Audio Drama // Thief of Revelation/Hunter's Moon by Graham McNeill & Guy Haley

I am continuing the Legacies of Betrayal title with this two-for-one review today. Since they are short tales, it seemed silly to review them separately. I listened to this in the afternoon at work, so here are my notes.

Title: Thief of Revelation

Author: Graham McNeill

Fluff: The Thousand Sons – a Legion whose destiny was irrevocably altered at Prospero, yet who now seem to dance only to fate’s tune. Ahzek Ahriman and Magnus the Red cast their psychic sight over the galaxy, seeking clues as to what the future might hold and where their true allegiance should ultimately be placed.

A Horus Heresy audio drama written by Graham McNeill. Running time approx 35 mins

Review

The first thing of note is that this tale follows Graham McNeill's novel A Thousand Sons. He seemed to have so much fun with the book that he felt the need to follow it up.

This story, of course, has Ahriman in it as he continues to rescue his brothers from the dreaded Flesh Change curse. This path leads Ahriman down a dark path to the infamous Rubicae action, now an infamous piece of classic lore. Ahriman pleads with his Primarch for help finding a cure following another failed attempt. Most of the tale is about Magus telling Ahriman that too much knowledge is dangerous, which is why the legion fell and was ultimately ruined by the Wolves. I sadly feel that after 35 minutes, nothing has been accomplished. Ahriman seems set to go down his dark path, and Magnus has just gone full moody and emo. I could easily skip this tale and not be worried about missing out.

Title: Hunters Moon

Author: Guy Haley

Fluff: As sanctioned executioners, the Wolves of Fenris were tasked with rooting out treachery at the heart of the Legions... but would they be capable of carrying out a death sentence upon one of the Emperor’s sons? Now, a stolen Alpha Legion dropship crashes on the primitive oceanic world of Pelago, bringing news of a terrible war that has erupted out among the stars. Will the pursuing traitors, thirsty for vengeance, reach the lone survivor before his battle brothers can?

Running time approx 35 mins.

Review

Weirdly for a Horus Heresy story, this tale is told by an average human in some half-forgotten world who gets caught in a battle between Space Wolves and Alpha Legion through no fault of his own.

The tale helps us understand that most of the newly formed Imperium is unaware that Horus has rebelled! Better yet, it shows that some worlds are so lacking in importance that they need not pick a side and get to sit back and ignore anything else happening in the wider galaxy (for better or worse).

Guy Haley does a stunning job of creating an exciting world and environment completely different from what we are used to. In this case, it is an ocean-heavy world, with fishing boats and sailors the primary resource of this world (not much help in the void). In the short 35-minute runtime, Guy manages to squash in many details. I feel this tale could have been more extended and really could have been enthralling. I hope to read some Guy Haley heresy soon, and I hope he will continue at this level for me.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Hunter's Moon is the highlight of this section. It is full of action and an intriguing story. I wish they had given them the other 35 minutes to make the tale more epic. As always, let me know your thoughts below. If you prefer the Thief tale, please let me know what I missed and explain the plot to me.