Skip this:Fluffy filler that amounts to nothing

As an audiobook this is fine. Perhaps an overuse of Russian accents but the read is fine. The story itself is not worth your time. There are two plotlines about assassins from both sides of the conflict that are completely unrelated. In the book, these stories constantly interrupt each other and mess up the pacing before coming together to neutralize each other. And it's not that these assassins must inevitably meet, just as Horus must inevitably and purposefully face the Emperor, they meet by pure luck *cough*Emperor'sWill*cough*. If this book was never written, nothing you know about 40k would be different and it does nothing to further the events of the Horus Heresy. It adds little to pre-existing lore outside of some vague ideas about life on Terra or the origins of the Assassinorum. The characters are one dimensional. The action lacks stakes and therefore turns into descriptive filler of nothing we haven't seen before in 40k. Fights exist only to make the assassins seem powerful but don't further the plot. Any personal conflict is bland and ultimately pointless as it too is never resolved or adds to character depth.
What's good: The beginning is good. Differences of philosophy of waging war of Dorn v. the Assassinorum. The intrigue of the Assassinorum. The initial mystery until the killer is immediately revealed too soon and lacks any plot impact. The initial getting the team together (as an idea). In terms of execution of this part, it just drags and in the end, the assassins lack any form of team dynamic other than mutual dislike (which doesn't change) so it becomes just filler. This would have been better as a short story that was just about the assassins.

11 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

not the strongest story at all

many characters and I could follow some of what was happening midway I got lost. where was the action happening?

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

It was ok

As the Praetorian of Terra has said of Guillimans Codex Astarti. "3 out of 5. It was ok."

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

worst of the series

Does not follow the rest of the series big diversion from the rest of the books. This is definitely one you can skip.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

View of assassins

It’s a good look at all the different houses of assassins which is great. However the story itself is not great by itself.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Enjoyed the story.

I enjoyed the story. Jonathon Keeble brought great depth to the characters. Really enjoyed the production.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

well read

the story takes a while to build and even longer to play out. everything comes to pass and knit together in the very end

I feel giddy

Like a backstage groupie. Another tantalizing story to the HH.
I recommend it like I do ALL Black Library books.

great!

at first didn't expect much of a story as it is about assassin's and their role in the symphony of battle with Astartes. the story quickly spirals in a very interesting turn and even had Rogue Traders in it. overall excellent story and narrorating.

Honestly couldn’t wait for it to end

Keeble is generally a great narrator but when every women sounds either asian or like a feeble old woman, it gets old quick. The chapters could have been broken up better. Fun to see the perspective of an assassin. Spear’s true voice was as annoying as the old woman voices. I’d skip this one for anyone who’s into Horus Heresy series. There are plenty better.