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Lelith Hesperax: Queen of Knives
A Warhammer 40,000 Drukhari Novel
Lelith Hesperax is the Queen of Knives – the greatest of Commorragh's wyches, and the deadliest gladiator in the galaxy. Now she returns to the Dark City, to slice her way through tangled webs of deception...
READ IT BECAUSE
Follow the legendary grand succubus as she finds herself dragged back to Commorragh and enveloped once more within the twisted plots of Asdrubael Vect.
THE STORY
In the darkest corners of the webway lies the city of Commorragh. Home to the sadistic drukhari, millions are butchered upon its arenas’ sands to slake their terrible thirst for blood. The greatest of these butchers is Lelith Hesperax – the Queen of Knives, and the deadliest gladiator in the galaxy.
Lelith abandoned the Dark City to walk alongside the nomadic death cultists of Ynnead, and in her absence from Commorragh, pretenders to her blood-soaked crown have arisen.
When a blade strikes at Lelith from the shadows, she is pulled back to Commorragh, and into the murderous games of the Living Muse himself – Asdrubael Vect. As his schemes coil around her, the Queen of Knives finds herself ensnared once more in Vect’s terrible web, and this time, mere blades may not be enough to cut her free.
Written by Mike Brooks.
Lelith Hesperax is the Queen of Knives – the greatest of Commorragh's wyches, and the deadliest gladiator in the galaxy. Now she returns to the Dark City, to slice her way through tangled webs of deception...
READ IT BECAUSE
Follow the legendary grand succubus as she finds herself dragged back to Commorragh and enveloped once more within the twisted plots of Asdrubael Vect.
THE STORY
In the darkest corners of the webway lies the city of Commorragh. Home to the sadistic drukhari, millions are butchered upon its arenas’ sands to slake their terrible thirst for blood. The greatest of these butchers is Lelith Hesperax – the Queen of Knives, and the deadliest gladiator in the galaxy.
Lelith abandoned the Dark City to walk alongside the nomadic death cultists of Ynnead, and in her absence from Commorragh, pretenders to her blood-soaked crown have arisen.
When a blade strikes at Lelith from the shadows, she is pulled back to Commorragh, and into the murderous games of the Living Muse himself – Asdrubael Vect. As his schemes coil around her, the Queen of Knives finds herself ensnared once more in Vect’s terrible web, and this time, mere blades may not be enough to cut her free.
Written by Mike Brooks.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published July 30, 2024
46 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Mike Brooks
79 books548 followersMike Brooks was born in Ipswich, Suffolk and moved to Nottingham when he was 18 to go to university. He’s stayed there ever since, and now lives with his wife, two cats, two snakes and a collection of tropical fish. When not working for a homelessness charity he plays guitar and sings in a punk band, watches football (soccer), MMA and nature/science documentaries, goes walking in the Peak District or other areas of splendid scenery, and DJs wherever anyone will tolerate him.
And, y’know, writes.
And, y’know, writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 18, 2024
Hmm... First of all let me tell you that I've read this in under 24h which to me it's pretty good.
But did I enjoy the book? Yes, but...
First of all, Mike Brooks is well know to incorporate woke elements on his books. From having non-binary characters that just crap the sentences (I mean "THEY" is plural , so are we talking about ONE or MULTIPLE characters... "they an forward" - how many people are running? Multiple I guess... NO! You are wrong you bigot. It's just one.
Enfin, here tackles dark eldar, sorry Drukhari, and just puts something in it that to me is completely ridiculous but I will talk about it later.
So , lets go to the novel. The first 60 pages, is Lelith amidst her new best friends Yvraine. If you read the Lexicanum you know where this story takes place (it's just in the end of her know story so far) but after the intervention of a Harlequin she returns to the Dark City to understand what is happening, why she fell in disgrace with Vect and what's up with Morghanna (the new best attraction on the arena). From this moment on is telling us the machinations within the Dark City and how their society works.
What I enjoyed - I enjoyed the fighting scenes and Lelith the most part and Vect when he was there. I also enjoyed part of the descriptions of the city although it's pretty hard to fully understand and write so I kind of understand why not all work out.
What I didn't enjoy?- Well, first of all it's the constant telling us that Lelith is the best of the best, no flaws, everyone worships, everyone is scared of her etc. Instead of showing us it was more of telling us. Then the plot itself is dumb. She constantly (and the author) tell us that she doesn't care about the plots, and counterplots and machinations within Dark Eldar society yet every other page she delves into it as well (and probably better than anyone else - because she is the best of the best, haven't you heard?)
And last but surely not least was the plot itself... I AM GOING INTO SPOILERS!
So, it seems that Lelith has a weakness - she is a lesbian who loves, sorry has a fascination with Morghana, although every other page she specifically says she doesn't have any weakness but then by the end she publicly acknowledges it - so everyone in the dark city can exploit that - oh but don't worry because she is the best of the best. Dark Eldar are incapable of love , love is a weakness and you are telling the best fighter to ever existed is a lesbian and wants to cuddle with another rival? Yeah right. It's just crap. Oh before you go keyboarding it, my probably is not against her being a lesbian, don't give a crap about who she likes to fuck. My problem is that this makes no sense. Enfin... A Dark Eldar with a open weakness to all to see, even the most powerful fighter would be rather in a poor position. but whatever.
Oh well, I am of no rush to read other books by him... I would rate 63/100
But did I enjoy the book? Yes, but...
First of all, Mike Brooks is well know to incorporate woke elements on his books. From having non-binary characters that just crap the sentences (I mean "THEY" is plural , so are we talking about ONE or MULTIPLE characters... "they an forward" - how many people are running? Multiple I guess... NO! You are wrong you bigot. It's just one.
Enfin, here tackles dark eldar, sorry Drukhari, and just puts something in it that to me is completely ridiculous but I will talk about it later.
So , lets go to the novel. The first 60 pages, is Lelith amidst her new best friends Yvraine. If you read the Lexicanum you know where this story takes place (it's just in the end of her know story so far) but after the intervention of a Harlequin she returns to the Dark City to understand what is happening, why she fell in disgrace with Vect and what's up with Morghanna (the new best attraction on the arena). From this moment on is telling us the machinations within the Dark City and how their society works.
What I enjoyed - I enjoyed the fighting scenes and Lelith the most part and Vect when he was there. I also enjoyed part of the descriptions of the city although it's pretty hard to fully understand and write so I kind of understand why not all work out.
What I didn't enjoy?- Well, first of all it's the constant telling us that Lelith is the best of the best, no flaws, everyone worships, everyone is scared of her etc. Instead of showing us it was more of telling us. Then the plot itself is dumb. She constantly (and the author) tell us that she doesn't care about the plots, and counterplots and machinations within Dark Eldar society yet every other page she delves into it as well (and probably better than anyone else - because she is the best of the best, haven't you heard?)
And last but surely not least was the plot itself... I AM GOING INTO SPOILERS!
So, it seems that Lelith has a weakness - she is a lesbian who loves, sorry has a fascination with Morghana, although every other page she specifically says she doesn't have any weakness but then by the end she publicly acknowledges it - so everyone in the dark city can exploit that - oh but don't worry because she is the best of the best. Dark Eldar are incapable of love , love is a weakness and you are telling the best fighter to ever existed is a lesbian and wants to cuddle with another rival? Yeah right. It's just crap. Oh before you go keyboarding it, my probably is not against her being a lesbian, don't give a crap about who she likes to fuck. My problem is that this makes no sense. Enfin... A Dark Eldar with a open weakness to all to see, even the most powerful fighter would be rather in a poor position. but whatever.
Oh well, I am of no rush to read other books by him... I would rate 63/100
June 16, 2024
A really good look at the galaxy's premier sadists, but it's limited a bit by the format. In many ways Lelith's novel is a midpoint between three of the other "character focus" novels, having a cool-as-hell villain protagonist like
Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet of the Waaagh!
, the rich writing of
Cypher: Lord of the Fallen
and the heavy combat focus of
Helbrecht: Knight of the Throne
. All of it combines to make a great entry on some of 40k's most evil bastards, giving us a window into Lelith Hesperax's daily life of killing, plotting and threatening underlings while making her a little bit empathetic. I mean, as Mike Brooks himself says in the afterword, she's a villain, not an anti-hero, so y'know.
What gets in the way is in part because of GW's lack of recent Eldar (dark or otherwise) novels and of any novel starring Lelith herself, unlike other books that can take things like the Indomitus crusade and the tenets of ork culture as read. This means at least a third of this book gets bogged down by a lot of necessary exposition explaining the Ynnari, the soulthirst, the intricacies of Commoragh, and so on. The short length of these "character" novels means that by the time everything's set up, the story's over.
Much like his recent great work with the orks, I desperately want Brooks - easily one of Black Library's best writers - to come back and pen some more drukhari madness, especially given how this one ends.
What gets in the way is in part because of GW's lack of recent Eldar (dark or otherwise) novels and of any novel starring Lelith herself, unlike other books that can take things like the Indomitus crusade and the tenets of ork culture as read. This means at least a third of this book gets bogged down by a lot of necessary exposition explaining the Ynnari, the soulthirst, the intricacies of Commoragh, and so on. The short length of these "character" novels means that by the time everything's set up, the story's over.
Much like his recent great work with the orks, I desperately want Brooks - easily one of Black Library's best writers - to come back and pen some more drukhari madness, especially given how this one ends.
July 7, 2024
The book was very short at 180ish pages, almost too short. I'd say Mike Brooks is a competent writer that he can write an interesting book, albeit i I think it would be hard to write a boring book about the dark eldar.
A significant problem i found overall with this book is that it has pages of exposition of internal thoughts, political stuctures, philsophies and other just musings of the author about what various Eldar are like without any actually showing of it through action and dialogue. I mean large chunks of the book are devoted to describing Dark Eldar society and their interactions and then it goes off well because Lelith is special she gets to do this or it just hamfistedly states shes a fighter not interested in politics despite being the leader of major Wych Cult, I think she understands politics and leadership its just shes not after the top spot or shes happy in her position where shes at. Another example of problems with this is Mike Brooks takes his time describing that Commaragh is odd, it has physics and geometry that would trouble human minds and is in general not a very nice place but beyond that none of those descriptions play into the larger narrative or show off the skill of the main characters in navigating these obstacles. Its just stated and then there's never any pay off.
Essentially id give this book a 7.5/10. Its a fun read and its competent, but nothing really wows me. Most of my score is due to at least the writer is competent in his own sphere, the story is interesting enough to be a page turner, and it flows rather nicely with a logical progression of motivations and character interactions for the most part. A real trouble as I think Brooks has potential but lacks the skills to properly tell his own story and falls short of something poignant or noteworthy and instead just produced essentially a popcorn flick novel that just happens to have very important characters in it and interesting races and locations that by rote create a tale that likely any B grade highschool student could write and get results.
A significant problem i found overall with this book is that it has pages of exposition of internal thoughts, political stuctures, philsophies and other just musings of the author about what various Eldar are like without any actually showing of it through action and dialogue. I mean large chunks of the book are devoted to describing Dark Eldar society and their interactions and then it goes off well because Lelith is special she gets to do this or it just hamfistedly states shes a fighter not interested in politics despite being the leader of major Wych Cult, I think she understands politics and leadership its just shes not after the top spot or shes happy in her position where shes at. Another example of problems with this is Mike Brooks takes his time describing that Commaragh is odd, it has physics and geometry that would trouble human minds and is in general not a very nice place but beyond that none of those descriptions play into the larger narrative or show off the skill of the main characters in navigating these obstacles. Its just stated and then there's never any pay off.
Essentially id give this book a 7.5/10. Its a fun read and its competent, but nothing really wows me. Most of my score is due to at least the writer is competent in his own sphere, the story is interesting enough to be a page turner, and it flows rather nicely with a logical progression of motivations and character interactions for the most part. A real trouble as I think Brooks has potential but lacks the skills to properly tell his own story and falls short of something poignant or noteworthy and instead just produced essentially a popcorn flick novel that just happens to have very important characters in it and interesting races and locations that by rote create a tale that likely any B grade highschool student could write and get results.
October 26, 2025
Let’s go lesbians
January 1, 2025
This Warhammer 40k novel offered a refreshing change of pace by shifting the perspective away from the typical Space Marine narrative and delving into the enigmatic Dark Eldar. While the premise held promise, the execution fell short of expectations.
The narrative faltered in its portrayal of the Dark Eldar. Instead of subtly showcasing their sinister nature through actions and interactions, the author resorted to repetitive and heavy-handed descriptions of their vileness. This constant reiteration of their evil essence became tiresome and ultimately detracted from the reading experience. The narrative would have been far more impactful if it had shown the Dark Eldar's depravity through their deeds and allowed the reader to reach their own conclusions.
Furthermore, the protagonist, Lilith, lacked depth and failed to engage the reader. Her motivations and actions often felt predictable and shallow, preventing any genuine connection with her character. Additionally, certain plot elements, such as Lilith's time with the Ynarri and the subplot involving the Harlequins, felt underdeveloped and ultimately inconsequential to the overall narrative. These loose ends left a sense of incompleteness and diminished the story's potential.
Despite its flaws, the novel's exploration of the Dark Eldar remains a welcome departure from the usual Warhammer 40k fare. With a more nuanced approach to character development and storytelling, it could have been a truly compelling read.
The narrative faltered in its portrayal of the Dark Eldar. Instead of subtly showcasing their sinister nature through actions and interactions, the author resorted to repetitive and heavy-handed descriptions of their vileness. This constant reiteration of their evil essence became tiresome and ultimately detracted from the reading experience. The narrative would have been far more impactful if it had shown the Dark Eldar's depravity through their deeds and allowed the reader to reach their own conclusions.
Furthermore, the protagonist, Lilith, lacked depth and failed to engage the reader. Her motivations and actions often felt predictable and shallow, preventing any genuine connection with her character. Additionally, certain plot elements, such as Lilith's time with the Ynarri and the subplot involving the Harlequins, felt underdeveloped and ultimately inconsequential to the overall narrative. These loose ends left a sense of incompleteness and diminished the story's potential.
Despite its flaws, the novel's exploration of the Dark Eldar remains a welcome departure from the usual Warhammer 40k fare. With a more nuanced approach to character development and storytelling, it could have been a truly compelling read.
October 8, 2024
Mike Brooks does it again. I am a pulp scifi guy, so I cannot pretend that everything I read in the genre is fine literature. But this book made me care about a part of the 40k universe I had not previously been interested in. Brooks has a knack for making the inhuman denizens of the dark future more approachable and understandable.
I am a fan of fierce redheads (I married one, after all), and this story of a fictional one who is tough, resourceful and thoughtful was a fun read to take my mind off stress at work. I recommend to all fans of the 40k universe and especially for Drukhari fans/faction players.
Worth the price of admission.
I am a fan of fierce redheads (I married one, after all), and this story of a fictional one who is tough, resourceful and thoughtful was a fun read to take my mind off stress at work. I recommend to all fans of the 40k universe and especially for Drukhari fans/faction players.
Worth the price of admission.
June 17, 2024
I really am enjoying the ‘Characters’ series of 40k novels, and while this doesn’t quite reach the heights of Ghazghull (what can?) it’s still an excellent entry in the series.
As an introduction to Drukhari society and culture, it’s excellent- it introduces the main players in Commoragh smoothly and distinguishes between the different subcultures and sects without feeling like Codex Imperialis with a plot. As such, it probably makes a better entry point to understanding the denizens of the Dark City than the previous go-to, Andy Chambers excellent trilogy. It’s come closer than any BL book I recall to including a sex scene, and Brooks does a job job of conveying the importance of sensuality and physical experience to the Drukhari in a very tasteful way. There’s still plenty of blood and guts as well as backstabbing both literal and metaphorical. It feels different to a lot of Mike Brooks’ other works; darker in tone with less of the flippancy- I can’t think of a line of dialogue that went anywhere near being a quip, despite there being a fair amount of verbal sparring.
Brooks is no stranger to breaking new ground in 40k Books and as well as the tasteful panning to curtains as an orgy gets underway, he also gives us a fantastic exploration of a relationship that is unhealthy by modern human standards but almost wholesome by the standards of Commoragh. What form the relationship takes is hard to say, but it’s certainly nuanced and different enough to stand out as Xenos, and somehow feels relatable and convincing.
Far more thought-provoking than I was expecting but still an awful lot of fun.
As an introduction to Drukhari society and culture, it’s excellent- it introduces the main players in Commoragh smoothly and distinguishes between the different subcultures and sects without feeling like Codex Imperialis with a plot. As such, it probably makes a better entry point to understanding the denizens of the Dark City than the previous go-to, Andy Chambers excellent trilogy. It’s come closer than any BL book I recall to including a sex scene, and Brooks does a job job of conveying the importance of sensuality and physical experience to the Drukhari in a very tasteful way. There’s still plenty of blood and guts as well as backstabbing both literal and metaphorical. It feels different to a lot of Mike Brooks’ other works; darker in tone with less of the flippancy- I can’t think of a line of dialogue that went anywhere near being a quip, despite there being a fair amount of verbal sparring.
Brooks is no stranger to breaking new ground in 40k Books and as well as the tasteful panning to curtains as an orgy gets underway, he also gives us a fantastic exploration of a relationship that is unhealthy by modern human standards but almost wholesome by the standards of Commoragh. What form the relationship takes is hard to say, but it’s certainly nuanced and different enough to stand out as Xenos, and somehow feels relatable and convincing.
Far more thought-provoking than I was expecting but still an awful lot of fun.
May 15, 2025
warhammer lesbians owe mike brooks their lives. what a king
May 21, 2025
I wanted to like this because I like Drukhari but something went wrong. It feels like this was written against a very stark deadline and that a good writer was given very little leeway.
Lelith is not a very interesting protagonist. Writing someone who is the absolute best is difficult, because how do you create tension when the fights have been decided beforehand? Where Brooks managed to really hit the bulls eye with two Drukhari grappling with feelings in Da Big Dakka, here it falls flat. I didn't care for Lelith, I didn't care for Morghana. Yeah yeah you're the best.
There is a lot of telling and not showing. We are told Lelith is bad at politics, but then we get pages and pages of her musings on it and she manages to sort of outwit Vect and not fall for his traps?
In some places descriptions are really lacking. We are told Lelith goes to a flesh market and an Emporium - for the love of whomever, please describe what it looks like? I was confused when they started an orgy because I thought "market" meant some open air thing with stalls where slaves would be sold, not the Commoraghan red light district.
Cardboard side-characters, Wraitheye warns Lelith, what for? Handwaved away "because Cegorach".
Then we have sentences like: "... faint variations in tone and texture that gave unending variety".
Which I think a good editor would have caught.
And last little pet peeve, the Ynarri are made to look like incompetent idiots and Yvraine is haughty, petty and disagreeable. Fine if that is Lelith's POV but then give me hints that it's just her interpretation. Also please GW stop beating them down, they're deader than corpse. It's ok. They brought back your precious primarch and can fade into nothingness. No need to drag them through the dirt.
Lelith is not a very interesting protagonist. Writing someone who is the absolute best is difficult, because how do you create tension when the fights have been decided beforehand? Where Brooks managed to really hit the bulls eye with two Drukhari grappling with feelings in Da Big Dakka, here it falls flat. I didn't care for Lelith, I didn't care for Morghana. Yeah yeah you're the best.
There is a lot of telling and not showing. We are told Lelith is bad at politics, but then we get pages and pages of her musings on it and she manages to sort of outwit Vect and not fall for his traps?
In some places descriptions are really lacking. We are told Lelith goes to a flesh market and an Emporium - for the love of whomever, please describe what it looks like? I was confused when they started an orgy because I thought "market" meant some open air thing with stalls where slaves would be sold, not the Commoraghan red light district.
Cardboard side-characters, Wraitheye warns Lelith, what for? Handwaved away "because Cegorach".
Then we have sentences like: "... faint variations in tone and texture that gave unending variety".
Which I think a good editor would have caught.
And last little pet peeve, the Ynarri are made to look like incompetent idiots and Yvraine is haughty, petty and disagreeable. Fine if that is Lelith's POV but then give me hints that it's just her interpretation. Also please GW stop beating them down, they're deader than corpse. It's ok. They brought back your precious primarch and can fade into nothingness. No need to drag them through the dirt.
January 15, 2025
Definitely did not expect an enemies to lovers plot
December 17, 2025
Well, apparently, the author was convinced we won't understand enough from the context that this Lelith is an absolute queen and most capable killer of all Drukhari so he had to point it out about a hundred times throughout the book. This pushed me to the point of almost dropping the book, as it pretty much takes up some 20% of it.
Besides that, there's also the fact that there was no substantial plot to be found and the final revelation is that one of the most fearsome killers in the galaxy has a weakness of being in love and in the end openly shows it. Because that makes complete sense, right, especially for Drukhari?
I was really looking forward to reading this but it left me disappointed in the end.
Besides that, there's also the fact that there was no substantial plot to be found and the final revelation is that one of the most fearsome killers in the galaxy has a weakness of being in love and in the end openly shows it. Because that makes complete sense, right, especially for Drukhari?
I was really looking forward to reading this but it left me disappointed in the end.
August 9, 2024
A bit too short for what I am used to but the story is captivating, it gives us a huge insight in the Drukhari society and the character. This is the way moving forward in the Aeldari books.
September 12, 2024
loved learning more about drukhari politics and seeing commorragh fleshed out, hated lelith as a protagonist, i wish i wasn't constantly told how cool and awesome and strong and scary she is, i wish i was shown all that!
fun book overall, i liked everything else about it, but lelith was so insufferable, i just can't bring myself to give it a higher rating!!!!
fun book overall, i liked everything else about it, but lelith was so insufferable, i just can't bring myself to give it a higher rating!!!!
Read
December 3, 2025As pulpy as genre fiction gets, the primary directive here is to flood your brain with dopamine as often as possible. Still, it accomplishes its goals well — tightly written and expertly paced. Reading too much into Lelith and Morghana's relationship runs the risk of losing chess to a dog, but at least the dog is decent at chess.
June 22, 2024
Big mike brooks fan going back to his keiko trilogy and even bigger drukhari fan. Without spoiling anything, I enjoyed this for the short read that it is but i can help but feel I'm going to forget i even read this in a few months. I found the most interesting character in the book to be the harlequin and left me disapointed that my favorite character in one of the few drukhari focused books wasnt even the main character or drukhari. At least the special edition cover looks bad ass on display.
December 31, 2024
Short, underwhelming and very predictable. It's a pity because Drukhari novels are rather few and far between, and some effort could have been made to cater to their fans.
Not entirely worthless, more of a missed opportunity
Not entirely worthless, more of a missed opportunity
October 28, 2024
Rating of 4.5.
One of the rising stars of Warhammer fiction, Mike Brooks, presents another exciting, character-focused narrative within the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe with awesome novel, Lelith Hesperax: Queen of Knives.
In the far future, the fallen and capricious drukhari heal and hold back the grim prospect of death by inflicting pain on others. The dark streets of their city, Commorragh, run red with blood as millions of prisoners are killed in their gladiatorial arenas to slake their citizens’ bloodlust and need for suffering. To survive in this brutal city, a drukhari needs to be smart, deceitful or a natural killer, and no killer is more revered in Commorragh than Lelith Hesperax.
A legendary gladiator, Lelith Hesperax has long reigned as the Grand Succubus of the most powerful Wych Cult in Commorragh, her blades having carved through thousands of challengers, potential rivals and alien captives. But after years of fighting for herself, Lelith has found a new cause to draw blood for. Abandoning Commorragh, Lelith now fights against daemonic hordes alongside the nomadic cultists of the Ynnead, who seek a different way to survive as a species. However, while she’s been away, new rivals strike at Lelith’s holdings back at Commorragh.
Warned by the mysterious Harlequins of a rising threat against her, Lelith returns to Commorragh to find that much has changed. Her Cult of Strife is no longer feared or respected, and many of the city’s inhabitants openly plot against her and her followers. Shocked at how far her status has fallen in her absence, Lelith knows that the only person capable of causing this much disruption to her empire is the undisputed ruler of Commorragh, Asdrubael Vect. Forced to contend against the schemes of a master manipulator, Lelith believes that the only way to survive is to remind the city just how dangerous she is. But with Vect’s web of manipulation surrounding her, can even Lelith cut herself free, especially when her opponent forces her to fight against the only person in Commorragh she doesn’t want to kill?
Mike Brooks continues to showcase just how good he is at bringing the various complex figures of the Warhammer 40,000 universe to life with this exciting new read. Expertly capturing the legendary drukhari killer, Lelith Hesperax: Queen of Knives was an awesome and captivating read I had a lot of fun getting through.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/10/28/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
One of the rising stars of Warhammer fiction, Mike Brooks, presents another exciting, character-focused narrative within the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe with awesome novel, Lelith Hesperax: Queen of Knives.
In the far future, the fallen and capricious drukhari heal and hold back the grim prospect of death by inflicting pain on others. The dark streets of their city, Commorragh, run red with blood as millions of prisoners are killed in their gladiatorial arenas to slake their citizens’ bloodlust and need for suffering. To survive in this brutal city, a drukhari needs to be smart, deceitful or a natural killer, and no killer is more revered in Commorragh than Lelith Hesperax.
A legendary gladiator, Lelith Hesperax has long reigned as the Grand Succubus of the most powerful Wych Cult in Commorragh, her blades having carved through thousands of challengers, potential rivals and alien captives. But after years of fighting for herself, Lelith has found a new cause to draw blood for. Abandoning Commorragh, Lelith now fights against daemonic hordes alongside the nomadic cultists of the Ynnead, who seek a different way to survive as a species. However, while she’s been away, new rivals strike at Lelith’s holdings back at Commorragh.
Warned by the mysterious Harlequins of a rising threat against her, Lelith returns to Commorragh to find that much has changed. Her Cult of Strife is no longer feared or respected, and many of the city’s inhabitants openly plot against her and her followers. Shocked at how far her status has fallen in her absence, Lelith knows that the only person capable of causing this much disruption to her empire is the undisputed ruler of Commorragh, Asdrubael Vect. Forced to contend against the schemes of a master manipulator, Lelith believes that the only way to survive is to remind the city just how dangerous she is. But with Vect’s web of manipulation surrounding her, can even Lelith cut herself free, especially when her opponent forces her to fight against the only person in Commorragh she doesn’t want to kill?
Mike Brooks continues to showcase just how good he is at bringing the various complex figures of the Warhammer 40,000 universe to life with this exciting new read. Expertly capturing the legendary drukhari killer, Lelith Hesperax: Queen of Knives was an awesome and captivating read I had a lot of fun getting through.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/10/28/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
December 4, 2024
Two words can describe this great book: Deadly & Beautiful
Similar words could be used to describe the otherworldly woman that the book follows. Lelith Hesperax is nothing short of a unmeasurable badass drukhari who has lived centuries not only because her blood allows it, but by how lethal she is. I was always fascinated by her, and her wych cult. She is a main reasons as to why I love the drukhari as much as I do. Not even Dark Lord of the darkest city in space could ever make her kneel or bind her to anything. The audio book version had captivated me not only due to the wonderful narrator but how descriptive the world building was. Time flew while listening to this lethal tale that delivered exactly what I had wanted when it comes to the drukhari. Though I was very surprised by the underlying plot of romance and longing, or well as close to that feeling that the drukhari can come to anyways. Extreme is an understatement in how they feel and react to any and all emotions. So by threatening someone's life, yet not wanting the one who you threaten to die by any other hand than your own is the closest I think Lelith could ever come to admitting she cares for the fate of another. I felt the tension between her and Morgana immediately, and was dying to know how they would come out on top of a situation even the most cunning of drukhari would struggle with.
5/5 Bloodbrides - This was a great listen! If you love the drukhari, badass lethal women, lethal fighting, or have an interest int eh Warhammer 40k universe in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book!
I loved a lot of quotes in this book but here are some of my favorites! - They are even more impactful with context
"I do not fear weakness. I am the queen of knives, who is going to tell me that I cannot be weak?"
"She extended a hand. Lelith took it and Morgana pulled her close. --- "Glorying that this perfect killing machine was at least partially hers, now. -- You fascinate me.."
Similar words could be used to describe the otherworldly woman that the book follows. Lelith Hesperax is nothing short of a unmeasurable badass drukhari who has lived centuries not only because her blood allows it, but by how lethal she is. I was always fascinated by her, and her wych cult. She is a main reasons as to why I love the drukhari as much as I do. Not even Dark Lord of the darkest city in space could ever make her kneel or bind her to anything. The audio book version had captivated me not only due to the wonderful narrator but how descriptive the world building was. Time flew while listening to this lethal tale that delivered exactly what I had wanted when it comes to the drukhari. Though I was very surprised by the underlying plot of romance and longing, or well as close to that feeling that the drukhari can come to anyways. Extreme is an understatement in how they feel and react to any and all emotions. So by threatening someone's life, yet not wanting the one who you threaten to die by any other hand than your own is the closest I think Lelith could ever come to admitting she cares for the fate of another. I felt the tension between her and Morgana immediately, and was dying to know how they would come out on top of a situation even the most cunning of drukhari would struggle with.
5/5 Bloodbrides - This was a great listen! If you love the drukhari, badass lethal women, lethal fighting, or have an interest int eh Warhammer 40k universe in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book!
I loved a lot of quotes in this book but here are some of my favorites! - They are even more impactful with context
"I do not fear weakness. I am the queen of knives, who is going to tell me that I cannot be weak?"
"She extended a hand. Lelith took it and Morgana pulled her close. --- "Glorying that this perfect killing machine was at least partially hers, now. -- You fascinate me.."
June 22, 2024
It is always refreshing to read any lore on Xenos in a universe which is overwhelmingly human focused.
This book perfectly captures Dark Aeldar society and the inner workings of their cruel and shallow city. Lelith is a fantastic character, this is somewhat due to her involvement in the Ynnari which shows that there is more to her than killing (which we all know is her favourite passtime) and that she does want to see the Ynnari succeed albeit when it suits her.
The plot keeps you entertained throughout and will leave you in awe and distaste for Lelith in equal measure which is a sign of Mike's excellent character writing. Great job Mike, you continue to show your skill as a Warhammer writer.
This book perfectly captures Dark Aeldar society and the inner workings of their cruel and shallow city. Lelith is a fantastic character, this is somewhat due to her involvement in the Ynnari which shows that there is more to her than killing (which we all know is her favourite passtime) and that she does want to see the Ynnari succeed albeit when it suits her.
The plot keeps you entertained throughout and will leave you in awe and distaste for Lelith in equal measure which is a sign of Mike's excellent character writing. Great job Mike, you continue to show your skill as a Warhammer writer.
July 4, 2024
Mike Brooks has made a habit of writing some fantastic 40K fiction recently, and this is no exception.
Taking on another ‘evil villain’ much akin to his books on Ufthak Blackhawk, Mike doesn’t disappoint with his characterisation of a somewhat unlikable lead character.
The short format does limit what can be done and how far the novel can spread; and the need to update the reader on just who Lelith is, and how Drukhari society works does limit the breadth of the overall story.
However, it’s a fast paced novel, with great characters, detailing lesser storied races and helping to flesh out the greater 40K universe. Another must read for anyone who wants to explore the non-Space Marine parts of 40K.
Taking on another ‘evil villain’ much akin to his books on Ufthak Blackhawk, Mike doesn’t disappoint with his characterisation of a somewhat unlikable lead character.
The short format does limit what can be done and how far the novel can spread; and the need to update the reader on just who Lelith is, and how Drukhari society works does limit the breadth of the overall story.
However, it’s a fast paced novel, with great characters, detailing lesser storied races and helping to flesh out the greater 40K universe. Another must read for anyone who wants to explore the non-Space Marine parts of 40K.
September 24, 2025
Mike Brooks is one of the better writers on the BL roster. Drukhari is one of my favorite factions in 40k and Lelith is one of my favorite characters. This is a perfect match. And for the most part I think this is a pretty badass book that did justice to the queen of knives and the Drukhari. Two problems. One, book was way to short. Two, that ending! Come on man.
Spoilers.
Having any sort of weakness in the Drukhari society is literally a death sentence, right? Even if you're the best of the best. And displaying that weakness in front of Vect and (I'm assuming) some of the highest individuals of Commorragh isn't probably going to end up very well. I don't know. It just didn't feel like a Drukhari thing to do.
End spoilers
Spoilers.
Having any sort of weakness in the Drukhari society is literally a death sentence, right? Even if you're the best of the best. And displaying that weakness in front of Vect and (I'm assuming) some of the highest individuals of Commorragh isn't probably going to end up very well. I don't know. It just didn't feel like a Drukhari thing to do.
End spoilers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
A Sharp, Savage Intro to the Drukhari
This was my first dive into the world of the Drukhari, and Queen of Knives delivered exactly what the title promises—knives, chaos, and a whole lot of carnage. The story is short and doesn’t leave much impact on the wider universe, but it’s a fun, brutal ride while it lasts.
I really enjoyed learning about their homeworld and twisted way of life. The action is cruel, stylish, and intense—just what you'd expect from the sadistic space elves of Warhammer 40K.
As a newcomer to the Drukhari, I was a bit lost at times with the terminology and lore, but it didn’t ruin the experience. If anything, it made me want to read more and dig deeper into their culture and history.
This was my first dive into the world of the Drukhari, and Queen of Knives delivered exactly what the title promises—knives, chaos, and a whole lot of carnage. The story is short and doesn’t leave much impact on the wider universe, but it’s a fun, brutal ride while it lasts.
I really enjoyed learning about their homeworld and twisted way of life. The action is cruel, stylish, and intense—just what you'd expect from the sadistic space elves of Warhammer 40K.
As a newcomer to the Drukhari, I was a bit lost at times with the terminology and lore, but it didn’t ruin the experience. If anything, it made me want to read more and dig deeper into their culture and history.
September 7, 2024
3.5 stars. I absolutely loved the descriptions of various denizens of the dark city and the power dynamics between the various Kabals, Cults, and Covens. This aspect alone makes it worth reading especially if you are a Drukhari fan. Lelith’s character was written pretty well giving me a fun internal perspective behind the plastic figure I like so much. I’m down for short novels but in a way I feel like this one was too short. It seemed to end fairly abruptly. When I heard “epilogue” I was at a point where I felt things had just gotten laid out and started. I hope that Brooks continues writing the dark kin!
October 10, 2024
So this was the first book I have read by this author. I read a lot of 40k books and I enjoy the Dark Eldar so I was looking forward to this and it largely lived up. It's very short, my edition was 183 pages, and a lot of that is dedicated to set dressing, and it tells the story it wants to tell competently.
But at the end of it, despite having enjoyed it, I was still left wondering if this was needed? We get so few looks into Dark Eldar society and this one was devoted to the main character awkwardly asking here crush out. For all the good it does it does feel like wasted potential.
But at the end of it, despite having enjoyed it, I was still left wondering if this was needed? We get so few looks into Dark Eldar society and this one was devoted to the main character awkwardly asking here crush out. For all the good it does it does feel like wasted potential.
February 24, 2025
I really, really loved this book. It is much faster-paced than Morvenn Vahl: Spear of Faith, but I would still consider the beginning a bit slow. This book is centered around the dark space elves of Warhammer 40K. Without spoiling much, this is the 40K equivalent of a romance book. I have no idea if Mike Brooks meant for that to happen or not. It doesn't start out like one and it feels like it just developed along the way. You don't need to read anything else to understand this one. I highly recommend it giving this one a try!
October 4, 2025
A very brief but enjoyable time with the stab-and-slice queen of the Drukhari.
Despite being heavy on exposition, the spaces between are fun and I enjoyed how the book manages to balance subverting expectations whilst keeping to the overall ethos and attitudes you'd expect from 40k's sadistic torture elves. The action is good, the dialogue is silly but just right for the setting, but the real high point for me was how certain characters have to deal with what are essentially alien emotions, and how they struggle to make sense of them in the context of their society.
Despite being heavy on exposition, the spaces between are fun and I enjoyed how the book manages to balance subverting expectations whilst keeping to the overall ethos and attitudes you'd expect from 40k's sadistic torture elves. The action is good, the dialogue is silly but just right for the setting, but the real high point for me was how certain characters have to deal with what are essentially alien emotions, and how they struggle to make sense of them in the context of their society.
December 5, 2025
The look into Drukhari culture and politics was fun -- they're so messy and stabby and a little tragic and Commoragh is, well, *Commoragh*. I was also particularly intrigued by Yvraine and the Ynnari -- this was my first time meeting them and I'm going to have to go back and do some further reading (though I appreciated the background Brooks provided -- very accessible to a newcomer like me!)
Lelith started out with a single personality trait: *Knives*. But the story (and Lelith) got more interesting as the story went on and the ending was a nice surprise.
Lelith started out with a single personality trait: *Knives*. But the story (and Lelith) got more interesting as the story went on and the ending was a nice surprise.
July 28, 2024
Fantastic
Mike Brooks showed he understands the Drukhari in my favorite of his books. Taking ques from classic drukhari stories like Dark Son and Mistress Baeda's Gift he manages to bring that depth to the drukhari that will surprise many not familiar with them. Long time Drukhari fans will not be disappointed either as Lelith is given the interesting character arc she deserves.
Mike Brooks showed he understands the Drukhari in my favorite of his books. Taking ques from classic drukhari stories like Dark Son and Mistress Baeda's Gift he manages to bring that depth to the drukhari that will surprise many not familiar with them. Long time Drukhari fans will not be disappointed either as Lelith is given the interesting character arc she deserves.
August 22, 2024
If you like warhammer this is a fun book. Period. Insightful look into drukhari society with a perspective human enough to make it relatable but still evil enough to feel authentically drukhari. Also it’s a secret lesbian romance novel so that’s always fun
Important note: listen to the audible version, the narration is amazing, the first warhammer audiobook I’ve listened to where the battle scenes are actually fun to listen to.
Important note: listen to the audible version, the narration is amazing, the first warhammer audiobook I’ve listened to where the battle scenes are actually fun to listen to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
One of my favorite things a book can do, either in fiction or nonfiction, is to immerse me into a value system or way of thinking that is utterly alien to my own and make me understand it and maybe even buy into it a little. Brooks does that masterfully in this. Now I’m going to work hard not to start a Drukhari army. Step one: read a bunch of negative reviews that I’m willing to bet all contain the word “woke.”
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