neOh (AV)

Bringers of Death: Classic and Deadly Even Unto Death – Mike Lee Mike's very first 40k story is a fast-paced tale about Space Wolves Scouts whose stealth mission to eliminate Orks goes horribly wrong – meaning it’s time for vengeance! A bolter-action story fitting for its era, where nearly all the Wolves come across as incompetent and crazy, but with some interesting details—like one Scout who keeps chewing poisonous Fenrisian berries, seemingly pulling them from nowhere. Red Reward – Mitchel Scanlon Spin-off to Fifteen Hours. In the ruins of Brusharok, city shattered by a decade-long war, a Guardsman sergeant faces judgment and tells his story – about a man who seemed mad, about heroism long abandoned by the battlefield, only to return in an unexpected form. This short is almost Fifteen Hours in miniature: though told from the perspective of a more experienced guardsman, it remains just as merciless, somber, and tinged with a faint glimmer of hope. Menshad Korum – C.S. Goto An early take on Eldar lore by the infamous Goto. The story revolves around the concept of Menshad Korum, an empty-hearted Exarch who walks multiple Aspects. Here, the Exarch in question is from Saim-Hann, but there’s a problem – he's dead, smoked by his own kin, and his spirit stone stolen. Over the course of the story, buried under endless, tedious descriptions, we slowly uncover why he had to die and what Chaos-aligned (yes, really!) Lelith Hesperax has to do with it. The concept is somewhat intriguing, but the execution is exactly what you’d expect from the author. Nothing more to add. Xenocide – Simon Jowett More of a novella than a short story. The pastoral life of Brael, a simple farmer and family man, along with the feudal world he calls home – long cut off from the Imperium’s light – comes to an end when an Ork invasion begins. Alongside other untrained farmers, armed with primitive weapons and led by incompetent commanders, Brael, driven by sheer determination, fights through the entire war, all the way to the final battle for the last remaining city. Astartes, despite expectations, never show up until the very end – an undeniable plus. This is a story of ordinary people, bloodthirsty Orks, and an equally ruthless Imperium, to which the ends always justify the means. I’m almost certain Simon took inspiration from Helm’s Deep, as a significant portion of the novella feels like a grimdark version of that battle – and after the previous story, this is a breath of fresh air. Sector 13 – Sandy Mitchell Ciaphas Cain story. Back when he was still serving with the 12th artillery, Cain, in an attempt to dodge a potentially dangerous mission under the guise of “Commissarial duties,” accidentally (as always) exposes gene cultists and saves the day.

Fear The Alien: Xenos is No Friend to Man Gardens of Tycho – Dan Abnett Sequel to Curiosity and the story of magos Drusher, leading up to The Magos. In a post-war city, something is brutally killing people, and Dan Abnett tells the story of the hunt for this "something" in his signature Eisenhorn-style detective narrative. Of course, compared to Crime or even Abnett’s later works, the investigation here – especially its conclusion – seems somewhat simplistic. But is that really a downside? Of course not! Fear Itself – Juliet E. McKenna Under the relentless Tyranid assault, a field surgeon struggles day by day to save his comrades – not just their bodies but their minds as well. As a depiction of the horror Tyranids bring, it's quite effective. Mistress Baeda's Gift – Braden Campbell An aging Dark Eldar Archon suddenly… Falls in love! With a mysterious lady, a widow who has just arrived in the Dark City and whose hand he's determined to win. Feeling young again, he embarks on the difficult romantic quest of finding the perfect gift for the lady of his heart (even consulting mon-keigh for advice). His attempts to understand his emotions and win his beloved’s favor were both amusing and managed to achieve something rare truly showcasing the alien nature of the xenos and how fundamentally different they are from humans. Iron Inferno – C. L. Werner Never underestimate xenos – especially if they’re Orks. A Japanese-inspired general tries to play 4D chess with them, but Ork kommandoz are hardly the kind to be so easily outwitted. It would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. Sanctified – Mark Clapham Home Alone, but instead of a house, it’s a damaged voidship, instead of Kevin, it’s a regular engineseer, and instead of burglars, it’s Corsairs. Since the story is told from the tech-priest’s perspective, it offers interesting insights into his perception of xenos in general and Dark Eldar in particular. Faces – Matthew Farrer One of the rare stories about Harlequins and another brilliant work by Farrer, whose uniquely crafted narratives remain impressive even today. A few mortals accidentally touch something they shouldn’t, and their fates intertwine with the Rillietann in a mad phantasmagoria that must be stopped – lest even the Masque itself be put at risk. Unity – James Gilmer A mortal soldier and a Raven Guard marine, furious over defeat, retreat after losing a battle against the T’au, planning to strike back again. But the Fire Warriors are not the only warriors of the Empire – auxiliaries and traitors who have joined its ranks are sometimes even more ruthless foes. While the son of Corax here feels more like a raging psychopath, I enjoyed Gilmer’s depiction of Kroot tactics and Gue’vesa betrayal – though, of course, not as detailed as in Nguyen’s or Fehervari’s works. Prometheus Requiem – Nick Kyme Part of the Tome of Fire series. If you've read anything from this cycle, you already know what to expect – Salamanders boarding Space Hulk and, in oldy fashion, fighting against Genestealers, visions, and, surprise, Night Lords, who by accident are assaulting Hulk at the same time. All of this is, of course, spiced up with "brother!" shouts and fire. In short, a typical Salamanders story by Nick Kyme, really. The Core – Aaron Dembski-Bowden Sequel to The Blood Reaver, retelling the previous story’s events from the perspective of Talos and his mates – the ones responsible for all the mayhem. However, seeing the boarding action through their eyes turns out to be much more entertaining than the ever-serious Salamanders. Especially since Lucoryphus is here, and that guy can make an enjoyable read even from a battle with Genestealers hordes. Ambition Knows No Bounds – Andy Hoare Part of the Rogue Trader series. Daughter of the Gerit family enters a Necron tomb to loot its treasures, but things go wrong in the most predictable way possible. A typical filler story that you forget the moment you start the next one.

I have already asked this question wherever I could, but, unfortunately, I haven't made any progress in my research. So my last hope is for you, honoured fraters! What were the periods in the real-life Black Library history? The founding by Jones and Gascoigne, Inferno, BL Publishing, the first series of novels, but what happened next? I don't know when Marc and Andy stepped out, who was in charge after them, when Lindsey Priestly and George Mann came in, and all that kind of things. In my mind, the whole story is complete only in periods between 1997 and 2001, and 2017 up to the present (shout out to all who did interviews with Laurie Gaulding and Dan Abnett, they really flashed out the entire Heresy period). The rest is just one dark spot with occasional light here and there. So I would be very grateful for any new pieces of information!

I think this way of writing suits the Executioners' short story best – less time for talking, more time for skull-crushing. On the other hand, I'm a little sad that the chapter hasn't defined its own distinctive aesthetic, remaining "a little bit from there, a little bit from here" – not that it's a bad thing tho. They are still stylish as warp.

Planetkill – or don't judge book by its tie-in cover art! Voidsong – Henry Zou Prequel to Emperor's Mercy. If you've already read Henry, you know what's coming. The war without unnecessary pathos, little-known regiments, and an inquisitor Roth in his trademark chainmail. If you're looking for inspiration for the Inquisition band in Kill Team, I think this story will give you a couple of ideas. Mortal Fuel – Richard Williams Prequel to Relentless. Having squeezed all the resources out of the planet, the Imperium... Abandons it. About the accompanying local naval drama on board of the Relentless cruiser and the desperate act of abandoned inhabitants' revenge against the imperials – with some fleur of the British Empire. The Heraclitus Effect – Graham McNeill Part of the Ventris-Honsou saga and the sequel to Dead Sky, Black Sun. The defeated warsmith takes revenge on Uriel and engages in planet-killing, while Ardaric Vaanes, who also gets a lot of time here, tries to understand himself. Dynamic, iron-ic and gory, everything Graham loves. The Emperor Wept – Simon Dyton The thing I love about old shorts is that you never really know what you're in for. The development of the Life Eater Virus, the Mechanicus mysteries... And ridiculously morose Astartes chapter of the Doom Warriors, whose captain is literally called Grimmer Slayne – that's the balance between a serious story and comedy I was looking for. It's a real pity that Simon hasn't written anything else besides this work. Phobos Worked In Adamant – Robey Jenkins This is how you become a heretec. If this story was published today, it would [with some edits] certainly be in Horror line: unknown creatures, with no other found anywhere else, ancient races, techno-madness... I bet someone based their Dark Heresy adventures on it. Seven Views of Uhlguth's Passing – Matthew Farrer Seven different views of the agony of the sentient world in the Eye of Terror - views from inside the Eye itself, truly chaotic, insane and alien. The weirdest story not only in the collection, but also [at least one of] in the BL catalogue... I'll say no more, just read it. On the side note, Farrer was writing "unusual 40k" long before the rise of imprints, and this work is perfect example of his style. Mercy Run – Steve Parker Prequel to Gunheads. A desperate mission right on the eve of the planet's destruction, harsh imperial tankers, tough Sisters and almost immoral decisions - all Parker's marks is here! The very same, sacred Grimdark with a capital G.

Flame And Damnation – or another bunch of shorts I read in one night Animus Malorum – Laurie Goulding Probably the most substantial work, apart from Rob Sanders' novel, that we have on the Legion at all - despite its relatively small size. Through the story of an unnamed chapter [this detail plays with additional colours after reading], Goulding gives us a glimp at how the ranks of the Damned are replenished and what price the Imperium has to pay for its miraculous salvation. Attica Centurius my boy! Remorseless – Josh Reynolds Josh Reynolds is a master of interesting ideas. Where else will you see a Chaos witcher in the service of the Iron Warriors hunting Astartes? Conceptually, this story is one of my favourites in the collection: plus, it's probably the first time that the Legionnaires' "material" goal is mentioned, with their influence on mortals and all that horror they bring depicted in great colour. The Dark Hollows of Memory – David Annandale The scribe who works in the gigantic Administratum librarium is tormented by a dreadful sense - and for reason, because a warband of little-known [but rather caricatured] renegades has set their sights on this archive-world. So there's a lot of blood and "oh my god, they're monsters" awaits! Like Reynolds, Annandale hints that the Damned don't actually attack just to save everyone, but, at least in some cases, have a clear purpose. Ship of the Damned – Christian Dunn Another page in the life of Sister Dialogus Agentha, a regular protagonist of Christian's stories [you can read them beforehand, but not necessarily]. This time, on the pilgrimage ship where she's now a teacher, a plague breaks out, leaving us guessing what's the Legion's goal for today. But the main virtue of the story lies not in the Damned mystery, but... In the way Christian, here with humour and there with sadness, tells the story of Agentha's routine, her love of books and teaching, not forgetting the immortal references to Ravenor's «The Mirror of Smoke». If only there were more BL titles like this. Votum Infernus - Nick Kyme The artillery didn't help, and the Vostroyans were utterly defeated by the Dark Eldar - but sometimes, even one Legionnaire is enough to change everything [except the tcoaal-style drukhari relationship]. I was certainly prepared for something unexpected, but the final twist-in-twist took me by surprise, winning my love for this work - and adding another piece to the puzzle of the Damned story. Hell, Kyme has always been able to surprise. From the Flames – Graem Lyon A sketch of the battle against the Avatar of Khaine, where the Legionnaires break in. The smallest work in the anthology, a kind of text illustration – there's really nothing more to add about it.

Wow, I missed this story, but will definitely read it now! And I'm even more sure that sooner or later we'll get a novel about this character by Wilt - as was the case with Brooks' Akurra, who first appeared in the short story and then made it into the novel

Successor Chapters eShorts 2024 – revisiting what I have missed Tears of Raphaela – Richard Swan Let's start with the story I liked the most. Lamenters sniper hunts a Tyranid prime in the middle of a destroyed world - with only one bolt in his rifle. Throughout this vignette, Richard Swan manages to mention the unique chips and traditions of the chapter, refer to Badab, and evoke a sincere tear with the last lines. If anyone ever writes a novel about the Lamenters, he is one of the best candidates. The Guns of Enth - R.S. Wilt Wilt has clearly understood the essence of the Howling Griffons and produced a cool, self-contained, here-and-there even funny action story in which the Griffons try to capture precious macro-guns - with a very, very unexpected ending. And something tells me that we will meet the characters of this end twist again. Tally of the Slaughter - Mark-Anthony Fenech A small squad of Executioners storms the manufactory where their Badab-old enemies have been holed up. It's time to cut off heads! Perhaps the most important story from the lore perspective. Firstly, that's the first time Vashtorr appears in the BL fiction. Secondly, he has a big surprise to show us. I'd also like to pay tribute to Mark for his choice of characters' names - they all have references and meanings, which he himself has described in much more detail in his reddit comments. The Shot That Kills You - William Crowe Just six marines and a whole world to save from drukhari. What could possibly go wrong? Good question, because these marines are Raptors! Concentrated tacticool with battles in the fog, smoke grenades, "oh no, it's a trap!" and a pretty memetical ending. Death's Toll - Jon Flindall Bolter-massacare that it is, the marines of the Iron Lords' chapter accompany an ordinary mortal to help them retake a planet from the T'au – and they do it brutally. Iron Lords' trademark exceptional xenophobia is perfectly shown by Flindall, but there is... A little lack of some additional details about the chapter – which, however, does not detract from the story. Vengeful Dead - Mike Vincent Decades after his death, the Red Talons Dreadnought takes beautiful revenge on the Night Lords in a desperate battle - and all in the first person. It was fast, bloody, and without a single wasted sentence. Everything in perfect proportion. The Blooded – David McDougall ...Or what the Angels Vermillion do to mortals when no one is looking. Dante, of course, does not appreciate this, but of all the heirs of Sanguinius, the actions of the Vermillion do not seem so terrible. Interestingly, half of the story is taken up by a trench warfare, reminiscent of Vraks or the Battle of Parmenio.

Peter Fehervari. He loves to write about interesting and obscure regiments - I highly recommend his Fire Caste, where protagonists are soldiers of one of such colourful, but almost unknown outside the Dark Coil regiment.

I think there will be an english-language siege omnibus too

Paperback first (i guess) Siege omnibus spotted on German Amazon – with The Solar War and The Lost And The Damned inside

Speaking of interviews, I think all is not yet lost. I heard that Wh's ukrainian publisher, Molfar, is planning to do interviews with Dan Abnett and, maybe, some other BL writers (whose books have been translated and published in ukrainian)... So, hope for the best.

TEATD connection to the Bequin and Eisenhorn. Did i get everything right?

LE is going back on sale at 16:00 GMT on Wednesday the 24th of January. Hopefully with no another scalper attack.