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The Horus Heresy #33
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Мечты Императора о возвышении и господстве человечества рассыпались прахом. От Великого крестового похода остались лишь тающие воспоминания. Веры в единство больше нет. Мятеж Хоруса простирается во все уголки Империума, едва ли не каждый день война охватывает все новые миры и целые звездные системы. Кто-то начинает задаваться вопросом: возможно ли было все это предвидеть? Но в темные времена только одно ясно наверняка — Галактика больше никогда не познает мира...
608 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 14, 2021
Menials were material. No one cared for the opinions of a round of ammunition
War Without End is a collection of short stories set mostly during the Horus Heresy without much of a theme. It fills in some gaps without being necessary to read. It is probably easiest to take a comparative view of how the stories handle elements of a good tale rather than view them in isolation.
Tension
Implausibly complicated schemes can seem somewhat implausible and overcomplicated - but they are also a fun part of fiction. Unconstrained by reality, it is possible to make them work. Even better, it is possible to make them interesting.
In The Harrowing, the actions of Alpha Legion as they take over a ship unfold in a natural order. In Twisted, Maloghurst’s interactions are baffling until the author reveals critical information after the dénouement, most of it hastily muttered and the equivalent of a six year old telling you he can paint himself invisible.
Which one is better?
Twisted, easily.
“A cripple I might be among my kind, but I exceed you in every regard.”
I am not claiming any part of War Without End has mindblowing writing, but the short stories are a good way of showing who can build tension with limited space. The Harrowing is perfectly fine but there’s no doubt as to what will happen. Even if the risk is made up in Twisted, I believed it for the moment. I will forgive a lot in a fantasy setting, including invisibility paint.
Goals
In The Devine Adoratrice there is a bit of excitement, but nothing really happens. There is adultery at the start. The final revelation is that it was incestuous adultery.
It skates by as a prologue to a proper novel, as do others in War Without End, but they tend to feel unsatisfactory and directionless. As another example, Vulkan’s artefacts getting saved because of some rambling chat is underwhelming considering the effort the Salamanders expend on tracking them down over multiple subsequent books.
In Wolf Mother we must save a life. A life must be saved. Saved must be a life. The implausibly complicated scheme turns out to be finding a big guy who blows big holes in people’s heads but there’s a real driver and a resolution (hint: a life is saved).
The Devine Adoratrice and Wolf Mother are also by the same author. Sometimes it is not just about picking your favourites and sticking with them, but also thinking critically about what they managed to achieve each time.
Character
Some of the stories focusing on characterisation feel like précis of things we know (and are better told) in other books: Angron is a dipshit, the Space Wolves are dickish, the Night Lords are kinda useless.
But, weirdly, I love some of the corny stuff, be it the Ultramarine in A Laurel of Defiance who will not renew an oath because:
"To speak them again implies a weakness inherent to them"
which (possibly accidentally) links to Allegiance about White Scar who refuses to recant an oath taken in error... ...even when it would save his life. There is the Dark Angel in By the Lion's Command who trusts in a wavering force of humanity to make the right decision.
Perhaps the best story of all deals with a practitioner of self-investigative surgery, Fabius Bile. Chirurgeon explores Bile’s regrets and fears, while establishing a path forward for later books. It’s hard to summarise why:
"Thank you Lycaeon", I say to my vassal brother, feeling better already.
…at the end works, but it makes you feel warm and fuzzy about a guy whose gigantic metal spider limbs enables his penchant for human experimentation.
So, I liked it overall, without it being exceptional. Even if I am just a round of ammunition.
War Without End is a collection of short stories set mostly during the Horus Heresy without much of a theme. It fills in some gaps without being necessary to read. It is probably easiest to take a comparative view of how the stories handle elements of a good tale rather than view them in isolation.
Tension
Implausibly complicated schemes can seem somewhat implausible and overcomplicated - but they are also a fun part of fiction. Unconstrained by reality, it is possible to make them work. Even better, it is possible to make them interesting.
In The Harrowing, the actions of Alpha Legion as they take over a ship unfold in a natural order. In Twisted, Maloghurst’s interactions are baffling until the author reveals critical information after the dénouement, most of it hastily muttered and the equivalent of a six year old telling you he can paint himself invisible.
Which one is better?
Twisted, easily.
“A cripple I might be among my kind, but I exceed you in every regard.”
I am not claiming any part of War Without End has mindblowing writing, but the short stories are a good way of showing who can build tension with limited space. The Harrowing is perfectly fine but there’s no doubt as to what will happen. Even if the risk is made up in Twisted, I believed it for the moment. I will forgive a lot in a fantasy setting, including invisibility paint.
Goals
In The Devine Adoratrice there is a bit of excitement, but nothing really happens. There is adultery at the start. The final revelation is that it was incestuous adultery.
It skates by as a prologue to a proper novel, as do others in War Without End, but they tend to feel unsatisfactory and directionless. As another example, Vulkan’s artefacts getting saved because of some rambling chat is underwhelming considering the effort the Salamanders expend on tracking them down over multiple subsequent books.
In Wolf Mother we must save a life. A life must be saved. Saved must be a life. The implausibly complicated scheme turns out to be finding a big guy who blows big holes in people’s heads but there’s a real driver and a resolution (hint: a life is saved).
The Devine Adoratrice and Wolf Mother are also by the same author. Sometimes it is not just about picking your favourites and sticking with them, but also thinking critically about what they managed to achieve each time.
Character
Some of the stories focusing on characterisation feel like précis of things we know (and are better told) in other books: Angron is a dipshit, the Space Wolves are dickish, the Night Lords are kinda useless.
But, weirdly, I love some of the corny stuff, be it the Ultramarine in A Laurel of Defiance who will not renew an oath because:
"To speak them again implies a weakness inherent to them"
which (possibly accidentally) links to Allegiance about White Scar who refuses to recant an oath taken in error... ...even when it would save his life. There is the Dark Angel in By the Lion's Command who trusts in a wavering force of humanity to make the right decision.
Perhaps the best story of all deals with a practitioner of self-investigative surgery, Fabius Bile. Chirurgeon explores Bile’s regrets and fears, while establishing a path forward for later books. It’s hard to summarise why:
"Thank you Lycaeon", I say to my vassal brother, feeling better already.
…at the end works, but it makes you feel warm and fuzzy about a guy whose gigantic metal spider limbs enables his penchant for human experimentation.
So, I liked it overall, without it being exceptional. Even if I am just a round of ammunition.
September 2, 2021
This is how these anthology books should have been written in the past, and how I will judge them going forward. Rather than little stand-alone stories, these were written as little b-stories to previous Horus Heresy novels, elaborating on little bits of the plots that were left unsaid, or providing backstory on the events that lead up to the events of a previous Horus Heresy novel. Some also provided a glimpse into the future. Overall they were excellent, with a few outstanding entries, I can only think of a couple which were dull.
February 8, 2018
You can read the full review over at my blog:
https://shadowhawksshade.wordpress.co...
The Horus Heresy series has given us plenty of great anthologies, whether we talk about the very first one, Tales of Heresy or something much more recent than that, such as Meduson. They are an excellent place to reprint various short stories and novellas that have only been released online or in limited edition, and many of these also continue various story-lines that haven’t been continued in the full-length novels. Ultimately, that’s one of the best things I love about them and today I’m going to talk about another good one.
War Without End definitely ranks among the best that the series has to offer. It contains a lion’s share of stories that have been released over the last few years for the series, and offers us some truly good gems. The Devine Adoratrice, Sermon of Exodus, Daemonology, The Laurel of Defiance and others are really good stories that touch on so many different facets of the Heresy and bring a much larger perspective to what’s going on.
The very first entry in the anthology is The Devine Adoratrice. Once published in the exclusive anthology The Imperial Truth and then released as a standalone online, I first read it back in late 2014 and despite some initial confusion, I did end up liking it in the end. You can read my review of it here. The reread this time around proved to be very good indeed. I had the proper context for it, and the familiarity helped as well. All the same I was still a bit wrong-footed and it seemed too big a departure. Perhaps that’s part of the slice-of-life nature of the story and I think those stories are important in the long run because they provide a much more important context for the rest of the series and the civilian cause and effect of the Heresy. That’s actually pretty neat.
Rating: 8.5/10
Next up is Howl of The Hearthworld by Aaron Dembski-Bowden. This was a truly interesting one. It is set prior to the disastrous events that happened at Prospero and the tragic humbling of the Thousand Sons. This super short is about a squad of Space Wolves who are to be sent to Primarch Rogal Dorn of the Imperial Fists as his watch-dogs at the request of Malcador the Sigillite himself. It is a very touching story about how Leman Russ selected his watch squads and their own feelings on the matter. While some have been sent to warzones, the duty of the Praetorian keeps him at Terra in these uncertain times and the squad led by Thirteen Stars Falling is not happy about it.
There’s some really cool bits here in how Aaron approaches the topic. Now, my Heresy-fu is a bit weak these days, but I get a distinct feeling that there’s something much deeper here and that these characters will be coming up again at some point. We’ve seen these watch-packs before, in action even, and Thirteen Stars Falling’s squad is very different. The play with names was the coolest part of the story here, and I’m definitely very intrigued by the possibilities on offer here. This was a good one for sure, with some nice mystery and some nice intrigue.
Rating: 9/10
Another reprint from The Imperial Truth, Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s Lord of The Red Sands is a bloody tale about Primarch Angron of the World Eaters. This was a weird one, truth be told. If my understanding is correct then this is set during the bloody fratricidal devastation of Istvaan III, when Warmaster Horus purged the ranks of the Luna Wolves, Emperor’s Children, Death Guard and World Eaters of all those warriors who were loyal to the Emperor above the respective Primarchs, or those who were suspected of such and couldn’t be a part of the rebellion. As such, this story provides a captivating insight into the conduct of Angron during that conflict and is tragic in that it shows the cost that Angron paid to side with Horus, and how his warriors broke down on the two different sides of the issue.
But it is weird because there’s no real indication of when this story is set and that is certainly not appealing. I find Angron to often be a cliched villain of Warhammer 40,000 but the work that Aaron has done with him in the Heresy gives a much better view into his personality and behaviours and the length of the story does not do Angron any good. I wanted to know a whole lot more than was on offer and when I’m left with more questions than answers, then it’s not a good experience. That said, it is still a decent story and forms the larger tapestry of Angron’s saga and descent into the killing madness.
Rating: 7/10
Nick Kyme’s appropriately titled Artefacts is one of the more saddening stories in this anthology. It begins with a first-hand recounting by Primarch Vulkan of the destruction of Nostramo by his brother Curze and ends with Vulkan’s order to destroy most of his hand-crafted weapons and armaments. This connects to some of the older lore about the XVIII Primarch, for in the 41st millennium his sons search for the meager remnants of his wondrous relics, believing that once they have retrieved them all, then their gene-father will return to them and lead them into a new age.
Nick writes a truly heart-breaking tale of Vulkan’s attempts at Curze’s rehabilitation and the role that Horus played in all of it. This is something that has never really been addressed before, and it even adds some very important perspective to Curze’s torture of Vulkan after the Dropsite Massacre. And it all feeds into why Vulkan orders his forge-master T’kell to destroy all the artefacts he has forged over the decades. The pain of betrayal is really strong here and Nick does an apt job of portraying that. Of course, knowing that this is a precursor to the Dropsite Massacre adds even more gravitas to the moment, and really, I feel that this short was masterfully written.
Rating: 9.5/10
Rob Sanders’ Hands of the Emperor is a really cool action story about the Custodians on Terra. Our main character here is Shield-Captain Enobar Stentonox who is granted the high responsibility of security of the Imperial Palace for a full Terran day. Enobar is cut from the same mold as the other Legio Custodes characters we’ve seen to date in the Heresy series, but of course his present circumstances do set him apart. Rob works in Dan Abnett’ introduction of the blood games rites to the story and shows just how the Legio has changed since the Heresy began at Istvaan V and the near-destruction of the loyalist Iron Hands, Raven Guard and Salamanders.
What I loved most here was the amount of world-building and detail that Rob worked in to the story, rivaling Blood Games and gave us more of the Legio. They’ve always been rather mysterious characters but now thanks to their various Heresy appearances and Chris Wraight’s The Emperor’s Legion novel for Warhammer 40,000 last year, we’ve seen a whole lot more than ever before. Now we are seeing how they truly functioned and it is just amazing, perhaps even a little overwhelming, but in a good way. And it has some good action scenes to boot, so that was some delicious gravy.
Rating: 9/10
https://shadowhawksshade.wordpress.co...
The Horus Heresy series has given us plenty of great anthologies, whether we talk about the very first one, Tales of Heresy or something much more recent than that, such as Meduson. They are an excellent place to reprint various short stories and novellas that have only been released online or in limited edition, and many of these also continue various story-lines that haven’t been continued in the full-length novels. Ultimately, that’s one of the best things I love about them and today I’m going to talk about another good one.
War Without End definitely ranks among the best that the series has to offer. It contains a lion’s share of stories that have been released over the last few years for the series, and offers us some truly good gems. The Devine Adoratrice, Sermon of Exodus, Daemonology, The Laurel of Defiance and others are really good stories that touch on so many different facets of the Heresy and bring a much larger perspective to what’s going on.
The very first entry in the anthology is The Devine Adoratrice. Once published in the exclusive anthology The Imperial Truth and then released as a standalone online, I first read it back in late 2014 and despite some initial confusion, I did end up liking it in the end. You can read my review of it here. The reread this time around proved to be very good indeed. I had the proper context for it, and the familiarity helped as well. All the same I was still a bit wrong-footed and it seemed too big a departure. Perhaps that’s part of the slice-of-life nature of the story and I think those stories are important in the long run because they provide a much more important context for the rest of the series and the civilian cause and effect of the Heresy. That’s actually pretty neat.
Rating: 8.5/10
Next up is Howl of The Hearthworld by Aaron Dembski-Bowden. This was a truly interesting one. It is set prior to the disastrous events that happened at Prospero and the tragic humbling of the Thousand Sons. This super short is about a squad of Space Wolves who are to be sent to Primarch Rogal Dorn of the Imperial Fists as his watch-dogs at the request of Malcador the Sigillite himself. It is a very touching story about how Leman Russ selected his watch squads and their own feelings on the matter. While some have been sent to warzones, the duty of the Praetorian keeps him at Terra in these uncertain times and the squad led by Thirteen Stars Falling is not happy about it.
There’s some really cool bits here in how Aaron approaches the topic. Now, my Heresy-fu is a bit weak these days, but I get a distinct feeling that there’s something much deeper here and that these characters will be coming up again at some point. We’ve seen these watch-packs before, in action even, and Thirteen Stars Falling’s squad is very different. The play with names was the coolest part of the story here, and I’m definitely very intrigued by the possibilities on offer here. This was a good one for sure, with some nice mystery and some nice intrigue.
Rating: 9/10
Another reprint from The Imperial Truth, Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s Lord of The Red Sands is a bloody tale about Primarch Angron of the World Eaters. This was a weird one, truth be told. If my understanding is correct then this is set during the bloody fratricidal devastation of Istvaan III, when Warmaster Horus purged the ranks of the Luna Wolves, Emperor’s Children, Death Guard and World Eaters of all those warriors who were loyal to the Emperor above the respective Primarchs, or those who were suspected of such and couldn’t be a part of the rebellion. As such, this story provides a captivating insight into the conduct of Angron during that conflict and is tragic in that it shows the cost that Angron paid to side with Horus, and how his warriors broke down on the two different sides of the issue.
But it is weird because there’s no real indication of when this story is set and that is certainly not appealing. I find Angron to often be a cliched villain of Warhammer 40,000 but the work that Aaron has done with him in the Heresy gives a much better view into his personality and behaviours and the length of the story does not do Angron any good. I wanted to know a whole lot more than was on offer and when I’m left with more questions than answers, then it’s not a good experience. That said, it is still a decent story and forms the larger tapestry of Angron’s saga and descent into the killing madness.
Rating: 7/10
Nick Kyme’s appropriately titled Artefacts is one of the more saddening stories in this anthology. It begins with a first-hand recounting by Primarch Vulkan of the destruction of Nostramo by his brother Curze and ends with Vulkan’s order to destroy most of his hand-crafted weapons and armaments. This connects to some of the older lore about the XVIII Primarch, for in the 41st millennium his sons search for the meager remnants of his wondrous relics, believing that once they have retrieved them all, then their gene-father will return to them and lead them into a new age.
Nick writes a truly heart-breaking tale of Vulkan’s attempts at Curze’s rehabilitation and the role that Horus played in all of it. This is something that has never really been addressed before, and it even adds some very important perspective to Curze’s torture of Vulkan after the Dropsite Massacre. And it all feeds into why Vulkan orders his forge-master T’kell to destroy all the artefacts he has forged over the decades. The pain of betrayal is really strong here and Nick does an apt job of portraying that. Of course, knowing that this is a precursor to the Dropsite Massacre adds even more gravitas to the moment, and really, I feel that this short was masterfully written.
Rating: 9.5/10
Rob Sanders’ Hands of the Emperor is a really cool action story about the Custodians on Terra. Our main character here is Shield-Captain Enobar Stentonox who is granted the high responsibility of security of the Imperial Palace for a full Terran day. Enobar is cut from the same mold as the other Legio Custodes characters we’ve seen to date in the Heresy series, but of course his present circumstances do set him apart. Rob works in Dan Abnett’ introduction of the blood games rites to the story and shows just how the Legio has changed since the Heresy began at Istvaan V and the near-destruction of the loyalist Iron Hands, Raven Guard and Salamanders.
What I loved most here was the amount of world-building and detail that Rob worked in to the story, rivaling Blood Games and gave us more of the Legio. They’ve always been rather mysterious characters but now thanks to their various Heresy appearances and Chris Wraight’s The Emperor’s Legion novel for Warhammer 40,000 last year, we’ve seen a whole lot more than ever before. Now we are seeing how they truly functioned and it is just amazing, perhaps even a little overwhelming, but in a good way. And it has some good action scenes to boot, so that was some delicious gravy.
Rating: 9/10
June 12, 2017
I wanted to say that this novel got the rating it did because it became clear to me, finally, that these needless and forgetful anthology novels are in fact their own mini series within the heresy itself. The short stories link to themselves, and THERE, there is the magic.
Right? I have to be right? It's not just some marketing ploy to take my money...right? These stories matter?
Siggggggghhhh
Right? I have to be right? It's not just some marketing ploy to take my money...right? These stories matter?
Siggggggghhhh
September 17, 2025
A strong Anthology that develops characters and plot threads previously established in the Heresy series.
My favourites include Lord of the Red Sands, the Devine Adoratrice, Imperfect, and Chirurgeon.
"The Devine Adoratrice" by Graham McNeill *****
Warhammer meets a song of Ice and Fire in this prequel to "The Vengeful Spirit".
Molech is a world of Knights who astride on mounts made of steel and iron. The inner politics of a house see brothers develop an intense rivalry and intrigue and plotting abound.
McNeill does a fantastic job of painting a rich intricate fantasy world in a short time-frame, as well as filling the story with drama and conflict.
"Howl of the Hearthworld" by Aaron Dembski-Bowden ****
Really enjoyed this look at the Vlkya Fenryka, wish ADB had the chance to write more of the Heresy-era SW.
Shortly before the onset of the Heresy, Malcador the Sigillite ordered Russ to send his sons to stand watch over the Primachs. The pretense was to protect, but really they were to be executioners if needed.
The culture or Fenris diverges significantly from the Imperium, the ranks and names carried by the Vlyka Fenryka are also unusual. So an interesting little lore moment in this story is when a pack of Space Wolves meet an Imperial administrator and provide him with their "Imperium" titles and names, which are different from their internal titles and names. E.g. Kargir sergeant of Nineteenth Squad is actually Thirteen Falling Stars, thegn of Howl of the Hearthworld.
"Lord of the Red Sands" by Aarn Dembski-Bowden *****
"Glory is for those too weak to find inner strength, leaving them hollow parasites, feeding on the affection of lesser men. Glory is for cowards, too afraid to let their names die."
"There is no virtue in fighting for conquest. Nothing is more worthless and hollow than obliterating freedom for the sake of more land, more coins, more voices singing your name in holy hymn."
"Angron. Angron. Angron. His name. A slave's name."
Wow, I couldn't pick just one quote from this amazing short story. Following Angron as he slaughters his way across Isstvan III, ADB takes a deep look at the psyche of Angron.
Angron should have died long ago. Instead he was given a Legion and told that he was to feel honoured. Instead he felt shackled, enslaved once again. To stand against the Emperor was to be free once again.
"Artefacts" by Nick Kyme ****
Shortly before the events of Isstvan V on Nocture, Vulkan tells his Master of the Forge T'Kell of terrible destruction.
Vulkan solemnly recalls the destruction of Nostramo by his brother Curze. Vulkan was horrified by his brother’s acts, knowing that they were not merely the petulant tantrum of a child, but that they were pre-mediated vengeance. Word has only just reached him of Horus’ betrayal, and he readies for Istvaan V. Sorrow in his heart for what has become of his brothers.
Vulkan is perhaps the most brotherly and kind of the Primarchs, so to see him struggle with the weight of his brothers’ treachery crates powerful and emotional scenes.
T'kell Master of the Forge reappears in Sons of the Forge.
"Hands of the Emperor" by Rob Sanders ****
The atmosphere on Terra is tense. There is not nearly enough time to complete every task before the traitor forces arrive, and the hierarchy is unclear and messy.
The Custodian Guard are the protectors of the Emperor. The Imperial Fists have been tasked with preparing Terra for the oncoming siege. These goals seem aligned, but that does not mean there is agreement on how to achieve it.
The Custodes and Imperial Fists come to blows as orders are given and paranoia and stubbornness hold sway.
A little silly, a little funny, but also some intense action.
"The Phoenician" by Nick Kyme *****
"Two brothers face one another amidst an ocean of war, the dead lapping at their feet.
Gabriel Santor served as First Captain of the Iron Hands, appearing in the Ferrus Manus Primarch novel, as well as the novella "Feat of Iron" and the short story "A Lesson in Iron".
It was on Isstvan V that Ferrus Manus was slain by his treacherous brother Fulgrim. Now we return again, to see the duel through the eyes of Gabriel Santor as he lays dying.
A brief but evocative story that doesn't pull any punches. Really captures the anguish of this pivotal moment in the Heresy.
"Sermon of Exodus" by David Annandale ****
“Revelation can strip the flesh from the soul. Mysteries can step out from the night. They can descend from on high with fury. To witness them is to be laid bare before something far more terrible and powerful than simple clarity.”
Tsi Rekh of the Hound Lodge is on a mystical and ritualistic journey across Davin. The story plays around with the dark and esoteric as it tells us more of the place where the Heresy began and what will come next. This is the spiritual journey of Davin and of Tsi Rekh, as we see him groomed and shaped into the being the path, the way that shall be travelled upon.
Akshub of the Serpent Lodge, a wizened old High Priest who played a key role in the turning of the Warmaster also appears in this story. She was just a child when she first encountered Erebus in “Child of Chaos” and we know she meets her end “The Shards of Erebus”. Such an important role she plays in the events of the galaxy, for someone born on a back-water world of no other significance.
"By the Lion's Command" by Gav Thorpe ****
The galaxy is split as planet's declare for the Warmaster or remain loyal to the Emperor. But some walk a third path, hoping to remain independent in what is seen as a "Legion War", a war of the transhumans.
Corswain of the Dark Angels faces off against the superior might of the Death Guard ships. A nearby planet has declared itself neutral in the conflict, but it's orbital guns could be the deciding factor if Corswain can win them over.
I enjoyed this short story, playing with the tension of conflict rather than spending twenty pages describing another naval conflict. Instead we get to see more of Corswain and how he thinks, his approach to the war.
"The Harrowing" by Rob Sanders ****
I really enjoyed this depiction of Alpha Legion Warcraft. An Alpha Legion strike-team engages in a battle full of duplicity and planning to lure their enemy into a very specific trap, only for the reveal that it is all part of a much larger gambit.
The writing style is a bit dry, but that seems a stylistic choice as Sanders takes us through each and every action of the Alpha Legion in clinical detail as they methodically take their opponent apart piece by piece.
For what this story was trying to accomplish I thought it did it particularly well.
"All that Remains" by James Swallow ****
Wounded veterans trudge through a dying ship. They do not know what has damaged the ship or what will happen next.
This story acts as a microcosm of the Heresy, looking at the rank and file soldiery that have suffered through Horus' treachery. The protagonist lost his homeworld to the Arch-traitor, through poisoned words and dark oaths.
A visceral look at the Heresy from human eyes.
"Gunsight" by James Swallow ****
A follow up to "Nemesis". An assassin has made his way onto the Vengeful Spirit. He can't remember who he is, the only thing he knows is that he is there to kill a monster. Really atmospheric and haunting, a man's mind broken and hazy, stumbling through time.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Nemesis, but I enjoyed this sequel quite a big, it felt more focused and emotionally impactful.
Allegiance by Chris Wraight *****
In “Rebirth” Arvida of the Thousand Sons returned to Prospero to find his home homeworld destroyed and his Legion routed. In “Scars” he came to the aid of Jaghtai Kahn and the White Scars. Now he is an honoured guest aboard their fleet.
Yesugei Stormseer of the White Scars reappears in this short story. Both Arvida and Yesugei are masters of the warp, and Yesugei seems keen to win over the wounded Arvida. Arvida for his part is still suffering the attrition of Prospero. Wandering through dusty halls and being haunted by the spectres that dwell there.
There is something touching about the friendship that develops between the two characters, even though it is complicated. Arvida senses that he is a “replacement” for the loss of Ahrihman, a close friend to Yesugei. He also knows that Yesugei wants him to join the White Scars, to be as one with them, but that doesn’t sit well with Arvida. He is an orphan, alone and without a brotherhood. But he is not ready to let go of the past.
This story also provides us with the first proper details of how the Khan is dealing with the traitors in his ranks. So many of his sons were of the Lodge and swore to Horus. Now tribunals are being held. Those that repent are sent out to strike back at the traitors, few however return, the missions near suicide. Such is the justice of the Khan, and it weighs heavily on his soul.
"Daemonology" by Chris Wraight ****
“All the gene-progeny of the Great Project had been damaged by the scattering, but Mortarion’s wounds ran deeper than most. Angron had been physically damaged, and Curze’s mind had sunk into darkness, but Mortarion seemed to have inherited something of both afflictions.”
Mortarion’s hatred and distrust of “witch-kind” runs deep as a result of a brutal childhood on Barbarus. That hatred will see him raze a planet to the ground.
This story helps to illustrate Mortarion’s fall, his distrust of the Emperor and the Malcador makes his betrayal unsurprising, but tragic. If the circumstances had been different, if Barbarus had not been his adopted home, maybe he would have stood a chance. But instead, he is damned to become what he hates the most.
"Black Oculus" by Graham McNeill ****
A creepy little tale told in the second person, as a Navigator tells the story to the reader. Stuck in the Eye of Terror after the events of “Angel Exterminatus”, the Iron Warriors must travel through the Warp. But to do so requires the skills of the Navigators, and what their third eyes will see is beyond human comprehension. A very intimate and unsettling story.
"Virtues of the Sons" by Andy Smillies ****
"True learning only occurs when consequences forces a change, for we ade selfish creatures and we cling to our ways like deposed kings clinging to the ashes of a failed kingdom.
Amit is the Flesh Tearer, the brutal rage of the Angel incarnate, his blood runs hot as he slays his foes.
Azkaellon jealously guards his Primarch as leader of the Sanguinary Guard. He is prideful and reserved.
Sanguinius believes his sons too limited, too much of a single temperament, so he sends them to fight Kharn and Lucius respectively, too see if they can learn to be more than a sword and shield.
Really enjoyed the work this story did to characterised Amit and Azkaellon by not only contrasting them with other Legionaries, but also by looking at their relationship as brothers.
"The Laurel of Defiance" by Guy Haley ****
The defenders of the Imperium Secundus are to be honoured, human and transhuman alike. But the ceremony does not sit well with Corvo of the Ultramarines. This story takes its time to develop the world of the Heresy outside of the battlefield, showing celebration and lightness, while in the background is destruction and ruin. It also plays around with the growing divide between the Astartes and regular humanity, a gap that grows considerably by the 41st Millenium.
We are also served some intense action as loyalists must face a daemon-possessed Titan.
What really made the story was the strong, clear characterisation of Corvo. After reading so many Heresy stories, Astartes can begin to blend together, so having a clear personality makes the story more memorable.
"A Safe and Shadowed Place" by Guy Haley ****
The Nightlords are as untrustworthy and treacherous a Legion as can be found, honor means little to them, especially with the disappearance of their Lord Konrad Curze. Major damage to the fleet has left them floating in space, hoping to make repairs before they are found by Loyalists.
I love the Nightlords and their murderous gang-like nature. All the preening and posturing and back-stabbing. Lots of fun drama to be had. While not much happens in the story, it's the characters and look at the culture of the Night Lords that makes it a fun read.
"Imperfect" by Nick Kyme *****
A game if regicide between two brothers, the Phoenician and the Gorgon.
This story did more to invest me in Ferrus and Fulgrim than almost any other story in the Heresy. Their flaws and strengths fully on display, as well as their close bond. No two brothers shared more love for one another among the Primarchs Ferrus and Fulgrim. Tragic but also a lot of fun.
"Chirurgeon" by Nick Kyme *****
"I am Fabius, and I am a herald of evolution."
Fabius Bile, Chief Apothecary of the III Legion. For the tool he uses (the chirurgeon) he is known as the "Spider" by his brothers, a term used with a sneer or a grimace.
This story takes place shortly after "Imperfect". Fabius is performing extermination as he starts to ruminate on the past of the Legion, when there genetic defect almost tore them apart. There were some interesting bits of lore mentioned, like the plot against the Legion by the Selenar Cults. The weight of finding a cure to the "blight" that afflicted the III Legion was a heavy one. Those affected were executed, their bodies cut open and examined by Fabius.
Fabius is one of the more interesting villainous characters in Warhammer (thanks in large part to the amazing Joshua Reynolds trilogy) and this short story does a really great job of adding more layers to the character and foreshadowing his future.
"Twisted" by Guy Haley *****
Equerry of Horus, Maloghurst the Twisted is one of a few to have the ear of the Warmaster.
This story is set after the events of "Vengeful Spirit". The Sons of Horus grow increasingly feral and barbaric, the gang culture of Cthonia is rising to the forefront and the veneer of respectability and honour the Legion once carried is being eroded.
Malorghurst is no longer a warrior striding across the battlefield, and the Sons of Horus do not appreciate politicians. His relationship with Horus makes his brothers jealous, his position may not be secure in an increasingly savage Legion.
Malorghurst increasing paranoia of the danger presented by his brothers isn't helped by the voices that appear to haunt him, and the creatures that are beginning to inhabit the shadows of the Vengeful Spirit. Soon he turns to the Davaanite Cultists for aid.
I really enjoyed this short story, I've been a big fan of Malorghurst since Horus Rising. He is Horus' shadow much in the way Malcador is the Emperor's. The Twisted exists to serve his Lord, extinguishing his own will to better serve his lord, his identify subsumed by duty.
The story also provided a better lookalike the changes wrought upon Horus since Molech, his mastery of the Warp and increasing power. We also see the Vengeful Spirit growing increasingly warped by battle and time.
"Wolf Mother" by Graham McNeill *****
A direct follow up to "Vengeful Spirit". On the planet Molech, the Serpent Cult had prospered in the shadows from the support of House Devine but had to flee the planet aboard the ship "Molech's Enlightenment" to survive the Warmaster's wrath.
Alivia is a Perpetual, tasked with defending the Emperor's secrets on Molech. Forced to leave the planet behind, she cares for her two adopted daughters. But one of them has been kidnapped by the Cult, and she is going to track them down. She is assisted by the Knight Errant "Severian" who stole away on the ship.
A fun buddy-cop action story that ties into both the Perpetual and Knight Errant plotlines. Also a rare example of a Space Marine using the Omophagea organ.
Severian was first introduced in "Outcast Dead" and was recruited by the Sigillite in "Wolf Hunt" and reappeared in "Vengeful Spirit". He later reappears in "The Buried Dagger".
Alivia appears again in the short story "Old Wounds, New Scars" and the novella "The Fury of Magnus".
My favourites include Lord of the Red Sands, the Devine Adoratrice, Imperfect, and Chirurgeon.
"The Devine Adoratrice" by Graham McNeill *****
Warhammer meets a song of Ice and Fire in this prequel to "The Vengeful Spirit".
Molech is a world of Knights who astride on mounts made of steel and iron. The inner politics of a house see brothers develop an intense rivalry and intrigue and plotting abound.
McNeill does a fantastic job of painting a rich intricate fantasy world in a short time-frame, as well as filling the story with drama and conflict.
"Howl of the Hearthworld" by Aaron Dembski-Bowden ****
Really enjoyed this look at the Vlkya Fenryka, wish ADB had the chance to write more of the Heresy-era SW.
Shortly before the onset of the Heresy, Malcador the Sigillite ordered Russ to send his sons to stand watch over the Primachs. The pretense was to protect, but really they were to be executioners if needed.
The culture or Fenris diverges significantly from the Imperium, the ranks and names carried by the Vlyka Fenryka are also unusual. So an interesting little lore moment in this story is when a pack of Space Wolves meet an Imperial administrator and provide him with their "Imperium" titles and names, which are different from their internal titles and names. E.g. Kargir sergeant of Nineteenth Squad is actually Thirteen Falling Stars, thegn of Howl of the Hearthworld.
"Lord of the Red Sands" by Aarn Dembski-Bowden *****
"Glory is for those too weak to find inner strength, leaving them hollow parasites, feeding on the affection of lesser men. Glory is for cowards, too afraid to let their names die."
"There is no virtue in fighting for conquest. Nothing is more worthless and hollow than obliterating freedom for the sake of more land, more coins, more voices singing your name in holy hymn."
"Angron. Angron. Angron. His name. A slave's name."
Wow, I couldn't pick just one quote from this amazing short story. Following Angron as he slaughters his way across Isstvan III, ADB takes a deep look at the psyche of Angron.
Angron should have died long ago. Instead he was given a Legion and told that he was to feel honoured. Instead he felt shackled, enslaved once again. To stand against the Emperor was to be free once again.
"Artefacts" by Nick Kyme ****
Shortly before the events of Isstvan V on Nocture, Vulkan tells his Master of the Forge T'Kell of terrible destruction.
Vulkan solemnly recalls the destruction of Nostramo by his brother Curze. Vulkan was horrified by his brother’s acts, knowing that they were not merely the petulant tantrum of a child, but that they were pre-mediated vengeance. Word has only just reached him of Horus’ betrayal, and he readies for Istvaan V. Sorrow in his heart for what has become of his brothers.
Vulkan is perhaps the most brotherly and kind of the Primarchs, so to see him struggle with the weight of his brothers’ treachery crates powerful and emotional scenes.
T'kell Master of the Forge reappears in Sons of the Forge.
"Hands of the Emperor" by Rob Sanders ****
The atmosphere on Terra is tense. There is not nearly enough time to complete every task before the traitor forces arrive, and the hierarchy is unclear and messy.
The Custodian Guard are the protectors of the Emperor. The Imperial Fists have been tasked with preparing Terra for the oncoming siege. These goals seem aligned, but that does not mean there is agreement on how to achieve it.
The Custodes and Imperial Fists come to blows as orders are given and paranoia and stubbornness hold sway.
A little silly, a little funny, but also some intense action.
"The Phoenician" by Nick Kyme *****
"Two brothers face one another amidst an ocean of war, the dead lapping at their feet.
Gabriel Santor served as First Captain of the Iron Hands, appearing in the Ferrus Manus Primarch novel, as well as the novella "Feat of Iron" and the short story "A Lesson in Iron".
It was on Isstvan V that Ferrus Manus was slain by his treacherous brother Fulgrim. Now we return again, to see the duel through the eyes of Gabriel Santor as he lays dying.
A brief but evocative story that doesn't pull any punches. Really captures the anguish of this pivotal moment in the Heresy.
"Sermon of Exodus" by David Annandale ****
“Revelation can strip the flesh from the soul. Mysteries can step out from the night. They can descend from on high with fury. To witness them is to be laid bare before something far more terrible and powerful than simple clarity.”
Tsi Rekh of the Hound Lodge is on a mystical and ritualistic journey across Davin. The story plays around with the dark and esoteric as it tells us more of the place where the Heresy began and what will come next. This is the spiritual journey of Davin and of Tsi Rekh, as we see him groomed and shaped into the being the path, the way that shall be travelled upon.
Akshub of the Serpent Lodge, a wizened old High Priest who played a key role in the turning of the Warmaster also appears in this story. She was just a child when she first encountered Erebus in “Child of Chaos” and we know she meets her end “The Shards of Erebus”. Such an important role she plays in the events of the galaxy, for someone born on a back-water world of no other significance.
"By the Lion's Command" by Gav Thorpe ****
The galaxy is split as planet's declare for the Warmaster or remain loyal to the Emperor. But some walk a third path, hoping to remain independent in what is seen as a "Legion War", a war of the transhumans.
Corswain of the Dark Angels faces off against the superior might of the Death Guard ships. A nearby planet has declared itself neutral in the conflict, but it's orbital guns could be the deciding factor if Corswain can win them over.
I enjoyed this short story, playing with the tension of conflict rather than spending twenty pages describing another naval conflict. Instead we get to see more of Corswain and how he thinks, his approach to the war.
"The Harrowing" by Rob Sanders ****
I really enjoyed this depiction of Alpha Legion Warcraft. An Alpha Legion strike-team engages in a battle full of duplicity and planning to lure their enemy into a very specific trap, only for the reveal that it is all part of a much larger gambit.
The writing style is a bit dry, but that seems a stylistic choice as Sanders takes us through each and every action of the Alpha Legion in clinical detail as they methodically take their opponent apart piece by piece.
For what this story was trying to accomplish I thought it did it particularly well.
"All that Remains" by James Swallow ****
Wounded veterans trudge through a dying ship. They do not know what has damaged the ship or what will happen next.
This story acts as a microcosm of the Heresy, looking at the rank and file soldiery that have suffered through Horus' treachery. The protagonist lost his homeworld to the Arch-traitor, through poisoned words and dark oaths.
A visceral look at the Heresy from human eyes.
"Gunsight" by James Swallow ****
A follow up to "Nemesis". An assassin has made his way onto the Vengeful Spirit. He can't remember who he is, the only thing he knows is that he is there to kill a monster. Really atmospheric and haunting, a man's mind broken and hazy, stumbling through time.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Nemesis, but I enjoyed this sequel quite a big, it felt more focused and emotionally impactful.
Allegiance by Chris Wraight *****
In “Rebirth” Arvida of the Thousand Sons returned to Prospero to find his home homeworld destroyed and his Legion routed. In “Scars” he came to the aid of Jaghtai Kahn and the White Scars. Now he is an honoured guest aboard their fleet.
Yesugei Stormseer of the White Scars reappears in this short story. Both Arvida and Yesugei are masters of the warp, and Yesugei seems keen to win over the wounded Arvida. Arvida for his part is still suffering the attrition of Prospero. Wandering through dusty halls and being haunted by the spectres that dwell there.
There is something touching about the friendship that develops between the two characters, even though it is complicated. Arvida senses that he is a “replacement” for the loss of Ahrihman, a close friend to Yesugei. He also knows that Yesugei wants him to join the White Scars, to be as one with them, but that doesn’t sit well with Arvida. He is an orphan, alone and without a brotherhood. But he is not ready to let go of the past.
This story also provides us with the first proper details of how the Khan is dealing with the traitors in his ranks. So many of his sons were of the Lodge and swore to Horus. Now tribunals are being held. Those that repent are sent out to strike back at the traitors, few however return, the missions near suicide. Such is the justice of the Khan, and it weighs heavily on his soul.
"Daemonology" by Chris Wraight ****
“All the gene-progeny of the Great Project had been damaged by the scattering, but Mortarion’s wounds ran deeper than most. Angron had been physically damaged, and Curze’s mind had sunk into darkness, but Mortarion seemed to have inherited something of both afflictions.”
Mortarion’s hatred and distrust of “witch-kind” runs deep as a result of a brutal childhood on Barbarus. That hatred will see him raze a planet to the ground.
This story helps to illustrate Mortarion’s fall, his distrust of the Emperor and the Malcador makes his betrayal unsurprising, but tragic. If the circumstances had been different, if Barbarus had not been his adopted home, maybe he would have stood a chance. But instead, he is damned to become what he hates the most.
"Black Oculus" by Graham McNeill ****
A creepy little tale told in the second person, as a Navigator tells the story to the reader. Stuck in the Eye of Terror after the events of “Angel Exterminatus”, the Iron Warriors must travel through the Warp. But to do so requires the skills of the Navigators, and what their third eyes will see is beyond human comprehension. A very intimate and unsettling story.
"Virtues of the Sons" by Andy Smillies ****
"True learning only occurs when consequences forces a change, for we ade selfish creatures and we cling to our ways like deposed kings clinging to the ashes of a failed kingdom.
Amit is the Flesh Tearer, the brutal rage of the Angel incarnate, his blood runs hot as he slays his foes.
Azkaellon jealously guards his Primarch as leader of the Sanguinary Guard. He is prideful and reserved.
Sanguinius believes his sons too limited, too much of a single temperament, so he sends them to fight Kharn and Lucius respectively, too see if they can learn to be more than a sword and shield.
Really enjoyed the work this story did to characterised Amit and Azkaellon by not only contrasting them with other Legionaries, but also by looking at their relationship as brothers.
"The Laurel of Defiance" by Guy Haley ****
The defenders of the Imperium Secundus are to be honoured, human and transhuman alike. But the ceremony does not sit well with Corvo of the Ultramarines. This story takes its time to develop the world of the Heresy outside of the battlefield, showing celebration and lightness, while in the background is destruction and ruin. It also plays around with the growing divide between the Astartes and regular humanity, a gap that grows considerably by the 41st Millenium.
We are also served some intense action as loyalists must face a daemon-possessed Titan.
What really made the story was the strong, clear characterisation of Corvo. After reading so many Heresy stories, Astartes can begin to blend together, so having a clear personality makes the story more memorable.
"A Safe and Shadowed Place" by Guy Haley ****
The Nightlords are as untrustworthy and treacherous a Legion as can be found, honor means little to them, especially with the disappearance of their Lord Konrad Curze. Major damage to the fleet has left them floating in space, hoping to make repairs before they are found by Loyalists.
I love the Nightlords and their murderous gang-like nature. All the preening and posturing and back-stabbing. Lots of fun drama to be had. While not much happens in the story, it's the characters and look at the culture of the Night Lords that makes it a fun read.
"Imperfect" by Nick Kyme *****
A game if regicide between two brothers, the Phoenician and the Gorgon.
This story did more to invest me in Ferrus and Fulgrim than almost any other story in the Heresy. Their flaws and strengths fully on display, as well as their close bond. No two brothers shared more love for one another among the Primarchs Ferrus and Fulgrim. Tragic but also a lot of fun.
"Chirurgeon" by Nick Kyme *****
"I am Fabius, and I am a herald of evolution."
Fabius Bile, Chief Apothecary of the III Legion. For the tool he uses (the chirurgeon) he is known as the "Spider" by his brothers, a term used with a sneer or a grimace.
This story takes place shortly after "Imperfect". Fabius is performing extermination as he starts to ruminate on the past of the Legion, when there genetic defect almost tore them apart. There were some interesting bits of lore mentioned, like the plot against the Legion by the Selenar Cults. The weight of finding a cure to the "blight" that afflicted the III Legion was a heavy one. Those affected were executed, their bodies cut open and examined by Fabius.
Fabius is one of the more interesting villainous characters in Warhammer (thanks in large part to the amazing Joshua Reynolds trilogy) and this short story does a really great job of adding more layers to the character and foreshadowing his future.
"Twisted" by Guy Haley *****
Equerry of Horus, Maloghurst the Twisted is one of a few to have the ear of the Warmaster.
This story is set after the events of "Vengeful Spirit". The Sons of Horus grow increasingly feral and barbaric, the gang culture of Cthonia is rising to the forefront and the veneer of respectability and honour the Legion once carried is being eroded.
Malorghurst is no longer a warrior striding across the battlefield, and the Sons of Horus do not appreciate politicians. His relationship with Horus makes his brothers jealous, his position may not be secure in an increasingly savage Legion.
Malorghurst increasing paranoia of the danger presented by his brothers isn't helped by the voices that appear to haunt him, and the creatures that are beginning to inhabit the shadows of the Vengeful Spirit. Soon he turns to the Davaanite Cultists for aid.
I really enjoyed this short story, I've been a big fan of Malorghurst since Horus Rising. He is Horus' shadow much in the way Malcador is the Emperor's. The Twisted exists to serve his Lord, extinguishing his own will to better serve his lord, his identify subsumed by duty.
The story also provided a better lookalike the changes wrought upon Horus since Molech, his mastery of the Warp and increasing power. We also see the Vengeful Spirit growing increasingly warped by battle and time.
"Wolf Mother" by Graham McNeill *****
A direct follow up to "Vengeful Spirit". On the planet Molech, the Serpent Cult had prospered in the shadows from the support of House Devine but had to flee the planet aboard the ship "Molech's Enlightenment" to survive the Warmaster's wrath.
Alivia is a Perpetual, tasked with defending the Emperor's secrets on Molech. Forced to leave the planet behind, she cares for her two adopted daughters. But one of them has been kidnapped by the Cult, and she is going to track them down. She is assisted by the Knight Errant "Severian" who stole away on the ship.
A fun buddy-cop action story that ties into both the Perpetual and Knight Errant plotlines. Also a rare example of a Space Marine using the Omophagea organ.
Severian was first introduced in "Outcast Dead" and was recruited by the Sigillite in "Wolf Hunt" and reappeared in "Vengeful Spirit". He later reappears in "The Buried Dagger".
Alivia appears again in the short story "Old Wounds, New Scars" and the novella "The Fury of Magnus".
May 14, 2024
May 2024 Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order (https://www.heresyomnibus.com) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy series and extras.
With the Twisted done that's another anthology finished!
As with all of them the quality vacillated, but there's so much food stuff in here, especially this one as there are just so many little bits and pieces collected here.
I could definitely see how someone keeping up with all the extras might be pretty cheesed off coming to the next book and it being a collection of things they mostly already have, but I totally appreciate that this is a huge series and so many people just dead the main books and are going to miss out on all the short stories, audio dramas, and Black Library Advent Calendars, which all became increasingly important.
Nevertheless, this is packed to the gills with all sorts of stuff and anything with Annandale and French getting really weird with it and ADB breaking my heart on the Red Sands is going to make me happy.
Through the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project and my own additions, I have currently read 44 Horus Heresy novels (inc. 1 repeat and 6 anthologies), 24 novellas (inc. 2 repeats), 133 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).
With the Twisted done that's another anthology finished!
As with all of them the quality vacillated, but there's so much food stuff in here, especially this one as there are just so many little bits and pieces collected here.
I could definitely see how someone keeping up with all the extras might be pretty cheesed off coming to the next book and it being a collection of things they mostly already have, but I totally appreciate that this is a huge series and so many people just dead the main books and are going to miss out on all the short stories, audio dramas, and Black Library Advent Calendars, which all became increasingly important.
Nevertheless, this is packed to the gills with all sorts of stuff and anything with Annandale and French getting really weird with it and ADB breaking my heart on the Red Sands is going to make me happy.
Through the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project and my own additions, I have currently read 44 Horus Heresy novels (inc. 1 repeat and 6 anthologies), 24 novellas (inc. 2 repeats), 133 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).
November 10, 2025
At book 33 in the Horus Heresy, I would like to hope that the anthologies would stop and that I would by now have a better knowledge of where exactly we are within the HH, but then an anthology comes along and pulls you out so far as possible that you are lost again. My age old question would be, why has BL not included these shorts in the books that they belong too or reference? Why at book 33 do I need to go back to before the HH started? Who are half the people named in some of the shorts when I cannot even remember what happened in full novels?
I dont know if i can recommend this to people who are also reading the books in “as numbered in the series”. Maybe the stories would be beter if you read them after or during the books they take place in. I know that is an easy ask from me, that those were probably not even around when the novels were written, but fuck sake, touching upon events that has not happened in HH books and possibly spoiling you for a future book just does not sit right with me. Maybe i am just stupid and my brain just wont “get it”. Who knows?
I dont know if i can recommend this to people who are also reading the books in “as numbered in the series”. Maybe the stories would be beter if you read them after or during the books they take place in. I know that is an easy ask from me, that those were probably not even around when the novels were written, but fuck sake, touching upon events that has not happened in HH books and possibly spoiling you for a future book just does not sit right with me. Maybe i am just stupid and my brain just wont “get it”. Who knows?
September 16, 2024
A collection of solid stories set in the Heresy.
Anthologies are usually not my thing. While I do enjoy reading short stories on their own, anthologies tend to be a coin toss, and the great majority of the times you get a mixed bag of different tales. War Without End is a collection of several such tales that range in scope and style, all set in the context of the Horus Heresy, showing us a portrait of different scenarios adjacent to the main events that are told in the novels.
And it is honestly one of the best anthologies so far. War Without End has an incredible collection of fun, moving, and entertaining tales that expand the universe bits by bits without sacrificing its consistency. A large number of authors bring all kinds of stories to the table, some better than others, but, overall, I find this anthology to be really good.
I must say that the entire last section of this book is full of amazing short stories. One of those few times where I felt I just have to finish an anthology in a single setting due to how fun the reading is. Chris Wraight in particular manages to create some of the best tales, as usual, but there's is also a follow-up with several other authors that surprised me with their stories, particularly Nick Kyme and Guy Haley.
This is a good one, and if you are fan of the HH, I believe you'll find War Without End to be an entertaining side meal to the main course.
Anthologies are usually not my thing. While I do enjoy reading short stories on their own, anthologies tend to be a coin toss, and the great majority of the times you get a mixed bag of different tales. War Without End is a collection of several such tales that range in scope and style, all set in the context of the Horus Heresy, showing us a portrait of different scenarios adjacent to the main events that are told in the novels.
And it is honestly one of the best anthologies so far. War Without End has an incredible collection of fun, moving, and entertaining tales that expand the universe bits by bits without sacrificing its consistency. A large number of authors bring all kinds of stories to the table, some better than others, but, overall, I find this anthology to be really good.
I must say that the entire last section of this book is full of amazing short stories. One of those few times where I felt I just have to finish an anthology in a single setting due to how fun the reading is. Chris Wraight in particular manages to create some of the best tales, as usual, but there's is also a follow-up with several other authors that surprised me with their stories, particularly Nick Kyme and Guy Haley.
This is a good one, and if you are fan of the HH, I believe you'll find War Without End to be an entertaining side meal to the main course.
August 22, 2019
Another great anthology in the Horus Heresy series. The book is broken into several short stories, each focusing on a different aspect of the events rippling out from the original events on Isthvan V. We get to see Horus fully embrace Chaos, gene stealer cults and Fulgrim's descent into madness. A great read and stories that actually help us understand the universe more, not just stories for stories sake like in previous anthologies.
May 3, 2022
The collection of books were good on the whole, but did come across as fillers for the bigger story.
May 6, 2017
Herein we have the next installment of the Horus Heresy books, number 33 I believe. This is a collection of short stories and novellas by the main writers of the series, all save Dan Abnett. It really kinda bummed me out when I realized he had no story here. After my "bummation" I delved into the first story, penned by the illustrious Graham McNeill and my fears and doubts were quashed. I was immediately drawn into all these stores featuring multiple Space Marine Chapters such as the White Scars, the Night Lords, Iron Hands, Death Guard, and of course my beloved Ultramarines. What was really cool about these stories is that they are all built heavily, for the most part on the previous lore and stories or full novels in the series. Stories they tell, for sure.
This was as fine an entry in the series that I have read, as far as stories. The full novels are always better to me but this one was really relevant and written by a myriad of really good writers. I can't wait to start the 34th book in the series which I am planning on doing so, right now.
Cheers!
Danny
This was as fine an entry in the series that I have read, as far as stories. The full novels are always better to me but this one was really relevant and written by a myriad of really good writers. I can't wait to start the 34th book in the series which I am planning on doing so, right now.
Cheers!
Danny
October 19, 2018
Originally I was planning to write a little review for each story the way I always do, but then I gave up on that, so I'll just give it 4 start and be done. There were some nice pieces in the anthology, I wouldn't necessarily consider this an absolute must read. My favorites are "Lord of the Red Sands"' by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, "The Phoenician", "Imperfect" and "Artefacts" by Nick Kyme, "Sermon of Exodus" by David Annandale and "Twisted" by Guy Haley.
January 1, 2017
Yet another collection of previously published short stories.
October 18, 2017
Did not like the one by Gav Thorpe, the rest was worth reading.
Read
April 1, 2025Another anthology book! Much like the other ones I've read, the stories vary in quality and in my general interest in them. Some of these are way shorter than ones from previous anthos I've read, and I'm not going to go into as much detail about ones I didn't care for/wasn't interested in but I do want to go over some highlights and some general thoughts I had.
(I also made the fatal error of reading this book before reading Vengeful Spirit, something which is entirely my fault, but means there are a few stories here I don't have enough context to evaluate fully. I'll probably come back to them later and at that point I'll likely do a little addendum/update to this.)
One of the biggest standouts to me and one of the ones I was most excited to talk about was The Harrowing. I love to read about the Alpha Legion, because unlike a lot of other Space Marine factions, I actually think these guys are face-value cool. They just are! To me at least. I adore that so much of 40k is harrowing, grueling trench warfare and ship to ship combat and a lot of more straightforwards army vs. army frontal assault stuff, and then the XX are doing Mission Impossible Manchurian Candidate psy-op spy crap. Their gimmick as an army is so much fun, and seeing it in action is just delightful. I also love that by virtue of their gimmick so many of their stories are told through uncommon POVs, this one being told through the eyes of a Mechanicum adept who also just happens to be an embedded XXth asset. It adds a lot of life to the world and is a keen reminder that it's not just Space Marines who are part of this civil war or who stand to be affected by its outcome.
Was also a big fan of the Daemonology short. Mortarion's an interesting guy-- his adverse relationship with every father he's ever had, surly and dour countenance, and existential dread are all deeply compelling (and frankly very cute) traits to me. I haven't really read a longer-form work where he's a focus character, but all the shorts and his cameos elsewhere paint a fun picture of a guy who has never had fun once in his life. The story also weaves its way into the tapestry of "the Emperor of Mankind showing favoritism towards his children in bizarre and generally confounding, contradictory ways" by way of what it says about the whole Nikaea affair. Listen, I know it's probably hard to balance the humors- so to speak- of 18 emotionally volatile adult children who are all varying levels of traumatized and/or violently pissed off at you as their father, but it's actually kind of crazy that Emps was ready, willing, and able to fuck over Magnus to the extent that he did, and that it was premeditated, too. I feel like it's more forgivable to pass judgement like that on a child who trusts you if it's as the result of realizing "wow, things are actually way worse than I thought, perhaps I should tell him off" rather than as a bargaining chip to get another more ornery child to also do war for you.
I'm sick of this guy (Big E). Malcador is funny though, it will never not be charming that the most singularly powerful entity in the galaxy is little smitten with this tiny little withered bureaucrat wizard. 40k is a gap moe franchise, actually. You might not like this but it's absolutely true.
(I also made the fatal error of reading this book before reading Vengeful Spirit, something which is entirely my fault, but means there are a few stories here I don't have enough context to evaluate fully. I'll probably come back to them later and at that point I'll likely do a little addendum/update to this.)
One of the biggest standouts to me and one of the ones I was most excited to talk about was The Harrowing. I love to read about the Alpha Legion, because unlike a lot of other Space Marine factions, I actually think these guys are face-value cool. They just are! To me at least. I adore that so much of 40k is harrowing, grueling trench warfare and ship to ship combat and a lot of more straightforwards army vs. army frontal assault stuff, and then the XX are doing Mission Impossible Manchurian Candidate psy-op spy crap. Their gimmick as an army is so much fun, and seeing it in action is just delightful. I also love that by virtue of their gimmick so many of their stories are told through uncommon POVs, this one being told through the eyes of a Mechanicum adept who also just happens to be an embedded XXth asset. It adds a lot of life to the world and is a keen reminder that it's not just Space Marines who are part of this civil war or who stand to be affected by its outcome.
Was also a big fan of the Daemonology short. Mortarion's an interesting guy-- his adverse relationship with every father he's ever had, surly and dour countenance, and existential dread are all deeply compelling (and frankly very cute) traits to me. I haven't really read a longer-form work where he's a focus character, but all the shorts and his cameos elsewhere paint a fun picture of a guy who has never had fun once in his life. The story also weaves its way into the tapestry of "the Emperor of Mankind showing favoritism towards his children in bizarre and generally confounding, contradictory ways" by way of what it says about the whole Nikaea affair. Listen, I know it's probably hard to balance the humors- so to speak- of 18 emotionally volatile adult children who are all varying levels of traumatized and/or violently pissed off at you as their father, but it's actually kind of crazy that Emps was ready, willing, and able to fuck over Magnus to the extent that he did, and that it was premeditated, too. I feel like it's more forgivable to pass judgement like that on a child who trusts you if it's as the result of realizing "wow, things are actually way worse than I thought, perhaps I should tell him off" rather than as a bargaining chip to get another more ornery child to also do war for you.
I'm sick of this guy (Big E). Malcador is funny though, it will never not be charming that the most singularly powerful entity in the galaxy is little smitten with this tiny little withered bureaucrat wizard. 40k is a gap moe franchise, actually. You might not like this but it's absolutely true.
January 22, 2024
As always, not a fan of short stories.
The Devine Adoratrice **
Fun little return to house Devine, before the events of the novel. Not really a necessary story, tells us nothing we didn't already know.
Howl of the Hearthworld **
Rare good story from the wolves. Doesn't tell us anything, only aesthetics.
Lord of the Red Sands ***
It's always a joy to read Angron's musings. Don't remember much of it, but it's good characterization of why he was a lost cause the moment the nails got put in, and fuck dem traitors.
Artefacts ***
Vulkan is a fun one. His perspective on Conrad (before their little side adventure) is also a fun one.
Hands of the Emperor **
Custodes are fun to read about, but the Fist acts really dumb here. I know, stubborn and shit, but this is way over irrational.
The Phoenician *
Because we needed ANOTHER perspective on Ferrus' beheading, with zero added information or worth.
Sermon of Exodus *
Yeah, a prequel to Pythos, which was itself real bad. This is incomprehensible and worthless.
By the Lion's Command ***
A fun one. Dark Angels in a difficult political situation.
The Harrowing **
On the one hand, fun Alpha Legion turboorganized action. On the other, meaningless, pointless, unearned.
On the third hand, fun Mechanicus organization.
All That Remains **
Tries to give some minimal background for Grey Knights. Very much unnecessary, and worse: badly overwritten.
Gunsight ***
A continuation of Nemesis. The Vindicare is still alive, and still on task. Or is he? Quite entertaining description of a descent into corruption.
Allegiance ***
Well written characterwork with the sorcerer who thinks he is the last one.
Daemonology **
Kinda boring, and I even like Mortarion. But well written. So, eh.
Black Oculus *
Bunch of horseshit with crazy navigators.
Virtues of the Sons *
Badly written fighting scenes. Exploration of berserker methods. Lucius, ew.
The Laurel of Defiance ***
I have no idea what this was about, but the writing was good, the characters were fine, the Lion is great.
A Safe and Shadowed Place ***
Fun Night Lords adventures, relatively harmless story.
Imperfect **
Fabius' early cloning experiments. The "story" and moralizing was kinda nonsensical, but I can't blame the author for that, since it's Fulgrim. Anything goes with that lunatic.
Chirurgeon *
Drawn out first person account from Fabius about the blight of the Emperor's Children. Very much meh.
Twisted ***
This one gets a good rating because it has a nice twist and Davonites suffer in it, but otherwise a long, forgettable buildup pulls it down. But the action is nice.
Wolf Mother ***
I like Olivia. The space marine is also a fun character. Nice little continuation of the Moloch storyline.
The Devine Adoratrice **
Fun little return to house Devine, before the events of the novel. Not really a necessary story, tells us nothing we didn't already know.
Howl of the Hearthworld **
Rare good story from the wolves. Doesn't tell us anything, only aesthetics.
Lord of the Red Sands ***
It's always a joy to read Angron's musings. Don't remember much of it, but it's good characterization of why he was a lost cause the moment the nails got put in, and fuck dem traitors.
Artefacts ***
Vulkan is a fun one. His perspective on Conrad (before their little side adventure) is also a fun one.
Hands of the Emperor **
Custodes are fun to read about, but the Fist acts really dumb here. I know, stubborn and shit, but this is way over irrational.
The Phoenician *
Because we needed ANOTHER perspective on Ferrus' beheading, with zero added information or worth.
Sermon of Exodus *
Yeah, a prequel to Pythos, which was itself real bad. This is incomprehensible and worthless.
By the Lion's Command ***
A fun one. Dark Angels in a difficult political situation.
The Harrowing **
On the one hand, fun Alpha Legion turboorganized action. On the other, meaningless, pointless, unearned.
On the third hand, fun Mechanicus organization.
All That Remains **
Tries to give some minimal background for Grey Knights. Very much unnecessary, and worse: badly overwritten.
Gunsight ***
A continuation of Nemesis. The Vindicare is still alive, and still on task. Or is he? Quite entertaining description of a descent into corruption.
Allegiance ***
Well written characterwork with the sorcerer who thinks he is the last one.
Daemonology **
Kinda boring, and I even like Mortarion. But well written. So, eh.
Black Oculus *
Bunch of horseshit with crazy navigators.
Virtues of the Sons *
Badly written fighting scenes. Exploration of berserker methods. Lucius, ew.
The Laurel of Defiance ***
I have no idea what this was about, but the writing was good, the characters were fine, the Lion is great.
A Safe and Shadowed Place ***
Fun Night Lords adventures, relatively harmless story.
Imperfect **
Fabius' early cloning experiments. The "story" and moralizing was kinda nonsensical, but I can't blame the author for that, since it's Fulgrim. Anything goes with that lunatic.
Chirurgeon *
Drawn out first person account from Fabius about the blight of the Emperor's Children. Very much meh.
Twisted ***
This one gets a good rating because it has a nice twist and Davonites suffer in it, but otherwise a long, forgettable buildup pulls it down. But the action is nice.
Wolf Mother ***
I like Olivia. The space marine is also a fun character. Nice little continuation of the Moloch storyline.
August 10, 2025
You should note that this is a collection of short stories set prior to and during the titular war, progressing roughly in chronological order, from long before the Heresy itself, to the war being waged proper. You should also note that the ranking here is ranking these stories as an aggregate - some are much, MUCH better than others, and they also differ wildly in length. Also, they differ in content - for instance, most of the stories are focused on a Space Marine legion, but there's nothing highlighting the Raven Guard or Word Bearers for instance.
So, yeah. Despite the title, not all of the stories feature action, and if anything, the anthology's at its best when action isn't present, when we can focus on the character drama and whatnot. I don't have the time or inclination to review each short story individually, but as an aggregate, these are just my general thoughts:
-40K isn't sattire. I know it's come in vogue recently to say that, and "technically," it began as such in first edition, but there's really nothing sattirical going on here. You can say that the Horus Heresy takes place 10,000 years before the 'main' timeframe of the setting, but even so, I don't think there's that much incongruence.
-Life kind of sucks in the 31st millennium, just not as much as the 41st. I might have missed this earlier, it might be because things are becoming worse, but it's striking to me just how shit things generally are for people here, even if they get so much worse later on. The Imperium's fanaticism in 40K is mirrored in their fanaticism here for the Imperial Truth (not as fanatical, true, but still there), and a lot of the mundane horrors of the Imperium are still present (e.g. servitors, and "serfs" toiling away in their starships). Even Terra itself, where the Imperial Palace is built in Himalayzia (take a guess), above a polluted stratosphere, there's a kind of quiet tragedy here that even now, as the Imperium reunites humanity, humanity is still past its prime. Terra is irrevocably scarred, and the Emperor is a tyrant. Not a tyrant that warrants demons invading, but still a tyrant.
-It adds more shades of grey to the traitor legions, such as individual loyalists who remain true to the Imperium even while their wider legions become turncoat (e.g. a Luna Wolves Space Marine who retains the "Luna Wolves" moniker, while the Sons of Horus as a whole follow Horus himself).
-There's a few instances where demons are summoned, and I really like how it handles them. A lot of the time, the writing conveys how on the very level of reality, demons are truly alien to the material universe, that the laws of physics as we understand them simply don't apply. Whether this is good or bad is debatable, but it does make the Warp a bit more 'sciency,' which arguably fits, since this is before the Imperium descends into superstition and religious fervor.
So, yeah. Some stories are better than others, but overall, it's a good read.
So, yeah. Despite the title, not all of the stories feature action, and if anything, the anthology's at its best when action isn't present, when we can focus on the character drama and whatnot. I don't have the time or inclination to review each short story individually, but as an aggregate, these are just my general thoughts:
-40K isn't sattire. I know it's come in vogue recently to say that, and "technically," it began as such in first edition, but there's really nothing sattirical going on here. You can say that the Horus Heresy takes place 10,000 years before the 'main' timeframe of the setting, but even so, I don't think there's that much incongruence.
-Life kind of sucks in the 31st millennium, just not as much as the 41st. I might have missed this earlier, it might be because things are becoming worse, but it's striking to me just how shit things generally are for people here, even if they get so much worse later on. The Imperium's fanaticism in 40K is mirrored in their fanaticism here for the Imperial Truth (not as fanatical, true, but still there), and a lot of the mundane horrors of the Imperium are still present (e.g. servitors, and "serfs" toiling away in their starships). Even Terra itself, where the Imperial Palace is built in Himalayzia (take a guess), above a polluted stratosphere, there's a kind of quiet tragedy here that even now, as the Imperium reunites humanity, humanity is still past its prime. Terra is irrevocably scarred, and the Emperor is a tyrant. Not a tyrant that warrants demons invading, but still a tyrant.
-It adds more shades of grey to the traitor legions, such as individual loyalists who remain true to the Imperium even while their wider legions become turncoat (e.g. a Luna Wolves Space Marine who retains the "Luna Wolves" moniker, while the Sons of Horus as a whole follow Horus himself).
-There's a few instances where demons are summoned, and I really like how it handles them. A lot of the time, the writing conveys how on the very level of reality, demons are truly alien to the material universe, that the laws of physics as we understand them simply don't apply. Whether this is good or bad is debatable, but it does make the Warp a bit more 'sciency,' which arguably fits, since this is before the Imperium descends into superstition and religious fervor.
So, yeah. Some stories are better than others, but overall, it's a good read.
August 9, 2025
i told myself i’d do one more anthology before giving up on them. and of course ‘War without End’ had to come in and knock it out the park!!!! a vast majority of these were o u t s t a n d i n g.
the devine adoratrice: 3/5
- this does give good back story to “the vengeful spirit” and horus’ mission at molech. unfortunately it’s the subplot of that book that i didn’t care for…
howl of the hearthworld: 3.5/5
- na
lord of the red sands: 5/5
- yes yes yes! this is how short stories should be done imo. i don’t need back story - i need inner monologue. i need emotions.
artefacts: 4/5
- did kyme… write something… good? god dam.
hands of the emperor: 4/5
- essentially the blood games part 2. but really well written! a good custodian tale
the phoenician: 5/5
- amazing!!! again. this is what i LOVE. emotion. a different pov. and the shock in my heart when i saw kyme wrote this…
sermon of exodus: 5/5
- !!!!!!! wow. as someone that loved ‘damnation of pythos’, this was needed!!
by the lions command: 4/5
- corswain is one of my fav 30k/40k characters so i really liked this. also gives a good little back story to belaths return to caliban
the harrowing: 3/5
- i normally enjoy alpha legion stuff - but this was just straight combat, not alpha legion combat SO not for me personally.
all that remains: 5/5
- i love, as the reader, being in the loop of malcadors hidden little plans.
gunsight: 5/5
- james swallow is still king. this was one hell of an epilogue / pt 2 to nemesis!! horus’ powers post molech are beyond bad ass but also confusing but who am i to judge.
allegiance: 3.5/5
- i normally really enjoy the thousand sons stories but this one fell a little flat for me.
dameonology: 4/5
- i will never not feel bad for mortarion.
black oculus: 6/5
- YES YES YES. this. give me this everyday of the week. i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again - this is what short stories should be. a perspective you didn’t ever think about. i don’t need new names, or big battles, i need the iron warriors navigator telling me the fate of perturabo, and how minuscule pertuarbo really is.
virtues of the son: 4/5
- sangunius is just a sad man and you’re not human if it doesn’t break your heart
the laurel of defiance: 3.75/5
- the novamarines just got a new fan.
a safe and shadowed place: 3/5
- just a brief into the the sotha / night lords arc.
imperfect: 5/5
- okay kyme is meant for short stories. cause i’ve written a thousand times about how bad his salamnader novels are but these short stories of his (specifically about fulgrim) have been so so good.
chirurgeon: 4/5
- don’t you dare make me feel bad for fabius!!!!!
twisted: 3/5
- just seemed kind of pointless??
wolf mother: 3.5/5
- seemed to drag on a bit and not necessarily my most beloved characters either.
the devine adoratrice: 3/5
- this does give good back story to “the vengeful spirit” and horus’ mission at molech. unfortunately it’s the subplot of that book that i didn’t care for…
howl of the hearthworld: 3.5/5
- na
lord of the red sands: 5/5
- yes yes yes! this is how short stories should be done imo. i don’t need back story - i need inner monologue. i need emotions.
artefacts: 4/5
- did kyme… write something… good? god dam.
hands of the emperor: 4/5
- essentially the blood games part 2. but really well written! a good custodian tale
the phoenician: 5/5
- amazing!!! again. this is what i LOVE. emotion. a different pov. and the shock in my heart when i saw kyme wrote this…
sermon of exodus: 5/5
- !!!!!!! wow. as someone that loved ‘damnation of pythos’, this was needed!!
by the lions command: 4/5
- corswain is one of my fav 30k/40k characters so i really liked this. also gives a good little back story to belaths return to caliban
the harrowing: 3/5
- i normally enjoy alpha legion stuff - but this was just straight combat, not alpha legion combat SO not for me personally.
all that remains: 5/5
- i love, as the reader, being in the loop of malcadors hidden little plans.
gunsight: 5/5
- james swallow is still king. this was one hell of an epilogue / pt 2 to nemesis!! horus’ powers post molech are beyond bad ass but also confusing but who am i to judge.
allegiance: 3.5/5
- i normally really enjoy the thousand sons stories but this one fell a little flat for me.
dameonology: 4/5
- i will never not feel bad for mortarion.
black oculus: 6/5
- YES YES YES. this. give me this everyday of the week. i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again - this is what short stories should be. a perspective you didn’t ever think about. i don’t need new names, or big battles, i need the iron warriors navigator telling me the fate of perturabo, and how minuscule pertuarbo really is.
virtues of the son: 4/5
- sangunius is just a sad man and you’re not human if it doesn’t break your heart
the laurel of defiance: 3.75/5
- the novamarines just got a new fan.
a safe and shadowed place: 3/5
- just a brief into the the sotha / night lords arc.
imperfect: 5/5
- okay kyme is meant for short stories. cause i’ve written a thousand times about how bad his salamnader novels are but these short stories of his (specifically about fulgrim) have been so so good.
chirurgeon: 4/5
- don’t you dare make me feel bad for fabius!!!!!
twisted: 3/5
- just seemed kind of pointless??
wolf mother: 3.5/5
- seemed to drag on a bit and not necessarily my most beloved characters either.
August 29, 2022
I enjoy dipping back and forth into the world of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 and thought this collection of short stories set in the Horus Heresy timeline would be a neat little diversion. Unfortunately, perhaps due to my lack of in depth knowledge of all of the events and characters, I found these tales difficult to follow. Motivations, events, and personas were unfamiliar so in many instances I found it difficult to get into the story due to a lack of familiarity. In some instances, the gist could still be transmitted, but in the majority, I found myself lost.
To be fair, for a true aficionado, this may be a wonderful compilation designed to fill in blanks or expand upon existing scenarios. However, many of the place names and characters for the uninitiated convey little or no information. What is conveyed is a dark world full of pain and suffering that had few bright spots to illuminate the narratives. Even the few heroic elements that appeared were dampened by the death and carnage that surrounded them. (Not a feel good book by any stretch). This meant, without an understanding of the surrounding events, that I could not place these stories into any kind of context to draw understanding from.
As a result, if you are new to the Warhammer 40,000 universe or a casual observer like myself, you may want to give this one a miss, at least until your background is filled out enough to know the players. If you are more familiar, this title may have more to offer and attract a more fulsome review.
To be fair, for a true aficionado, this may be a wonderful compilation designed to fill in blanks or expand upon existing scenarios. However, many of the place names and characters for the uninitiated convey little or no information. What is conveyed is a dark world full of pain and suffering that had few bright spots to illuminate the narratives. Even the few heroic elements that appeared were dampened by the death and carnage that surrounded them. (Not a feel good book by any stretch). This meant, without an understanding of the surrounding events, that I could not place these stories into any kind of context to draw understanding from.
As a result, if you are new to the Warhammer 40,000 universe or a casual observer like myself, you may want to give this one a miss, at least until your background is filled out enough to know the players. If you are more familiar, this title may have more to offer and attract a more fulsome review.
October 25, 2023
Another anthology, which feels like becoming more common, though at least gives a way to read the short stories that were released elsewhere without having to find each individual one.
Unlike with Legacies of Betrayal, at least it didn't feel like any of these stories should have been read prior to reading earlier novels in the series (looking at you Butcher's Nails), but instead are ones that feel more naturally prequels / preludes, even if one felt an unnecessary one, and others felt like there were building to future events (E.g. A Safe and Shadowed Place) or tying up loose ends (e.g. Gunsight).
Pretty good stories in here for the most part I think, adding a bit more to the overall narrative, and showcasing different legions and characters well.
Overall an enjoyable read, just would prefer a little lower frequency of these anthologies.
Unlike with Legacies of Betrayal, at least it didn't feel like any of these stories should have been read prior to reading earlier novels in the series (looking at you Butcher's Nails), but instead are ones that feel more naturally prequels / preludes, even if one felt an unnecessary one, and others felt like there were building to future events (E.g. A Safe and Shadowed Place) or tying up loose ends (e.g. Gunsight).
Pretty good stories in here for the most part I think, adding a bit more to the overall narrative, and showcasing different legions and characters well.
Overall an enjoyable read, just would prefer a little lower frequency of these anthologies.
July 22, 2023
As the Anthologies go this is one of the better ones as a whole, but it suffers from a lot of cruft. The highlights here bookend the collection, showing events both leading up to and in the aftermath of the invasion of Molech, as detailed in Vengeful Spirit. Along with Silent War this collection covers several pivotal events.
I do find the approach to anthologies in the Horus heresy very hit and miss. I would love to see collections covering solid grouped stories. A collection including Vengeful Spirit and bringing in some of the shorts from here would make it all hang together so much better.
I do find the approach to anthologies in the Horus heresy very hit and miss. I would love to see collections covering solid grouped stories. A collection including Vengeful Spirit and bringing in some of the shorts from here would make it all hang together so much better.
March 4, 2023
There's nothing particularly bad about the individual stories here. But personally I prefer the short stories which can stand alone, rather than here where almost all tie into previous novels. It's hard to get engaged in a short story when you're straining to remember characters and plot details from 20 books ago (or constantly breaking immersion by checking wikis). I guess this is worsened here since the stories were all previously published in limited editions, so this anthology ended up being even further removed from the original novels.
April 9, 2024
Still kinda there. If it was just Twisted and Wolf Mother, easy 4/5. I think those two are quite good. It was nice to get an update on and what happened with that whole situation. Overall, not super compelling but a nice update on some of the less prominent figures at this current "time" in the Horus Heresy.
December 8, 2018
The stories by good authors are good. The stories by ok authors are ok. The stories by bad authors are bad.
I listened to the audiobook and "Chirurgeon" by Nick Kyme was the worst voice acting I've ever heard in my life. Almost an hour long monologue by someone who didn't seem to understand the world, the character or voice acting. I've listened to three or four of these anthologies and it's the only one I've skipped.
I listened to the audiobook and "Chirurgeon" by Nick Kyme was the worst voice acting I've ever heard in my life. Almost an hour long monologue by someone who didn't seem to understand the world, the character or voice acting. I've listened to three or four of these anthologies and it's the only one I've skipped.
June 10, 2017
I enjoyed this and read through it quickly. The stories filled in a number of gaps in prior stories and will no doubt contribute to future ones too. Up to the usual high standards for W40k Horus Heresy and makes me excited to read the next one.
November 30, 2020
Another collection of short stories for the Horus Heresy. As a collection, they worked well together. I especially enjoyed the Phoenician and Gunsight. It was nice to see some callbacks to previous stories in the earlier anthologies
May 24, 2023
Some outstanding short stories in this collection that ties some loose threads in the series together.
Whilst this does very little to move the overall plot of the Heresy forward it has some great character writing.
Whilst this does very little to move the overall plot of the Heresy forward it has some great character writing.
December 24, 2023
I particularly enjoyed the stories: The Phoenician, A Safe and Shadowed Place, Twisted, and Wolf Mother. But this was still an anthology that has some uninspiring tales. The anthology fatigue is real.
April 25, 2024
Another anthology - I am still not a big fan of them, although I quite understand that some things must be told beforehand like mentioned in the book's acknowledgements. Still, this one has some interesting stories.
My personal favourite was Imperfect with Fulgrim, Fabius and.. Ferrus!
My personal favourite was Imperfect with Fulgrim, Fabius and.. Ferrus!
June 6, 2024
Solid selection of short stories in this anthology - I think it's probably the strongest list out of the HH anthologies I've read so far.
Imperfect was probably my favourite, though Wolf Mother was also pretty great!
Imperfect was probably my favourite, though Wolf Mother was also pretty great!
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