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Warhammer 40,000
Mephiston: Lord of Death
The first novella in the Lords of the Space Marines series.
This premium collector's edition features
- 'Mephiston: Lord of Death' a brand new Blood Angels story by David Annandale
- Red leather-effect slip case
- Exclusive short story chapbook 'Eclipse of Hope'
- Artwork postcard
THE STORY:
Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels, Master of the Black Rage, Lord of Death... By these titles is Mephiston known to his brother Space Marines. But deep within Mephiston’s tortured heart lurks another, the spectre of who he used to be before his death and rebirth on the war-torn world of Armageddon. As Mephiston leads the Blood Angels into battle in the Pallavon system against the might of mankind’s archenemy, he must grapple with his inner daemons as well as those around him, as the ghost of Brother Calistarius, the man he once was, returns to haunt him.
This premium collector's edition features
- 'Mephiston: Lord of Death' a brand new Blood Angels story by David Annandale
- Red leather-effect slip case
- Exclusive short story chapbook 'Eclipse of Hope'
- Artwork postcard
THE STORY:
Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels, Master of the Black Rage, Lord of Death... By these titles is Mephiston known to his brother Space Marines. But deep within Mephiston’s tortured heart lurks another, the spectre of who he used to be before his death and rebirth on the war-torn world of Armageddon. As Mephiston leads the Blood Angels into battle in the Pallavon system against the might of mankind’s archenemy, he must grapple with his inner daemons as well as those around him, as the ghost of Brother Calistarius, the man he once was, returns to haunt him.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2013
21 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 7, 2020
Review to come
January 25, 2026
Excellent 40k Novella
I really enjoyed this short story, though at first I had my doubts. It's written primarily in present tense, something that usually detracts from my enjoyment. It's also in the first person, which initially worried me, given that the inside of the head of Mephiston is not easily imagined. Despite both of these writing decisions, the story was captivating, exciting and a fantastic introduction to the history and character of the Lord of Death, Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels.
5 stars
I really enjoyed this short story, though at first I had my doubts. It's written primarily in present tense, something that usually detracts from my enjoyment. It's also in the first person, which initially worried me, given that the inside of the head of Mephiston is not easily imagined. Despite both of these writing decisions, the story was captivating, exciting and a fantastic introduction to the history and character of the Lord of Death, Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels.
5 stars
March 31, 2013
Mephiston is told from first person which that in itself is a unique thing; I found it truly serves to enhance the enjoyment of the story. You can form a real connection with his character, he isn’t some mindless Space Marine more robot than human, who charges around waving a chainsword and grunting “For the Emperor”. I also found the inner conflict of Mephiston intriguing. I wouldn’t say he truly doubts what he is, but more or less questions everything, including the reason for his existence. He does know, however, what he is not and that is the former vessel Calistarius.
I was amazed at how some of the individual paragraphs build up into precise descriptions and then are beautifully closed out into an almost poetic-like prose. The battle field on the planet Pallevon is a near hive level city that has turned ghost town, the only ravagement it has seen is that of nature and time. Some of the wonderment and mystery that builds up as the 4th Company descends deeper towards their goal is excellent. I won’t spoil it too much, but I was reminded of a quest in the game Diablo 2 about fighting the ancients.
The short chapbook, Eclipse of Hope, that accompanied Mephiston: Lord of Death added a significant layer of depth and setup for the novella. I loved its addition to this package Black Library put together and the value it added really enticed me to buy this collector’s edition all together. The ending revealed in Mephiston: Lord of Death envelopes what began in the Eclipse of Hope quite nicely.
Since this is a collector’s edition, you pay a high price, but I found it more than worth it. A spectacular story, beautiful production from even the tiniest embossed Space Marine helmet beside every page number, the addition of Eclipse of Hope, the added artwork, and finally the most surprising of all, the slipcase is wonderful. Out of everything that Black Library put together for this product, I was least concerned with the slipcase and once I really had it in my hands, I was shocked. It isn’t some flimsy piece of material; it is a solid protector for your novella that looks stunning on a bookshelf. I really wasn’t expecting that from the slipcase at all, and I hope to have a whole row of them proudly lined up next to each other.(If I don’t have to file bankruptcy due to the pricey cost; anyone who tries to repossess my books will be eviscerated)
Back to the story, without giving too much away, Mephiston and the 4th Company have been pulled to Pallevon since the discovery of the Eclipse of Hope. Along the way, Mephiston and company meet something they didn’t expect – a relic from Calistarius’s past that threatens everything. Upon this reunion Mephiston and the 4th company are tugged even quicker on the strings to which they are attached and plunge headfirst towards the unknown. What they find on Pallevon could be a monumental discovery for their Chapter or it could bring about their own personalized damnation.
With Mephiston: Lord of Death I felt a few whispers from previous great Black Library novels, Angel of Darkness – Gav Thorpe, Eisenhorn – Dan Abnett, and even a little bit of the character Uriel Ventris – Graham McNeill, whether intentional or not. Mephiston carried with it a sense of something epic that these other books have grasped hold of. There was very little downside to contrast with everything that the Mephiston package so positively offered. The only thing I can even think of that might irk some is that the story is a novella and not true novel length which none of the A5′s are as of yet that I am aware of and in this case it didn’t bother me at all. With the conclusion of Mephiston, I’ve decided that I will definitely be purchasing the next book in the Lords of Space Marines series. I’ll also be looking into Yarrick: Chains of Golgotha whenever I scrounge together some more pennies and quarters from beneath my couch cushions.
I was amazed at how some of the individual paragraphs build up into precise descriptions and then are beautifully closed out into an almost poetic-like prose. The battle field on the planet Pallevon is a near hive level city that has turned ghost town, the only ravagement it has seen is that of nature and time. Some of the wonderment and mystery that builds up as the 4th Company descends deeper towards their goal is excellent. I won’t spoil it too much, but I was reminded of a quest in the game Diablo 2 about fighting the ancients.
The short chapbook, Eclipse of Hope, that accompanied Mephiston: Lord of Death added a significant layer of depth and setup for the novella. I loved its addition to this package Black Library put together and the value it added really enticed me to buy this collector’s edition all together. The ending revealed in Mephiston: Lord of Death envelopes what began in the Eclipse of Hope quite nicely.
Since this is a collector’s edition, you pay a high price, but I found it more than worth it. A spectacular story, beautiful production from even the tiniest embossed Space Marine helmet beside every page number, the addition of Eclipse of Hope, the added artwork, and finally the most surprising of all, the slipcase is wonderful. Out of everything that Black Library put together for this product, I was least concerned with the slipcase and once I really had it in my hands, I was shocked. It isn’t some flimsy piece of material; it is a solid protector for your novella that looks stunning on a bookshelf. I really wasn’t expecting that from the slipcase at all, and I hope to have a whole row of them proudly lined up next to each other.(If I don’t have to file bankruptcy due to the pricey cost; anyone who tries to repossess my books will be eviscerated)
Back to the story, without giving too much away, Mephiston and the 4th Company have been pulled to Pallevon since the discovery of the Eclipse of Hope. Along the way, Mephiston and company meet something they didn’t expect – a relic from Calistarius’s past that threatens everything. Upon this reunion Mephiston and the 4th company are tugged even quicker on the strings to which they are attached and plunge headfirst towards the unknown. What they find on Pallevon could be a monumental discovery for their Chapter or it could bring about their own personalized damnation.
With Mephiston: Lord of Death I felt a few whispers from previous great Black Library novels, Angel of Darkness – Gav Thorpe, Eisenhorn – Dan Abnett, and even a little bit of the character Uriel Ventris – Graham McNeill, whether intentional or not. Mephiston carried with it a sense of something epic that these other books have grasped hold of. There was very little downside to contrast with everything that the Mephiston package so positively offered. The only thing I can even think of that might irk some is that the story is a novella and not true novel length which none of the A5′s are as of yet that I am aware of and in this case it didn’t bother me at all. With the conclusion of Mephiston, I’ve decided that I will definitely be purchasing the next book in the Lords of Space Marines series. I’ll also be looking into Yarrick: Chains of Golgotha whenever I scrounge together some more pennies and quarters from beneath my couch cushions.
October 7, 2018
I enjoyed a lot about this book. The pacing was good. The character exploration of Mephiston was great. The conflict/tension was just about right. The mystery was worked well. The length was about right.
The only thing I didn't really like was the villain and their representation. It was a bit anti-climactic.
The only thing I didn't really like was the villain and their representation. It was a bit anti-climactic.
January 15, 2026
Wow. Firstly, I want to say how pleasantly surprised I was by the writing style of David Annandale. A wonderfully gifted author who paints such evocative pictures with his words, but probably doesn’t get the same level of recognition as the Dan Abnett’s of this world. I can honestly say that I’ve never read something that has so realistically thrust me into the chaos and frenzy of the battlefield before.
This bite sized novella was my second, and eminently more accessible, foray into the Warhammer 40K universe. I had previously tried to enter via Horus Rising, but found that I got bogged down with too many names to remember and too much information to get my head around. I found Mephiston a much more enjoyable read due to its relentless pace from the outset, and its use of only a handful of central characters.
The ‘Lord of Death’ himself is an intriguing protagonist, relaying the entire story in the first person. A revenant bestowed with immense arcane powers, he is both respected and yet not altogether trusted by his comrades in arms. The tale begins with the reappearance of a vessel thought lost 5000 years ago and, as the plot progresses at a breathless speed, all involved feel that they are racing inexorably into a trap laid by an unseen foe.
A highly recommended thrill ride, adeptly interwoven with themes of trust, betray and the perils of blind faith.
This bite sized novella was my second, and eminently more accessible, foray into the Warhammer 40K universe. I had previously tried to enter via Horus Rising, but found that I got bogged down with too many names to remember and too much information to get my head around. I found Mephiston a much more enjoyable read due to its relentless pace from the outset, and its use of only a handful of central characters.
The ‘Lord of Death’ himself is an intriguing protagonist, relaying the entire story in the first person. A revenant bestowed with immense arcane powers, he is both respected and yet not altogether trusted by his comrades in arms. The tale begins with the reappearance of a vessel thought lost 5000 years ago and, as the plot progresses at a breathless speed, all involved feel that they are racing inexorably into a trap laid by an unseen foe.
A highly recommended thrill ride, adeptly interwoven with themes of trust, betray and the perils of blind faith.
February 6, 2024
Liked it quite a bit, the setting was interesting enough, Blood Angels are Blood Angels, and Mephiston’s narration is different to what I met in the few WH books I read until now.
The ending was so underwhelming though. It just felt like the confrontation was very flat and frankly Mephiston went from an intriguing character to an OP hero who defeated the antagonist with the power of friendship. The jump was quite jarring.
In my opinion the book would have been much better if the final battle was given more weight.
The ending was so underwhelming though. It just felt like the confrontation was very flat and frankly Mephiston went from an intriguing character to an OP hero who defeated the antagonist with the power of friendship. The jump was quite jarring.
In my opinion the book would have been much better if the final battle was given more weight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2024
Have been dying to read about Mephiston since reading Dante and The Devastation of Baal.
This was a great novella featuring Mephiston, in all his psyker glory, and the Blood Angels battling against the sanctified.
The mystery behind Mephiston is so intriguing it just makes you want to find out who, or what is he. Will he continue to fight with the Blood Angels for the betterment of the Imperium, or will he inevitably be the cause of his Chapters destruction?
Now, on to the Darius Hinks Mephiston trilogy.
Bring me all the over the top Psyker/Bolter action!
This was a great novella featuring Mephiston, in all his psyker glory, and the Blood Angels battling against the sanctified.
The mystery behind Mephiston is so intriguing it just makes you want to find out who, or what is he. Will he continue to fight with the Blood Angels for the betterment of the Imperium, or will he inevitably be the cause of his Chapters destruction?
Now, on to the Darius Hinks Mephiston trilogy.
Bring me all the over the top Psyker/Bolter action!
February 21, 2017
This was my introduction to the character of Mephiston, the Blood Angels' infamous Chief Librarian. The writing style is reminiscent of many vampires from White Wolf's Vampire: The Masquerade. It was all a little too moody for me especially when I found it difficult to follow the action. Perhaps, this tale is best read in a more introspective frame of mind.
March 5, 2025
Middle range of Blood Angels novels IMO.
December 1, 2014
In a relatively short space of time David Annandale has amassed a sizeable body of work for the Black Library, writing for the Imperial Guard, Black Dragons, Iron Hands and Grey Knights amongst others. One of his earliest contributions was a limited-edition Blood Angels novella in the Lords of the Space Marines series; soon to be re-released in non-limited format, Mephiston : Lord of Death takes a detailed look at the Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels, the only one of their number ever to overcome the Red Thirst. Following on directly from the short story Eclipse of Hope, this finds Mephiston accompanying 4th Company as they battle Chaos Space Marines, daemons and their very nature, drawn ever onwards towards the Pallevon system and whatever lies waiting for them there.
Read the rest of the review at http://trackofwords.wordpress.com/201...
Read the rest of the review at http://trackofwords.wordpress.com/201...
February 4, 2015
I'm not the biggest fan of the Blood Angels, and I think part of the reason is that they have been placed in the hands of sub-par writers (this same curse afflicts the Salamanders). David Annandale, however, reverses this trend and comes through with a gripping novella about Mephiston - a "Lord" of the Blood Angels who is imbued by supernatural powers after surviving a descent into the Black Rage. Basically, he kicks ass and doesn't bother taking names, and Annandale is smart enough to not let too much exposition get in the way of the action.
(However, you don't actually get Mephiston's backstory until a few chapters in, so don't worry if you're a little confused at first - otherwise you could read a wiki article about him: http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Me...)
(However, you don't actually get Mephiston's backstory until a few chapters in, so don't worry if you're a little confused at first - otherwise you could read a wiki article about him: http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Me...)
March 20, 2016
This novella was amazing. Of all the loyalist legions, the Blood Angels are one of the most interesting to me. I love the concept of the Red Thirst and the Black Rage. Annandale uses these throughout in the most amazing way. I am very happy I bought this when it was up as the Limited Edition. I have not read too much 40K, but this is easily one of my favourites. I cannot wait until we get another Mephiston release! I only hope it is Annandale that writes it!
Truly an amazing work of art. Dark, gruesome, brutal art!
Truly an amazing work of art. Dark, gruesome, brutal art!
September 4, 2020
I enjoyed it. It's a novella with a decent balance of action and character development. Mephiston is the being who emerged when Brother Calistarius survived the Black Rage, and it troubles him when Calistarius still lurks around the edges of his identity. This book was interesting because it doesn't agree with the recent take that the Blood Angels don't worship the Emperor or venerate their primarch as holy, and I agree.
March 1, 2015
Lords of the Space Marines collection brings another infamous, ancient Space Marine lord to life. David Annandale writes a crisp, first-person account of Mephiston, the Blood Angels Lord of Death. Typical military Sci-Fi, no holds barred action adventure. Quick pace and great insight on who or what drives Mephiston. Well worth the read for Warhammer 40K and general Sci-Fi fans.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews