Fury of Magnus

by Graham McNeill

This book, a novella in the Siege of Terra series, is arguably not essential reading, but perhaps it should be. For sure, fans of the Thousand Sons legion will want to read it, as it completes the cycle from the Horus Heresy books A Thousand Sons and The Crimson King. Although it does not progress the siege, it fits in nicely between book four, Saturnine, and book five, Mortis.

Magnus the Red, Primarch, enacts a plan to retrieve something of value to him during the Siege. From the blurb, it’s no spoiler to say that in this book he must confront his father: this is Magnus’s zenith, but you have to read to find out how things transpire.

Transcendent

Fights feel intense, descriptions of the defences were evocative, creating a vision of the throneworld transformed for war. Something this book does well is keep the action and narrative focussed amongst a smaller cast of characters, and I think it feels much more intimate than some of the other siege of terra books.

The end of the book was so exciting I tore through the last hundred pages or so just as the Space Wolves tore up Prospero. Even early on, and contrary to some of the other Siege of Terra books, the book moves straight into setting up the plot but remaining engaging whilst doing so.

One scene, bringing in the regicide that we’ve seen in other books, felt overly contrived and forced. But then again, other scenes and aspects had more intelligent foreshadowing: the Alpharius and Dorn statues being the only Primarchs remaining; Malcador or the salamanders visions providing setup later events without being overly obvious or explicit. For the most part, scenes were memorable and well done.

The description of Magnus’s encounter with the Emperor is particularly brilliant, vivid and imaginative. I wouldn’t want to elaborate further to ruin this part.

Amon’s warriors to the left, Menkaura’s to the right, but so powerful was the telaethesic ward that he could barely sense them at all. Have we changed so much that it blunts our aetheric powers as well as the daemonic?

(pp.85 Fury of Magnus)

Thoughtful and furious

This book is very much centred about a simple story. It is the simple trope of ‘hero needs object’ and yet it feels like it transcends Warhammer 40k in many ways, with allusions to mythology, literature, and philosophy. It is concerned with the relationship between Magnus and the Emperor, Magnus and Malcador, and Magnus and his sons. These explorations feel poignant, intense and profound.

The bonds between brothers – including, surprisingly and one I don’t recall seeing before – the Salamanders and Space Wolves, feel important and lasting. The end of the book engages in both wider discussion, it feels like an ending for several characters. I found myself wishing the book was longer.

‘The only paradise is a paradise lost,’ said Magnus sadly. ‘It exists now only in my memory; for the reality of what has become of Tizca is too painful.’ His father nodded ‘A wise man once said that as memory may be a paradise from which we cannot be driven, it may also be a hell from which we cannot escape.’

(pp.214 Fury of Magnus)

Prior knowledge

A lot of this book won’t make sense without knowledge of prior books. In fact, one character from the Vengeful Spirit book and their importance is very unclear if you aren’t familiar. This is arguably the least readable for new readers to Warhammer. Similarly, some of the references to literature, philosophy or mythology will be missed without wider knowledge, although some are clearly signposted, such as the nods to Shakespeare or Paradise Lost. I believe this is the least readable of the Siege of Terra books, and should be read after Saturnine to make more sense.

Final Score

A fantastic book that might get missed by many. Encounters are important and feel like they transcend Warhammer 40,000. There’s the occasional overly contrived scene, but for the most part the book has everything you want from a Warhammer book: great action, characters, interactions and tension. Should be essential.

9/10