I really should have done the audiobook thing with the Horus Heresy a couple of years ago. Even listening to 15 minutes here and there as I run errands has really helped me get through these books on top of the main book club books, comics, and non-book club books. I have a lot I like to read, okay? And you know what else I liked to read? It was Fear to Tread by James Swallow. Sorry, Guy Haley, but no one gets the Blood Angels the way James Swallow does, and the tale of Sanguinius learning of his brother’s betrayal could only be told by him. And I was here for it.
I did wonder how Sanguinius heard of his favorite brother’s betrayal, and I wasn’t sure if Horus tried to talk Sanguinius into joining him. Fulgrim tried to recruit his favorite brother, which didn’t go well, so maybe Horus also tried a similar tactic?
It turns out no, Horus never tried. He knew Sanguinius well, and he knew that the angel would never betray their father. But he also knew he’d have to take care of Sanguinius before his attack on Terra. The best way to do so? Trick him into thinking he’s found a way to fix the flaw of the Blood Angels. He’s a monster, that Horus.
Meeting Ka’Bandha
I’ve heard the Khorne daemon Ka’Bandha haunts the Blood Angels, but I never knew why. I suppose now I do. The Blood Angels are officially the Legion that got away, when he was so close to ensnaring Sanguinius. I actually shed a small tear when Meros took the bait for Sanguinius to save his primarch and the Legion. Meros was one of my favorite characters, and I really wanted him to survive the onslaught at Signus Prime.
So hey, there’s one mystery of mine regarding Blood Angels lore solved.
Problem with Space Wolves
James Swallow may feel the same way I do about the Space Wolves in the Heresy, in that they are hypocrites of the highest order. Don’t at me with your apologist theories about the Space Wolves. I don’t want to hear it.
One of the biggest themes I’ve noticed over the last two books is how the Legions have dealt with dismantling their Librarians. The Blood Angels’ Wardens are now also in charge of ensuring that the Edict of Nikaea is followed. Not everyone is pleased with the Edict, including Sanguinius, but they will still follow the Emperor’s orders. However, the Space Wolves are not following the Edict as they still employ Rune Priests. Swallow was quick to point this out when the Space Wolves showed up on the Red Tear.
Sanguinary Guard captain Azkaellon accused the Space Wolves of Rune Priest of defying the ruling, but of course, the Wolves insist they aren’t doing anything of the sort.
‘And I say again: the Decree of Nikaea has forbidden the use of psychic powers. Your…priest…should be returned to the rank and file, not allowed to treat with the warp.’
Stiel made a hissing noise, but Redknife silenced him with a look. ‘His power is pure. It comes from Fenris, as does mine. That is the explanation I will give you, the only explanation.’
Your power to touch the warp comes from Fenris, you mean, since you’re from Fenris. How nice for the Space Wolves to once again employ powers of the warp, insist they are not, and then look down upon other psykers.
For those wondering, yes, I also feel that the White Scars are hypocritical with their Stormseers. However, the White Scars were on Magnus’ side when it came to psykers, because they at least know what they are.
Sorry folks, this is one thing you will never change my mind about when it comes to the Space Wolves.
Epilogue
Two things had me screaming with excitement at the end of Fear to Tread. The first was Sanguinius ordering his fleet to follow the strongest light through the warp, assuming it would go to Terra. When it was Roboute Guilliman who greeted their entry into the Ultramar system, I squeed with delight in my car. I’m one step closer to the infamous Unremembered Empire that Godblight referenced.
So the second scream wasn’t exactly excitement; it was more in horror. Erebus pushed his luck with Horus, blaming him for losing the Blood Angels, which, uh, that’s a bold strategy Cotton. Too bad it didn’t work out in your favor, meaning, too bad Horus decided to skin your face and keep your face as a battle rag. That was a squeal of horror, not a squee of delight.
I can’t believe the next book is another collection of short stories and novellas. Didn’t I just read such a collection?
Twenty-one books down, 33 to go.
Horus Hearsay is dedicated to Keri’s journey through the Horus Heresy saga. The chronicling of the Horus Heresy began over ten years ago, with currently 54 books in total, not counting The Primarchs series or the various short stories. Horus Hearsay will only cover the main novels.
