Black Library Advent Calendar 2018

Series · 24

books · 2018

By Graham McNeill, Nick Kyme, Rachel Harrison, and more

Books in series

Old Wounds New Scars

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day One Travelling through the warp to Terra, the Perpetual Alivia Sureka faces the shadows of her past and contemplates the horrors to come when she reaches the Throneworld. READ IT BECAUSE Bridging the gap between Wolf Mother and the tales to come, this story by Graham McNeill is like a breath before the plunge, setting up stories that will continue into the Siege of Terra. THE STORY As the Imperium prepares for the final great battle of the Horus Heresy, all sorts of heroes make the perilous journey to Terra, some to defend the Throneworld and some to cast it down. Among them is Alivia Sureka, a mysterious Perpetual who turned her back on the world long ago. Called back to the planet of her birth, guided by some force she barely understands, and plagued by memories of her long life and premonitions of the horrors to come, she must guide the ship on which she travels safely into the Solar system – for more than just the lives of those on board depend on it ...

Blood Gold

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Two The Fyreslayers of the Zharrthagi clan gather to defend their home from a horde of enemies who approach – but could the key to what is to come lie in their distant past? READ IT BECAUSE Gav Thorpe crafts a tale that exemplifies the duardin regard for their past and delves into the legends of the Fyreslayers – as well as their fascination with ur-gold. THE STORY Before the Gate of Endless Defiancé, entry to the Vostargi Mont, ancestral home of the Zharrthagi Fyreslayers clan, stands the clan's Runefather. Behind him are arrayed an army of his kin, determined to defend the sanctity of their lodge, even as they have done for uncounted centuries. Yet the foe they face is one like no other they have encountered in their long history – and the key to what happens next may lie in a told long told by their people, a tale of how they became the warriors they are today. This is that tale.

Fire and Thunder

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Three Trapped in an enemy-infested city and hunted by their foes, Commissar Severina Raine and the 11th Antari Rifles must survive by any means if they are to strike back… READ IT BECAUSE It's a tense and claustrophobic story set in the ruins of a shattered city and following a few brave women and men as they fight to survive. THE STORY Severina Raine and the 11th Antari Rifles battle in the labyrinthine streets of Balfar, beneath the twin stars known as the Eyes of the Emperor. With the cathedral city of Whend under the control of the Chaos-corrupted Sighted, and the Astra Militarum being pushed back, the situation is desperate. When their fall-back route is destroyed, Raine and her troopers find themselves trapped in the city and desperate to survive – is this the end for them, or can they seize the day and claim victory?

Man of Iron

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Four What exactly is UR-025? When the ancient robot ventures into the Blackstone Fortress alongside a party from the Adeptus Mechanicus, secrets come to light that could spell doom… READ IT BECAUSE It's a look at one of the greatest mysteries – and most fascinating characters – from the Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress game. THE STORY Of all the explorers in the Blackstone Fortress, the towering robot known only as UR-025 is perhaps the most mysterious… and dangerous. An automatous tool of Magos-Ethericus Nanctos III of Ryza, the machine's true reasons for joining the muster at Precipice and venturing inside the ancient alien labyrinth of the fortress is unknown. When it enters the twisted, ever-changing corridors of the alien construct alongside a force of other explorers from the Adeptus Mechanicus, secrets may come to light… and they are to be feared.

The Deeper Shade

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Five Thalinoth, a sorcerer of Tzeentch, seeks great power in the waters beneath the benighted Claw of Mermedus. Will he achieve his ambitions, or have the tides of fate lured him to his doom? READ IT BECAUSE It's a tale of twisted ambition, desperate endeavours and the horrors that lurk beneath… THE STORY The shores of Gharn are vibrant with life… apart from one spot, where even the native insects fear to tread. It is there that Thalinoth of Charr ventures, the sorcerer drawn to the mysterious Claw of Mermedus by portents and visions sent by Tzeentch. Something lurks in the waters beneath that benighted spot, something that could provide great power to Thalinoth and his warband… or spell their doom.

Abyssal

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Six Prisoner on a Black Ship, surrounded by dangerous psykers and the terrifying Sisters of Silence, Aveth Vairon is hopeful… because this is the moment he has been guided to. But what awaits him? READ IT BECAUSE It's a dark and horrific tale set in the depths of a Black Ship in the midst of battle and shows how destiny and death intertwine as Chaos grips the galaxy. THE STORY On one of the feared Black Ships, Aveth Vairon, a humble Administratum scribe cowers in a cell. Imprisoned by the Silent Sisters, cowed by their mind-numbing aura and terrified by their situation, he nevertheless feels hope. For Aveth was guided to where he is now by a greater power. For years, he has followed a twisting rune in his mind, guiding him to this moment… and to another prisoner, a faceless woman of great power who he knows will put him on the path to his destiny. But as the Black Ship comes under attack, will that destiny come to pass, or be thwarted by the whims of fate?

Acts of Sacrifice

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Seven The Order of the Ardent Star are dying. Their master has fallen, their numbers are few, and their last hope is a desperate flight to a distant redoubt – can they marshal their courage and brave the gauntlet of Khorne worshippers that stands in their way? READ IT BECAUSE It's a tale from the Age of Chaos, showing one of the small acts of desperate heroism that took place in those dark times, as brave warriors held out against the seemingly unstoppable hordes of the Dark Gods. THE STORY In the chapel of the Order of the Ardent Star, Sir Aenea prays to the warrior goddess Myrmidia for guidance. And with an army of rampaging Khornate warriors outside, she has never needed her deity's guidance more. Her master is dead at the hands of the Chaos warleader, her comrades brought low by the seemingly unstoppable champion of the Blood God. With fewer than a hundred of their number left, the only hope for survival lies in a desperate sally forth from their fortress, seeking the indomitable redoubt of the distant Drakenount.

Son of Sorrows

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Eight Koleg is a killer. His skill is the creation of terror, an ability he exercises on behalf of Inquisitor Covenant. But what leads a man to become such a creature? READ IT BECAUSE In a tie-in to the Horusian Wars saga, this tale explores the past of Koleg, the psychopathic killer who stalks Inquisitor Covenant's enemies. THE STORY Koleg is a killer. A stone-cold slaughterer, he puts his terrifying talents to use in the service of mankind, exercising his murderous abilities on behalf of Inquisitor Covenant. But what past darkness, what horrific deeds, can lead a man to become such a creature and devote his life to dealing death? As he prepares for a new mission, Koleg remembers his past and the events that brought him to where he is now…

A Lesson in Iron

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Nine Pursuing an alien ship into a warp anomaly, the Iron Hands encounter a vision of their own future that could be their undoing. READ IT BECAUSE It's a chilling tale, and one that has the weight of tragedy, as Ferrus Manus makes a discovery that could avert the hideous fate awaiting him – but only if he doesn't lose his head… THE STORY At the height of the Great Crusade, the Fist of Iron, the mighty flagship of the Iron Hands Space Marine Legion, pursues an ork cruiser into the pull of a dangerous warp rift. A rare phenomenon, little is known about the rift, but Ferrus Manus, who commands the powerful warship, is about to learn more than he wishes as something emerges from the rift. Something impossible. An Iron Hands warship that seems to be from the future…

#10

A Dirge of Dust and Steel

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Ten In the wilds of Shyish, the Hallowed Knights seek to reforge an ancient alliance between Azyr and a duardin clan. But an equally ancient enemy awaits them… READ IT BECAUSE It's a Hallowed Knights story by Josh Reynolds exploring the Vanguard Chamber as they face a hideous and dangerous foe. THE STORY Lord-Aquilor Sathphren Swiftblade and his Vanguard Chamber warriors from the Hallowed Knights have ventured into the wilds of Shyish, the dread Realm of Death. Their goal? To resurrect an old alliance between Azyr and the duardin who dwell in these forgotten lands. But if they are to reforge long-sundered bonds of brotherhood, Swiftblade and his warriors must first defeat a mighty daemon of Chaos known only as the Soulflayer.

#11

The Deserter

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Eleven A chance encounter with a stranger known only as "The Deserter" might be just what Corenne needs as she struggles to survive in Necromunda's underhive. LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE It's a tale of faith, hope and sheet dumb luck from the underhive, filled with fascinating characters and chance encounters. THE STORY In the underhive of Necromunda, the only law that really matters is that might is right and unless you can defend what's yours, someone else will claim it. That's what happened to Corenne. When the Thunder Knuckle Posse came, they took control of the Sweet Drop Still, sending her family packing. Now, she wants it back, and a chance encounter with a ragged old man known only as "The Deserter" who claims to have fought in the armies of the vaunted Lord Solar might just be her salvation – or at least revenge. Running time 27 minutes. Performed by Steve Conlin, Toby Longworth, Carla Medonca & Jo Woodcock.

#12

The Last Council

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Twelve As the Traitor fleet nears Terra, the Council that rules the Imperium must be disbanded so the defence of thr Throneworld can come first – but some will not reliquish power easily… READ IT BECAUSE It's a look at how the power of the Imperium was divided in the days before the Siege of Terra, and hints at how the fate of the post-Heresy Imperium would be decided. THE STORY As the Great Crusade came to a close, the power that had been vested in the Emperor and his War Council, made up of primarchs and generals, was transferred to civilian authorities – the great Council of Terra. Now, as the Warmaster and his armies approach the Throneworld, it is time for that council to be dissolved and the warriors to once again take command as the eve of battle looms. But no one gives up power easily, and even an assemblage of three primarchs may find trouble waiting…

#13

Motherlode

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Thirteen Returning to Precipice after a narrow escape from a drukhari raider in the Blackstone Fortress, the ratling twins Raus and Rein find that danger lurks all around them… READ IT BECAUSE It's a madcap day-in-the-life tale starring the ratling twins from Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress. Getting into one scrape after another, it's a great exploration of how they are – and how they survive. THE STORY After a successful adventure in the Blackstone Fortress – and a desperate escape from a fearsome enemy – the ratling twins Raus and Rein return to Precipice to sell their hard-won spoils, leaving their drukhari foe for dead. But it's not that easy to kill a denizen of the Dark City… As they try to offload their haul in the markets of Precipice, the day quickly spirals out of control as their past catches up with them in more ways than one – can the twins possibly escape the enemies coming their way?

#14

One, Untended

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Fourteen Seeking a missing child takes Gotrek Gurnisson, and his reluctant companion Maleneth, deep into the tainted catacombs beneath Hammerhal Ghyra. Danger awaits! READ IT BECAUSE It's a Gotrek tale told from Maleneth's perspective and gives some fascinating insights into her character, motivations and goals. THE STORY When a child goes missing from Hammerhal Ghyra, Gotrek Gurnisson, recovering from an epic drinking binge (and some nasty poisoning) volunteers to enter the nearby catacombs and find him – especially since his mother claims he was taken by a ghost. Venturing into the darkness with his reluctant aelven companion Maleneth. But even the vaunted Stormcast Eternals were unable to cleanse this labyrinth of the taint that infects it, and what awaits the adventurers below will test them to their limits.

#15

The Battle of Blackthunder Mesa

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Fifteen Defending a T'au Empire training facility from a column of Imperial tanks, Commander Bravestorm may have to turn to new technologies and a new way of war to claim victory. READ IT BECAUSE It's the origin of a hero – and an infamous technology used by the Farsight Enclaves, in a tie-in to Phil Kelly's Commander Farsight series. THE STORY On the T'au Empire sept world of Dal'yth, the warriors of the Fire Caste fight a losing battle against the human Imperium. With the gue'la, as the t'au call them, willing to throw seemingly endless manpower into the meatgrinder of war, the Greater Good has no solution. But Commander Farsight might… In the training facility of Dal'ryu, an experimental weapon heralds a new way of war, championed by Farsight – and with a force of Imperial tanks closing on the facility, Commander Bravestorm may just have to use this ""Onager Gauntlet"" if he is to claim victory.

#16

The Atonement of Fire

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Sixteen Seeking to atone for the sin of Imperium Secundus, Roboute Guilliman throws himself at enemies – and a force of World Eaters provide the perfect target. READ IT BECAUSE Guilliman's guilt over creating a breakaway Imperium during the Horus Heresy is a fascinating aspect of his character, and this story explores it in the midst of brutal battle. THE STORY Imperium Secundus is over. A vision granted to Sanguinius shows that the Emperor is alive, and so the Triumvirate of primarchs who formed the breakaway empire have taken to their fleets and intend to make the traitors pay for their heresy. But in his heart, Roboute Guilliman, architect of Imperium Secundus, feels as much a traitor as any of them – and he seeks to atone for his sin by throwing himself at enemies. When a force of World Eaters threaten a world that embodies the Imperium's ideals, he finds the perfect target…

#17

The Palace of Memory

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Seventeen Lost and alone in the haunted city of Shadespire, will Hamilcar find the ghosts of the city his worst enemy – or the ghosts of his own past? THE STORY Hamilcar Bear-Eater, Lord-Castellan of the Astral Templars Stormhost, was warned not to venture into the twisted shadeglass labyrinth of Shadespire. Naturally, he headed there right away, because no one tells Hamilcar what he can't do… Now he's trapped, lost, alone, and haunted – both by the ghosts that inhabit the City of Mirrors and by the spectres of his own past, doubts and fears. Can he overcome these obstacles and escape to fight again? Probably – he is Hamilcar, mightiest of all the Stormcast Eternals, after all!

#18

Expectatio

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Eighteen When he claims a rare artefact in place of an unpaid fee, underhive bounty hunter Arturos is set on a quest that could make his fortune – if he survives it. LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE It's a dark and gritty Necromunda tale that delves into the seedy underbelly of bounty hunting and the consequences of messing with things you might not understand. THE STORY When the underhive bounty hunter Arturos delivers a renegade Goliath to the Guilder Meriko, he expects his payment of 60 credits for the capture. But Meriko has taken out more bounties than he can afford, and payment isn't forthcoming… Luckily for him, among the junk in his shop is a treasure that's worth Arturos' time and effort. A Spiraptor, a mechanical bodyguard programmed to protect a wealthy individual, it sends Arturos on a quest that could make his fortune – or claim his life. Running time 25 minutes. Performed by John Banks, Matthew Hunt, Toby Longworth, Gesella Ohaka, Richard Reed & Andrew Wincott.

#19

Black Atonement

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Nineteen The town of Shadowvel must fall. Unwilling to commit her own forces to bring it down, the Blood Queen Neferata instead sets out to manipulate mutual enemies into destroying Shadowvel. The town of Shadowvel in the Realm of Shyish lies outwith the domains of Neferata, Mortarch of Blood – but that does not make its inhabitants safe from her displeasure… Shadowvel has stood for centuries against all the hordes of Chaos thrown against it. But Neferata would see it fall, and the Maggotkin hordes of the Children of the Bell are the perfect weapon to wield against the spirits of Shadowvel. And none are better at manipulating a foe than Neferata… Running time 25 minutes. Performed by Andrew Fettes, Emma Gregory & Genevieve Swallow.

#20

Purity is a Lie

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Twenty When Taddeus the Purifier joins Rogue Trader Janus Draik on a mission into the dark heart of the Blackstone Fortress, his faith is tested – as is his patience with his would-be allies. READ IT BECAUSE Everybody loves a Imperial priest – especially one who wants to purify things in flames and thinks he's seeing visions from the Emperor… THE STORY Of all the explorers in the Blackstone Fortress, few are as feared by those who have made Precipice a home as Taddeus the Purifier. Though the Ecclesiarchy priest disdains all those around him who would plunder the fortress for profit or power, he knows they are of use – for the visions sent to him by the Emperor are all that matters. Accompanying Rogue Trader Janus Draik in search of a hidden vault will put Taddeus' beliefs to the test, as danger looms.

#21

Hungerfiend

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Twenty-One In a desolate corner of Ghur, a dread Mourngul haunts a graveyard – but there is more to the spirit than meets the eye, and the mystery could spell doom for Prince Maesa. LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE It's another chapter in the adventures of Guy Haley's aelven prince, and this one takes him out of Shyish… though still hunting the creatures of Death. THE STORY Drawn to a haunted graveyard in the Realm of Beasts by rumours of a fearsome creature, the aelven Prince Maesa seeks to cleanse the area of its taint. Along with his allies Stonbrak the duardin and Shattercap, the malevolent spite who serves him, Maesa sets out to defeat the beast – a terrifying and monstrous spirit known as a Mourngul. But there is more to this horror than meets the eye, and unless they can solve the mystery surrounding it, the Mourngul may spell the heroes' fate.

#22

Sand Lords

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Twenty-Two Lost in the desert, their vehicles failing and water nearly done, the Tallarn 236th Sand Lords are in trouble – but even more danger is about to find them. READ IT BECAUSE It's a tense tale that explores the infamous Tallarn Desert Raiders and shows their resourcefulness in the face of near-certain death. THE STORY In the deep deserts of Marbas II, Captain Amareo Thrax of the Tallarn 236th – the infamous "Sand Lords" – is in trouble. His convoy of 28 armoured recon vehicles is down to a mere handful. Water is low and shade non-existent. And morale is as low as it can be, his warriors bitter and terrified. As he reflects on the events that led them to these dire straits, little does he realise that the horror has yet to end…

#23

Half-Horn

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Twenty-Three Three underhive fugitives shelter around a fire in the midst of a storm. They must be safe here, for the only one who could track them is Gor Half-horn. And he's a myth, isn't he? LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE It's a Necromunda story about how a bounty hunter's reputation can inspire as much fear as the reality – and Gor Half-horn's reputation is terrifying indeed. THE STORY Kaya, Gull and Vaughn are on the run. After a job gone wrong, the trio of hive-scum have a price on their head and aren't welcome in any reputable settlement. As they shelter from a hive-storm in an abandoned hab-unit in the deep sump, they're sure they're safe from any who might be seeking them. They are wrong. Gor Half-horn is coming for them, and none escape the abhuman bounty hunter once he has their scent… Running time 19 minutes. Performed by John Banks, Toby Longworth, Gesella Ohaka & Andrew Wincott.

#24

A Rose Watered with Blood

2018

Advent Calendar 2018: Day Twenty-Four On board the Conqueror, once-proud flagship of the World Eaters, strange events abound. The ship is changing – and shipmaster Lotara Sarrin fears what that means for her and her crew… READ IT BECAUSE It's an exploration of how the corruptions of Chaos affect everything they touch – and a look at how the warped nature of the Conqueror affects its crew. THE STORY The Conquerer, flagship of the World Eaters Space Marine Legion, has changed. As it makes the long journey to Terra, the vagaries of the warp – and the infernal nature of the beast chained in the bowels of the warship – are altering the very fabric of the vessel. For Lotara Sarrin, long-serving shipmaster of the once-proud craft, and her human crew, the ship has become dangerous. Some think it's trying to kill them. Sarrin has another theory… and it's one she likes even less.

Authors

Nick Kyme (b. 1977) writes mostly for Black Library. His credits include the popular Salamanders series and several audio dramas.

Rachel Harrison

Author · 3 books

Rachel Harrison writes Warhammer 40k stories for Black Library. She also publishes under the name Ray Harrison. Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. Rachel^^Harrison

Peter McLean was born near London in 1972, the son of a bank manager and an English teacher. He went to school in the shadow of Norwich Cathedral where he spent most of his time making up stories. He has since grown up a bit, if not a lot, and spent 25 years working in corporate IT. He is married to Diane and is still making up stories. He is the author of the War for the Rose Throne series, beginning with Priest of Bones, the Burned Man series, and numerous short stories for Warhammer. Agent: Jennie Goloboy at DMLA

Phil Kelly (born 1977) is the Creative Lead for 'Warhammer: Age of Sigmar' in the Games Workshop design studio. He has written over 60 gaming books in the last twenty years. He has also written several Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar and Warhammer Horror books and audio dramas for Black Library. Librarian Note: there is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Guy Haley is the author of over 40 novels and novellas. His original fiction includes Crash, Champion of Mars, and the Richards and Klein, Dreaming Cities, and the Gates of the World series (as K M McKinley). However, he is best known as a prolific contributor to Games Workshop's Black Library imprint, and has sold over 1 million books set in their Warhammer universes.

John French is a writer and freelance game designer from Nottingham, England. His novels include the Ahriman series from Black Library, and The Lord of Nightmares trilogy for Fantasy Flight. The rest of his work can be seen scattered through a number of other books, including the New York Times bestselling anthology Age of Darkness. When he is not thinking of ways that dark and corrupting beings could destroy reality and space, John enjoys talking about why it would be a good idea... that and drinking good wine.

L.J. Goulding

Author · 22 books

L. J. Goulding is a British novelist, scriptwriter and editor, living and working in Los Angeles, California. His credits include 'League of Legends: Realms of Runeterra', the Black Library audio dramas 'Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium', 'The Heart of the Pharos', 'Scythes of the Emperor: Daedalus', and 'Mortarion's Heart', the novel 'Slaughter at Giant's Coffin', and many short stories for publishers in the UK and US.

Joshua Reynolds

Author · 109 books

Josh Reynolds’ work has previously appeared in such anthologies as Historical Lovecraft from Innsmouth Free Press and Horror for the Holidays from Miskatonic River Press, and his novel, Knight of the Blazing Sun, is currently available from Black Library. He can be found at: http://joshuamreynolds.wordpress.com Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.