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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
March 2024 Re-Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order - Omnibus X Shadow Crusade III Chosen of Chaos (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus/x-shadow-crusade-iii-chosen-of-chaos) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy saga and extras.
*I've already written an in depth review about this below, if you just want to get into that because I have a whole thing going on here lol
The last few omnibussies have been mixed at best covering the Salamanders, Alpha Legion, Dark Angels, and Night Lords up to just after the Isstvan V Dropsite Massacre (admittedly, the dueling edgelords was a high point and Sevatar is the bestest/ worst and I love that for him) , introducing two of the galaxies guys who refuse to die, one being a pretty swell dude with some major issues and the other being one of the most annoying, misogynystic arseholes committed to page, and covering the kerfuffle on the not so innocent Red Planet, but we're so hack baybee!!! I had to restrain myself not to jump to this omnibus after not being strong enough to not follow the Word Bearers line from Monarchia to Calth without stopping, but it couldn't come at a better time!
Just look at this belter of an Omnibus (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus/x-shadow-crusade-iii-chosen-of-chaos):
After Desh'ea (ToH or LW)
Aurelian (EoT)
Fear to Tread
Serpent (LoB)
The Purge (TSW)
Inheritor (EoT)
Butcher's Nails (LoB)
Betrayer
Khârn: The Eightfold Path (LoB)
Heart of the Conquerer (LoB)
A Rose watered with Blood (eShort)
What can I say about this story that I haven't said before or ranted at anyone who would listen?
To me, this story is utter perfection.
I have literally no idea how many times I've read it now, but I would be very surprised if it was less than six, probably more, and it never gets old or hits me less hard. I last listened to it a few, maybe even a couple of months ago, and I know how much it is going to mess me up...
I cried at least three separate times and ended listening with a completely soaked face and have a headache and sore throat from sobbing.
I don't expect this story to hit others as hard as it does me and I can't put my finger on exactly what ruins me so much, but there is something in the characterisation and animalistic sorrow, fury, confusion, and fear that the Red Angel exudes, brought to life so perfectly by Toby Longworth, that kills me. Honestly, this performance by Longworth is my favourite audio performance ever and easily one of my favourite dramatic performances of all time. It's harrowingly good!
Khârn is also perfect and the masterful way Farrer builds their rapport and understanding is breathtaking. The story within the story that Khârn tells is great and so weird and different from other non-tabletop xenos faction encounters, as well as giving more flavour and detail of the works of Perturabo and the Iron Warriors than some stories specifically about them! The way the engrossed Primarch engages with his soon to he equerry's tale and the phenemonal pacing of the natural comedy of his entirely believable and appropriate interruptions are *chef's kiss*.
I simply adore this story and this is precisely my shit.
I would read a hundred more Voraxes for the mere possibility of getting to read another story like this. Please and thank you.
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 17.41 Horus Heresy novels, 10 novellas, 48 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 8 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.
***
Initial Review: 8/5
After Desh'ea tells the story of how Angron met his legion. Wrenched from the his siblings in blood and revolution, the soon to be Primarch of the Word Eaters can do nothing but watch them die and go unmarked. The Emperor took him from them and unceremoniously dumped him on the War Hounds' flagship. Consumed by grief, trauma, and the incessant wailing of the Butcher's Nails, Angron kills all who approach until Khârn is able to get through the overwhelmed demigod scarred in body and mind.
The backstory of Angron and the history of the Warhounds and the legions of Astartes seeking their progenitors is told through exchanges between the charismatic Captain and raging Primarch, as the latter vents his fury and despair on the former, coming close to killing him. All who previously attempted making contact lie broken and bloody around them. The way the information comes out so naturally in conversation in this extremely unnatual situation is spectacular writing.
After Desh'ea reads like a play. I am pretty certain I have aphantasia, and still I can see this story playing out as I read it. The physicality of Angron is so perfectly described, so aptly embodying everything he is feeling and processing. The dialogue between the two is minimal, yet so incredibly impactful. The emotion conveyed is so visceral and the journey of understanding these two proto-men go on with each other is utterly beautiful. I genuinely think this could easily be turned into a script for a dramatic performance or a screenplay for animation thar would be phenomenal. I envisage a dark room with light only briefly playing across the characters faces and the bodies on the floor... I need someone to make this happen.
This story is perfectly heartbreaking and I genuinely think it is the best thing the Black Library has ever published. I have read it many times since I first came across it in the Tales of Heresy anthology, and every time it has brought me to tears. I genuinely don't understand why there aren't more works by Farrer in the Horus Heresy and the Black Library in general, but I absolutely need to read more of his work.
Look, I'm so unbelievably biased because I love this story so much, but I'm absolutely not just trying to be ridiculous and hyperbolic. I truly believe this is one of the most well crafted and emotionally rich story the Black Library has published, and recommend it to anyone, regardless of interest in Warhammer and the Horus Heresy. If you do you have to read this and if you have any interest in the War Hounds/ World Eaters you absolutely need this in your life.
*I've already written an in depth review about this below, if you just want to get into that because I have a whole thing going on here lol
The last few omnibussies have been mixed at best covering the Salamanders, Alpha Legion, Dark Angels, and Night Lords up to just after the Isstvan V Dropsite Massacre (admittedly, the dueling edgelords was a high point and Sevatar is the bestest/ worst and I love that for him) , introducing two of the galaxies guys who refuse to die, one being a pretty swell dude with some major issues and the other being one of the most annoying, misogynystic arseholes committed to page, and covering the kerfuffle on the not so innocent Red Planet, but we're so hack baybee!!! I had to restrain myself not to jump to this omnibus after not being strong enough to not follow the Word Bearers line from Monarchia to Calth without stopping, but it couldn't come at a better time!
Just look at this belter of an Omnibus (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus/x-shadow-crusade-iii-chosen-of-chaos):
After Desh'ea (ToH or LW)
Aurelian (EoT)
Fear to Tread
Serpent (LoB)
The Purge (TSW)
Inheritor (EoT)
Butcher's Nails (LoB)
Betrayer
Khârn: The Eightfold Path (LoB)
Heart of the Conquerer (LoB)
A Rose watered with Blood (eShort)
What can I say about this story that I haven't said before or ranted at anyone who would listen?
To me, this story is utter perfection.
I have literally no idea how many times I've read it now, but I would be very surprised if it was less than six, probably more, and it never gets old or hits me less hard. I last listened to it a few, maybe even a couple of months ago, and I know how much it is going to mess me up...
I cried at least three separate times and ended listening with a completely soaked face and have a headache and sore throat from sobbing.
I don't expect this story to hit others as hard as it does me and I can't put my finger on exactly what ruins me so much, but there is something in the characterisation and animalistic sorrow, fury, confusion, and fear that the Red Angel exudes, brought to life so perfectly by Toby Longworth, that kills me. Honestly, this performance by Longworth is my favourite audio performance ever and easily one of my favourite dramatic performances of all time. It's harrowingly good!
Khârn is also perfect and the masterful way Farrer builds their rapport and understanding is breathtaking. The story within the story that Khârn tells is great and so weird and different from other non-tabletop xenos faction encounters, as well as giving more flavour and detail of the works of Perturabo and the Iron Warriors than some stories specifically about them! The way the engrossed Primarch engages with his soon to he equerry's tale and the phenemonal pacing of the natural comedy of his entirely believable and appropriate interruptions are *chef's kiss*.
I simply adore this story and this is precisely my shit.
I would read a hundred more Voraxes for the mere possibility of getting to read another story like this. Please and thank you.
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 17.41 Horus Heresy novels, 10 novellas, 48 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 8 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.
***
Initial Review: 8/5
After Desh'ea tells the story of how Angron met his legion. Wrenched from the his siblings in blood and revolution, the soon to be Primarch of the Word Eaters can do nothing but watch them die and go unmarked. The Emperor took him from them and unceremoniously dumped him on the War Hounds' flagship. Consumed by grief, trauma, and the incessant wailing of the Butcher's Nails, Angron kills all who approach until Khârn is able to get through the overwhelmed demigod scarred in body and mind.
The backstory of Angron and the history of the Warhounds and the legions of Astartes seeking their progenitors is told through exchanges between the charismatic Captain and raging Primarch, as the latter vents his fury and despair on the former, coming close to killing him. All who previously attempted making contact lie broken and bloody around them. The way the information comes out so naturally in conversation in this extremely unnatual situation is spectacular writing.
After Desh'ea reads like a play. I am pretty certain I have aphantasia, and still I can see this story playing out as I read it. The physicality of Angron is so perfectly described, so aptly embodying everything he is feeling and processing. The dialogue between the two is minimal, yet so incredibly impactful. The emotion conveyed is so visceral and the journey of understanding these two proto-men go on with each other is utterly beautiful. I genuinely think this could easily be turned into a script for a dramatic performance or a screenplay for animation thar would be phenomenal. I envisage a dark room with light only briefly playing across the characters faces and the bodies on the floor... I need someone to make this happen.
This story is perfectly heartbreaking and I genuinely think it is the best thing the Black Library has ever published. I have read it many times since I first came across it in the Tales of Heresy anthology, and every time it has brought me to tears. I genuinely don't understand why there aren't more works by Farrer in the Horus Heresy and the Black Library in general, but I absolutely need to read more of his work.
Look, I'm so unbelievably biased because I love this story so much, but I'm absolutely not just trying to be ridiculous and hyperbolic. I truly believe this is one of the most well crafted and emotionally rich story the Black Library has published, and recommend it to anyone, regardless of interest in Warhammer and the Horus Heresy. If you do you have to read this and if you have any interest in the War Hounds/ World Eaters you absolutely need this in your life.