A Thousand Sons: Graham McNeill *Spoilers*

A Thousand Sons: Graham McNeill

The Great Crusade is at it's height, and the Thousand Sons are its most dedicated warriors. Though utterly loyal, the Legion of Magnus the Red is viewed with suspiscion for its arcane methods. Feared by the Imperium he has sworn to serve, Magnus is called to the planet Nikaea to answer charges of sorcery. When the ill-fated Primarch foresees the treachery of Warmaster Horus and warns the Emperor with forbidden powers, the Master of Mankind dispatches Leman Russ, Primarch of the Space Wolves, to attack Prospero. But Magnus has seen far more than the betrayal of Horus and his revelations will seal the fate of his legion forever.

I finished this last night and quite simply, wow. This, I think, has just suparssed Salamander as my favourite Black Library Book. Graham Mcneill introduces a whole new host of charachters, with the story being mainly set through the eyes of Ahzek Ahriham, the Chief Librarian of the Thousand Sons, and of Lemuel Gaumon, a Social Behaviourist, and of course, it also gives Magnus the Red a major starring role. Alongside Lemuel, Ahriham and Magnus we see the apperance of Constantin Valador, the Chief Custodian. Alongside Valador, we have an apperance from several Primarchs, and we learn that Mortarion and Russ are both against Magnus's 'sorcerous' ways. We also see a minor apperance from Sanguinus and Fulgrim, who try to support Magnus at the Council of Nikaea, or as people would call it, "The Trial of Magnus the Red".

The story begins on the newly Imperialsied world of Aghoru, and which we see the Thousand Sons take on two Xenos Titans, and an in-depth conversation between the leader of the Aghoru and Ahriham himself. Also appearing this early on is Oththere Wyrdmake, the Rune Priest of the 5th Company of Space Wolves, who seemingly befriends Ahriham. That is the first part of the book, and the second takes us to Nikaea and the Trial, where Magnus sees a vison of Horus betraying the Emperor, and warns him through powers that the Emperor has forbidden.

Thus the stage is set as The Emperor unleashes his War Dogs (Space Wolves) upon Nikaea, and seals the fate of the Thousand Sons. If there is one word that this book can be described in, it's tragic. Given another word I'd probably say fantastic. Combining into a sentance I'd say tragically fantastic. But this has easily got to be the best book of the Heresy series so far, (Mind you, I haven't read the books between Descent of Angels And Fallen Angels. As I wanted to read them one after the other, and the lure of the gold covers for A Thousand Sons and Nemesis proved too strong to resist. This book unleashes an epic war not seen since Ben Counter's Galaxy In Flames, and maybe Fulgrim.

However, as godly as this book may be, it is not without errors, though I think I may be nitpicking. Graham McNeill stated that the Luna Wolves were the I Legion, whereas according to Lexicanum and Descent of Angels / Fallen Angels, the Dark Angels are the I Legion.

Overall, this book is fantastic. Read, I command You.

High Point: The sacking of Prospero by the Space Wolves. Great Battle.

Low Point: The pacing seemed, I don't know, a bit off? Did you guys find that too?

Rating: 10/10

~Bane of Kings, next time reviewing Nemesis.