Warhammer Día de la Ascensión

by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ariadna Cruz González (Translator)

A Genestealer Cults Novel

The people of forge world Morod have found a new hope against despair and toil. The long-awaited angels are close, and the cult must prepare for their coming.

READ IT BECAUSE
Acclaimed science fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky's first full-length work for Black Library takes the form of Day of Ascension, in which the populace of the forge world of Morod grow weary of the backbreaking work and injustice of their lives. But how far will they go to achieve change?

THE STORY
On the forge world of Morod, the machines never stop and the work never ends. The population toils in the mines and factoria to protect humanity from the monsters in the void, while the Adeptus Mechanicus enjoy lives of palatial comfort.

Genetor Gammat Triskellian seeks to end this stagnant corruption. When he learns of a twisted congregation operating within the shadows, one which believes that the tech-priests are keeping people from their true salvation – a long-prophesied union with angels – he sees in them an opportunity to bring down Morod's masters and reclaim the world in the name of progress.

But sometimes, the only hope for real change lies in the coming of monsters.

Genres: Science Fiction, 40k, Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy, Horror, War

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2022

About the author

ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY was born in Lincolnshire and studied zoology and psychology at Reading, before practising law in Leeds. He is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor and is trained in stage-fighting. His literary influences include Gene Wolfe, Mervyn Peake, China Miéville, Mary Gently, Steven Erikson, Naomi Novak, Scott Lynch and Alan Campbell.

Reviews

[Danie Ware · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when a Clarke winner writes a WarHammer book? You get a whole new perspective, a seamlessly threaded narrative and a completely new and different cadence to the prose. Faultlessly done, offering all the empathy for the rising xenos, and leaving little for the masters of the holy Forge World. Very smooth and easy read, slightly let down by an oddly inconsequential ending… got all geared up for a big finale that didn’t happen.

[AA_Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Adrian Tchaikovsky’s full Black Library debut, and as a massive fan of both the author and the publisher my expectation levels were mighty high. Thankfully, I enjoyed this book. Mature in it’s moral ambiguity, it pits the ruling Adeptus Mechanicus against a Genestealer Cult uprising. The focus in 40K novels is usually on the forces of the Imperium, so that this book is mostly concerned with the insurgents is nicely refreshing, as are Tchaikovsky’s attempts to justify their rebellion- their perspective is very well presented and rationalised. The AdMech aren’t just faceless foils, however, they are just as well presented, with a suitably absurdist take on academia.

Tchaikovsky has written some absolute doorstops of books, but this, sadly, isn’t one of them. Books don’t have to be long to be good, but this is an example of a book that would benefit from being expanded- I’d love to see how much better the pacing of the book could be if events were given more space to breathe; the character development is good but at times feels a touch rushed.

Ascension Day is very enjoyable, nicely nuanced and leaves me hoping that BL continue to work more with authors outside of their usual stable, not least Mr Tchaikovsky.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know little of Warhammer but love Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Shadows of the Apt series and this reads just like one of those. Solid characters and well balanced story set amongst a backdrop of never ending war.

[JorgVonRiminsk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story seems fancy until plot twists start being based on extremely unlikely events and unexplainable decisions of certain characters. Mechanicus chapters also felt a little off(like character implementing and using technological innovations, virtual inexistence of secutors and many more), Maybe the workload lorewise was a little too much for the first work

[Simon Mee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that provides a viewpoint sympathetic to the Tyranids,  albeit from a slight remove of the Genestealers.

The portrayal of the Adeptus Mechanicus feels slightly off in style, but it suits the "light" satire of the book. It does emphasise the uncaring often malevolent brutality that goes on in the Imperium of Man.

There's no outright outstanding characters, but Davien is interesting. She has limitations and makes mistakes, but adapts to the situation, listening to guidance from others. There's enough there to keep her story going.

A light read, mutations and mutilations notwithstanding.

[Michael Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you would expect from an author with the calibre of Tchaikovsky, Day of Ascension is excellent. It’s only short, and I’d have loved a longer word count to really dig into some of the characters, locations and plot elements, but judged on what it is (rather than on what it might have been) I think it’s spot on! Great characters, engaging plot, and a fascinating angle on 40k - the choice of pitting Genestealer Cults against the Adeptus Mechanicus was inspired. Highly recommended.

Read a full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2022/02/...

[Spaced Out Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. Short, Sharp and Shiny, quick plot of rebellion that you’re thrown into. Despite this being my second 40k book, I was able to find my feet and not feel too lost. Being a short book I won’t say much on the plot, but I found the two POV characters and the rest of the cast well done, good writing that discussed ideas of faith and free will, very interesting world building. I wouldn’t do this as your first WarHammer book, but definitely a book for WarHammer readers

[Anthony O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting Adrian Tchaikovsky to do a 40K was such a great combination of author and setting and, happily, the bloke did not disappoint.

This story of cultists versus Mechanicus was vivid and engaging and focused. Perhaps too focused? At 200 pages(ish), it felt more like a chonky novella, although it feels a bit churlish to complain about that when so many 40K books suffer from the opposite syndrome.

Hopefully Tchaikovsky will be back for more Black Library novels, because this was a pearler and a wonderful subversion of perspective.

[Chris Warden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but neat

[Casby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with a heavy and quite dry focus on the Adeptus Mechanicus, which concerned me for the first dozen or so pages. A number of previous Black Library books have sidelined the faction they're supposed to be depicting in favour of an author's 'pet' characters, and for a short while this story appeared to be following that trend.

However, once past the opening I was extremely pleased to find a very well-written, accurate and grounded portrayal of Genestealer Cults characters that is easily superior to the standard level of BL novel quality. In short, this book is better than it needed to be and better than the 40k setting deserves. Tchaikovsky weaves together fanservice for the relevant elements of the 40k game with a more mature and unique analysis of the living beings those gamified concepts represent. The story is much more than just a 'hackjob' novel aimed solely at pandering to fans of the various GSC army units and several characters/moments are very memoriable, even when the fictional setting is placed aside.

The plot, though inevitably predictable, is genuinely interesting in the sense that a reader that knows the related 40k lore will not be disappointed by the manner that key scenes are described and played out in rich detail.

Over the past 2-3 years, there have been many fan discussions of the exact scenario this novel tackles, and it was very refreshing to witness the unorthodox conclusion to that hypothetical situation, where creatures that are usually depicted as cartoonish antagonists have been gifted true depth and more than a little deserved sympathy.

I strongly advise persevering through the first twenty or so pages of relatively dull content to reach the excellent story rather appropriately lurking deeper within this fun novel.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you thought that the genestealer cults were a vile menace to the universe, then this book just adds even more layers to the terror beyond the stars. Day of ascension is well written and tense story that kept me guessing until the last 8 pages how it would all turn out in the end.

The double sided story of the techpriest internal strife and the desperation of the genestealer cult clinging to existence in this almost forge world come together in a great symphony with fitting crescendo. (yes ok enough music jokes now). I really don't feel like talking to much because it might ruin the experience for others but I will say that Tchaikovsky added something to the overall warhammer 40K lore that I sincerely hope will be picked up for the years to come.

A definite must read for any warhammer 40K fan.

[Paulo "paper books only" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just finished this book. You can easily this book in 2h or 3h.
This is a Genestealer cult novel and I think knowing that really ruin this book... partially.
So what do I mean by this?

We start this book in a world ruled by the Adeptus Mechanicus rulling as a iron grip and treating humans as another commodity like iron or steel. They would toil humans in a deadly poluted world, where life is so cheap to be almost free. Not only that but from time to time they would grab people from their homes to join either Skitarii forces or any other purpose, including being turn into mindless beings, using their meat etc... Take in consideration that this is what passes as the "good" guys. When someone asked me, grimdark is Abercrombie, Fletcher or Lawrence... nah they are the places, people on the 40K universe would go for vacations and having a good time.

So, we are introduced into a rebel who is trying to kill the Fabricator General (think the big boss of the place) but failing. So his sister tries herself and is presented with an offer from one of the Fabricator General rivals and rebellion arises...

So, how is this connected with the Genestealer Cult? Well, this assassin if you can call it that is one of the Genestealer but after many generations. She is almost "human" alike and can pass for a human. Tchaikovsky really nailed into the all Genestealer stuff, why? This is linked into my first sentence. If this was not told that this was a Genestealer cult and seeing how our main protagonist talks about the many-handed emperor and the way that is written you could think that maybe this cult\people were just deformed mutants that believe in the Emperor but on a twisted way. I mean, there isn't only creed of Terra. Each planet as a version , lore, mythology surrounding the Emperor. Some could even be "anti"-Imperium. It's quite funny how he wrote this.

So, what I enjoy was the main character and all the plot around this weird religion on the many-handed emperor. I believe the main characters felt they were praising the Emperor but on a different way (correct on their part) with angels and so on. Some older members of the genestealer, yet deformed , more animalistic (the Aunts, Great Aunts or Great Great Aunts as they call them) but all within the same community, know what is coming - but I don't think they would openly say. The ending was also quite nice and you can see how Genestealer Cults work.

I didn't enjoy some parts of the novel because at times was a bit confusing and easy at the same time.

Not advisable for someone starting warhammer 40k and I know that being Adrian Tchaikosvky may have brought many non-warhammer players\readers into this. And those people , I believe that would have found some stuff confusing.

Now, another thing I wanted to point out was the Mechanicum way of thinking that I think Tchaikovsky really didn't nail it. In his view, Adeptus Mechanicus instead of trying to improve, turn down, sabotage and even downplay anykind of improvement that other elements tried to put in place. I mean , I know they are highly ritualistic and sometimes mix between religion & tech - but I never saw anyone doing that.... Didn't felt what I know of them... 84/100

[Suhyon Bae · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a genestealer cult player, the dramatic irony in this book was amazing. the characters were very well done, and i appreciated that none of them were likeable, in true warhammer fashion. they were still very interesting and well developed though, and were relatively easy to root for, mostly because the antagonists were so hateable in comparison.

the battles between ideologies was brilliantly done, and the monologues from the leaders of the cult and of the admech were captivating. the plot twist was great, and a fitting conclusion to the character.

really enjoyed this book overall, and it was a fun read. it accomplishes everything it sets out to do, and met or exceeded all of my expectations. the target audience is niche, but if you like genestealer cult, admech, or good ol religious fanaticism and revolution, this would be a good read.

[Vladimir Ivanov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Чайковски сыграл на абсолютно чужом поле (книги по тактической настольной игре - это особый жанр), и таки не подвел! Заглянул в голову простым парням (и девчонкам) из культов генокрадов, и внезапно оказалось, что они не абстрактные пластиковые злодеи, которые заняты исключительно призыванием всепожирающих монстров из космической бездны, а вполне себе живые люди, со своими страданиями и мечтами.

Опять же, орден техно-священников Адептус Механикус показан с немного неожиданной стороны. Все эти бюрократические проблемы и внутренние терки между департаментами... очень жизненно, прямо как в любом большом госучреждении.

Насчет лора вроде все нормально, откровенного борща автор нигде не допустил. Хотя я не настоящий вахер, мог чего-то и не заметить.

Короче, хорошая книга. Считаю, если в Черную библиотеку почаще приглашать таких авторов, как Стейблфорд или Чайковски, от этого всем (кроме любителей болтер порно) будет только лучше.

[Gordon Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read much of Tchaikovsky's work but after loving 'Dogs of War' I was excited to see what he could do with a novel set in the 40k universe.

From the opening chapter it felt like a different perspective than Black Library fans will be used to; the characters less superficial than usual, more grounded and relatable even despite the choice to focus on factions eager to progress beyond their standard biological make-ups. All of which I guess should be no surprise given Tchaikovsky's obvious fascination with biotechnology in speculative sci-fi and his track record of finding humanity in unexpected places.

The story itself falls a little flat, but major kudos are due for making true heroes of a faction otherwise easily dismissed as mindless cultists and for taking the well-trodden 'sinister leadership figure' character trope and turning it from moustache-twiddler to a misguided hubristic hero of his own story.

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was solidly ok. There were elements I wished were leaned into more, but the genestealer cult is a neat concept and it was decent read.

[Yannick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sommige mensen kunnen alles. De wereld van 40K is zo anders dan de normale boeken van Tchaikovsky, en toch is het overtuigend geschreven. Grootste nadeel is dat het boek erg snel uit is...

[Annaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liberty, Equality, Giant Alien Monsters(ty).

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Adrian Tchaikovsky needs to be writing more for Black Library. This was such a fun and different read for Warhammer. Learning about the Genestealers was fascinating and the narrative was gripping. Throughouly enjoyed this one and will certainly be reading more of Tchaikovsky's work.

[Ross Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tchaikovsky tried his best, but the tonal limits of the 40k universe make this a less impressive showing than his other SF work.

[AA_Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Adrian Tchaikovsky’s full Black Library debut, and as a massive fan of both the author and the publisher my expectation levels were mighty high. Thankfully, I enjoyed this book. Mature in it’s moral ambiguity, it pits the ruling Adeptus Mechanicus against a Genestealer Cult uprising. The focus in 40K novels is usually on the forces of the Imperium, so that this book is mostly concerned with the insurgents is nicely refreshing, as are Tchaikovsky’s attempts to justify their rebellion- their perspective is very well presented and rationalised. The AdMech aren’t just faceless foils, however, they are just as well presented, with a suitably absurdist take on academia.

Tchaikovsky has written some absolute doorstops of books, but this, sadly, isn’t one of them. Books don’t have to be long to be good, but this is an example of a book that would benefit from being expanded- I’d love to see how much better the pacing of the book could be if events were given more space to breathe; the character development is good but at times feels a touch rushed.

Ascension Day is very enjoyable, nicely nuanced and leaves me hoping that BL continue to work more with authors outside of their usual stable, not least Mr Tchaikovsky.

[Chris Comerford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb, if short, story pitting a forge world's Genestealer Cult and their nascent uprising against the ossified Adeptus Mechanicus who control the planet.

Think Les Miserables, but Javert is actually a ruthless academic in control of dozens of heavily-armed robots and in an eternal pissing contest with his jerk boss, and Marius is actually a female eldritch-human hybrid whose brother is turning into the Lazarus experiment.

Above all, Adrian Tchaikovsky gets full marks for all the jabs at academic gateekeping, as enacted by egotistical cyborgs. Chef's kiss.

[[Name Redacted] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was...interesting. It feels like Tchaikovsky wanted to use the setting & lore as a sort of veneer to tell a tale of blind believers in a Marxist revolution and how the revolution invariably eats its own. In this case literally. And it...sort of works. Sort of.

Is he faithful to the lore? Not especially. He gets the broad strokes correct but even I, a mere novice in the Warhammer 40K setting, can feel the gaps in his knowledge. But he at least does something interesting with the grim darkness of the far future in which there is only war...by largely ignoring the war aspect. Kudos for originality, at least.

[Stuart Yellop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit: For some reason, Goodreads listed this audiobook twice on my Challenge. Inspired, I listened to it for a third time. I regret nothing.

Adrian Tchaikovsky wrote my favourite science fiction novel, 'Children of Time'. His ability to build alien worlds and to play with high concepts is staggering. When I heard he'd written a novella for Black Library, I found it on Audible and gave it a listen. Having finished it for a second time, I can say it demonstrates his talents perfectly.

'Day of Ascension' discusses a minor faction of 'Warhammer 40,000': Genestealer Cults. Horde armies are notoriously expensive in the game, so GSCs will never become major forces, but they have some of the richest lore. With this novella, Mr. Tchaikovsky does what he does best: giving the alien a recognisable voice.

'Warhammer 40,000' is dystopian. (As every nerd knows, it's the origin of the term 'grimdark'.) It is however a game of massive armies and stunning technology. Spectacle on this scale can distract the fan base from the plight of lesser characters: the billions of bitter, beleaguered serfs who keep the Imperium safe, working, and productive.

This novella poses a question many a player has asked: how and why would throngs of peasants fall under the sway of an obvious xenos threat? Mr. Tchaikovsky knows the answer. True, the corruption of Tyranid blood blinds acolytes to the truth of their existence, but some are able to lift the veil, if only for moments. Yet, they persist.

'Day of Ascension' explores the mentality of such a cult. With only a few words, Mr. Tchaikovsky presents a range of factions, each with unique personalities. Finally, he answers the Player's Question. Genestealer Cults fight on, because anything is better than nasty, short, brutish lives - including the horror of a Tyranid invasion.

In conclusion, 'Day of Ascension' is more than a tragedy: it's a great introduction to the grimdark setting. New readers who might have spied 40K from afar could do worse than pick up this book. Cyborgs, mutants, and alien monsters are merely tropes. What elevates the novella to the highest ranks of tie-in fiction is a human soul.

[Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

an impulse read, cause I'm a slut for Tchaikovsky and I didn't expect him to write for this setting at all. There's a notion that didn't often cross my mind as a child: that my teachers had lives outside of their jobs. I suppose I've carried a similar delusion on until now: that black library creators were property of games workshop, locked away in a dark warehouse somewhere and contractually obligated to only write about angry lil space boys. With that illusion dispelled, I might go check to see if the writer of Honourbound gas done anything that draws me in. Thanks for that Adrian!

I might look back and think that five stars might be an overreach, but I hope I remember just how compelling I found Day of Ascension. It's a story of popular revolution, of the hopelessly oppressed throwing off their shackles, of noble spirit overcoming powerful forces. How can I not love that? The fight scenes are brief but incredibly effective, the dramatic monologues actually stirred feelings inside me. There's even a happy ending, somewhat, if you squint your eyes. The characters aren't especially deep (it's a short novel), but their relationships to each other are genuinely moving. Maybe comradeship is even more compelling than enemies-to-lovers?

[Danamor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dieses Buch beschäftigt sich einmal mehr mit dem Konflikt zwischen Genestealer Cults und Adeptus Mechanicus. Die Geschichte führt uns auf den Planeten Morod wo wir einem Techpriester folgen wie er versucht die Macht an sich zu reißen und dabei auch nicht davor zurückschreckt mit den Genestealer Cults, den Mutanten gemeinsame Sache zu machen. Allerdings handelt es sich hier um einen äußerst gewagten Schritt, wie sich später noch herausstellen wird. Man bekommt mit diesem Band einen Blick in die Glaubenswelt der Genestealers. Im Grunde ist es ein Kampf zwischen Glauben und Wissen.
Für mich war es das erste Buch von diesem Autoren, fand es aber ganz gut geschrieben, auch wenn ich die deutsche Übersetzung gelesen habe. Es handelt sich hier um eine kurzweilige, unterhaltsame Geschichte. Am Ende des Buchs wurde auch noch eine Kurzgeschichte drangehängt, zu dieser kann ich allerdings noch nichts sagen.

[Ignacio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Llevaba unos veinte años sin leer nada de Warhammer 40K y aquí he vuelto a ver qué se cuenta Tchaikovsky. Ninguna sorpresa al ver cómo le da una vuelta a parte de su recetario (el grupo que ha perdido su pasado y lo interpreta en base a las capas legendarias que ha construido a su alrededor; el encuentro entre inteligencias diferentes y el duelo entre concepciones del universo; la lucha por la "libertad" de los oprimidos...) con una fórmula de toda la vida (sucesión capítulos que intercalan dos planos) que ayuda a sobrellevar un comienzo arduo para los que no somos lectores de esta franquicia. Afortunadamente a las cien páginas es fácil estar dentro porque en un primer nivel lo que cuenta es muy asequible. Además Tchaikovsky sabe darle un giro a la trama abundando en el carácter hostil para lo humano que tiene el universo W40K. Ese extra de sabor a lo que podría haber sido un plato del día de 12€.

[Mikael Cerbing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for a Black library book, average to be a Tchaikovsky book.
I think that you kind of need to have a working knowledge of the 40k universe to "get" this book and what it does, and what it does is to make the 40k world more interesting. Its usually a lot of big manly men going "pew pew", aka: quite boring. And there is a lot of action in this one as well, about 50% of the book I would say. But its action with a thought and meaning behind it.
I hope Tchaikovsky write more books in the 40k world, for it needs diferent voices that has something to say. And I think he can write even better stories in this world.
Weak 4 stars.

[Bookish Barbarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Days of Ascension” by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a concise yet richly detailed narrative that delves into the universe of the Adeptus Mechanicus and Genestealers. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, featuring engaging characters that keep the reader captivated. While it requires minimal background knowledge, the book is masterfully written and offers an immersive experience. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of science fiction and Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts alike.

[Luke Mott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick little romp through a holocausty take on class struggles where you end up routing for the alien infested working class heroes. Really shows off how little you want to be a toaster in 40K, although I suppose you get to miss out on the genocide that way so that’s a plus. Praise be the star gods!