Extinction

This story is available in audio form in the ‘Crusade: and other stories” anthology.

“Legions die by betrayal. They die in fire and futility. Above all, they die in shame.”

Beaten and broken, the nine traitor legions retreat into the Eye of Terror. Eight legions bet everything on Horus and lost, and with the Warmaster dead, it falls to his legion to answer for his failings in blood.

This short story is an awesome snapshot of what was going on with the Sons of Horus during the Great Scouring. Needless to say, they’re not too popular with the other traitor legions. It’s essentially a bunch of brief scenes from the points of view of various Sons of Horus higher-ups. The story is supposed to be a prequel to ‘Talons of Horus’. I have not yet read that book so I cannot comment on its effectiveness as a prequel.

I have only a passing interest in the Sons of Horus, yet I quite enjoy this audio drama and have listened to it multiple times. My favourite part (without giving too much away) was a POV from a certain honorary member of the Sons of Horus who’s not a space marine. I honestly think that this audio drama is worth getting just for that scene, though it’s hard to convince you without giving away too much. I will just say that it was totally unexpected and really fascinating and I’d imagine it would be even more so for die hard Sons of Horus fans.

And of course, if you’re hoping to see Abaddon himself, you won’t be disappointed. He too is one of the POV characters and it’s really interesting to get a look at his headspace during this time.

If you’re not really interested in the Sons of Horus, I don’t blame you for giving this one a miss. It is all about them after all. But, if you are into the Sons of Horus, or even the Scouring, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

The Emperor Protects