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Warhammer 40,000
Our Martyred Lady
The galaxy has changed. The Imperium is divided, and a primarch has returned - and the Ecclesiarchy, the great Imperial church - is close to civil war. Only Saint Celestine -with the aid of Inquisitor Greyfax - can stand in the way of this disaster.
Listen to it because
Two of the biggest heroes of the Dark Imperium - Saint Celestine and Inquisitor Greyfax - join forces to stop one of the most important Imperial organisations from falling into civil war in an epic four-part audio saga starring none other than Catherine Tate!
The story
During the turbulent Reign of Blood, a great schism in the Imperial Ecclesiarchy threatened all of Terra and promised a darkness to rival the terrors of Old Night. Fell times have come again to the Imperium, and a War of Faith appears inevitable. Standing in the way of catastrophe is Celestine, the Living Saint and one of the greatest heroes of the age. Only she can reunite the warring factions of the Ecclesiarchy and prevent a second Reign of Blood. Together with the Inquisitor Greyfax, Celestine and her allies must hunt across the shrineworlds of the Imperium and beyond to root out the evil behind the schism and burn it out with righteous, cleansing flame.
Written by Gav Thorpe.
Performed by Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Andrew Fettes, Matthew Hunt, Toby Longworth, Carla Mendonca, Richard Reed, David Sibley, Ramon Tikaram and Jo Woodcock, with Emma Gregory as Saint Celestine and Catherine Tate as Inquisitor Greyfax.
Contents:
Part 1: Troublesome Priests
Part 2: Conspiracy Theories
Part 3: Faith Endures
Part 4: The Sternest Test
Listen to it because
Two of the biggest heroes of the Dark Imperium - Saint Celestine and Inquisitor Greyfax - join forces to stop one of the most important Imperial organisations from falling into civil war in an epic four-part audio saga starring none other than Catherine Tate!
The story
During the turbulent Reign of Blood, a great schism in the Imperial Ecclesiarchy threatened all of Terra and promised a darkness to rival the terrors of Old Night. Fell times have come again to the Imperium, and a War of Faith appears inevitable. Standing in the way of catastrophe is Celestine, the Living Saint and one of the greatest heroes of the age. Only she can reunite the warring factions of the Ecclesiarchy and prevent a second Reign of Blood. Together with the Inquisitor Greyfax, Celestine and her allies must hunt across the shrineworlds of the Imperium and beyond to root out the evil behind the schism and burn it out with righteous, cleansing flame.
Written by Gav Thorpe.
Performed by Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Andrew Fettes, Matthew Hunt, Toby Longworth, Carla Mendonca, Richard Reed, David Sibley, Ramon Tikaram and Jo Woodcock, with Emma Gregory as Saint Celestine and Catherine Tate as Inquisitor Greyfax.
Contents:
Part 1: Troublesome Priests
Part 2: Conspiracy Theories
Part 3: Faith Endures
Part 4: The Sternest Test
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 26, 2019
About the author
Gav Thorpe
385 books604 followersGav spent 14 years as a developer for Games Workshop, and started writing novels and short stories in the worlds of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 when the Black Library imprint was launched in 1997.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
He continues to write for Black Library, and his first 'homegrown' novel series The Crown of the Blood has been released via Angry Robot.
Currently living in Nottingham, Gav shares his home with his loving and very understanding partner - Kez, and their beautiful little boy - Sammy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 13, 2019
A four-part, four-and-a-bit hour Warhammer 40,000 audio drama, this sees Inquisitor Greyfax and Saint Celestine working together (begrudgingly, in Greyfax’s case) to combat a far-reaching plot that harks back to the Reign of Blood. When the head of the Ecclesiarchy makes an unprecedented decision, the consequences are far-reaching – including a very public attempt on the Ecclesiarch’s life. It falls to Celestine and Greyfax to protect the Ecclesiarch, uncover who (or what) was behind the attack, and ensure that nothing – neither the politics of the Ecclesiarchy nor the machinations of Chaos – can undermine the stability of the Imperium.
As well as Black Library’s commitment to the audio medium, this ably demonstrates Gav’s skill in writing narration-free audio stories and the incredible quality of the voice cast, direction, music and sound design. There’s an occasional reference to wider goings-on in the Imperium which jars just a little (it definitely helps to be up to date with recent 40k events), and David Sibley’s spy Kyrillos could have done with a little more development, but those are very minor issues with a powerful story which balances its grand, sweeping scope with effective touches of humour and an outstanding pair of central characters.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/03/...
As well as Black Library’s commitment to the audio medium, this ably demonstrates Gav’s skill in writing narration-free audio stories and the incredible quality of the voice cast, direction, music and sound design. There’s an occasional reference to wider goings-on in the Imperium which jars just a little (it definitely helps to be up to date with recent 40k events), and David Sibley’s spy Kyrillos could have done with a little more development, but those are very minor issues with a powerful story which balances its grand, sweeping scope with effective touches of humour and an outstanding pair of central characters.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/03/...
April 21, 2019
The story was good, but I absolutely loved Catherine Tate as Greyfax. I need more 40K Inquisitor Greyfax stories with her narrating. The audio production as usual for Black Library is excellent. I really got a kick out of the not-so-subtle Donna/Doctor Who vibe to the music.
August 3, 2021
If you want to learn more about Warhammer lore, and especially the Sisters of Battle, this is a great audiobook to start with. To me it was sometimes hard to follow because it's audio and there is a lot going on at some points but it is a very well made audio drama.
January 5, 2025
Our Martyred Lady is an excellent audio-drama that keeps up the tension from start to finish. It's obvious that each voice actor threw themselves into their respective roles; Emma Gregory (Saint Celestine) and Katherine Tate (Inquisitor Greyfax) especially shining here. Plus, it has Ramon Tikaram. I could listen to this man read out my shopping list and I'd be deeply entertained.
October 7, 2022
Solid audio drama, only problem was it was too short
October 31, 2022
3.5
Nice drama well acted and with good rythm and overall production quality
Nice drama well acted and with good rythm and overall production quality
March 7, 2025
Really great production for an audiobook, very immersive.
Unfortunately there was way too much lore that was important for the plot, that I didnt have as an outsider to warhammer
Unfortunately there was way too much lore that was important for the plot, that I didnt have as an outsider to warhammer
January 3, 2025
Just a little story about Celestine and Greyfax being roommates for a day. (Also I love Emma Gregory as Saint Celestine)
April 15, 2020
This audio drama is an art piece! I loved every moment of it, wished if was a little bit longer though.
"... I'm the edge of the blade, I'm the cut that ends foes. I'm the wrath that topple armies! Sisters of the Martyred Lady, brothers of the Black Templars, will you fight with me?
I feel your faith brothers, but it must be stronger. You are the Sons of Dawn, the warriors of Sigusmund, you call yourselves Champions of thr Emporer. He calls upon you now, to lend me your wrath, lend me your hate, lend me your fire! Praise him! Praise the Emperor!
"... I'm the edge of the blade, I'm the cut that ends foes. I'm the wrath that topple armies! Sisters of the Martyred Lady, brothers of the Black Templars, will you fight with me?
I feel your faith brothers, but it must be stronger. You are the Sons of Dawn, the warriors of Sigusmund, you call yourselves Champions of thr Emporer. He calls upon you now, to lend me your wrath, lend me your hate, lend me your fire! Praise him! Praise the Emperor!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2020
I had originally given this three stars, so it was definitely worth a re-listen. I really hope Katarinya Greyfax gets her own novel someday, maybe covering her life before she was revived and sent to Cadia. I really liked her combination of snark and deep-rooted insecurity.
My only criticism is her threatening the Inquisitorial Representative in the beginning, which made her come across as more unhinged than "ice-cold motherfucker."
My only criticism is her threatening the Inquisitorial Representative in the beginning, which made her come across as more unhinged than "ice-cold motherfucker."
November 14, 2019
A little too full of itself at times (even by 40k standards) but ultimately quite enjoyable.
September 11, 2026
This was a little different of a read (or more so listen). Instead of being told as a typical story, this is an audio drama which is more akin to listening to a theater production rather than a narrated story. Everything was told in dialogue and cool sound effects and music. The production and uniqueness of this is what really carries this rating, so much so that I’m inclined to give it five stars. The voice acting was incredible, especially Saint Celestine. Multiple times in the story she gives a motivational speech before charging into battle and each time they gave me goosebumps. Inquisitor Greyfax was also a delight, a strong female character who don’t take shit from no one and stands by her beliefs (or I guess non-beliefs?).
However, as incredible as the production and cast of characters was, the story itself really falls short. Granted, I don’t think the plot was supposed to be that crazy. This feels like a typical Warhammer storyline of daemon corruption and how Chaos is trying to break down the Imperium from within, but nothing about it feels that unique, and the bad guys have barely any character or motivation except evil laughs and always thinking they have the upper hand. One part that was also really disappointing was the ending. Not that it was necessarily bad, it just felt underwhelming and unexpected. Part of that is due to the fact that the audio book has five chapters, each being about an hour long, but the last chapter is actually just an interview with all the voice actors, so the actual story ended at the end of chapter four. Not knowing the end is coming and it already not being a crazy ending can really ruin the book for you.
However, as incredible as the production and cast of characters was, the story itself really falls short. Granted, I don’t think the plot was supposed to be that crazy. This feels like a typical Warhammer storyline of daemon corruption and how Chaos is trying to break down the Imperium from within, but nothing about it feels that unique, and the bad guys have barely any character or motivation except evil laughs and always thinking they have the upper hand. One part that was also really disappointing was the ending. Not that it was necessarily bad, it just felt underwhelming and unexpected. Part of that is due to the fact that the audio book has five chapters, each being about an hour long, but the last chapter is actually just an interview with all the voice actors, so the actual story ended at the end of chapter four. Not knowing the end is coming and it already not being a crazy ending can really ruin the book for you.
September 7, 2026
First off, I experienced this book as an audiobook, so that kind of shapes my review into two parts.
First, the audio: a really good experience and all of the voice acting was amazing! It took me a little bit to get used to it with it being an "audio drama," i.e. no narrator, non-dialogue is demonstrated through sound design and SFX. Really well designed and surprisingly felt like not much was missing.
However, the contents were really lacking for me. As a novel set in the Warhammer 40k universe, the existing setting does a lot of heavy lifting. It was very cool to get to see some of the characters I own as models do cool things and interact with the overly edgy fantastical world, and I overall did like the characters. I like the themes of hope and Celestine's unending devotion to her cause and how that foils with Greyfax's cynical nature, and I think the two make a fun duo.
Despite all these neat things, I think the narrative is deeply lackluster. There's very little in the way of deeper subtext or thinking to be done and things just happen as they are shown. The plot is intended to be this story of intrigue and deception, but I found most of it to be unstimulating. Characters don't plot or scheme - and not every novel needs to have this, of course - but events in the narrative are very cut and dry.
So, overall, I loved the book as an audio drama and had a great time experiencing the setting of Warhammer 40k. Despite that, the plot falls completely flat once you look past the hype moments and aura. It is still a pretty fun time but overall lacking.
First, the audio: a really good experience and all of the voice acting was amazing! It took me a little bit to get used to it with it being an "audio drama," i.e. no narrator, non-dialogue is demonstrated through sound design and SFX. Really well designed and surprisingly felt like not much was missing.
However, the contents were really lacking for me. As a novel set in the Warhammer 40k universe, the existing setting does a lot of heavy lifting. It was very cool to get to see some of the characters I own as models do cool things and interact with the overly edgy fantastical world, and I overall did like the characters. I like the themes of hope and Celestine's unending devotion to her cause and how that foils with Greyfax's cynical nature, and I think the two make a fun duo.
Despite all these neat things, I think the narrative is deeply lackluster. There's very little in the way of deeper subtext or thinking to be done and things just happen as they are shown. The plot is intended to be this story of intrigue and deception, but I found most of it to be unstimulating. Characters don't plot or scheme - and not every novel needs to have this, of course - but events in the narrative are very cut and dry.
So, overall, I loved the book as an audio drama and had a great time experiencing the setting of Warhammer 40k. Despite that, the plot falls completely flat once you look past the hype moments and aura. It is still a pretty fun time but overall lacking.
February 2, 2024
A great story... held back.
Gav Thorpe and the assembled voice actors and audio effects team have created a truly wonderful and engaging story in Our Martyred Lady. I felt like all the characters from inquisitors, menials, space marines, and everyone else were all full of life and nuance. The story is entertaining while maybe not escaping the Michael Bay explosions and world ending dangers that sometimes are the focus of 40k novels. The only problem I have with this work is on a fundamental level. This is NOT an audio book, despite the fact that you listen to 100% of it. What this is is a movie without any visual component. You hear sound effects, dialogue, walking down corridors, firing of guns, etc. You never hear any narration or descriptions of any kind. That massively hurts this piece. If they purposely wanted to avoid having any narration, then Thorpe needed to write much more literal dialogue. You can't just grunt in battle. You need to exclaim "That almost hit me!" or "I need covering fire while I chase after them!" or similar descriptive remarks. As it currently stands Our Martyred Lady has to remain as a good but not great book. Which is a shame because I thoroughly enjoyed it when I could understand what was going on.
Gav Thorpe and the assembled voice actors and audio effects team have created a truly wonderful and engaging story in Our Martyred Lady. I felt like all the characters from inquisitors, menials, space marines, and everyone else were all full of life and nuance. The story is entertaining while maybe not escaping the Michael Bay explosions and world ending dangers that sometimes are the focus of 40k novels. The only problem I have with this work is on a fundamental level. This is NOT an audio book, despite the fact that you listen to 100% of it. What this is is a movie without any visual component. You hear sound effects, dialogue, walking down corridors, firing of guns, etc. You never hear any narration or descriptions of any kind. That massively hurts this piece. If they purposely wanted to avoid having any narration, then Thorpe needed to write much more literal dialogue. You can't just grunt in battle. You need to exclaim "That almost hit me!" or "I need covering fire while I chase after them!" or similar descriptive remarks. As it currently stands Our Martyred Lady has to remain as a good but not great book. Which is a shame because I thoroughly enjoyed it when I could understand what was going on.
December 6, 2024
Wow! That went way above and beyond even a dramatization version of an audio book! I was immediately transported into the dystopian world of Warhammer 40k, and I felt like I was listening to a really well made show the entire time(minus the visuals)! I'd love to see this story animated because all they would have to do is add the audio of the this book to it :) If you are familiar with the 40k universe then I highly recommend you listen to this! It can be very hectic and hard to follow at times; especially if you aren't familiar with all the terminology. I tend to like more drukhari and aldar based lore, but I still found this to be an entertaining listen. The relationship between Celestine and Grayfax was not as smooth as I would have expected it to be, but in the world of 40k I doubt there are many if any at all, kind and 'cozy' friendships. If you love complicated politics, battle, space, badass powerful women, and a world with so much lore no one person can know it then you will love this book and just about every 40k book to ever exist in the Black Library :)
3.75/5 Battle sisters - but if you judge it purely on the quality of the audio itself? Then its and easy 6/5 Battle sisters!
3.75/5 Battle sisters - but if you judge it purely on the quality of the audio itself? Then its and easy 6/5 Battle sisters!
September 22, 2026
Holy shit, Donna Noble x Baldurs Gate 3 Minthara toxic yuri with a Black Templar third wheeling
I'm not sure why this is on here it's an audio drama but it's still some amazing 40k content
The differences in ideology between Greyfax and Celestine are presented incredibly as they both have sensible points of view, Greyfax sternly denies the Emperor's divinity while it could be argued that Celestine's existence as a Living Saint proves that the Emperor is a god
Also the irony that Greyfax and Celestine are both Psykic beings and yet neither trust each other because the other is a Psykic being is funny
The Black Templars in this story are fucking awesome as usual and I hate how most of the fanbase view the Black Templars as their Christian Fascist power fantasy
I'm not sure why this is on here it's an audio drama but it's still some amazing 40k content
The differences in ideology between Greyfax and Celestine are presented incredibly as they both have sensible points of view, Greyfax sternly denies the Emperor's divinity while it could be argued that Celestine's existence as a Living Saint proves that the Emperor is a god
Also the irony that Greyfax and Celestine are both Psykic beings and yet neither trust each other because the other is a Psykic being is funny
The Black Templars in this story are fucking awesome as usual and I hate how most of the fanbase view the Black Templars as their Christian Fascist power fantasy
March 24, 2025
3.5/5
Like the growth of Greyfax and her interactions with Celestine. Love the story and the expansion upon the SoB origins, especially the scenes on the SoB home world. But man I don’t love audio dramas. I feel like so much is lost in just playing sounds vs depicting situations - also feels like character dialogue is written a bit stilted, trying to force them to explain their surroundings in a way that helps the listener understand the setting but in a way that doesn’t flow like natural conversation. This would rule as an actual book but still a fun time overall.
Like the growth of Greyfax and her interactions with Celestine. Love the story and the expansion upon the SoB origins, especially the scenes on the SoB home world. But man I don’t love audio dramas. I feel like so much is lost in just playing sounds vs depicting situations - also feels like character dialogue is written a bit stilted, trying to force them to explain their surroundings in a way that helps the listener understand the setting but in a way that doesn’t flow like natural conversation. This would rule as an actual book but still a fun time overall.
November 9, 2023
I AM OBSESSED.
“We are the bolter and the bolt, the gauntlet and the fist, the lantern and the light; I see you”
Okay, yes, this was a little overproduced and kind of off in places pacing wise and far from perfect but the battle scenes are epic and all of chapter four was just an absolutely delightful mess of space-Catholic guilt and psyker bullshit and also I’m sorry but there is *no* heterosexual explanation for any of that
I loved it
“We are the bolter and the bolt, the gauntlet and the fist, the lantern and the light; I see you”
Okay, yes, this was a little overproduced and kind of off in places pacing wise and far from perfect but the battle scenes are epic and all of chapter four was just an absolutely delightful mess of space-Catholic guilt and psyker bullshit and also I’m sorry but there is *no* heterosexual explanation for any of that
I loved it
January 16, 2024
Can’t fault it much, other than perhaps a little bit limited in variety in the 4 hour run time and I would’ve liked some more sassy dialogue of inquisitors talking about shooting each other on the spot, and a bit less standing on voidship bridges talking about enemy ships approaching. Otherwise, an immortal saint and a depressive realist with unlimited authority fighting the summoning of a greater demon? Sign me up.
February 5, 2025
This is an audio drama, rather than an audio book. The story follows an event that brings major characters and factions from 40K together in an interesting and captivating story, showing the grim dark that is the 41st Millennia. While listening, I could almost picture the events in my head, almost like I was watching a movie. I would rate at a 4.5, with the .5 star lost from sometimes seemly forced voice work trying to describe something, such as a battle or scene.
February 22, 2025
Oh I’ve found a favourite! This was such a good audio drama, gorgeous one and definitely one I’s recommend for those that liked Arcane (the series). I’m so invested now in St Celestine and Greyfax. I wish the last chapter was at the beginning, mainly because it has the insight of the actors and writer, and for a novice in the Warhammer universe it would’ve been useful to help form a bit of a compass into the action.
October 28, 2025
Fabulous. Absolutely stunning to listen to. It gripped me and didn't let me go until the very end. Celestine and Greyfax have amazing chemistry, and an absolutely amazing set of voice actors to sell their characters. The sound design is also incredibly evocative, and there were several moments when I got goosebumps just listening the the strength and sheer badassery emanating from the two women. Just incredible.
May 26, 2019
This might very well be the best Audio made by Black Library to date.
The writing is great, the setting is very atmospheric and the story full of action and intrigue-
we have battles, political intrigue, heroes in shining armour and assassins...
Katherine Tate is great as Greyfax, I in general enjoy her in her audio work, so I expected nothing less.
A fantastic production for every 40k fan.
The writing is great, the setting is very atmospheric and the story full of action and intrigue-
we have battles, political intrigue, heroes in shining armour and assassins...
Katherine Tate is great as Greyfax, I in general enjoy her in her audio work, so I expected nothing less.
A fantastic production for every 40k fan.
April 25, 2021
Made as an audiodrama so it is more like a play than a book. Kind of cool action but missing that extra ommmppff for the really cool action scenes.
The female lead characters are a little too like each other in both temperament and sound, which makes them hard to separate..
The female lead characters are a little too like each other in both temperament and sound, which makes them hard to separate..
October 26, 2021
One of the better 40k "audio dramas" that I've tried. The approach of writing for audio had its advantages and disadvantages, but overall this is comparable to many of the other "pretty good" 40k books to me.
July 10, 2022
This story was immersive, intense, well acted, and I'm now obsessed with Greyfax and Celestine's relationship. I need more of them!
Would highly recommend if you're looking to dip your toes into 40k lore, the audio drama format made me tear through it so quickly.
Would highly recommend if you're looking to dip your toes into 40k lore, the audio drama format made me tear through it so quickly.
June 30, 2023
Epic! Full cast audio drama of a hard fought battle against Chaos. Sister of Battle, Inquisitor Grayfax, the Black Templar, and Custodes fighting together. The funniest part was hearing the Imperium's tech had fallen back to dial-up 🤣🤣🤣
September 10, 2023
Really well put together radio play. The stakes and plot feel really epic by the standards of 40k fiction. At a few points you feel like "dang, can they DO that in anything other than a new edition codex or w/e?"
March 23, 2026
My first exposure to warhammer so I was as lost as I expected to be. That aside, the storyline was self contained and very good. And the PERFORMANCES ~~~ so good. Catherine Tate and Emma Gregory are incredible.
April 3, 2026
Loved this book! There was never a point I felt like it dragged on or had too many dull points. It kept my attention the entire time, the full casting for the audiobook makes it so much more of an immersive experience. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews