Lion El'Jonson - Lord of the First Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Lion El' Jonson by David Guymer.

The Khrave are a species that thrive in the unseen places of the galaxy, preying not on flesh but on thought itself. They are psychic parasites and emotional predators, slipping into the minds of their victims and twisting fear, doubt, and desire into weapons. Their influence spreads quietly, like a whispered suggestion that grows into obsession, turning allies against one another long before the enemy is ever recognised. They are a threat defined by subtlety and corruption, the kind of foe that unravels a world from the inside out. It is fitting, then, that they cross paths with the Dark Angels, the Emperor’s First Legion, and masters of secrecy. No Chapter in the Imperium guards its truths more fiercely. Their history is layered with oaths, hidden chambers, and knowledge shared only with those deemed worthy. Even among their own ranks, truth is rationed, compartmentalised, and buried beneath centuries of silence. To outsiders, they are inscrutable; to themselves, they are a brotherhood bound by duty and haunted by ancient sins they can never fully reveal. Bringing these two forces together, a xenos species built on manipulation and a Legion defined by secrecy, creates a narrative steeped in tension and mistrust. Both operate in shadows, both conceal their true nature, and both shape the battlefield in ways unseen. It’s a meeting of predators, each dangerous in their own way, and it sets the stage for a story where nothing is ever quite what it seems.

The story that unfolds brings these two forces, the manipulative, mind‑twisting Khrave and the secretive, oath‑bound Dark Angels, into a collision that feels as much psychological as it is physical. Rather than relying on grand battles or galaxy‑shaking revelations, the narrative builds its tension through unease: strange behaviours, subtle distortions, and the creeping sense that something is fundamentally wrong beneath the surface. It’s the kind of threat that suits the First Legion perfectly, yet also tests them in ways their rigid hierarchy and guarded truths aren’t always prepared for. The Dark Angels’ natural inclination toward silence and compartmentalisation becomes both a weapon and a weakness as events unfold. Their refusal to share information, even with one another, creates a constant undercurrent of mistrust, which the Khrave’s methods only amplify. The result is a story shaped by shadows, half‑truths, and the uncomfortable question of who is truly in control at any given moment. Without giving anything away, the setup leans heavily on atmosphere and tension rather than spectacle. It’s a slow tightening of the noose, a sense of encroaching danger that builds steadily as the characters try to understand what they’re facing. That approach gives the book a distinctive flavour, one that stands apart from more straightforward xenos encounters. 

Even with all the strengths of the story, I found myself reflecting on my own relationship with the Lion as a character. His ingrained paranoia, constant suspicion, and tightly controlled emotional distance are core to who he is, traits that define the First Legion as much as their martial discipline. While I appreciate how faithfully the book captures that aspect of him, it’s not a personality that naturally resonates with me. That didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the narrative, but it did shape how I connected with certain scenes. In a way, it highlights how distinct each Primarch truly is, and how their flaws can be just as defining as their virtues

Rynn's World Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Rynn's World by Steve Parker.

On one side of this book, we have the Crimson Fists, and on the other side, we have the green tide of the Waaagh! Snagrod. The warboss has brought his ladz for a good krumping and has managed to get to the homeworld of the Fists Chapter Monastery. Rynn’s World throws us straight into a clash defined by absolute opposites. On one side stand the Crimson Fists, heirs to Rogal Dorn’s unyielding discipline, masters of fortification, precision, and the grim patience of siege warfare. Their entire identity is built on structure, duty, and the belief that a well‑prepared defence can weather any storm. Opposing them is the raw, explosive chaos of the Orks, a force that embodies everything the sons of Dorn are not: unpredictable, overwhelming, and driven by a brutal momentum that cares nothing for strategy or order. This collision between rigid Imperial resolve and the wild entropy of the greenskin horde forms the beating heart of the novel, setting the stage for one of the most desperate last stands in Space Marine lore. With that foundation set, Rynn’s World quickly establishes its central tension without giving too much away: the disciplined sons of Dorn holding fast against a threat defined by sheer, unpredictable brutality. It’s a story built on contrasts, order versus anarchy, precision versus overwhelming force, and that dynamic shapes every moment of the book. With those elements in place, I want to shift into my own thoughts on how effectively the novel captures the Crimson Fists, their character, and the desperate struggle that defines their legacy.

The novel opens with a contemplative, almost ritualistic atmosphere as the Crimson Fists gather for one of their chapter traditions, guided by their Chaplains. It’s a quiet moment that grounds the reader in who these Space Marines are before the storm breaks. From there, the pace accelerates sharply as the chapter moves to intervene on an Imperial world under attack, a mission that spirals into a single, devastating mistake with consequences that echo far beyond anything they anticipated. The nature of that punishment is something I’ve rarely encountered elsewhere in Warhammer fiction, and it immediately set this story apart for me. The characters themselves are handled with surprising nuance. Each Marine, officer, and supporting figure feels distinct, their personalities shaped not only by Dorn’s rigid legacy but by their own experiences and flaws. Even within such a disciplined bloodline, they stand out through their sheer refusal to yield, no matter the setbacks, no matter the weight of their errors, surrender simply isn’t in their nature. That sense of relentless determination becomes one of the book’s strongest threads. The looming threat of failure, paired with the immense stakes at play, is a constant presence throughout the narrative. It keeps the tension high and makes the reader genuinely invested in how, or if,  the Crimson Fists can endure what’s coming. The novel’s length works in its favour here, giving enough space for these themes to breathe and allowing the reader to fully appreciate the emotional and narrative pressure bearing down on the characters.

Sanguinius - The Great Angel Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Sanguinius - the Great Angel by Chris Wraight.

Sanguinius is defined by a profound duality that sits at the heart of Sanguinius: The Great Angel. To the Imperium, he appears almost divine, a being of serenity, compassion, and effortless charisma, whose very presence lifts the spirits of warriors and civilians alike. His wings and radiant demeanour make him the living embodiment of hope in an age built on conquest. Yet the story never lets us forget the other side of him: the doomed visionary who carries the weight of his own prophesied death, and the terrifying, near‑apocalyptic force he becomes when battle demands it. Beneath his gentleness lies a predator forged for war, capable of unleashing a fury that even his brothers fear. This tension, between healer and destroyer, saint and executioner, shapes every choice he makes. It’s this balance, this constant negotiation between the light he strives to embody and the darkness he must wield, that makes Sanguinius one of the most compelling figures in the Primarchs series. This short story captures him at his most human and most mythic, revealing a hero who knows he is destined to fall, yet chooses to shine all the brighter because of it.

Here we have another strong addition to the Primarchs series, and unlike the others I’ve reviewed so far, this story is told through the eyes of a baseline human remembrancer. Sanguinius’s compassion toward his sons is a constant thread throughout the narrative, especially in how he confronts the inherent flaws within their gene‑seed. The duality of his nature emerges repeatedly in the battles witnessed by the mortal observer. Through those eyes, we see Sanguinius shift from noble, artistic, almost ethereal angel to the living embodiment of the Emperor’s wrath. Viewing him from a remembrancer’s perspective gives us a rare angle, one uncoloured by the instinctive loyalty of his Legion, and all the more revealing because of it. With all of this in mind, the story offers far more than a simple character vignette it becomes a study of how Sanguinius is perceived by those who stand outside his Legion’s reverence. That perspective shapes the entire narrative, and it’s what really stood out to me as I read. Due to the length of the book the plot develops quickly and yet doesn't suffer because of this speed. There aren't many parts of the story that are from the Primarch or his legion, so the remembrancer becomes well-rounded and defined as we go along. The final section of the plot leads nicely into the first Horus Heresy book - Horus Rising, with the legions' combat on the planet nicknamed Murder.

Broken Crusade Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Broken Crusade by Steven B Fischer.

The Black Templars are one of those Chapters that immediately stand apart, even in a galaxy overflowing with zealotry and war. Born from the ashes of the Imperial Fists after the Horus Heresy, they took Sigismund’s uncompromising vision and turned it into a way of life, a crusade without end. Where other Chapters settle into fortress-monasteries and rigid structures, the Black Templars thrive on constant motion, scattering their forces across the stars in countless crusades, each one fuelled by absolute faith in the Emperor. They don’t just fight for the Imperium; they fight for the idea of it, with a fervour that borders on the fanatical. Their rejection of psykers, their oaths, their chains, their relentless drive to prove their devotion, it all creates a Chapter that feels raw, aggressive, and utterly committed. Whether you admire their purity or question their extremism, the Black Templars bring a unique energy to the setting, and any story involving them tends to carry that same sense of righteous momentum. This is the energy that Broken Crusade taps into so effectively. The book doesn’t just introduce the Black Templars; it drops you straight into the mindset that defines them. It shows the early days of their eternal crusade, the forging of their identity, and the tension between duty, faith, and the brutal realities of war. Rather than softening their fanaticism, the story leans into it, giving you a sense of how their culture formed and why they fight the way they do. It’s a compact read, but one that captures the spirit of the Chapter with surprising clarity, making it a great entry point for anyone curious about what sets the Black Templars apart.

 The plot takes its time getting to the central conflict, but that slower build works in its favour, giving you a clear sense of the Chapter’s nature, their zeal, their discipline, and their absolute refusal to bend even an inch. When the story finally brings the Black Templars into direct confrontation with their foe, the Chaos Lord they face becomes an unexpected highlight. He’s a fascinating take on a World Eater: a warrior who has somehow carved out an existence not entirely dominated by the Butcher’s Nails. It immediately reminded me of rare cases like Arrian, the Apothecary from Fabius Bile’s consortium, who manages to keep the Nails at bay through chemical calmatives and meditation. But this Chaos Lord’s method is something else entirely, a far more unusual, almost unsettlingly inventive way of managing the constant agony of his implants. All of this comes together to create a story that feels authentically Black Templar while still offering something fresh in the portrayal of their enemies. It’s a compact novel, but one that leaves a stronger impression than you’d expect. The narrative also shifts frequently between Castellan Emeric’s first‑person perspective and a third‑person view of the supporting cast, which adds variety and gives the story a broader sense of scale without losing its focus. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to any fan. If you don’t mind the Templars’ pious intensity, or even enjoy that flavour of zealotry,  you’ll find a brilliant story here, full of unique viewpoints and angles that set it apart from more conventional Space Marine fiction.

Ferrus Manus - Gorgon of Medusa Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Ferrus Manus - Gorgon of Medusa by David Guymer.

Ferrus Manus, Primarch of the Iron Hands, was a master of the forge, a creator of weapons and armour that were as much works of art as they were instruments of war. Yet for all his skill, he often felt overshadowed when it came to winning recognition for bringing new worlds into compliance with the young Imperium. Compared to brothers like Roboute Guilliman or Lion El ’Jonson, Ferrus believed his own achievements were eclipsed by a wide margin. The Gardinaal compliance offered him a rare chance to prove he could succeed in a situation that demanded more than brute force. During this phase of the Great Crusade, many Legions exchanged companies and specialists to strengthen bonds and learn from one another, hoping to build the unity that had always defined allied warriors throughout history. The Gorgon of Medusa taps into this era beautifully, a short but compelling entry in the Primarchs series that shines a focused light on the Iron Hands’ enigmatic gene‑sire.

I found this short novel surprisingly engaging, and it caught me off guard in the best way. Ferrus is brought to life with a clarity that really leans into the Iron Hands’ trademark resolve, but the story never forgets that beneath all the metal and discipline, he’s still a man shaped by pride, pressure, and the constant comparison to his brothers. His well‑known disdain for weakness is front and centre, yet the narrative goes further by showing how that mindset begins to seep into the Legion itself, nudging them toward the cold, uncompromising path that will eventually see flesh traded for steel. The book also makes great use of the bond between Ferrus and Fulgrim, a relationship often overshadowed by what comes later, adding a welcome layer of warmth and vulnerability to these supposedly untouchable demigods. What impressed me most was how smoothly the story moved through these themes. The pacing feels deliberate without dragging, and the length works in its favour, giving just enough space for character, atmosphere, and tension without slipping into filler. It’s a compact read, but one that leaves a stronger impression than you might expect.

Deus Encarmine Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Deus Encarmine by James Swallow.

The Spear of Telesto is an ancient piece of archeotech once carried by the Great Angel himself. Sanguinius received it from the Emperor when he swore fealty, and it’s as much a work of art as it is a weapon. Its sculpted shaft shows a hooded angel, complete with a purity seal penned by the Emperor, and it ends in a teardrop-shaped blade with a hollow core. In battle, the spear can unleash a wave of power that burns away anything in its path, unless the target carries the Primarch’s sacred gene-line. The spear was lost during the Horus Heresy on some forgotten battlefield, but it was never truly forgotten. When records hinted at its possible location, Chapter Master Dante dispatched the Battle Barge Bellus, accompanied by Inquisitor Ramius Steele, a trusted ally of the Blood Angels. This novel opens after the spear has already been recovered, with the Bellus making its return journey. The story follows Rafen, a Blood Angel whose birth brother, Arkio, was part of the retrieval mission. The two brothers become central to a Chaos-driven plot aimed at tearing the Blood Angels apart from within and sparking a civil war that could destroy the Chapter entirely. The enemy behind it all is one they never expected, and the price they pay will be written in blood.

I really enjoyed this novel. The plot sets up the antagonist’s plan in a way that feels clever without trying to hide everything behind forced mystery. The character relationships are handled well, too; the mix of distrust, pride, and willful ignorance feels like genuine social dynamics rather than manufactured drama. I also appreciated how the flaws of the Blood Angels gene‑seed are explored. Even when they don’t naturally fall to it, there are always enemies ready to exploit those weaknesses for their own gain, which really drives home how vigilant the Chapter has to be, both internally and externally. The bond of brotherhood has always been a defining trait of the Blood Angels, but here it’s twisted and used against them, showing how even the strongest of the Emperor’s elite can be undermined through subtle corruption. The Word Bearers provide a sharp contrast, their own “brotherhood” built on fear and the iron grip of their Dark Apostles. Overall, the story flows smoothly and takes its time without padding things out with filler. It’s an enjoyable read and definitely worth picking up if you get the chance.

Prisoners of the WAAAGH!!! Book review spoiler free...ish

 

Prisoners of the WAAAGH! by Justin Woolley.

The men and women of the Imperial Guard are hopelessly outgunned out there in the long, dark reaches of the galaxy. Most of the time, they’re thrown into fights where they’re little more than cannon fodder, bodies for the grinder, holding the line through sheer attrition. Anyone who survives the first brutal moments of an Ork invasion might feel lucky, but that feeling doesn’t last. Every now and then, if a Warboss can keep his Boyz from killing absolutely everything in sight, the Orks take captives. Some are kept for the kind of menial jobs even Gretchin won’t touch, some are worked to exhaustion, some are saved so the Warboss can make an example of them… and some end up as food. This is the story of one group of Guardsmen trying to survive as the unwilling playthings of a Waaagh.

This short story clocks in at just over a hundred pages, but I still found it a really enjoyable read. The pacing is solid, the narrative flows cleanly, and there aren’t any obvious gaps or jumps. I especially liked that the Imperial Guard soldiers aren’t portrayed as anything more than what they are — fragile, ordinary humans trying to survive in a galaxy full of monsters. We’re so used to following transhuman warriors who can shrug off almost anything, or facing down the wildly overpowered horrors of the setting, that it’s refreshing to see a story grounded in the Guard’s vulnerability. The development of the main group of captives is handled well, showing the pressure they’re under while still trying to maintain discipline and the kind of mindset that keeps them alive. One mistake could get them killed. If anything, the only thing I missed was the usual Orky chaos and humour that tends to follow the green tide around. Still, it’s a book worth reading, and its few shortcomings are easy to forgive.