculous and awful as they are and in a fun and compelling way.

Truly the cherry on top of a very mixed Dark Angels Audio Collection.

[Bruce Moffatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been indulging myself with some of the Warhammer 40,000 audio books recently, while painting my miniatures. I chose Malediction tonight in an act of desperation to drown out a neighbourhood party where there was a chap with a deafeningly loud voice and a laugh that would put an angry jackass to shame.

Focusing on the audiobook (and the blessed aural relief it afforded me) I had selected it while painting the miniatures that came with the Dark Vengeance 6th edition starter box. Authored by C.Z. Dunn, the one hour and change story focuses not so much on the Dark Angels Chapter, but on a former Imperial Guardsman, Regan Antigone, and the honour being bestowed on him at a celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the battle that he fought in. We are told that Regan's actions in the penultimate battle helped maintain a line of defence until the timely arrival of a contingent of Dark Angels who mopped up the chaos cultists that were all but overwhelming the IG forces.

Master Tigrane, of the Dark Angels, arrives unannounced at the celebrations for Regan, and makes obeisance to Regan for his valiant actions before 'insisting' that he recount the events so that Tigrane can ensure they are recorded for posterity.

The remainder of the drama centres on the pivotal trench warfare between the Imperial Guard and the Chaos forces. In the retelling, a terrible secret is revealed that casts doubt on Regan's actions.

The story is engaging, and the voice cast accomplished. There are times in the story when the sameness of the voices left me a little confused.

There are two negative points that need to be mentioned. Neither of which concerns the calibre of the writing or performances. Firstly, if you didn't already know, the universe and history of the 40k universe are VAST. So vast in fact, that they could easily have a university degree instated for the study of it. This story carries a hefty punchline that, sadly, was completely wasted on me, because I had no knowledge of the 'big reveal' that would have had more knowledgable Dark Angels fans nodding their heads in recognition. Master Tigrane's action at the climax left me more confused than surprised, and it wasn't until I did some Googling, that I understood why the drama ends the way it does.

This is not the fault of the author or the performers, but my lack of knowledge of the Dark Angels history during the Horus Heresy certainly deadened my enjoyment of the tale.

The second point I want to raise is 'foley'. The art of producing sound effects for audio and film. Malediction is not the first 40k audio drama I have enjoyed, but many of them, including this one suffer from what appears to be deplorable apathy towards delivering the sound effects that one expects to keep you feeling like 'you are there'. Master Tigrane's entrance, while narratively is very well portrayed, is completely underwhelmed by the sound effects. Mr. Dunn describes the Dark Angel's physicality with great aplomb, mentioning his almost three metre height, and his armour and weaponry, and then he walks up to the podium accompanied by the footsteps of someone wearing patent leather shoes! At one point in his journey, there is even the sound of gravel underfoot. Any majesty that was to be attributed to the Space Marine is completely diminished by the choice of footfall used. There is also no sound of armour or billowing cape, both of which are described in detail.

Party noises used for the celebration; voices, clinking of glasses, pouring of wine (which fizzes like champagne every time you hear it) and applause, are all dreadfully mismatched. At one time it sounds like a small dinner party and then it becomes a more substantial gathering, but never the scope of the Vox assembly that we are supposed to be witnessing.

Regan drops his cane, a unfortunate byproduct of an injury sustained in the battle, twice. Both times the sound is identical, and it sounds like a pencil being dropped on a desk. As the action is punctuating the drama, the impact (pardon the pun) is again lost because of poor production.

Action in the trenches fares somewhat better in the audio department. Chaos mutants all scream in the same voice however, and squelching mud sounds overwhelm a quiet conversation during a reconnoiter into 'no man's land'.

I couldn't recommend Malediction unless you are a massive and well versed fan of the Dark Angels chapter. Having said that, a Dark Angels fan will feel short changed by the lack of Astartes action in this drama. Casual 40k fans should steer clear too, as, like me, you will be left feeling like you've missed something.
2/5

[Milo · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A slow-paced, interesting story that is unfortunately flawed.” ~The Founding Fields


Malediction is the first Audio Drama published by Black Library that I had the chance to listen to in a while, the last being Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s Butcher’s Nails. Although it may not be as enjoyable as the previous title, it isn’t a complete disappointment, as there are still some strong moments in this Audio Drama. Whilst it may not be perfect for any newcomers, Malediction is a welcome listen for fans who know the background for the Dark Angels and are familiar with their lore. Although it doesn’t feature a large amount of the sons of the Lion itself, they still play a crucial role in this tale.

On the world of Amadis, veteran Imperial Guard officer Regan Antigone is being honoured for his role in the planet’s liberation from the forces of Chaos, some twenty-five years earlier. But when his old comrade, Master Tigrane of the Dark Angels Space Marine Chapter, arrives to join the festivities and asks to hear the glorious tale told once more, Antigone falters. With the details of his account cast under close scrutiny and with the judgement of the Imperium hanging over him, will his noble reputation remain intact?

A Warhammer 40,000 audio drama by C Z Dunn. Read by Seán Barrett, Rupert Degas and Saul Reichlin. Produced by Heavy Entertainment for Black Library.

Fans expecting a Dark Angels bolter-porn story or something along those lines, will be disappointed. There’s very little Dark Angels in appearance for this to be labelled as a full “Dark Angels” story, but without the appearance of the Dark Angels, then this simply wouldn’t work. People who know their back-story already probably know the established character that features in this audio drama, and even though his appearance is brief, it’s still a key role. The action is mainly focused upon Imperial Guard Officer Regan Antigone and his companions in the Imperial Guard in the past, twenty-five years earlier – with very little battle scenes happening in the present.

The story is a little straightforward,despite the fact it involves a lot of deception, both on the battlefield and off the battlefield. Regan Antigone is a strong character, and it is interesting to see how a war hero’s life is affected after the end of the war, especially with the passing of his two sons. Even though I was slightly disappointed that this audio drama didn’t focus more heavily on the Dark Angels, I really enjoyed CZ Dunn’s take on the Imperial Guard and trench warfare, the sound effects and the description of the scenery really helps you get a look into the gruesome horrors that the Guardsmen had to endure in the trenches, and reminds you that you would not want to be in their place.

Read the rest of the review: http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/09/....

[Paulo "paper books only" · Rating 5 out of 5]

With plenty spoilers...
This was probably the best audiobook I listened. Unlike most of audiobooks that I could easily read the story and probably enjoyed more this one I must say, to my regret, that probably wouldn't happen. why?

Because there was something in those actorssss that made me close my eyes and imagine the all thing.

This isn't a Dark Angel audiobook. In my opinion is an imperial guard audiobook with a participation of the dark angels. Why?

This tale happens in two storylines. First, the present, is when Regan Antigone, an retired officer of the Imperial Guard is receiving adulation for is part in the wars. The Second storyline, 25 years before, is when he tells about his part on the tale.

The problem here is that when a Dark Angel appears, first we think, to pay homage to the Imperial Guard he had help in the war asks him to tell the tale yet again.

As he tells his story we are ducking and firing in trenches alongise the trooper. It's quite believable. But after the tale the Dark Angel confronts him saying that somethings in his tale couldn't have happen because a) they were rookies and shouldn't know certain things and b) there was Bolt Pistol and Plasma Pistol shots whereas they had no weapons that could have done that damage. Antigone becomes scared and he is told the corret story, one he was asked never to tell. He tells the Dark Angel that at the last attack of the enemy another Dark Angel with two pistols help the soldiers fight the chaos horde. With his help, almost a godlike figurine, they were able to stop the attack long enough so the Dark Angels could reinforce their position. That space marine asked the troopers never to reveal his presence there or else he would kill them. Two of the troopers died that survive die never to regain conscious and Antigone never told anyone.

Hearing this, the dark angel becomes angry and shot Antigone for treachery. And you ask why? Well probably because the Dark Angel to help the Imperial Guard was no other that Cypher, the fallen angel.

So, in the end... This is a book to anyone who understands the Dark Angel lore or else this audiobook isn't going to make an impact and this raises a question... Who is Cypher? A anti-heroe or an evil with a plan.

Excelent plot. My only question is... Why wait 25 years to confront the guard?

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hardships of being a part of the Imperial Guard until well into the story... but the real story starts at about half an hour before the end, where it transforms to a classic Dark Angels plot.

Not recommended for readers (listeners) that are not aware of the Dark Angel's storyline.

Especially the end captures the madness of that particular storyline magnificently... makes me yearn for more details to come in the Horus Heresy series (please ?)

My only gripe on the audio drama is that you have to effectively wait until the telling is more than half way until you really enjoy it for what it is.

[Scooter · Rating 3 out of 5]

In brief, not a bad audio novel, story line moved along quite well and I really didn't see the twist in the story line coming.
But for the life of me I cannot fathom why a majority of voices given to space marines in these things seem to sound like pompous twats.

[nooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. Neat story featuring one of my all time favorite characters.