Monday, June 8, 2015

Short Story Review - Lord of the Red Sands

Short Story - The Lord of The Red Sands
Writer -
Aaron Dembski-Bowden

Series - Horus Heresy
Published By - Black Library


In my opinion, it really is hard to write a good short story. And specially hard to write one on the setting of a shared universe which already has a lot of good writers and stories as the history and expectation bogs you down. But Aaron Dembski-Bowden once again shows why he is one of the best writers currently writing for Black Library. This Horus Heresy short featuring Angron, who is musing on his reason for betrayal is a short yet tight and exquisite read which really lives a pleasant aftereffect in the mind after it is so quickly over.

This short follows Angron, gladiator-primarch of the XIIth Legion, amidst the ruins of Isstvan III, slaughtering his own wayward sons. And for what does the Eater of Worlds really hunger for? We follow his slaughter and gaze into his mind as he muses upon the reason for his betrayal and thinks towards his desire for the struggles.

The author really does show awesome skills in leading the readers into the psyche of this traitor primarch and shows them his side of the story; and through brilliant writing tries to make the readers understand his motivations for his actions; makes them feel his anguish about the circumstances and ultimately his desire from the conflict. All in all, which to me is really a fine example of character study in such limited scope.

The only complain about this short story could be that the reader does need some insight into the setting to appreciate it completely and that this one is not really beginner friendly.

If you are a Horus Heresy fan, a fan of the author or even a Black Library fan, please, do make some time and read this. 

4 out of 5 stars for some well spend minutes.  

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