Audio Review // Lord of the Red Sands by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

Continuing my Horus Heresy adventures with the next title which is part of the War without End collection. I love visiting the World Eaters, and knowing Aaron Dembski-Bowden is the author means we should be in for a treat. Here are the details:

Title: Lord of the Red Sands (The Horus Heresy #Short Story).

Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

Fluff: Angron, gladiator-primarch of the XIIth Legion, is renowned across the galaxy for his savagery and brutal martial code. But amidst the ruins of Isstvan III, even as he slaughters his own wayward sons, he finds a unique serenity in the carnage of warfare... no matter whose blood he spills. And for what does the Eater of Worlds hunger above all else? Nothing more than freedom.

Brace yourself for an unforgettable insight into the insane rage that drives the savage Primarch Angron. On a blood-soaked battlefield of Isstvan V, he reveals his rightful purpose for rebelling against the Emperor and his plans for vengeance. This is a unique story from the tortured mind of an uncontrollable madman who has a grudge to settle – no matter the cost.

Review

What a great, insightful, quick listen! We were treated to a glimpse inside Angron's mind as he muses on why he sided with Horus and the reasoning behind his betrayal. It's easy to forget that Angron is more than a bloodthirsty killer, and this story reminds us of this fact while leaving us with food for thought.

Aaron Dembski-Bowden does a fantastic job leading the listener into the mind of the gladiator Primarch. We get to see the war from his point of view and finally see the motivation behind his actions, which, though still highly bloodthirsty, start to make more sense. This is an excellent insight into a character who, for the longest time, felt and read very two-dimensionally. Until this story, we had to rely on Khan to add a human trait to the force, but it would now seem we have Angron as well. I would have loved to have had this earlier in the series, as it did add depth. It also reminded me that I must get his primarch book and read more about this unique character.

If you are a fan of Horus Heresy, I highly recommend this title. If you are new to the character and his story, maybe wait a bit before diving in.

As always, thank you for reading.