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The Horus Heresy #37
The Silent War: Chosen of the Sigillite
While loyalist and traitor forces clash on a thousand battlefields across the galaxy, a very different kind of war is being fought in the shadows – a war of subtlety and subterfuge, unknown to many, but one that surely holds the key to victory for either side. Rogal Dorn and his Legion prepare to defend the Solar System against the armies of Warmaster Horus, even as Malcador the Sigillite charges his many agents and spies with missions of the utmost secrecy. The future of the Imperium is being shaped by unseen hands... ---------- This Hardcover Edition contains the following stories: The Watcher by C Z Dunn, Child of Night / Grey Angel / Templar by John French, The Gates of Terra by Nick Kyme, Luna Mendax & Wolf Hunt by Graham McNeill, The Purge by Anthony Reynolds, Army of One & Distant Echoes of Old Night by Rob Sanders, Ghosts Speak Not, Lost Sons & Patience by James Swallow and The Sigillite by Chris Wraight
Hardcover
First published May 7, 2016
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About the author
L.J. Goulding
66 books43 followersL. J. Goulding is a British novelist, scriptwriter and editor, living and working in Los Angeles, California. His credits include 'League of Legends: Realms of Runeterra', the Black Library audio dramas 'Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium', 'The Heart of the Pharos', 'Scythes of the Emperor: Daedalus', and 'Mortarion's Heart', the novel 'Slaughter at Giant's Coffin', and many short stories for publishers in the UK and US.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 30, 2017
An excellent anthology mostly about Malcador the Sigillite and his secretive minions and plans. At last the war is coming to Terra and the setting is becoming more and more like the W40K one.
And The Purge, Lost Sons and Ghosts Speak Not & Patience were three real gems.
January 13, 2019
First book finished in 2019, another decent anthology. Stories revolve around, you guessed it, the Silent War. As always, most of these were fine and some were very good. I recommend The Sigillite , Lost Sons, Child of Night and Luna Mendax.
The Purge by Anthony Reynolds - ****
Wanted to squeeze one last novella into 2018... I was not expecting much, being quite fed up with all the Ultramarines versus Word Bearers shenanigans. This surprised me, an interesting story that entertained me quite a lot. Anthony knows how to do Lorgar's sons some justice. Very lovely.
The Sigillite by Chris Wraight - ****
Interesting… Been pretty sure I’ve read this one before, but I could not remember a thing. Maybe I was wrong and stories got all mixed up in my head. It’s an enjoyable tale, like every other piece written about Malcador. Makes me want to learn more about the order of the Sigillites.
Wolf Hunt by Graham McNeill - ****
The coolest and, I guess, the only samurai of the Heresy Era, Yasu Nagasena, goes for a hunt he presumes to be his last. Meanwhile an Astartes legionary is finds himself on the run, and he is no other but Severian, lone survivor of the Outcast Dead. I must admit, reading that novel a long time ago, this Luna Wolf was not the most memorable character of the bunch. Wolf Hunt has restored my interest in him. Even though I knew for sure where this was going, it still was a very entertaining piece to read
Army of One by Rob Sanders - ****
Nice. Very shorts, but atmospheric and even intense. Good timing as well, since I only recently read Nemesis and discovered an adoration for the Officio Assassinorum, especially Eversor.
The Gates of Terra by Nick Kyme - ****
Interesting. Loved it. A little obvious for anyone who’s more or less aware of how things are done in this universe, still a very cool read.
Ghosts Speak Not by James Swallow - ***
This was an interesting piece, but did not touch me for some reason. Absolutely subjective.
Templar by John French - ****
The interaction between Sigi and Kharn is a fascinating thing. But all I want now is a story that will describe the Templar’s duel with Sevatar in full detail. I need it. Now.
Distant Echoes of Old Night by Rob Sanders - ***
Glad to see Death Guard doing things. Good enough, not mind blown.
Grey Angel by John French - ***
Eh… Loken being alive still makes my eyes roll. I have a warm feeling for the guy, but damn. Story was okay. Sorta cryptic.
Lost Sons by James Swallow - *****
I think this was the first short in this anthology that really made me feel things. Interesting bit of lore I knew nothing about. Unexpected and emotional.
Child of Night by John French - *****
I remember the first time I read this story. Back then I gave it 4 stars, but now I give it 5. I remembered Fel Zharost. This character, having just one short story written about him, is one of the most memorable Night Lords out there. And trust me when I say it, I know every Night Lord. We get to learn some new lore on the 8th Legion sons recruited from Terra, we get to see the infamous terror methods unusually implemented through psychic visions and we get a Sevatar cameo. This stuff is great. And it also heavily hints at this bat Grey Knight, you know, being NOT SEVATAR, but likely FEL ZHAROST, which makes me happy cause I low key hate this fan theory… That is all. Good story, highly recommend.
Luna Mendax by Graham McNeill - *****
This still gives me feels. As I said many times before, Loken’s resurrection is not my favorite plot twist. But this story was amazing either way.
Patience by James Swallow - ****
Just another Garro short. Was nice, but nothing new.
The Watcher by C Z Dunn - ****
Oh! Was not expecting to meet Curze in this one. Lovely. Whoever thought it was a good idea to send a Space Wolves watch pack to the Nightfall needs to get fired though…
The Purge by Anthony Reynolds - ****
Wanted to squeeze one last novella into 2018... I was not expecting much, being quite fed up with all the Ultramarines versus Word Bearers shenanigans. This surprised me, an interesting story that entertained me quite a lot. Anthony knows how to do Lorgar's sons some justice. Very lovely.
The Sigillite by Chris Wraight - ****
Interesting… Been pretty sure I’ve read this one before, but I could not remember a thing. Maybe I was wrong and stories got all mixed up in my head. It’s an enjoyable tale, like every other piece written about Malcador. Makes me want to learn more about the order of the Sigillites.
Wolf Hunt by Graham McNeill - ****
The coolest and, I guess, the only samurai of the Heresy Era, Yasu Nagasena, goes for a hunt he presumes to be his last. Meanwhile an Astartes legionary is finds himself on the run, and he is no other but Severian, lone survivor of the Outcast Dead. I must admit, reading that novel a long time ago, this Luna Wolf was not the most memorable character of the bunch. Wolf Hunt has restored my interest in him. Even though I knew for sure where this was going, it still was a very entertaining piece to read
Army of One by Rob Sanders - ****
Nice. Very shorts, but atmospheric and even intense. Good timing as well, since I only recently read Nemesis and discovered an adoration for the Officio Assassinorum, especially Eversor.
The Gates of Terra by Nick Kyme - ****
Interesting. Loved it. A little obvious for anyone who’s more or less aware of how things are done in this universe, still a very cool read.
Ghosts Speak Not by James Swallow - ***
This was an interesting piece, but did not touch me for some reason. Absolutely subjective.
Templar by John French - ****
The interaction between Sigi and Kharn is a fascinating thing. But all I want now is a story that will describe the Templar’s duel with Sevatar in full detail. I need it. Now.
Distant Echoes of Old Night by Rob Sanders - ***
Glad to see Death Guard doing things. Good enough, not mind blown.
Grey Angel by John French - ***
Eh… Loken being alive still makes my eyes roll. I have a warm feeling for the guy, but damn. Story was okay. Sorta cryptic.
Lost Sons by James Swallow - *****
I think this was the first short in this anthology that really made me feel things. Interesting bit of lore I knew nothing about. Unexpected and emotional.
Child of Night by John French - *****
I remember the first time I read this story. Back then I gave it 4 stars, but now I give it 5. I remembered Fel Zharost. This character, having just one short story written about him, is one of the most memorable Night Lords out there. And trust me when I say it, I know every Night Lord. We get to learn some new lore on the 8th Legion sons recruited from Terra, we get to see the infamous terror methods unusually implemented through psychic visions and we get a Sevatar cameo. This stuff is great. And it also heavily hints at this bat Grey Knight, you know, being NOT SEVATAR, but likely FEL ZHAROST, which makes me happy cause I low key hate this fan theory… That is all. Good story, highly recommend.
Luna Mendax by Graham McNeill - *****
This still gives me feels. As I said many times before, Loken’s resurrection is not my favorite plot twist. But this story was amazing either way.
Patience by James Swallow - ****
Just another Garro short. Was nice, but nothing new.
The Watcher by C Z Dunn - ****
Oh! Was not expecting to meet Curze in this one. Lovely. Whoever thought it was a good idea to send a Space Wolves watch pack to the Nightfall needs to get fired though…
April 17, 2020
Enjoyable! This collection of short stories feature the clandestine events taking place in the background of the Heresy and being us back some characters we’ve not seen in ages.
March 9, 2020
The Purge **** Great opening story. The only drawback the back and forth was a bit distracting early on before you really know the characters. The visual of Korolos and Octavion's battle with the Word Bearers was awesome.
The Sigillite *** Nice to finally get a bit of the Sigillite's story.
Wolf Hunt **** Nagasena hunts. I really like this character. Really short.
Army of One ** Super short. It was okay.
The Gates of Terra ****Crazy story. Real Matrix-like.
Ghosts Speak Not ***** Great story that really captures the depth of the Heresy.
Templar **** Good story about Sigismund.
Distant Echoes of Old Night *** Good but a bit drawn out. Great imagery.
Grey Angel***** I loved this story. Two of my favorite characters.
Lost Sons *** Good. It was a cool look at another legion who left some members on their planet and how those individuals deal with being left behind.
Child of Night *** Wished it was longer.
Luna Mendax ****Loken's inner struggles.
Patience ** It needed more.
The Watcher *** Interesting.
All-in-all it was a good book with stories that are not at the forefront of the other Horus Heresy novels. Well worth the read.
The Sigillite *** Nice to finally get a bit of the Sigillite's story.
Wolf Hunt **** Nagasena hunts. I really like this character. Really short.
Army of One ** Super short. It was okay.
The Gates of Terra ****Crazy story. Real Matrix-like.
Ghosts Speak Not ***** Great story that really captures the depth of the Heresy.
Templar **** Good story about Sigismund.
Distant Echoes of Old Night *** Good but a bit drawn out. Great imagery.
Grey Angel***** I loved this story. Two of my favorite characters.
Lost Sons *** Good. It was a cool look at another legion who left some members on their planet and how those individuals deal with being left behind.
Child of Night *** Wished it was longer.
Luna Mendax ****Loken's inner struggles.
Patience ** It needed more.
The Watcher *** Interesting.
All-in-all it was a good book with stories that are not at the forefront of the other Horus Heresy novels. Well worth the read.
June 6, 2017
This is book 37 of the Horus Heresy series and yet again they have outdone themselves. What you have here is the short stories and novellas explaining the Silent War fought by Malcador the Sigillite. Tales involving the Knights Errant, of which the Death Guard Captain Nathaniel Garro was the first. There are tales of the servants of Malcador recruiting the needed men for the Knights Errant. There are stories about the far reaching evil that is Horus, and the small wars fought against his machinations.
Overall this is a splendid explanation and enlightening look into the behind the scenes of the main books and stories, and it is such an informative and imaginative telling of these tales. I really enjoyed this one, especially one story by James Swallow called Ghosts Speak Not. Holy crap was that one good. They all were good, of course but that one stuck with me.
This book was fantastic and I finished it and immediately started reading Angels Of Caliban, book 38. Yeah, I'm an addict! LOL
Danny
Overall this is a splendid explanation and enlightening look into the behind the scenes of the main books and stories, and it is such an informative and imaginative telling of these tales. I really enjoyed this one, especially one story by James Swallow called Ghosts Speak Not. Holy crap was that one good. They all were good, of course but that one stuck with me.
This book was fantastic and I finished it and immediately started reading Angels Of Caliban, book 38. Yeah, I'm an addict! LOL
Danny
December 25, 2023
From 31-40 of the Horus Heresy there are 5 collections of novellas and short stories, mostly from earlier in the Heresy. The Silent War tries to impose a guiding theme, but it’s pretty imaginary.
The Silent Phoney War
As I understand The Silent War, we get insight into how the Imperium defended itself at the highest level. While preparing the defences, the regent Malcador sends special forces out on critical missions such as:
...obtaining the Rosetta Stone. Apparently it’s important for hope.
Viewing the collection holistically, the whole conceit is a joke. The reality is that Malcador serves as (weak) exposition. He’s the titular Charlie sending his Angels flouncing off on their self-contained adventures.
The main point is that the galactic conflict remains hidden from us. There are no grand strategic insights because there is a pre=set narrative to the Horus Heresy and the authors don’t really have the room to weave it into a struggle across a million worlds. The Horus Heresy is a small universe, which is fine, but it would be laughable to pretend this collection changes that impression.
Otherwise the stories are mediocre, with a few good ones, but nothing outstanding. The “fix” to The Outcast Dead requires head-splitting mental gymnastics:
Nagasena tries to process this information, but the pain from his wounds is overwhelming his thought processes.
The Purge
As for the main novella, I guess I will begrudgingly transfer over my review (and rating) for The Purge across to this collection. The novella does not really fit the collection, but Games Workshop had to stuff it somewhere, I guess.
The champion had never been beaten blade-to-blade, but as he turned to find a new foe, a stray bolt from out of the smoke took him in the eye. It punched through his left visor lens and detonated in his brain pan. He fell without a sound, blades slipping into the mud from his lifeless fingers. The warrior had been almost obsessive in his training. That had counted for nothing at the last. It was an ignoble end.
The Purge is primarily a character creation story for a minor figure in Reynolds’ Word Bearers’ trilogy (which does not fit the point of The Silent War at all... lol). We are told a lot of important things about Sor Talgron, but mostly he just hangs out while others do the work.
There’s an additional “surprise” left on Terra but it seems like no other author picked up on it for the Siege of Terra series, unless they enter the story very very late.
As for the primarchs, Rogal Dorn features, or at least a version of him that must have just suffered a traumatic brain injury.
It’s an enjoyable, combat heavy novella that also gives the Ultramarines a little bit of bite, but you’d lose nothing by browsing the wiki.
The Silent Phoney War
As I understand The Silent War, we get insight into how the Imperium defended itself at the highest level. While preparing the defences, the regent Malcador sends special forces out on critical missions such as:
...obtaining the Rosetta Stone. Apparently it’s important for hope.
Viewing the collection holistically, the whole conceit is a joke. The reality is that Malcador serves as (weak) exposition. He’s the titular Charlie sending his Angels flouncing off on their self-contained adventures.
The main point is that the galactic conflict remains hidden from us. There are no grand strategic insights because there is a pre=set narrative to the Horus Heresy and the authors don’t really have the room to weave it into a struggle across a million worlds. The Horus Heresy is a small universe, which is fine, but it would be laughable to pretend this collection changes that impression.
Otherwise the stories are mediocre, with a few good ones, but nothing outstanding. The “fix” to The Outcast Dead requires head-splitting mental gymnastics:
Nagasena tries to process this information, but the pain from his wounds is overwhelming his thought processes.
The Purge
As for the main novella, I guess I will begrudgingly transfer over my review (and rating) for The Purge across to this collection. The novella does not really fit the collection, but Games Workshop had to stuff it somewhere, I guess.
The champion had never been beaten blade-to-blade, but as he turned to find a new foe, a stray bolt from out of the smoke took him in the eye. It punched through his left visor lens and detonated in his brain pan. He fell without a sound, blades slipping into the mud from his lifeless fingers. The warrior had been almost obsessive in his training. That had counted for nothing at the last. It was an ignoble end.
The Purge is primarily a character creation story for a minor figure in Reynolds’ Word Bearers’ trilogy (which does not fit the point of The Silent War at all... lol). We are told a lot of important things about Sor Talgron, but mostly he just hangs out while others do the work.
There’s an additional “surprise” left on Terra but it seems like no other author picked up on it for the Siege of Terra series, unless they enter the story very very late.
As for the primarchs, Rogal Dorn features, or at least a version of him that must have just suffered a traumatic brain injury.
It’s an enjoyable, combat heavy novella that also gives the Ultramarines a little bit of bite, but you’d lose nothing by browsing the wiki.
May 19, 2024
May 2024 Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order (www.heresyomnibus.com).
Only just realised I finished this a while back!
I have reviewed everything in here separately on here.
All the anthologies are awesome and they all have vacillating quality, but more than enough great stuff.
Through the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project and my own additions, I have currently read all 54 Horus Heresy main series novels (+1 repeat), all 25 novellas (+2 repeats), 137 short stories/ audio dramas (inc. 10+ repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, all 17 Primarchs novels, 4 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, 3 Characters novels, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels and 1 short story...this run, as well as writing 1 short story myself.
I couldn't be more appreciative of the phenomenal work of the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project, which has made this ridiculous endeavour all the better and has inspired me to create and collate a collection of Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 documents and checklists (http://tiny.cc/im00yz). There are now too many items to list here, but there is a contents and explainer document here (http://tiny.cc/nj00yz).
Only just realised I finished this a while back!
I have reviewed everything in here separately on here.
All the anthologies are awesome and they all have vacillating quality, but more than enough great stuff.
Through the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project and my own additions, I have currently read all 54 Horus Heresy main series novels (+1 repeat), all 25 novellas (+2 repeats), 137 short stories/ audio dramas (inc. 10+ repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, all 17 Primarchs novels, 4 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, 3 Characters novels, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels and 1 short story...this run, as well as writing 1 short story myself.
I couldn't be more appreciative of the phenomenal work of the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project, which has made this ridiculous endeavour all the better and has inspired me to create and collate a collection of Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 documents and checklists (http://tiny.cc/im00yz). There are now too many items to list here, but there is a contents and explainer document here (http://tiny.cc/nj00yz).
September 8, 2025
"Know then that the past has two faces - one bright and bloody and known by all, the other shadowed and hidden, it's features lost in time. That forgotten face, the face that no one will ever see, that is the true face of history. The face of the Silent War."
"The Watcher" by CZ Dunn *****
Ison is a Knight Errant, formerly a Librarian of the Legions, now a servant of the Sigillite. When a mutilated body is found, he discovers it to be none other than a fellow Legionary of the Vlkya Fenryka.
In the wake of Magnus’ treachery, the Space Wolves were tasked with watching the Primarchs for treachery, to be executioners if needs be. Those of the Rout who were sent to the Night Haunter would soon regret it.
Atmospheric and intense. A fantastic thriller.
"Child of Night" by John French ****
Fel Zharost is one of the few remaining Terran-born Nightlords, cast out of his Legion after the Edict of Nikea. This story ties into the Errant Knights and Malcador plotline. Overall quite a fun look at life on early Unified Terra, and how a Night Lords librarian could use his powers for torture.
"Grey Angel" by John French ****
A solid entry into the stories of the Knights Errant, and the Dark Angels.
Taking place after Garro: Army of One. Two agents of the Sigillite have been sent to Caliban to discern the loyalty of Luther and the Dark Angels of Caliban. There are no major revelations here, just solid prose, good characterisation and interesting dialogue. Very well performed audio drama.
"Templar" by John French *****
A number of fantastic audio dramas have come from the Horus Heresy series and this was no exception.
Sigismund is the Champion of Oaths of the Imperial Fists, he is the Templar, one of greatest Champions of the Heresy. But for most of the Heresy he is more of a background character, name-dropped whenever the conversation turns to who is the deadliest among the Legions. So, it seems fitting that he would get an audio drama to focus on him.
The story focuses on an assault on the Word Bearers that remained stationed in the Sol System shortly after word has reached Dorn of Horus’ treachery. The story is intercut with duels Sigismund engaged in with a Jubal Khan of the White Scars, and Kharn of the World Eaters and Alahoss of the Dark Angels. Each offering insight into Sigismund as a character.
I really liked the atmosphere developed by the book. Focusing on how man like Sigismund, bound by honour and duty internally struggles when confronted by betrayal and heresy. That he has internal doubts over his own nature, worrying that he “cages” himself, adds some layers to the character. The action was intense and really well narrated. A compelling story.
"The Gates of Terra" by Nick Kyme ***
The opening introduction that takes place between Malcador and Dorn works quite well as a character moment between the two. They both play a vital role in the protection of the Imperium, but neither agrees on how best go about it. Dorn tends to focus on the physical immediacy, whereas Malcador has a broader focus that captures the idea of the Imperium, and the knowledge that propagates.
The rest of the story concerns Captain Arcadese of the Ultramarines who appeared in "Forgotten Sons".
"Luna Mendax" by Graham McNeill *****
"Once a killer, now he would be a custodian of living things."
In "Garro: Legion of One", Garviel Loken was discovered surviving on the shattered surface of Isstvan III. His mind as broken as the once great cities that had been destroyed by orbital bombardment. Recruited by Nathaniel Garro to serve the Sigillite, Loken would be sent to Caliban in "Grey Angel" only to fail in his mission.
This short story is a personal, intimate look at Loken and his mental state as we see him gardening. The juxaposition between the violence of the Astartes and the gentle cultivation of plants is staggering but effective. It demonstrates that despite being made as weapons, Astartes are capable of creation. The act of gardening also exposes Loken's mental state as he seeks to root out the canker of weeds before they poison the garden. The trauma of treachery and betrayal has infected Loken's mind, occupying his every thought.
The story is painful at times. Loken served as protagonist of the opening trilogy of the Heresy, and he was depicted as a noble and intelligent warrior. Now his memory is hazy, he cannot recognise faces and his mind is fractured. His suffering is heart-breaking and tragic.
This should be read before "The Vengeful Spirit".
"Wolf Hunt" by Graham McNeill *****
A follow up to the novel "The Outcast Dead".
Sevarian the Luna Wolf haunts the Petitioners City and Nagasena has been tasked with tracking him down. Both characters are struggling to accept the changes being made to the galaxy that are far outside of their control. Sevarian cannot believe his gene-father would ever betray the Emperor, not after all that Horus had done to secure the Imperium. Nagasena can see the change on the horizon as the Imperial Palace is fortified for the Siege, the ideals of the Great Crusade being stripped away as secrecy and brutal authority are enforced in the name of security.
The story also provides new perspectives on the Heresy, as we get a chance to hear the inhabitants of the Petitioners City gossip and share rumours about the events at Isstvan and the treachery of the Primarchs. We also get to see Vadok Singh, the Warmason again, after he was introduced in "The Lightning Tower" as the architect behind the changes to prepare the Imperial Palace for the Siege.
The Purge by Anthony Reynolds *****
Captain Sor Talgron of the 34th Host, who first appeared in the short "Scions of the Storm" was previously stationed on Terra, but now hr is fighting in the Shadow Crusade to destroy the Ultramarines. (Sor Talgron later known as the Warmonger appeared in the book "Dark Apostle" also by Anthony Reynolds).
I really enjoyed the characterisation of the Word Bearers in this story. Sor Talgron still has a code of honour and appears unsure of the path his Legion are treading. There is a bit more complexity to him than simply evil for the sake of evil. The book tells a duel narrative that sees a noble, pragmatic and disciplined Marine become a heretical Dark Apostle.
The books contains a lot of great scenes between Talgron and his fellow Legionnaires. The Ultramarines were follow in the story are fantastically tragic, they are "red-marked" and seeking to make up for their failures. The book has a richness and depth to it that really adds to the overall narrative of the Heresy.
The title "Purge" can be interpreted in a number of ways. Prior to the onset of the Heresy, many traitor Legions culled their ranks of loyalists. Indeed the events of Isstvan III (which are addressed in this story as we see the early days of Dorn preparing the Imperial Palace) was a mass purge of loyalist Space Marines from the traitor legions. Also Talgron mentions sending his most fanatical Marines to Calth (which it was revealed was a orchestrated culling by Lorgar, to remove the most unstable of his sons). Further there is a purge of . Finally "Purge" could be taken to mean
Both Kol Balar and Jarulek who also make apperances in Anthony Reynolds' "Word Bearers Trilogy" appear in this story, as does Nathaniel Garro from "Flight of the Eisenstein" and Dorn, Primarch of the Imperial Fists.
This story also ties into the short story "Templar". In that story Sigismund leads the Imperial Fists to eliminate the Word Bearers stationed on an Imperial Monument on a comet passing through the Sol System. In this book it is revealed that Talgron is responsible for desecrating the Imperial Monument and preparing the Sol System for the Heresy.
"Army of One" by Rob Sanders ****
A rush of memories, chaotic and ragged rush by as an assassin of the Eversor Clade is sent by Malcador the Sigillite. The pace is frantic and relentless, mirroring the stimmed-up mind of the Eversor, his thoughts violent and pulsing.
"Distant Echoes of Old Night" by Rob Sanders ****
A short story following a Death Guard Chaplain as he leads a Destroyer Squad to wipe out a crashed Imperial Fist ship.
The title of the story seems to refer to the weapons used by the Destroyer Squad. The Legions typically only made use of the Destroyers as a last resort, as they used radiation, phosphex, and bio-alchemical weapons that came from the time of Dark Night. These terrible weapons of mass destruction would not just kill the enemy but. devestate the landscape for centuries to come.
This story demonstrates the increasingly destructive nature of the Death Guard as they have gone on a rampage across the system, utilising bio-weapons to devastating effect.
"Ghosts Speak Not" by James Swallow ****
Amendera Kendel was formerly of the Sisters of Silence, but left to serve Malcador the Sigillite. Now she acts as a proto-Inquisitor, which is fitting as the planet she visits "Proxima" appears to be a vision of what the Imperium as a whole will become in the future, a bloated military culture that is obsessed with protocol and the valor of violent action.
This book also let's us know of the fate of the Seventy, those loyal Death Guard who came with Garro to warn Terra of the Warmaster's betrayal.
"Lost Sons" by James Swallow ****
The sons of the Angel left behind the defend Baal have spent five years waiting to hear from their father, but the Ruinstorm has isolated them from the rest of their Legion. Now Malcador seeks to dissolve the Legion, sending one of his Errant Knights Tylos Rubio to carry out the deed.
I like short stories like this that fill in little gaps, showing all the different experiences of the Heresy.
"Patience" by James Swallow ****
Helig Galor, from the previous short story "Ghosts Speak Not" is reunited with his former Captain Nathaniel Garro.
I thought this was a quiet underspoken short story that really captures the change and growth in Garro, and the changing nature of the war itself, as it goes from purely physical to the spiritual.
Galor appears again in "The Buried Dagger", "Saturine" and "Garro: Knight of Grey".
"The Sigillite" by Chris Wraight *****
A slow burn drama that explores the character of Malcador, a man who perhaps more than any other shaped the destiny of the Imperium of 40k.
The Sigillite is one of my favourite characters from the Heresy. A mysterious man, who fights a silent war in the shadows. Utterly dedicated to the Imperium, seemingly not for his own sake, but because of a genuine belief in the Emperor's ambitions. His actions are not to satisfy his ego, but to enact the will of the Emperor. I just find that so interesting, a man entirely subsumed by another's vision. The Sigillite is not the protagonist of his own life, and he seems aware of that and satisfied with that decision.
I think this story did a lot to hint at the relationship between Malcador and the Emperor, their plans and ambitions for the future. We also get a better understanding of Malcador's relationship with the Primarchs, and how he views them.
The Sigillite is fighting a war of ideas and secrets. This story presents a different aspect of the Heresy that I found really engaging.
"The Watcher" by CZ Dunn *****
Ison is a Knight Errant, formerly a Librarian of the Legions, now a servant of the Sigillite. When a mutilated body is found, he discovers it to be none other than a fellow Legionary of the Vlkya Fenryka.
In the wake of Magnus’ treachery, the Space Wolves were tasked with watching the Primarchs for treachery, to be executioners if needs be. Those of the Rout who were sent to the Night Haunter would soon regret it.
Atmospheric and intense. A fantastic thriller.
"Child of Night" by John French ****
Fel Zharost is one of the few remaining Terran-born Nightlords, cast out of his Legion after the Edict of Nikea. This story ties into the Errant Knights and Malcador plotline. Overall quite a fun look at life on early Unified Terra, and how a Night Lords librarian could use his powers for torture.
"Grey Angel" by John French ****
A solid entry into the stories of the Knights Errant, and the Dark Angels.
Taking place after Garro: Army of One. Two agents of the Sigillite have been sent to Caliban to discern the loyalty of Luther and the Dark Angels of Caliban. There are no major revelations here, just solid prose, good characterisation and interesting dialogue. Very well performed audio drama.
"Templar" by John French *****
A number of fantastic audio dramas have come from the Horus Heresy series and this was no exception.
Sigismund is the Champion of Oaths of the Imperial Fists, he is the Templar, one of greatest Champions of the Heresy. But for most of the Heresy he is more of a background character, name-dropped whenever the conversation turns to who is the deadliest among the Legions. So, it seems fitting that he would get an audio drama to focus on him.
The story focuses on an assault on the Word Bearers that remained stationed in the Sol System shortly after word has reached Dorn of Horus’ treachery. The story is intercut with duels Sigismund engaged in with a Jubal Khan of the White Scars, and Kharn of the World Eaters and Alahoss of the Dark Angels. Each offering insight into Sigismund as a character.
I really liked the atmosphere developed by the book. Focusing on how man like Sigismund, bound by honour and duty internally struggles when confronted by betrayal and heresy. That he has internal doubts over his own nature, worrying that he “cages” himself, adds some layers to the character. The action was intense and really well narrated. A compelling story.
"The Gates of Terra" by Nick Kyme ***
The opening introduction that takes place between Malcador and Dorn works quite well as a character moment between the two. They both play a vital role in the protection of the Imperium, but neither agrees on how best go about it. Dorn tends to focus on the physical immediacy, whereas Malcador has a broader focus that captures the idea of the Imperium, and the knowledge that propagates.
The rest of the story concerns Captain Arcadese of the Ultramarines who appeared in "Forgotten Sons".
"Luna Mendax" by Graham McNeill *****
"Once a killer, now he would be a custodian of living things."
In "Garro: Legion of One", Garviel Loken was discovered surviving on the shattered surface of Isstvan III. His mind as broken as the once great cities that had been destroyed by orbital bombardment. Recruited by Nathaniel Garro to serve the Sigillite, Loken would be sent to Caliban in "Grey Angel" only to fail in his mission.
This short story is a personal, intimate look at Loken and his mental state as we see him gardening. The juxaposition between the violence of the Astartes and the gentle cultivation of plants is staggering but effective. It demonstrates that despite being made as weapons, Astartes are capable of creation. The act of gardening also exposes Loken's mental state as he seeks to root out the canker of weeds before they poison the garden. The trauma of treachery and betrayal has infected Loken's mind, occupying his every thought.
The story is painful at times. Loken served as protagonist of the opening trilogy of the Heresy, and he was depicted as a noble and intelligent warrior. Now his memory is hazy, he cannot recognise faces and his mind is fractured. His suffering is heart-breaking and tragic.
This should be read before "The Vengeful Spirit".
"Wolf Hunt" by Graham McNeill *****
A follow up to the novel "The Outcast Dead".
Sevarian the Luna Wolf haunts the Petitioners City and Nagasena has been tasked with tracking him down. Both characters are struggling to accept the changes being made to the galaxy that are far outside of their control. Sevarian cannot believe his gene-father would ever betray the Emperor, not after all that Horus had done to secure the Imperium. Nagasena can see the change on the horizon as the Imperial Palace is fortified for the Siege, the ideals of the Great Crusade being stripped away as secrecy and brutal authority are enforced in the name of security.
The story also provides new perspectives on the Heresy, as we get a chance to hear the inhabitants of the Petitioners City gossip and share rumours about the events at Isstvan and the treachery of the Primarchs. We also get to see Vadok Singh, the Warmason again, after he was introduced in "The Lightning Tower" as the architect behind the changes to prepare the Imperial Palace for the Siege.
The Purge by Anthony Reynolds *****
Captain Sor Talgron of the 34th Host, who first appeared in the short "Scions of the Storm" was previously stationed on Terra, but now hr is fighting in the Shadow Crusade to destroy the Ultramarines. (Sor Talgron later known as the Warmonger appeared in the book "Dark Apostle" also by Anthony Reynolds).
I really enjoyed the characterisation of the Word Bearers in this story. Sor Talgron still has a code of honour and appears unsure of the path his Legion are treading. There is a bit more complexity to him than simply evil for the sake of evil. The book tells a duel narrative that sees a noble, pragmatic and disciplined Marine become a heretical Dark Apostle.
The books contains a lot of great scenes between Talgron and his fellow Legionnaires. The Ultramarines were follow in the story are fantastically tragic, they are "red-marked" and seeking to make up for their failures. The book has a richness and depth to it that really adds to the overall narrative of the Heresy.
The title "Purge" can be interpreted in a number of ways. Prior to the onset of the Heresy, many traitor Legions culled their ranks of loyalists. Indeed the events of Isstvan III (which are addressed in this story as we see the early days of Dorn preparing the Imperial Palace) was a mass purge of loyalist Space Marines from the traitor legions. Also Talgron mentions sending his most fanatical Marines to Calth (which it was revealed was a orchestrated culling by Lorgar, to remove the most unstable of his sons). Further there is a purge of . Finally "Purge" could be taken to mean
Both Kol Balar and Jarulek who also make apperances in Anthony Reynolds' "Word Bearers Trilogy" appear in this story, as does Nathaniel Garro from "Flight of the Eisenstein" and Dorn, Primarch of the Imperial Fists.
This story also ties into the short story "Templar". In that story Sigismund leads the Imperial Fists to eliminate the Word Bearers stationed on an Imperial Monument on a comet passing through the Sol System. In this book it is revealed that Talgron is responsible for desecrating the Imperial Monument and preparing the Sol System for the Heresy.
"Army of One" by Rob Sanders ****
A rush of memories, chaotic and ragged rush by as an assassin of the Eversor Clade is sent by Malcador the Sigillite. The pace is frantic and relentless, mirroring the stimmed-up mind of the Eversor, his thoughts violent and pulsing.
"Distant Echoes of Old Night" by Rob Sanders ****
A short story following a Death Guard Chaplain as he leads a Destroyer Squad to wipe out a crashed Imperial Fist ship.
The title of the story seems to refer to the weapons used by the Destroyer Squad. The Legions typically only made use of the Destroyers as a last resort, as they used radiation, phosphex, and bio-alchemical weapons that came from the time of Dark Night. These terrible weapons of mass destruction would not just kill the enemy but. devestate the landscape for centuries to come.
This story demonstrates the increasingly destructive nature of the Death Guard as they have gone on a rampage across the system, utilising bio-weapons to devastating effect.
"Ghosts Speak Not" by James Swallow ****
Amendera Kendel was formerly of the Sisters of Silence, but left to serve Malcador the Sigillite. Now she acts as a proto-Inquisitor, which is fitting as the planet she visits "Proxima" appears to be a vision of what the Imperium as a whole will become in the future, a bloated military culture that is obsessed with protocol and the valor of violent action.
This book also let's us know of the fate of the Seventy, those loyal Death Guard who came with Garro to warn Terra of the Warmaster's betrayal.
"Lost Sons" by James Swallow ****
The sons of the Angel left behind the defend Baal have spent five years waiting to hear from their father, but the Ruinstorm has isolated them from the rest of their Legion. Now Malcador seeks to dissolve the Legion, sending one of his Errant Knights Tylos Rubio to carry out the deed.
I like short stories like this that fill in little gaps, showing all the different experiences of the Heresy.
"Patience" by James Swallow ****
Helig Galor, from the previous short story "Ghosts Speak Not" is reunited with his former Captain Nathaniel Garro.
I thought this was a quiet underspoken short story that really captures the change and growth in Garro, and the changing nature of the war itself, as it goes from purely physical to the spiritual.
Galor appears again in "The Buried Dagger", "Saturine" and "Garro: Knight of Grey".
"The Sigillite" by Chris Wraight *****
A slow burn drama that explores the character of Malcador, a man who perhaps more than any other shaped the destiny of the Imperium of 40k.
The Sigillite is one of my favourite characters from the Heresy. A mysterious man, who fights a silent war in the shadows. Utterly dedicated to the Imperium, seemingly not for his own sake, but because of a genuine belief in the Emperor's ambitions. His actions are not to satisfy his ego, but to enact the will of the Emperor. I just find that so interesting, a man entirely subsumed by another's vision. The Sigillite is not the protagonist of his own life, and he seems aware of that and satisfied with that decision.
I think this story did a lot to hint at the relationship between Malcador and the Emperor, their plans and ambitions for the future. We also get a better understanding of Malcador's relationship with the Primarchs, and how he views them.
The Sigillite is fighting a war of ideas and secrets. This story presents a different aspect of the Heresy that I found really engaging.
September 18, 2019
This anthology (coming ever other book in the series it seems) focuses on Malcador the Sigilite and his plans to influence the Imperiums role in defeating Horus and the insurgency. Some of the short stories are VERY good like Ghost Speak Not and The Sigilitie, some are meh like The Watcher. I don't think it's a must read in the HEresy series to keep up with events, but it is a good insight into the mysterious inner working of Malcador's influence on the Imperium.
May 16, 2019
As with most of these anthologies the start is weak and then ramps up into some good filler stories.
February 2, 2025
Nothing really stood out to me in this one other then the short story the watcher by Christian z Dunn which was about a fight between the space wolves and night lords.
November 2, 2022
The interesting thing is that the stories form sort of a backdrop to the creation of the Grey Knights. Other than that, all the stories are about marines, thus difficult to identify with and generally lead to nothing. The Purge is by far the best.
May 22, 2016
This is a short story collection about the espionage and information gathering aspects of the Horus Heresy. It has far less bolter porn action of a regular Black Library offering instead focusing a lot on character and I really enjoyed it for that. It is interesting to examine the emotional and psychological affects of something as traumatic and epic as the Horus Heresy on the soldiers and administrators, human and superhuman.
September 14, 2018
Short stories, none bad and they do interlink, but I am near short storied out.
January 11, 2024
Like many such anthologies, this was a mixed bag. Some good stories and some ok stories, though I have to say the writing style was a pretty high standard throughout. This review will include spoilers.
The Purge – the longest of these shorts, and sorry to say I wasn’t a fan. Despite a good style and viscerally descriptive writing, the story was not enjoyable because it made no sense to me; we have a marine who clearly detests most of his comrades and what has become of his legion and is completely aware of the wrongness of what he is doing, yet he does it anyway and the best excuse we have is ‘I can’t turn against the legion’. You know, that legion that he detests…
We’ve seen a bunch of marines from Traitor Legions who were in similar positions and they made interesting characters and satisfying stories by following their conscience over blind loyalty. I really hoped for some poetic justice at the end and the writer teases it but then abandons it. A shame
The Sigilite – Not a great deal happens but still a fun little snippet, and I do enjoy an insight into Malcador (it’s why I chose this book to read)
Wolf Hunt – Objectively this should be considered good, both the plot and the characters were interesting and engaging. Unfortunately it includes a lot of the dreaded present tense. It’s a pet peeve of mine that I just can’t stand present tense writing; it feels like reading a script with stage directions rather than a story. But I'll admit that is subjective so make your own judgements here
Army of One – Brilliant stuff. Intense, engaging, and just the right length; any shorter would have felt pointless, any longer would have dragged. Very good.
Gates of Terra – A bit of gaslighting as they tease us with an image of the Siege of Terra, then we have a variation of the ‘it was all a dream’ trope.
Ghosts Speak Not – Interesting. The ending was a little too built up but the characters and lore were very good, and the story didn’t go the way I’d expected, which is what one wants in something like this. One of the better shorts in this book.
Templar – Maybe this would be more interesting if I was into Black Templars and their history, but to me this was a story / series of flashbacks that didn’t do much to capture me
Distant Echoes of Old Night – OK but the idea of ‘it’s an ancient weapon of Old Night that no-one would dare to use now’ is a bit pointless since Istvaan. If you’re talking about terrible ancient weapons, you’ll struggle to one-up Horus
Grey Angel – Loved this. To be fair, anything that includes both Garvi and Luthor is almost bound to snag my interest, but this also happened to be a good story with all the mystery one might hope for from a Grey Knights/Dark Angels tale. More would be nice
Patience – This one just felt like a snippet that just stopped. Could really have done with more here.
The Watcher & Child of Night – Putting these two together because they both felt very typical of ‘Look how creepy the Night Lords are!’ stories and sort of blended together for me and didn't leave much of an impression.
Luna Mendax – This had echoes of the ancient Roman story of the warrior-turned-farmer with a nice twist of what the garden was secretly becoming. So much nostalgia here for those great first books (Garvi, so straight up-and-down!). Very enjoyable indeed.
The Purge – the longest of these shorts, and sorry to say I wasn’t a fan. Despite a good style and viscerally descriptive writing, the story was not enjoyable because it made no sense to me; we have a marine who clearly detests most of his comrades and what has become of his legion and is completely aware of the wrongness of what he is doing, yet he does it anyway and the best excuse we have is ‘I can’t turn against the legion’. You know, that legion that he detests…
We’ve seen a bunch of marines from Traitor Legions who were in similar positions and they made interesting characters and satisfying stories by following their conscience over blind loyalty. I really hoped for some poetic justice at the end and the writer teases it but then abandons it. A shame
The Sigilite – Not a great deal happens but still a fun little snippet, and I do enjoy an insight into Malcador (it’s why I chose this book to read)
Wolf Hunt – Objectively this should be considered good, both the plot and the characters were interesting and engaging. Unfortunately it includes a lot of the dreaded present tense. It’s a pet peeve of mine that I just can’t stand present tense writing; it feels like reading a script with stage directions rather than a story. But I'll admit that is subjective so make your own judgements here
Army of One – Brilliant stuff. Intense, engaging, and just the right length; any shorter would have felt pointless, any longer would have dragged. Very good.
Gates of Terra – A bit of gaslighting as they tease us with an image of the Siege of Terra, then we have a variation of the ‘it was all a dream’ trope.
Ghosts Speak Not – Interesting. The ending was a little too built up but the characters and lore were very good, and the story didn’t go the way I’d expected, which is what one wants in something like this. One of the better shorts in this book.
Templar – Maybe this would be more interesting if I was into Black Templars and their history, but to me this was a story / series of flashbacks that didn’t do much to capture me
Distant Echoes of Old Night – OK but the idea of ‘it’s an ancient weapon of Old Night that no-one would dare to use now’ is a bit pointless since Istvaan. If you’re talking about terrible ancient weapons, you’ll struggle to one-up Horus
Grey Angel – Loved this. To be fair, anything that includes both Garvi and Luthor is almost bound to snag my interest, but this also happened to be a good story with all the mystery one might hope for from a Grey Knights/Dark Angels tale. More would be nice
Patience – This one just felt like a snippet that just stopped. Could really have done with more here.
The Watcher & Child of Night – Putting these two together because they both felt very typical of ‘Look how creepy the Night Lords are!’ stories and sort of blended together for me and didn't leave much of an impression.
Luna Mendax – This had echoes of the ancient Roman story of the warrior-turned-farmer with a nice twist of what the garden was secretly becoming. So much nostalgia here for those great first books (Garvi, so straight up-and-down!). Very enjoyable indeed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
don’t fully trust these reviews. i did the audiobook version and i learnt i am NOT the person for audiobooks. i felt i lost so much. nonetheless..
the purge: 3.75/5
- this one took me for a ride. at first I was pretty sure this one wasn’t for me but as the story went on - it grew on me quite a bit. truthfully though I NEED a break of Word Bearers vs Ultramarines.
the sigillite: 5/5
- hassan, a mere mortal, being this important to the sigillite of all people is so dope!!!! and the sigillite has a perfect record of whatever he’s in - is good. also also, avoiding spoilers, but wow! a love when an author ties in our literal history.
wolf hunt: 4/5
- i completely forgot about the outcast dead lol. so i guess this was a nice little jump back into the past!! you’re not a human if you don’t like sevarian and nagasena. AND again. malcador turns everything to gold.
army of one: 3/5
- normally this is what I like out of short stories, but this one in particular wasn’t for me.
the gates of terra: 2/5
- i’m not going to say it… but…. uhm…. nyck kyme.
ghosts speak not: 3/5
- another one not for me sadly.
templar: 3/5
- hearing sigismund and kharn exchange was fascinating. two of my favourite characters! unfortunately (i think im in the minority here), but sigismunds character arc between meeting euphrati and the siege is kind of blah. like we get it. daddy hates you cause you lied.
distant echoes of old night: 3/5
- love the death guard! but didn’t love this. wasn’t bad wasn’t good. however the ending was pristine! the irony of mortarions words to the destroyers.
grey angel: 3.5/5
- cypher is arguably my favorite character in 40k (not necessarily 30k) but still get excited when he’s in the material! i’m curious if i’ll look back at this exchange in future books.
lost sons: 5/5
- forever a fan of james and his blood angels. knocks it out of the park. also - solidifies what a lot of people get wrong, the black rage was always in them.
child of night: 5/5
- one of the best short stories i’ve read. fel zharost is such a memorable night lord. i’m going to obsess about him for a long time haha.
luna mendax: 5/5
- these are the kind of stories i like! (as i’ve mentioned a million times). give me emotion!!!
patience: 3/5
- it was alright! nothing special.
the watcher: 4/5
- wow! this caught me off guard!! right up my alley for this one.
the purge: 3.75/5
- this one took me for a ride. at first I was pretty sure this one wasn’t for me but as the story went on - it grew on me quite a bit. truthfully though I NEED a break of Word Bearers vs Ultramarines.
the sigillite: 5/5
- hassan, a mere mortal, being this important to the sigillite of all people is so dope!!!! and the sigillite has a perfect record of whatever he’s in - is good. also also, avoiding spoilers, but wow! a love when an author ties in our literal history.
wolf hunt: 4/5
- i completely forgot about the outcast dead lol. so i guess this was a nice little jump back into the past!! you’re not a human if you don’t like sevarian and nagasena. AND again. malcador turns everything to gold.
army of one: 3/5
- normally this is what I like out of short stories, but this one in particular wasn’t for me.
the gates of terra: 2/5
- i’m not going to say it… but…. uhm…. nyck kyme.
ghosts speak not: 3/5
- another one not for me sadly.
templar: 3/5
- hearing sigismund and kharn exchange was fascinating. two of my favourite characters! unfortunately (i think im in the minority here), but sigismunds character arc between meeting euphrati and the siege is kind of blah. like we get it. daddy hates you cause you lied.
distant echoes of old night: 3/5
- love the death guard! but didn’t love this. wasn’t bad wasn’t good. however the ending was pristine! the irony of mortarions words to the destroyers.
grey angel: 3.5/5
- cypher is arguably my favorite character in 40k (not necessarily 30k) but still get excited when he’s in the material! i’m curious if i’ll look back at this exchange in future books.
lost sons: 5/5
- forever a fan of james and his blood angels. knocks it out of the park. also - solidifies what a lot of people get wrong, the black rage was always in them.
child of night: 5/5
- one of the best short stories i’ve read. fel zharost is such a memorable night lord. i’m going to obsess about him for a long time haha.
luna mendax: 5/5
- these are the kind of stories i like! (as i’ve mentioned a million times). give me emotion!!!
patience: 3/5
- it was alright! nothing special.
the watcher: 4/5
- wow! this caught me off guard!! right up my alley for this one.
November 15, 2024
On s'attaque au tome trente-sept, on approche du tome quarante et de la dernière dizaine d'ouvrages à lire. Cinquante cinq tomes avec la série du siège de Terra, et la boucle sera bouclée !
Après plusieurs ouvrages qui étaient moyens voire pas ouf, ce tome trente-sept arrive tel une bénédiction. Composé de plusieurs récits, on y voit les plans de Malcador se mettre en place et on voit les pions que met également en place Dorn. Parmi les autres personnages que l'on voit dans ce tome, on croise d'anciens personnages, dont certains que j'apprécie beaucoup, comme Iacton Qruze, Garviel Loken. La majorité des histoires étaient vraiment intéressantes, certaines histoires se suivent, bien que séparées par d'autres petites histoires. Certaines sont assez longues, dans les quatre-vingt, nonante pages, d'autres sont aussi longues que cinq pages recto-verso.
Maintenant, quelques histoires que j'ai trouvé intéressantes. Une des histoires que j'ai vraiment aimé, une ancienne soeur du silence a été recrutée par Malcador et est envoyée chasser des hérétiques sur une planète, des hérétiques qui ont rejoint la cause d'Horus Lupercal. Néanmoins, elle va recruter deux Space Marines « retenus en otage » à cause de leur légion de base : elle recrute un Space Marines de la Death Guard qui a fui sa légion et il est surveillé en quelque sorte avec d'autres Space Marines. Bref, ils se rendent sur une planète pour régler le souci mais elle va donner un ordre qu'aucune humaine ou humain n'a jamais donné : l'Exterminatus.
Une autre petite histoire que j'ai adoré voit Sigismund arrivé sur un astéroïde avec Fafnir et d'autres Imperial Fist. Ils y ont été envoyer par Rogal Dorn pour purger les hérétiques qu'il y a dans cet astéroïde car des Word Bearers s'y sont installés et des combats sont assez intenses. Il y a aussi une histoire avec les Dark Angels avec Iacton Qruze et Loken lorsque ces deux derniers infiltrent Caliban pour vérifier si Luther et ses fidèles sont toujours fidèles à l'Imperium. En conclusion, ce fut une excellente lecture, une bonne surprise et une bien meilleure lecture que les tomes précédents. Cela fait du bien d'avoir enfin de bonnes histoires et c'est un tome que je conseille.
Après plusieurs ouvrages qui étaient moyens voire pas ouf, ce tome trente-sept arrive tel une bénédiction. Composé de plusieurs récits, on y voit les plans de Malcador se mettre en place et on voit les pions que met également en place Dorn. Parmi les autres personnages que l'on voit dans ce tome, on croise d'anciens personnages, dont certains que j'apprécie beaucoup, comme Iacton Qruze, Garviel Loken. La majorité des histoires étaient vraiment intéressantes, certaines histoires se suivent, bien que séparées par d'autres petites histoires. Certaines sont assez longues, dans les quatre-vingt, nonante pages, d'autres sont aussi longues que cinq pages recto-verso.
Maintenant, quelques histoires que j'ai trouvé intéressantes. Une des histoires que j'ai vraiment aimé, une ancienne soeur du silence a été recrutée par Malcador et est envoyée chasser des hérétiques sur une planète, des hérétiques qui ont rejoint la cause d'Horus Lupercal. Néanmoins, elle va recruter deux Space Marines « retenus en otage » à cause de leur légion de base : elle recrute un Space Marines de la Death Guard qui a fui sa légion et il est surveillé en quelque sorte avec d'autres Space Marines. Bref, ils se rendent sur une planète pour régler le souci mais elle va donner un ordre qu'aucune humaine ou humain n'a jamais donné : l'Exterminatus.
Une autre petite histoire que j'ai adoré voit Sigismund arrivé sur un astéroïde avec Fafnir et d'autres Imperial Fist. Ils y ont été envoyer par Rogal Dorn pour purger les hérétiques qu'il y a dans cet astéroïde car des Word Bearers s'y sont installés et des combats sont assez intenses. Il y a aussi une histoire avec les Dark Angels avec Iacton Qruze et Loken lorsque ces deux derniers infiltrent Caliban pour vérifier si Luther et ses fidèles sont toujours fidèles à l'Imperium. En conclusion, ce fut une excellente lecture, une bonne surprise et une bien meilleure lecture que les tomes précédents. Cela fait du bien d'avoir enfin de bonnes histoires et c'est un tome que je conseille.
January 9, 2024
Přiznávám, že tyhle sborníky povídek nejsou moc pro mě, pro člověka s dost krátkou pamětí, který musí často vzpomínat, která legie je na jaké straně konfliktu, nebo jestli si čistil zuby. Dávám přednost delším příběhům, během kterých se stihnu zorientovat a vzpomenout si. Tady máme nějakých patnáct (většinou) krátkých povídek, čili klasický příval jmen, každý autor si opráší své oblíbence, případně začínají dávat dohromady něco, co patrně bude v budoucnosti hrát nějakou roli.
Nejdelší příběh tu má Anthony Reynolds – Čistku. V ní vidíme, jak si Nositelé slova připravují na útok na Zemi. Což znamená nejen omrknout terén, ale i zasadit do Císařova týmu pár svých agentů. Tohle je zajímavé… ale blbý je, že ve chvíli, kdy se k tomu dostanu, už stejně dávno nebudu vědět, o co šlo. Leda bych si začal na stěnu dělat takovou tu mapu, co mívají detektivové a spiklenečtí fanatici.
Dál se v povídkách objevuje Císařův poradce, Malcador the Sigillite, který hned v několika příbězích dává dohromady své lidi… anebo je vysílá na mise. Ale na to, že je to vlastně špionážka, se to zase od jiných povídkových sborníků zase tolik neliší a stejně zase dojde na mohutnou akci. Občas jsem narazil na zajímavé nápady, světy a hrdiny, ale těmi vám autoři jen zamávají před nosem s tím, že se patrně ještě někdy vrátí.
Tohle je právě jedna z těch knih, která částečně dovypráví příběhy, případně si připravuje půdu pro další. Pořád je tu dost solidní akce, krve a atmosféry a pokud máte Horovu herezi zmáknoutou, tak si to určitě užijete mnohem víc než já.
Nejdelší příběh tu má Anthony Reynolds – Čistku. V ní vidíme, jak si Nositelé slova připravují na útok na Zemi. Což znamená nejen omrknout terén, ale i zasadit do Císařova týmu pár svých agentů. Tohle je zajímavé… ale blbý je, že ve chvíli, kdy se k tomu dostanu, už stejně dávno nebudu vědět, o co šlo. Leda bych si začal na stěnu dělat takovou tu mapu, co mívají detektivové a spiklenečtí fanatici.
Dál se v povídkách objevuje Císařův poradce, Malcador the Sigillite, který hned v několika příbězích dává dohromady své lidi… anebo je vysílá na mise. Ale na to, že je to vlastně špionážka, se to zase od jiných povídkových sborníků zase tolik neliší a stejně zase dojde na mohutnou akci. Občas jsem narazil na zajímavé nápady, světy a hrdiny, ale těmi vám autoři jen zamávají před nosem s tím, že se patrně ještě někdy vrátí.
Tohle je právě jedna z těch knih, která částečně dovypráví příběhy, případně si připravuje půdu pro další. Pořád je tu dost solidní akce, krve a atmosféry a pokud máte Horovu herezi zmáknoutou, tak si to určitě užijete mnohem víc než já.
March 2, 2024
IT'S A TRAP!!
Esto es una recopilación de relatos cortos ambientados todos dentro de la Herejía de Horus. Como tal cuentan pequeños fragmentos de historias que, aunque independientes, rara vez tienen el contexto necesario para entenderlas por sí solas. Y como toda recopilación franquicial, la calidad y el interés es muy variable (y discutible): desde los relatos que te dejan un buen sabor de boca y que aportan a la Herejía en general, hasta los que compiten en satisfacción con hacérselo con un rayador de queso.
En general, un libro sólo apto para completistas de la Herejía de Horus de los dos tipos: los que tienen que leérselo todo, y los que tienen todos los libros y dejar el hueco del 37 en medio de los 50 y pico les hace feo.
Valoración final: tres estrellas. Porque algunos de los relatos son como para darle dos (o una), pero si en el tomo 37 de la saga nos quedamos en 1 estrella es vergüenza para mi pila de lectura (y no me apetece).
Esto es una recopilación de relatos cortos ambientados todos dentro de la Herejía de Horus. Como tal cuentan pequeños fragmentos de historias que, aunque independientes, rara vez tienen el contexto necesario para entenderlas por sí solas. Y como toda recopilación franquicial, la calidad y el interés es muy variable (y discutible): desde los relatos que te dejan un buen sabor de boca y que aportan a la Herejía en general, hasta los que compiten en satisfacción con hacérselo con un rayador de queso.
En general, un libro sólo apto para completistas de la Herejía de Horus de los dos tipos: los que tienen que leérselo todo, y los que tienen todos los libros y dejar el hueco del 37 en medio de los 50 y pico les hace feo.
Valoración final: tres estrellas. Porque algunos de los relatos son como para darle dos (o una), pero si en el tomo 37 de la saga nos quedamos en 1 estrella es vergüenza para mi pila de lectura (y no me apetece).
April 10, 2024
La Guerra Silenciosa es una recopilación más de relatos cortos, ambientados en la Herejía de Horus. A lo largo de esta saga, abundan este tipo de recopilatorios, pero La Guerra Silenciosa no es de los mejores (tampoco de los peores, a decir verdad).
Hay algunas historias que brillan por encima de las demás. Por ejemplo, 'La Purga', la novela corta con la que abre el libro, tiene una trama interesante que gira en torno a los Portadores de la Palabra. También destaca 'El Sigilita', que profundiza en Malcador y cómo comienza a reclutar agentes para sus fines. Otro ejemplo es 'Los Fantasmas no Hablan', con un tono más aventurero y un buen giro al final.
Pero junto a esas buenas historias también hay muchas otras intrascendentes y aburridas, que acaban desmereciendo el conjunto y haciendo que sea un libro prescindible.
Hay algunas historias que brillan por encima de las demás. Por ejemplo, 'La Purga', la novela corta con la que abre el libro, tiene una trama interesante que gira en torno a los Portadores de la Palabra. También destaca 'El Sigilita', que profundiza en Malcador y cómo comienza a reclutar agentes para sus fines. Otro ejemplo es 'Los Fantasmas no Hablan', con un tono más aventurero y un buen giro al final.
Pero junto a esas buenas historias también hay muchas otras intrascendentes y aburridas, que acaban desmereciendo el conjunto y haciendo que sea un libro prescindible.
August 28, 2018
An anthology of stories from the mid part of the Hersey. This time they mostly deal with the Sigilite and his henchmen the Knights Errant. Draw from a variety of Legions, including those which have turned traitor, as well from other parts of the Imperium.
Whilst much of the Hersey series is about vast conflicts overtaking entire planetary systems or the questions of nature verse nurture these stories are much smaller in scale, a handful of agents on a single mission. It's always fun to have a change of pace and seeing the roots of what would become the Inquisition is interesting to see, how necessity will have long lasting effects for the Emperor's subjects.
Whilst much of the Hersey series is about vast conflicts overtaking entire planetary systems or the questions of nature verse nurture these stories are much smaller in scale, a handful of agents on a single mission. It's always fun to have a change of pace and seeing the roots of what would become the Inquisition is interesting to see, how necessity will have long lasting effects for the Emperor's subjects.
April 15, 2019
This was a mostly decent anthology of Horus Heresy shorts with the novella The Purge added in. In fact, The Purge, the novella is the best element within the anthology, and it was so well written that the rest of the stories simply lacked in comparison.
There were, of course, some excellent short stories included in here: The Sigilite was very good, Ghost Speak Not was excellent, and Templar was outstanding.
None of the rest were poor, they were all good, but when you start off with The Purge, and then follow with the Sigilite, it is really hard to keep up with that opening duo.
Overall, a good anthology, one of the better ones.
There were, of course, some excellent short stories included in here: The Sigilite was very good, Ghost Speak Not was excellent, and Templar was outstanding.
None of the rest were poor, they were all good, but when you start off with The Purge, and then follow with the Sigilite, it is really hard to keep up with that opening duo.
Overall, a good anthology, one of the better ones.
January 8, 2024
Another anthology, but far less of a painful one this one, as the stories really felt a lot more connected to each other, and for the most part felt like somewhat in line with the timeframe of Path of Heaven, or helped close some plot hooks from prior books, while still maintaining a common sort of theme.
What keeps it at a 4 though is that while it was an easier and faster read, none of the stories really stood out for me unlike prior collections, where there would normally be at least one 5, though at same time there weren't any poor stories either, which the other collections would have at least one of.
Overall an enjoyable read that kept me more engaged than prior anthologies.
What keeps it at a 4 though is that while it was an easier and faster read, none of the stories really stood out for me unlike prior collections, where there would normally be at least one 5, though at same time there weren't any poor stories either, which the other collections would have at least one of.
Overall an enjoyable read that kept me more engaged than prior anthologies.
November 16, 2017
Another anthology of short stories and novellas from the Horus Heresy series.
Much like all the anthologies in this series it is a very mixed bag. The Purge is both the longest and probably the best story. The rest vary from good to okay. There are no stinkers in the collection and my favourite story is probably the one where Malcador inducts a Special Forces Captain into his chosen. The story is fascinating in and of itself but this story is the first time we get a sense of the war in the webway
Much like all the anthologies in this series it is a very mixed bag. The Purge is both the longest and probably the best story. The rest vary from good to okay. There are no stinkers in the collection and my favourite story is probably the one where Malcador inducts a Special Forces Captain into his chosen. The story is fascinating in and of itself but this story is the first time we get a sense of the war in the webway
September 8, 2020
I've been critical of the HH series as a whole for its inconsistency and in particular the anthologies which tend toward being dumping grounds for crap ideas which were not taken forward.
That being said this collection was actually fairly good. There were a few entries which were so short as to be utterly pointless but the slightly longer tales were relatively enjoyable, with decent characterisation and added some interesting tidbits to the lore.
Credit where it's due to a decent entry to the series.
That being said this collection was actually fairly good. There were a few entries which were so short as to be utterly pointless but the slightly longer tales were relatively enjoyable, with decent characterisation and added some interesting tidbits to the lore.
Credit where it's due to a decent entry to the series.
March 18, 2021
It’s another anthology. Probably one of the better ones in the series, partially because there is a common theme tying each story together but towards the end the usual burn out from so many small stories sets in and in a way, because they’re tied by a common thread it makes them seem all too similar.
Definitely worth reading if you’re feeling up to it but if like many at this point in the series you’re thinking ‘urgh not another anthology’ then you can probably skip it and not worry too much.
Definitely worth reading if you’re feeling up to it but if like many at this point in the series you’re thinking ‘urgh not another anthology’ then you can probably skip it and not worry too much.
November 30, 2017
A very enjoyable anthology, with the stories much more tightly-bound than in previous Horus Heresy anthologies. What has become the usual mix of plot-deepening tales, nods to the background of the WH40K universe (the first exterminatus, for example) and a few moments of really humane writing - such as a Space Marine gardening to work through PTSD.
May 24, 2019
One of the better anthologies, though from my perspective, this one has greater value in how it contributes to the complexity of the politics in this universe and the Emperor's grand scheme for humanity... and how that imperial machine is trying to adapt during the heresy era.
Basically you won't get value out of this one unless you have invested an interest to get to book 37 in the series/lore.
Basically you won't get value out of this one unless you have invested an interest to get to book 37 in the series/lore.
November 8, 2023
Great collection of stories. Definitely one of the best anthology collections of the Horus Heresy I’ve read so far being only surpassed by Tales of Heresy. A good Word Bearers novella at the beginning with a number of stories that relate to one another nicely as well as the much desired continuation of Garviel Loken’s story and the Knights Errant finally taking center stage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
A solid collection of short stories which seemed to move things in the general direction of Terra. A fair number of them focused on Malcador and his agents, which I quite enjoyed, or touched on the machinations of the Emperor. Worth reading, compared to some of the previous anthologies I’ve read on the way to Terra.
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