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The Horus Heresy #40
Corax
Corvus Corax has rallied countless warriors to his banner, striking back at the forces of the Warmaster on every front – from the degenerate heretics of the Mechanicum to the cruel legionaries of the Sons of Horus, none shall escape his wrath. Although Corax has managed to stall the physical corruption of his own Space Marines, what of their spirit and what sinister end must await those who dwell forever in the darkness?
This anthology contains all of Gav Thorpe’s tales of the Raven Guard in the Horus Heresy – the novellas Soulforge and Ravenlord, and short stories ‘The Shadowmasters’, ‘The Value of Fear’ and ‘Raptor’. Also included is the brand new novella Weregeld, taking Corax’s legend to its grim conclusion.
It's the full story of Corax's part in the Heresy, together in one volume and there's a brand new story, 'Weregeld', revealing for the first time the fate of those poor mutant Raven Guard, the benighted Raptors…
Read by Gareth Armstrong and John Banks
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2016
113 people are currently reading
1577 people want to read
About the author
Gav Thorpe
377 books581 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 71 reviews
June 18, 2017
Vote: 3,5
Corax: Soulforge: 4 stars
The Shadowmasters: 3 stars
Ravenlord: 3 stars
The Value of Fear: 4 stars
Raptor: 3 stars
Weregeld: 4 stars
A good ending to Corvus Corax and Raven Guard HH story-arc, but I guess "Weregeld" could been a 5 stars full-lenght novel. Sadly it wasn't.
November 4, 2016
Full Review published here (because character limits won't let me post it in full!)
Corax is an anthology of three novellas and three short stories. With the exception of Weregeld, the exclusive final part to the Raven Guard story arc, I have read them all before, with somewhat lukewarm feelings on most. Re-reading them all so soon after re-reading Deliverance Lost, all in conjunction and without months if not years of wait between the installments, made me appreciate the whole thing a lot more than I did piecemeal. Every bit adds another piece to Corax as a character and the Raven Guard's struggles after the Dropsite Massacre. While not a sweeping, continuous narrative, the somewhat episodic nature of the novellas and shorts allowed Gav Thorpe to explore various defining elements of the Legion and their Primarch and keep piling up drama, before making it crash down on Corax in the finale.
I was contemplating just how to approach this review. With it being an anthology, reviewing the individual parts might be appropriate, but then I also think that a kind of strict separation would do the book a disservice. While yes, all pieces have been released individually over the years, they still form a compelling hole and carry character arcs throughout, and the satisfaction I got from it was in large parts down to seeing things flow from one to the next, whereas individually I wasn't sure about the novellas. So I am going to be all over the place with this write-up, trying to do both.
The book opens up with a prelude cut out of Weregeld , the new novella. It takes the reader right into the action of the finale, showing us a gravely-wounded Leman Russ, his Wolves and the Raven Guard surrounded by Alpha Legion, World Eaters and Thousand Sons. Now you may ask how that comes to be (and so does Corax, at the end of this prelude), the Thousand Sons haven't officially joined Horus yet, after all, and Russ has barely left Terra at the end of The Path of Heaven . The answer is simple: Weregeld is placed later in the timeline than anything else before it, with Horus about to take the key system to attack the Sol System in force.
What exactly Russ was up to isn't elaborated on, but various hints were and are given which make me look forward to whatever Chris Wraight may be up to with him (since it is a safe bet he'll be in charge of the next, and potentially final piece of the Wolves' plotline before the Siege, given his track record).
After this damn exciting prelude, the book goes back to the start: Corax: Soulforge , here without the prefix. It is set maybe a year after the conclusion of Deliverance Lost, and Corax and his Legion are still raiding supply lines, ships and freeing planets that had fallen to the traitors. One such boarding action gets Corax, Branne and Agapito onto a Word Bearers ship, and shows the mad hunger for vengeance Agapito has been harboring since Isstvan V. Due to his actions, the whole thing almost goes bust, and he becomes a central figure to the plot afterwards. His need for vengeance is a focal point in Soulforge, and stands in for the Raven Guard's collective need to get back at the Traitor Legions.
While this Agapito character arc was fairly predictable in its outcome (him getting over it and getting his priorities straight again), it was nice to see the collective trauma of the Legion being addressed in a personal manner. It also reinforced the whole "attack, retreat, attack again" mantra of the Raven Guard - Agapito was all too willing to commit to a fight unto death, rather than using the guerrilla tactics the ravens and liberators of Lycaeus have been known for.
The novella itself leads Corax and Agapito to a Mechanicum world. A delegation of Word Bearers has seemingly come to turn the highest-ranking Mechanicum adept and instigated a row of despicable experiments attempting to merge daemon and machine. Yep, this is where we see the first Defilers making their way into the universe. I liked that it wasn't just the more recent Chaos machine breeds, but the iconic spider-legged monstrosities. They have been relatively overlooked in recent years, whereas they've always been something monstrous and cool in my eyes, and set the Chaos Space Marines of 40k apart from the loyalist Chapters' tanks.
Either way, Corax is hell-bent on stopping the Word Bearers and Archmagos Delvere, and allies with the loyal/undecided adepts to achieve victory. First contact is made through Corax running in on a secret discussion between the adepts, trying to figure out a course of action for their barge-city, and whether or not to recognize Delvere's leadership and the Dark Mechanicum as a whole. Corax joins in and convinces them that they can take back the planet, and subsequently assumes command of the barge-city of Atlas.
This part of the book mostly shows off just how much of a tactical genius Corax is, commanding disparate forces from multiple sources and maximizing the effect every piece in the game has on the outcome. He stokes a civilian uprising, distracts the opposing forces with his own legionaries under Agapito, and then swoops into the action himself for the deciding decapitation. While I can see complaints of Corax not being shown as kick-ass like other Primarchs who engage more in open combat, I felt that the rebel leader role of Corvus and his Legion's guerrilla spirit are well-presented here. Corax, despite his close combat gear, is more interesting to me as a tactician, overseeing the greater whole of a war rather than stumbling into the thick of it.
When he finally makes his move, it is to great effect, even though he does get a bit of a beating before the end. On top of that, he gets confronted with the nature of the Warp once more, and sees its corrupting influence first hand and at a larger scale than before. This causes new doubts and fears in the Primarch, returning the plot back to the mutated Raptors and his experiments in Deliverance Lost. While the Raptors themselves only featured in the first chapters of the novella, their increasing degredation is undeniable, and Corax draws obvious parallels with the Word Bearers since Isstvan.
After this novella follows the short story The Shadowmasters , featuring and, in fact, introducing the Mor Deythan, an elite part of the Raven Guard, based on legionaries that seemingly inherited Corax's ability to make themselves near undetectable. It is an infiltration-type story that supports Soulforge from the shadows. It isn't necessary to the overall plot but still a nice bit that connects the additions from ForgeWorld's Horus Heresy line to the ongoing Raven Guard plot. Originally this story was part of the Limited Edition of Soulforge, so I'm glad to see it in print for everyone now.
Next up is Ravenlord (which always bugged me for not having the Corax:-prefix of its predecessor), the second novella. Where Soulforge tackled the vengeance topic and the abhorrent experiments of the Dark Mechanicum and Word Bearers, this one deals with the Legion's paranoia post-Deliverance Lost, and has Corax issuing a call to arms to re-unite the scattered loyalist forces under his banner. It also makes dealing with the Raptor-problem unavoidable for Corax, as it throws the experiments Fabius has been working on in the meantime right in his face.
It also shows the measures of psychic screening that the Raven Guard adapted after Deliverance, with Balsar Kuthuri, who featured before, taking on the task of mind-reading and, surprisingly, encountering barriers around secrets in a Raven Guard force that seemingly managed to escape Isstvan V long after the Primarch.
Ravenlord kept me guessing. Like Deliverance Lost, it threw the possibility of a traitor among the ranks into the air, and tried to mislead the reader. It works to reflect the Primarch's own paranoia and distrust, even when reunited with one of his closest sons. Secrets and shame, arrogance and betrayal all factor in here. Corax, with his "I don't need a bodyguard" bravado from Raven's Flight, is walking on a knife's edge here, and even when support arrives his paranoia starts to make him run in circles, second guessing the intentions of his lieutenants.
In many ways this novella threw me back to the pre-Imperium time of Lycaeus, with Corax reminiscing about it and reconsidering his actions, decisions and the way he granted some of his early supporters absolution for unworthy deeds, in recognition of their services to him and the rebellion. To me that just showed that Corax is willing to compromise justice and integrity in a bid for a greater good, and that this may lead to further troubles down the road.
Where Soulforge had Corax firmly on the path of vengeance, Ravenlord sees his doubt about everything he has done, every fibre of his nature, grow and almost consume him. He is haunted by his past, both of his life on Lycaeus and the Raptors experiment. Some people claim that Corax is just "emo", but I think differently. If Fulgrim, Ferrus, Angron, and even Horus have their vices, doubts and grudges, then Corax is in good company with his own struggles. He is as broken as all the rest, yet still getting back up for a greater good.
The vile experiments of Fabius and the Sons of Horus were nicely done here, and exemplified just how much of a risk this line of research poses to the Imperium. The "New Men" or "Astartes Superior" are brutal, and brutally efficient, and catch Corax off-guard. His own experiments might have led him to similar results, had he chosen to continue them. To the reader it also makes clear just how much of a cost the Primarch's arrogance had; without him losing the gene-tech to the Alpha Legion, these things would have never succeeded in the first place. While he himself is seemingly unaware of his own role in the matter, it shows him how close he came to his own corruption and loss of integrity.
On the flipside, the Raptors under Branne are confronted with the failed experiments in a very grim and regretful way, making them doubt their own origins and use to the Legion as well. While at the start of Soulforge, Navar Hef was doing relatively fine, his condition has worsened significantly here. They start to see the lie in Corax's attempts to integrate them as fully respected Raven Guard.
Other elements I enjoyed with Ravenlord were the overall structure, with each chapter being timestamped in relation to the "Day of Vengeance", Corax's attempt to free the war prisoners of Carandiru. It gave the whole plot a sense of scale, and made the planning stages more believable. It also gave room for the assimilated loyalist forces to join up and receive some training by the Raven Guard. To my delight, both Captain Noriz of the Imperial Fists and Arcatus of the Custodian Guard are back, though not the focus. Surprisingly, Arcatus has come to agree with the Primarch's decision of taking the war back to Horus, and plays a key role in convincing the loyalists to stick around. Seeing Soukhounou interacting with a youth on Carandiru, talking about the value and bravery of rebellion against oppressors also made me happy; the commander certainly received a lot of attention here, and as a Terran-born Raven Guard, these scenes made him feel more part of the Legion than I expected.
The relationship between Corax and his former bodyguard Gherith Arendi is explored nicely as well, giving us a lens through which to see the Primarch's mental struggles, arrogance and paranoia. I am not entirely certain, but this might also present the first occassion on which a Primarch has been called out for being an idiot in no uncertain terms. Arendi even highlights Corax's own hypocrisy, teaching his Legion to think and act independently, while forcing his own opinions and mistakes on them and rejecting their advice when he is clearly in the wrong. Had Arendi been around during Deliverance Lost, things might have turned out far better for the Legion - after all, every Primarch needs a naysayer, unafraid to object to their lord when needed.
My initial reading of this novella, on its own back in spring, left me a bit underwhelmed. But in context of everything else and with more awareness as to Corax's development from story to story, I felt it was rewarding and I kept wondering why exactly I didn't enjoy it that much back then. Corax takes a more active role in the fighting, gets whooped for his arrogant behavior and more problems and doubts are piling up, almost to breaking point. It is a good story that drives the tragedy of the ravens further home.
Before the final novella Weregeld , we have two more short stories to go through. The first is called The Value of Fear and presents a decent excursion following a Raven Guard supposedly "training" one of the loyalists Corax attracted in Ravenlord. It wasn't a world-changing story, but neatly played on the parallels between Night Lords and Raven Guard - something Corax has been contemplating since Isstvan V, where he faced the Night Haunter and fled. It is presented through an argument between both characters, on how to best flush out the traitors they're chasing. Their philosophies clash slightly, but the mesh of both turns out quite beneficial.
The second story is Raptor , originally released as an audio drama. It stars Navar Hef and his contingent of "Rough" and "Smooth" Raptors, investigating a Space Wolves ship in distress. The Wolves turn out to have made planetfall and are being bothered by the Sons of Horus, and prepared for a glorious last stand and suicide-bombing of their stronghold.
Here we get to see the Raptors' own abilities as Raven Guard in action, but also their problems with their suits, Hef's mounting speech problems and the fear they hold for being discarded or causing Corax ill by their mere existence.
Raptor is regretfully grim, showing Navar Hef making bad decisions out of good intentions, and causing a big problem for the future. It's a sad story about self-loathing and fear, and intolerance, and the hypocrisy of the Wolves regarding their own Wulfen.
With Hef being moved into place through this story, we can talk about Weregeld at last, the only new (but significant) story in this collection.
Weregeld is set many years into the Heresy, close to the Warmaster's strike on Terra, and starts out with the Raptors boarding a Night Lords ship, showing them as truly devolved. They are distorted creatures, and often losing themselves to their own bestiality. This is something that becomes more and more apparent through Hef, who is a truly tragic figure here in my opinion. Before long, he reveals his shameful acts to Corax, and as a result drags his entire brotherhood further into doubt and leads them to sacrifice. Hef, more and more, feels like an outsider, an inferior legionary, and in a way despises Corax's comforting lies. He longs for release, more than anything.
This tragedy and need for an end is prevalent with Corax as well, who descends further into nihilism as things come tumbling down. He seeks to continue his war of vengeance against Horus, yet is unwilling to commit his Legion to any large engagements. Cornered by a Night Lords fleet, he scatters his gathered forces instead of facing the threat, losing a commander's host in the process, and abandoning much-needed supplies. His commanders are appalled at Corax's indecision and avoidance of conflict, especially as he keeps turning down invitations from loyalist Iron Hands to join battle at Beta-Garmon, a vital system for Horus to take as it offers passage to the Sol System.
The Primarch's previous bravado is gone. He doesn't believe that Horus has been bled enough to stop him from reaching Terra. Everything is poised for the Warmaster's final assault, and Corax wants to stay behind the lines, pick off supply lines and the likes, rather than throwing his Legion away for lost causes like Beta-Garmon. He does, however, attempt to summon reinforcements, which reach him from as far as Deliverance.
A thousand new Raven Guard stand ready, as do Marcus Valerius and the Therion Cohort. We haven't seen Valerius since The Divine Word, set after Deliverance Lost. In said story, he found his way to the Lectitio Divinitatus, attributing his prophetic dreams to the Emperor. This is an important plot point here, though I feel more could have done with it. Valerius doesn't get as much attention as he would have deserved, and his involvement in the story basically adds the final nail in the Legion's coffin. At least Valerius's fate is going to be addressed in a short story later this year, as confirmed by Gav.
On top of it all, a delegation of Space Wolves arrive to meet with the Primarch, and ask about the Watch-Pack sent by Malcador and Russ to guard/observe Corax. This, of course, has never reached the Primarch, thanks to Navar Hef and co, and the latter feels obligated to confess his sins to his lord. While Corax plays it cool in front of the Wolves, he is clearly shaken by this new knowledge, confines the Raptors to their cells and decides to throw everything away, sending the non-Raven Guard loyalist elements home to Terra and travels to a system close to Beta-Garmon in a gamble to save his brother Russ from death at the hands of multiple Legions.
Weregeld really brings the whole Raven Guard arc to a close. It shows the end game of the Heresy, the loss of hope and morale, the spiralling fears and the result of all mistakes coming crashing down. It is Corax's darkest hour, his time of relinquishing all control and will to live. He wishes for a "good death", Wolves-style, and to purge his sins. He has come to very troubling conclusions about the Primarchs and his own connection to the Warp, and it takes some very touching, important scenes harking back to what we have seen in Deliverance Lost, to decide the Legion's fate.
The rest of the review is posted here, character limits be damned
Corax is an anthology of three novellas and three short stories. With the exception of Weregeld, the exclusive final part to the Raven Guard story arc, I have read them all before, with somewhat lukewarm feelings on most. Re-reading them all so soon after re-reading Deliverance Lost, all in conjunction and without months if not years of wait between the installments, made me appreciate the whole thing a lot more than I did piecemeal. Every bit adds another piece to Corax as a character and the Raven Guard's struggles after the Dropsite Massacre. While not a sweeping, continuous narrative, the somewhat episodic nature of the novellas and shorts allowed Gav Thorpe to explore various defining elements of the Legion and their Primarch and keep piling up drama, before making it crash down on Corax in the finale.
I was contemplating just how to approach this review. With it being an anthology, reviewing the individual parts might be appropriate, but then I also think that a kind of strict separation would do the book a disservice. While yes, all pieces have been released individually over the years, they still form a compelling hole and carry character arcs throughout, and the satisfaction I got from it was in large parts down to seeing things flow from one to the next, whereas individually I wasn't sure about the novellas. So I am going to be all over the place with this write-up, trying to do both.
The book opens up with a prelude cut out of Weregeld , the new novella. It takes the reader right into the action of the finale, showing us a gravely-wounded Leman Russ, his Wolves and the Raven Guard surrounded by Alpha Legion, World Eaters and Thousand Sons. Now you may ask how that comes to be (and so does Corax, at the end of this prelude), the Thousand Sons haven't officially joined Horus yet, after all, and Russ has barely left Terra at the end of The Path of Heaven . The answer is simple: Weregeld is placed later in the timeline than anything else before it, with Horus about to take the key system to attack the Sol System in force.
What exactly Russ was up to isn't elaborated on, but various hints were and are given which make me look forward to whatever Chris Wraight may be up to with him (since it is a safe bet he'll be in charge of the next, and potentially final piece of the Wolves' plotline before the Siege, given his track record).
After this damn exciting prelude, the book goes back to the start: Corax: Soulforge , here without the prefix. It is set maybe a year after the conclusion of Deliverance Lost, and Corax and his Legion are still raiding supply lines, ships and freeing planets that had fallen to the traitors. One such boarding action gets Corax, Branne and Agapito onto a Word Bearers ship, and shows the mad hunger for vengeance Agapito has been harboring since Isstvan V. Due to his actions, the whole thing almost goes bust, and he becomes a central figure to the plot afterwards. His need for vengeance is a focal point in Soulforge, and stands in for the Raven Guard's collective need to get back at the Traitor Legions.
While this Agapito character arc was fairly predictable in its outcome (him getting over it and getting his priorities straight again), it was nice to see the collective trauma of the Legion being addressed in a personal manner. It also reinforced the whole "attack, retreat, attack again" mantra of the Raven Guard - Agapito was all too willing to commit to a fight unto death, rather than using the guerrilla tactics the ravens and liberators of Lycaeus have been known for.
The novella itself leads Corax and Agapito to a Mechanicum world. A delegation of Word Bearers has seemingly come to turn the highest-ranking Mechanicum adept and instigated a row of despicable experiments attempting to merge daemon and machine. Yep, this is where we see the first Defilers making their way into the universe. I liked that it wasn't just the more recent Chaos machine breeds, but the iconic spider-legged monstrosities. They have been relatively overlooked in recent years, whereas they've always been something monstrous and cool in my eyes, and set the Chaos Space Marines of 40k apart from the loyalist Chapters' tanks.
Either way, Corax is hell-bent on stopping the Word Bearers and Archmagos Delvere, and allies with the loyal/undecided adepts to achieve victory. First contact is made through Corax running in on a secret discussion between the adepts, trying to figure out a course of action for their barge-city, and whether or not to recognize Delvere's leadership and the Dark Mechanicum as a whole. Corax joins in and convinces them that they can take back the planet, and subsequently assumes command of the barge-city of Atlas.
This part of the book mostly shows off just how much of a tactical genius Corax is, commanding disparate forces from multiple sources and maximizing the effect every piece in the game has on the outcome. He stokes a civilian uprising, distracts the opposing forces with his own legionaries under Agapito, and then swoops into the action himself for the deciding decapitation. While I can see complaints of Corax not being shown as kick-ass like other Primarchs who engage more in open combat, I felt that the rebel leader role of Corvus and his Legion's guerrilla spirit are well-presented here. Corax, despite his close combat gear, is more interesting to me as a tactician, overseeing the greater whole of a war rather than stumbling into the thick of it.
When he finally makes his move, it is to great effect, even though he does get a bit of a beating before the end. On top of that, he gets confronted with the nature of the Warp once more, and sees its corrupting influence first hand and at a larger scale than before. This causes new doubts and fears in the Primarch, returning the plot back to the mutated Raptors and his experiments in Deliverance Lost. While the Raptors themselves only featured in the first chapters of the novella, their increasing degredation is undeniable, and Corax draws obvious parallels with the Word Bearers since Isstvan.
After this novella follows the short story The Shadowmasters , featuring and, in fact, introducing the Mor Deythan, an elite part of the Raven Guard, based on legionaries that seemingly inherited Corax's ability to make themselves near undetectable. It is an infiltration-type story that supports Soulforge from the shadows. It isn't necessary to the overall plot but still a nice bit that connects the additions from ForgeWorld's Horus Heresy line to the ongoing Raven Guard plot. Originally this story was part of the Limited Edition of Soulforge, so I'm glad to see it in print for everyone now.
Next up is Ravenlord (which always bugged me for not having the Corax:-prefix of its predecessor), the second novella. Where Soulforge tackled the vengeance topic and the abhorrent experiments of the Dark Mechanicum and Word Bearers, this one deals with the Legion's paranoia post-Deliverance Lost, and has Corax issuing a call to arms to re-unite the scattered loyalist forces under his banner. It also makes dealing with the Raptor-problem unavoidable for Corax, as it throws the experiments Fabius has been working on in the meantime right in his face.
It also shows the measures of psychic screening that the Raven Guard adapted after Deliverance, with Balsar Kuthuri, who featured before, taking on the task of mind-reading and, surprisingly, encountering barriers around secrets in a Raven Guard force that seemingly managed to escape Isstvan V long after the Primarch.
Ravenlord kept me guessing. Like Deliverance Lost, it threw the possibility of a traitor among the ranks into the air, and tried to mislead the reader. It works to reflect the Primarch's own paranoia and distrust, even when reunited with one of his closest sons. Secrets and shame, arrogance and betrayal all factor in here. Corax, with his "I don't need a bodyguard" bravado from Raven's Flight, is walking on a knife's edge here, and even when support arrives his paranoia starts to make him run in circles, second guessing the intentions of his lieutenants.
In many ways this novella threw me back to the pre-Imperium time of Lycaeus, with Corax reminiscing about it and reconsidering his actions, decisions and the way he granted some of his early supporters absolution for unworthy deeds, in recognition of their services to him and the rebellion. To me that just showed that Corax is willing to compromise justice and integrity in a bid for a greater good, and that this may lead to further troubles down the road.
Where Soulforge had Corax firmly on the path of vengeance, Ravenlord sees his doubt about everything he has done, every fibre of his nature, grow and almost consume him. He is haunted by his past, both of his life on Lycaeus and the Raptors experiment. Some people claim that Corax is just "emo", but I think differently. If Fulgrim, Ferrus, Angron, and even Horus have their vices, doubts and grudges, then Corax is in good company with his own struggles. He is as broken as all the rest, yet still getting back up for a greater good.
The vile experiments of Fabius and the Sons of Horus were nicely done here, and exemplified just how much of a risk this line of research poses to the Imperium. The "New Men" or "Astartes Superior" are brutal, and brutally efficient, and catch Corax off-guard. His own experiments might have led him to similar results, had he chosen to continue them. To the reader it also makes clear just how much of a cost the Primarch's arrogance had; without him losing the gene-tech to the Alpha Legion, these things would have never succeeded in the first place. While he himself is seemingly unaware of his own role in the matter, it shows him how close he came to his own corruption and loss of integrity.
On the flipside, the Raptors under Branne are confronted with the failed experiments in a very grim and regretful way, making them doubt their own origins and use to the Legion as well. While at the start of Soulforge, Navar Hef was doing relatively fine, his condition has worsened significantly here. They start to see the lie in Corax's attempts to integrate them as fully respected Raven Guard.
Other elements I enjoyed with Ravenlord were the overall structure, with each chapter being timestamped in relation to the "Day of Vengeance", Corax's attempt to free the war prisoners of Carandiru. It gave the whole plot a sense of scale, and made the planning stages more believable. It also gave room for the assimilated loyalist forces to join up and receive some training by the Raven Guard. To my delight, both Captain Noriz of the Imperial Fists and Arcatus of the Custodian Guard are back, though not the focus. Surprisingly, Arcatus has come to agree with the Primarch's decision of taking the war back to Horus, and plays a key role in convincing the loyalists to stick around. Seeing Soukhounou interacting with a youth on Carandiru, talking about the value and bravery of rebellion against oppressors also made me happy; the commander certainly received a lot of attention here, and as a Terran-born Raven Guard, these scenes made him feel more part of the Legion than I expected.
The relationship between Corax and his former bodyguard Gherith Arendi is explored nicely as well, giving us a lens through which to see the Primarch's mental struggles, arrogance and paranoia. I am not entirely certain, but this might also present the first occassion on which a Primarch has been called out for being an idiot in no uncertain terms. Arendi even highlights Corax's own hypocrisy, teaching his Legion to think and act independently, while forcing his own opinions and mistakes on them and rejecting their advice when he is clearly in the wrong. Had Arendi been around during Deliverance Lost, things might have turned out far better for the Legion - after all, every Primarch needs a naysayer, unafraid to object to their lord when needed.
My initial reading of this novella, on its own back in spring, left me a bit underwhelmed. But in context of everything else and with more awareness as to Corax's development from story to story, I felt it was rewarding and I kept wondering why exactly I didn't enjoy it that much back then. Corax takes a more active role in the fighting, gets whooped for his arrogant behavior and more problems and doubts are piling up, almost to breaking point. It is a good story that drives the tragedy of the ravens further home.
Before the final novella Weregeld , we have two more short stories to go through. The first is called The Value of Fear and presents a decent excursion following a Raven Guard supposedly "training" one of the loyalists Corax attracted in Ravenlord. It wasn't a world-changing story, but neatly played on the parallels between Night Lords and Raven Guard - something Corax has been contemplating since Isstvan V, where he faced the Night Haunter and fled. It is presented through an argument between both characters, on how to best flush out the traitors they're chasing. Their philosophies clash slightly, but the mesh of both turns out quite beneficial.
The second story is Raptor , originally released as an audio drama. It stars Navar Hef and his contingent of "Rough" and "Smooth" Raptors, investigating a Space Wolves ship in distress. The Wolves turn out to have made planetfall and are being bothered by the Sons of Horus, and prepared for a glorious last stand and suicide-bombing of their stronghold.
Here we get to see the Raptors' own abilities as Raven Guard in action, but also their problems with their suits, Hef's mounting speech problems and the fear they hold for being discarded or causing Corax ill by their mere existence.
Raptor is regretfully grim, showing Navar Hef making bad decisions out of good intentions, and causing a big problem for the future. It's a sad story about self-loathing and fear, and intolerance, and the hypocrisy of the Wolves regarding their own Wulfen.
With Hef being moved into place through this story, we can talk about Weregeld at last, the only new (but significant) story in this collection.
Weregeld is set many years into the Heresy, close to the Warmaster's strike on Terra, and starts out with the Raptors boarding a Night Lords ship, showing them as truly devolved. They are distorted creatures, and often losing themselves to their own bestiality. This is something that becomes more and more apparent through Hef, who is a truly tragic figure here in my opinion. Before long, he reveals his shameful acts to Corax, and as a result drags his entire brotherhood further into doubt and leads them to sacrifice. Hef, more and more, feels like an outsider, an inferior legionary, and in a way despises Corax's comforting lies. He longs for release, more than anything.
This tragedy and need for an end is prevalent with Corax as well, who descends further into nihilism as things come tumbling down. He seeks to continue his war of vengeance against Horus, yet is unwilling to commit his Legion to any large engagements. Cornered by a Night Lords fleet, he scatters his gathered forces instead of facing the threat, losing a commander's host in the process, and abandoning much-needed supplies. His commanders are appalled at Corax's indecision and avoidance of conflict, especially as he keeps turning down invitations from loyalist Iron Hands to join battle at Beta-Garmon, a vital system for Horus to take as it offers passage to the Sol System.
The Primarch's previous bravado is gone. He doesn't believe that Horus has been bled enough to stop him from reaching Terra. Everything is poised for the Warmaster's final assault, and Corax wants to stay behind the lines, pick off supply lines and the likes, rather than throwing his Legion away for lost causes like Beta-Garmon. He does, however, attempt to summon reinforcements, which reach him from as far as Deliverance.
A thousand new Raven Guard stand ready, as do Marcus Valerius and the Therion Cohort. We haven't seen Valerius since The Divine Word, set after Deliverance Lost. In said story, he found his way to the Lectitio Divinitatus, attributing his prophetic dreams to the Emperor. This is an important plot point here, though I feel more could have done with it. Valerius doesn't get as much attention as he would have deserved, and his involvement in the story basically adds the final nail in the Legion's coffin. At least Valerius's fate is going to be addressed in a short story later this year, as confirmed by Gav.
On top of it all, a delegation of Space Wolves arrive to meet with the Primarch, and ask about the Watch-Pack sent by Malcador and Russ to guard/observe Corax. This, of course, has never reached the Primarch, thanks to Navar Hef and co, and the latter feels obligated to confess his sins to his lord. While Corax plays it cool in front of the Wolves, he is clearly shaken by this new knowledge, confines the Raptors to their cells and decides to throw everything away, sending the non-Raven Guard loyalist elements home to Terra and travels to a system close to Beta-Garmon in a gamble to save his brother Russ from death at the hands of multiple Legions.
Weregeld really brings the whole Raven Guard arc to a close. It shows the end game of the Heresy, the loss of hope and morale, the spiralling fears and the result of all mistakes coming crashing down. It is Corax's darkest hour, his time of relinquishing all control and will to live. He wishes for a "good death", Wolves-style, and to purge his sins. He has come to very troubling conclusions about the Primarchs and his own connection to the Warp, and it takes some very touching, important scenes harking back to what we have seen in Deliverance Lost, to decide the Legion's fate.
The rest of the review is posted here, character limits be damned
April 6, 2024
7.25/10
En verdad le tendría que haber puesto 3 estrellas, pero que narices, Corax es de mis primarcas favoritos y la Guardia del Cuervo una de mis legiones predilectas.
La trama está dividida en diferentes historias de esta legión y de su primarca. Todas ellas suceden después de la traición de Istvan y en ellas nuestros Cuervos favoritos nos muestran que a pesar de todos los problemas por los que han pasado y de estar al borde de la extinción, no se van a dejar amedrentar por Horus y sus secuaces.
Con las fuerzas traidoras acechando ya a Terra y al Emperador, Corax deberá decidir si arriesgar todo lo que queda de su legión uniéndose a un tipo de guerra al que no están acostumbrados, o seguir con su esencia de lucha de guerrillas.
El momento álgido de la historia llegará cuando un dubitativo Corax deba de acudir en ayuda de uno de sus hermanos y por fin sea consciente de para que fue creado y que su destino ya está marcado por mucho que quisiera cambiarlo.
Seguimos para bingo con esta saga, cada vez más cerca de Terra 😂
En verdad le tendría que haber puesto 3 estrellas, pero que narices, Corax es de mis primarcas favoritos y la Guardia del Cuervo una de mis legiones predilectas.
La trama está dividida en diferentes historias de esta legión y de su primarca. Todas ellas suceden después de la traición de Istvan y en ellas nuestros Cuervos favoritos nos muestran que a pesar de todos los problemas por los que han pasado y de estar al borde de la extinción, no se van a dejar amedrentar por Horus y sus secuaces.
Con las fuerzas traidoras acechando ya a Terra y al Emperador, Corax deberá decidir si arriesgar todo lo que queda de su legión uniéndose a un tipo de guerra al que no están acostumbrados, o seguir con su esencia de lucha de guerrillas.
El momento álgido de la historia llegará cuando un dubitativo Corax deba de acudir en ayuda de uno de sus hermanos y por fin sea consciente de para que fue creado y que su destino ya está marcado por mucho que quisiera cambiarlo.
Seguimos para bingo con esta saga, cada vez más cerca de Terra 😂
April 28, 2024
April 2024 Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order Omnibus XVII Shadow of the Warmaster III Jaws of Defeat (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy series and extras.
I have really been on a journey with Corax, Thorpe, and Omnibus XVII Shadows of the Warmaster III Jaws of Defeat. It's had it's ups and downs, but it all turned out more heartbreaking than I could have dreamed.
I am ruined.
I don't really know what else to say.
This isn't perfect, but there's so much good stuff in here and, most importantly, he blood well stuck the landing like a stake through my heart.
Thorpe, you glorious bastard! Thank you.
I reviewed all the novellas and stories separately on here.
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 34 Horus Heresy novels (including 1 repeat and 1 anthology), 22 novellas (including 2 repeats), 112 short stories/ audio dramas (including 6 repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 16 Primarchs novels, 4 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, 2 Characters novels, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels and 1 short story...this run, as well as writing 1 short story myself (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t...). I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.
I have really been on a journey with Corax, Thorpe, and Omnibus XVII Shadows of the Warmaster III Jaws of Defeat. It's had it's ups and downs, but it all turned out more heartbreaking than I could have dreamed.
I am ruined.
I don't really know what else to say.
This isn't perfect, but there's so much good stuff in here and, most importantly, he blood well stuck the landing like a stake through my heart.
Thorpe, you glorious bastard! Thank you.
I reviewed all the novellas and stories separately on here.
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 34 Horus Heresy novels (including 1 repeat and 1 anthology), 22 novellas (including 2 repeats), 112 short stories/ audio dramas (including 6 repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 16 Primarchs novels, 4 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, 2 Characters novels, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels and 1 short story...this run, as well as writing 1 short story myself (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t...). I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.
October 7, 2019
This anthology was ok, but Corax hasn't been a very compelling character in the entirety of the series. None of the stories are integral to the series, but as an overall anthology they do add glimpses into a series fo events that lead us towards an eventuality.
The book is meh, the character is meh and unless you want the experience of reading every single book in the HH series, I would probably skip this one.
The book is meh, the character is meh and unless you want the experience of reading every single book in the HH series, I would probably skip this one.
November 4, 2016
Corax:
Corax: Soulforge:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
The Shadowmasters:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
Ravenlord:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
The Value of Fear:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5/5
Raptor:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
Weregeld:
Ah finally, sorry it took so long to sit down and review, life has been fairly busy!
Anyways, we come to a rather dramatic end for both Corax and his Raven Guard in the Horus Heresy. No doubt we will be seeing more of the before or during the siege, but it was nice to have that bit collectively finished in a way that suited the remnents of the Legion and the Ravenlord. The story was full of action and intrigue and I thought Gav did a fantastic job of it. I think I would have liked a little more of page time on the war on the world the Space Wolves were holding, but since this piece was more so focusing on Corax and him battling his inner daemons, it wasn't a huge deal.
I definitely like how this connected all the previous works, and really polished it off nicely with a huge bang of an ending. Can't wait to see where the Heresy goes from here. One thing is for certain though, and that is that book 41 will definitely be a huge deal!
4/5
Corax: Soulforge:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
The Shadowmasters:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
Ravenlord:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
The Value of Fear:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
5/5
Raptor:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
4/5
Weregeld:
Ah finally, sorry it took so long to sit down and review, life has been fairly busy!
Anyways, we come to a rather dramatic end for both Corax and his Raven Guard in the Horus Heresy. No doubt we will be seeing more of the before or during the siege, but it was nice to have that bit collectively finished in a way that suited the remnents of the Legion and the Ravenlord. The story was full of action and intrigue and I thought Gav did a fantastic job of it. I think I would have liked a little more of page time on the war on the world the Space Wolves were holding, but since this piece was more so focusing on Corax and him battling his inner daemons, it wasn't a huge deal.
I definitely like how this connected all the previous works, and really polished it off nicely with a huge bang of an ending. Can't wait to see where the Heresy goes from here. One thing is for certain though, and that is that book 41 will definitely be a huge deal!
4/5
May 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. A few different stories following corax and the raven guard. It also features the wolves of fenris (space wolves) quite a bit too which I really like. Leman russ and the space wolves are my favorite faction and coming second is corax and the raven guard so having those 2 as my favorite may have helped me enjoy this book more then other people might. I love the scenes where corax goes into battle. His one of the few primarchs I get excited to read fighting, he just goes crazy with his moves and fight style. It's a shame corax probably has some of the least books around for him and the raven guard. Was also nice to see this book feature bjorn the fell handed. Only briefly but he makes an appearance.
June 24, 2018
I wish this was a solid novel. Weregeld, the final novella in this anthology, was absolutely amazing. Earlier ones were less exciting to me. I understand that some short stories are supposed to work as an addition to a larger one, but I think that they need to also be complete on their own. I wrote my opinions on each story after finishing them one by one, so this review is even less of a smooth read than the anthology itself. Still freakin’ loved Weregeld.
Corax: Soulforge - ***
I don't know... I had the same experience with Deliverance Lost, for some reason I just can't connect with Corax' stories. There were some nice parts in this one, but overall it's just lacking something and I'm not entirely sure what it is.
The Shadowmasters - ***
A nice little glimpse at the Mor Deythan, no groundbreaking revelations. Could’ve been a little longer and deeper.
Ravenlord - ****
I enjoyed this more than Soulforge. Those Raven boys, they have many differences – upbringing, involvement on Isstvan, minor and major changes they face as one of the Shattered Legions, and I really am curious to observe and learn everything about it. The psychology behind it is what's really interesting. I finally enjoyed Corax because he suddenly became less flat than he seemed before. Primarch's newfound paranoia gives him character. Now some may blame him for the things he’s done and kinda sorta have a point… is this our boy Corvus getting all multidimensional? Oh, sweet. Go on.
The Value of Fear - ***
Not the first time I read this one, it still looks like a little loyal boy fan service piece. It’s written well and there’s a point behind it, my problem is this point exactly. Interestingly enough, there are Night Lords who escaped to join Raven Guard forces and stayed loyal to the Emperor, at least one of them. But a Night Lord, even a loyal one, calling anything that came from the RG or Corax «truly terrifying» is simply ridiculous to me.
Raptor - ***
Nope. Did not like this. What are the chances of a coincidental meeting between the Raptors and the Weregeld, both being rare members of their legions who dealt with mutation? A little farfetched. Did not appreciate the reasoning behind Raptors’ final actions. I hope that it will make more sense and consequences in the next short. Let us see.
Weregeld - *****
And finally, this one I liked a lot. The Raptors arch turned out wonderfully tragic, made me feel things. Gav did a great job portraying fear and self-loathing, loyalty and false judgement. Must admit, any battle scenes here were nothing but a background, this is how captivating the story itself has finally become.
Corax: Soulforge - ***
I don't know... I had the same experience with Deliverance Lost, for some reason I just can't connect with Corax' stories. There were some nice parts in this one, but overall it's just lacking something and I'm not entirely sure what it is.
The Shadowmasters - ***
A nice little glimpse at the Mor Deythan, no groundbreaking revelations. Could’ve been a little longer and deeper.
Ravenlord - ****
I enjoyed this more than Soulforge. Those Raven boys, they have many differences – upbringing, involvement on Isstvan, minor and major changes they face as one of the Shattered Legions, and I really am curious to observe and learn everything about it. The psychology behind it is what's really interesting. I finally enjoyed Corax because he suddenly became less flat than he seemed before. Primarch's newfound paranoia gives him character. Now some may blame him for the things he’s done and kinda sorta have a point… is this our boy Corvus getting all multidimensional? Oh, sweet. Go on.
The Value of Fear - ***
Not the first time I read this one, it still looks like a little loyal boy fan service piece. It’s written well and there’s a point behind it, my problem is this point exactly. Interestingly enough, there are Night Lords who escaped to join Raven Guard forces and stayed loyal to the Emperor, at least one of them. But a Night Lord, even a loyal one, calling anything that came from the RG or Corax «truly terrifying» is simply ridiculous to me.
Raptor - ***
Nope. Did not like this. What are the chances of a coincidental meeting between the Raptors and the Weregeld, both being rare members of their legions who dealt with mutation? A little farfetched. Did not appreciate the reasoning behind Raptors’ final actions. I hope that it will make more sense and consequences in the next short. Let us see.
Weregeld - *****
And finally, this one I liked a lot. The Raptors arch turned out wonderfully tragic, made me feel things. Gav did a great job portraying fear and self-loathing, loyalty and false judgement. Must admit, any battle scenes here were nothing but a background, this is how captivating the story itself has finally become.
July 10, 2017
Well here we go with Horus Heresy book no. 40. They just won't quit coming and to be honest, I'm enjoying them all. What you have here is a collection of the Corax novellas and a couple new stories that kind of connect all the novellas. Corax, Primarch of the Raven Guard is a mysterious figure and not much about him has been covered throughout the books. His legion is diminished after the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan 4. He went above and beyond, accelerating gene seed harvest and growth and his legion has flawed Marines in it. He embraces them all, no matter that some are so grossly mutated they can't even wear Space Marine armor anymore, but they still fight and they know what they are there to do. The mutants are referred to as "roughs", where the pure gene Marines are known as "smooths".
Corax is a flawed Primarch and in many ways the author made me feel sorry for him because he is plagued by his own doubt and mistakes made in the past. Being a prisoner on his homeworld and freeing himself and those who became his legion has given Corax a unique view of the universe and his place in it. In a couple places in the book, Corax proclaims and thinks to himself that he is better off alone and doesn't want to lead a legion of genetically enhanced warriors. He doesn't want the laurels of power and his close legionaries are aware of this. Many times his sons who are the closest question and doubt his decisions, which you don't really see in the interactions with other Primarchs and their sons. Corax also has a unique relationship with his father, the Emperor. It is hard to put into words, but it feels as though the Emperor is the only one who gets Corax and he has a deep understanding for how his father's mind works. There are quite a few veiled reflections that are written here, in Corax' thoughts and words.
I really enjoyed this one and I am even more a stronger fan of the Raven Guard. For all their flaws and strange lifepath they have trod, I can't help but love an underdog. This book was well written and I was happy to read and review it. On to book 41! Huzzah!
Danny
Corax is a flawed Primarch and in many ways the author made me feel sorry for him because he is plagued by his own doubt and mistakes made in the past. Being a prisoner on his homeworld and freeing himself and those who became his legion has given Corax a unique view of the universe and his place in it. In a couple places in the book, Corax proclaims and thinks to himself that he is better off alone and doesn't want to lead a legion of genetically enhanced warriors. He doesn't want the laurels of power and his close legionaries are aware of this. Many times his sons who are the closest question and doubt his decisions, which you don't really see in the interactions with other Primarchs and their sons. Corax also has a unique relationship with his father, the Emperor. It is hard to put into words, but it feels as though the Emperor is the only one who gets Corax and he has a deep understanding for how his father's mind works. There are quite a few veiled reflections that are written here, in Corax' thoughts and words.
I really enjoyed this one and I am even more a stronger fan of the Raven Guard. For all their flaws and strange lifepath they have trod, I can't help but love an underdog. This book was well written and I was happy to read and review it. On to book 41! Huzzah!
Danny
Read
August 30, 2019Trabajo
May 24, 2017
This book was yet another excellent set of Horus Heresy era stories - this time focusing on Corax and his Raven Guard. The book is broken into multiple short novellas and each of them individually is worth a read. Together, as a coherent narrative, they really manage to shine.
I will never get enough of these Horus Heresy books - they're all so great!
I will never get enough of these Horus Heresy books - they're all so great!
June 11, 2024
Some story elements are hard to follow as far as where it fits within the Heresy timeline. Aside from that, the different stories flow together well enough. I enjoyed the morality and internal struggles presented to several of the characters, however I was not satisfied with the way things ended for just about all loyalist parties involved.
February 6, 2025
A messy, unevenly paced collection of novellas featuring everyone’s favorite emo primarch.
December 2, 2019
This collection of novellas and short stories, which wraps up the story of the Raven Guard during the Heresy, was a solid read, especially the final novella: Weregeld.
The dichotomy of Corvus Corax, a Primarch who views liberty, freedom, and justice as genuine absolutes, yet has a habit of going a bit overboard in his dispensing of said justice from time to time, verging on the level of madness when he does so, makes him an intriguing character.
The Raven Guard, the most devastated Legion following the Istvaan V fiasco, is left a shell of its former self, and must wage a guerrilla war behind the lines to attempt to weaken the Traitor speartip from within. This nature of being all but destroyed leaves the Raven Guard a force of bitter, doomed men who fight more for vengeance than the principles of their Primarch. The added wrinkle of a prior Alpha Legion plot which infused Raven Guard geneseed with deamonic elements, leading to the Raptors, was nicely wrapped up throughout these stories.
Some may skip this one because it is an anthology, but I would warn them not to, Weregeld alone is worth the cost of admission. Very well done, very enjoyable.
The dichotomy of Corvus Corax, a Primarch who views liberty, freedom, and justice as genuine absolutes, yet has a habit of going a bit overboard in his dispensing of said justice from time to time, verging on the level of madness when he does so, makes him an intriguing character.
The Raven Guard, the most devastated Legion following the Istvaan V fiasco, is left a shell of its former self, and must wage a guerrilla war behind the lines to attempt to weaken the Traitor speartip from within. This nature of being all but destroyed leaves the Raven Guard a force of bitter, doomed men who fight more for vengeance than the principles of their Primarch. The added wrinkle of a prior Alpha Legion plot which infused Raven Guard geneseed with deamonic elements, leading to the Raptors, was nicely wrapped up throughout these stories.
Some may skip this one because it is an anthology, but I would warn them not to, Weregeld alone is worth the cost of admission. Very well done, very enjoyable.
September 17, 2025
A collection of stories that I feel are greater than the sum of its parts. A tragic and bleak story that fits well into the overall narrative of the Heresy.
Prior to this anthology, Gav Thorpe also wrote “Raven’s Flight” “The Face of Treachery” and “Deliverance Lost” as well as the novel “Corax: Lord of Shadows”.
Corax Soulforge ***
The Raven Guard were devastated by the Dropsite Massacre, and their attempts to recover were sabotaged by the Alpha Legion in "Deliverance Lost" but they have not accepted defeat. Corax is taking the war to the Traitors, seeking to undermine them at every turn to slow their march to Terra.
The story begins with Corax and his sons striking back at the Word Bearers, only to discover that a nearby Forgeworld is co-operating with the traitors. Among Corax's sons some desire revenge more than others. Agapito, Commander of the Talons is an Isstvan survivor, who seems to care more for revenge than military success.
The novella is at its strongest when it has Corax and the Mechanicum discussing the merits of the Emperor, his virtues, and the nature of Primarchs, which results in Corax have to reflect on who he and his brothers are, and what he hopes to accomplish.
Ravenlord ***
Betrayal and deception has left Corvax, Primarch of the Raven Guard disillusioned and paranoid. When a lost son returns home, will he place his faith in him?
I genuinely want to give this four stars, there are some really strong moments in this story, developing the trauma inflicted by Isstvan, the Raptors dealing with being perceived as "Monsters", Corax bringing together disparate forces to form an effective guerilla outfit. But at times the dialogue just feels wrong, too juvenile or maybe just too casual. It doesn't feel right coming out of the character's mouths. I really think the likes of John French or Dan Abnett really nailed the tone of the Heresy in terms of how characters should converse, the tone of the speech being somewhat archaic but also refined.
That being said I did enjoy the story and consider it one of the better Raven Guard stories.
Shadowmasters ****
Originally a companion piece to the novella "Soulforge" this very short story is as brief as it is atmospheric.
The Mor Deythan are the shadowstalkers, those blessed with a gift similar to their Primarch, to blend into the shadows unseen.
It’s a very lore focused short story, exploring a particular unit of the Ravenguard, but it has style to it.
The Value of Fear ****
The similarities and differences between the Night Lords and the Raven Guard are briefly explored in this short story, as a member of the Raven Guard and a Loyalist Night Lord hunt down traitor saboteurs.
I really liked this short, focusing on the character of two Legions so alike and yet so different. There was a certain comedy to rhe story because of the odd-couple nature of the portagonists. Short but effective.
Raptor ****
In a moody and atmospehric audio drama, the Raptors of the Raven Guard have a chance meeting with their cousins the Vlkya Fenryka, the Wolves of Fenris.
In "Deliverance Lost" Corax attempted fo create enhanced Astartes, but his efforts were sabotaged by the Alpha Legion. The enhanced Raven Guard, the "Raptors" began to suffer genetic manipulation that caused physical deformities, making their appearance monstrous to the greater Imperium.
The Space Wolves suffer a genetic defect of their own, the Canis Helix can result in a transformation that turns a well trained Legionary into a wild beast. See "Leman Russ: The Great Wolf" to get a better idea of the Curse of the Wulfen, and how it affects the Vlkya Fenryka.
When the Raptors come across a group of Space Wolves battling the Sons of Horus, it initially seems like a chance for camaraderie and understanding. But can there be trust at a time when treachery is rife and the galaxy is split in two?
Weregeld *****
This novella serves as the finale of Gav Thorpe’s Raven Guard Heresy stories. Depressing and bleak, it ties together all the previous stories into an incredibly satisfying conclusion.
The Raven Guard were left all but broken by the events of Isstvan V, but Corax kept his Legion together and fought the traitors in a guerilla warefear style, harassing traitor supply-lines and reclaiming lost worlds. But the last few years weigh heavily upon his mind and soul, his sacrifices great. His exhaustion is tangible, the brief period of the Heresy aging him more than decades of fighting the Great Crusade.
Now the Heresy is in its final days, Horus’ arrival to Terra is within sight. The remaining Loyalist Forces are holding off the Traitor forces at Beta-Gharmon system (as depicted in “Titanfall”). Corax must determine where his Legion will make its stand. Will they head to Terra or fight at Beta-Gharmon? Or is there a third path?
There is a dread to the book. The decision Corax has to make is made more complicated by the reveal of the events of the audio drama “Raptors” and the visions of Praefector Valerius, the same visions that saved Corax in the short stories “Raven’s Flight” and “The Face of Treachery”.
The final outcome is tragic and I was honestly surprised by how upsetting I found it, I hadn’t realised how attached I had become to many of the characters.
This story also serves as a follow-up to the novel “Wolfsbane”. The short story “Valerius” takes place directly after this novella as does the short story “Grey Raven”.
Prior to this anthology, Gav Thorpe also wrote “Raven’s Flight” “The Face of Treachery” and “Deliverance Lost” as well as the novel “Corax: Lord of Shadows”.
Corax Soulforge ***
The Raven Guard were devastated by the Dropsite Massacre, and their attempts to recover were sabotaged by the Alpha Legion in "Deliverance Lost" but they have not accepted defeat. Corax is taking the war to the Traitors, seeking to undermine them at every turn to slow their march to Terra.
The story begins with Corax and his sons striking back at the Word Bearers, only to discover that a nearby Forgeworld is co-operating with the traitors. Among Corax's sons some desire revenge more than others. Agapito, Commander of the Talons is an Isstvan survivor, who seems to care more for revenge than military success.
The novella is at its strongest when it has Corax and the Mechanicum discussing the merits of the Emperor, his virtues, and the nature of Primarchs, which results in Corax have to reflect on who he and his brothers are, and what he hopes to accomplish.
Ravenlord ***
Betrayal and deception has left Corvax, Primarch of the Raven Guard disillusioned and paranoid. When a lost son returns home, will he place his faith in him?
I genuinely want to give this four stars, there are some really strong moments in this story, developing the trauma inflicted by Isstvan, the Raptors dealing with being perceived as "Monsters", Corax bringing together disparate forces to form an effective guerilla outfit. But at times the dialogue just feels wrong, too juvenile or maybe just too casual. It doesn't feel right coming out of the character's mouths. I really think the likes of John French or Dan Abnett really nailed the tone of the Heresy in terms of how characters should converse, the tone of the speech being somewhat archaic but also refined.
That being said I did enjoy the story and consider it one of the better Raven Guard stories.
Shadowmasters ****
Originally a companion piece to the novella "Soulforge" this very short story is as brief as it is atmospheric.
The Mor Deythan are the shadowstalkers, those blessed with a gift similar to their Primarch, to blend into the shadows unseen.
It’s a very lore focused short story, exploring a particular unit of the Ravenguard, but it has style to it.
The Value of Fear ****
The similarities and differences between the Night Lords and the Raven Guard are briefly explored in this short story, as a member of the Raven Guard and a Loyalist Night Lord hunt down traitor saboteurs.
I really liked this short, focusing on the character of two Legions so alike and yet so different. There was a certain comedy to rhe story because of the odd-couple nature of the portagonists. Short but effective.
Raptor ****
In a moody and atmospehric audio drama, the Raptors of the Raven Guard have a chance meeting with their cousins the Vlkya Fenryka, the Wolves of Fenris.
In "Deliverance Lost" Corax attempted fo create enhanced Astartes, but his efforts were sabotaged by the Alpha Legion. The enhanced Raven Guard, the "Raptors" began to suffer genetic manipulation that caused physical deformities, making their appearance monstrous to the greater Imperium.
The Space Wolves suffer a genetic defect of their own, the Canis Helix can result in a transformation that turns a well trained Legionary into a wild beast. See "Leman Russ: The Great Wolf" to get a better idea of the Curse of the Wulfen, and how it affects the Vlkya Fenryka.
When the Raptors come across a group of Space Wolves battling the Sons of Horus, it initially seems like a chance for camaraderie and understanding. But can there be trust at a time when treachery is rife and the galaxy is split in two?
Weregeld *****
This novella serves as the finale of Gav Thorpe’s Raven Guard Heresy stories. Depressing and bleak, it ties together all the previous stories into an incredibly satisfying conclusion.
The Raven Guard were left all but broken by the events of Isstvan V, but Corax kept his Legion together and fought the traitors in a guerilla warefear style, harassing traitor supply-lines and reclaiming lost worlds. But the last few years weigh heavily upon his mind and soul, his sacrifices great. His exhaustion is tangible, the brief period of the Heresy aging him more than decades of fighting the Great Crusade.
Now the Heresy is in its final days, Horus’ arrival to Terra is within sight. The remaining Loyalist Forces are holding off the Traitor forces at Beta-Gharmon system (as depicted in “Titanfall”). Corax must determine where his Legion will make its stand. Will they head to Terra or fight at Beta-Gharmon? Or is there a third path?
There is a dread to the book. The decision Corax has to make is made more complicated by the reveal of the events of the audio drama “Raptors” and the visions of Praefector Valerius, the same visions that saved Corax in the short stories “Raven’s Flight” and “The Face of Treachery”.
The final outcome is tragic and I was honestly surprised by how upsetting I found it, I hadn’t realised how attached I had become to many of the characters.
This story also serves as a follow-up to the novel “Wolfsbane”. The short story “Valerius” takes place directly after this novella as does the short story “Grey Raven”.
May 7, 2018
Finally, the end of the war is in sight. This is the first book that deals (for a few pages) with the aftermath of the Horus Heresy. Great stories all around.
January 27, 2024
‘You don’t have the same memories as me. You were not there, brother.'
'A fate that you never fail to mention when given the chance,' Branne said with a sigh.
Nevermore is fine as a compilation, but it’s hard to escape the perception that Corax means less to the Horus Heresy than the two Primarchs lost before it even started.
Betrayal
You already knew the code?’ Arendi stared at Corax with awe, mouth open.
‘No,' replied the primarch. ‘Nathian was never an original thinker. The pass-code was his prisoner number from Lycaeus. Lucky first guess.'
Corax’s personality is built around trust issues. His path both before and in this compilation has been set up as:
- Betrayal at Isstvan
- Betrayal by Alpha Legion infiltrators
- Outright betrayal by former Ravenguard
- Indirect betrayal by present members of his Ravenguard
Even those “loyal” to him stray from “full and frank advice” to “unnecessarily argumentative”. Reading Corax’s storyline is like feeling a hundred different needles constantly pricking your skin.
Thorpe is consistent with this portrayal and Corax’s feeling of insecurity is a relatively dominant feature compared to the other primarches. Kurze has similarities in that his legion hates him, but that’s a mutual self-sustaining cycle of hatred, whereas Corax’s experiences weaken him.
Being made to feel uncomfortable about what will go wrong next due to trust issues an interesting concept to explore from a character perspective… …but there’s only so much artificially in the plot to create these situations before I can no longer suspend my disbelief. Characters read from prepared lines. Battles run on rails. Emotional variety is Corax emoting strongly in one direction, before abruptly emoting strongly in another. Wereguld is a particular offender in this regard, relying on excessive emotional beats to cover for incoherence.
So the issue is that this theme of betrayal is pretend. It’s kabuki theatre. Betrayal occurs because that’s the rules, it’s the only way the story goes forward. So, then, how is a betrayal when it has to happen? An example is in the quote above – Corax stops the bad thing because the final enemy was a former Ravenguard, which gives him the convenient information to overcome the obstacle. It’s not the problem with the stories, but a useful microcosm and reflects that the writing gets lazy where necessary to wrap things up.
I get at a conceptual level that all stories are fake, and a betrayal is often a key element of a plot. It’s just without betrayal, Corax would never “succeed”. He’s a slave to it, otherwise he’s just milling about the Imperium, having no impact on the Horus Heresy. So it’s hard to relate to it – if someone betrayed me, I’d find it quite the hindrance! It might be an element of character growth to have to overcome it!
The easier route
There were nods from the Raptors, and Hef was grateful for their understanding. He glanced back at the dead Space Wolves. ‘Guessing is for gamblers. We can’t afford to take chances.’
Other than Soulforge (which tries a few interesting things but peters out into dullness), the novels do successfully develop the mutant Rapters (or devolve them – things don’t go that well).
I think this is the better line for Nevermore. The execution is still a little below par, the metaphors too clunky, but it is at least something I run with. The challenges, the pressure, the bad decisions for reasons that are good from one perspective, catastrophic from another. It’s less distinctive that Corax’s feelings getting hurt all the time... ...but it works.
And that is the (unintentional) point of Nevermore to me. You can try out new(ish) things within the Horus Heresy, about a character who’s constantly undermined by even his closest allies, and has to still be friends with them. It is a cool thing that Corax doesn’t lash out like a number of Primarchs would. The problem is you’ve got to hang it on a framework, and with novel ideas, it’s a little harder to do it without looking you’re trying really really hard. Which is why the more common subplot is “better” by being more believable. Credit for reaching, but it doesn’t quite grasp.
'A fate that you never fail to mention when given the chance,' Branne said with a sigh.
Nevermore is fine as a compilation, but it’s hard to escape the perception that Corax means less to the Horus Heresy than the two Primarchs lost before it even started.
Betrayal
You already knew the code?’ Arendi stared at Corax with awe, mouth open.
‘No,' replied the primarch. ‘Nathian was never an original thinker. The pass-code was his prisoner number from Lycaeus. Lucky first guess.'
Corax’s personality is built around trust issues. His path both before and in this compilation has been set up as:
- Betrayal at Isstvan
- Betrayal by Alpha Legion infiltrators
- Outright betrayal by former Ravenguard
- Indirect betrayal by present members of his Ravenguard
Even those “loyal” to him stray from “full and frank advice” to “unnecessarily argumentative”. Reading Corax’s storyline is like feeling a hundred different needles constantly pricking your skin.
Thorpe is consistent with this portrayal and Corax’s feeling of insecurity is a relatively dominant feature compared to the other primarches. Kurze has similarities in that his legion hates him, but that’s a mutual self-sustaining cycle of hatred, whereas Corax’s experiences weaken him.
Being made to feel uncomfortable about what will go wrong next due to trust issues an interesting concept to explore from a character perspective… …but there’s only so much artificially in the plot to create these situations before I can no longer suspend my disbelief. Characters read from prepared lines. Battles run on rails. Emotional variety is Corax emoting strongly in one direction, before abruptly emoting strongly in another. Wereguld is a particular offender in this regard, relying on excessive emotional beats to cover for incoherence.
So the issue is that this theme of betrayal is pretend. It’s kabuki theatre. Betrayal occurs because that’s the rules, it’s the only way the story goes forward. So, then, how is a betrayal when it has to happen? An example is in the quote above – Corax stops the bad thing because the final enemy was a former Ravenguard, which gives him the convenient information to overcome the obstacle. It’s not the problem with the stories, but a useful microcosm and reflects that the writing gets lazy where necessary to wrap things up.
I get at a conceptual level that all stories are fake, and a betrayal is often a key element of a plot. It’s just without betrayal, Corax would never “succeed”. He’s a slave to it, otherwise he’s just milling about the Imperium, having no impact on the Horus Heresy. So it’s hard to relate to it – if someone betrayed me, I’d find it quite the hindrance! It might be an element of character growth to have to overcome it!
The easier route
There were nods from the Raptors, and Hef was grateful for their understanding. He glanced back at the dead Space Wolves. ‘Guessing is for gamblers. We can’t afford to take chances.’
Other than Soulforge (which tries a few interesting things but peters out into dullness), the novels do successfully develop the mutant Rapters (or devolve them – things don’t go that well).
I think this is the better line for Nevermore. The execution is still a little below par, the metaphors too clunky, but it is at least something I run with. The challenges, the pressure, the bad decisions for reasons that are good from one perspective, catastrophic from another. It’s less distinctive that Corax’s feelings getting hurt all the time... ...but it works.
And that is the (unintentional) point of Nevermore to me. You can try out new(ish) things within the Horus Heresy, about a character who’s constantly undermined by even his closest allies, and has to still be friends with them. It is a cool thing that Corax doesn’t lash out like a number of Primarchs would. The problem is you’ve got to hang it on a framework, and with novel ideas, it’s a little harder to do it without looking you’re trying really really hard. Which is why the more common subplot is “better” by being more believable. Credit for reaching, but it doesn’t quite grasp.
May 5, 2019
This is a highly enjoyable anthology of three novellas and a couple of short stories featuring the eponymous Corax and the survivors of XIX Legion, The Raven Guard as the wars of the Horus Heresy progress towards their blood soaked conclusion.
These stories were originally produced as stand alones and each can easily be read as such but they are all interlinked and there is an extra satisfaction as you see the various ties coming together. Gav Thorpe has a good feel for the Raven Guard and he writes them well. The action scenes are well handled though, if I was to be hyper critical there are moments where it does feel as if the enemy is replacable depending on which traitor legion he has them attacking at the moment. There is little to distinguish their enemies by legion trait, they are just there to die in bolter and blade porn action scenes. and some scene jumps are a bit jarring but not enough to put me off the book
So far, so Black Library then, but what really distinguishes this series in my mind is not merely the ties between stories written months, if not years apart but the sense of the legion in general and the Primarch in particular going through an existential crisis. These heroes may dress in black and act like super Special Forces troops, but it has all taken a dreadful toll. From the commander whose reaction to the loss of most of his Legion at Istvaan is to slaughter any and every traitor he comes across regardless of tactical orders in an attempt to deal with his PTSD Then you have the officer who has survivor's guilt from not being there with his brothers. The pathos of the Raptors an ill considered effort to rebuild numbers that was catastrophically sabotaged, these deformed beings are an oddly emothional heart to the story and play a vital role in how it all ends. Finally, dwarfing them all is the Primarch himself, determined to avenge his losses, put right his failures and do whatever it takes to win. He is a dark and flawed genius, all too aware of the fact that he and his brothers are the cause of the galactic catastrophe unfolding around him and struggling to find a proper solution to saving his father, his Imperium and his legion Balancing the wish to do the greatest good with the operational necessities of a shattered legion.
This is one of the better anthologies in the lengthy Horus Heresy series.
These stories were originally produced as stand alones and each can easily be read as such but they are all interlinked and there is an extra satisfaction as you see the various ties coming together. Gav Thorpe has a good feel for the Raven Guard and he writes them well. The action scenes are well handled though, if I was to be hyper critical there are moments where it does feel as if the enemy is replacable depending on which traitor legion he has them attacking at the moment. There is little to distinguish their enemies by legion trait, they are just there to die in bolter and blade porn action scenes. and some scene jumps are a bit jarring but not enough to put me off the book
So far, so Black Library then, but what really distinguishes this series in my mind is not merely the ties between stories written months, if not years apart but the sense of the legion in general and the Primarch in particular going through an existential crisis. These heroes may dress in black and act like super Special Forces troops, but it has all taken a dreadful toll. From the commander whose reaction to the loss of most of his Legion at Istvaan is to slaughter any and every traitor he comes across regardless of tactical orders in an attempt to deal with his PTSD Then you have the officer who has survivor's guilt from not being there with his brothers. The pathos of the Raptors an ill considered effort to rebuild numbers that was catastrophically sabotaged, these deformed beings are an oddly emothional heart to the story and play a vital role in how it all ends. Finally, dwarfing them all is the Primarch himself, determined to avenge his losses, put right his failures and do whatever it takes to win. He is a dark and flawed genius, all too aware of the fact that he and his brothers are the cause of the galactic catastrophe unfolding around him and struggling to find a proper solution to saving his father, his Imperium and his legion Balancing the wish to do the greatest good with the operational necessities of a shattered legion.
This is one of the better anthologies in the lengthy Horus Heresy series.
July 30, 2017
Corax: Nevermore is a culmination of many Raven Guard novels, and I must say, it's a solid read. I'm sure most fans of this Chapter will be satisfied with what Gav Thorpe has delivered. It's flawed, but there are some qualities and stories that may make it worth the read.
To begin on the pro's, there are some truly fantastic stories throughout this novel. Alas, I can't name specifics as it has been months since my last read-through, but I do recall the latter half having the gems. Thorpe, unlike many others, also showcases rich battle sequences that one can actually follow and imagine. They're not merely poorly written clashes of blood and gore. Rest assured, the Ravenlord (Corax) himself is developed fairly well and does possess substance as a character. Many Astartes of his Legion, the Raven Guard, are also developed well here and have their moments in the sun.
Now, con's. To be upfront, this is an inconsistent read. Some stories are exciting while others are dreadfully bland and uninspiring. While entertaining, characters throughout this novel aren't the greatest examples of characters with depth, but there are far worse out there. Lastly, it bothers me how little reverence was shown to Corax by his Legion. They proclaim their love for Corax to the heavens, yet time and time again, certain Astartes of the Chapter openly disrespect their Primarch. Disrespect in the form in openly doubting, disagreeing, or even objecting with the Ravenlord's calculated decisions. It's bizarre and unheard of between Legion and Primarch. The Raven Guard here seem to say one thing and act another, which may be intentional on Thorpe's part, but I think it was more so due to poor writing. Perhaps the author wanted to spark up petty drama and intensity.
Anyhow, this novel is a lovely read and is FAR from the worst 40,000 content. I recommend this novel, but at the same time, it's not a must-read. I'd give it a 3.7/5
To begin on the pro's, there are some truly fantastic stories throughout this novel. Alas, I can't name specifics as it has been months since my last read-through, but I do recall the latter half having the gems. Thorpe, unlike many others, also showcases rich battle sequences that one can actually follow and imagine. They're not merely poorly written clashes of blood and gore. Rest assured, the Ravenlord (Corax) himself is developed fairly well and does possess substance as a character. Many Astartes of his Legion, the Raven Guard, are also developed well here and have their moments in the sun.
Now, con's. To be upfront, this is an inconsistent read. Some stories are exciting while others are dreadfully bland and uninspiring. While entertaining, characters throughout this novel aren't the greatest examples of characters with depth, but there are far worse out there. Lastly, it bothers me how little reverence was shown to Corax by his Legion. They proclaim their love for Corax to the heavens, yet time and time again, certain Astartes of the Chapter openly disrespect their Primarch. Disrespect in the form in openly doubting, disagreeing, or even objecting with the Ravenlord's calculated decisions. It's bizarre and unheard of between Legion and Primarch. The Raven Guard here seem to say one thing and act another, which may be intentional on Thorpe's part, but I think it was more so due to poor writing. Perhaps the author wanted to spark up petty drama and intensity.
Anyhow, this novel is a lovely read and is FAR from the worst 40,000 content. I recommend this novel, but at the same time, it's not a must-read. I'd give it a 3.7/5
August 20, 2025
as a whole, i liked this quite a bit!! this anthology also really solidified my love for corvus and his raven guard. everyone knows they don’t get enough love, so i’ll try to do the work of thousands, until they’re everyone’s favourite chapter.
soulforge: 3.5/5
- i love corax. and i love the raven guard. this short in particular was essentially just a story to get re-familiarized with raven guard tactics at war. corvus had some baller lines, offering a glimpse into his mind as well as his thoughts towards the emperor but in the end it felt like a whole lot of just battle which is very hit or miss for me personally. i think it’s my aphantasia - but stories with a lot more emotion to better for me.
the shadowmasters: 3/5
- a short piece on a group of the raven guard with the shadow-walk ability.
ravenlord: 5/5
- you know, i actually really really like this!!! for a short story, this gave so much development to corvus as a character!! admittedly it starts off pretty slow but the ending was amazing. ‘chapter 15’ and the epilogue brought so much depth to corvus. this is a must read imo.
the value of fear: 3/5
- i only give it a 3 cause of its length. i would LOVE to see a night lord try to get acquainted with raven guard tactics. they’re so similar and so different.
raptor: 2/5
- are they trying to rewrite the whole raptor company? wth was that.
weregeld: 827764882762637876/5
- This is not only the best piece of Warhammer literature I have ever read, this may be one of the best stories i’ve EVER read.
I wish I was better at writing out my thoughts about this. but this is absolute perfection. My heart is broken knowing I’ll never get to experience reading this for the first time ever again.
soulforge: 3.5/5
- i love corax. and i love the raven guard. this short in particular was essentially just a story to get re-familiarized with raven guard tactics at war. corvus had some baller lines, offering a glimpse into his mind as well as his thoughts towards the emperor but in the end it felt like a whole lot of just battle which is very hit or miss for me personally. i think it’s my aphantasia - but stories with a lot more emotion to better for me.
the shadowmasters: 3/5
- a short piece on a group of the raven guard with the shadow-walk ability.
ravenlord: 5/5
- you know, i actually really really like this!!! for a short story, this gave so much development to corvus as a character!! admittedly it starts off pretty slow but the ending was amazing. ‘chapter 15’ and the epilogue brought so much depth to corvus. this is a must read imo.
the value of fear: 3/5
- i only give it a 3 cause of its length. i would LOVE to see a night lord try to get acquainted with raven guard tactics. they’re so similar and so different.
raptor: 2/5
- are they trying to rewrite the whole raptor company? wth was that.
weregeld: 827764882762637876/5
- This is not only the best piece of Warhammer literature I have ever read, this may be one of the best stories i’ve EVER read.
I wish I was better at writing out my thoughts about this. but this is absolute perfection. My heart is broken knowing I’ll never get to experience reading this for the first time ever again.
September 26, 2025
Esta antología de relatos de la legión de guardia del cuervo es para ahondar más en la XIX legión y conocer más sobre Corax en general. Aunque la presentación de Corax o la primera vez que vi su punto de vista me pareció algo floja, habiendo perdido la batalla de Isstvan y encima que la legión Alfa le estropease los planes para crear nuevos cuervos, me parecía un primarca del montón pero para nada, es todo lo contrario. A medida que leía los relatos cada vez me caían mejor los cuervos, hay de todo: si te gustan más los raptors, Branne o Agapito, hay puntos de vista de todos, conquistas y reconquistas, pero lo mejor es la batalla de la cárcel esa donde mantenían a los supervivientes de Isstvan, todo el rato sospechas de Arendi por su extraña actitud mientras Corax se da de hostias con un engendro del caos que casi le cuesta la vida. Como digo, magnífico trabajo con el lore de la legión, lo malo es que personalmente odio el momento de la separación, cuando Guilliaman decide que las legiones deben separarse de los primarcas hay algo que se rompe, las legiones son lo mejor de la herejia de Horus, y ver a Corax dejando libres a sus hijos para que hagan la guerra por su cuenta es algo que me estropea la diversión.
October 7, 2016
And so another mighty HH tome has arrived for readers enjoyment. Corax from a talented author Gav Thorpe is a next numbered installment in HH - 40th book and another milestone in a series. This time it's an anthology of previously released stuff plus a new never before seen novella 'Weregeld'. This anthology contains all of Gav Thorpe’s tales of the Raven Guard in the Horus Heresy – the novellas Soulforge and Ravenlord , and short stories ‘The Shadowmasters’, ‘The Value of Fear’ and ‘Raptor’. As synopsis tells us it's taking Corax’s legend to its grim conclusion at least for a time being and impending Siege of Terra.
Previously released titles were already read and reviewed by a lot of readers. So I will quickly judge them from the past, then will give my opinion on new stuff 'Weregeld' and rate anthology as a whole.
To be truthful - this anthology would have been much better, if it would have included 'Raven's Flight' story (cause it's where all starts for Corax) and Corax novel 'Deliverance Lost' (without which all the 'Raptors' stuff would be a little strange for newbies who started reading Corax story right from the 40th installment).
Without them the story of 'Nevermore' and Corax depression, integral struggle and all his decisions are not 'opened' for the reader in full.
Corax: Soulforge is a story that continues Corax story after Deliverance Lost and provides insight into XIX Primarch internal struggle, new stratagems and planning for future campaigns. All in all - that novella struggles to find it's footing and provide some really meaningful insight into all main points it should cover. So it could be rated as 2 out of 5 stars.
Ravenlord - with it Gav Thorpe tried another approach to Corax story, but here it's failed exactly with the same reasons as the previous one. But it did contain some 'waves' into the future of W40K. It's 3 out of 5 stars.
‘The Shadowmasters’, ‘The Value of Fear’ shorts are better than novellas stuff, but struggles as being something more than fillers for the HH times. In case of ‘The Value of Fear’ it has some aspiring moments. Especially then a loyal Night Lords tells that Corax action 'is really terrifying'. And it has some small insight into stratagems of an amazing Alpha Legion. And that's always good.
'Raptor', which was previously released as an audio drama, on the other hand provides insight on the monsters which 'were created' by Corax - and to understand what and where it's coming from you definitely should have read 'Deliverance Lost' and have a lore knowledge for the times of Horus Heresy. But it fails flat - cause both the raptors and wulfens are more like a disappointed kid's than a grown and experienced SMs (in case of SW). It's 3 out of 5 stars.
And now we finally get to the point of 'Weregeld' - the only new stuff which goes in this anthology for the people who already read previous titles.
It is actually the best story in all the anthology. From one point of view it's 'closes' Corax story for the time being, getting the narrative to the logical conclusion. Partly due to a really good excerpts from the future. Also it contain excerpts from the period of 'Scouring' - which from one point of view are interesting for RG fans, but spoil 'the ending' for others. Let's call it a long due premonition of events to come.
'Weregeld' addresses all the plot points settled up by the previous Corax installments and provides a logical and satisfying conclusion. It also contain a solid view (much better than in previous installments) on XIX Primarchs psyche. And that's where it partly fails too. It sometimes starts good questions > but eventually close them very quickly due to the page count. 'Weregeld' would have been a very good novella - if it would have been made into novel.
But that's actually a general problem with Black Library nowdays - page count destroy truly amazing stories and makes them simply good. 100 pages added to 'Weregeld' would have made it truly amazing. But we have what we have. No point discussing it further.
I would rate 'Weregeld' as 4 out of 5 stars. That's the best installment in book 40 of HH narratively wide and storydriven.
As a end result,all the stories combined goes in a chronological order and delves into Corax legend in full, up to the certain point in the future. They are rough, filler like and sometimes blank. All the struggle of RG after Istvaan are basically described as guerilla war behind enemy lines without any specifics. We just know they were fighting and stopped some /X/ point of enemy SMs and resources getting in /Y/ time to take part in Siege of Terra, nothing more.
In general that's not a book I was 'hoping' to read and definitely one of the 'standard' anthologies, instead of being one of the amazing ones like Shadows of Treachery. If you love RG and Corax as a Primarch - probably you gonna like it, especially 'Weregeld'.
If you hate fillers and want to know more about Horus Heresy main events or central plotline, or have an awesome read - you can simply skip anthology up to 'Weregeld' and read it alone.
So the book as an anthology get's 3 out of 5 stars.
Also the book includes a full-art hardcover, a glossy dustjacket in the Horus Heresy series style, internal illustrations and an exclusive author afterword - all the shiny stuff BL are famous for. So as usual where would be a big list of fans who will by the anthology as a shiny case for their mantelpiece.
Previously released titles were already read and reviewed by a lot of readers. So I will quickly judge them from the past, then will give my opinion on new stuff 'Weregeld' and rate anthology as a whole.
To be truthful - this anthology would have been much better, if it would have included 'Raven's Flight' story (cause it's where all starts for Corax) and Corax novel 'Deliverance Lost' (without which all the 'Raptors' stuff would be a little strange for newbies who started reading Corax story right from the 40th installment).
Without them the story of 'Nevermore' and Corax depression, integral struggle and all his decisions are not 'opened' for the reader in full.
Corax: Soulforge is a story that continues Corax story after Deliverance Lost and provides insight into XIX Primarch internal struggle, new stratagems and planning for future campaigns. All in all - that novella struggles to find it's footing and provide some really meaningful insight into all main points it should cover. So it could be rated as 2 out of 5 stars.
Ravenlord - with it Gav Thorpe tried another approach to Corax story, but here it's failed exactly with the same reasons as the previous one. But it did contain some 'waves' into the future of W40K. It's 3 out of 5 stars.
‘The Shadowmasters’, ‘The Value of Fear’ shorts are better than novellas stuff, but struggles as being something more than fillers for the HH times. In case of ‘The Value of Fear’ it has some aspiring moments. Especially then a loyal Night Lords tells that Corax action 'is really terrifying'. And it has some small insight into stratagems of an amazing Alpha Legion. And that's always good.
'Raptor', which was previously released as an audio drama, on the other hand provides insight on the monsters which 'were created' by Corax - and to understand what and where it's coming from you definitely should have read 'Deliverance Lost' and have a lore knowledge for the times of Horus Heresy. But it fails flat - cause both the raptors and wulfens are more like a disappointed kid's than a grown and experienced SMs (in case of SW). It's 3 out of 5 stars.
And now we finally get to the point of 'Weregeld' - the only new stuff which goes in this anthology for the people who already read previous titles.
It is actually the best story in all the anthology. From one point of view it's 'closes' Corax story for the time being, getting the narrative to the logical conclusion. Partly due to a really good excerpts from the future. Also it contain excerpts from the period of 'Scouring' - which from one point of view are interesting for RG fans, but spoil 'the ending' for others. Let's call it a long due premonition of events to come.
'Weregeld' addresses all the plot points settled up by the previous Corax installments and provides a logical and satisfying conclusion. It also contain a solid view (much better than in previous installments) on XIX Primarchs psyche. And that's where it partly fails too. It sometimes starts good questions > but eventually close them very quickly due to the page count. 'Weregeld' would have been a very good novella - if it would have been made into novel.
But that's actually a general problem with Black Library nowdays - page count destroy truly amazing stories and makes them simply good. 100 pages added to 'Weregeld' would have made it truly amazing. But we have what we have. No point discussing it further.
I would rate 'Weregeld' as 4 out of 5 stars. That's the best installment in book 40 of HH narratively wide and storydriven.
As a end result,all the stories combined goes in a chronological order and delves into Corax legend in full, up to the certain point in the future. They are rough, filler like and sometimes blank. All the struggle of RG after Istvaan are basically described as guerilla war behind enemy lines without any specifics. We just know they were fighting and stopped some /X/ point of enemy SMs and resources getting in /Y/ time to take part in Siege of Terra, nothing more.
In general that's not a book I was 'hoping' to read and definitely one of the 'standard' anthologies, instead of being one of the amazing ones like Shadows of Treachery. If you love RG and Corax as a Primarch - probably you gonna like it, especially 'Weregeld'.
If you hate fillers and want to know more about Horus Heresy main events or central plotline, or have an awesome read - you can simply skip anthology up to 'Weregeld' and read it alone.
So the book as an anthology get's 3 out of 5 stars.
Also the book includes a full-art hardcover, a glossy dustjacket in the Horus Heresy series style, internal illustrations and an exclusive author afterword - all the shiny stuff BL are famous for. So as usual where would be a big list of fans who will by the anthology as a shiny case for their mantelpiece.
August 28, 2017
Oh. My. God. I do have a deeper appreciation for Corax now. He is very much in contrast to Curze in that they are both dark, brooding, shadowy figures who are consumed by their emotions. But Corax has a conscience whereas Curze does not (and is also completely insane). This book just blew open a huge part of The Horus Heresy for me. I don't even know where to begin. I'll just say that this is a collection of novellas that all center aroun the Raven Guard and are also written by Gav Thorpe. So it was nice to go from Deliverance Lost straight to this book with one person in charge of the narrative thread. I mean, the pay off was a damn punch in the gut. I have not been this affected by a Black Library book since The Night Lords trilogy (my fav). And now that I think about it, they share similar depressing themes. Alright. I need to calm down. All I'm saying is if you read the Horus Heresy and are interested in this book, read or re-read Deliverance Lost. The damn epilogue of Corax essentially ties up directly with it. Phew. Need to go for a run or something.
One of these days, I'll learn to write a proper review.
One of these days, I'll learn to write a proper review.
January 1, 2019
The 19th Legion is one of the less well known of the First Founding. We know they nearly broken by the ambush at Istvaan 5 (alongside the Iron Hands and the Salamanders). We also know that in the aftermath their Primarch Corax was given some of the secrets of how the Space Marines were constructed by the Emperor so he could try to get his Legion back up to strength to rejoin the fight. We also know that his interpretation of that information led to his replacements being... imperfect.
But we don't know much about what he did during the Hersey. He wasn't part of the Siege of Terra so what did he do?
This collection of novellas takes Corax from after his escape from the dropsite massacre right up to the Second Founding which happens after the Hersey is done. We get to see what the Raven Guard and some of the rest of the Shattered Legions did to fit back against Horus. But then to strike from the shadows, to hit and run is the 19th way, far more than to stand on battlements.
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like it was moving the story forward, filled in a few blanks and stood up in it's own right too.
But we don't know much about what he did during the Hersey. He wasn't part of the Siege of Terra so what did he do?
This collection of novellas takes Corax from after his escape from the dropsite massacre right up to the Second Founding which happens after the Hersey is done. We get to see what the Raven Guard and some of the rest of the Shattered Legions did to fit back against Horus. But then to strike from the shadows, to hit and run is the 19th way, far more than to stand on battlements.
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like it was moving the story forward, filled in a few blanks and stood up in it's own right too.
January 3, 2025
To Begin I actually like Corvus so far as a character as he's one of the coolest primarchs I've gotten the chance to meet yet, but I as well think that this book might be my least favorite of the Horus Heresy so far or it's at least bottom 2. I'd say Gav Thorpe does a pretty decent job writing & propelling the narrative on a page by page basis though his prose don't strike me in any sort of way as a reader & the way events are told can often times feel faint in memory. Also once again I do like Corax but with this installment I found the remainder of his legion to be pretty one dimensional & unfulfilling in their POVS all across the board. Alongside that even though I want to see more of the primarchs & think Leman Russ is cool as all hell, having this little thing between him & Corvus top off the book made the whole final portion quite dry since we know next to nothing about the relationship between these two in addition to there not being much development for these characters all around so I don't get the decision to tie their relationship into the conclusion.
January 29, 2024
Another one that feels like really advancing the story, with background hints to some pretty major battles that are precursors to the Siege of Terra, albeit I think it is a number of novels before we get to those said battles, and for a bit of a disjoint some of the events shown here I believe are following events from a story 9 novels away.
Bit of a funny anthology here, inasmuch as while different stories, are are pretty tightly interlinked, and I think the pacing would gone better if it was just one full length novel allowing things to breathe a bit more, and certain segments to flow a bit better.
Overall a bit of a sadder tone to the stories as well compared to prior novels, part of getting towards the end of the series I think and a reflection of the prices being paid and how things are ultimately ending up in a worse position than prior to the Heresy.
Overall though a pretty good read, feeling like it is continuing the momentum of the series.
Bit of a funny anthology here, inasmuch as while different stories, are are pretty tightly interlinked, and I think the pacing would gone better if it was just one full length novel allowing things to breathe a bit more, and certain segments to flow a bit better.
Overall a bit of a sadder tone to the stories as well compared to prior novels, part of getting towards the end of the series I think and a reflection of the prices being paid and how things are ultimately ending up in a worse position than prior to the Heresy.
Overall though a pretty good read, feeling like it is continuing the momentum of the series.
May 15, 2024
I think once again Gav Thorpe is a very good writer who happens to either be trapped by or commit the sin of unfortunate context and pacing decisions. I think that this was a good book, I think Raptors was my favorite story. My best personal friend Marcus Valerius suffers. This is not marked as spoilers as this is an essential key tenet of the character. he is the Miles O'Brein of the Raven Guard arc of the Horus Heresy. I think it did well painting Corax as the Emo primarch (Curze is the Joker pimarch). I just think that a lot of the developments and decisions happened faster than they would have if some of these were combined or reformatter. Oh well. Still better than Outcast Dead. I think I need to re-rate that one lower but I can't betray the Thunder Warriors like they were betrayed at Mount Ararat .
June 17, 2025
i won't lie, i cried reading the last short story in this book. weregeld encapsulates the very nadir of corvus' character arc and renders out his cognitive dissonance with the way he views himself, his duty and his siblings and in the end he doesn't even come out of it!! he only decides that he won't commit suicide on beta-garmon because he doesn't want leman to die here. pretty much the entirety of this anthology is corvus ostensibly winning battles in his guerilla war against the traitor legions while driving his mental health into the dirt until we see the final result of it all in weregeld, where he attempts to commit suicide in a battle-to-the-last against the traitor forces on beta-garmon before the aforementioned changing of his mind at the last second. it's great! gav thorpe should be the only person allowed to write corvus from now on.
November 7, 2017
An interesting collection of stories of the Raven Guard. Of the three legions shattered at the Dropsite Massacre, the Raven Guard seemed to be the ones who looked most likely to find new purpose quickly. These stories build neatly on that event and the later events in their reconstruction. Corax is almost more tortured than Konrad Curze, the Night Haunter, as primarchs go as he has tried to rebuild his legion and failed in a way, that not his fault, created a longer-term mistake that he couldn't seem to find his way to forgive himself for. His tightly-held empathy and guilt lead well into the later disappearance of the Corax after the heresy.
All in all, a good set of stories.
All in all, a good set of stories.
June 2, 2025
I was not a big fan of the raven guard at the start. I assumed that they were just the stealth built marines. I was wrong. Getting to know and understand their doctrine, especially from the perspective of Corvus Corax was enlightening. They may be incredibly accept at stealth but their biggest strength is being an inspiring force. They know their worth and they try to inspire that in others. Their lord is a revolutionary who also takes accountability for his and his sins actions. I respect that. I really enjoyed these stories and recommend it to everyone who wants to enjoy the faction that is less spoken for.
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