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Inferno!
Inferno! Presents: The Inquisition
A great collection of stories for lovers of intruige, mystery and action.
This special volume of Inferno! includes eleven short stories featuring agents of the iconic Imperial Inquisition. From puritan witch hunters to radicals of the Ordo Xenos, these ruthless individuals will stop at nothing to purge the galaxy of heresy in the Emperor’s name!
"Mindshackle" by Robert Rath
The legendary Inquisitor Katarinya Greyfax recounts the tale of how she became part of a necron overlord’s collection. Encountering a rogue inquisitor, a mysterious xenos artefact and a chaos-tainted world, she and her valiant retinue of Kappic Eagles come to learn many dark truths about the galaxy…
"Recongregator" by David Annandale<
In his void-borne pursuit of the heretic saint Ephrael Stern, radical inquisitor Otto Dagover is lured into an ambush by one of his ruthless adversaries in the Ordo Hereticus. But the wily Dagover has more than a few tricks up his sleeve – xenos technology among them – to give him the advantage over his puritan foe.
"Lepidopterophobia" by Dan Abnett
Taking place in the epic Ravenor vs. Eisenhorn storyline, this tale sees inquisitorial protégé Medea Betancore scouring the darkest corners of Queen Mab for an esoteric text. She finds what she is looking for, and much more besides, in an obscure bookshop in a dark corner of the city. Here, she is brought face to face with her greatest fears made manifest.
CONTENTS
"Mindshackle" by Robert Rath
"The Book of Change" by Danie Ware
"The Tear of Selevia" by Mike Brooks
"Tainted Faith" by Denny Flowers
"Knife Fight" by Rich McCormick
"Recongregator" by David Annandale
"The Last Crucible" by Noah Van Nguyen
"The Carbis Incident" by Victoria Hayward
"The Roar of the Void" by Rob Young
"Outpost" by Tom Toner
"Lepidopterophobia" by Dan Abnett
This special volume of Inferno! includes eleven short stories featuring agents of the iconic Imperial Inquisition. From puritan witch hunters to radicals of the Ordo Xenos, these ruthless individuals will stop at nothing to purge the galaxy of heresy in the Emperor’s name!
"Mindshackle" by Robert Rath
The legendary Inquisitor Katarinya Greyfax recounts the tale of how she became part of a necron overlord’s collection. Encountering a rogue inquisitor, a mysterious xenos artefact and a chaos-tainted world, she and her valiant retinue of Kappic Eagles come to learn many dark truths about the galaxy…
"Recongregator" by David Annandale<
In his void-borne pursuit of the heretic saint Ephrael Stern, radical inquisitor Otto Dagover is lured into an ambush by one of his ruthless adversaries in the Ordo Hereticus. But the wily Dagover has more than a few tricks up his sleeve – xenos technology among them – to give him the advantage over his puritan foe.
"Lepidopterophobia" by Dan Abnett
Taking place in the epic Ravenor vs. Eisenhorn storyline, this tale sees inquisitorial protégé Medea Betancore scouring the darkest corners of Queen Mab for an esoteric text. She finds what she is looking for, and much more besides, in an obscure bookshop in a dark corner of the city. Here, she is brought face to face with her greatest fears made manifest.
CONTENTS
"Mindshackle" by Robert Rath
"The Book of Change" by Danie Ware
"The Tear of Selevia" by Mike Brooks
"Tainted Faith" by Denny Flowers
"Knife Fight" by Rich McCormick
"Recongregator" by David Annandale
"The Last Crucible" by Noah Van Nguyen
"The Carbis Incident" by Victoria Hayward
"The Roar of the Void" by Rob Young
"Outpost" by Tom Toner
"Lepidopterophobia" by Dan Abnett
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2021
26 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Robert Rath
25 books207 followersRobert Rath is an author and screenwriter from Honolulu, Hawai'i.
As an author, he's known for working with the publisher Black Library, writing fiction set in the worlds of Warhammer. His work for them includes the necrons novel THE INFINITE AND THE DIVINE, the assassins novel ASSASSINORUM: KINGMAKER, the war epic THE FALL OF CADIA and numerous short stories.
Since 2018 he's served as Head Writer of the animated YouTube show Extra History, where his scripts have attracted over 200 million views
He lives in Hong Kong with his family, amid and a growing pile of models he *swears* are for research.
As an author, he's known for working with the publisher Black Library, writing fiction set in the worlds of Warhammer. His work for them includes the necrons novel THE INFINITE AND THE DIVINE, the assassins novel ASSASSINORUM: KINGMAKER, the war epic THE FALL OF CADIA and numerous short stories.
Since 2018 he's served as Head Writer of the animated YouTube show Extra History, where his scripts have attracted over 200 million views
He lives in Hong Kong with his family, amid and a growing pile of models he *swears* are for research.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 11, 2022
The kind of story that brought me in to the world of Warhammer, shortened to soothe my waning attention span.
November 6, 2021
With it’s focus on the Inquisition and such a strong line-up of contributors it’s perhaps no surprise that I loved this collection. Overall, it’s a really strong anthology that looks at the traditional branches of the Ordos as well as introducing lesser-known ones.
Mindshackle by Robert Rath
Do two great openers to anthologies make a trend? Once again, Robert Rath bowls me over. This Greyfax story is absolutely delicious and sets the tone for the collection perfectly- his Greyfax is thoroughly unpleasant but very compelling and he also manages to capture the eternal and internal conflicts that drive the Inquisition too. Mighty satisfying in the wider scheme of the 40K narrative too.
The Book of Change by Danie Ware
This is a nice an atmospheric story, again emphasising the unpleasant nature of the Inquisition. Looking at the insidious and corruptive nature of Chaos this story would fit in nicely in a Warhammer Horror anthology.
The Tear of Selevia by Mike Brooks
I reviewed this title individually when it was released as an eshort, and it stands up well when revisited. Mike Brooks has shown himself to be one of the more inventive but also consistent writers in the BL stable and this adds to that record. The framing prelude fairly strongly hints that a follow-up novel is forthcoming and I very much welcome that.
Tainted Faith by Denny Flowers
Has a welcome levity that recalls the Rogue Trader era, with its nods to films but is far from throwaway- it’s every bit as dark as the prior entries. Perhaps the best thing I’ve read from Flowers, and considering how much I’ve enjoyed their BL work, that’s saying something.
Knife Fight by Rich McCormick
A really evocative look at the descent of a formerly loyal world into the grip of the Ruinous Powers in the aftermath of the opening of the Great Rift.
Recongregator by David Annandale
A rare first-person narrative which is evidently tied in with the story of Stern, but works as a stand-alone tale.
The Last Crucible by Noah Van Nguyen
Is another that I’ve reviewed individually that also still impresses on a second reading. Van Nguyen is mighty good at writing action and this is as pacy as it is interesting, a fantastic piece of military science fiction that perfectly captures the universe that also expands it interestingly. A definite high point of the anthology and a big reason why I’m really looking forward to more from the author.
The Carbis Incident by Victoria Hayward
Like The Last Crucible this is a revisited title for me, and like that one I’m left itching to read more from it’s author. Set on a deathworld it’s obviously full of peril and high stakes for it’s protagonists, it’s a classic piece of 40K fiction far from the battlefield. Perhaps more than any other title in this collection it gets the tone of the universe just right, which considering the others entries is mighty high praise.
The Roar of the Void by Rob Young
A new writer for me, but yet another brilliant addition to the BL roster. Featuring an Inquisitor activity investigating something it recalls Abnett’s Ghosts books with a sense of genuine risk for the protagonists. The (unfortunately?) named Inquisitor Rohm is a distinctive character who I’d welcome reading more about.
Outpost by Tom Toner
Another new to me writer, another belting story. Shorter than most others in this collection, it still packs a punch and holds it’s own against those by more established writers. Equal parts enigmatic and unsettling, it does justice to it’s setting on the brutal frontier of the Imperium.
Lepidopterophobia by Dan Abnett
Fear of butterflies, apparently. It would have been scandalous to have an anthology of Inquisition stories not feature the originator of so many of the faction’s tropes and thankfully this story merits inclusion on more than just sentiment. The stories set in Queen Mab all have a Dickensian aspect, and it really works here. Tying in nicely with the rest of the Eisenhorn/Ravenor series, this is a great sketch of a story.
Mindshackle by Robert Rath
Do two great openers to anthologies make a trend? Once again, Robert Rath bowls me over. This Greyfax story is absolutely delicious and sets the tone for the collection perfectly- his Greyfax is thoroughly unpleasant but very compelling and he also manages to capture the eternal and internal conflicts that drive the Inquisition too. Mighty satisfying in the wider scheme of the 40K narrative too.
The Book of Change by Danie Ware
This is a nice an atmospheric story, again emphasising the unpleasant nature of the Inquisition. Looking at the insidious and corruptive nature of Chaos this story would fit in nicely in a Warhammer Horror anthology.
The Tear of Selevia by Mike Brooks
I reviewed this title individually when it was released as an eshort, and it stands up well when revisited. Mike Brooks has shown himself to be one of the more inventive but also consistent writers in the BL stable and this adds to that record. The framing prelude fairly strongly hints that a follow-up novel is forthcoming and I very much welcome that.
Tainted Faith by Denny Flowers
Has a welcome levity that recalls the Rogue Trader era, with its nods to films but is far from throwaway- it’s every bit as dark as the prior entries. Perhaps the best thing I’ve read from Flowers, and considering how much I’ve enjoyed their BL work, that’s saying something.
Knife Fight by Rich McCormick
A really evocative look at the descent of a formerly loyal world into the grip of the Ruinous Powers in the aftermath of the opening of the Great Rift.
Recongregator by David Annandale
A rare first-person narrative which is evidently tied in with the story of Stern, but works as a stand-alone tale.
The Last Crucible by Noah Van Nguyen
Is another that I’ve reviewed individually that also still impresses on a second reading. Van Nguyen is mighty good at writing action and this is as pacy as it is interesting, a fantastic piece of military science fiction that perfectly captures the universe that also expands it interestingly. A definite high point of the anthology and a big reason why I’m really looking forward to more from the author.
The Carbis Incident by Victoria Hayward
Like The Last Crucible this is a revisited title for me, and like that one I’m left itching to read more from it’s author. Set on a deathworld it’s obviously full of peril and high stakes for it’s protagonists, it’s a classic piece of 40K fiction far from the battlefield. Perhaps more than any other title in this collection it gets the tone of the universe just right, which considering the others entries is mighty high praise.
The Roar of the Void by Rob Young
A new writer for me, but yet another brilliant addition to the BL roster. Featuring an Inquisitor activity investigating something it recalls Abnett’s Ghosts books with a sense of genuine risk for the protagonists. The (unfortunately?) named Inquisitor Rohm is a distinctive character who I’d welcome reading more about.
Outpost by Tom Toner
Another new to me writer, another belting story. Shorter than most others in this collection, it still packs a punch and holds it’s own against those by more established writers. Equal parts enigmatic and unsettling, it does justice to it’s setting on the brutal frontier of the Imperium.
Lepidopterophobia by Dan Abnett
Fear of butterflies, apparently. It would have been scandalous to have an anthology of Inquisition stories not feature the originator of so many of the faction’s tropes and thankfully this story merits inclusion on more than just sentiment. The stories set in Queen Mab all have a Dickensian aspect, and it really works here. Tying in nicely with the rest of the Eisenhorn/Ravenor series, this is a great sketch of a story.
November 12, 2021
Confess!
Sadly I have to confess to having bought 5 of these stories last in the inquisition week but didn't realise that before I bought this book, the new stories are good and I would recommend this wholeheartedly
Sadly I have to confess to having bought 5 of these stories last in the inquisition week but didn't realise that before I bought this book, the new stories are good and I would recommend this wholeheartedly
December 13, 2022
A really solid section of short stories tied together by small introduction written from the point of view of an scribe making a report of interesting inquisitorial activity to his master.
It's great to see so many new authors giving the 40k universe a go plus the overall quality of the short stories is very constant. Loving this new inferno format. Keep it coming!
"Mindshackle" by Robert Rath - 4/5
"The Book of Change" by Danie Ware - 2/5
"The Tear of Selevia" by Mike Brooks - 4/5
"Tainted Faith" by Denny Flowers - 5/5
"Knife Fight" by Rich McCormick - 2/5
"Recongregator" by David Annandale - 4/5
"The Last Crucible" by Noah Van Nguyen - 4/5
"The Carbis Incident" by Victoria Hayward - 4/5
"The Roar of the Void" by Rob Young - 4/5
"Outpost" by Tom Toner - 3/5
"Lepidopterophobia" by Dan Abnett - 4/5
It's great to see so many new authors giving the 40k universe a go plus the overall quality of the short stories is very constant. Loving this new inferno format. Keep it coming!
"Mindshackle" by Robert Rath - 4/5
"The Book of Change" by Danie Ware - 2/5
"The Tear of Selevia" by Mike Brooks - 4/5
"Tainted Faith" by Denny Flowers - 5/5
"Knife Fight" by Rich McCormick - 2/5
"Recongregator" by David Annandale - 4/5
"The Last Crucible" by Noah Van Nguyen - 4/5
"The Carbis Incident" by Victoria Hayward - 4/5
"The Roar of the Void" by Rob Young - 4/5
"Outpost" by Tom Toner - 3/5
"Lepidopterophobia" by Dan Abnett - 4/5
April 14, 2022
An excellent selection of tales by a number of Black Library authors I like and some new authors I look forward to reading more. Of course, there are not a lot of uplifting stories, because it is the Dark Millenium but definitely action and intrigue are what I want, and I was not let down. I would love to see more tales with some of these characters. This also includes a Dan Abnett Eisenhorn short following one of his entourage. Check it out.
November 9, 2022
Okay anthology.
Some stories are absolutely amazing, others not so much.
Some stories are absolutely amazing, others not so much.
September 17, 2024
Fans of 40k and the ordos of the inquisition will find plenty to enjoy here
A very varied collection of short stories that does a good job of covering the many ordos of the inquisition. To be honest I actually did not know about the ordo militarium so the shorts covering this faction were a great surprise.
A few stand outs for me would be of course Robert Raths 'Mindshackle' he once again demonstrates why he does such a fantastic job of covering the Necrons. The 'Tears of Selevia' and 'Tainted faith' were both excellent stories by known black library authors however, the standout for me would be 'Knife flight' by Rich McCormick, which for me was the most metal hard rock 'n' roll 40k inquisitor action story of the bunch! Honestly felt like I was reading a heavy metal cover of 40k, the imagery and tone the author captures was bloody excellent! I hope to see more of him (a hidden gem for sure).
The final short by the incredible Dan Abnett 'Lepidopterophobia' invokes the mystery and horror that agents of the inquisition put themselves through either voluntarily or by accident was an excellent finish to this collection.
A very varied collection of short stories that does a good job of covering the many ordos of the inquisition. To be honest I actually did not know about the ordo militarium so the shorts covering this faction were a great surprise.
A few stand outs for me would be of course Robert Raths 'Mindshackle' he once again demonstrates why he does such a fantastic job of covering the Necrons. The 'Tears of Selevia' and 'Tainted faith' were both excellent stories by known black library authors however, the standout for me would be 'Knife flight' by Rich McCormick, which for me was the most metal hard rock 'n' roll 40k inquisitor action story of the bunch! Honestly felt like I was reading a heavy metal cover of 40k, the imagery and tone the author captures was bloody excellent! I hope to see more of him (a hidden gem for sure).
The final short by the incredible Dan Abnett 'Lepidopterophobia' invokes the mystery and horror that agents of the inquisition put themselves through either voluntarily or by accident was an excellent finish to this collection.
December 6, 2025
Only read Mindshackle by Robert Rath, but there's no individual entry on Goodreads for the short story. Inquisitor Greyfax is really cool, and I really liked the looming presence of Trazyn. The writing style was also really fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews