The Talon of Horus by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.
The Warmaster of Chaos is the current biggest thorn in the Imperium's side, his Black Legion is the focus of this novel. Fabius Bile is in Abaddon's bad books after making an unwelcome visit to the resting place of the body of the first Warmaster Horus. The main point of view is from Iskandar Khayon, one of the most powerful psykers in the Renegade Marines, originally from the Thousand Sons Legion; he is a true force to be reckoned with. His biggest claim to fame is forcing the Daemon Primarch Magnus the Red to one knee, he is a trusted lieutenant and elite member of the Black Legion. Usually accompanied by his familiar Warp creature in the form of a Fenrisian wolf Gyre, and a Drukhari Scourge Nefertari whose soul has been bound to her body after death.
This novel marks a critical point where Abaddon is reintroduced into the long war, along with the infamous ship, The Vengeful Spirit. The catalyst of the Black Legions' birth is explored here, which makes this novel really enjoyable and a must-read. Dembski-Bowden again really works magic with how the plot plays out. I read it within a matter of days because I couldn't put it down. Running in tandem with the main plot, there are Side aspects of further looks into Daemon binding and Warp craft, and the feelings of other legions regarding the former Sons of Horus. The storyline for Fabius Bile has a real impact on his own related trilogy (mainly Clonelord). It's not an overstatement to say it is a must-read for many reasons, but if nothing else the ramifications to the current state of universal lore are a massive reason. Even a casual fan of Chaos will get something enjoyable and useful from this book. I'm sure if you give it a fair try, you will not be disappointed.
Further reads for Iskandar Khayon and Black Legion books are.
- The Black Legion
- The Abyssal Edge
- Extinction
- The Fall of Cadia
bottom image book cover of the version used in the review
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