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#54 Warhammer 40K The Emperor’s Gift by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

 


Second time reading this book and I am certain there will be a third. It easily ranks among my favorite and, in my view, among the best novels published by the Black Library. I am not sure I have encountered another Warhammer 40K novel that manages to accomplish so much in just 314 pages. Of course, it helps that it was written by Bowden, yet he is not the only outstanding author working with the company. Still, in this case he reaches a peak that seems to condense everything one might hope to find in this universe.

We have betrayal, violence, reversals, melancholy, futility, clashes and killings, self-destruction, alienation and doubt, rule through fear, Grey Knights, the Inquisition, Chaos enemies, and the Space Wolves, what more could one ask for? The only thing missing is the Emperor trading blows with Horus, but that took place at another time.

It is genuinely impressive how Bowden achieves this balance between a character-centered narrative, with a clear protagonist in the Grey Knight Hyperion, and the presence of several other figures, each representing something distinct, while still addressing all the themes the book touches upon.

A new reader of Warhammer could easily start here and get a solid sense of what they are getting into. I phrase it that way because if the Warhammer hook catches you, there are usually two paths ahead. Either you will spend all your money on it, or a significant portion of it. If you are more restrained and sensible, of course you may manage it better and avoid behaving like a madman, unlike me, who constantly wants to buy more books from the Black Library.

Let us turn to something more specific about The Emperor’s Gift.

The title itself carries a certain irony, which becomes clear once the madness and dogmatism that dominate the Imperium begin to emerge. War, the defining feature of Warhammer, is not merely a struggle against an invading force. The bloodshed also takes place internally, reinforcing the grimdark pattern of the setting, because what could be more bleak than having to fight not only your enemies but also your allies. So what gift are we talking about? The gift of tragedy, despair, and dead ends?

After a Chaos incursion on Armageddon, the Grey Knights, aided by the Space Wolves and the local population, manage to repel the threat, though not without severe losses. The Inquisition, however, declares that everyone who was exposed to Chaos must be destroyed, or rather purged, because they are considered “tainted.” The Wolves oppose this decision, judging it immoral, since the civilians helped in the battle and do not deserve such a fate. This leads them into direct conflict with the Knights, and, as one might expect, everything descends into chaos.

And then there is that scene with the bell. Unbelievable. What on earth were you doing there, Bowden...

This story is an extraordinary tragedy, deeply representative of Warhammer, written with emotion and conviction, and it contains the expected adventure and darkness, because you already know the saying.

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.

Until next time — be well, and keep reading.

It’s important!


Accompanying Notes: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6wzijeiClA

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