Book picks similar to
Thorn Wishes Talon by Dan Abnett


warhammer-40k
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science-fiction
black-library

Chains of Command


Graham McNeill - 2011
    When a mission to destroy a vital bridge goes wrong, he must quickly learn to work outside of the codes and rely on his own initiative.An Ultramarines short story.This short story marks Uriel Ventris' first appearance in a Black Library publication and was previously published in Inferno! and the Ultramarines Omnibus.

Red & Black


James Swallow - 2011
    Founded on the worship of the God-Emperor of Mankind, it guards the sanctity of the Imperial Creed and protects the celestial truth of the Emperor’s divinity. Its ideals are enforced by the bolters and flamers of the Orders Militant of the Adepta Sororitas – the Sisters of Battle. After two millennia, the warp storms raging around the Hollos star system have abated, allowing the isolated planet of Hollos to reconnect with the Imperium. When a mysterious messenger contacts the Orders Militant, Celestian Miriya must travel to Hollos and pass judgement on the world. Will she find a world embracing the Emperor’s truth or one in need of cleansing? Her decision will liberate or condemn an entire planet.

Bjorn: Lone Wolf


Chris Wraight - 2013
    Packs fight back to back, brothers protecting one another – except for one. The Lone Wolf, the warrior without a pack, stands alone. And somewhere on the battlefield is a foe against which he will have vengeance…A Horus Heresy short story by Chris Wraight

Fireborn


Nick Kyme - 2010
    The world of Sepulchre IV stands on the brink of destruction.  From the stars the Red Rage descends, intent on murder and massacre.  Into the fray are thrust the Firedrakes, peerless champions of the Salamanders.  Their mission: retrieve the 'holy relic' of Spulchre and prevent it falling to the enemy.

Deathwolf


Andy Smillie - 2012
    But the war will be decided by Morkai himself as he challenges the aliens' sinister leader to single combat.

A Sanctuary of Wyrms


Peter Fehervari - 2013
    Previously published in the Direct Exclusive anthology Xenos Hunters.THE STORYOn the sept of Fi'draah, a tau water caste ambassador is sent deep into the jungles of the mysterious Dolorosa Coil on a vital mission. As she and her companions explore an abandoned Imperial facility known only as 'The Sanctuary of Wyrms', they find humans both dead and alive, including those of the Imperium's elite alien hunters - the Deathwatch.

Child of Night


John French - 2014
    Having abandoned his insane primarch and brothers many years ago, he doesn’t know what he’s done wrong, but he’s sure he doesn’t want to be captured. What will happen when he discovers that his Legion has fallen into heresy? And where will his loyalties lie?Learn the fate of the Chief Librarian of the XIII Legion, former servant of Konrad Curze. The first Horus Heresy Night Lords story from John French is both an insight into changes that have taken place within the XIII Legion over the course of the Great Crusade, and a fascinating glimpse into the underworld slums of ancient Terra itself.

Ravenlord


Gav Thorpe - 2014
    But after an unexpected reunion with a fellow survivor of Isstvan V, the Raven Guard learn of the prison colony of Carandiru and realise that they must face the ghosts of their past on Deliverance if they are to prevail.This brand new novella by Gav Thorpe goes on sale on Friday 2nd May, in a strictly limited edition of only 4,000 copies worldwide. Each copy will be signed by Gav, and individually numbered. This edition features a lavish, printed hardcover under the dust jacket, and also contains an exclusive colour section with additional background text and artwork to enhance your enjoyment of the story.

The Final Compliance of Sixty-Three Fourteen


Guy Haley - 2014
    With the Sons of Horus already at battle readiness over Sixty-Three Fourteen, a grim decision must be made...Witness the brutal methods of re-conquest enacted by the Warmaster and the Traitor Legions as the war for humanity wages on. This Quick Read is a fascinating look at the changes the war has wrought in Horus and the way he is viewed by the Imperium’s defenders.

The Iron Within


Rob Sanders - 2011
    But one of their number remains loyal to the Emperor, and battle is joined on the fortress-world.READ IT BECAUSELoyalist traitors! Iron Warriors battle Iron Warriors, and Barbaras Dantioch, a very important character in the Horus Heresy, is introduced.THE STORYYears ago, the Iron Warriors left Barabaras Dantioch, a crippled warsmith, on the world of Lesser Damantyne. Now, having declared their allegiance to the traitor Horus, they have returned. As the planet's garrison prepares for war, Dantioch must choose between loyalty to his legion or to the Emperor.This story is also available in Age of Darkness, book XVI of the Horus Heresy series.

Labyrinth of Sorrows


George Mann - 2012
    Far from the front lines, Space Marines of the Brazen Minotaurs infiltrate an ancient temple-tomb, seeking an artefact sacred to their Chapter... one that could turn the tide of battle in the Imperium’s favour. But they are not the first to enter the tomb – as the Space Marines race to seize their prize, they are watched from the shadows. Are the mysterious Raven Guard there to help the Brazen Minotaurs, or to destroy them?

A Mug of Recaff


Sandy Mitchell - 2012
    Realising it’s time to reward his master with a hot cup of recaff, Jurgen, his faithful servant, heads off to seek refreshment, but finds rather more than he bargained for in the heart of the defeated cultists’ stronghold.A short but sweet little tale that thrusts Commissar Cain's malodorous sidekick into the limelight as he faces the last holdouts of a Chaos occupation all by himself...Previously published in Hammer and Bolter: Issue 20

Savage Weapons


Aaron Dembski-Bowden - 2011
    When the traitor’s Primarch – the Night Haunter – issues a challenge, Lion’El Johnson of the Dark Angels descends to an abandoned world for a final confrontation with his treacherous brother. But the Night Haunter has a darker purpose...A short story from the Age of Darkness anthology.

Our Martyred Lady


Gav ThorpeCarla Mendonca - 2019
    Fell times have come again to the Imperium and a War of Faith appears inevitable. Standing in the way of catastrophe is Celestine, the Living Saint and one of the greatest heroes of the age. Only she can reunite the warring factions of the Ecclesiarchy and prevent a second Reign of Blood. Together with the Inquisitor Greyfax, Celestine and her allies must hunt across the shrineworlds of the Imperium and beyond to root out the evil behind the schism and burn it out with righteous, cleansing flame.

Mercy


Danie Ware - 2018
    On the world is a cathedral, ancient and run down – but with an icon at its heart, a warrior-woman with a bloodied rose on her chest. Is this a symbol that Saint Mina, founder of the Order, once walked on this world? Augusta is determined to find out…