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The Horus Heresy: Primarchs #Anthology
Blood of the Emperor
A Primarchs anthology
Explore the histories and motivations of the primarchs across six short stories that will take you to the depths of the Cthonian Utterdark, the wilds of Fenris in winter, and even to the holy soil of Terra itself.
READ IT BECAUSE
Get new insights into several of the primarchs in tales set across the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy.
DESCRIPTION
A weak Cthonian boy forges a bloody destiny among the stars. Tribal warriors hunt a beast in the Fenrisian snows. Prosperine sorcerers seek hidden secrets. The Emperor's Praetorian shows his ruthless side. Alpharius submits to questioning over a brutal campaign, and Mortarion returns to Terra for the first time since his ascension to daemonhood.
Each of these six tales provides you with a new look at one of the primarchs, the demigod sons of the Emperor. Once brothers-in-arms, these legendary heroes fell into war and strife, loyalist and traitor. But each remains a mighty lord of warriors and leader of men, and each has tales to tell…
CONTENTS
Lupus Daemonis by Graham McNeill
Skjalds by Nick Kyme
The Sixth Cult of the Denied by David Guymer
The Will of the Legion by Andy Clark
Council of Truth by Mike Brooks
Terminus by Chris Wraight
Explore the histories and motivations of the primarchs across six short stories that will take you to the depths of the Cthonian Utterdark, the wilds of Fenris in winter, and even to the holy soil of Terra itself.
READ IT BECAUSE
Get new insights into several of the primarchs in tales set across the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy.
DESCRIPTION
A weak Cthonian boy forges a bloody destiny among the stars. Tribal warriors hunt a beast in the Fenrisian snows. Prosperine sorcerers seek hidden secrets. The Emperor's Praetorian shows his ruthless side. Alpharius submits to questioning over a brutal campaign, and Mortarion returns to Terra for the first time since his ascension to daemonhood.
Each of these six tales provides you with a new look at one of the primarchs, the demigod sons of the Emperor. Once brothers-in-arms, these legendary heroes fell into war and strife, loyalist and traitor. But each remains a mighty lord of warriors and leader of men, and each has tales to tell…
CONTENTS
Lupus Daemonis by Graham McNeill
Skjalds by Nick Kyme
The Sixth Cult of the Denied by David Guymer
The Will of the Legion by Andy Clark
Council of Truth by Mike Brooks
Terminus by Chris Wraight
183 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2021
37 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Graham McNeill
339 books904 followersHailing from Scotland, Graham McNeill narrowly escaped a career in surveying to work for Games Workshop as a games designer. He has a strong following with his novels Nightbringer, Warriors of Ultramar, Dead Sky, Black Sun and Storm of Iron.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 5, 2023
Lupus Daemonis by Graham McNeill ☆☆☆
Skjalds by Nick Kyme ☆☆☆
The Sixth Cult of the Denied by David Guymer ☆☆☆☆
The Will of the Legion by Andy Clark ☆☆☆☆
Council of Truth by Mike Brooks ☆☆☆☆
Terminus by Chris Wraight ☆☆☆☆☆
Skjalds by Nick Kyme ☆☆☆
The Sixth Cult of the Denied by David Guymer ☆☆☆☆
The Will of the Legion by Andy Clark ☆☆☆☆
Council of Truth by Mike Brooks ☆☆☆☆
Terminus by Chris Wraight ☆☆☆☆☆
May 26, 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 - Now in Immaterium of everything outside the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project working on the Primarchs and other stories, beige the Siege of Terra.
I was shocked by how much I loved Sons if the Emperor and had hoped to feel that way about this, but the only story that really did anything for me was Skjalds by Nick Kyme.
I always say the quality vacillates over anthologies, but they are generally amazing. However, I found this one to be kinda underwhelming and disappointing. Definitely not awful, but just OK, which is a real shame.
Any stories that have their own entries I'll review there and the rest will be below.
Lupus Daemonis by Graham McNeill
1/5
Maybe I'm still recovering from Cthonia's Reckoning, but I got almost nothing from this. .
This is the story of how a weird, little, porentuous runt became a mighty, mean, omenous man.
I love the idea of Cthonia and I long for a story that actually makes it feel tangible and grounded, mythic and heightened, or something that has more for my brain and heart to get their teeth into than the entire main Horus Heresy Series, the anthology that is literally about the Reckoning of Cthonia, and literally everything in the wider series beyond the rest of this anthology, Scions of Emperor, the four most recent additional short stories, and The Siege of Terra has so far. I don't need excruciating details or the Cthonian scriptures, but I would give anything to get more than the same, repitive scenes and stories that boil down to the opening scene of The Gangs of New York x Necromunda But Worse™ x the depth, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence of The Last of Us 2 with vaguely appropriative vibes. John French's Sons of Cthonia is the only story that gives anything more than a series of underground tunnels and sewers populated a single mob of generic cutthroat gangers copied and pasted ad nauseum with algorithmically generated names and aesthetics with the odd, hey I know that word from the Legion, thrown in.
I know I am maybe blowing this out of proportion, but am I? Yes, but here me out. If I am told and shown that it is only darkness, without any light, shade, or contrast, there is no possibility of there being any tension, stakes, drama, pathos, tragedy, or anything because it's just dark and who cares? This isn't just the fault of McNeill and the others who have written stories about Cthonia, but the whole Horus Heresy Series. For 99% of the series it's basically never referred to, outside of genuinely cool little tiny bits of lore, briefer than a codex entry or item description, or it's dismissed out of hand with only a touch less venom that the Night Lords and Nostramo. But at least Curze's relationship to Nostramo and the details of the world are actually significant and meaningful to his character and the story of him and his Legion.
The weird reveal thing at the end was...interesting and might have been cool of I wasn't numbed by everything I had already mentioned, the obviousness of what it was all about from the title, and this story wasn't just another generic origin story (it as at this point the 2/5 ticked down to 1/5) with sort of twist/ sort of reveal that's more of a head scratcher and OK, I guess, but does it actually mean anything/ have any actual significance in any way at all, or was it just something to happen at the end of story?
EDIT AGAIN: I was right the first time and then. Lexicanum lied to me, this is McNeill. He normally at least brings some great prose, ideas, and descriptions I thoroughly enjoy, regardless of some of the issues I've had with some of his work. I genuinely don't know what happened here.
A concerning start to an anthology.
Skjalds by Nick Kyme 5/5
Kyme is absolutely killing it in these Primarchs Anthologies! It's wild how different their writing is when writing about anything other than salamanders.
A group of Skjalds and hunters united by the tragedy of losing kith and kin to one of the many terrifying beasts of Fenris, set out into on a frigid hunt. The keep one another warm with the very different tales they have been told of the Russ, before crossing paths with a giant also hunting a great beast...
I had so much fun with this and, as I discussed in my review for ADB's The Abyssal Ege in Sons of the Emperor, I do love stories within stories, framing devices, and storyteller in my stories like an Xzibit special from West Asaheim Customs. When done well they can add such a rich and further grounding foundation or do quite the opposite with equal effect. The depth and character expressed by the stories within stories can show so very much. I also absolutely adore Prospero Burns, which is almost unchallenged as my favourite Horus Heresy novel, and the Skjald storyline in that is magical.
I came very close to giving this a very high four, partly because it was great, but more phenomenally solid than mind blowing, and partly because I really get in my head about how quick on the draw Tinkerbell I can be, bouncing from the bottom to the top a lot, but I do try to consider my rating and numbers for art is just ridiculous anyway, but the restraint shown and the story and nature of stories being borne out so perfectly by the end, which could so easily have been more stereotypical pushed it over for me.
This is just a really solid, well told, with wonderful descriptions, and energetic action, which is something I do struggle with feeling from Kyme sometimes in other stories, and just that little bit different a story and perspective than we usually get from Fernis and I really appreciated it.
The Sixth Cult of the Denied by David Guymer 3/5
A glance I got the past of the Thousand Sons in which a hitherto unknown Legion Cult focused on consorting with Daemons seeks to justify itself and under the scrutiny of Magnus...
This was really interesting and nicely written, but, for me, it's a bit of a victim of its own inspired ideas and some great writing, creating an uncanny valley of the potential this had to really sing.
Definitely worth reading, especially for fans of the Thousand Sons, and I don't do part ratings, so know this is a very close to being a four, if that means anything to you.
Council of Truth by Mike Brooks 3/5
Alpharius is interrogated regarding the unorthodox operations of his Legion and friction with the Ultramarines...
The framing device of this was neat and it was a decently written and conceived story, and I always appreciate doing something a little different, but it didn't have quite enough weight or intrigue to really do it for me. Don't get me wrong, taking shots at the Ultramarines' starchyness and the dramatic irony was fun, but I just wanted a little more of something.
Terminus by Chris Wraight 3/5
CW: Gross, Vomit
Following the events of The Buried Dagger and a stroll in the Garden, Mortarion returns to his Legion for his Daemonic unveiling...
Wraight writes well, I'm usually a huge fan, and this is an interesting story and insight to perspectives beyond Mortarion and Typhon/us.
I can't tell if this was just pretty good, or if I'm so tired, at the mercy of my chronic pain, and, honestly, over this anthology and glad it's over.
I'll definitely give this anther shot another time.
*
Another book down, but it was a disappointment compared to Sons of the Emperor. Although, still infinitely better than Cthonia's Reckoning.
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), Cthonia's Reckoning, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, all 17 Primarchs novels, 2 Primarchs Anthologies, 3 Characters novels, and 176 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.
I was shocked by how much I loved Sons if the Emperor and had hoped to feel that way about this, but the only story that really did anything for me was Skjalds by Nick Kyme.
I always say the quality vacillates over anthologies, but they are generally amazing. However, I found this one to be kinda underwhelming and disappointing. Definitely not awful, but just OK, which is a real shame.
Any stories that have their own entries I'll review there and the rest will be below.
Lupus Daemonis by Graham McNeill
1/5
Maybe I'm still recovering from Cthonia's Reckoning, but I got almost nothing from this. .
This is the story of how a weird, little, porentuous runt became a mighty, mean, omenous man.
I love the idea of Cthonia and I long for a story that actually makes it feel tangible and grounded, mythic and heightened, or something that has more for my brain and heart to get their teeth into than the entire main Horus Heresy Series, the anthology that is literally about the Reckoning of Cthonia, and literally everything in the wider series beyond the rest of this anthology, Scions of Emperor, the four most recent additional short stories, and The Siege of Terra has so far. I don't need excruciating details or the Cthonian scriptures, but I would give anything to get more than the same, repitive scenes and stories that boil down to the opening scene of The Gangs of New York x Necromunda But Worse™ x the depth, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence of The Last of Us 2 with vaguely appropriative vibes. John French's Sons of Cthonia is the only story that gives anything more than a series of underground tunnels and sewers populated a single mob of generic cutthroat gangers copied and pasted ad nauseum with algorithmically generated names and aesthetics with the odd, hey I know that word from the Legion, thrown in.
I know I am maybe blowing this out of proportion, but am I? Yes, but here me out. If I am told and shown that it is only darkness, without any light, shade, or contrast, there is no possibility of there being any tension, stakes, drama, pathos, tragedy, or anything because it's just dark and who cares? This isn't just the fault of McNeill and the others who have written stories about Cthonia, but the whole Horus Heresy Series. For 99% of the series it's basically never referred to, outside of genuinely cool little tiny bits of lore, briefer than a codex entry or item description, or it's dismissed out of hand with only a touch less venom that the Night Lords and Nostramo. But at least Curze's relationship to Nostramo and the details of the world are actually significant and meaningful to his character and the story of him and his Legion.
The weird reveal thing at the end was...interesting and might have been cool of I wasn't numbed by everything I had already mentioned, the obviousness of what it was all about from the title, and this story wasn't just another generic origin story (it as at this point the 2/5 ticked down to 1/5) with sort of twist/ sort of reveal that's more of a head scratcher and OK, I guess, but does it actually mean anything/ have any actual significance in any way at all, or was it just something to happen at the end of story?
EDIT AGAIN: I was right the first time and then. Lexicanum lied to me, this is McNeill. He normally at least brings some great prose, ideas, and descriptions I thoroughly enjoy, regardless of some of the issues I've had with some of his work. I genuinely don't know what happened here.
A concerning start to an anthology.
Skjalds by Nick Kyme 5/5
Kyme is absolutely killing it in these Primarchs Anthologies! It's wild how different their writing is when writing about anything other than salamanders.
A group of Skjalds and hunters united by the tragedy of losing kith and kin to one of the many terrifying beasts of Fenris, set out into on a frigid hunt. The keep one another warm with the very different tales they have been told of the Russ, before crossing paths with a giant also hunting a great beast...
I had so much fun with this and, as I discussed in my review for ADB's The Abyssal Ege in Sons of the Emperor, I do love stories within stories, framing devices, and storyteller in my stories like an Xzibit special from West Asaheim Customs. When done well they can add such a rich and further grounding foundation or do quite the opposite with equal effect. The depth and character expressed by the stories within stories can show so very much. I also absolutely adore Prospero Burns, which is almost unchallenged as my favourite Horus Heresy novel, and the Skjald storyline in that is magical.
I came very close to giving this a very high four, partly because it was great, but more phenomenally solid than mind blowing, and partly because I really get in my head about how quick on the draw Tinkerbell I can be, bouncing from the bottom to the top a lot, but I do try to consider my rating and numbers for art is just ridiculous anyway, but the restraint shown and the story and nature of stories being borne out so perfectly by the end, which could so easily have been more stereotypical pushed it over for me.
This is just a really solid, well told, with wonderful descriptions, and energetic action, which is something I do struggle with feeling from Kyme sometimes in other stories, and just that little bit different a story and perspective than we usually get from Fernis and I really appreciated it.
The Sixth Cult of the Denied by David Guymer 3/5
A glance I got the past of the Thousand Sons in which a hitherto unknown Legion Cult focused on consorting with Daemons seeks to justify itself and under the scrutiny of Magnus...
This was really interesting and nicely written, but, for me, it's a bit of a victim of its own inspired ideas and some great writing, creating an uncanny valley of the potential this had to really sing.
Definitely worth reading, especially for fans of the Thousand Sons, and I don't do part ratings, so know this is a very close to being a four, if that means anything to you.
Council of Truth by Mike Brooks 3/5
Alpharius is interrogated regarding the unorthodox operations of his Legion and friction with the Ultramarines...
The framing device of this was neat and it was a decently written and conceived story, and I always appreciate doing something a little different, but it didn't have quite enough weight or intrigue to really do it for me. Don't get me wrong, taking shots at the Ultramarines' starchyness and the dramatic irony was fun, but I just wanted a little more of something.
Terminus by Chris Wraight 3/5
CW: Gross, Vomit
Following the events of The Buried Dagger and a stroll in the Garden, Mortarion returns to his Legion for his Daemonic unveiling...
Wraight writes well, I'm usually a huge fan, and this is an interesting story and insight to perspectives beyond Mortarion and Typhon/us.
I can't tell if this was just pretty good, or if I'm so tired, at the mercy of my chronic pain, and, honestly, over this anthology and glad it's over.
I'll definitely give this anther shot another time.
*
Another book down, but it was a disappointment compared to Sons of the Emperor. Although, still infinitely better than Cthonia's Reckoning.
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), Cthonia's Reckoning, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, all 17 Primarchs novels, 2 Primarchs Anthologies, 3 Characters novels, and 176 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.
April 2, 2021
The Primarchs anthology Blood of The Emperor. These shorts are loosely themed around the idea of inheritance and give some nice insights into the featured legions and how their Primarchs influence them, directly and otherwise. When it’s good, this series adds subtle depth and nuance to existing lore, when it’s bad you just get exposition and explosions. Thankfully, this collection is good.
We get a rare and suitably grim look at Cthonia from Graham McNeill that left me hoping he gets the Horus novel, whilst Nick Kyme explores the well-trodden paths of Fenrisian culture but still manages to deliver a nicely original take on Russ’ impact.
We also get something that’s been missing from the HH series- loyalist marines experiencing existential doubt. Andy Clarke’s entry brought to mind Ian Watson’s Captain Lex for me- a Fist is a fighter, after all...
The Thousand Sons are always welcome in any anthology, and David Guymer delivers a really tight story that gives a great spin on their relationship with Magnus, the wider Imperium and the warp itself within a relatively sparse page count.
Both Mike Brooks and Chris Wraight have written about their representative legions in this book elsewhere, and it shows- they nail the character of the Alpha Legion and Death Guard respectively and add interesting depth to their complicated relationships with their Primarch(s)
We get a rare and suitably grim look at Cthonia from Graham McNeill that left me hoping he gets the Horus novel, whilst Nick Kyme explores the well-trodden paths of Fenrisian culture but still manages to deliver a nicely original take on Russ’ impact.
We also get something that’s been missing from the HH series- loyalist marines experiencing existential doubt. Andy Clarke’s entry brought to mind Ian Watson’s Captain Lex for me- a Fist is a fighter, after all...
The Thousand Sons are always welcome in any anthology, and David Guymer delivers a really tight story that gives a great spin on their relationship with Magnus, the wider Imperium and the warp itself within a relatively sparse page count.
Both Mike Brooks and Chris Wraight have written about their representative legions in this book elsewhere, and it shows- they nail the character of the Alpha Legion and Death Guard respectively and add interesting depth to their complicated relationships with their Primarch(s)
June 7, 2024
Great (primarily) pre-Heresy stories. The only one I didn’t really care for much was the Space Wolves one, but that mainly was just a personal preference issue.
March 30, 2021
Alpharius: 'Your answers… they were good. But were they true?’
Omegon: ‘They were as true as they needed to be. To achieve what must be done."
from "The Council of Truth" by Mike Brooks
Omegon: ‘They were as true as they needed to be. To achieve what must be done."
from "The Council of Truth" by Mike Brooks
February 19, 2025
Outside of the space wolves story nothing in this really stood out to me at all.
June 9, 2022
A brief read but insightful short stories. I personally like Horus Heresy stories that explore motivations, since I refer to them in my Deathwatch campaign.
March 5, 2023
Excellent anthology not strictly about the Primarchs themselves but more on relationships they have with their Legionnaires.
Story of Chtonia was excellent. I have to say that final revelation surprised me a lot, because these are truly modest beginnings for a character in question. On the other hand way Chtonian society lives is truly terrible. I wonder if - when we get Horus' own book - Chtonia will get more spotlight.
Story of Thousand Sons is story of that eternal dilemma - if we know we can do something, should we do it? It is clear that Magnus knows of dangers lurking in the Abyss and while encouraging his warriors to always broaden their knowledge, problem arises when [never question of if] curiosity takes one into spiral towards Hell.
Imperial Fist's commander will find himself wondering if his Primarch might be little bit too cruel when dealing with resistance from worlds not willing to comply to the Imperial commands. It is interesting to see a battle hardened warrior questioning the methods utilized, especially if compliance can be achieved through more standard ways.
Story of Russ is ..... heh, story of Russ, set in the long winter night on Fenris hunting monsters lurking in the dark. Can you imagine it any other way?
Alpha Legion story is fantastic, showing that there is definitely intent behind the Legions, First and last (20th) being armies meant to act as amalgamations of rest of the forces (1st since it was first and had to develop all the concepts of warfare before other Legions came in, 20th because of it very specific purpose). Of course everything told is provided by Twin Primarchs, and who knows if they can ever be trusted.
Final, Death Guard, story is story of finding ones purpose in the world. Mortarion's clarity of purpose comes with the price, not just for him but for his Legion. He says he sees the path clearly and understands fully both what he has become and Emperor and his intentions, but is it so or is Pestilence playing around with him?
What can troops do in this case than endure and soldier on.
Excellent collection, highly recommended to fans of W40K and Horus Heresy in particular.
Story of Chtonia was excellent. I have to say that final revelation surprised me a lot, because these are truly modest beginnings for a character in question. On the other hand way Chtonian society lives is truly terrible. I wonder if - when we get Horus' own book - Chtonia will get more spotlight.
Story of Thousand Sons is story of that eternal dilemma - if we know we can do something, should we do it? It is clear that Magnus knows of dangers lurking in the Abyss and while encouraging his warriors to always broaden their knowledge, problem arises when [never question of if] curiosity takes one into spiral towards Hell.
Imperial Fist's commander will find himself wondering if his Primarch might be little bit too cruel when dealing with resistance from worlds not willing to comply to the Imperial commands. It is interesting to see a battle hardened warrior questioning the methods utilized, especially if compliance can be achieved through more standard ways.
Story of Russ is ..... heh, story of Russ, set in the long winter night on Fenris hunting monsters lurking in the dark. Can you imagine it any other way?
Alpha Legion story is fantastic, showing that there is definitely intent behind the Legions, First and last (20th) being armies meant to act as amalgamations of rest of the forces (1st since it was first and had to develop all the concepts of warfare before other Legions came in, 20th because of it very specific purpose). Of course everything told is provided by Twin Primarchs, and who knows if they can ever be trusted.
Final, Death Guard, story is story of finding ones purpose in the world. Mortarion's clarity of purpose comes with the price, not just for him but for his Legion. He says he sees the path clearly and understands fully both what he has become and Emperor and his intentions, but is it so or is Pestilence playing around with him?
What can troops do in this case than endure and soldier on.
Excellent collection, highly recommended to fans of W40K and Horus Heresy in particular.
December 18, 2025
lupus daemons: 4.5/5
- i love revisiting / learning more about cthonia. now… the “twist” at the end!!! oh boy. i’ll keep this spoiler free. but this was quite the eye opening, lore important story..
skjalds: 4/5
- kyme is lucky i love my space wolves!! i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, but russ always has the most touching tales. i love it.
the sixth cult of the denied: 4/5
- oooooh. it’s rare to see an angry magnus. what a nice treat. also a very subtle and nice tie into the ‘a thousand sons’.
the will of the legion: 3/5
- not bad, but just okay.
council of truth: 3.5/5
- classic alpha legion shenanigans. not a very ‘in depth’ story, but a good read nonetheless.
terminus: 4/5
- a strong finis to this anthology! i think the only reason this wasn’t a 5 is because i feel like this should have been added to the siege..
- i love revisiting / learning more about cthonia. now… the “twist” at the end!!! oh boy. i’ll keep this spoiler free. but this was quite the eye opening, lore important story..
skjalds: 4/5
- kyme is lucky i love my space wolves!! i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again, but russ always has the most touching tales. i love it.
the sixth cult of the denied: 4/5
- oooooh. it’s rare to see an angry magnus. what a nice treat. also a very subtle and nice tie into the ‘a thousand sons’.
the will of the legion: 3/5
- not bad, but just okay.
council of truth: 3.5/5
- classic alpha legion shenanigans. not a very ‘in depth’ story, but a good read nonetheless.
terminus: 4/5
- a strong finis to this anthology! i think the only reason this wasn’t a 5 is because i feel like this should have been added to the siege..
January 22, 2022
Interesting look into some of our favourite horus heresy characters
A great exploration of some of our favourite horus heresy characters with some of the stories standing out better than others. Both Mike brooks and Chris wraights stories were superb. Sadly some of the others did not bring much extra to the table and one written by Graham mcneill did not fit into the current mythos of the setting and was rather confusing how certain details got past editing. Overall a decent selection with some adding a refreshing perspective on some great primarch characters.
A great exploration of some of our favourite horus heresy characters with some of the stories standing out better than others. Both Mike brooks and Chris wraights stories were superb. Sadly some of the others did not bring much extra to the table and one written by Graham mcneill did not fit into the current mythos of the setting and was rather confusing how certain details got past editing. Overall a decent selection with some adding a refreshing perspective on some great primarch characters.
June 8, 2021
Some stories were good some less so, overall a good book, most are from the POV of a marine rather then their primarch, there are however some interesting interactions, Dorn and Alpharius were pretty damn good, Mortarion and Magnus were good as well, Horus seemed to have gotten shafted as a young kid, Russ seemed a bit typical and raised some eyebrows, mind you these are from the eyes of someone else so they might not know exactly what occured.
August 8, 2024
Really enjoyed this short collection of stories, and really enjoyed the narration! Each of them felt like a little window into understanding the major players of the Heresy, and many were chosen at particularly poignant points and subject matters. Found myself enjoying characters I don't normally care for! Highlight was probably Skalds!
March 7, 2023
A collection of Primarch related stories. Some of them place them as a the lead, whereas the others have them as tangential figures. The Horus story leaves you asking questions, whereas the story of how the people view Russ is a gripping Yarn. A good read, but nothing too notable.
December 30, 2024
One of the rare short story collections in which every story was a winner.
Great variety of tales from excellent authors that expanded my appreciation of the overall setting whilst also being well told tales in their own right.
Great variety of tales from excellent authors that expanded my appreciation of the overall setting whilst also being well told tales in their own right.
May 13, 2025
Honestly not as strong as Sons of the Emperor in both story consistency and quality unfortunately. I'd only call like one or two standouts when I'd say almost all of the stories in that were standouts.
December 16, 2021
A good anthology of Horus Heresy Primarch stories - see some of the big players, including some of the lesser known ones. Understand where they've come from, what they became.
May 16, 2022
Some really good short stories, some boring as hell
November 6, 2023
the audiobook for this was incredible
March 11, 2024
Stand out stories are definitely Lupus Daemonis and Terminus.
Graham McNeill wrote a very interesting Horus and Chris Wraight is fantastic with the Death Guard.
Graham McNeill wrote a very interesting Horus and Chris Wraight is fantastic with the Death Guard.
July 18, 2024
Great and emotional short stories about the struggles of some of the Primarchs
September 21, 2024
A rather enjoyable collection of short stories, for those moments when you need interesting novellas to fill the void
August 4, 2025
Solid short stories, I think the last 3 were my favorite. Definitely enjoyed anything from Chris Wraight and Mike Brooks.
April 1, 2021
Horus origin tale!
At long last a tale about Horus on Cthonia!
And that is just the first story in this excellent anthology,
More please
At long last a tale about Horus on Cthonia!
And that is just the first story in this excellent anthology,
More please
September 17, 2025
Lupus Daemonis +++++
“He was the runt of the clan, a freak of scars. A survivor of wounds no child could possibly survive. A boy whose body refused to grow and develop like the others. Some called him a curse, a changeling left by the evil spirits at Cthonia’s heart to torment them. They all wished him dead, but the Overlord had forbidden it.”
A fascinating look at the culture of Cthonia, the homeworld of the Luna Wolves (later the Sons of Horus). Cthonia is a dying world inhabited by brutal cut-throat gangs, fighting over the scraps that remain. We see echoes of the Luna Wolves in their culture. Blooded warriors with topknots, knife-fights, tight-knit brotherhoods, moon shaped cuts into the flesh.
As well as depositing a lot of interesting lore, the story itself is really entertaining, following a mysterious young boy trying to survive in the underground warrens chock-full of reivers and bandits.
I had my suspicions about where the story was headed, but I was really satisfied with the conclusion. Also so much foreshadowing for what is to come, its fantastic.
Skjalds ++++
On Fenris, four men hunt down a ferocious beast that has laid waste to multiple settlements. Along the way they stop in a cave to hide from a storm. Swapping tales, they each play the role of Skjald, telling their stories of the Russ, an old Fenrisian legend.
The Sixth Cult of the Denied +++++
The five cults of Prospero seek to develop their mastery and control over the Warp, but one of the Legion seeks the induction of a sixth Cult, to delve deeper into the Great Ocean than any before.
Really great look at the internal culture of the Thousand Sons, while also providing some compelling character drama that foreshadows the events of Nikkea.
The Will of the Legion ++
I didn’t really vibe with this particular short story. Set during the Great Crusade the Imperial Fists are bringing compliance to a human world. I found this story a bit too heavy on action without any compelling drama. The non-compliant humans are pretty standard, and the main protagonist isn’t notable.
There is a somewhat interesting tread where the protagonist wonders if he is capable of going against his Primarch, wondering if he could disobey an order. But it didn’t feel developed enough.
Council of Truth +++++
Alpharius faces interrogation by three of his own Legion, over a recently achieved Compliance. Facing harsh questioning, he must defend the his rationale and justify his Legions doctrines and way of war.
Really enjoyed this story, getting a closer look at how the Alpha Legion wins a war, and Alpharius’ philosophy and view of his brothers and father.
Terminus +++++
“For an outsider to the Death Guard, they were a morose band of grime streaked plodders, despised even by their allies. For an insider, they were merely as the universe had made them. They were hard steel, alloyed fast, tempered in the furnaces of disdain. The rust was only a surface illusion, or had been, something to hide their power and make an enemy underestimate them.”
Finally arriving on Terra, the Death Guard are experiencing rapid changes to their physiology, as sickness and disease ravages their bodies, making them into something new. A story about how you can never go back, the past is a foreign land after all. There is only the present.
Very character focused short story, reminded me of the Chris Wraight’s “Lords of Silence” book that focuses on the Death Guard in 40k.
“He was the runt of the clan, a freak of scars. A survivor of wounds no child could possibly survive. A boy whose body refused to grow and develop like the others. Some called him a curse, a changeling left by the evil spirits at Cthonia’s heart to torment them. They all wished him dead, but the Overlord had forbidden it.”
A fascinating look at the culture of Cthonia, the homeworld of the Luna Wolves (later the Sons of Horus). Cthonia is a dying world inhabited by brutal cut-throat gangs, fighting over the scraps that remain. We see echoes of the Luna Wolves in their culture. Blooded warriors with topknots, knife-fights, tight-knit brotherhoods, moon shaped cuts into the flesh.
As well as depositing a lot of interesting lore, the story itself is really entertaining, following a mysterious young boy trying to survive in the underground warrens chock-full of reivers and bandits.
I had my suspicions about where the story was headed, but I was really satisfied with the conclusion. Also so much foreshadowing for what is to come, its fantastic.
Skjalds ++++
On Fenris, four men hunt down a ferocious beast that has laid waste to multiple settlements. Along the way they stop in a cave to hide from a storm. Swapping tales, they each play the role of Skjald, telling their stories of the Russ, an old Fenrisian legend.
The Sixth Cult of the Denied +++++
The five cults of Prospero seek to develop their mastery and control over the Warp, but one of the Legion seeks the induction of a sixth Cult, to delve deeper into the Great Ocean than any before.
Really great look at the internal culture of the Thousand Sons, while also providing some compelling character drama that foreshadows the events of Nikkea.
The Will of the Legion ++
I didn’t really vibe with this particular short story. Set during the Great Crusade the Imperial Fists are bringing compliance to a human world. I found this story a bit too heavy on action without any compelling drama. The non-compliant humans are pretty standard, and the main protagonist isn’t notable.
There is a somewhat interesting tread where the protagonist wonders if he is capable of going against his Primarch, wondering if he could disobey an order. But it didn’t feel developed enough.
Council of Truth +++++
Alpharius faces interrogation by three of his own Legion, over a recently achieved Compliance. Facing harsh questioning, he must defend the his rationale and justify his Legions doctrines and way of war.
Really enjoyed this story, getting a closer look at how the Alpha Legion wins a war, and Alpharius’ philosophy and view of his brothers and father.
Terminus +++++
“For an outsider to the Death Guard, they were a morose band of grime streaked plodders, despised even by their allies. For an insider, they were merely as the universe had made them. They were hard steel, alloyed fast, tempered in the furnaces of disdain. The rust was only a surface illusion, or had been, something to hide their power and make an enemy underestimate them.”
Finally arriving on Terra, the Death Guard are experiencing rapid changes to their physiology, as sickness and disease ravages their bodies, making them into something new. A story about how you can never go back, the past is a foreign land after all. There is only the present.
Very character focused short story, reminded me of the Chris Wraight’s “Lords of Silence” book that focuses on the Death Guard in 40k.
April 24, 2025
Another Primarchs anthology collection.
These have been very hit or miss for me. Here there are three great stories out of five, and the rest I found mediocre. A look at the origin of Horus on Cthonia, an interesting Space Wolves' tale and another great, if confusing look at the intricacies and opinions of the Alpha Legion.
If you're a fan of any of the those three Legions, then this should not be missed.
The last two tales were about Dorn and Mortarion. I found the Dorn tale to be bland and I personally detest Mortarion and the Death Guard, except Nathaniel Garro.
These have been very hit or miss for me. Here there are three great stories out of five, and the rest I found mediocre. A look at the origin of Horus on Cthonia, an interesting Space Wolves' tale and another great, if confusing look at the intricacies and opinions of the Alpha Legion.
If you're a fan of any of the those three Legions, then this should not be missed.
The last two tales were about Dorn and Mortarion. I found the Dorn tale to be bland and I personally detest Mortarion and the Death Guard, except Nathaniel Garro.
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