Book Review: Brotherhood of the Moon by Chris Wraight

Continuing my way through the Eye of Terror collection of short stories, today’s entry focuses on the White Scars. They seem to be getting a lot of attention lately in the Horus Heresy fiction. Unfortunately, they’ve always been one of my least favourite Legions, so I’m hoping a story like this might help change my mind.

Title:Brotherhood of the Moon (Black Library Advent Calendar 2014 #22)
Author: Chris Wraight
Blurb: Accused of treachery, Torghun Khan of the White Scars must tell his tale.

In the aftermath of rebellion within the Legion, Jaghatai Khan orders trials for his wayward sons to determine whether they deserve redemption or condemnation. Standing before his accusers, the proud Terran legionary Torghun Khan must explain the choices that may have led him down the path to outright heresy.

The story also explores how the warrior lodges—so influential in pushing many Legions toward treachery—took root within the White Scars. A must-read for fans of Chris Wraight’s Horus Heresy White Scars stories such as Brotherhood of the Storm and Scars.

Review

While this story didn’t change my opinion of the White Scars, it was still an interesting read.

Following the internal rebellion within the Legion, the Great Khan orders trials for all of his “wayward sons.” One of those standing accused is Torghun Khan. During his interrogation, Torghun attempts to justify his actions, and even tries to persuade the Great Khan to side with Horus.

The story offers some intriguing insight into the roots of the rebellion, particularly how the warrior lodges formed and how bonds between Legions, especially with the Luna Wolves, helped push some warriors toward Horus’ cause. For them, loyalty to brotherhood and honour could outweigh obedience to the Emperor himself.

Overall, it provides some fascinating background for the Legion, even if it still hasn’t quite sold me on the White Scars. What am I missing with this Legion? Why can’t I seem to get on board with them? Do they improve later in the series?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.