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Warhammer Horror #Audio Drama
The Watcher in the Rain
A Warhammer Horror audio drama
On a world cut off from the Imperium, towering spires are lashed by endless rain. As citizens flee from the drowning city, a sadistic Imperial interrogator seeks a lowly data-drone with a terrible secret. But when disaster strikes, the pair must rely on each other for survival as the Watcher in the Rain awaits them.
LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE
Hear a world in peril, with a magnificent soundscape acting as the backdrop to a thoroughly frightening tale of two enemies forced to work together against a darkness that will consume them both.
THE STORY
In the far reaches of Imperial space, a ferocious warp storm approaches an Administratum world, cutting off the entire planet from the rest of the Imperium. As their towering grey spires are punished by endless rain, countless administrators, tithe-masters, and book-keepers are forced to evacuate. Among them is Greta, a lowly data-drone with a terrible secret, wanted for questioning by the sadistic Imperial interrogator Stefan Crucius. As disaster strikes and the pair are left stranded in the depths of the drowning city, captor and captive must co-operate to stand any chance of escaping. But a mysterious presence stalks them through the abandoned, flooded towers, a dread entity each must confront but which neither dare acknowledge, a Watcher in the Rain.
On a world cut off from the Imperium, towering spires are lashed by endless rain. As citizens flee from the drowning city, a sadistic Imperial interrogator seeks a lowly data-drone with a terrible secret. But when disaster strikes, the pair must rely on each other for survival as the Watcher in the Rain awaits them.
LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE
Hear a world in peril, with a magnificent soundscape acting as the backdrop to a thoroughly frightening tale of two enemies forced to work together against a darkness that will consume them both.
THE STORY
In the far reaches of Imperial space, a ferocious warp storm approaches an Administratum world, cutting off the entire planet from the rest of the Imperium. As their towering grey spires are punished by endless rain, countless administrators, tithe-masters, and book-keepers are forced to evacuate. Among them is Greta, a lowly data-drone with a terrible secret, wanted for questioning by the sadistic Imperial interrogator Stefan Crucius. As disaster strikes and the pair are left stranded in the depths of the drowning city, captor and captive must co-operate to stand any chance of escaping. But a mysterious presence stalks them through the abandoned, flooded towers, a dread entity each must confront but which neither dare acknowledge, a Watcher in the Rain.
1 pages, Audiobook
First published November 9, 2019
7 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Alec Worley
149 books47 followersAlec Worley is an author from South London.
He writes stories for readers (and listeners) of all ages who like smart, funny and - above all - thrilling tales of fantasy, horror and sci-fi.
If you're into stories about swords, fangs and lasers, then you're in luck!
Best known for his work on 2000 AD (the home of Judge Dredd), Star Wars and Games Workshop's Warhammer, he's also created many stories of his own.
He is the co-creator of apocalyptic werewolf saga Age of the Wolf (with Jon Davis-Hunt for 2000 AD), paranormal comedy Dandridge (with Warren Pleece for 2000 AD), and plenty more either in the pipeline or waiting to be announced...
He writes stories for readers (and listeners) of all ages who like smart, funny and - above all - thrilling tales of fantasy, horror and sci-fi.
If you're into stories about swords, fangs and lasers, then you're in luck!
Best known for his work on 2000 AD (the home of Judge Dredd), Star Wars and Games Workshop's Warhammer, he's also created many stories of his own.
He is the co-creator of apocalyptic werewolf saga Age of the Wolf (with Jon Davis-Hunt for 2000 AD), paranormal comedy Dandridge (with Warren Pleece for 2000 AD), and plenty more either in the pipeline or waiting to be announced...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 3, 2023
It is refreshing to read a Warhammer 40K story, where the bad guy is the Chaos, the Mutant or the heretic. Rather, it is .
The story, set in a world being gradually flooded in perpetual apocalyptic storms, sets a great horror tone, with its gothic cyclopean architecture, which is the staple for any world in the Imperium.
An upcoming Warp storm which threatens to engulf the planet, as well as one that is responsible for steadily submerging it, also provides a sense of urgency to the mission of Stefan Crucius, our POV character.
The climax is mostly unexpected; if only due to the bias we have as readers to wanting to trust our POV characters. The tail ending, after the climax is even more out of the left field, but nonetheless fills you with a sense of righteous commuppance.
But it's only after reading the whole story, that you begin to contemplate the motivations of the characters, ones which are largely shaped by the Imperium that they were born and trained in. And you begin to wonder whether the authoritarian, fanatical, techno stagnant, quagmire of red tape that is the Imperium is the real villain.
Then you remember the horrors that the Warp hides within in, the terror of chaos, the dangers posed by the Xenos, mutant and heretic. Then you put aside these blasphemous thoughts aside, sing benedictions for the God Emperor, and pray to him for deliverance from this cruel, cruel world. Anything else, would net you a personnel visit from the neighborhood Inquisitor.
The story, set in a world being gradually flooded in perpetual apocalyptic storms, sets a great horror tone, with its gothic cyclopean architecture, which is the staple for any world in the Imperium.
An upcoming Warp storm which threatens to engulf the planet, as well as one that is responsible for steadily submerging it, also provides a sense of urgency to the mission of Stefan Crucius, our POV character.
The climax is mostly unexpected; if only due to the bias we have as readers to wanting to trust our POV characters. The tail ending, after the climax is even more out of the left field, but nonetheless fills you with a sense of righteous commuppance.
But it's only after reading the whole story, that you begin to contemplate the motivations of the characters, ones which are largely shaped by the Imperium that they were born and trained in. And you begin to wonder whether the authoritarian, fanatical, techno stagnant, quagmire of red tape that is the Imperium is the real villain.
Then you remember the horrors that the Warp hides within in, the terror of chaos, the dangers posed by the Xenos, mutant and heretic. Then you put aside these blasphemous thoughts aside, sing benedictions for the God Emperor, and pray to him for deliverance from this cruel, cruel world. Anything else, would net you a personnel visit from the neighborhood Inquisitor.
December 17, 2023
This sci-fi horror is better than most full length novels, unbelievable.
November 16, 2019
A little conflicted about this one.
There are moments where I think The Watcher in the Rain is brilliant, and find myself fully immersed in the world created by Alec Worley and the cast. As usual, the team behind Black Library's audio productions have outdone themselves. From the seamless blend of audio FX, to the subtle, tension building score, there is little more one could ask for in terms of sheer production value.
The cast performed their roles admirably, and I was particularly impressed with Deeivya Meir's performance in the role of acolyte. I have some minor gripes with the prisoner scenes - which were more comical than actually scary, but it is a minor gripe.
Now, the trick with the medium of audio drama is to create a world without having the voice of a narrator telling you what it is the characters are seeing. I understand that this is incredibly difficult, particularly in a fast-paced story such as those Black Library is known for. For the most part, the author did a great job. However, at times the dialogue between the characters, as well as Greta's monologues, felt forced. It was just a little too obvious to me that the point of certain lines was to inform the listener, rather than the natural back and forth between characters. At these points the immersion fades, which is regrettable as the story is quite compelling otherwise!
If you're into Black Library's audio dramas then you'll certainly enjoy this.
There are moments where I think The Watcher in the Rain is brilliant, and find myself fully immersed in the world created by Alec Worley and the cast. As usual, the team behind Black Library's audio productions have outdone themselves. From the seamless blend of audio FX, to the subtle, tension building score, there is little more one could ask for in terms of sheer production value.
The cast performed their roles admirably, and I was particularly impressed with Deeivya Meir's performance in the role of acolyte. I have some minor gripes with the prisoner scenes - which were more comical than actually scary, but it is a minor gripe.
Now, the trick with the medium of audio drama is to create a world without having the voice of a narrator telling you what it is the characters are seeing. I understand that this is incredibly difficult, particularly in a fast-paced story such as those Black Library is known for. For the most part, the author did a great job. However, at times the dialogue between the characters, as well as Greta's monologues, felt forced. It was just a little too obvious to me that the point of certain lines was to inform the listener, rather than the natural back and forth between characters. At these points the immersion fades, which is regrettable as the story is quite compelling otherwise!
If you're into Black Library's audio dramas then you'll certainly enjoy this.
March 22, 2023
A fun, creepy, short audio-play with a nice final twist
January 3, 2024
An excellent performance in audioform. A fun intro to the world and exciting side story. If you have an hour pop in some headphones and enjoy this teleplay style story!
January 3, 2024
Short but better that way, really good atmosphere and world building throughout with a dark and fitting to theme ending.
September 19, 2022
While the Warhammer 40k setting might not be for everyone I would strongly suggest giving this a read for the concise length alone. Disregarding the setting this Is a simple horror story of two well defined characters trying to survive an evacuating planet in the midst of a storm, but there's a looming threat trailing our duo with incomprehensible motives. If you like 40k's dive into cosmic horror and great morality tales give it a listen especially. The audio book is well cast and narrated with some steller foli work for that immersive feel.
September 2, 2024
What an AMAZING short horror story with the perfect ending. (I love when horror stories end with a “well if it isn’t the consequences of my own actions” kind of feel.) Very creatively done and the audible version on this is so good!The production, sound vfx and voice acting are top notch!
March 22, 2025
A taut, frenetic and satisfying horror story blending classic horror tropes with the absurdity of life in the imperium. Capped off with a wonderful ending and excellent production values
Most surprising is how different this tale is to other more lighthearted tales from the author
Most surprising is how different this tale is to other more lighthearted tales from the author
October 24, 2025
4.5 such a creepy but great short story.
July 31, 2020
I have to say, I am starting to really enjoy that new Warhammer Fantasy line. This here is a nice little audio drama just right for one of these days where rain is battering against your roof and windows like some malign entity trying to get in.
The question is, will you let it?
A question the characters in this book are asking themselves as well...
Beware the Watcher. ;)
The question is, will you let it?
A question the characters in this book are asking themselves as well...
Beware the Watcher. ;)
November 28, 2024
Good and gripping. Could lean a bit more into the horror aspects, the characters are a a little one dimensional. But it well paced and the story adequately conveyed without getting buried in the setting. Can be enjoyed without a solid understanding of the 40k universe.
January 7, 2024
Listened to on Audible. Admittedly was skeptical buying it. I normally don't like short stories and always question if I'd get my monies worth.
I've seen this story mentioned a lot though as the best example of a audio drama on this universe, as a fan of graphic audio books, i really wanted to give it a shot. This was on one of those big yearly sales though and I think i got it for maybe $3-$4.
Totally worth it and definetly makes me rethink how I value books by length because this delivered enough story that some 12 hour novels can't reach. This was amazing and I can reason the price for a short story as this being like the cost of being less then paying to rent a movie that is similar in length.
My goodness this was so well done and on the level I usually see Graphic Audio produce at. The sound effects, atmospheric sounds, voice acting and music all felt like a movie playing out in my head, it felt so incredibly detailed and beautifully done.
The characters, plot and world building all were nailed really well, i absolutely knew where I was, who the people were talking and what the plot was.
I seriously am going to keep my eye out for audio dramas like this from now on because I want more!
This was so creepy and had such a great story. THAT ending was soooo good. I am just blown away.
I've seen this story mentioned a lot though as the best example of a audio drama on this universe, as a fan of graphic audio books, i really wanted to give it a shot. This was on one of those big yearly sales though and I think i got it for maybe $3-$4.
Totally worth it and definetly makes me rethink how I value books by length because this delivered enough story that some 12 hour novels can't reach. This was amazing and I can reason the price for a short story as this being like the cost of being less then paying to rent a movie that is similar in length.
My goodness this was so well done and on the level I usually see Graphic Audio produce at. The sound effects, atmospheric sounds, voice acting and music all felt like a movie playing out in my head, it felt so incredibly detailed and beautifully done.
The characters, plot and world building all were nailed really well, i absolutely knew where I was, who the people were talking and what the plot was.
I seriously am going to keep my eye out for audio dramas like this from now on because I want more!
This was so creepy and had such a great story. THAT ending was soooo good. I am just blown away.
November 6, 2023
The Watcher in the Rain is a really good Warhammer 40k audio drama. Good plot and great narrators who really sell the experience.
An entire planet gets cut off from the rest of the Imperium by a warpstorm. While the rain never seems to stop, the warpstorm is not the only thing that arrived with it. Imperial interrogator Stefan Crucius is trying to apprehend Greta Vern, a Scribe (similar to a clerk) working for the Adeptus Administratum of the Imperium, to get her to confess her crime.
As the storm gets stronger, a disaster forces both of them to work together, though not only do they have to get out of collapsed buildings, they are also being followed by a mysterious entity...
The Watcher in the Rain captured the feeling of 40k well. Dirty streets, cruel people, and of course, something unknown, always lurking in the rain. I think the ending could've been better, it felt like it was over too quick.
Despite enjoying it, I'm not sure if I can recommend this to someone without any knowledge of Warhammer 40k, but if you are familiar with at least some of the themes and concepts, you will have a great time.
An entire planet gets cut off from the rest of the Imperium by a warpstorm. While the rain never seems to stop, the warpstorm is not the only thing that arrived with it. Imperial interrogator Stefan Crucius is trying to apprehend Greta Vern, a Scribe (similar to a clerk) working for the Adeptus Administratum of the Imperium, to get her to confess her crime.
As the storm gets stronger, a disaster forces both of them to work together, though not only do they have to get out of collapsed buildings, they are also being followed by a mysterious entity...
The Watcher in the Rain captured the feeling of 40k well. Dirty streets, cruel people, and of course, something unknown, always lurking in the rain. I think the ending could've been better, it felt like it was over too quick.
Despite enjoying it, I'm not sure if I can recommend this to someone without any knowledge of Warhammer 40k, but if you are familiar with at least some of the themes and concepts, you will have a great time.
January 11, 2023
“The Watcher in the Rain” is a horror novel set in the Warhammer 40k universe. Our story follows a scribe and inquisitor who are stuck on a planet in the middle of a warp storm. With apocalyptic levels of rain falling, our two protagonists must find a way to escape the planet before they drown in the increasing flood. However they might not be alone. Something watches and huddles just at the edge of their sight. Always there. Moving ever closer. What is this watcher in the rain?
This was quite enjoyable little horror story. Was short and creepy. My only real complaint was they chose not to have any narrator. So when things needed to happen our characters would say what they were doing allowed. I’m not going to quote it, but it feels something like this: “I have to get my keys. I’m reaching and grabbing my keys. *beep*. There I have used them to unlock something”
This is fine. Not a big deal, but after listening to Sandman on Audible I just find it so much better to be an audio drama and have a narrator. They make it work so well. All in all I thought it was very enjoyable.
This was quite enjoyable little horror story. Was short and creepy. My only real complaint was they chose not to have any narrator. So when things needed to happen our characters would say what they were doing allowed. I’m not going to quote it, but it feels something like this: “I have to get my keys. I’m reaching and grabbing my keys. *beep*. There I have used them to unlock something”
This is fine. Not a big deal, but after listening to Sandman on Audible I just find it so much better to be an audio drama and have a narrator. They make it work so well. All in all I thought it was very enjoyable.
December 24, 2024
Esse livro curtinho de terror mostra
Cheio de reviravoltas legais, esse livro curtinho de terror¹ apresenta algumas das facetas "cotidianas" que tornam o Imperium uma distopia teocrática fascista junto dos motivos para isso². É um ótimo exemplo de porque 40k domina o gênero grimdark e daria uma excelente adaptação no Prime³. Recomendo!
1. Tinha que bater a meta né haha
2. Tem uma frase que eu gosto muito que diz "a infantaria vence batalhas, a logística vence guerras" e esse livro explica esse conceito de uma forma muito didática. Inclusive explica porque o "poder" dos Ultramarines ser "logística" é tão interessante. Fora que lembram muito o exército dos EUA e seu poder "linhas de suprimento" (vale a pena ver no YouTube "The US Military's Massive Global Transportation System")
3. O Cavill tem MUITO material bom para trabalhar. Oremos haha
Cheio de reviravoltas legais, esse livro curtinho de terror¹ apresenta algumas das facetas "cotidianas" que tornam o Imperium uma distopia teocrática fascista junto dos motivos para isso². É um ótimo exemplo de porque 40k domina o gênero grimdark e daria uma excelente adaptação no Prime³. Recomendo!
1. Tinha que bater a meta né haha
2. Tem uma frase que eu gosto muito que diz "a infantaria vence batalhas, a logística vence guerras" e esse livro explica esse conceito de uma forma muito didática. Inclusive explica porque o "poder" dos Ultramarines ser "logística" é tão interessante. Fora que lembram muito o exército dos EUA e seu poder "linhas de suprimento" (vale a pena ver no YouTube "The US Military's Massive Global Transportation System")
3. O Cavill tem MUITO material bom para trabalhar. Oremos haha
August 7, 2024
I actually read both this and Blades of Purity during the same work shift. While I thought Blades of Purity was pretty good for the most part, The Watcher and the Rain is fantastic. It's marketed as a horror story, and while thats there it feels a little more of a mix between horror and thriller. Unlike my last review I actually want to leave spoilers out. What I will say is it gives great insight into what it takes to become and inquisitor, as well as the life of a regular person living their life in the Imperium. How it does those things, is why I recommend you read this one. The production is amazing, and the story is great. One of my favorite 40k stories so far next to The Infinite and the Divine and Lords of Silence.
January 5, 2020
BL have been on an absolute roll with their audio dramas of late, especially their Horror ones and this may well be the pick of the lot.
Great performances, fantastic script combine to produce a genuinely unsettling hour of audio. It features perhaps more running down tunnels and corridors than I’d like, but we do it in the company of two very compelling characters. Chaos is an ever-present and vague threat as the characters race against the clock, but without wanting to give too much away so much of the threat and tension derives from the banal tyranny of life in the Imperium and the impact the army of faceless bureaucrats can have on the happiness of others.
Absolutely essential.
Great performances, fantastic script combine to produce a genuinely unsettling hour of audio. It features perhaps more running down tunnels and corridors than I’d like, but we do it in the company of two very compelling characters. Chaos is an ever-present and vague threat as the characters race against the clock, but without wanting to give too much away so much of the threat and tension derives from the banal tyranny of life in the Imperium and the impact the army of faceless bureaucrats can have on the happiness of others.
Absolutely essential.
December 5, 2022
A truly unsettling short story in the Warhammer universe. The story resolves around two well developed characters trying to survive a warp storm that will destroy everything and they have a limited amount of time to evacuate off planet. It sounds like a basic story but some things happen within the plot that makes everything disturbing. I don't want to spoil anything but when some revelations come to light between the characters, I was floored. I think what makes this story so amazing too is that it is short, there isn't enough time for their to be any serious issues. This story might be darker than most in the 40k universe but I personally loved this.
January 16, 2023
The weakest entry in the current WH Horror audiodrama catalog. The story would likely benefit from being 30 minutes shorter, and the dialogue frequently descends into exposition clearly intended for the listener, a la "I'm opening a door! Okay, the door is open! Here I go walking through the door now!" The dual tropes of gaslighting and plot movement due to miscommunication are also primary elements of the story, which are tropes that tend to make me roll my eyes.
It's not all bad, though. The story sticks the landing at the end, and as always with Black Library dramas, the voice actors are spectacular.
It's not all bad, though. The story sticks the landing at the end, and as always with Black Library dramas, the voice actors are spectacular.
January 1, 2023
An immersive short audiobook with outstanding environment creation through the audio media with amazing sound effects.
The production team of this audiobook have outdone themselves in helping listeners visualize the scenes being narrated in the story and it’s not easy to create a horror audiobook as most of the fear factor comes from visual aid in humans.
The story of the book is short, engaging, succinct and have the right surprises to awe the listeners. I recommend a listen if you’re into Warhammer or want to immerse just a toenail into its universe.
The production team of this audiobook have outdone themselves in helping listeners visualize the scenes being narrated in the story and it’s not easy to create a horror audiobook as most of the fear factor comes from visual aid in humans.
The story of the book is short, engaging, succinct and have the right surprises to awe the listeners. I recommend a listen if you’re into Warhammer or want to immerse just a toenail into its universe.
December 23, 2023
This sat on my list for ages, and frankly it wasn't quite worth the effort it took me to finally find it.
Bit up and down and lots of tell-don't-show going on, something that isn't easy to overcome in a dialogue-exclusive medium but which at least this particular audio drama couldn't pull through for.
If you like 40k, you're not gonna dislike this. It's fine, it's more of the same setting you're comfortable with, and to the voice actors' credits they did damn fine jobs.
Bit up and down and lots of tell-don't-show going on, something that isn't easy to overcome in a dialogue-exclusive medium but which at least this particular audio drama couldn't pull through for.
If you like 40k, you're not gonna dislike this. It's fine, it's more of the same setting you're comfortable with, and to the voice actors' credits they did damn fine jobs.
August 23, 2024
I highly recommend you listen to the Audiobook Drama. It's 1 hour and 14 minutes and the performance is fantastic as they add sound effects to add to the immersion. It's not too difficult to understand or follow. And they don't go into deep lore so it's a good entry for newcomers. But also good for veterans of the series. It's Warhammer Horror, Vets would like that if they are all for the Grim Dark.
January 13, 2023
Warhammer is my guilty pleasure and damn was this super fun. The atmosphere is dark and eerie. The sound effects were great. The descent into maddness was delicious. That final reveal was so good and then the ending brought it all together. This was a fantastic listen while I did chores around the house.
June 29, 2023
Great performances and production.
Good premise competently, if not excitingly executed.
Love there not being a shred of fascist propaganda in something 40K for once.
I don't understand how this was specifically a horror story, beyond it just being GrimDark and the lightest blush of Chaotic influence.
Good premise competently, if not excitingly executed.
Love there not being a shred of fascist propaganda in something 40K for once.
I don't understand how this was specifically a horror story, beyond it just being GrimDark and the lightest blush of Chaotic influence.
January 5, 2024
A wonderful short read. Not what I would consider too scary of horror but definitely a darker tone that leaves you a little baffled towards the end. Definitely a worth while read and I hear the audible edition is fantastic and very dramatic. I read a pdf for it so I did not get the chance to experience but I hear that’s the best place.
January 7, 2025
British Geezer turned investigator/cop that committed Uxoricide (big word, google it, that’s where I got it from lol) tries to arrest an imperial office clerk while simultaneously dealing with an eldritch horror that specializes in the power of imagination, and ultimately concludes with cannibalism in space.
Listen to it on audible or else
Listen to it on audible or else
November 28, 2023
Pretty good horror short story. I wouldn't recommend this to someone who isn't familiar with Warhammer, but they could probably get through without any background.
The narration is good but marred slightly by some effects that make a few lines of dialogue difficult to understand
The narration is good but marred slightly by some effects that make a few lines of dialogue difficult to understand
February 5, 2024
Wow. The five star audio drama I've been looking for. All the production and voice acting were on point and the story surprised a few times with novel and interesting ideas.
I really hope they start doing these again. Audio drama seems an ideal format for shortform Warhammer Horror.
I really hope they start doing these again. Audio drama seems an ideal format for shortform Warhammer Horror.
February 22, 2024
My first Warhammer horror and it was amazing.
The voice actors were so good and the sounds were incredible, the story was interesting with a few great twists. The characters were fun and it was great listening to them lose their minds as time went on.
The voice actors were so good and the sounds were incredible, the story was interesting with a few great twists. The characters were fun and it was great listening to them lose their minds as time went on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews