Our Martyred Lady

Warhammer 40,000

by Gav Thorpe, Catherine Tate (Narrator), Emma Gregory (Narrator)

Celestine the Living Saint and Inquisitor Greyfax must join forces to avert a schism within the Imperial Ecclesiarchy that could cast mankind into an era of terrible darkness in this epic, four-part audio drama. 

During the turbulent Reign of Blood, a great schism in the Imperial Ecclesiarchy threatened all of Terra and promised a darkness to rival the terrors of Old Night. Fell times have come again to the Imperium and a War of Faith appears inevitable. Standing in the way of catastrophe is Celestine, the Living Saint and one of the greatest heroes of the age. Only she can reunite the warring factions of the Ecclesiarchy and prevent a second Reign of Blood. Together with the Inquisitor Greyfax, Celestine and her allies must hunt across the shrineworlds of the Imperium and beyond to root out the evil behind the schism and burn it out with righteous, cleansing flame.

Genres: Audiobook, Science Fiction, 40k, Fiction

4 pages, Audio CD

First published February 26, 2019

About the author

Gav 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.

Reviews

[Michael Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A four-part, four-and-a-bit hour Warhammer 40,000 audio drama, this sees Inquisitor Greyfax and Saint Celestine working together (begrudgingly, in Greyfax’s case) to combat a far-reaching plot that harks back to the Reign of Blood. When the head of the Ecclesiarchy makes an unprecedented decision, the consequences are far-reaching – including a very public attempt on the Ecclesiarch’s life. It falls to Celestine and Greyfax to protect the Ecclesiarch, uncover who (or what) was behind the attack, and ensure that nothing – neither the politics of the Ecclesiarchy nor the machinations of Chaos – can undermine the stability of the Imperium.

As well as Black Library’s commitment to the audio medium, this ably demonstrates Gav’s skill in writing narration-free audio stories and the incredible quality of the voice cast, direction, music and sound design. There’s an occasional reference to wider goings-on in the Imperium which jars just a little (it definitely helps to be up to date with recent 40k events), and David Sibley’s spy Kyrillos could have done with a little more development, but those are very minor issues with a powerful story which balances its grand, sweeping scope with effective touches of humour and an outstanding pair of central characters.

Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/03/...

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was good, but I absolutely loved Catherine Tate as Greyfax. I need more 40K Inquisitor Greyfax stories with her narrating. The audio production as usual for Black Library is excellent. I really got a kick out of the not-so-subtle Donna/Doctor Who vibe to the music.

[Gobbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to learn more about Warhammer lore, and especially the Sisters of Battle, this is a great audiobook to start with. To me it was sometimes hard to follow because it's audio and there is a lot going on at some points but it is a very well made audio drama.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Martyred Lady is an excellent audio-drama that keeps up the tension from start to finish. It's obvious that each voice actor threw themselves into their respective roles; Emma Gregory (Saint Celestine) and Katherine Tate (Inquisitor Greyfax) especially shining here. Plus, it has Ramon Tikaram. I could listen to this man read out my shopping list and I'd be deeply entertained.

[Anthony Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid audio drama, only problem was it was too short

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Nice drama well acted and with good rythm and overall production quality

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great production for an audiobook, very immersive.

Unfortunately there was way too much lore that was important for the plot, that I didnt have as an outsider to warhammer

[g0kc3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a little story about Celestine and Greyfax being roommates for a day. (Also I love Emma Gregory as Saint Celestine)

[Valtier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio drama is an art piece! I loved every moment of it, wished if was a little bit longer though.

"... I'm the edge of the blade, I'm the cut that ends foes. I'm the wrath that topple armies! Sisters of the Martyred Lady, brothers of the Black Templars, will you fight with me?
I feel your faith brothers, but it must be stronger. You are the Sons of Dawn, the warriors of Sigusmund, you call yourselves Champions of thr Emporer. He calls upon you now, to lend me your wrath, lend me your hate, lend me your fire! Praise him! Praise the Emperor!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had originally given this three stars, so it was definitely worth a re-listen. I really hope Katarinya Greyfax gets her own novel someday, maybe covering her life before she was revived and sent to Cadia. I really liked her combination of snark and deep-rooted insecurity.

My only criticism is her threatening the Inquisitorial Representative in the beginning, which made her come across as more unhinged than "ice-cold motherfucker."

[Pvl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too full of itself at times (even by 40k standards) but ultimately quite enjoyable.

[Kyle T · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story... held back.

Gav Thorpe and the assembled voice actors and audio effects team have created a truly wonderful and engaging story in Our Martyred Lady. I felt like all the characters from inquisitors, menials, space marines, and everyone else were all full of life and nuance. The story is entertaining while maybe not escaping the Michael Bay explosions and world ending dangers that sometimes are the focus of 40k novels. The only problem I have with this work is on a fundamental level. This is NOT an audio book, despite the fact that you listen to 100% of it. What this is is a movie without any visual component. You hear sound effects, dialogue, walking down corridors, firing of guns, etc. You never hear any narration or descriptions of any kind. That massively hurts this piece. If they purposely wanted to avoid having any narration, then Thorpe needed to write much more literal dialogue. You can't just grunt in battle. You need to exclaim "That almost hit me!" or "I need covering fire while I chase after them!" or similar descriptive remarks. As it currently stands Our Martyred Lady has to remain as a good but not great book. Which is a shame because I thoroughly enjoyed it when I could understand what was going on.

[BriBiscuit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! That went way above and beyond even a dramatization version of an audio book! I was immediately transported into the dystopian world of Warhammer 40k, and I felt like I was listening to a really well made show the entire time(minus the visuals)! I'd love to see this story animated because all they would have to do is add the audio of the this book to it :) If you are familiar with the 40k universe then I highly recommend you listen to this! It can be very hectic and hard to follow at times; especially if you aren't familiar with all the terminology. I tend to like more drukhari and aldar based lore, but I still found this to be an entertaining listen. The relationship between Celestine and Grayfax was not as smooth as I would have expected it to be, but in the world of 40k I doubt there are many if any at all, kind and 'cozy' friendships. If you love complicated politics, battle, space, badass powerful women, and a world with so much lore no one person can know it then you will love this book and just about every 40k book to ever exist in the Black Library :)

3.75/5 Battle sisters - but if you judge it purely on the quality of the audio itself? Then its and easy 6/5 Battle sisters!

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Like the growth of Greyfax and her interactions with Celestine. Love the story and the expansion upon the SoB origins, especially the scenes on the SoB home world. But man I don’t love audio dramas. I feel like so much is lost in just playing sounds vs depicting situations - also feels like character dialogue is written a bit stilted, trying to force them to explain their surroundings in a way that helps the listener understand the setting but in a way that doesn’t flow like natural conversation. This would rule as an actual book but still a fun time overall.

[Tracy O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I AM OBSESSED.

“We are the bolter and the bolt, the gauntlet and the fist, the lantern and the light; I see you”

Okay, yes, this was a little overproduced and kind of off in places pacing wise and far from perfect but the battle scenes are epic and all of chapter four was just an absolutely delightful mess of space-Catholic guilt and psyker bullshit and also I’m sorry but there is *no* heterosexual explanation for any of that

I loved it

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t fault it much, other than perhaps a little bit limited in variety in the 4 hour run time and I would’ve liked some more sassy dialogue of inquisitors talking about shooting each other on the spot, and a bit less standing on voidship bridges talking about enemy ships approaching. Otherwise, an immortal saint and a depressive realist with unlimited authority fighting the summoning of a greater demon? Sign me up.

[Shane Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an audio drama, rather than an audio book. The story follows an event that brings major characters and factions from 40K together in an interesting and captivating story, showing the grim dark that is the 41st Millennia. While listening, I could almost picture the events in my head, almost like I was watching a movie. I would rate at a 4.5, with the .5 star lost from sometimes seemly forced voice work trying to describe something, such as a battle or scene.

[Cristina Costache · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I’ve found a favourite! This was such a good audio drama, gorgeous one and definitely one I’s recommend for those that liked Arcane (the series). I’m so invested now in St Celestine and Greyfax. I wish the last chapter was at the beginning, mainly because it has the insight of the actors and writer, and for a novice in the Warhammer universe it would’ve been useful to help form a bit of a compass into the action.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool as fuck but I had nooooo idea what was going on half the time. It's good - but like all audio dramas that lack third-person prose, it's really just hard understanding scenes that are less dialogue-centric.

This is probably the most fantasy version of sci-fi I've read. Inquisition, crusaders, ecclesiarchy, zealots, schisms, witch hunters, cathedrals, choirs. Good stuff as always, love this universe

[Gamer Gamersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Absolutely stunning to listen to. It gripped me and didn't let me go until the very end. Celestine and Greyfax have amazing chemistry, and an absolutely amazing set of voice actors to sell their characters. The sound design is also incredibly evocative, and there were several moments when I got goosebumps just listening the the strength and sheer badassery emanating from the two women. Just incredible.

[Ellen Schoener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might very well be the best Audio made by Black Library to date.
The writing is great, the setting is very atmospheric and the story full of action and intrigue-
we have battles, political intrigue, heroes in shining armour and assassins...
Katherine Tate is great as Greyfax, I in general enjoy her in her audio work, so I expected nothing less.
A fantastic production for every 40k fan.

[Henric Wiktor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made as an audiodrama so it is more like a play than a book. Kind of cool action but missing that extra ommmppff for the really cool action scenes.
The female lead characters are a little too like each other in both temperament and sound, which makes them hard to separate..

[Michael Holliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better 40k "audio dramas" that I've tried. The approach of writing for audio had its advantages and disadvantages, but overall this is comparable to many of the other "pretty good" 40k books to me.

[Kaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was immersive, intense, well acted, and I'm now obsessed with Greyfax and Celestine's relationship. I need more of them!

Would highly recommend if you're looking to dip your toes into 40k lore, the audio drama format made me tear through it so quickly.

[Bookcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic! Full cast audio drama of a hard fought battle against Chaos. Sister of Battle, Inquisitor Grayfax, the Black Templar, and Custodes fighting together. The funniest part was hearing the Imperium's tech had fallen back to dial-up 🤣🤣🤣

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well put together radio play. The stakes and plot feel really epic by the standards of 40k fiction. At a few points you feel like "dang, can they DO that in anything other than a new edition codex or w/e?"

[nooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an awesome audiodrama. The story was sometimes hard to follow and I think the short length is to blame. It was very fun despite this.

[Alexandre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun audiodrama

[Chris Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overacted, full of itself grandiose sci-fi battle nonsense.

[Vyara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The quality was wonderful however, the story itself was just OK. I did enjoy the interactions between Celestine and Greyfax.