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The Horus Heresy: Primarchs #17
Sanguinius: The Great Angel
A Primarchs Novel
"I have always been the master of wretches, and have learned from that. I am a wretch myself, a non-standard. To purify and to transform – that has been our gift."
Sanguinius, the very image of an angel, has chosen to obscure the origins of his Legion, and prevents outsiders from setting foot on his home world. A remembrancer attempts to discover why.
READ IT BECAUSE
The 17th instalment of the Horus Heresy Primarchs series offers a glimpse of the Blood Angels Legion – and its celebrated primarch – from the outside, as we peer into the shrouded secrets of its past.
THE STORY
Sanguinius is the Great Angel, most beloved of all the primarchs, his mighty exploits celebrated throughout the entire Imperium as the Crusade expands into the void. And yet the origins of his Legion are shrouded in mystery and rumour, his unique physical form is an enigma, and his perilous home world remains off-limits to all but his own secretive people.
When a discredited remembrancer arrives with the expeditionary fleets to chronicle the primarch’s deeds, he has to work hard to uncover the truth behind the legends. As he accompanies the IX Legion to war against the enemies of the Emperor, the curious scholar comes to learn much more than he expected – not just about the subjects of his study, but also the nature of the Imperium itself.
"I have always been the master of wretches, and have learned from that. I am a wretch myself, a non-standard. To purify and to transform – that has been our gift."
Sanguinius, the very image of an angel, has chosen to obscure the origins of his Legion, and prevents outsiders from setting foot on his home world. A remembrancer attempts to discover why.
READ IT BECAUSE
The 17th instalment of the Horus Heresy Primarchs series offers a glimpse of the Blood Angels Legion – and its celebrated primarch – from the outside, as we peer into the shrouded secrets of its past.
THE STORY
Sanguinius is the Great Angel, most beloved of all the primarchs, his mighty exploits celebrated throughout the entire Imperium as the Crusade expands into the void. And yet the origins of his Legion are shrouded in mystery and rumour, his unique physical form is an enigma, and his perilous home world remains off-limits to all but his own secretive people.
When a discredited remembrancer arrives with the expeditionary fleets to chronicle the primarch’s deeds, he has to work hard to uncover the truth behind the legends. As he accompanies the IX Legion to war against the enemies of the Emperor, the curious scholar comes to learn much more than he expected – not just about the subjects of his study, but also the nature of the Imperium itself.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2022
55 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Chris Wraight
217 books377 followersChris Wraight is a British author of fantasy and science fiction.
His first novel was published in 2008; since then, he has published books set in the Warhammer Fantasy and Stargate:Atlantis universes, and has upcoming titles in the Warhammer 40K setting.
He is based in the south-west of England.
His first novel was published in 2008; since then, he has published books set in the Warhammer Fantasy and Stargate:Atlantis universes, and has upcoming titles in the Warhammer 40K setting.
He is based in the south-west of England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 17, 2022
This may well be the epitome of what a book in this series *should* be. It presents new events, and revisits an iconic campaign featured in the main HH novels. The use of a remembrancer as the main narrative focus is inspired- perhaps the rest. Of the series would have benefitted from sharing this approach.
Anyway, Sanguinius is really very good. I like the way that Wraight plays with some of the tropes of vampire fiction and he, as is now customary for him, provides excellent analysis of the foibles of the Imperium.
Anyway, Sanguinius is really very good. I like the way that Wraight plays with some of the tropes of vampire fiction and he, as is now customary for him, provides excellent analysis of the foibles of the Imperium.
December 10, 2022
"I have always been the master of wretches, and have learned from that. I am a wretch myself"
- Primarch Sanguinius in "Sanguinius: The Great Angel" by Chris Wraight
- Primarch Sanguinius in "Sanguinius: The Great Angel" by Chris Wraight
February 4, 2023
What a fantastic book. Chris Wraight has delivered once again in conveying true mystique on characters who are venerated within the setting.
Much like in Valdor: Birth of the imperium, the whole plot takes place around an “interview”. It’s so compelling. The perspective character’s own flaws really come through in how the attempt to perceive the majesty of Sanguinius.
The slow realisation at the flaw of the Blood Angels legion was so well done. Being a fan and knowing what the flaw is, made the perspective character revealing it so engaging. Something that just sat beneath the surface, under the “mask”.
Sanguinius was just so interesting too. His enigmatic sincerity was very interesting, having seen him at his most human in other books.
Much like in Valdor: Birth of the imperium, the whole plot takes place around an “interview”. It’s so compelling. The perspective character’s own flaws really come through in how the attempt to perceive the majesty of Sanguinius.
The slow realisation at the flaw of the Blood Angels legion was so well done. Being a fan and knowing what the flaw is, made the perspective character revealing it so engaging. Something that just sat beneath the surface, under the “mask”.
Sanguinius was just so interesting too. His enigmatic sincerity was very interesting, having seen him at his most human in other books.
December 6, 2022
One of the best in this series. Enjoyed it, especially the narrator’s tone and character.
February 28, 2023
If there ever was a war novel set in the W40K universe then this is the one.
Told from the perspective of the remembrancer [who is more wired to become investigative-journalist-war-reporter than just awed boy allowed to walk amongst demigods (which would relate to majority of media in our times :))] we are presented with a rather unique portrait of one of the more mysterious and deadly Legions, Blood Angels.
Having been criticized for honest and brutal portrayal of Night Lords and World Eaters, their destructive approach to warfare and achieving compliance (terror, huge collateral damage if not outright genocide and extermination), our hero gets invited by non-other than Sanguinius to write a book/record about Blood Angels. What starts as enchantment with the Primarch evolves in gruesome and realistic picture of a legion, rather merciless warrior group, that does not shy from their purpose - utter obliteration of the enemy force, acting completely mercilessly once attack order is issued. What we are presented is not some mythical portrayal of Blood Angels as knights and heroes (which would be standard later W40K "propaganda") but very down to earth, honest portrayal of warriors, their private lives,as told by themselves and described by their allies from other Legions (Iacton Qruze was great :) he brought memories of grandad and uncle from Only Fools and Horses :) ). Slowly mystery surrounding their origins when they were known as Revenant Legion starts to surface. Portrayal of combat against Ylech and horrific killing grounds on aptly named world of Murder is one of the more realistic (as it can be done in SF setting) visual descriptions I ever read. Some reviewers say that makes this book slightly boring but for me it just showed how Adaptes Astartes, no matter how mighty and how advanced from core humanity they are, they are first and foremost soldiers, trained for a single purpose - relentlessly spreading the Human Empire's borders; warrior's life might be made of epic battles in W40K times but in majority of cases it is just going from one battlefield to another, surviving and giving one's best for the cause. As many history book or military memoir shows - days of mundane and everyday activity, training, preparing, constant drilling followed by few hours of utter mayhem of the battlefield and then cycle starts again.
Ending is somewhat depressive but that is as expected considering events post Horus Heresy. As author states it is easier to bury the truth than defend it, and new Imperial bureaucracy made the decision very early on what their approach will be.
It is story of the world and Legion saved by the Primarch, indirect presentation of Sanguinius himself. No other book shows that Primarchs are core, very heart of the Legion and Legion is extension of their Primarch.
Highly recommended.
Told from the perspective of the remembrancer [who is more wired to become investigative-journalist-war-reporter than just awed boy allowed to walk amongst demigods (which would relate to majority of media in our times :))] we are presented with a rather unique portrait of one of the more mysterious and deadly Legions, Blood Angels.
Having been criticized for honest and brutal portrayal of Night Lords and World Eaters, their destructive approach to warfare and achieving compliance (terror, huge collateral damage if not outright genocide and extermination), our hero gets invited by non-other than Sanguinius to write a book/record about Blood Angels. What starts as enchantment with the Primarch evolves in gruesome and realistic picture of a legion, rather merciless warrior group, that does not shy from their purpose - utter obliteration of the enemy force, acting completely mercilessly once attack order is issued. What we are presented is not some mythical portrayal of Blood Angels as knights and heroes (which would be standard later W40K "propaganda") but very down to earth, honest portrayal of warriors, their private lives,as told by themselves and described by their allies from other Legions (Iacton Qruze was great :) he brought memories of grandad and uncle from Only Fools and Horses :) ). Slowly mystery surrounding their origins when they were known as Revenant Legion starts to surface. Portrayal of combat against Ylech and horrific killing grounds on aptly named world of Murder is one of the more realistic (as it can be done in SF setting) visual descriptions I ever read. Some reviewers say that makes this book slightly boring but for me it just showed how Adaptes Astartes, no matter how mighty and how advanced from core humanity they are, they are first and foremost soldiers, trained for a single purpose - relentlessly spreading the Human Empire's borders; warrior's life might be made of epic battles in W40K times but in majority of cases it is just going from one battlefield to another, surviving and giving one's best for the cause. As many history book or military memoir shows - days of mundane and everyday activity, training, preparing, constant drilling followed by few hours of utter mayhem of the battlefield and then cycle starts again.
Ending is somewhat depressive but that is as expected considering events post Horus Heresy. As author states it is easier to bury the truth than defend it, and new Imperial bureaucracy made the decision very early on what their approach will be.
It is story of the world and Legion saved by the Primarch, indirect presentation of Sanguinius himself. No other book shows that Primarchs are core, very heart of the Legion and Legion is extension of their Primarch.
Highly recommended.
January 25, 2023
I imagine the decision to not tell the story entirely from Sanguinius’ POV was a difficult one. On the one hand it would be the easiest way to receive applause. We all really want to know how the Great Angel’s mind worked. But on the other hand I imagine it would be a difficult task to tackle such a monumental character and do it in such a way that everyone gets what they want out of it.
Luckily, Chris Wraight makes the great choice to tell us about Sanguinius through the eyes of a Remembrancer. The story retells events just prior to and during the novel Horus Rising. So if you have read that book, you get a little more insight into Sanguinius’ mindset during that book. I say a little more because we still aren’t given many definitive answers. Was Sanguinius aware of the Heresy even then? There are hints to both sides. Is he aware of his fate at this point? Again it’s possible. What we do see is that he is to the citizens of the Imperium every bit the enigma and symbol that he is in our world. The framing of the story does a great job of pointing out that to some individuals, the myth of the Great Angel is more important that the man he actually is/was.
It’s a brave take, and one that I found very interesting. Yeah I wish we had more conversations with him, but I can’t complain about what is here.
Luckily, Chris Wraight makes the great choice to tell us about Sanguinius through the eyes of a Remembrancer. The story retells events just prior to and during the novel Horus Rising. So if you have read that book, you get a little more insight into Sanguinius’ mindset during that book. I say a little more because we still aren’t given many definitive answers. Was Sanguinius aware of the Heresy even then? There are hints to both sides. Is he aware of his fate at this point? Again it’s possible. What we do see is that he is to the citizens of the Imperium every bit the enigma and symbol that he is in our world. The framing of the story does a great job of pointing out that to some individuals, the myth of the Great Angel is more important that the man he actually is/was.
It’s a brave take, and one that I found very interesting. Yeah I wish we had more conversations with him, but I can’t complain about what is here.
April 3, 2023
Takes a different approach to the rest of the series, told in first person from the perspective of a remembrancer, it explores the vampiric nature of the blood angels. It ends up having echoes of Harker’s letters in Dracula, which I guess is what they were going for.
The casting of Sanguinius as both hero and anti-hero, depending on which face he is wearing, makes for an interesting contrast.
The short closing chapter however feels out of place and unnecessary, and takes away from rather than adds to the story.
The casting of Sanguinius as both hero and anti-hero, depending on which face he is wearing, makes for an interesting contrast.
The short closing chapter however feels out of place and unnecessary, and takes away from rather than adds to the story.
May 10, 2023
“Sanguinius: The Great Angel” by Chris Wright is a story in the 40k universe that tells the story of the Primarch of the 9th legion, Sanguinius. We follow a disgraced remembrancer who is tasked with writing a tale of the Demi-godesque figure, but while researching the great figure he discovers a dark and terrible secret. Is telling the terrible truth behind the Primarch, that will destroy the morale of the people, more important than letting the facade that gives the galaxy hope stay intact.
“Sanguinius: The Great Angel” was a fun short read about one of the 40k universe’s most interesting characters. Now while I didn’t really care for any of the stuff about our narrator, I did find everything to do with Sanguinius to be very entertaining. The only issues came from having to deal with our narrator and his issues, when I thought the whole book should have just been about Sanguinius. Other than that it was a solid book. I definitely look forward to reading the other Primarch books.
“Sanguinius: The Great Angel” was a fun short read about one of the 40k universe’s most interesting characters. Now while I didn’t really care for any of the stuff about our narrator, I did find everything to do with Sanguinius to be very entertaining. The only issues came from having to deal with our narrator and his issues, when I thought the whole book should have just been about Sanguinius. Other than that it was a solid book. I definitely look forward to reading the other Primarch books.
March 21, 2024
March 2024 Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order - Omnibus X Shadow Crusade III Chosen of Chaos (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy saga and extras.
OK. Some time has passed, I got a lovely response to email from Black Library, and I don't really know what else I can add that isn't covered below, but I'm going to do the overview and some points thing I usually do.
Awesome book is awesome.
This is an extremely different book from this series and the Horus Heresy as a whole. The story is told from the perspective of a gruff Remembrancer (sanctioned artists of all kinds) who has previously written a controversial book about how not so great the Great Crusade is who and the is brought on to write about Sanguinius and the Blood Angels by actually travelling with them, meeting the Primarch and witnessing them in action.
I adore the character of Ignace Karkasy in the opening books of the series. He's a dissenting voice against the actions of the Astartes and a free thinker, but he is also a high born pretentious oaf who otherwise has some views that seem to generally align with the Imperium. Our disgraced Remembrancer in this story, Avajis Kautenya, is also a free thinker, but far more grounded and thoughtful. We also don't get a lot of Karkasy's perspective, though his outing on 63-19 is a great little sidequest. In this book we are in the mind of Kautenya the whole time and get to see a very rare honest and much less biased view of the events around us by someone who lives in the universe, but isn't programmed or indoctrinated into believing in the Imperium, and it's so incredibly refreshing!
Through Kautenya's eyes we see the Astartes and Sanguinius as the monstrous and terrifying things they are, how horrifying and awful it is when they make war on humans, and just how nightmarish and impossible to defeat by regular humans may of the xenos threats are. With the last point, how well this dovetails into the opening novels of the Horus Heresy and the planet 9f Murder with the Megarachnid and the exploits of the the Blodo Angels, Emperor's Children and the Luna Wolves.
One of the most important things for me in a book about Space Marines and their Primarchs is that the Legion (or chapter in 40K) feel distinct and have character beyond the colour of their armour, which this book delivers in spades. Before Fear to Tread by James Swallow, I hadn't seen too much of a focus on the Red Thirst with so much being emphasised on the refinement and appreciation of the arts the Sons of Baal enjoy, but this combines these elements wonderfully and quite literally. It also digs into the Legions before they found their genesire and, I believe, gives them the name they had before Blood Angels for the first time, the Revenants.
This really is a perfect chaser to the chalice of blood that is Fear to Tread.
I'm genuinely surprised that some people really didn't like this book and felt it didn't focus on Sanguinius enough. I understand his relative screen time is low and this is a story Kautenya is telling, but that story is all about the Blood Angels and Sanguinius. I feel I got to know both subjects far more than other books from the Primarch's own perspective. We all like different things I suppose, but for me this worked perfectly and I wish more of the Primarchs books had a similar approach.
I feel I could just go on and on about this book and how much I love it, but it's time to wrap up.
It's funny. I think this the most perfect book in the Black Library and as an encapsulation of what makes Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy so compelling, as well as truly portraying the Imperium in the most accurate and exquisite light...but it's not my favourite book in the Black Library. It's absolutely in the total top tier and either top three or five without question. Currently reading Betrayer, which I'm thinking is my current favourite, but this is up there with Betrayer and Prospero Burns without a doubt. All three at very different animals and what I love about them is also very different.
As I go through this Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order...project I'm making a mental note of the books I will and won't be revisiting in the future and this is one of the few Primarchs books (that I've read so far) to make that list, but it is so aggressively on there as something I want to return to, not just as a Horus Heresy book or even in the context of 40K, (which it absolutely is as well), but simply as a phenomenal and incredibly entertaining and moving book completely of its own right unattached to the setting or series.
I truly love and appreciate this book.
Next time I feel Heresy fatigue I will remind myself of this and probably re-read it to remind myself of how good it can be and why I love this stuff so much.
***
Will still have more thoughts later, but I was so moved by this book that I did something I don't believe I've done before and reached out to the publisher to pass on some comments, which will almost definitely not happen, but it was worth a try:
I just wanted to say that I have been a reader of the Black Library and a fan of Warhammer and the Horus Heresy since I first became aware of them, dating back to no later than 1998 and the first Chaos Gate video game, and I have read a ridiculous amount of all the different settings and series, but there is something truly unique and special about the Horus Heresy. Honestly, something I think should be more greatly appreciated within sci-fi and literature in general. I have had a bit of a mixed experience with The Primarchs companion series, but I believe Sanguinius: The Great Angel not only to be the best of that series, but equal or better than anything in the main Horus Heresy series, and likely the greatest thing Black Library has published, at the very least from my own wide reading.
I don't want to take up too much of your time, so I will just say that the perspective and approach to storytelling, particularly of such a significant figure and events within the wider narrative of Warhammer 30K/ 40K is phenomenal and nothing else I have experienced in any form of Black Library or Games Workshop media has so perfectly captured not only the character of Sanguinius and the Blood Angels, but the very soul of the Imperium and the uniquely fascinating grimdark drama and tragedy that is the heart of Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy that makes it so special and resonate so powerfully with people in a way that seems utterly ludicrous for the story and setting of a tabletop wargame a frustrated friend once, not inaccurately, referred to as Space Nazi Yahtzee after a particularly frustrating round of close combat.
This book deeply moved me and by the last chapter, through the epilogue, which in itself is truly mastercrafted, and for some time after I was left weeping and genuinely sobbing, yes because the events were sad and depressing, but because I was so genuinely overcome with the kind of emotion that is unique to reading such an exalted story. The only other works from Black Library that have come close to this are Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett, Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium by L. J. Goulding, and After Desh'ea by Matthew Farrer, but these break my heart in the best of ways because of the explicit tragedy and immediate emotion, rather than necessarily being the steady build up and release through expertly wrought literature.
There is no more honest and so purely presented expression of the Imperium and I don't believe a more perfect work in the Black Library. This is an exemplar of everything I adore about Warhammer, beyond the admittedly awesome lore and aesthetics--the vitality, majesty, tragedy, and, so often fruitless, sacrifice of individuals in spite of the contemptuous and exploitative authorities and the galaxy filled with horrors and endless suffering.
Jonathan Keeble's absolutely masterful performance only heighten the experience and I believe he should also be commended for his incredible craft.
I greatly appreciate this book and cannot thank you enough for writing it, Black Library for publishing it, and Mr. Keeble for performing it
***
Proper review to come when I have had more time to process and control my emotions because I think this book is perfect; the greatest thing Black Library has produced and captures the soul of not only the Blood Angels and Sanguinius, but the true core of the Imperium, the different ages of it, and punches directly into the heart of what makes Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy special--that grimdark drama and tragedy that resonates so powerfully and is utterly ridiculous to be so deep and meaningful in the story and setting of a tabletop wargame that amounts to Space Nazi Yahtzee.
I'm a 100% serious. I can't stop weeping and losing my mind. So many Horus Heresy stories have made me cry or blown my mind, but I am sincerely moved by this book.
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 18.41 Horus Heresy novels, 11 novellas, 48 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 9 Primarchs novels, 3 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels...this run. I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.
OK. Some time has passed, I got a lovely response to email from Black Library, and I don't really know what else I can add that isn't covered below, but I'm going to do the overview and some points thing I usually do.
Awesome book is awesome.
This is an extremely different book from this series and the Horus Heresy as a whole. The story is told from the perspective of a gruff Remembrancer (sanctioned artists of all kinds) who has previously written a controversial book about how not so great the Great Crusade is who and the is brought on to write about Sanguinius and the Blood Angels by actually travelling with them, meeting the Primarch and witnessing them in action.
I adore the character of Ignace Karkasy in the opening books of the series. He's a dissenting voice against the actions of the Astartes and a free thinker, but he is also a high born pretentious oaf who otherwise has some views that seem to generally align with the Imperium. Our disgraced Remembrancer in this story, Avajis Kautenya, is also a free thinker, but far more grounded and thoughtful. We also don't get a lot of Karkasy's perspective, though his outing on 63-19 is a great little sidequest. In this book we are in the mind of Kautenya the whole time and get to see a very rare honest and much less biased view of the events around us by someone who lives in the universe, but isn't programmed or indoctrinated into believing in the Imperium, and it's so incredibly refreshing!
Through Kautenya's eyes we see the Astartes and Sanguinius as the monstrous and terrifying things they are, how horrifying and awful it is when they make war on humans, and just how nightmarish and impossible to defeat by regular humans may of the xenos threats are. With the last point, how well this dovetails into the opening novels of the Horus Heresy and the planet 9f Murder with the Megarachnid and the exploits of the the Blodo Angels, Emperor's Children and the Luna Wolves.
One of the most important things for me in a book about Space Marines and their Primarchs is that the Legion (or chapter in 40K) feel distinct and have character beyond the colour of their armour, which this book delivers in spades. Before Fear to Tread by James Swallow, I hadn't seen too much of a focus on the Red Thirst with so much being emphasised on the refinement and appreciation of the arts the Sons of Baal enjoy, but this combines these elements wonderfully and quite literally. It also digs into the Legions before they found their genesire and, I believe, gives them the name they had before Blood Angels for the first time, the Revenants.
This really is a perfect chaser to the chalice of blood that is Fear to Tread.
I'm genuinely surprised that some people really didn't like this book and felt it didn't focus on Sanguinius enough. I understand his relative screen time is low and this is a story Kautenya is telling, but that story is all about the Blood Angels and Sanguinius. I feel I got to know both subjects far more than other books from the Primarch's own perspective. We all like different things I suppose, but for me this worked perfectly and I wish more of the Primarchs books had a similar approach.
I feel I could just go on and on about this book and how much I love it, but it's time to wrap up.
It's funny. I think this the most perfect book in the Black Library and as an encapsulation of what makes Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy so compelling, as well as truly portraying the Imperium in the most accurate and exquisite light...but it's not my favourite book in the Black Library. It's absolutely in the total top tier and either top three or five without question. Currently reading Betrayer, which I'm thinking is my current favourite, but this is up there with Betrayer and Prospero Burns without a doubt. All three at very different animals and what I love about them is also very different.
As I go through this Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order...project I'm making a mental note of the books I will and won't be revisiting in the future and this is one of the few Primarchs books (that I've read so far) to make that list, but it is so aggressively on there as something I want to return to, not just as a Horus Heresy book or even in the context of 40K, (which it absolutely is as well), but simply as a phenomenal and incredibly entertaining and moving book completely of its own right unattached to the setting or series.
I truly love and appreciate this book.
Next time I feel Heresy fatigue I will remind myself of this and probably re-read it to remind myself of how good it can be and why I love this stuff so much.
***
Will still have more thoughts later, but I was so moved by this book that I did something I don't believe I've done before and reached out to the publisher to pass on some comments, which will almost definitely not happen, but it was worth a try:
I just wanted to say that I have been a reader of the Black Library and a fan of Warhammer and the Horus Heresy since I first became aware of them, dating back to no later than 1998 and the first Chaos Gate video game, and I have read a ridiculous amount of all the different settings and series, but there is something truly unique and special about the Horus Heresy. Honestly, something I think should be more greatly appreciated within sci-fi and literature in general. I have had a bit of a mixed experience with The Primarchs companion series, but I believe Sanguinius: The Great Angel not only to be the best of that series, but equal or better than anything in the main Horus Heresy series, and likely the greatest thing Black Library has published, at the very least from my own wide reading.
I don't want to take up too much of your time, so I will just say that the perspective and approach to storytelling, particularly of such a significant figure and events within the wider narrative of Warhammer 30K/ 40K is phenomenal and nothing else I have experienced in any form of Black Library or Games Workshop media has so perfectly captured not only the character of Sanguinius and the Blood Angels, but the very soul of the Imperium and the uniquely fascinating grimdark drama and tragedy that is the heart of Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy that makes it so special and resonate so powerfully with people in a way that seems utterly ludicrous for the story and setting of a tabletop wargame a frustrated friend once, not inaccurately, referred to as Space Nazi Yahtzee after a particularly frustrating round of close combat.
This book deeply moved me and by the last chapter, through the epilogue, which in itself is truly mastercrafted, and for some time after I was left weeping and genuinely sobbing, yes because the events were sad and depressing, but because I was so genuinely overcome with the kind of emotion that is unique to reading such an exalted story. The only other works from Black Library that have come close to this are Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett, Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium by L. J. Goulding, and After Desh'ea by Matthew Farrer, but these break my heart in the best of ways because of the explicit tragedy and immediate emotion, rather than necessarily being the steady build up and release through expertly wrought literature.
There is no more honest and so purely presented expression of the Imperium and I don't believe a more perfect work in the Black Library. This is an exemplar of everything I adore about Warhammer, beyond the admittedly awesome lore and aesthetics--the vitality, majesty, tragedy, and, so often fruitless, sacrifice of individuals in spite of the contemptuous and exploitative authorities and the galaxy filled with horrors and endless suffering.
Jonathan Keeble's absolutely masterful performance only heighten the experience and I believe he should also be commended for his incredible craft.
I greatly appreciate this book and cannot thank you enough for writing it, Black Library for publishing it, and Mr. Keeble for performing it
***
Proper review to come when I have had more time to process and control my emotions because I think this book is perfect; the greatest thing Black Library has produced and captures the soul of not only the Blood Angels and Sanguinius, but the true core of the Imperium, the different ages of it, and punches directly into the heart of what makes Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy special--that grimdark drama and tragedy that resonates so powerfully and is utterly ridiculous to be so deep and meaningful in the story and setting of a tabletop wargame that amounts to Space Nazi Yahtzee.
I'm a 100% serious. I can't stop weeping and losing my mind. So many Horus Heresy stories have made me cry or blown my mind, but I am sincerely moved by this book.
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 18.41 Horus Heresy novels, 11 novellas, 48 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 9 Primarchs novels, 3 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels...this run. I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.
May 11, 2025
Solid. VERY solid. Perhaps the best of the Primarch novellas? If so, here’s why:
The POV from a remembrancer who grows closer to the legion and Sanguinius is just a fantastic way to tell the story and really took me back to those first three Horus Heresy books, which some of the others lose a little.
The limited cast was easy to get on board with and enjoyable to see interact and change throughout.
And lastly, the “vampire nature” mystery feels so obvious now but was not a story I expected from a 40K novel, despite how inherent it is to the Blood Angels.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
The POV from a remembrancer who grows closer to the legion and Sanguinius is just a fantastic way to tell the story and really took me back to those first three Horus Heresy books, which some of the others lose a little.
The limited cast was easy to get on board with and enjoyable to see interact and change throughout.
And lastly, the “vampire nature” mystery feels so obvious now but was not a story I expected from a 40K novel, despite how inherent it is to the Blood Angels.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
October 10, 2023
Since way back in the 1990s Warhammer fans have known of the key role Sanguinius plays in the Horus Heresy story. Since then many, many blanks in that story have been filled in over countless pages, but the Great Angel himself only very rarely taken center stage.
Sadly that continues to be the case in this Sanguinius-themed novel, as Chris Wraight largely sidesteps the man(?!) himself and instead focusses on a remembrancer who moves into his orbit. It's a controversial choice, albeit understandable considering Sanguinius is the Rusty Ryan to Horus's Danny Ocean, universally respected, loved and adored by fanbase and fellow characters alike, a literally-angelic fan favourite too humble to grab the brass ring he's so deserving of. In short, a very difficult character to represent in novel form.
What we get instead exposes the darker side of the Space Marines and the Blood Angels in particular. As much as we love Rusty and Sanguinius, these are at best good-guys in leadership roles in bad organisations. The Imperium of Mankind is an oppressive, totalitarian regime and Wraight is not afraid to show that the Angel is compliant in its brutality and more secretive than might be anticipated.
So, not the novel that was expected, but a compelling tale. Only in this setting could a story themed around one of its greatest heroes be part Nineteen-Eighty-Four, part Dracula.
Sadly that continues to be the case in this Sanguinius-themed novel, as Chris Wraight largely sidesteps the man(?!) himself and instead focusses on a remembrancer who moves into his orbit. It's a controversial choice, albeit understandable considering Sanguinius is the Rusty Ryan to Horus's Danny Ocean, universally respected, loved and adored by fanbase and fellow characters alike, a literally-angelic fan favourite too humble to grab the brass ring he's so deserving of. In short, a very difficult character to represent in novel form.
What we get instead exposes the darker side of the Space Marines and the Blood Angels in particular. As much as we love Rusty and Sanguinius, these are at best good-guys in leadership roles in bad organisations. The Imperium of Mankind is an oppressive, totalitarian regime and Wraight is not afraid to show that the Angel is compliant in its brutality and more secretive than might be anticipated.
So, not the novel that was expected, but a compelling tale. Only in this setting could a story themed around one of its greatest heroes be part Nineteen-Eighty-Four, part Dracula.
November 25, 2025
Starts as competent but relatively unexceptional Warhammer fare, but slowly turned into one of the more fascinating stories I’ve read in this universe. Sanguinius is maybe the Primarch I find the most fascinating, and it’s almost like his unapproachable deification has made him interesting to the black library authors too. This begins as a very expected tale of military might, but blossoms into a brief if still sharp look at the idea of symbols and their malleability. The kind of story that feels like an excuse for an author to probe the complexity of stories and myths and their affects on the wider world. While the ingredients are there for a masterpiece tier story, this lacks the overall development and connective issues, but sells me on the necessity of the Blood Angels within their own universe, and makes for a really interesting counter to the philosophies of not just this universe, but those within it. Simple, but effective, though it’s drawn out beginning hobbles it from being the best of what I’ve read so far.
October 29, 2024
Got some cool scenes for sanguinius fighting some tyranids but nothing really interesting. No origin story or flash backs which is what I wanted in these primarch novels.
September 9, 2023
I really dislike having to give this book such a low score no matter how much I love the blood angels this was an entirely pointless addition. No new information was presented except for characters who don't even outlive this book. The highlights which save it somewhat are the conversations with Sanguinius, at the peak of the crusade still seeing him so certain of his success is really heartbreaking knowing what will happen in a few months.
June 9, 2025
this is what I wish more of the books in this series would be like.
we have probably the most relatable POV character with the remembrancer.
having the story mostly told through his eyes gave it a unique feel.
I thought that I would be upset with how short the story is but I think it was the exact perfect link for what they were trying to tell.
((and without spoiling it there's a sort of pseudo-villain which I despise! but in the way that you're supposed to despise a villain.))
all in all if you're a blood angels fan it's definitely worth to listen.
we have probably the most relatable POV character with the remembrancer.
having the story mostly told through his eyes gave it a unique feel.
I thought that I would be upset with how short the story is but I think it was the exact perfect link for what they were trying to tell.
((and without spoiling it there's a sort of pseudo-villain which I despise! but in the way that you're supposed to despise a villain.))
all in all if you're a blood angels fan it's definitely worth to listen.
January 17, 2023
An interesting dissection of the Blood Angels and Sanguinius from the view of a mortal human. Particularly interesting piece of character for Sanguinius when the rememberencer can tell that Sanguinius, despite appearing genuine, kind, and warm, is not actually being himself and is wearing a mask of sincerity at all times. Creates a far darker but at the same time more captivating character with this perspective. Besides this however, the story is rather bland and uninteresting.
April 3, 2023
Sanguinius. Emperor-Daddy’s perfect little angel… …which is kind of a problem. No one can be the good guy. So, in Sanguinius he isn’t… …but we get something beyond being a dick, or an a**hole.
Sanguinius gives the concept of a “remembrancer” another whirl, the artists-cum-journalists-cum propagandists that accompany the Great Crusade and attempt to catch the spirit of it. One helped found a religion against the express dictates of the then-atheist Imperium. Now it turns out another played a part too, though as part of a far more cynical ploy. The Primarchs series does not seem too worried about potentially making a mess of the lore.
However, Sanguinius focuses on another remembrancer. One who considers the Imperium has been committing some war crimes on the way. Exactly what he considers a war crime is left unsaid because well… …it would be the entire Crusade… …but he’s a sceptic.
The doubting Thomas
Maybe that’s how it had to be. The galaxy was a dangerous place, and we had to be thankful the primarchs were on our side in the struggle for mastery of it. It must have put the fear of false gods into those who faced it.
Every faction in the Warhammer 40K universe is evil in some way. The Great Crusade is a genocidal, xenocidal, astrocidal rampage through the galaxy. It’s a ridiculous concept that Kautenya was ever going to call the Imperium to any form of account so its “Oh well, I think their might be some bad people out there… …somewhere – set phasers to annihilate”…
…but, that hiccup aside, Wraight does manage something interesting. In the lore, Sanguinius is “The Great Angel”, blonde and bedecked wings. He’s pretty, so so pretty, and pretty means morally good. He often cares for others more than his fellow primarchs.
Well actually… …he’s a Dic…
‘Sure. But many have suffered for this Imperium.’
His eyes flashed, angry still. ‘And many more will suffer, before all is done. But a cure will be found. We will overcome it. We will rise above it. That is my promise to them.'
…complicated individual with a shadow across his face. He has visions of greater glory while both nurturing and seeking to cure his Legion’s dark secret. And we should credit Wraight for the “nuturing” part. The portrayal differs from Fear to Tread where Sanguinius is:
“Woe is me, how burdened I am covering up this unfortunate matter of my Legion being vampires”.
In Sanguinius he’s kind of cool with his oversized bloodsuckers. Sometimes a Blood Angel’s got to do what Blood Angel’s got to do – it’s just a lapse.
The version of Sanguinius in, uh, Sanguinius, is a frightening creature. Charismatic, willing to try peace, but also utterly unfriendly to those that oppose his goal. While the later element is common to virtually every primarch, the former isn’t – think Rogal Dorn, Perturabo as just unfriendly and unyielding, Fulgrim the empty vessel of spite, Horus outwardly the most engaging of all, but actually prone to whinging about tax collectors. Sanguinius is the one that might come closest to fooling you, right before you’re drained grey at the altar for his sons.
For completeness, the story is framed by the aforementioend rise of Sanguinala (the worship of Sanguinius). Honestly, meh on that part.
Sidepieces
While there’s some nice linkages with Horus Rising, including Iacton Qruze rising above “the Half-Heard”, it is Aelion, who’s not even really a character, who is the most fascinating.
‘I don’t relish the deaths of my brothers; he went on. ‘But I do not mourn them either. We are made to do this, and the only shame is to die without prestige.’
‘Or honour.'
‘Prestige. I want my name remembered. I want people to think that I died well, and that I took a thousand enemies of the Emperor with me when I went.’
‘How close are you to that tally?’
‘Getting there.’
Pairing Aelion’s braggidocious responses in his single interview with his sculptures showing his mental disintegration is clever. Something is wrong with him, but which is the cause and which is the result? Does his personality reflect the inferiority complex of those from Baal, or is it something else. And it’s better we do not actually see that much of Aelion. The touch is light to provoke uncomfortable thoughts, rather than wasting the book trying to develop him – he’s too much of a caricature to support an extended treatment.
Wraight generally isn’t put up as a top tier Warhammer 40K author. Sanguinius suggests he’s not far off.
Sanguinius gives the concept of a “remembrancer” another whirl, the artists-cum-journalists-cum propagandists that accompany the Great Crusade and attempt to catch the spirit of it. One helped found a religion against the express dictates of the then-atheist Imperium. Now it turns out another played a part too, though as part of a far more cynical ploy. The Primarchs series does not seem too worried about potentially making a mess of the lore.
However, Sanguinius focuses on another remembrancer. One who considers the Imperium has been committing some war crimes on the way. Exactly what he considers a war crime is left unsaid because well… …it would be the entire Crusade… …but he’s a sceptic.
The doubting Thomas
Maybe that’s how it had to be. The galaxy was a dangerous place, and we had to be thankful the primarchs were on our side in the struggle for mastery of it. It must have put the fear of false gods into those who faced it.
Every faction in the Warhammer 40K universe is evil in some way. The Great Crusade is a genocidal, xenocidal, astrocidal rampage through the galaxy. It’s a ridiculous concept that Kautenya was ever going to call the Imperium to any form of account so its “Oh well, I think their might be some bad people out there… …somewhere – set phasers to annihilate”…
…but, that hiccup aside, Wraight does manage something interesting. In the lore, Sanguinius is “The Great Angel”, blonde and bedecked wings. He’s pretty, so so pretty, and pretty means morally good. He often cares for others more than his fellow primarchs.
Well actually… …he’s a Dic…
‘Sure. But many have suffered for this Imperium.’
His eyes flashed, angry still. ‘And many more will suffer, before all is done. But a cure will be found. We will overcome it. We will rise above it. That is my promise to them.'
…complicated individual with a shadow across his face. He has visions of greater glory while both nurturing and seeking to cure his Legion’s dark secret. And we should credit Wraight for the “nuturing” part. The portrayal differs from Fear to Tread where Sanguinius is:
“Woe is me, how burdened I am covering up this unfortunate matter of my Legion being vampires”.
In Sanguinius he’s kind of cool with his oversized bloodsuckers. Sometimes a Blood Angel’s got to do what Blood Angel’s got to do – it’s just a lapse.
The version of Sanguinius in, uh, Sanguinius, is a frightening creature. Charismatic, willing to try peace, but also utterly unfriendly to those that oppose his goal. While the later element is common to virtually every primarch, the former isn’t – think Rogal Dorn, Perturabo as just unfriendly and unyielding, Fulgrim the empty vessel of spite, Horus outwardly the most engaging of all, but actually prone to whinging about tax collectors. Sanguinius is the one that might come closest to fooling you, right before you’re drained grey at the altar for his sons.
For completeness, the story is framed by the aforementioend rise of Sanguinala (the worship of Sanguinius). Honestly, meh on that part.
Sidepieces
While there’s some nice linkages with Horus Rising, including Iacton Qruze rising above “the Half-Heard”, it is Aelion, who’s not even really a character, who is the most fascinating.
‘I don’t relish the deaths of my brothers; he went on. ‘But I do not mourn them either. We are made to do this, and the only shame is to die without prestige.’
‘Or honour.'
‘Prestige. I want my name remembered. I want people to think that I died well, and that I took a thousand enemies of the Emperor with me when I went.’
‘How close are you to that tally?’
‘Getting there.’
Pairing Aelion’s braggidocious responses in his single interview with his sculptures showing his mental disintegration is clever. Something is wrong with him, but which is the cause and which is the result? Does his personality reflect the inferiority complex of those from Baal, or is it something else. And it’s better we do not actually see that much of Aelion. The touch is light to provoke uncomfortable thoughts, rather than wasting the book trying to develop him – he’s too much of a caricature to support an extended treatment.
Wraight generally isn’t put up as a top tier Warhammer 40K author. Sanguinius suggests he’s not far off.
June 9, 2023
Missed opportunity is my most pressing emotion when reflecting on this book. Revisiting the remembrancer angle of the great crusade was an ok idea but was that really the best angle for the Sanguinius primarch novel? The ending, used to indicate to what ends the works of these remembrancers served, either oblivion or to embelish the cult of the emperor and his loyal primarch sons with iconography, was better then I had expected halfway through, but could not salvage the book for me.
To me the whole plot of the somewhat cynical remembrancer who wants to tell the dark secrets of the blood angels could have been told in a short story. I feel like a lot of the book could be cut to serve that plot, do we really need a revisit to murder? The planet featured in the very beginning of the horus hersey novels? I guess it is a way for one old luna wolf to make his way back into the story but that set me thinking and searching on my own (kinda like the main character).
The whole thing he is uncovering is the dark brutal, cannibalistic rituals orchestrated by the blood angels when they were still called the revenant legion which the primarch sought to purge his sons of through a more noble bearing and art. (which ties in with the whole meta point of the blood angels being like the space version of the blood knights in the fantasy setting while the revenants are like the strigoi). Even I, one who has been deep into warhammer for years now and has read his fair share of lore; was not aware of the revenant legion and to read up on such events as "the charnel feast" was revealing.
Having read up on all this lore, I feel like both for new readers and old, a much better story would have been The Burning of Anahktor. The failed first attempt of sanguinius to turn his sons into something better. This would have made this book a perfect counterpart to one of the best Horus Heresy books "fear to tread" which is all about the chaos plot to corrupt the blood angels and re-embrace their dark side; a whole we failed once, we will not fall once again, plot.
a missed opportunity, truely.
To me the whole plot of the somewhat cynical remembrancer who wants to tell the dark secrets of the blood angels could have been told in a short story. I feel like a lot of the book could be cut to serve that plot, do we really need a revisit to murder? The planet featured in the very beginning of the horus hersey novels? I guess it is a way for one old luna wolf to make his way back into the story but that set me thinking and searching on my own (kinda like the main character).
The whole thing he is uncovering is the dark brutal, cannibalistic rituals orchestrated by the blood angels when they were still called the revenant legion which the primarch sought to purge his sons of through a more noble bearing and art. (which ties in with the whole meta point of the blood angels being like the space version of the blood knights in the fantasy setting while the revenants are like the strigoi). Even I, one who has been deep into warhammer for years now and has read his fair share of lore; was not aware of the revenant legion and to read up on such events as "the charnel feast" was revealing.
Having read up on all this lore, I feel like both for new readers and old, a much better story would have been The Burning of Anahktor. The failed first attempt of sanguinius to turn his sons into something better. This would have made this book a perfect counterpart to one of the best Horus Heresy books "fear to tread" which is all about the chaos plot to corrupt the blood angels and re-embrace their dark side; a whole we failed once, we will not fall once again, plot.
a missed opportunity, truely.
March 17, 2023
4 and a half stars, rounded down.
Read this as part of PPP's Book Buddies 2023.
I'm not actually a Warhammer fan so I can really only rate this book on readability and craft. I've had really good luck reading Warhammer books so far, as someone who knows next to nothing about the lore. I really appreciate the perspective of Kautenya, as someone who witnesses and can realize when things are not as they appear on the surface, but is also still a victim of the same propaganda he thinks he's avoiding. I also really appreciate the writing style here; simple and straight to the point, elegant when tactically necessary.
I really only knock half a star off purely because I did not enjoy this one as much. Again, I appreciate the perspective of the main character yet I also found him a bit annoying a points: he's a very well rounded character and well written but I found myself not very enthused by some of his observations.
Read this as part of PPP's Book Buddies 2023.
I'm not actually a Warhammer fan so I can really only rate this book on readability and craft. I've had really good luck reading Warhammer books so far, as someone who knows next to nothing about the lore. I really appreciate the perspective of Kautenya, as someone who witnesses and can realize when things are not as they appear on the surface, but is also still a victim of the same propaganda he thinks he's avoiding. I also really appreciate the writing style here; simple and straight to the point, elegant when tactically necessary.
I really only knock half a star off purely because I did not enjoy this one as much. Again, I appreciate the perspective of the main character yet I also found him a bit annoying a points: he's a very well rounded character and well written but I found myself not very enthused by some of his observations.
July 4, 2025
Plotted like a classic weird tale, like Poe or Lovecraft, and not just about the Blood Angels, hands down my favourite 40k marine chapter, but about the monstrous horror of the "noble lie" that is the Horus Heresy and the religion of the Imperium. The Blood Angels, and Sanguinius, the "great Angel" that the post-heresy Imperium needs, aren't so much expressed as the "skull beneath the skin" but the bloody flesh beneath the golden mask. As a sort of side-quel to Horus Rising, it captures the mystery of the very early main series Heresy novels with its themes of the hidden barbarity of civilisation and "how easier it is to believe in the surface image than the flesh beneath" and the idea that everything buried is clawing to get loose. As the Blood Angels come to do, they pay the price for civilisation with their sanity, as does our poor narrator. 10/10
July 6, 2024
Based on some of the other reviews, maybe I need to be more charitable with this series. As I work through them, maybe I’ll revise this one because it truly was very good, but it just didn’t answer the questions I expected it to. I loved that it was told from the perspective of a remembrancer, but I think I would have loved it more if it had been an honest look at the early days of the Angel. I also loved the no punches pulled explanation of the legions dark secrets, but it was still mostly stuff that’s covered in the lore elsewhere. The writing was great, but as with all of these books so far I was just left wanting more. Good thing the lore of this universe is endless and always subject to change.
December 31, 2022
As a newcomer to the 40k universe, this book was a really fun and engaging first read. I’ve seen a lot of disappointment that this book was mostly about a remembrancer learning about the blood angels, secrets that I am sure most 40k readers already knew. So I can im understand that frustration. However, I think keeping Sanguinius at arms length works to keep him as the mythic figure he has been held to be. The imperium has actively worked to keep his status mythic and we as readers struggle to understand him just as much as those that would worship, if not for the heresy.
In all a great read for newcomers. However, if you are a long time fan, there is likely little here for you.
In all a great read for newcomers. However, if you are a long time fan, there is likely little here for you.
April 28, 2023
Lovely novella that basically ports Bram Stoker's Dracula into 30K while taking a good look at the duality and curse of the Blood Angels. For the more typical primarch tale of Sanguinius, one should read Echoes of Eternity by ADB. This book instead aims to look more specifically at the things not covered in that book, while also doing a lot to further flesh out the lore of the first 3 Horus Heresy novels. Recommend reading alongside the opening trilogy for sure and great for all vampire & Blood Angel fans!
For the full review of this Primarch novel as well as reviews for the previous ones, click here: https://youtu.be/buGiGPXBWb8
For the full review of this Primarch novel as well as reviews for the previous ones, click here: https://youtu.be/buGiGPXBWb8
May 11, 2023
Good story but…
I somewhat enjoyed the story, but I felt the writing was weak compared to other 40k books. The dialogue didn’t seem reflective of the 40k universe at times, as characters simply used todays vernacular or today’s slang. Some descriptions, situations and scenes felt bland or rushed. It wasn’t my favorite 40k book.Sanguinius was portrayed a bit lack luster compared to other Primarchs that I’ve read about. When he spoke, I almost felt like he was a bit simple. I was really looking forward to this book and I was incredibly disappointed. I feel like they juste wrote something to check of the box in the book series.
I somewhat enjoyed the story, but I felt the writing was weak compared to other 40k books. The dialogue didn’t seem reflective of the 40k universe at times, as characters simply used todays vernacular or today’s slang. Some descriptions, situations and scenes felt bland or rushed. It wasn’t my favorite 40k book.Sanguinius was portrayed a bit lack luster compared to other Primarchs that I’ve read about. When he spoke, I almost felt like he was a bit simple. I was really looking forward to this book and I was incredibly disappointed. I feel like they juste wrote something to check of the box in the book series.
December 3, 2025
wow wow wow.
sanguinius is always such a wonderful character to read about. the depth of his character in unmatched.
also, totally just my head canon but i’m convinced chris wraight wrote this from the perspective that HE is the main character/narrator. not just another character.
in this story, it focuses on how this remembrancer is learning about sanguinius. as we go through the novel i can’t help but think that this was chris’ way of telling us “hey i don’t normally write about the blood angels? so let’s learn together”.
bravo chris.
sanguinius is always such a wonderful character to read about. the depth of his character in unmatched.
also, totally just my head canon but i’m convinced chris wraight wrote this from the perspective that HE is the main character/narrator. not just another character.
in this story, it focuses on how this remembrancer is learning about sanguinius. as we go through the novel i can’t help but think that this was chris’ way of telling us “hey i don’t normally write about the blood angels? so let’s learn together”.
bravo chris.
January 4, 2024
Out of now hundreds of Warhammer books that I’ve read this is one of my all time favorites. It’s not like the other novels in the Primarch series since it’s told from the view of a remembrancer, but it gets into Sangunius so ridiculously well that it’s a joy to read. On top of that it has a lot of humor mixed in to the story and some interesting characters.
You should definitely read this book if you like the Blood Angels.
You should definitely read this book if you like the Blood Angels.
January 19, 2025
As a blood angels player loved the book. I’m not a huge fan of fist person point of view books and there was some parts that where hard to get through but all in all hearing about the Primarch of my favourite Legion/Chapter was really interesting and heartbreaking. It does well tying in character from the first book in the heresy collection (I recommend reading the first book hours rising before this)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
This was very interesting being in the perspective of a Scribe that had been summoned by a demi God. You follow the scribe's journey towards his work of the demi God Sanguinius and how he goes about his research.
The Blood Angels and the primarch (Sanguinius) himself were very interesting characters. This has honestly got me in the mood to read more Warhammer books and more about the primarchs.
The Blood Angels and the primarch (Sanguinius) himself were very interesting characters. This has honestly got me in the mood to read more Warhammer books and more about the primarchs.
March 16, 2023
A good read, not a great read. If you’re a fan of blood angels, you’ll enjoy the tale but the story is few and far in between. It’s enjoyable but doesn’t have much critical points aside from getting a slightly deeper look into Sanguinius and his sons
May 16, 2023
Like all the Primarch books I am glad they are short and easy reading. I really enjoyed the Blood Angels point of view on the planet Murder along with revisiting the first Horus Heresy book. Very enjoyable!
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