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Morvenn Vahl: Spear of Faith
A Warhammer 40,000 Adepta Sororitas Novel
Morvenn Vahl is the Abbess Sanctorum and a High Lord of Terra, a warrior born and a faithful daughter of the Emperor. Yet she is only mortal, performing no miracles, untouched by divinity, and though she was chosen not by the Master of Mankind but by his living thralls, the faith is hers to command and to protect.
READ IT BECAUSE
It’s a story of doubt and faith. It’s a story of the light of the God-Emperor against the darkness of the Night Lords. Can Morvenn Vahl lead the faithful to triumph, or will Ophelia VII fall to the traitors?
THE STORY
When a monster from myth threatens the cardinal world of Ophelia VII, Morvenn Vahl defies the Senatorum Imperialis and heads to the planet's defence. There, she finds a world in terror – the warlord Kol Rakhul, known as the Death of Saints, has come for the faithful and, with his Heldrake and a host of Night Lords at his back, plans to enshroud the world in flame and blood.
This is a reckoning. A holy world is being defiled, and in its defence, Morvenn Vahl must wield an army of Living Saints to stand a hope of survival, let alone victory.
Morvenn Vahl is the Abbess Sanctorum and a High Lord of Terra, a warrior born and a faithful daughter of the Emperor. Yet she is only mortal, performing no miracles, untouched by divinity, and though she was chosen not by the Master of Mankind but by his living thralls, the faith is hers to command and to protect.
READ IT BECAUSE
It’s a story of doubt and faith. It’s a story of the light of the God-Emperor against the darkness of the Night Lords. Can Morvenn Vahl lead the faithful to triumph, or will Ophelia VII fall to the traitors?
THE STORY
When a monster from myth threatens the cardinal world of Ophelia VII, Morvenn Vahl defies the Senatorum Imperialis and heads to the planet's defence. There, she finds a world in terror – the warlord Kol Rakhul, known as the Death of Saints, has come for the faithful and, with his Heldrake and a host of Night Lords at his back, plans to enshroud the world in flame and blood.
This is a reckoning. A holy world is being defiled, and in its defence, Morvenn Vahl must wield an army of Living Saints to stand a hope of survival, let alone victory.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2024
67 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 1, 2024
All I wanted was three hundred pages of space nuns stabbing and shooting things, and this gave me exactly that, so I am happy.
September 17, 2024
It's not often that I leave a written review on my goodreads rating, but considering how bad the book was, I felt obliged.
It feels like the author doesn't understand certain aspects of the 40k universe. The bits about space warfare were a huge letdown.
Moreover, I feel like there's no logical string to the story whatsoever. It really makes you wonder why the plot is happening in the first place.
It doesn't help that the story is written in present tense. IMHO, it's very hard to pull off and works only in some very specific context.
It feels like the author doesn't understand certain aspects of the 40k universe. The bits about space warfare were a huge letdown.
Moreover, I feel like there's no logical string to the story whatsoever. It really makes you wonder why the plot is happening in the first place.
It doesn't help that the story is written in present tense. IMHO, it's very hard to pull off and works only in some very specific context.
November 6, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this book, my only gripe with it and why I did not give it 5 stars is that I thought Lethes story was pointless. Whenever it came up in the book I sighed because it had no real effect on the story, just showed how cruel both the sisters and the night lords could be. Otherwise I really enjoyed this book, as it showed that while the sisters are the most faithful to the imperium that they are not without their faults either.
September 30, 2024
I wasn't entirely sold on this at first, but I am very glad I stuck with it.
For the first little while with this book I was thinking how Morvenn is getting overshadowed by The Death of Saints. I really was enjoying his character and the flashbacks to his childhood were some real highlights, and I love the Night Lords... but I came here for Morvenn Vahl!
Then, when Reid actually gets down to the meat and bones of her protagonist, displaying her inner conflicts, having her dialogue with other characters forge her into an actual Abbess Sanctorum, that's when this really shines. Her character arc is great. She takes a more of a backseat towards the beginning of the novel because she *is* unsure. She is put in situations she struggles to control, like void warfare on someone else's ship, for example. But that great conversation, after Morvenn is looking for a miracle and her battle sister says, 'No, we prayed for the miracle, and here you are.' That's really great stuff. Grounds the faith element of the Adepta Sororitas in a way that goes beyond miracles and shining lights of the God-Emperor. Her willpower is miracle enough, and it's that revelation that leads her to winning the war, beheading that bastard, and stepping up to lead in a more concrete and fulfilling manner.
Great read by the end, and I'd actually say that Jude Reid should explore some dirty, grimy heretics more closely in the future much in the same manner she did here, maybe as the protagonists?
Oh also Lethe is great. I love a 'human caught in the affairs of the gods' kind of subplot.
For the first little while with this book I was thinking how Morvenn is getting overshadowed by The Death of Saints. I really was enjoying his character and the flashbacks to his childhood were some real highlights, and I love the Night Lords... but I came here for Morvenn Vahl!
Then, when Reid actually gets down to the meat and bones of her protagonist, displaying her inner conflicts, having her dialogue with other characters forge her into an actual Abbess Sanctorum, that's when this really shines. Her character arc is great. She takes a more of a backseat towards the beginning of the novel because she *is* unsure. She is put in situations she struggles to control, like void warfare on someone else's ship, for example. But that great conversation, after Morvenn is looking for a miracle and her battle sister says, 'No, we prayed for the miracle, and here you are.' That's really great stuff. Grounds the faith element of the Adepta Sororitas in a way that goes beyond miracles and shining lights of the God-Emperor. Her willpower is miracle enough, and it's that revelation that leads her to winning the war, beheading that bastard, and stepping up to lead in a more concrete and fulfilling manner.
Great read by the end, and I'd actually say that Jude Reid should explore some dirty, grimy heretics more closely in the future much in the same manner she did here, maybe as the protagonists?
Oh also Lethe is great. I love a 'human caught in the affairs of the gods' kind of subplot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
A Nail-Biting Slog
This book gave me so much anxiety for what might come next. Each chapter led me deeper and deeper into the intoxicating cocktail of hope and despair that has been woven together as wet follow the Sisters of Battle and their fight for their most holy of worlds.
This book gave me so much anxiety for what might come next. Each chapter led me deeper and deeper into the intoxicating cocktail of hope and despair that has been woven together as wet follow the Sisters of Battle and their fight for their most holy of worlds.
July 29, 2025
I really tried to like this book.
Unfortunately, Spear of Faith reads like glorified bolter porn—and not even a particularly good one. Morvenn Vahl, despite her lofty title as Abbess Sanctorum and High Lord of Terra, is written with the depth and gravitas of a standard Sister Superior. There’s almost no character development, no internal conflict, and no meaningful growth. She comes across less like a stateswoman or a spiritual leader and more like a cardboard cutout in perpetual righteous rage mode.
And then there’s the armor.
It’s honestly comical how she struts around in her gigantic Paragon war suit all the time. Not even Horus walked around his own battleship fully armored. Is this some kind of overcompensation? Does the Abbess even own casual wear? The visual borders on parody—it’s hard to take her seriously when she’s essentially cosplaying a walking cathedral 24/7.
The one actual bright spot is the Night Lords antagonist—dramatically dubbed the “Death of Saints.” He had potential: brooding, brutal, and genuinely intimidating. But alas, he ends up playing the role of episodic supervillain and dies in the most anticlimactic way imaginable. What could have been a compelling arc fizzles into trope.
And yes, I do like the Adeptus Sororitas faction. I’ve enjoyed Mark of Faith, Fire & Faith, and even Pilgrims of Fire. This, however, doesn’t do the faction justice. It mistakes spectacle for substance, and iconography for identity.
Disappointing.
Unfortunately, Spear of Faith reads like glorified bolter porn—and not even a particularly good one. Morvenn Vahl, despite her lofty title as Abbess Sanctorum and High Lord of Terra, is written with the depth and gravitas of a standard Sister Superior. There’s almost no character development, no internal conflict, and no meaningful growth. She comes across less like a stateswoman or a spiritual leader and more like a cardboard cutout in perpetual righteous rage mode.
And then there’s the armor.
It’s honestly comical how she struts around in her gigantic Paragon war suit all the time. Not even Horus walked around his own battleship fully armored. Is this some kind of overcompensation? Does the Abbess even own casual wear? The visual borders on parody—it’s hard to take her seriously when she’s essentially cosplaying a walking cathedral 24/7.
The one actual bright spot is the Night Lords antagonist—dramatically dubbed the “Death of Saints.” He had potential: brooding, brutal, and genuinely intimidating. But alas, he ends up playing the role of episodic supervillain and dies in the most anticlimactic way imaginable. What could have been a compelling arc fizzles into trope.
And yes, I do like the Adeptus Sororitas faction. I’ve enjoyed Mark of Faith, Fire & Faith, and even Pilgrims of Fire. This, however, doesn’t do the faction justice. It mistakes spectacle for substance, and iconography for identity.
Disappointing.
August 3, 2025
Out of all characters in this book, the titular one, Morvenn, must've been the most plain of them all. This goes for a lot of hyper religious characters, where their main drive is their faith. The character of The Death Of Saints and especially my girl Lethe were in opposition, very enjoyable.
February 9, 2025
LISTEN: Mecha-Nun kills a dragon and a cosmic horror fuckboi is vibes guys.
Jude Reid is by far one of my favourite Black Library authors, can't wait to see what she does next.
Jude Reid is by far one of my favourite Black Library authors, can't wait to see what she does next.
February 13, 2025
Morvenn Vahl: Spear of Faith is hamstrung by its genre and setting, turning it from what could have been a journey of self discovery and overcoming ones faults to grow into leadership when it is demanded of them, into something more akin to a good early 2000s action movie. It's not bad, but the potential so visibly left on the table leaves a bittersweet taste in the mouth.
Morvenn Vahl is the primary and titular character, the head of the Adeptus Sororitas - an order of futuristic battle nuns. If you're new to this setting, stop here. This book is not an introduction to the world of Warhammer - it is instead deep in the mythos already, and takes no time bothering to get you up to speed with the state of things. Instead of painting a clear picture of the general setting, it paints one of Vahl. A brash woman that is unsure of herself, quick to temper, and lacking in subtlety in both the arts of politics and war. When called to defend an important and holy world, she's forced to contend with both an enemy more cunning than her, and her own self doubt in order to win the day.
The most fun to be had is in the front to back action. The fights are well described and visceral, if tending towards long winded in moments. Jude Reid is excellent at setting the scene and especially at making the enemy a real threat. In addition, time is spent early on to remind you that the protagonists aren't necessarily the good guys - as they support incredibly awful practices that may see you silently hoping neither force makes it out alive. But when they clash she makes sure it is a spectacle that utilises much of the settings most enjoyable elements.
The issues tend to turn their heads when it comes to the characters. The primary cast sees far less development than one would think - and this is mostly noticeable in Vahl. Throughout the book, Vahl makes fairly boneheaded tactical choices. She angers allies, runs headfirst into battle, and does little to truly try to understand her much more tactically minded foe. She's confronted on this, her self doubt, and her faith throughout - and though her self doubt and faith reach a modestly reasonable conclusion - her ability falls flat. She does make some choices near the end of the book that let be a more levelheaded commander, but this is still a warhammer action novel. She must duel the big monsters, and fight the big bad guy alone. Even if it means abandoning that part of the character arc to do it.
She's not the only one to suffer in this regard. The supporting cast do not get the time you'd want. A lot of Vahls issues are internal, and being a stoic general means facing them alone. The other primary perspective of a slave freed by the Night Lords and taken in by their leader is also missing a strong supporting cast. The evil, murdering, space marines are fun and their petty squabbles are handled well enough, but much of the book lacks the build up of its cast in order to facilitate the action.
This isn't to say this is a Do Not Read. If you're interested in either the sisters of battle, the Night lords, or enjoy the setting than this is a perfectly fine, easy read. Though not the settings best, Spear of Faith manages to be enjoyable front to back.
Morvenn Vahl is the primary and titular character, the head of the Adeptus Sororitas - an order of futuristic battle nuns. If you're new to this setting, stop here. This book is not an introduction to the world of Warhammer - it is instead deep in the mythos already, and takes no time bothering to get you up to speed with the state of things. Instead of painting a clear picture of the general setting, it paints one of Vahl. A brash woman that is unsure of herself, quick to temper, and lacking in subtlety in both the arts of politics and war. When called to defend an important and holy world, she's forced to contend with both an enemy more cunning than her, and her own self doubt in order to win the day.
The most fun to be had is in the front to back action. The fights are well described and visceral, if tending towards long winded in moments. Jude Reid is excellent at setting the scene and especially at making the enemy a real threat. In addition, time is spent early on to remind you that the protagonists aren't necessarily the good guys - as they support incredibly awful practices that may see you silently hoping neither force makes it out alive. But when they clash she makes sure it is a spectacle that utilises much of the settings most enjoyable elements.
The issues tend to turn their heads when it comes to the characters. The primary cast sees far less development than one would think - and this is mostly noticeable in Vahl. Throughout the book, Vahl makes fairly boneheaded tactical choices. She angers allies, runs headfirst into battle, and does little to truly try to understand her much more tactically minded foe. She's confronted on this, her self doubt, and her faith throughout - and though her self doubt and faith reach a modestly reasonable conclusion - her ability falls flat. She does make some choices near the end of the book that let be a more levelheaded commander, but this is still a warhammer action novel. She must duel the big monsters, and fight the big bad guy alone. Even if it means abandoning that part of the character arc to do it.
She's not the only one to suffer in this regard. The supporting cast do not get the time you'd want. A lot of Vahls issues are internal, and being a stoic general means facing them alone. The other primary perspective of a slave freed by the Night Lords and taken in by their leader is also missing a strong supporting cast. The evil, murdering, space marines are fun and their petty squabbles are handled well enough, but much of the book lacks the build up of its cast in order to facilitate the action.
This isn't to say this is a Do Not Read. If you're interested in either the sisters of battle, the Night lords, or enjoy the setting than this is a perfectly fine, easy read. Though not the settings best, Spear of Faith manages to be enjoyable front to back.
September 25, 2024
I think there’s potential here, but that the book doesn’t quite reach it. The idea of contrasting the faithless, terrifying Night Lords and devout, inspiring Sisters of Battle is both ingenious and not obvious. The scenes paralleling The Death of Saints (who is supremely self-confident and rules through terror) with Morvenn (who is much less self-assured and leads by example) are very good. And a lot of the action kicks ass (in particular, there’s a scene where Morvenn fights a dragon that rules). But, aside from Morvenn and The Death’s, the characters are pretty undercooked. And the plotting is very messy for this kind of book, with weird niggling details (an unpowered blade cutting through ceramite, Sisters of Battle apparently marching as quickly as marines deploying via airship) and oddly dangling threads (Morvenn’s brief idolization of Elena, the strange business with the prophecy). I think Jude Reid has a great warhammer book in her, but didn’t quite produce one here. Still, it’s pretty entertaining, and there is good stuff in it. I would have given it 3.5 stars if goodreads let me.
January 13, 2026
An uneven adventure that redeems itself by the end.
It suffers from a few too many boring battles, and it takes until nearly the last third of the book for Morvenn's own characterisation to start kicking in proper. Themes of pride, faith, doubt and leadership are all present with some nice exchanges, but takes time to fully develop and leaves our Abbess a little bland until events start to creep under her skin.
The writing itself is solid for the most part, but the over the top battle cries and proclamations, while making sense within the world of 40k, often jar with its attempts at pathos. That being said, there were a fair few moments before the final reckoning that had my eyes a bit misty.
Also on the plus side, the antagonists are excellent and Jude Reid really embraces the brutality of 40k, the inherent unfairness at the heart of the galaxy where death can and will claim anyone.
It suffers from a few too many boring battles, and it takes until nearly the last third of the book for Morvenn's own characterisation to start kicking in proper. Themes of pride, faith, doubt and leadership are all present with some nice exchanges, but takes time to fully develop and leaves our Abbess a little bland until events start to creep under her skin.
The writing itself is solid for the most part, but the over the top battle cries and proclamations, while making sense within the world of 40k, often jar with its attempts at pathos. That being said, there were a fair few moments before the final reckoning that had my eyes a bit misty.
Also on the plus side, the antagonists are excellent and Jude Reid really embraces the brutality of 40k, the inherent unfairness at the heart of the galaxy where death can and will claim anyone.
September 20, 2024
Jude Reid is fast becoming one of my favourite authors from the Black Library. I managed to get one of the sumptuous mega editions and it’s now taking pride of place in my office!
I didn’t known much about Morvenn Vahl beyond painting her miniature. It’s not often we get to spend time with a High Lord of Terra. Jude Reid not only made her feel like a real person, but she also made the (cool but rather impractical) armour she wears feel natural and realistic.
Ophelia VII under attack by the Night Lords is a great premise and it was interesting to see how it tied into the invasion of the Tyrant of the Blueflame.
Also, no spoilers, but the final scene of the book… Holy hell. I didn’t see that coming.
I didn’t known much about Morvenn Vahl beyond painting her miniature. It’s not often we get to spend time with a High Lord of Terra. Jude Reid not only made her feel like a real person, but she also made the (cool but rather impractical) armour she wears feel natural and realistic.
Ophelia VII under attack by the Night Lords is a great premise and it was interesting to see how it tied into the invasion of the Tyrant of the Blueflame.
Also, no spoilers, but the final scene of the book… Holy hell. I didn’t see that coming.
November 19, 2025
While not the best that the Black Library has to offer, this dense novel rewards the reader with interesting shifts from one point of view to the other - we see a "young" Morvenn Vahl coming to grips with the duty of command, an unwillingly aspiring young saint facing the unknowability of faith, an escapee from the mines drawn to the dark(er) side, and the background of one of the more fascinating villains in the franchise - the Death of Saints. The action is tight, almost unputdownable, and the descriptions of architectural grandeur provide a solid background to the internal turmoil of the protagonists. It's a good read, that would have benefitted from just a slightly more polished work on the introspections of the characters - especially, Aleyna.
December 12, 2025
Actual rating would be 3½ stars. I hadn't expected to read this book, having little interest in the Adepta Sororitas, until I watched a Warhammer lore video about the Death of Saints. Since reading
Night Lords: The Omnibus
, I've been curious to find out more about the Night Lords. The book doesn't offer that much backstory, but I thought Kol Rakhul's origin was compelling.
The book was competently written and the characters interesting. In the end, I enjoyed it, though it wasn't my favorite Black Library book. Not the fault of the writer—I think it's just a matter of what I prefer to read about in the Warhammer universe.
The book was competently written and the characters interesting. In the end, I enjoyed it, though it wasn't my favorite Black Library book. Not the fault of the writer—I think it's just a matter of what I prefer to read about in the Warhammer universe.
November 17, 2024
Took a bit of time to settle into a rhythm and the standard detailed, grimy human suffering you get in sisters’ books felt very heavy early on.
Morvenn feels like a well-rounded character and her flaws made her human and more likeable in my opinion.
The fight scenes were a a little bolter porn-y but there were some satisfying clashes and the Big Bad felt like they had it coming, even if their flaws were on show, too.
Morvenn feels like a well-rounded character and her flaws made her human and more likeable in my opinion.
The fight scenes were a a little bolter porn-y but there were some satisfying clashes and the Big Bad felt like they had it coming, even if their flaws were on show, too.
December 28, 2025
As a Night Lords player, I really liked the villain of this book.
Otherwise, this is pretty much bolter-porn, with the probably most whiny and pathetic Lord of Terra (Morvenn Vahl) known to the Imperium of Man. She constantly questions herself and lacks most of the self-rightiousness and self-confidence a High Lord should possess, especially the leader of the Sororitas!
Entertaining, but in the end, inconsequential.
Otherwise, this is pretty much bolter-porn, with the probably most whiny and pathetic Lord of Terra (Morvenn Vahl) known to the Imperium of Man. She constantly questions herself and lacks most of the self-rightiousness and self-confidence a High Lord should possess, especially the leader of the Sororitas!
Entertaining, but in the end, inconsequential.
December 12, 2024
Great fun, really enjoyed this book for the most part. The only thing that keeps it from a 5 star for me is they spend so much time describing rotting bodies that it gets repetitive, and it doesn’t add anything except for the grossness of it. Not to mention it distracts from when it could be very impactful (like when a certain characters head gets delivered in a box).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
This author is an excellent new addition to the already incredible crew writing for Games Workshop. She nailed this one. I am an unapologetic Night Lords fan and the primary antagonist in this did not disappoint. Excellently written, action-packed, and a depth of characters on all sides that delivered fully.
January 26, 2026
Character-driven 40K novel that makes Morvenn Vahl feel like a real leader—not just a symbol. It balances battlefield intensity with the politics, faith, and pressure that come with being Abbess Sanctorum, while keeping the Sisters’ zeal and atmosphere front and center. If you want bolter-fire action and a sharper look at what the Ecclesiarchy demands of its champions.
September 13, 2024
The entire story is written in present tense, which I'm simply unable to cope with as a writing style. Hugely disappointing since I collect all the Adeptas Sororitas books and was really looking forward to reading this one.
September 16, 2024
Wow. What a read!! Jude Reed brings Morvenn Vahl to life and then some. It’s a big book but it’s full of character and action. I loved her take on the Night Lords. The death of saints is possibly my favourite Night Lords character since ADB’s stuff.
October 9, 2025
Good Read
Really good read and good insight into the second fight for Ophelia VII. Awesome to see a High Lord that is a warrior first, fighting to clasp the role of leadership. Overall to the timeline it's only important if you are reading Battle Sisters Lore.
Really good read and good insight into the second fight for Ophelia VII. Awesome to see a High Lord that is a warrior first, fighting to clasp the role of leadership. Overall to the timeline it's only important if you are reading Battle Sisters Lore.
September 10, 2024
This was fun to read! Action packed, fast moving and easy to understand, with interesting characters. More like this, please.
September 15, 2024
The best Sororitas novel since Mark of Faith!!
January 31, 2025
Great book, thrilling and well written with a nasty but interesting villain. I am enjoying the books published by this 40k author Jude Reid.
October 21, 2025
First Warhammer book and I was expecting kinda bad writing but it was engaging, fun, energetic, and really fast to get through. Hype for more.
November 17, 2025
Very fun and a good introduction into Sororitas stories for me.
August 14, 2024
English version read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews