Audio Review // The Divine Word by Gav Thorpe / Lucius: The Eternal Blade by Graham McNeill / Khârn: The Eightfold Path by Anthony Reynolds

We are about halfway through the Legacies of Betrayal audiobook; I hope you have enjoyed this series. Today's review features a short story from one of my favourite authors, Gav Thorpe.

Title: The Divine Word

Author: Gav Thorpe

Fluff: Despite being prohibited by the Imperial Truth, the religious text known as the 'Lectitio Divinitatus' has gathered many believers from across the galaxy. Fighting alongside the Raven Guard Legion, Marcus Valerius of the Therion Cohort has long scorned those who seek to deify the Emperor. Still, a flash of inspiration leads him to question whether or not there are greater forces at work in the universe.

Review

This book is a follow-up of sorts to Deliverance Lost (an earlier Gav Thorpe HH novel); it follows the story of Marcus Valerius of the Therion Cohort. Once more, Marcus' powers come in handy as his visions allow him to foil a sinister plot by the traitorous Alpha Legion. But who is guiding Marcus, and how long can he keep his gift a secret?

As the plot thickens around the Raven Guard, Gav Thorpe can add more layers to a legion of secrets. I am excited to see how the story progresses and can't wait for the next Raven Guard title. It's well worth the listen.

Title: Lucius: The Eternal Blademaster

Author: Graham McNeill

Fluff: Renowned as one of the finest duelists the galaxy has ever known, Lucius seeks ever more significant challenges against which to test himself. After the Emperor's Children Legion scattered in the wake of their primarch's apotheosis on Iydris, he finds his way into the domain of a similarly legendary swordsman - Sanakht of the Thousand Sons. But which of these infamous warriors carries the greater favour amongst their new masters?

Review

This story follows Angel Exterminatus and Thief of Revelations (both McNeill pieces). We find Lucius a little confused and angry after being killed (yep. He died) by a Raven Guard warrior. He is unsure if it is due to Fabius Bile's experiments or cursed by the Dark Gods. With his ego damaged, Lucius seeks to prove his worth against the best swordsmen in the galaxy. His first challenge is a swordsman of the Thousand Sons Legion, and he pursues him on the Planet of Sorcerers within the Eye of Terror. Here, he bests the swordsman but is ultimately thwarted by the intervention of Ahriman, who needs the warrior to help aid his destiny.

This feels almost like a prequel to an upcoming novel involving Ahriman, so I am intrigued to see if I am right. It is a relatively short story, but a fun listen.

Title: Khârn: The Eightfold Path

Author: Anthony Reynolds

Fluff: In the fighting pits of the Conqueror, Khârn and his fellow World Eaters compete in ever-bloodier contests of carnage and mayhem. As the Butcher's Nails dig ever deeper into their brains, the Legion has forsaken the Crimson Path. Now they walk a darker, more dangerous road: the Eightfold Path.

Review

Set straight after the Betrayer story, we discover a Kharn who, like his Legion, is coming to terms with what has happened to their Primarch. Like many brothers, he feels the butcher's nails digging more profoundly, and a growing rage builds within. The only release for himself is through bloodshed. Reynolds does a fantastic job portraying the World Eaters as Gladiators slowly losing themselves to bloodshed. He combines fast-paced action with a building tension that sets my heart pumping. This is an excellent listen and continues my enjoyment of the World Eaters following the title of Betrayer. It must also be my highlight pick of the three titles reviewed today. I highly recommend buying this one.

Do you agree with my thoughts? Let me know in the comments. I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to comment below or seek me out on one of the many social platforms I use. Cheers to reading this.