Blackshields: The Broken Chain

The Horus Heresy #Audio Drama

by Joshua Reynolds, Gareth Armstrong (Narrator), John Banks (Narrator)

Hounded by the Sons of Horus, legendary Blackshield Endryd Haar battles enemies from within and without his ranks. Betrayed by his second in command, Erud Vahn, Haar finds himself imprisoned and facing a slow death. Determined to escape and stay one step ahead of the traitors, Endryd must enact his riskiest gamble yet if he is to fulfill his oath to kill the Warmaster Horus.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Josh Reynolds’ work has previously appeared in such anthologies as Historical Lovecraft from Innsmouth Free Press and Horror for the Holidays from Miskatonic River Press, and his novel, Knight of the Blazing Sun, is currently available from Black Library. He can be found at: http://joshuamreynolds.wordpress.com

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Reviews

[RatGrrrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 2024 Re-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 - Now in Immaterium of everything outside the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project, before moving on to the last Omnibus XXI The Siege of Terra.

Listend to this again today after them being out of order in the Knights Errant Collection and I enjoyed it even more, so I stand by my last review and fervently against my first one, bumping this to full marks.

This and the first one make an incredible two-part pilot with the third one as another episode in a TV show I desparately want!

I won't get into it here, but I went off about my love for the XII in one of the my other Blackshields reviews, which I was writing and getting emotional about just before therapy and...Khârn is actually my support Astartes lmfao. Like, we actually talked about Angron and Khârn in therapy and it was genuinely really helpful.

***

The amount I have turned around on this miniseries is wild!

The Blackshields, our loveable? band of merry? misfits have got themselves in a whole lot of trouble with some Sons of Horus Pirate Hunters...

I am so turned around, excited about this miniseries, and just mind-boggled that I was so down on them the first time round, but I had to go with my head over my heart and bump this from a two to a four. My heart wanted to give this full marks because the series is just so good.

I keep saying series, despite it just being three audio dramas, as it is very much it's own separate miniseries within the Horus series, and because it would make such a great show. It's a really interesting perspective on the Heresy and the Blackshields and Renegades are just really cool. This audio drama in particular feels like an episode of a TV show with the big plan prison breakout thing going on.

Again, I can't exactly put my finger on why I am enjoying these so much, but there's just something about the unique perspective and interactions and relationships the Blackshields have with both the Traitor Legions and Agents of of the Imperium. I'm also just on a real audio drama kick listening through Knights Errant Collection after previously consuming everything else in this run as audiobooks or short stories, and Reynolds writes a fun and energetic script.

I don't know if there are any other Blackshields stories outside of the Death Guard one in one of the main anthologies, but I'm keen to read more and to check out other Renegades like the Soul Drinkers (prior to the new Primaris founding). Wifh the Siege of Terra and the series being over, I do wonder if there will be any more audio dramas and hope. I know the Eidolon Characters book is coming out this year and they never did a Horus Primarchs book, so you never know.

Regardless, I'm having fun with these!

Through the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project and my own additions, I have currently read* all 54 Horus Heresy main series novels (+1 repeat), 25 novellas (+2 repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, all 17 Primarchs novels, 3 Characters novels, and 150 short stories/ audio dramas across the Horus Heresy (inc. 11+ repeats). Plus, 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).

*My tracking consistently proves shoddy, but I'm doing my best

***

Initial Review 2/5

I had the same issues as with the first Blackshields audio drama - I loved the concept, but the execution just leaves me snoozing. It might be as simple as me not getting in with Reynolds' writing.

The Blackshields so Blackshieldsy stuff like getting caught on purpose, pretending to be in the same team, acting like they are going to hand over their stockpile, and ultimately win the day, as Astartes usually do, but with a little more edgelord aesthetic.

The telegraphed origin of the protagonist is interesting, but about it for me, but this hsd pretty solid reviews, so your mileage may vary.

For me, there's just something about the Blackshields stories and/ or Reynolds' writing that comes across as standard, not particularly inspired Warhammer 40K fayre, which, personally, isn't enough for me when it comes to Horus Heresy stories. There's an epic saga, myth, tragedy, and emotion that these stories totally lack for me.

[Michael Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in Josh Reynolds’ series of Horus Heresy audio dramas featuring ex-World Eater Endryd Haar, Blackshields: The Broken Chain sees Haar and his second in command – former Death Guard Erud Vahn – at the mercy of the Sons of Horus sent by the Warmaster to track them down. Betrayed, imprisoned and stripped of his weapons and armour, Haar languishes in chains while Vahn bargains with their captors, but the Sons of Horus want more than just prisoners. The Warmaster wants his weapons back, but the Blackshields’ loyalties and objectives remain unclear, while Haar knows he’s escaped from worse prisons in the past.

You could probably jump into the series with this story and still enjoy it, but it definitely rewards an understanding of Haar and Vahn’s characters, and what they’ve gone through up to this point. It maintains the same format as the previous instalments, with Gareth Armstrong as narrator and a remarkably small cast with everyone bar Armstrong pulling double (or more) duty, but the narration doesn’t feel intrusive and the whole thing hangs together well with the usual excellent standard of audio production from Black Library. Stick some headphones on and sit back, and you’ll soon lose yourself in this satisfying extension of the Blackshields arc.

Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/07/...

[Callum Shephard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blackshields series has been one of the surprise successes of the Horus Heresy range, one which has continued even as the battle closes upon Terra itself. Quietly continuing in the background, the first two audio dramas offered a look both into the lifestyle of these renegades, and a legendary leader among them: Endryd Haar. The third installment of these audio dramas sees the series sticking to its guns, and offering the kind of action that only the Blackshields can star in. It's a good one, there's no denying that from the very start, but why it's good is an important thing to bear in mind here. In the next few hundred words, we'll be going into exactly why.

Also, as full disclosure: This story has yet to see a full release. In truth, I only gained my copy thanks to someone selling a copy via eBay so consider this an advanced look at the story, giving you a chance to plan purchases ahead of time.

The Synopsis

Having taken notice of Haar's continued actions, the Sons of Horus have deployed hunting packs to bring down groups of rogue legionaries operating behind their lines. Deeming them too great of a threat to fully overlook, one such group has found the Cicatrice Tyrannis and captured both of its leaders. With Haar entombed within the hold of a Sons of Horus warship and Erud Vahn, his second in command, undergoing interrogation this seems to be their darkest hour. Yet the Blackshields are nothing if not pragmatic, and Vahn soon begins brokering deals with his captors in exchange for their freedom. Ones which might damn the Blackshields entirely, or see them returned to glory...


The Good

As mentioned in the introduction, this is the sort of action that only the Blackshields can offer. Josh Reynolds has managed to maintain a steady set theme within his stories to help differentiate them from loyalist and traitor groups. This is evident in terms of plot structure, atmosphere and the general style of the stories, along with focusing less upon culture than the broad personalities which have made up their number. The few times it will comment upon their culture in any way is often only to highlight the absence of it, and show what even uncorrupted astartes of this era can be like when all trappings of brotherhood, loyalty or greater ideals are stripped of them.

The False War introduced this with its heist plot, while The Red Fief took it to another level, and now The Broken Chain adds a new twist on things. The continuity between these stories has been extremely well maintained, and there are enough general call-backs to give the audio dramas a greater sense of scale. It's somewhat akin to what James Swallow did with this Garro stories, but the emphasis upon the fallout of in-series events makes it more effective as a link between tales. In that series, as great as it was, there would normally be some comment upon who had just been recruited. In this one, the Blackshields' actions carry far more weight, and the Sons of Horus specifically cite a few key events very early on. This helps to both better emphasize the greater stakes at work, but also the impact the characters have had, even as they serve only a minor role in the greater war.

Haar himself has typically hogged the spotlight in the prior two tales, and with good reason. He's known as a legend within their ranks, and the stories have helped to fully emphasize the sort of figure that he was: Brutal, uncompromising, driven, uncertain of the fine details of his future and yet possessing a few rare qualities that similar warriors lacked. However, this took time away from the others, and the story offers a chance for Vahn to get a few moments to himself. After being sidelined during The Red Fief this is especially welcome, and it highlights both a number of qualities unseen before now, and shows how his seeming idealism works with the Blackshields' brutal nature. The scenes involving him help to reflect upon how this life has reshaped him, and just what acts it has made him capable of carrying out.

Another point worth mentioning is how the tale itself keeps you guessing, even with a relatively formulaic structure. You can half-guess how things will likely play out from some of the major twists in past stories, and some of the major character conflicts. This isn't a negative in of itself, but without an additional element, it could become predictable. In order to limit that predictability, the story plays up certain characteristics and ideas we have seen before. Haar's brutality has kept the Blackshields in line, but he rules with an iron fist and will shed his allies' blood without regret. The loyalty of his men is barely held in check by promises of victories and sheer desperation, as they are often deprived of vital resources. Vahn, meanwhile, has not only been constantly threatened by Haar directly but has actively encouraged them to follow goals beyond their current path.

The conflicting elements and ideals of the characters involved keeps their loyalty to one another always in question. It's this sort of hint of risk which makes this sort of series remain engaging, along with a willingness to keep pushing for new takes on its style of story.

Plus, and let's face it, you all knew this was coming - The vocal direction and audio design is as stunning as ever. You will notice more than a few familiar names among the cast list on the book, with Gareth Armstrong, Toby Longworth, John Banks, Steve Conlin, Richard Reed, and David Seddon all showing up.

So, with all that in mind, what does it do wrong?


The Bad

While the aforementioned section praised the series' willingness to keep experimenting and reworking its central concepts, it does retain a basic skeleton of a direction. After two deception/heist style stories, you can probably guess that this one will be the same. This is fine in of itself, but even when they are showing events as they progress rather than telling the plan, some people might become burned out on them. Personally, I see this as a way for the series to remain distinct from the rest of the Horus Heresy, but it is easy to see how someone could be turned off by it. It's in much the same way that someone might enjoy detective murder mysteries, but could be turned off by police procedural style versions which rely more on the same basic structure.

Equally, a few themes crop up here which were commented upon in the past, but are never fully built upon. Haar's past is the big one and, while it certainly offers several fascinating details into his origins, it is largely window dressing. While both prior audio dramas utilised this to further Haar's character, here it serves just as a conversation piece and goes no further. With so many hints and indications, it feels as if something should be done involving it by this point. Equally, Malcador's role is pushed back until it effectively has no impact on the overall plot. It's certainly there, but outside of a few mentions toward the end, it is something of a non-entity. This makes it seem as if certain stories are stuck in a holding pattern.

Another point worthy of mention is how the story itself is light on certain key details. The actual events surrounding the beginning of the story are heavily skimmed over, along with some of the broader details on the villains themselves. The Sons of Horus in this story are serviceable as the general bad guys, but they lack the staying power of prior figures. They largely come across as self-righteous thugs which, while being in-keeping with the Sons' character shift, isn't all that engaging.


The Verdict

On the whole, The Broken Chain has a few chinks, but it ultimately remains a solid and engaging tale. With a good mixture of character drama, the ability to build upon past tales and stick to what makes the Blackshields so entertaining, it's definitely one I would suggest buying. While you will definitely enjoy this far more if you did pick up the two prior stories, it is also still open enough to follow as a single stand-alone tale as well. Either way, it's definitely not one to be missed.

[Ross Cudmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second story of legendary Blackshield Endryd Haar is even better than the first.

Seemingly betrayed by his men, the "Riven Hound" has been imprisoned by the Sons of Horus as they try to torture information out of him. Former Death Guard Erud Vahn is negotiating with the Sons of Horus, trying to get a reward for turning over Haar.

I really enjoy the cast of the drama. The Blackshields are a band of misfits and renegades with no alliance but to themselves. There is some great banter and interactions throughout the story. Reynolds creates a very atmospheric self-contained story that fits well into the wider narrative of the Heresy.

Little bits of lore are dropped through the story. Apparently Haar was of the very first batch of Astartes, but before that he fought alongside the Emperor as a Thunder Warrior, which goes some way to explaining his size and incredible rage. There is also reference made to the "Keys of Hel" a forbidden technology hidden by Ferrus Manus. That technology appears in short stories "Riven" and "Keys of Hel".

[M O · Rating 4 out of 5]

An infiltration mission with a "will he won't be" betrayal that is pretty obvious. Nice bit of insight to the pre-Unity legions

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very satisfying story with an intriguing cast of characters.

[Pavle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joshua Reynolds, well done, sir. I just be making a small black shield force.

[nooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome and had some nice tricks to get out of tight spots.