Audio Review // The Herald of Sanguinius by Andy Smillie

Am I becoming a Blood Angels fan? I know, it's hard to believe, but these Sons of Sanguinius stories have really won me over. In fact, I've enjoyed them so much that I've just picked up a collection of Blood Angels and Flesh Tearers short stories on Audible, all set in the 41st Millennium. To top it off, I also have a copy of the classic 2nd Edition Warhammer 40,000 boxed set sitting on the shelf, and it's starting to beg to be painted in those iconic Blood Angels colours.

But enough of my hobby ramblings, back to the review.

Book Details

Title: The Herald of Sanguinius
Author: Andy Smillie

Blurb

Crowned as the new Emperor of Imperium Secundus, Sanguinius of the Blood Angels faces the very real threat of betrayal from within his new realm. As ever, it falls to his Sanguinary Guard to protect the Primarch, and Commander Azkaellon must resort to the most dire of measures.

Not only is this story a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the Blood Angels Primarch, it also sheds light on the origins of another well-known character in the history of the IX Legion.

Review

Once again, Andy Smillie delivers a story that's under twenty minutes long, yet somehow manages to pack a remarkable amount of character and atmosphere into such a short runtime.

Rather than feeling like a complete tale, The Herald of Sanguinius comes across as the opening chapter to a much larger story. It leaves you wanting more, and I genuinely hope there is more somewhere, because this feels like the perfect setup for a full novel. The story takes place during the uneasy days of Imperium Secundus. Sanguinius has been crowned Emperor, but the cracks beneath this fragile empire are already beginning to show. Political tensions simmer beneath the surface, loyalties are uncertain, and the burden of leadership weighs heavily on both the Primarch and those closest to him.

Much of that responsibility falls upon Azkaellon, Commander of the Sanguinary Guard. His duty isn't simply to protect Sanguinius from physical threats; he must also help safeguard the fragile future of Imperium Secundus while watching his gene-father struggle beneath impossible expectations. What I enjoyed most is that Smillie resists the temptation to fill the story with bolter fire and over-the-top action. Instead, the drama comes entirely from the characters. The tension slowly builds throughout the audio, creating a constant feeling that something is about to break.

Then comes the final reveal. Without spoiling anything, it's one of those wonderful Horus Heresy moments where a seemingly small event quietly lays the foundations for the future. We witness the birth of a figure who will go on to play an important role in the Blood Angels' history, a hero forged in the dying embers of a golden age.

It's thoughtful, atmospheric, and another excellent reminder that some of the Horus Heresy's best stories don't need epic battles to leave an impression.

A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Now I just need the full novel that goes with it!