Book review: Know No Fear (Horus Heresy XIX)

The traitors have struck decisively at Isstvan, but their work has just started, it is not yet complete. The Ultramarines remain the largest legion and one capable of delaying or defeating the traitors. Cut off from news of Horus’ treachery, the Ultramarines assemble in their own system on Horus’ orders, the Ultramarines are unaware of the true reason for the arrival of the Word Bearers.

The Word Bearers have a special interest in destroying the Ultramarines, since the 13^th legion were present during their humiliation at Monarchia (detailed in The First Heretic). They set to their task with gusto, taking the Ultramarines by surprise and destroying their legion, allies, ships and infrastructure.

But there is nothing more dangerous than a wounded Ultramarine.

The Word Bearers have reasons for this attack besides vengeance and removing a foe from Horus’ path. During the destruction of Calth they are able to conjure the Ruinstorm into existence, as series of warp storms that will make travel difficult for the loyalist forces, while clearing a path to earth for Horus and his allies.

Abnett once again demonstrates that he can go from the expansive, galaxy-wide scope of the conflict down to individual concerns as he takes us on this wild ride through a ruined world. We see the action mainly through the eyes of the Ultramarines and their immediate allies, but there are some glimpses into the Word Bearers themselves. Also the not-quite-human from Legion makes another appearance as he connects with another of his kind who has been living incognito on the peaceful worlds of Ultramar.

Know No Fear moves the Horus Heresy story forward from its beginning, and doesn’t just show us a single battle in the larger war, but starts to move the story forward, and introduce us to some new players.  

rating: 5 golden thrones