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The Legacy of Caliban
Les Anges des Ténèbres
Depuis la fondation de leur légion à l'aube de l'Imperium, les Space Marines du chapitre des Dark Angels sont estimés par ceux qu'ils protègent, et redoutés par leurs ennemis. Implacables et obstinés, vigilants et zélés dans la poursuite de leurs buts, leur loyauté est au-delà de tout soupçon ; leur foi, presque fanatique. Mais il n'en fut pas toujours ainsi. Depuis dix mille ans, les Dark Angels gardent un terrible secret, celui d'un acte si odieux et déshonorant qu'il menace tout ce qu'ils chérissent, et pourrait aujourd'hui encore provoquer leur damnation. Pour le Chapelain-Interrogateur Boreas, l'horreur de cette époque va se révéler peu à peu tandis qu'il découvre la limite ténue qui sépare ses croyances de celles des traîtres qu'il pourchasse.
Découvrez le premier roman de Gav Thorpe et percez les mystères de l'un des meilleurs univers de science-fiction, celui de Warhammer 40 000.
Découvrez le premier roman de Gav Thorpe et percez les mystères de l'un des meilleurs univers de science-fiction, celui de Warhammer 40 000.
307 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 2003
54 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Gav Thorpe
377 books576 followersGav spent 14 years as a developer for Games Workshop, and started writing novels and short stories in the worlds of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 when the Black Library imprint was launched in 1997.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 22, 2011
It may be crazy to say this about a tie-in novel, but this may be the best science fiction books I've read in the last year or two. The characters were well developed and explained, and the back story of the interrogation of a heretic was expertly woven into the plot. As the novel progresses in both areas, we see an interesting story of the main character develop, a chaplain who has began to question his faith after all these years. The more the story develops and the layers of secrecy are revealed, the more drawn in I became until I couldn't put the novel down. The final revelations in both the flashbacks and the main storyline were amazing, and this book definitely left me wanting more. It is so nice to see actual character development, interesting ideas, great action, and interesting story progression all blended together into a read that never got boring. If someone where to ask which Warhammer 40k novel they should read to get into the series, I would strongly recommend this book above others.
February 1, 2008
This book surprised me. I really expected some vapid writing and poor characterization, but Gav Thorpe actually put some thought into this book. The book deals with the history of the Dark Angels and the Fallen from an unexpected, and fascinating angle. Instead of the Fallen being cookie-cutter mustache twirling villains, they actually have believable and intriguing motivations.
I hope another book in this series in in the works, because it sets itself up nicely for a sequel. Recommended especially to Dark Angels players.
I hope another book in this series in in the works, because it sets itself up nicely for a sequel. Recommended especially to Dark Angels players.
April 11, 2013
To me, this is a powerful new nominee for "the Best Warhammer 40K novel Award". It might be because I've read Descent of Angels, Fallen Angels and Ravenwing - among almost 30 other 40k novels - before it, but still, this is definitely something else.
To someone who loves secrecy, mystery, lies, n'stuff,.. this is the one for you to read (oh, and Legion of course, in that matter).
The main character in other half of the book is someone who turns your knowledge of the Dark Angels and the Imperium to doubt.
As for Gav Thorpe, this is the best book from him I've read, so far.
The only minus points I'll give to this novel, are the ones that doesn't matter and just means this is quality stuff, is that it's short. Only ~240 pages or so. I want more, but hey, The Legacy of Caliban trilogy is just that.
To someone who loves secrecy, mystery, lies, n'stuff,.. this is the one for you to read (oh, and Legion of course, in that matter).
The main character in other half of the book is someone who turns your knowledge of the Dark Angels and the Imperium to doubt.
As for Gav Thorpe, this is the best book from him I've read, so far.
The only minus points I'll give to this novel, are the ones that doesn't matter and just means this is quality stuff, is that it's short. Only ~240 pages or so. I want more, but hey, The Legacy of Caliban trilogy is just that.
August 8, 2011
I was a bit disappointed given the hype. The story was choppy (bouncing back and forth did not enhance the enjoyment), and the "big revelations" were a) not the surprising, and b) not that big. We always knew they were all traitors. It was more like a "what if" than anything definitive.
November 12, 2023
6/5 stars for an exceptional story and daring narrative.
Not too long ago I've learned that it is tricky, even dangerous, for a storyteller to make their protagonists repulsive and unlikable to the reader. But the 40k franchise has always enjoyed to fully employ the artistic license, and so in this tale we start off with two protagonists, let's call them the mass-murderer and the torturer. It's really been something to bite through the initial disgust I felt for both, and let them tell their tale.
And a worthwhile effort. In the end I felt sympathy for both, while neither had been pure of soul. Both made their own set of mistakes, while both fought for the same thing.
But that is the story of the Dark Angels, related through this beautiful tale. By tradition, they shroud themselves in secrets and mystery, and so I shall live up to their custom and say no more.
Not too long ago I've learned that it is tricky, even dangerous, for a storyteller to make their protagonists repulsive and unlikable to the reader. But the 40k franchise has always enjoyed to fully employ the artistic license, and so in this tale we start off with two protagonists, let's call them the mass-murderer and the torturer. It's really been something to bite through the initial disgust I felt for both, and let them tell their tale.
And a worthwhile effort. In the end I felt sympathy for both, while neither had been pure of soul. Both made their own set of mistakes, while both fought for the same thing.
But that is the story of the Dark Angels, related through this beautiful tale. By tradition, they shroud themselves in secrets and mystery, and so I shall live up to their custom and say no more.
June 24, 2022
Te lo puedes leer sin tener que leerte los anteriores porque no tiene importancia, o al menos hasta ahora luego seguro que juntan más historias dentro de 40 libros.
La historia está chula, el mundo en el que habitan, Caliban, también y el lore sacado de sectas reales pues también tiene su gracia.
Como siempre, una panda de nazis de la hostia
La historia está chula, el mundo en el que habitan, Caliban, también y el lore sacado de sectas reales pues también tiene su gracia.
Como siempre, una panda de nazis de la hostia
June 27, 2012
Should be a part of the flagship Hersey series. Makes descent of angels and fallen angels better books.
January 5, 2014
A page turner for any 40k fan, its from the 40k era but in many ways is a prequel to the Heresy 30k era. If your reading the Heresy Series then you should read this.
July 23, 2016
Muy bueno, me faltó algo al final, probablemente un capítulo más para responder algunas dudas planteadas durante el libro.
June 29, 2017
This is a great Warhammer book. Keyword here being Warhammer book. You don't NEED to be a 40K fan to understand this book's plot but it certainly helps with a lot of the finer details the books assumes you to already be familiar with.
The story takes place from the point of view of two characters moving back and forth between them. The first is Interrogator Chaplain Boreas, a space marine of the Dark Angels legion. The second is Merir Astelan, one of the first Dark Angels and a member of The Fallen, a faction of Dark Angels that turned on the legion Primarch during the Horus Heresy 10,000 years ago. The chapters alternate between the two but it's Boreas's chapters that hold the current story and take place during the present day. Astelan's chapters all take place before the events of Boreas's story in an interrogation room but a lot of what happens between Astelan and Boreas in these chapters provide heavy context into the factors behind Boreas's decision making.
Part of why already knowing Warhammer lore helps with this book is that an understanding of what the Imperium of Man is in current timeline versus what it was during the Horus Heresy (and indeed details on the conflict itself) really help to solidify both how and why each of the two main characters feel the way they do as well as provide better background in regards to small details. This can also help curb expectation as far as the action scenes go. While it's no surprise to Warhammer fans, this may be somewhat jarring to those who aren't familiar with the status of the space marines that they are effectively invincible. Very few things provide even a remote danger to even a small handful of these elite soldiers. As a result, combat scenes don't carry any sort of real sense of stakes outside of what they can accomplish and when. It's not about if Boreas and his group will succeed, it's if they'll do it in time.
Astelan's role in the book is difficult to pin down. He serves as both a deurtagonist and antagonist to Boreas as well as a primary foil in terms of outlook and world view. A major theme of the book is a focus on what it means to serve a cause and what constitutes duty. This serves as a major source of internal conflict for Boreas. This is what you should focus on when reading this book. It makes for an enjoyable time if you want an internal perspective on two very different times of the history of the Imperium but it helps if know the Imperium first.
The story takes place from the point of view of two characters moving back and forth between them. The first is Interrogator Chaplain Boreas, a space marine of the Dark Angels legion. The second is Merir Astelan, one of the first Dark Angels and a member of The Fallen, a faction of Dark Angels that turned on the legion Primarch during the Horus Heresy 10,000 years ago. The chapters alternate between the two but it's Boreas's chapters that hold the current story and take place during the present day. Astelan's chapters all take place before the events of Boreas's story in an interrogation room but a lot of what happens between Astelan and Boreas in these chapters provide heavy context into the factors behind Boreas's decision making.
Part of why already knowing Warhammer lore helps with this book is that an understanding of what the Imperium of Man is in current timeline versus what it was during the Horus Heresy (and indeed details on the conflict itself) really help to solidify both how and why each of the two main characters feel the way they do as well as provide better background in regards to small details. This can also help curb expectation as far as the action scenes go. While it's no surprise to Warhammer fans, this may be somewhat jarring to those who aren't familiar with the status of the space marines that they are effectively invincible. Very few things provide even a remote danger to even a small handful of these elite soldiers. As a result, combat scenes don't carry any sort of real sense of stakes outside of what they can accomplish and when. It's not about if Boreas and his group will succeed, it's if they'll do it in time.
Astelan's role in the book is difficult to pin down. He serves as both a deurtagonist and antagonist to Boreas as well as a primary foil in terms of outlook and world view. A major theme of the book is a focus on what it means to serve a cause and what constitutes duty. This serves as a major source of internal conflict for Boreas. This is what you should focus on when reading this book. It makes for an enjoyable time if you want an internal perspective on two very different times of the history of the Imperium but it helps if know the Imperium first.
January 20, 2020
It took a brief while to warm up to this book, but it certainly picked up. I actually went in not expecting to like, despite the fact that it concerns a Chapter I am very fond of. Luckily, the book's fantastic narrative between Astelan and Boreas kept me invested.
Angels of Darkness cuts a balance between intrigue and combat. Of course, its a Space Marine book, so there's bolter porn. It's not spectacular, in my opinion, but there's the action you'd expect from such a book. It's not bad, but nothing special
The real meat of the story is the dual narratives of the interrogation and the hunt. Astelan and Boreas' verbal sparring is fantastically gripping. I found my sympathies switching so quickly, even though I knew that every time I sided with one, another revelation would send me back over the side. The drip-feeding of Astelan's story is gripping. A lot of comments are made about the revelations that Astelan drops, but I find myself siding with the author's view: (paraphrased) "If you don't agree, then consider it the lies of a traitor". Even if you don't like Astelan's argument, it does not stand in the way of the story.
I did find the conclusion, as with a lot of 40k novels, to be quick in the coming. I wish the author got about 50 extra pages to weave together a little grander. It might have mitigated my issues with the development of the third act. All I will say is that I saw the deception and twist coming a mile off, and while I do understand that this is somewhat meant to be obvious, and that the specific flaws of the Chapter and of the characters blinded them to this twist... it's still a little hard to believe.
That, along with the unfortunate need to include the generic action scenes, and some pages spent dedicated to aspirant training (I do get the need to establish the importance of, and connection to, the aspirants, I just think it could have been done better or excluded in favour of the main story) means i can't give this five stars. I also note the mandatory "At least 5 chapter dudes" that all Space Marine novels have. As usual, there's only 2 or 3 you can bother to care about and not enough time to establish proper characters.
This is still a fantastic book. It's re-readability is only slightly tarnished by knowing the ending.
Angels of Darkness cuts a balance between intrigue and combat. Of course, its a Space Marine book, so there's bolter porn. It's not spectacular, in my opinion, but there's the action you'd expect from such a book. It's not bad, but nothing special
The real meat of the story is the dual narratives of the interrogation and the hunt. Astelan and Boreas' verbal sparring is fantastically gripping. I found my sympathies switching so quickly, even though I knew that every time I sided with one, another revelation would send me back over the side. The drip-feeding of Astelan's story is gripping. A lot of comments are made about the revelations that Astelan drops, but I find myself siding with the author's view: (paraphrased) "If you don't agree, then consider it the lies of a traitor". Even if you don't like Astelan's argument, it does not stand in the way of the story.
I did find the conclusion, as with a lot of 40k novels, to be quick in the coming. I wish the author got about 50 extra pages to weave together a little grander. It might have mitigated my issues with the development of the third act. All I will say is that I saw the deception and twist coming a mile off, and while I do understand that this is somewhat meant to be obvious, and that the specific flaws of the Chapter and of the characters blinded them to this twist... it's still a little hard to believe.
That, along with the unfortunate need to include the generic action scenes, and some pages spent dedicated to aspirant training (I do get the need to establish the importance of, and connection to, the aspirants, I just think it could have been done better or excluded in favour of the main story) means i can't give this five stars. I also note the mandatory "At least 5 chapter dudes" that all Space Marine novels have. As usual, there's only 2 or 3 you can bother to care about and not enough time to establish proper characters.
This is still a fantastic book. It's re-readability is only slightly tarnished by knowing the ending.
April 10, 2023
It may be a 3.5 for me and it would probably be lower for anyone not already familiar with the 40k universe. I’m not a lore aficionado by any means, but there were several references to things like the Horus Heresy, Primarchs, just the Emperor in general I suppose, and other things that this book doesn’t take the time to explain or do world building on. It didn’t bother me because I’ve come across and am familiar with lots of the subject matter, even though at times just on a surface level, as someone that plays 40k. If you’re unfamiliar, I’d imagine there is not time dedicated enough world building to allow you to understand or even picture the world very clearly. With so many 40k novels out there - completely understandable and I’m not really factoring that into the rating, just putting it out there.
Not my favorite writing style on this one. Don’t know how to describe it. Not the format. I actually really enjoyed the format. Each chapter bounces back and forth between a past interrogation and then real time happenings. I thought the way it was paced and how the info that came out of the interrogation played into modern day was excellent. I felt like I was strung along on a journey and each time more info dropped I could see how I my view of the characters was intended to change in that moment and it made it special for the first time reading through. The twists were great. It was just the specific way the specific words were chosen that just wasn’t always my cup of tea. Idk how else to describe it cause I’m a bit of an oaf. I liked it though and imma make me a dark angels army on tts now.
Not my favorite writing style on this one. Don’t know how to describe it. Not the format. I actually really enjoyed the format. Each chapter bounces back and forth between a past interrogation and then real time happenings. I thought the way it was paced and how the info that came out of the interrogation played into modern day was excellent. I felt like I was strung along on a journey and each time more info dropped I could see how I my view of the characters was intended to change in that moment and it made it special for the first time reading through. The twists were great. It was just the specific way the specific words were chosen that just wasn’t always my cup of tea. Idk how else to describe it cause I’m a bit of an oaf. I liked it though and imma make me a dark angels army on tts now.
December 7, 2024
Does anyone care this much about a Warhammer 40k novel? What’s essentially fanfic but for a tabletop military strategy game? Maybe not, but I still have to put it out there.
Angels of Darkness tries very hard to accomplish a bold narrative decision by following the stories of two Space Marines, Astellan and Boreas, each of whom believes the other is a heretic that has lost his way. The themes are overtly religious and also philosophical as they both strive to ascertain what is truth, what is duty, and when does one yield to the other.
That being said, I feel like the author just falls short of his goal at all stages. The writing isn’t bad, but it clearly trying to be extremely sophisticated and it does not do that. Dialogue reads clunky and battle descriptions are somewhat bland and/or forgettable. The characters are interesting to an extent but the pacing of the story doesn’t really give the reader an opportunity to see any character development, which is a shame since that’s the whole point of the twinned stories. If you’re a 40k person then I may also add the caveat that some of my gripes may be due to the Dark Angels chapter and its mythology and not because of the author’s choices.
Overall I would say this is like a 2.5 stars. I did finish it and somewhat quickly, I might add. But I wouldn’t read it again and I’d probably direct someone to several other 40k novels before I recommended this one.
Angels of Darkness tries very hard to accomplish a bold narrative decision by following the stories of two Space Marines, Astellan and Boreas, each of whom believes the other is a heretic that has lost his way. The themes are overtly religious and also philosophical as they both strive to ascertain what is truth, what is duty, and when does one yield to the other.
That being said, I feel like the author just falls short of his goal at all stages. The writing isn’t bad, but it clearly trying to be extremely sophisticated and it does not do that. Dialogue reads clunky and battle descriptions are somewhat bland and/or forgettable. The characters are interesting to an extent but the pacing of the story doesn’t really give the reader an opportunity to see any character development, which is a shame since that’s the whole point of the twinned stories. If you’re a 40k person then I may also add the caveat that some of my gripes may be due to the Dark Angels chapter and its mythology and not because of the author’s choices.
Overall I would say this is like a 2.5 stars. I did finish it and somewhat quickly, I might add. But I wouldn’t read it again and I’d probably direct someone to several other 40k novels before I recommended this one.
April 14, 2019
This was a surprisingly good read. I've read plenty others by the same author and most were hit (Fall of Ekrund, The Sundering series, Grudgebearer) or miss (most of his early Horus Heresy books which I did get to read), I guess I came into this one with mixed expectations. I'd heard from others about how good this book is, especially for anyone interested in the particular chapter of space marines the book is centred on.
The book has two parallel plots - one is the interrogation of a captured Fallen by the main character, a chaplain, and the other is a hunt for some other Fallen conducted by the same hero some time later. The interrogation scenes are the best written part of the book, but at the same time the hunt is interesting and the most satisfying in the end (and most importantly its action scenes don't drag out over page upon page of describing how space marines utterly crush their opposition like other books from BL). This is surprisingly good character development for a space marine book.
I'll end by just echoing what plenty others have already said: if you want to know about dark Angels, you have to read this book. Even if you don't, it's still a very enjoyable read.
The book has two parallel plots - one is the interrogation of a captured Fallen by the main character, a chaplain, and the other is a hunt for some other Fallen conducted by the same hero some time later. The interrogation scenes are the best written part of the book, but at the same time the hunt is interesting and the most satisfying in the end (and most importantly its action scenes don't drag out over page upon page of describing how space marines utterly crush their opposition like other books from BL). This is surprisingly good character development for a space marine book.
I'll end by just echoing what plenty others have already said: if you want to know about dark Angels, you have to read this book. Even if you don't, it's still a very enjoyable read.
March 23, 2018
The Angels of Darkness was overall a very good read that i heavily enjoyed. A good story involving that of the Dark Angels (obviously) and that of mysteriousness, the fallen. A story that develops very well with good character development and shows the motivations that would drive the Dark Angels to do what they do. A well thought out story that shows some of the inner workings of the Dark angels and the minds of them. The theme is that of darkness with confliction, The fallen being a big part of the book. Parts of the book that i really was interested with is how the characters are affected by their situation, it's really interesting. I heavily recommend this book to any Warhammer 40,000 fan and especially anyone who plays or has a interest in the Dark Angels, but be advised a somewhat even vague basic knowledge of the Warhammer 40,000 universe would help you alot as i see a very new person to Warhammer 40,000 could be confused at times. Overall its one of a few books that bore me and i won't regret reading this book ever.
April 13, 2023
Relato del idiota Astelan, de la legión traidora de ángeles oscuros y su el peor y el más inútil primarca de la historia de la humanidad.
Este libro narra los sucesos posteriores después de que Astelan se rindiera durante la guerra civil de Tharsis, si mal no recuerdo, fue este imbécil que aconsejó a Luther que abriera fuego contra su PROPIO primarca. Y además por si fuera poco, Luther deja malherido a Lion... Mira si que hay que ser un pringado para que un viejo humano chetado te gane cuerpo a cuerpo. Esto le pasa a Curze y parte por la mitad al viejo imbécil y se cuelga su cabeza en el cinturón.
Creo que Lion El'johnson es tan mal primarca que su propia legión prefería matarlo por si acaso se había pasado del lado del caos.
Bueno al final tanto Luther como Astelan se pudren en una celda oscura, mientras que Lion está medio muerto por ahí, de momento....
El otro protagonista de este libro es el gran capellán interrogador Boreas que después de los encuentros que tiene con el traidor se dirige a un planeta para reclutar jóvenes y se encuentra con una invasión orka.
Este libro narra los sucesos posteriores después de que Astelan se rindiera durante la guerra civil de Tharsis, si mal no recuerdo, fue este imbécil que aconsejó a Luther que abriera fuego contra su PROPIO primarca. Y además por si fuera poco, Luther deja malherido a Lion... Mira si que hay que ser un pringado para que un viejo humano chetado te gane cuerpo a cuerpo. Esto le pasa a Curze y parte por la mitad al viejo imbécil y se cuelga su cabeza en el cinturón.
Creo que Lion El'johnson es tan mal primarca que su propia legión prefería matarlo por si acaso se había pasado del lado del caos.
Bueno al final tanto Luther como Astelan se pudren en una celda oscura, mientras que Lion está medio muerto por ahí, de momento....
El otro protagonista de este libro es el gran capellán interrogador Boreas que después de los encuentros que tiene con el traidor se dirige a un planeta para reclutar jóvenes y se encuentra con una invasión orka.
April 5, 2019
I'd call this an almost vital prequel to the "Legacy of Caliban" series. The concept is decent enough. I don't think it played as well with me as it might have with readers from the time this book was released however, as certain stories within the Horus Heresy have pretty firmly put the idea of the Lion as a traitor to rest, memes aside.
The main reason this book has such a low review however is that while the story is decent enough, the actual quality of writing is really unimpressive. I believe it was one of the author's earlier efforts, and it shows a little bit. The prose is rather flat and tends to tell more than show. Thorpe's later works show a very drastic improvement in this way so I think I would still recommend this to people invested in the Dark Angels or who are thinking about reading the Legacy of Caliban, but otherwise I don't think I can recommend this to anyone in good faith.
The main reason this book has such a low review however is that while the story is decent enough, the actual quality of writing is really unimpressive. I believe it was one of the author's earlier efforts, and it shows a little bit. The prose is rather flat and tends to tell more than show. Thorpe's later works show a very drastic improvement in this way so I think I would still recommend this to people invested in the Dark Angels or who are thinking about reading the Legacy of Caliban, but otherwise I don't think I can recommend this to anyone in good faith.
July 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I had no expectations really. I got it in a cheap bundle. I actually thought it was a collection of sorry stories until a few chapters in. Dark Angels were aesthetically my favourite chapter.
It was just a good old little 40k book. Some of the combat was a bit drawn out. Some of the chatting was a bit long.
It was just a good old little 40k book. Some of the combat was a bit drawn out. Some of the chatting was a bit long.
September 7, 2017
The story of Interrogator Chaplain Boreas and Fallen Dark Angel Astelan, this cuts to the heart of this most secretive of chapters and shows how their ongoing hunt for the Fallen has come to consume them. Told across two strands, one sees Astelan captured and interrogated by Boreas in a clash of ironclad wills, while the other sees Boreas on the hunt for further Fallen in and around the Piscina system.
It’s a really simple but beautifully clever idea, brilliantly executed and a mind-blowing look back at just how much Gav managed to fit in that’s still relevant today. Without a doubt this deserves the plaudits it regularly receives – it’s a must-read for 40k fans.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2017/07/...
It’s a really simple but beautifully clever idea, brilliantly executed and a mind-blowing look back at just how much Gav managed to fit in that’s still relevant today. Without a doubt this deserves the plaudits it regularly receives – it’s a must-read for 40k fans.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2017/07/...
March 7, 2024
"Angels of Darkness" by Gav Thorpe is a gripping story set in the Warhammer 40k universe. The book follows the Dark Angles Chapter, focusing on Boreas, a Chaplain, as he investigates reports of traitors in the region. Thorpe's writing paints a picture of the grim and brutal universe that of Warhammer 4ok. One of the main strengths of the novel is how it explores the Dark Angels and their secretive nature. Thorpe takes a small group of Dark Angels and gives a look into the personal relationships that start to form between members.
The novel's pacing is excellent and the action never fails to deliver along with the intrigue of who the traitors are and their story. Overall, "Angels of Darkness" is a compelling read for long time fans of Warhammer 40k.
The novel's pacing is excellent and the action never fails to deliver along with the intrigue of who the traitors are and their story. Overall, "Angels of Darkness" is a compelling read for long time fans of Warhammer 40k.
August 21, 2021
To be honest, if you're not a Warhammer 40,000 fan and you don't know what a Dark Angel is, then I wouldn't bother with this book. I used to follow the game many years ago so more-or-less know what's going on, but the story requires a lot of knowledge about the fictional universe and some specifics.
Basically it's too stories - one involving the interrogation of one of the 'Fallen', and the other involving some shenanigans on a world garrisoned by a small group of Dark Angels. The two stories are linked and provide a lot of background to the chapter, but it wasn't particularly interesting to a semi-casual reader, in my opinion.
Basically it's too stories - one involving the interrogation of one of the 'Fallen', and the other involving some shenanigans on a world garrisoned by a small group of Dark Angels. The two stories are linked and provide a lot of background to the chapter, but it wasn't particularly interesting to a semi-casual reader, in my opinion.
April 22, 2024
I had a great time with this book. It's got ludicrous over the top descriptions of how strong the space marines are: "Armoured for battle he could crush a man's skull in his fist and punch through the armour of a tank.". It's got villains who have something to say for themselves and an articulated purpose. It's good fun and has a bit more depth than you might expect from a Woramma tie-in.
Plus I can't escape my childhood belief that the Dark Angels are very cool.
Plus I can't escape my childhood belief that the Dark Angels are very cool.
June 19, 2024
"What is it to be Dark Angels?"
"It is to be the first, the honoured, the sons of the Lion."
A classic Warhammer novel for a reason, Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas and his space marines take on their ancient foe only to find themselves lead by their noses. The ending is somewhat bittersweet, uplifting but also depressing, but shows that even those so deep down their path of hatred can find their way back to humanity. Highly recommended.
"It is to be the first, the honoured, the sons of the Lion."
A classic Warhammer novel for a reason, Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas and his space marines take on their ancient foe only to find themselves lead by their noses. The ending is somewhat bittersweet, uplifting but also depressing, but shows that even those so deep down their path of hatred can find their way back to humanity. Highly recommended.
August 23, 2025
I enjoyed this split of character paths describing/setting the scene of what occurred in the early (if you can describe it is as early as the warp in the 40K universe seems very bizarre) generation of the Imperium.
The scene is set. I move on to the Legacy of Caliban Series and hope that Gav Thorpe keeps up my interest!
I agree with CD8D - this seems a good place to start the depth of the Horus Heresy.
The scene is set. I move on to the Legacy of Caliban Series and hope that Gav Thorpe keeps up my interest!
I agree with CD8D - this seems a good place to start the depth of the Horus Heresy.
July 15, 2018
I read a printing that came after the first printing and included an afterword by Gav Thorpe that fairly supersedes anything I could write here. In essence the conversation(s) between Boreas and Astelan concerning the Lion's motivation in the days of the Horus Heresy truly felt like the best parts of the novel.
January 22, 2020
This book easily exceeded my expectations and was a very quick and enjoyable read. I thought the character of Astelan was a bit over the top and more subtlety could have served the plot better but overall the characters were well drawn and developed. Not without (significant) flaws—it is 40k fiction after all—but deserving of its place as a 40k cult classic.
Overall: recommended.
Overall: recommended.
April 27, 2016
Bookworm Speaks!
Angels of Darkness
A Warhammer 40,000 Novel by Gav Thorpe
Acquired: Half-Price Books
Series: The Dark Angels
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Black Library
Language: English
Subject: Fiction
****
WARNING!!! This Review may Contain Spoilers.
The Story: When Dark Angels Chaplain Boreas captures and interrogates one of the Fallen, the past collides with the future with tragic consequences.
The Dark Angels Space Marines are amongst the most devout of the God-Emperor's servants. Their loyalty is seemingly beyond question and their faith almost fanatical. Yet the Chapter harbours a dark and horrific secret that stretches back over ten thousand years to the time of the Horus Heresy. When Dark Angels Chaplain Boreas captures and interrogates one of the Fallen, the past collides with the future with tragic consequences.
The Review: Warhammer 40K is a vast and diverse universe. That is what makes it so much fun. The obvious downside to this is that it can be really intimidating for a neophyte to join up and have any idea where to begin.
For the Adeptus Astartes as well as the Dark Angels, this book is a good place to start. And what a journey it begins…
The novel sets itself apart from other Warhammer 40k books in that a good portion of the text takes place over conversations.
There are two main plots which both involve Dark Angels Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas. The first takes place in the past where Boreas is interrogating/torturing a Fallen named Astelan and is recounting his tale and Boreas is trying to make him repent.
The Fallen are group of corrupted Dark Angels that fell to Chaos after the Horus Heresy and were scattered through time and space by the Chaos Gods after their homeworld was destroyed by the loyalist Dark Angels. They in turn have dedicated themselves to hunting them down, all the while hiding their shame from the wider Imperium.
The second story takes place years later and Chaplian Boreas and his companions are a small squad manning a Dark Angels outpost in the Piscina system, which serves as both a recruitment ground and industrial base. Here the book shines in how we get to see a band of Space Marines being themselves and not warriors. The banter between all of them feels very authentic. Like they are truly brothers instead of fellow soldiers. Also, Chaplain Boreas must interact with normal human beings on a fairly regular basis. Those scenarios are always a favorite and again pushes the humanity of Adeptus Astartes.
So much of Space Marine fiction takes place over the course of battles that is a refreshing change to see the Astartes not shooting something and killing it for the majority of the book.
Like a lot of arch-fiends, Chaos Space Marines are oftentimes oversimplified. They are just a dragon for the main character/knight to slay. But the best villains are those who are the heroes of their own stories. Astelan is one of those characters.
Its never even made clear wether Astelan is even truly corrupted, at least in the traditional Warhammer manner. He dosen’t have spines or extra mouths erupting from his flesh. He is not spewing infected pus from his mouth and he is not chanting words that make Boreas’ ears hurt. He seems pretty, darn sane. He may simply be someone with a different point of view, something that is not tolerated in the Imperium. Both characters make valid points. A classic no-win scenario and it is crafted well.
Astelan also provides a perspective not often seen: a reaction to the power of the Space Marines. The Dark Angels and any other chapter may be justified in their battling ways but they do leave a lot of pain and suffering in their wake. It is surprising that is not brought up more often.
This book is not without its flaws, though, and they are the main reason this book did not receive a full five. Ironically, what is wrong with this book is what most people love about Warhammer 40k.
Bookworm clearly remembers the first half of the book but then it gets fuzzy around the second half when the fighting starts. It is not poorly written or boring by any stretch but it ironically gets dull when it gets back to standard Warhammer 40k fair. The first half was good in that it was different from most tale of the Space Marines. It was actually pretty thoughtful. Then we get right back to the fast paced action sequences so beloved by the Black Library. They aren’t bad but they aren’t anything new. This is not helped by the way the whole deal basically goes in a circle. It has the reader asking ‘what was the point of all that?’
There is a twist at the end and ending itself is rather uplifting (As uplifting as grim darkness of the far future can be) if bittersweet, which makes it all worth it in the end but this was the main reason this book got a four instead of five.
Final Verdict: Angels of Darkness is a perfect place to start for fans of the Dark Angels or anyone interested in Warhammer 40k. Morally gray characters collide and test themselves in ways that neither imagine and loyalties are put to the test.
If it was possible, Bookworm would have given this book 4.5 stars but alas he cannot.
Four Dark Angels Badges out of Five
thecultureworm.blogspot.com
Angels of Darkness
A Warhammer 40,000 Novel by Gav Thorpe
Acquired: Half-Price Books
Series: The Dark Angels
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Black Library
Language: English
Subject: Fiction
****
WARNING!!! This Review may Contain Spoilers.
The Story: When Dark Angels Chaplain Boreas captures and interrogates one of the Fallen, the past collides with the future with tragic consequences.
The Dark Angels Space Marines are amongst the most devout of the God-Emperor's servants. Their loyalty is seemingly beyond question and their faith almost fanatical. Yet the Chapter harbours a dark and horrific secret that stretches back over ten thousand years to the time of the Horus Heresy. When Dark Angels Chaplain Boreas captures and interrogates one of the Fallen, the past collides with the future with tragic consequences.
The Review: Warhammer 40K is a vast and diverse universe. That is what makes it so much fun. The obvious downside to this is that it can be really intimidating for a neophyte to join up and have any idea where to begin.
For the Adeptus Astartes as well as the Dark Angels, this book is a good place to start. And what a journey it begins…
The novel sets itself apart from other Warhammer 40k books in that a good portion of the text takes place over conversations.
There are two main plots which both involve Dark Angels Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas. The first takes place in the past where Boreas is interrogating/torturing a Fallen named Astelan and is recounting his tale and Boreas is trying to make him repent.
The Fallen are group of corrupted Dark Angels that fell to Chaos after the Horus Heresy and were scattered through time and space by the Chaos Gods after their homeworld was destroyed by the loyalist Dark Angels. They in turn have dedicated themselves to hunting them down, all the while hiding their shame from the wider Imperium.
The second story takes place years later and Chaplian Boreas and his companions are a small squad manning a Dark Angels outpost in the Piscina system, which serves as both a recruitment ground and industrial base. Here the book shines in how we get to see a band of Space Marines being themselves and not warriors. The banter between all of them feels very authentic. Like they are truly brothers instead of fellow soldiers. Also, Chaplain Boreas must interact with normal human beings on a fairly regular basis. Those scenarios are always a favorite and again pushes the humanity of Adeptus Astartes.
So much of Space Marine fiction takes place over the course of battles that is a refreshing change to see the Astartes not shooting something and killing it for the majority of the book.
Like a lot of arch-fiends, Chaos Space Marines are oftentimes oversimplified. They are just a dragon for the main character/knight to slay. But the best villains are those who are the heroes of their own stories. Astelan is one of those characters.
Its never even made clear wether Astelan is even truly corrupted, at least in the traditional Warhammer manner. He dosen’t have spines or extra mouths erupting from his flesh. He is not spewing infected pus from his mouth and he is not chanting words that make Boreas’ ears hurt. He seems pretty, darn sane. He may simply be someone with a different point of view, something that is not tolerated in the Imperium. Both characters make valid points. A classic no-win scenario and it is crafted well.
Astelan also provides a perspective not often seen: a reaction to the power of the Space Marines. The Dark Angels and any other chapter may be justified in their battling ways but they do leave a lot of pain and suffering in their wake. It is surprising that is not brought up more often.
This book is not without its flaws, though, and they are the main reason this book did not receive a full five. Ironically, what is wrong with this book is what most people love about Warhammer 40k.
Bookworm clearly remembers the first half of the book but then it gets fuzzy around the second half when the fighting starts. It is not poorly written or boring by any stretch but it ironically gets dull when it gets back to standard Warhammer 40k fair. The first half was good in that it was different from most tale of the Space Marines. It was actually pretty thoughtful. Then we get right back to the fast paced action sequences so beloved by the Black Library. They aren’t bad but they aren’t anything new. This is not helped by the way the whole deal basically goes in a circle. It has the reader asking ‘what was the point of all that?’
There is a twist at the end and ending itself is rather uplifting (As uplifting as grim darkness of the far future can be) if bittersweet, which makes it all worth it in the end but this was the main reason this book got a four instead of five.
Final Verdict: Angels of Darkness is a perfect place to start for fans of the Dark Angels or anyone interested in Warhammer 40k. Morally gray characters collide and test themselves in ways that neither imagine and loyalties are put to the test.
If it was possible, Bookworm would have given this book 4.5 stars but alas he cannot.
Four Dark Angels Badges out of Five
thecultureworm.blogspot.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2017
Taken on the whole the two stories held my attention for different reasons, the interrogation more so than the other.
It did however make my understanding of the First Chapters psyche my ch more clearer than before.
It did however make my understanding of the First Chapters psyche my ch more clearer than before.
July 15, 2022
Background into Dark Angels in 40M due to Luther's treason in 30M.
Story set with small squad in recruiting system lead by Interrogator-Chaplain who keeps Chapter secret of hunting the Fallen - betrayers of Lion.
Story set with small squad in recruiting system lead by Interrogator-Chaplain who keeps Chapter secret of hunting the Fallen - betrayers of Lion.
April 7, 2023
The Dark Angels are absolutely the dumbest Legion/Chapter. This is a better written than the DA entries in the Heresy series, but all the telling in 40K is how awesome they are, and all the showing is how absurdly stupid they are.
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