Book Club #52: Astorath: Angel of Mercy by Guy Haley

Every two weeks we read a new book in the WH40k universe and discuss it on our podcast. We invite you to read along with us and join in on our conversation via comments, Twitter, email, or vox cast.

This episode we are reading Astorath: Angel of Mercy, by Guy Haley. This one was only available via limited edition, for now. We will update with links for Amazon, Black Library, or Audible when available!

From the back of the book:

Following the Devastation of Baal and the arrival of the Primarch Roboute Guilliman’s Indomitus Crusade, Commander Dante of the Blood Angels has been appointed Lord Regent of all Imperium Nihilus. Working with the successor chapters of the Blood Angels, Dante commands that the area around the Red Scar be scouted in preparation for reconquest. The Red Wings’ sweep has led them to the foetid world of Dulcis, dangerously near to the Cicatrix Maledictum itself. Decimated by the tyranids during the war for Baal and only lightly reinforced by Primaris Space Marines, the Red Wings Chapter are in no position to deal with the events that unfold there. Strange psychic phenomenon and a deadly xenos enemy threaten the great hope of all the Chapters of the Blood – that the flaw in Sanguinius’ geneseed has at last been tamed. Drawn by the Black Rage to Dulcis, Astorath the Grim, Lord High Chaplain and Redeemer of the Lost, comes to aid the Red Wings. But what he discovers there will shake the Chapters of the Blood to their very core.

Questions to ponder after reading Astorath: Angel of Mercy:

• Did you like the book?
• What parts stood out?
• What did you make of Astorath’s role and characterization in this book? Do you like him as a “redeemer” figure?
• The Blood Angels have been negligent in their induction of the Unnumbered Sons. Does this surprise you?
• The Enslavers are a B-side group we’ve not yet seen. Are they compelling? Why do you think they’ve been introduced now?
• There was a lot of human element to this book, Esmera, Cellew, and Idrin. Did they add to the narrative? Were you invested in them?
• Let’s talk about Bedevoir. Did you like him as a character? Does his fate feel satisfying?
• What purpose does this story serve in the larger Blood Angels narrative?