While it carries on the naming convention started with the Age of Sigmar anthology Gods & Mortals, for which you can read my review here, Lords and Tyrants is a slightly different beast in that its 16 Warhammer 40,000 short stories have all been previously released as standalone e-shorts. I’ve read and reviewed all of these stories individually on Track of Words, and while I would love to kick back and re-read most of these, I just don’t really have time to do so. There are some seriously good stories in this anthology, however, so I do want to do my bit and help promote it.
As such, rather than write a full review of the anthology as a whole I’ve listed each of the featured stories with a little snippet about each one and a link out to my individual review. Hopefully this way you can get a feel for all of the stories, and make an informed decision as to whether you fancy picking up the anthology as a whole. I’ve listed them out alphabetically by author, so read on and see what you think.
The Path Unclear by Mike Brooks
This standalone tale of the Ordo Xenos is Brooks’ debut for Black Library, and an enjoyable take on the classic Inquisition story given Brooks’ typically characterful approach.
Rise by Ben Counter
A drukhari story featuring a kabalite’s quest to rise above his old life and start again, this has satisfying old-school feel, and harks back to Counter’s best.
The Greater Evil by Peter Fehervari
Part of Fehervari’s loose but captivating Dark Coil meta-narrative, this offers a glimpse of the T’au Empire’s darker side and is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the creepy psychological aspect of 40k.
The Aegidan Oath by L J Goulding
Billed as an Ultramarines story, this sits somewhere between Pharos in the Heresy and Goulding’s 40k Scythes of the Emperor stories, and is a typically thoughtful and introspective little character piece.
The Battle for Markgraaf Hive by Justin D Hill
Fitting in between Cadia Stands and Cadian Honour, this sees Minka Lesk and the remnants of the Cadian 101st bogged down in a gritty, relentless hive war.
Left for Dead by Steve Lyons
Lyons is slowly building up an impressive portfolio of Death Korps of Krieg stories, which this continues with a grim, compelling story looking at the unpleasant realities for these dour soldiers.
A Brother’s Confession by Robbie MacNiven
This is a prequel to MacNiven’s novel Blood of Iax, introducing the core protagonists – brothers Kastor and Pollixus – and their natures as both Primaris Marines and actual blood brothers.
Carcharodons: The Reaping Time by Robbie MacNiven
Another prequel, this time for MacNiven’s Carcharodons novel Red Tithe, following a young Te Kahurangi investigating a rebellion on an Imperial mining world with typically brutal results.
A Memory of Tharsis by Josh Reynolds
One of Josh’s several wonderful Fabius Bile stories (seriously, go check out the rest as well), this offers a fascinating little insight into Bile himself and his outlook on life. It’s not specifically tied into the wider narrative so can be read on its own or having tackled the novels.
Unearthed by Rob Sanders
An Inquisition vs Alpha Legion story, this has all the hallmarks of a classic Sanders tale but sadly doesn’t quite manage to deliver a compelling narrative.
Flayed by Cavan Scott
A brief, grim little glimpse of how everyday life in the Imperium can be shattered by war, as an Imperial citizen is caught in the crossfire between the Death Spectres and their necron foes.
Hidden Treasures by Cavan Scott
Another quick little vignette of life away from the battlefield, told through the eyes of a youngster who stumbles upon something unexpected, and very dangerous.
Shadows of Heaven by Gav Thorpe
Cleverly connecting Thorpe’s Path of the Eldar trilogy with his newer Rise of the Ynnari series, this updates the character of Aradryan – now an Alaitoc Guardian – for the ‘current’ era of 40k.
Whispers by Alec Worley
A powerful, characterful depiction of the Sisters of Battle, this takes place on a backwater world as a missionary leads a squad of Sisters in search of dangerous prey. Also check out Worley’s Repentia, which isn’t included in the anthology but is linked to this story.
Argent by Chris Wraight
A prequel to the phenomenal novel Vaults of Terra: The Carrion Throne, this introduces the character of Interrogator Luce Spinoza, and gives some context for how she came by her unusual weapon of choice.
Lucius: Pride and Fall by Ian St Martin
A grim and occasionally unpleasant (in the best kind of way) story of Lucius the Eternal, this asks and answers a specific question: what happens if Lucius is killed by a thing, not a person. It’s not a prequel to The Faultless Blade as such, but makes for a good introduction to the character.
***
As I hope you can see, the standard of these stories is remarkably high – in my opinion only Unearthed falls behind a little, although of course your mileage may vary. There’s an interesting balance between standalone tales and stories which are part of other series, and I can wholeheartedly recommend reading the vast majority of these…so the decision then becomes whether to go for the anthology or not. If you’ve already read most or all of them in digital format then there might not be enough to justify the hardback price tag, but for anyone who hasn’t read these – and especially if you’re looking for links and connections to wider 40k series – then the anthology looks like an excellent option.
