Witchbringer

Astra Militarum #3

by Steven B. Fischer

An Astra Militarum Novel

Once a Cadian captain, Glavia Aerand's psychic talents see her pressed into service in a new role, to fight and die as a sanctioned psyker.

READ IT BECAUSE
This story offers a rare glimpse into the mysterious process of becoming a sanctioned psyker in the service of the Golden Throne, and you'll learn what that means for those who are found strong enough to serve.

THE STORY
Suffer not the witch to live, unless by their service they might earn redemption. This is the creed of the Scholastica Psykana, a brutal foundry in which those with psychic power might be taught to serve. On the eve of her sanctioning as a primaris psyker within these very halls, Glavia Aerand, former captain of the Cadian 900th Regiment, receives a startling premonition – one concerning her old unit, and a dangerous psychic artefact hidden on the planet where they are deployed.

After a reunion she never expected – or wanted – Aerand finds herself mired in a vicious campaign on the psychically active world of Visage, where the shallow seas and endless fogs are rumoured to swallow the souls of the dead. Haunted by growing suspicions of her new commander and the manifestations of the sinister relic, Aerand must trust in her new-found abilities to keep her former comrades alive, and confront an ancient threat that could consume Visage entirely.

Genres: 40k, Science Fiction, Fiction, Military Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2022

Reviews

[Unseen Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating of 4.25.

Fresh Warhammer 40,000 fiction author Steven B Fischer presents Witchbringer, a compelling and particularly intense novel that dives into the complex life of an Imperial sanctioned psyker.

I have been having a lot of fun with Warhammer 40,000 fiction this year, and one of the more interesting Warhammer books that I have recently enjoyed is the awesome debut novel from Steven B Fischer, Witchbringer. I have been meaning to review Witchbringer for a while, especially as it had a fantastic plot synopsis behind it. As I am currently in the middle of Fischer’s latest book, Broken Crusade, I thought that this was the perfect time to highlight Witchbringer on my blog, especially as it was a clever and memorable addition to the franchise.

Witchbringer proved to be an outstanding and particularly powerful Warhammer 40,000 novel that combines compelling insights into a unique class of human soldier with a great plot centred around damaged characters.

This cool Warhammer 40,000 book primarily focuses on Glavia Aerand, former soldier and newly sanctioned primaris psyker. A trained and authorised witch who uses her unnatural powers to fight for the Imperium of Man, Aerand is an outcast amongst her fellow humans, who view her gifts as tainted and borderline heretical. Starting off with a dark sequence in the Scholastica Pyskana, a gothic school aimed at training and controlling powerful psykers, the story soon moves on to the main plot when the protagonist receives a vision warning that her old regiment is in danger. Journeying to Visage, a war-torn swamp world, Aerand finds her regiment in shambles, her former friends no longer trust her, and nobody capable of remembering the previous pysker lord assigned to them. What follows is an exciting and intense narrative as Aerand simultaneously fights against the rebels and their native witches, while also trying to regain the trust of her comrades. At the same time, Aerand must unravel both the dark conspiracy engulfing the planet and the secrets her commanders are hiding.

I felt that Fischer produced a compelling and exciting Warhammer 40,000 narrative that really dragged me with its intense storytelling. The author got the right balance of unique grim Warhammer elements, complex character development, and dark intrigue, all of which melded well with the typical military fiction story fans of the franchise have come to expect. Fischer does a brilliant job increasing the threat of his story, and the desolate swamp setting of Visage takes on a real life of its own, especially when it comes to grizzly fights against swamp witches and disturbed spirits. At the same time, the focus on the protagonist’s isolation from her old comrades, who distrust her due to her tainted abilities, adds a great emotional heart to Witchbringer that cleverly works into the larger secrets of the main narrative. Fischer does a great job bringing the dark plot of Witchbringer together for an exciting conclusion, and readers will appreciate the inevitable carnage that follows. This is an overall impressive and well-written story that I had an amazing time listening to.

Witchbringer was an interesting addition to the Warhammer 40,000 canon, especially as it was part of the Astra Militarum series that seeks to follow adventures of the various human soldiers fighting in the bleak future. As such, Fischer expertly explores the sanctioned psykers of the Astra Militarum, including their training, their unique role in combat, and the way that the common trooper views them. While I do think that Fischer overpowered his protagonist, for the most part this proved to be very fascinating novel about sanctioned psykers, and I enjoyed how the author highlighted the protagonist’s human side. As such this is a great read for established fans of the franchise, and I am sure most Warhammer 40,000 players and fiction readers will appreciate Fischer’s excellent debut to the genre. Fischer also ensured that there was enough context and explanation of the more complex universe elements for newer readers to follow along and anyone can probably come in and enjoy Witchbringer, especially if they love a distinctive science fiction thriller.

As with most Warhammer fiction, I chose to enjoy Witchbringer on audiobook, which is easily the best way to appreciate the franchise. The grim dark setting and intense action of any Warhammer 40,000 novel is deeply enhanced when read out to you and I love the array of talented narrators that work to bring these amazing stories to life. In Witchbringer’s case, it was narrated by Amy Rockson, who is relatively new to the franchise. Rockson had a pretty good take on the unique flow of a Warhammer 40,000 audiobook, and I felt she inhabited the various characters extremely well. The more supernatural elements of Witchbringer’s plot really came to life when read out by Rockson, and I enjoyed how much passion she injected into the various fight scenes. With a run time of around nine and a half hours, Witchbringer proved to be an easy audiobook to get through quickly, and I had a wonderful time listening to this amazing piece of Warhammer 40,000 fiction.

Overall, Warhammer 40,000: Witchbringer proved to be an amazing book, and I really enjoyed checking out Steven B Fischer’s debut novel. Featuring a captivating tale of mystery, mayhem and moving character moments, Witchbringer was a great addition to the Warhammer 40,000 canon, and it proved hard not to become addicted to its impressive story. This is a powerful and excellent read from an author who looks set to be a fantastic feature of the franchise’s fiction going forward.

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[Noctvrnal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story, what a book.

Not only it was capable of including horrific, breathtaking moments, there were also instances that a tear was near brought to an eye. Because of the terror, the struggle, and the undying faith of those serving under the banner of Cadia's 900th.

I have to applaud the author for not only weaving a compelling story, but fleshing out the characters in such way that they have become alive between the pages. Truly a gripping tale that was difficult to see come to an end. And a wonderful addition to other stories in the Black Library catalogue.

No other notes. Just a wonderful read through and through.

[Ridel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simplified for Beginners

In Witchbringer, the Astra Militarum series shines its rotating spotlight on the Sanctioned Psyker. Their lives are nothing but conflict. Every Imperial citizen is taught to abhor the witch from a young age. Joining the trigger-happy cannon fodder of the Guard doesn’t change this, as even her allies are weary of her existence. The kicker is that our protagonist is the prodigal daughter returning to a regiment she once led, and her outsider status lends itself towards an Inquistorial-style mystery with hidden daggers instead of lasguns.

Unfortunately, the author didn’t recognize the strengths of the cast. Despite the interpersonal drama, Witchbringer is all about traitors at the gates. The battle for Visage is basic. Flanking is the apex of tactical brilliance, and the strategic picture consists of two maneuvers. The sole Infantry regiment lacks combined arms, and none of the other Imperium factions make a token appearance. It’s particularly galling that the Ordos Hereticus doesn’t bat an eye at a planet known for its bumper crop of psykers, and the only explanation is that the author was trying to minimize references to the larger universe.

The author focused on bringing Witchbringer’s shadowy antagonist to life, spending his budget of worldbuilding references on side effects of the Imperium’s fascist government. The undercurrent of deceit is this novel’s redeeming factor, despite a preponderance of meat grinder scenes. When action fails to engage the reader, one knows the author has failed to pace the novel correctly. The first act is too slow and cerebral, and the second act is the literary equivalent of a quagmire. The ending holds clever surprises, but its backdrop is another uninspired set-piece battle. The author has the outline of an Inquisition story but tried to shoehorn it into the Astra Militarum series. It’s a failure on both fronts.

Not Recommended, with Reservations.

[Jordan Capasso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really struggled with this one. I just struggled to connect or really care about the characters I’m afraid

[Andrew Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly not expecting much from this book than a decent middle of the pack 40k story with an I treating premise that drew me in to begin with.

Glad to say it was an exceptionally well written and very enjoyable novel with characters I really came to love and a few interesting twists. Steven Fischer is definitely and author to watch.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and certainly thrilling, but Pskyers have never really been my interest.

[AA_Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly introspective 40k novel. After The Wraithbone Phoenix touched upon the Imperium’s attitude to abhumans and Rites of Passage looked at the regard in which Navigators are held in it was interesting to explore the liminal space that a high-ranking combat psyker occupies. This is further enhanced by the disconnect she feels on returning to her old regiment.

In terms of other BL works, it recalled Peter Fehervari’s Fire Caste in more than just it’s swampy setting- the plot is twisty and gradually revealed, and Steve Fischer’s prose is very similar to that of John French- I can’t describe how or why, but it has the same vibe for me.

All in all, this is an engaging and thought-provoking BL debut novel, suitably distinct from other Astra Militarum novels, but retaining enough of the classic elements to sit comfortably alongside them.

[Jude Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

First class astra militarum novel. Great thoughtful commentary about the place of psykers in the imperium.

[Aaron Baylee Henderson-Eubanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love psykers!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book. Save for the one part where a magazine is referred to as a clip, as many civilians mistakenly do in media, I chalk it up to that it really could be a clip in the 41st millennium. It isn't that this is a big deal, call it a toad for all I care. But when civilians write military actions and make small mistakes like this, it suddenly breaks the illusion within which a veteran is able to immerse themselves in. Sit with almost any veteran watching a typical war movie and before long you'll likely hear them groan and point out something wrong on the screen. Thankfully this book was not rife with such mistakes and bringing up this one tiny one here seems silly on my part more than an affront of the book. Which is preferable as it allows me to enjoy the story.

The ending was better than I initially thought it might be after starting.

I enjoy stories that are analogous to psychological structures and such, and this was not one of them. Instead it is just a story of military action on some throne forsaken backwater of importance to nobody that is in the mud, suffering the difficulties of a deployment, but the larger strategic picture of those fantastic machinations of the larger bureaucracy they belong to. Of this I can wholly relate, myself with 24 years of service and plenty of deployments to questionable areas and equally hidden reasons that are of little help to the soldier as they eternally clean muck from equipment and go out on patrol.

Enjoyable because it brought such reality to life. Like many veterans, I grow weary of battle stories where everyone fights for great and majestic causes, as if they didn't notice the blood and mud around them. This was a breath of fresh air because it smelled of such blackness. And this is the essential firmament upon which I enjoy stories of the realities of soldiers and the Imperium in general.

In short, it is a story of soldiers more than it is a book of philosophy of the Imperial cult. Thank the Throne.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Der erste Roman Fischers (nach vielen Kurzgeschichten) birgt sehr viel Potential und spannende Figuren, allen voran natürlich Aerand, aber auch Maltia und der Oberst. Das Setting ist schön gruselig und unheimlich.

Mir fehlte es aber etwas an Tiefe, um mich vollends in die Handlung hineinzuziehen. Die Charaktere hätten mehr Kontur vertragen und die unangekündigten Perspektivwechsel haben bei mir oftmals zu Verwirrung geführt.

Für jene, die sich in Warhammer 40K schon auskennen, ist es gute Lektüre mit bekannten Elementen. Für Neugierige ein guter Einstieg in die brutale Welt dieses Universums.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glavia Aerand returns to her old unit as a primaris psyker, not because it is her old unit but because they face an unknown threat from the Warp. She struggles with reintegrating given her new role. Most of the psyker descriptions are great, particularly the battlefield scenes, but drawing from that well too often makes it run a little dry by the end. I did not care for the opening scenes at the schola, I prefer to think of it as an absolute unknown "black box". Once she deploys, the action and drama is steady, with a creepy flooded world as the backdrop. Overall a good addition to the Astra Militarum series.

[Laurence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different perspective on the Imperial Guard, through the eyes of a sanctioned psyker. A promising set-up with an opening depicting the protagonist's training in her powers leads to a main story that gets as bogged down as the swamp in which it's set.

The writing is not bad, it just seems to me not enough to support a whole novel, and either needed a little more to bulk it out or a little trimming to a novella or short story.

[James Wetherill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a poor entry into this series, the others have been much better.
I can see the author was trying for something different, showing us like a battle psyker for the imperial guard but the first third dragged a lot, the middle third was pretty good and the final third was dreadful.
I’d only read this if your a completionist for this series

[Cedric Laudenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll keep my review very short. If you like the Astra Militarum and especially non-Astartes Psykers, this book is for you. If you like Warhammer it’s also for you. Overall good book, cool story, decent ending. Discovered a handful of spelling errors in the German translation but it’s ok.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was pretty good and atmospheric. It ended on one hell of a statement. I hope to see the Cadian 900th again.

[Michael White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. The pacing was really weird.

[Kossie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another intereseting story to explore the grim dark universe ;)

[aaron]

“Don’t be afraid, child. The sea does not forget her own.”

[Ismael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

Very well-written with strong characters and a fun mystery at its heart. I hope to read more from the author.

[J.H. Lillevik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it.

[Gary Laporte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel free to skip the part in italic! I wrote it to explain what my tastes and hopes are when reading a 40k book, so that my perspective can be taken into account when reading the review.

So, here is what I hope to find when reading a 40k novel, especially one focused on the Astra Militarum:
1 A satirical and/or thought-provoking, aspect to it, the worst angle for me being approaching it in a way that justifies the actions of the Imperium, as Games Workshop had judiciously stated it in an article: https://www.warhammer-community.com/2...
2 An anti-war aspect, as the Astra Militarum (and the Imperium as a whole) is a war machine that grinds human lives and there's something to be said about it;
3 An attempt by the author not to just rely on cliches and tropes of the 40k setting and offer something different, and why not with a little nuance. I've read so many Black Library novels where the antagonist is a moustache-twirling bad guy that I can't stand it anymore.
4 I know most 40k fans enjoy a more action-heavy approach with clear-cut good guys and bad guys, but that's not really what interests me in this universe, even if I enjoy good written action scenes like everyone else. But I need well written characters and character arcs to be involved in a story, not just one action scene after another.

And to me, the 40k universe can be so much more than just action stories, as it can deliver powerful messages about hope, horror, war and humanity in such an awful setting. That's what I always hope to find when opening a 40k novel.

That being said, on to the review!

If I'm not mistaken, Witchbringer is the first novel by Steven B. Fischer and there are a lot of things I enjoyed in it:
- The introduction of the novel was great, I really enjoyed how it was written and the sense of mystery there was. The author style was very enjoyable for me in this part.
- The main character was interesting as we were following her plight as a psyker and I also enjoyed that she wasn't infallible and made mistakes.
- Some of the other characters were interesting too and there was a sense of nihilism in them which made them relatable. They seem to know they were in a messed up universe but kept fighting.
- The antagonist was written in an interesting way, far from being a moustache-twirling villain, which was refreshing.

The things I enjoyed less were:
- After the first part of the novel, I found the style of the author less riveting, as if the lyricism was limited to the first chapters.
- There were pacing issues, with characters going back and forth various places while the plot seemed not to advance much.

All in all, even if it's not one of my favorites, I had a good time with this novel and I'm curious to read Steven B. Fischer next novels, to see how his style evolves.

[Vojtěch Habrnal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I really enjoyed this book, writing about Primaris Psykers outside of the Inquisition ( Eisenhorn) is a great idea! I believe it is full of potential (e.g., training of psykers, direct combat with other psykers, transporting messages, navigators, and the list goes on). However, there are some stretches in the novel that I must criticize ( the first mist part, the run of Secundus company ), and there could have been more interactions between psykers and non-psykers (soldiers, civilians).

TL;DR: Good book with an intriguing new idea, 9/10 (rounded down due to minor criticisms).

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A first time perspective of an imperial psyker and a brief fascinating glimpse of how they work

A forgettable story told about an imperial psyker who used to be a former Cadian major. Great world building and some great action set pieces. Unfortunately it gets bogged down by being another Imperial guard story that once read, it is unfortunatly also forgettable. However some great conceptional ideas on psykers and the school of psykers at the start was easily the most interesting and 40k elements of the book.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to Warhammer 40,000; Witchbringer was my third 40k novel and I was not dissappointed. Reading from the POV of a psyker and experiencing the prejudice and fear together with the proragonist, who's loyal to those who scorn her, was interesting and refreshing. The book shines a lot of light on how psyker's training and connection to the warp functions, I hope to see more of this in 40k novels.

Overall, I really love this book.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, which is unique because I normally don't like bolter slop or psyker slop. I think it's because the psyker sequences were written with a careful eye towards the tone of the book being soaked in danger and horror rather than the repetitive, almost Harry Potter-esque bullshit that witchcraft in 40k often devolves into. The action sequences are also top notch and the writing keeps otherwise repetitive instances fresh.

[Eric Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid Warhammer 40k novel

This is a solid piece of Warhammer 40k fiction. The action is solid, I enjoyed learning about all the characters, and it does a good job of conveying the grim darkness of the setting without being grim derp. I might recommend this book to people new to 40k as an introduction to the world.

[Paul Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read that gives a deep look at the combat Psykers and how they are trained and reviled by the military forces that so clearly need them, hopefully the end of the book leads to another tale of doom and woe