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Warhammer 40,000
Helbrecht: Knight of the Throne
A Black Templars Short Novel
Guided by a vision, the High Marshal of the Black Templars journeys to a world left in ruins for millennia, in search of a holy relic.
READ IT BECAUSE
See High Marshal Helbrecht in action after his meeting with Roboute Guilliman, doing what he does best – questing for a sacred relic with a handful of his best troops.
THE STORY
An heir of Sigismund has been reborn.
The Shrine Worlds Crusades are over. The Rubicon Primaris has been crossed.
Chastised by Guilliman, the Primarch Returned, and guided by a vision from the holy God-Emperor Himself, High Marshal Helbrecht is called to the ruinworld of Hevaran. Forged in the fires of the Scouring, Hevaran is sacred in its desolation, condemned to never rebuild… Yet hidden upon its barren surface is a sacred relic. Questing to reclaim it with but a few select souls to aid him, Helbrecht must trust in his skill, his wrath, and his faith as an ancient enemy returns to test him as never before.
Guided by a vision, the High Marshal of the Black Templars journeys to a world left in ruins for millennia, in search of a holy relic.
READ IT BECAUSE
See High Marshal Helbrecht in action after his meeting with Roboute Guilliman, doing what he does best – questing for a sacred relic with a handful of his best troops.
THE STORY
An heir of Sigismund has been reborn.
The Shrine Worlds Crusades are over. The Rubicon Primaris has been crossed.
Chastised by Guilliman, the Primarch Returned, and guided by a vision from the holy God-Emperor Himself, High Marshal Helbrecht is called to the ruinworld of Hevaran. Forged in the fires of the Scouring, Hevaran is sacred in its desolation, condemned to never rebuild… Yet hidden upon its barren surface is a sacred relic. Questing to reclaim it with but a few select souls to aid him, Helbrecht must trust in his skill, his wrath, and his faith as an ancient enemy returns to test him as never before.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2022
40 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Marc Collins
30 books72 followersMarc Collins is a speculative fiction writer from Glasgow, Scotland, covering diverse topics from Norse werewolves to the grim darkness of the far future. When not working in Pathology, he enjoys a dram and pondering our transhuman future, inspired by writers such as Iain M Banks.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 1, 2022
Tedious and pointless. The first 40K book in a long time where I was falling asleep and itching to skip ahead.
It’s a ‘filler episode’ and a bad one at that. I love all things Imperial Fists so imagine how bad this has to be.
It’s a ‘filler episode’ and a bad one at that. I love all things Imperial Fists so imagine how bad this has to be.
July 17, 2022
The third book in what seems to have been dubbed ‘The Characters Series’ looks at a newer but equally storied character, High Marshal of the Black Templars, Helbrecht. Interestingly, this means that all three featured characters have undergone significant and repeated medical alterations, effectively dying in the process.
This book largely occurs after the transition across the Rubicon Primaris, though parts of the procedure do feature, as do some of the existential doubts that followed it. The main thrust of the novel is focused on Helbrecht trying to find a balance between his urge to go crusading and the reactive wars the Imperium finds itself fighting post-rift.
In his previous novel, Grim Repast, Collins demonstrated his innate understanding of the 40k universe, especially in the scale of the finale, and he demonstrates the same again here. Hevaran is to my mind the most quintessentially 40k world imaginable. Trapped in the past, prevented from advancing by hidebound & pointless tradition and ultimately doomed it is a remarkably concise and emblematic piece of world building. The population are destined to spend their lives atoning for and erasing the mistakes made by their ancestors almost countless generations back at the expense of all else, in ever-worsening conditions, leaving themselves exposed to other dangers- a perfect model of the wider Imperium. Thematically, dreams feature heavily, as does the nature of faith. The book isn’t quite as action-heavy as the character, and Collins’ previous work with the Chapter might lead you to expect, and the events depicted are very high-stakes but economical.
The book has a small cast, and Helbrecht is undoubtedly the star and main event, but we do get a look into the dynamics and character of the Black Templars as a Chapter.
This book largely occurs after the transition across the Rubicon Primaris, though parts of the procedure do feature, as do some of the existential doubts that followed it. The main thrust of the novel is focused on Helbrecht trying to find a balance between his urge to go crusading and the reactive wars the Imperium finds itself fighting post-rift.
In his previous novel, Grim Repast, Collins demonstrated his innate understanding of the 40k universe, especially in the scale of the finale, and he demonstrates the same again here. Hevaran is to my mind the most quintessentially 40k world imaginable. Trapped in the past, prevented from advancing by hidebound & pointless tradition and ultimately doomed it is a remarkably concise and emblematic piece of world building. The population are destined to spend their lives atoning for and erasing the mistakes made by their ancestors almost countless generations back at the expense of all else, in ever-worsening conditions, leaving themselves exposed to other dangers- a perfect model of the wider Imperium. Thematically, dreams feature heavily, as does the nature of faith. The book isn’t quite as action-heavy as the character, and Collins’ previous work with the Chapter might lead you to expect, and the events depicted are very high-stakes but economical.
The book has a small cast, and Helbrecht is undoubtedly the star and main event, but we do get a look into the dynamics and character of the Black Templars as a Chapter.
September 15, 2022
3.5 for me. An interesting and largely enjoyable exploration of what drives High Marshal Helbrecht ever onwards, but it didn't quite have the depth (or length - I'd have preferred a full-length novel for this particular narrative) to keep me fully gripped throughout. Brilliant for Black Templars fans though, and plenty for casual 40k readers to enjoy too, not least in the none-more-40k world of Hevaran.
August 11, 2022
Helbrecht is forced to decide whether defeating a hated foe or focussing on the grander scale of the war for the Imperium is the worthier cause for the vaunted Black Templars.
Travelling to Heveran, a world crushed by their forebears, he searches for a sacred relic of Dorn, and an answer to the question of where should his focus lie.
The only disappointing thing about the novel is the length; there seemed to be more that was waiting to be told, and characters that could have been explored further.
Travelling to Heveran, a world crushed by their forebears, he searches for a sacred relic of Dorn, and an answer to the question of where should his focus lie.
The only disappointing thing about the novel is the length; there seemed to be more that was waiting to be told, and characters that could have been explored further.
July 10, 2025
‘Look to your own soul, Chaplain, lest you find it wanting. Come and see the certainty of my step.'
I am grateful.
I am grateful that Games Workshop created a fictional universe that could be represented by some surprisingly expensive plastic and resin toys.
I am grateful that their business model led them to publish hundreds of books about those models, at mostly reasonable prices that are accessible to the budgets of public libraries around the world.
I am even grateful for the occasional pairings of books with the release of specific models such as, for example, a post Primaris Rubicon Black Templar chapter master.
These short books do work fine on occasion. Sigismund was transcendently good. Here unfortunately, as my eyes grow weary at another cliched description of faith and duty, I have to chant the right phrases to keep myself awake:
"Yes, I am grateful."
"Yes, I will take the risk, pay the price, accept the fate that some books serve little purpose than to sell models. For I am grateful."
Helbrecht is not an awful book, nor is Collins a bad writer. There are moments where he seems to understand the key element that makes a great (Warhammer) novel: the conflict within oneself or with one's allies can be far more of a driver than one's generic enemy. The conflict with Guilliman is solid, the conflict with other Chapter members starts reaching to making this a great book. Helbrecht's own internal conflicts are, however, dull.
The problem is that the lore around Helbrecht and the wider plot is limited. Helbrecht featured in one dull short story and had bit parts as a stock character in others that well all based around one of the Wars of Armageddon (as an aside, the lore around that seems very messy). Collins leans very heavily on these thin reeds to create Helbrecht's mystique, which gets quite boring, particularly as they must comprise a tiny fraction of Helbrecht's career.
Further, the book ties itself to the post Horus Heresy Scouring lore, including the Iron Cage. As the books around this potentially interesting material are still to be written, Collins again tries to make much with little. The limited flavour ends up highlighting that the character is generic and that the plot is stale.
‘The sooner we fulfil our duty, the sooner we shall be back amongst the crusade proper. The galaxy will not be idle in our absence, nor will it stop turning. There will always be wars for us to face. Foes for us to strike down...’ Helbrecht paused. ‘If we are worthy.'
Find a cool artefact that does nothing while helping out a new swordsman who... ...also does nothing despite being better placed to be the focus of the story. Kill an enemy who’s given the barest moment to be built up into a worthy adversary.
Collins gives certain personalities to the main Templars, but they lack development. Luther and Sigismund suggest that within the space available, it is perhaps would have been better to focus on Helbrecht, though he is incredibly boring. I don't find his expressions of doubt particularly interesting, as they mainly revolve around which enemy of the week's skull he should crush next.
Collins does make a half-step to an alternate portrayal, one about how being an eternal crusader kind of makes you a prick:
‘This is a holy undertaking. We have a duty to perform. You shall not question that duty. You shall not interfere with it. Once we find what we seek then you will return without us. Is that understood?’
‘Absolutely, lord’ he said with an eager nod. ‘I’ve had similar business arrangements in my time. They've always been profitable:
‘There will be no profit here’ Helbrecht said. There was an edge to his voice now: the low crackle of violence, like a power weapon going live. Zeric’s eyes flicked from the High Marshal’s face, to the sword scabbarded at his hip, and along the line of power-armoured warriors. ‘There is only the God-Emperor’s sacred duty. That is its own reward.'
However, the story doesn't develop that way, which would have piqued my interest more,
and in the end Helbrecht’s devotion "inspires" loyalist forces to acts of plot convenient military competence. As for the villain, wow, I really struggled to identify anything interesting about him.
I'm willing to say there is enough in Helbrecht to say that, with the right ingredients, Collins could write, and maybe already has written, a good Warhammer book.
Mostly though, it leaves me grateful, in that Helbrecht lets me distinguish the good works from the not so good ones.
I am grateful.
I am grateful that Games Workshop created a fictional universe that could be represented by some surprisingly expensive plastic and resin toys.
I am grateful that their business model led them to publish hundreds of books about those models, at mostly reasonable prices that are accessible to the budgets of public libraries around the world.
I am even grateful for the occasional pairings of books with the release of specific models such as, for example, a post Primaris Rubicon Black Templar chapter master.
These short books do work fine on occasion. Sigismund was transcendently good. Here unfortunately, as my eyes grow weary at another cliched description of faith and duty, I have to chant the right phrases to keep myself awake:
"Yes, I am grateful."
"Yes, I will take the risk, pay the price, accept the fate that some books serve little purpose than to sell models. For I am grateful."
Helbrecht is not an awful book, nor is Collins a bad writer. There are moments where he seems to understand the key element that makes a great (Warhammer) novel: the conflict within oneself or with one's allies can be far more of a driver than one's generic enemy. The conflict with Guilliman is solid, the conflict with other Chapter members starts reaching to making this a great book. Helbrecht's own internal conflicts are, however, dull.
The problem is that the lore around Helbrecht and the wider plot is limited. Helbrecht featured in one dull short story and had bit parts as a stock character in others that well all based around one of the Wars of Armageddon (as an aside, the lore around that seems very messy). Collins leans very heavily on these thin reeds to create Helbrecht's mystique, which gets quite boring, particularly as they must comprise a tiny fraction of Helbrecht's career.
Further, the book ties itself to the post Horus Heresy Scouring lore, including the Iron Cage. As the books around this potentially interesting material are still to be written, Collins again tries to make much with little. The limited flavour ends up highlighting that the character is generic and that the plot is stale.
‘The sooner we fulfil our duty, the sooner we shall be back amongst the crusade proper. The galaxy will not be idle in our absence, nor will it stop turning. There will always be wars for us to face. Foes for us to strike down...’ Helbrecht paused. ‘If we are worthy.'
Find a cool artefact that does nothing while helping out a new swordsman who... ...also does nothing despite being better placed to be the focus of the story. Kill an enemy who’s given the barest moment to be built up into a worthy adversary.
Collins gives certain personalities to the main Templars, but they lack development. Luther and Sigismund suggest that within the space available, it is perhaps would have been better to focus on Helbrecht, though he is incredibly boring. I don't find his expressions of doubt particularly interesting, as they mainly revolve around which enemy of the week's skull he should crush next.
Collins does make a half-step to an alternate portrayal, one about how being an eternal crusader kind of makes you a prick:
‘This is a holy undertaking. We have a duty to perform. You shall not question that duty. You shall not interfere with it. Once we find what we seek then you will return without us. Is that understood?’
‘Absolutely, lord’ he said with an eager nod. ‘I’ve had similar business arrangements in my time. They've always been profitable:
‘There will be no profit here’ Helbrecht said. There was an edge to his voice now: the low crackle of violence, like a power weapon going live. Zeric’s eyes flicked from the High Marshal’s face, to the sword scabbarded at his hip, and along the line of power-armoured warriors. ‘There is only the God-Emperor’s sacred duty. That is its own reward.'
However, the story doesn't develop that way, which would have piqued my interest more,
and in the end Helbrecht’s devotion "inspires" loyalist forces to acts of plot convenient military competence. As for the villain, wow, I really struggled to identify anything interesting about him.
I'm willing to say there is enough in Helbrecht to say that, with the right ingredients, Collins could write, and maybe already has written, a good Warhammer book.
Mostly though, it leaves me grateful, in that Helbrecht lets me distinguish the good works from the not so good ones.
January 5, 2023
Good prose, and certainly lots of Black Templars content focusing on one of the chapter's most famous characters - but the others are all originals, and the baddies aren't given much time to establish themselves, relying on past lore to set the hooks, which isn't unprecedented or unforgivable, especially in a well-developed setting like 40K. Still, this makes it weaker than it could otherwise be. It's still a heroic (sort of - this is the Imperium we're talking about) journey by a religious military order (IN SPACE), so there's still a certain standard of fun and excitement expected (and delivered).
I think this book probably needed to be a bit longer, mostly to give the villains room to stretch and present more of a threat and reasons for investment. They're mostly here to give the Templars something suitable to crusade against.
I liked this one, but it didn't do anything to tower above its shelfmates or other contenders.
I think this book probably needed to be a bit longer, mostly to give the villains room to stretch and present more of a threat and reasons for investment. They're mostly here to give the Templars something suitable to crusade against.
I liked this one, but it didn't do anything to tower above its shelfmates or other contenders.
December 4, 2022
Black Templars, religious zealots forming one of the largest Space Marines chapters ever. Led by religious fervor that would make religious fanatics of our age going "C'mon on now!" these warriors have no mercy to anyone, who does not comply gets destroyed. They wage Eternal Crusade, fighting whomever crosses them and bringing destruction to non-compliant worlds (where non-compliant might be defined as "Aha! He was not looking directly at me!").
And then Guilliman comes in and something sparks out in the Hellbrecht, High Marshall of the Black Templars, the very embodiment of his chapter. Soon he will embark on the quest that will make him question whether Templars can defeat all the mighty foes of the humanity on their own or they need to do it in concert with the humanity itself. And if they need humanity does that mean they need to change their attitude [toward it].
Story on its own might be a letdown if you are expecting some heroic quests of this most knightly order of Space Marines. There is lots of great speeches and oaths (which is something one would expect from a chapter very proud of its own zealotry and superstition) and this might be off-putting to some. But at the end book's strength is in showing how reason does prevail even in W40K.
Interesting book, great characters. Recommended to W40K fans.
And then Guilliman comes in and something sparks out in the Hellbrecht, High Marshall of the Black Templars, the very embodiment of his chapter. Soon he will embark on the quest that will make him question whether Templars can defeat all the mighty foes of the humanity on their own or they need to do it in concert with the humanity itself. And if they need humanity does that mean they need to change their attitude [toward it].
Story on its own might be a letdown if you are expecting some heroic quests of this most knightly order of Space Marines. There is lots of great speeches and oaths (which is something one would expect from a chapter very proud of its own zealotry and superstition) and this might be off-putting to some. But at the end book's strength is in showing how reason does prevail even in W40K.
Interesting book, great characters. Recommended to W40K fans.
May 17, 2023
A thoroughly forgettable story, Helbrecht fails to give much insight into the High Marshal of the Black Templars while simultaneously delivering by-the-numbers bolter porn. I’m harsh on short stories generally, but the author simply didn’t try to tell much of a tale. Heveran is a great location, and its history is steeped in grimdark, but the action is both low stakes and yet at the same time, felling Space Marines at a rate that doesn’t support the ten thousand years of war.
Those are common problems with the fluff though… what’s really disappointing are the internal ramblings of a post-human legend like Helbrecht. He comes across as deeply conflicted; an introverted man prone to contemplation. When Grimaldus graces the pages, it confirms what I suspect: the author just doesn’t know their voice. I think of Helsreach as one of the finest examples of the Black Templars on crusade, and this doesn’t remotely approach that flavour.
Not recommended with reservations. If you need a quick hit of bolter action, you’ve found it.
Those are common problems with the fluff though… what’s really disappointing are the internal ramblings of a post-human legend like Helbrecht. He comes across as deeply conflicted; an introverted man prone to contemplation. When Grimaldus graces the pages, it confirms what I suspect: the author just doesn’t know their voice. I think of Helsreach as one of the finest examples of the Black Templars on crusade, and this doesn’t remotely approach that flavour.
Not recommended with reservations. If you need a quick hit of bolter action, you’ve found it.
November 29, 2022
A book with a fairly pointless plot. So much potential for so many different bits and pieces of Helbrechts history and we get this? So many GREAT plot points in the story are just glossed over or get a few paragraphs and then we get this tedious story for the rest of it. I saw another review that says this is a filler episode and it's pretty much a perfect descriptor. I read this high star reviews and I wonder if I read a different book.
I finished the book but it only gets 2 stars BECAUSE i was able to finish it but I wouldn't rave about this at all, if you're a Black Templars fan and just want some content it's not the worst thing ever I just don't think it's all that special either. Also they talk about the 'black armour' so much but doesn't Helbrecht wear gold?
I finished the book but it only gets 2 stars BECAUSE i was able to finish it but I wouldn't rave about this at all, if you're a Black Templars fan and just want some content it's not the worst thing ever I just don't think it's all that special either. Also they talk about the 'black armour' so much but doesn't Helbrecht wear gold?
January 10, 2023
A thoughtful insight into the temperament and nature of both the Black Templars and the titular character.
A well written story that sheds a light onto both the Character of Helbrecht and the wider chapter of the Black Templars.
The story moves at a good pace and the actions scenes are well written.
If I have one gripe, and it would be a minor one, the novel needs to be longer. The events are clearly defined but moving between them can, at times, seem a little too sudden.
Overall, an enjoyable read and look forward to more from this author.
A well written story that sheds a light onto both the Character of Helbrecht and the wider chapter of the Black Templars.
The story moves at a good pace and the actions scenes are well written.
If I have one gripe, and it would be a minor one, the novel needs to be longer. The events are clearly defined but moving between them can, at times, seem a little too sudden.
Overall, an enjoyable read and look forward to more from this author.
November 13, 2022
"the need to punish and blame made worlds into sepulchers".
August 6, 2024
A good, tight story that gives you just enough to leave you wanting more!
January 23, 2025
Loved the character building of helbrecht and cant wait to see what happens next with the new emperors champion, Bolheim.
December 9, 2024
The novel provides insight into the mind of High Marshal Helbrecht. The overall plot was solid. I would recommend this book for people interested in the Black Templars.
January 6, 2023
Actually listened to the Audiobook but that edition doesn’t exist and I’ve tried and failed to add (or, at least, asked to add without success) other books so just picking a random edition now. That’s also partly why I’m not logging all my books .. but I digress.
I’ve not read any 40K until now, though did play it when it first came out (Space Marines vs Genestealers). I read it mostly for research on the Black Templars and it was an interesting read, though it felt more like an elaborated gaming session as the book didn’t have any of the depth I had got used to with the likes of Iain M Banks, Peter F Hamilton, Alastair Reynolds and Adrian Tchaikovsky. All-in-all it was like a holiday book - short and simple without much need to focus. The dialogue seemed two-dimensional and made the Black Templars religious zealots with a one-track mind — purge anything that’s not aligned with the will of the god-emperor. War may be everything but I didn’t feel any compassion for these fanatics whose only goal seemed to be to rain death on infidels. I know, that’s a Black Templar … but in a novel I’m sure we could go a little further… ?
One funny thing is that in the Audiobook, the chapter titles that display in the app look like they’ve been translated by AI as they’re just wrong - most of them. It seems like a fundamental error in something to esteemed as 40K from the Black Library but it did make me wonder how relevant the book was or if the Audiobooks are rushed out.
4. The Shiftness of Saints (= The Swiftness of Saints)
5. The Blessed Feel (= The Blessed Few)
6. Face Adamant (= Faith Adamant)
7. Test if Faith (= Tests of Faith)
8. Moving World (= Ruin World)
9. Disparity (= Plains of Despair)
11. Gardens of Books (= Gardens of Bones)
12. On the Wings of Flake (= On the Wings of Flame)
13. The Faith (= Through Fire and Faith)
15. From the Breathe of Death (= From the Brink of Death)
16. War of Ghost (= A War of Ghosts)
18. The Words of Angels (= The Wrath of Angels)
19. Caged (= Sanctity’s Cage)
20. As a Bilk so Below (= As Above so Below)
21. Underworld (= Undervault)
23. Inheritous (= Inheritance)
I’ll be reading more as I’m doing research into 40K but I’ll probably switch to other shelves that explore different aspects of the universe and blend with the codexes and Wikis for other info. I’ve got a lot to catch up on!
I’ve not read any 40K until now, though did play it when it first came out (Space Marines vs Genestealers). I read it mostly for research on the Black Templars and it was an interesting read, though it felt more like an elaborated gaming session as the book didn’t have any of the depth I had got used to with the likes of Iain M Banks, Peter F Hamilton, Alastair Reynolds and Adrian Tchaikovsky. All-in-all it was like a holiday book - short and simple without much need to focus. The dialogue seemed two-dimensional and made the Black Templars religious zealots with a one-track mind — purge anything that’s not aligned with the will of the god-emperor. War may be everything but I didn’t feel any compassion for these fanatics whose only goal seemed to be to rain death on infidels. I know, that’s a Black Templar … but in a novel I’m sure we could go a little further… ?
One funny thing is that in the Audiobook, the chapter titles that display in the app look like they’ve been translated by AI as they’re just wrong - most of them. It seems like a fundamental error in something to esteemed as 40K from the Black Library but it did make me wonder how relevant the book was or if the Audiobooks are rushed out.
4. The Shiftness of Saints (= The Swiftness of Saints)
5. The Blessed Feel (= The Blessed Few)
6. Face Adamant (= Faith Adamant)
7. Test if Faith (= Tests of Faith)
8. Moving World (= Ruin World)
9. Disparity (= Plains of Despair)
11. Gardens of Books (= Gardens of Bones)
12. On the Wings of Flake (= On the Wings of Flame)
13. The Faith (= Through Fire and Faith)
15. From the Breathe of Death (= From the Brink of Death)
16. War of Ghost (= A War of Ghosts)
18. The Words of Angels (= The Wrath of Angels)
19. Caged (= Sanctity’s Cage)
20. As a Bilk so Below (= As Above so Below)
21. Underworld (= Undervault)
23. Inheritous (= Inheritance)
I’ll be reading more as I’m doing research into 40K but I’ll probably switch to other shelves that explore different aspects of the universe and blend with the codexes and Wikis for other info. I’ve got a lot to catch up on!
November 15, 2024
Alors, on retourne dans le monde tourmenté de Warhammer 40,000 avec Helbrecht et les Black Templars. Je dois dire que je n'y connais rien spécialement aux Black Templars mais je sais que Sigismund a servi comme Grand Sénéchal à la tête des Black Templars et qui a été un champion de l'Empereur.
L'histoire débute avec Helbrecht et ses Black Templars alors qu'ils discutent des Orks et surtout de la Bête d'Armageddon car Helbrecht et ses Black Templars ont des comptes à régler avec la bête d'Armageddon. Néanmoins, lorsque Guilliman ressuscité arrive avec les Primaris pour amener des renforts, Helbrecht se fait remettre en place car ce dernier se focus plus sur la vengeance que sur l'Imperium en général.
Bref, par la suite, Helbrecht et Bolheim reçoivent tous les deux une vision de l'Empereur et c'est un évènement encore plus spécial car Bolheim a été choisi comme nouveau Champion de l'Empereur. Dans cette vision, ils doivent aller donc sur la planète Hevaran récupérer un artefact qui a appartenu (ou qui a un lien) à Rogal Dorn ; Hevaran, monde qui a été totalement détruit par les Imperial Fist lorsque les habitants ont décidé de rejoindre le camp des hérétiques. En arrivant sur place, les Black Templars sont accueillis par un haut clerc mais les apparences sont souvent trompeuses car l'hérésie a les racines profondes.
Ce fut un ouvrage vraiment intéressant, on en apprend plus sur Helbrecht et les Black Templars ainsi que leur vénération de l'Empereur, ça frôle l'hérésie car ils considèrent l'Empereur comme un Dieu et non pas comme un humain si j'ai bien lu dans cet ouvrage. A part cela, j'ai bien aimé les descriptions et combats dans cet ouvrage. En conclusion, ce fut un excellent ouvrage et intéressant, bien qu'Helbrecht n'ait pas une tête ni un visage de porte-bonheur.
L'histoire débute avec Helbrecht et ses Black Templars alors qu'ils discutent des Orks et surtout de la Bête d'Armageddon car Helbrecht et ses Black Templars ont des comptes à régler avec la bête d'Armageddon. Néanmoins, lorsque Guilliman ressuscité arrive avec les Primaris pour amener des renforts, Helbrecht se fait remettre en place car ce dernier se focus plus sur la vengeance que sur l'Imperium en général.
Bref, par la suite, Helbrecht et Bolheim reçoivent tous les deux une vision de l'Empereur et c'est un évènement encore plus spécial car Bolheim a été choisi comme nouveau Champion de l'Empereur. Dans cette vision, ils doivent aller donc sur la planète Hevaran récupérer un artefact qui a appartenu (ou qui a un lien) à Rogal Dorn ; Hevaran, monde qui a été totalement détruit par les Imperial Fist lorsque les habitants ont décidé de rejoindre le camp des hérétiques. En arrivant sur place, les Black Templars sont accueillis par un haut clerc mais les apparences sont souvent trompeuses car l'hérésie a les racines profondes.
Ce fut un ouvrage vraiment intéressant, on en apprend plus sur Helbrecht et les Black Templars ainsi que leur vénération de l'Empereur, ça frôle l'hérésie car ils considèrent l'Empereur comme un Dieu et non pas comme un humain si j'ai bien lu dans cet ouvrage. A part cela, j'ai bien aimé les descriptions et combats dans cet ouvrage. En conclusion, ce fut un excellent ouvrage et intéressant, bien qu'Helbrecht n'ait pas une tête ni un visage de porte-bonheur.
May 4, 2024
The new Emperor’s Champion had a shared vision with Helbrecht, leading to a difficult choice for the High Marshal: to enlist in the vision quest for the glory of the God-Emperor, vengeance, and glory, or to follow the instructions of Primarch Roboute and use his mighty chapter of the Black Templars to good strategic use? That’s a difficult dilemma, and the answer of High Marshal Helbrecht, the bearer of Sigismund’s sword, is: Yes. Why not both? He goes on an epic quest for a sacred relic - a piece of Primarch Dorn's armor; but his forces will continue following Guilliman’s strategic planning.
On the ruin world of Hevaran, Helbrecht will face a great test to the new abilities granted by the Rubicon Primaris and his faith.
Interesting story, unexpected foes, and great stakes in a quintessential story of what it means to be a Black Templar.
On the ruin world of Hevaran, Helbrecht will face a great test to the new abilities granted by the Rubicon Primaris and his faith.
Interesting story, unexpected foes, and great stakes in a quintessential story of what it means to be a Black Templar.
October 12, 2025
Decent, self contained story that has no bearing on the outside 40K universe. It was good to explore some of the inner workings of one of Warhammer's favorite factions. Helbrecht and the Emperor's Champion were well written but outside of those, the other characters are forgettable. The quest in the story almost becomes an after thought.
June 16, 2023
A fun tale about Helbrecht's motivations and conflicts. Must read for Black Templar fans with enough there for anyone else into 40K. One pivotal moment seemed to be directly lifted from "Black Panter"
February 7, 2024
It starts off fine, but quickly becomes boring and tedious. I gave up about 3/4 in...
December 1, 2024
Picked this one up because I was in the mood for some black templar lore and there wasn't many books to choose from with them. Was decent but not riverting.
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February 27, 2025Not sure of this one.
August 3, 2025
A solid little Grimdark story about two combatants fighting over a planet of ruins.
December 14, 2022
A little too much of a children’s fascination with “paladins” too little grim dark and satire.
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