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Black Library Advent Calendar 2019 #10
The Revelation of the Word
A Primarchs audio drama
As he prosecutes his Shadow Crusade against the Ultramarines, Lorgar discovers something from his own past at the heart of his brother Guilliman's 500 Worlds.
Listen to it because:
Hear how Lorgar reacts when he finds out that his own words of faith in the Emperor as a god are the basis for a nascent cult within the Imperium itself.
The story:
Long ago, the primarch Lorgar was humbled by his brother Guilliman for his belief in the Emperor's divinity. Led down a dark road by this shaming, Lorgar embraced Chaos. Now, he and his Word Bearers rampage across Guilliman's realm, burning his 500 worlds in the name of their new gods. But on such world, Lorgar finds a mystery that brings his past into the present and shines a new light on his endeavours. It seems that Lorgar's legacy may be greater than even he could have ever imagined....
As he prosecutes his Shadow Crusade against the Ultramarines, Lorgar discovers something from his own past at the heart of his brother Guilliman's 500 Worlds.
Listen to it because:
Hear how Lorgar reacts when he finds out that his own words of faith in the Emperor as a god are the basis for a nascent cult within the Imperium itself.
The story:
Long ago, the primarch Lorgar was humbled by his brother Guilliman for his belief in the Emperor's divinity. Led down a dark road by this shaming, Lorgar embraced Chaos. Now, he and his Word Bearers rampage across Guilliman's realm, burning his 500 worlds in the name of their new gods. But on such world, Lorgar finds a mystery that brings his past into the present and shines a new light on his endeavours. It seems that Lorgar's legacy may be greater than even he could have ever imagined....
1 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 17, 2020
The following review was originally published in the online newspaper The Orkney News in 2019. Link here. https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/12/24...
Warhammer - The Horus Heresy: The Revelation Of The Word by David Annandale
It is time for me to return once again to the world of Warhammer before the end of the year! But this time I shall return to the time of heresy. The greatest of all heresies. The Horus Heresy where the favoured son of the Emperor began the Imperium’s fall. I have written many articles on the beginnings of Horus’s great fall. However Horus wasn’t the only heretic in the Imperium. Lorgar Aurelian - Primarch of The Word Bearers Legion - is considered the true first heretic. However the telling of his fall will come later.
This particular review is for a short audio drama set during a much later period in the Horus Heresy however the plot will require some set-up. One of Lorgar’s many achievements before he fully fell to the temptations of Chaos was the creation of a particular document. A religious document. The so-called Lectitio Divinitatus. This religious text was Lorgar’s personal bible of sorts. A book which he wrote which praised The Emperor of Mankind as a god. Something The Emperor greatly disapproved of personally for a variety of different reasons.
Through Lorgar’s actions the Divinitatus (as I will be referring to it henceforth) was spread widely throughout the Imperium of Man and several small sects began worshipping the Emperor as Lorgar did using the Divinitatus. Despite the intentions of The Emperor, by the later period of The Horus Heresy some groups still believed in his divinity and worshipped him thusly. However throughout most of The Heresy, Lorgar had no knowledge that the book which he himself abandoned when he fully joined the forces of Chaos and worshiped the Chaos Gods still existed and was still being used by certain groups in the Imperium. This audio drama depicts Lorgar’s reaction to the news and what occurred to the sect he encountered and their leader.
This audio drama despite being quite short by my usual review standards at just under 25 minutes in length is absolutely gripping to Warhammer fans like myself. It has often been wondered if Lorgar knew the truth of the Imperial Cult (The official term for the religion of the Imperium) and if so how did he react when he first heard the news. Now thanks to David Annandale we have an answer and it is absolutely perfect. We are able to see just how far Lorgar has fallen from his original truly good intentions to his plans during the late heresy and how he treats those around him. I can’t go into great detail as I don’t wish to spoil everything - much like I didn’t want to spoil The First Prince - but I can safely promise you a great listen. I’ve listened to it at least four times prior to this review and I’ve owned it for about two weeks or so!
The performances are equally as good as Annandale’s writing. While he portrays Lorgar’s lieutenants as loyal and wilfully blind as those who follow the Imperial Cult the dialogue utterly sparkles. John Banks takes the stage as Lorgar complete with Shakespeare style monologues and an perfect verbal duel. I could imagine the entire scene in my mind! The depth to the character is clear in his performance and the same applies to his opponent in said verbal duel. Emma Gregory performs very well indeed as the leader of the religious sect. Her zeal is like fire! Lorgar’s scribe - Cliff Chapman - is as I mentioned utterly loyal to his Primarch even as the Divinitatus is discovered and his performance very much befits a desensitised librarian. Congratulations to all involved.
In short I recommend this short story audio drama highly. Especially if you have previously experienced Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s masterpiece The First Heretic which I can promise will have a review in time. Perhaps some day...another Month Of Heresies may occur? Hunt this down and obtain a copy as soon as you can. This story is worth it and I will certainly experience more of David Annandale in the future.
Wait a moment? Do I hear a guest approaching?
AHHH AHH Am I late? You were talking about Lorgar human?
Yes indeed my chaotic companion. I wondered if I’d hear from you again some day. Although technically my discourse for the day is ended.
Oh you already completed your text? Excuse me as I compose myself...ahem. Yes isn’t it most amusing? The very religion of The Imperium that is worshipped galaxy wide, written by the first to fall. In fact it was writing that which began his path to damnation, caused by your new leader.
Indeed you aren’t wrong on that score. Monarchia was the beginning of so much. Imperial and chaotic.
We shall have to discuss that some other day mortal creature. I see you alluded to it earlier. Or perhaps we should look at a tale from before the rise of your Imperium. To show what became of the gods of old. Of the last church on old Earth.
That story will indeed have to be told. As will many others. But that will be for another day. I’ll hear from you or my inquisitorial guest soon. I’m sure of it. Goodbye for now though...my final tale of the year will be something else entertaining I’m sure. I repeat once again give this story a listen. It is well worth the effort!
Sayonara! And a Merry Christmas (or Sanguinala to the Imperials) to you all!
Nephrite
Warhammer - The Horus Heresy: The Revelation Of The Word by David Annandale
It is time for me to return once again to the world of Warhammer before the end of the year! But this time I shall return to the time of heresy. The greatest of all heresies. The Horus Heresy where the favoured son of the Emperor began the Imperium’s fall. I have written many articles on the beginnings of Horus’s great fall. However Horus wasn’t the only heretic in the Imperium. Lorgar Aurelian - Primarch of The Word Bearers Legion - is considered the true first heretic. However the telling of his fall will come later.
This particular review is for a short audio drama set during a much later period in the Horus Heresy however the plot will require some set-up. One of Lorgar’s many achievements before he fully fell to the temptations of Chaos was the creation of a particular document. A religious document. The so-called Lectitio Divinitatus. This religious text was Lorgar’s personal bible of sorts. A book which he wrote which praised The Emperor of Mankind as a god. Something The Emperor greatly disapproved of personally for a variety of different reasons.
Through Lorgar’s actions the Divinitatus (as I will be referring to it henceforth) was spread widely throughout the Imperium of Man and several small sects began worshipping the Emperor as Lorgar did using the Divinitatus. Despite the intentions of The Emperor, by the later period of The Horus Heresy some groups still believed in his divinity and worshipped him thusly. However throughout most of The Heresy, Lorgar had no knowledge that the book which he himself abandoned when he fully joined the forces of Chaos and worshiped the Chaos Gods still existed and was still being used by certain groups in the Imperium. This audio drama depicts Lorgar’s reaction to the news and what occurred to the sect he encountered and their leader.
This audio drama despite being quite short by my usual review standards at just under 25 minutes in length is absolutely gripping to Warhammer fans like myself. It has often been wondered if Lorgar knew the truth of the Imperial Cult (The official term for the religion of the Imperium) and if so how did he react when he first heard the news. Now thanks to David Annandale we have an answer and it is absolutely perfect. We are able to see just how far Lorgar has fallen from his original truly good intentions to his plans during the late heresy and how he treats those around him. I can’t go into great detail as I don’t wish to spoil everything - much like I didn’t want to spoil The First Prince - but I can safely promise you a great listen. I’ve listened to it at least four times prior to this review and I’ve owned it for about two weeks or so!
The performances are equally as good as Annandale’s writing. While he portrays Lorgar’s lieutenants as loyal and wilfully blind as those who follow the Imperial Cult the dialogue utterly sparkles. John Banks takes the stage as Lorgar complete with Shakespeare style monologues and an perfect verbal duel. I could imagine the entire scene in my mind! The depth to the character is clear in his performance and the same applies to his opponent in said verbal duel. Emma Gregory performs very well indeed as the leader of the religious sect. Her zeal is like fire! Lorgar’s scribe - Cliff Chapman - is as I mentioned utterly loyal to his Primarch even as the Divinitatus is discovered and his performance very much befits a desensitised librarian. Congratulations to all involved.
In short I recommend this short story audio drama highly. Especially if you have previously experienced Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s masterpiece The First Heretic which I can promise will have a review in time. Perhaps some day...another Month Of Heresies may occur? Hunt this down and obtain a copy as soon as you can. This story is worth it and I will certainly experience more of David Annandale in the future.
Wait a moment? Do I hear a guest approaching?
AHHH AHH Am I late? You were talking about Lorgar human?
Yes indeed my chaotic companion. I wondered if I’d hear from you again some day. Although technically my discourse for the day is ended.
Oh you already completed your text? Excuse me as I compose myself...ahem. Yes isn’t it most amusing? The very religion of The Imperium that is worshipped galaxy wide, written by the first to fall. In fact it was writing that which began his path to damnation, caused by your new leader.
Indeed you aren’t wrong on that score. Monarchia was the beginning of so much. Imperial and chaotic.
We shall have to discuss that some other day mortal creature. I see you alluded to it earlier. Or perhaps we should look at a tale from before the rise of your Imperium. To show what became of the gods of old. Of the last church on old Earth.
That story will indeed have to be told. As will many others. But that will be for another day. I’ll hear from you or my inquisitorial guest soon. I’m sure of it. Goodbye for now though...my final tale of the year will be something else entertaining I’m sure. I repeat once again give this story a listen. It is well worth the effort!
Sayonara! And a Merry Christmas (or Sanguinala to the Imperials) to you all!
Nephrite
February 4, 2024
Re-Listen February 2024 as part of a Heresy Omnibus+ complete readthrough of the Horus Heresy series, as additional to the Shadow Crusade II The Underworld War (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...
Just like Hubris of Monarchia, I listened to this randomly as part of the Horus Heresy Audio Collection, Treachery and Betrayal, which made me want to re-listen and finally complete the whole Horus Heresy, but unlike Hubris, I absolutely remembered every moment of this because it is an incredibly short and practically perfect audio drama with tight writing, powerful performances, and the kind of reveal that answers some and raises so many more questions, in the best of ways, for both the listener and Lorgar himself.
I really can't add much to what I previously said, beyond reaffirming just how much I love this little audio drama that seems to hit every serious, brutal, silly, and comical note of Warhammer at once, while reckoning with some of the biggest themes at the Horus Heresy and all Dark Millennia's core.
It's impressive dense, nutritious, and thoroughly entertaining.
I did have one question occur to me on this listening, which I will put way down at the bottom, below the previous review that I very much stand by, as it kinda spoilery.
***
I don't know if it's impacted by the fact I found Illyrium repulsive and galling in its apologia, but I absolutely loved this extremely short, but incredibly important snapshot of Lorgar's life.
Aurelian does some pontificating into a servo skull, before being brought to the surface of the latest planet of Ultramar the Word Bearers have conquered in his name and in service of Chaos to see something extremely surprising - an underground fane dedicated to the Emperor and what will become the Imperial Creed. The bulk of the audio drama sees Lorgar in dialogue with the bearer of his own words, the Lectitio Divinitas, the holy nook of the Emperor that saw Monarchia burn.
Just getting to the see the absolute WTF moment of Lorgar realising that people are using his book in defiance of the Emperor's edicits and the horror in the devout that their book was written by a traitor is wonderful. The exchanges are written and performed wonderfully.
There's very little I can say without spoiling things, but also it's a very short, sweet, simple, and incredibly effective tale that highlights the many odd mirrors in the lives and wishes of father and son, as well as the contradictions, paradoxes, and complications around divinity and worship in the galaxy. Lorgar's reflections are fascinating.
Most importantly, especially after Illyrium, the only thing shown on any kind of positive light was the faith of the congregation. That faith being their own feelings, not the religion itself. Lorgar is so obviously an evil, religious extremist, and yet we still see the hurt he still feels over his rejection and punishment at Monarchia.
Great stuff!
***
***Potential Spoilery Lore Question Below***
So, it occurred to me on re-listening that the congregation have no weapons and make no attempt to defend or even run away or hide, in fact, they simply raised their arms to the sky as the Word Bearers descended on them. Why?
A simple answer could be that they didn't know about the Traitors or specifically the Word Bearers, so they thought they were heralding the Emperor's Angels. But with this being set at after the scouring of Calth, they may already be aware through communications, if not their faith. This might also not be possible because of the difficulty communicating with Calth, as shown in the garbled message from the Ultramarines off fighting Orks shown in Hubris of Monarchia being one of the Interstitials in Mark of Calth.
What if the Emperor allows this congregation, planet, and who knows what else to be destroyed with his name in their hearts, possibly making their deaths a sacrifice to him as either a deity, aspiring deity, or simply conveying a Warp Charge to him for his work, boosting his power, etc. in a way that is analogous to the way a thousand or more psykers are sacrificed to keep the Astronomicon lighthouse shining (and/nor the Golden Throne) in the 41st Millennium. I realise that this isn't a one for one, as I may be wrong, but believe the light of the Astronomicon without the Emperor is literally the Warp Presence/ souls of the psykers burning as fuel for the Astronomicon beacon.
Anyways, just a thought. Religion in the Dark Millennia, the actual pinning down of what a deity actually is, and whether power of faith is enough to be the means to an ends, i.e does the Emperor, either alive in 30K or dead/ semi-alive in the Golden Throne in 40K, actually have anything to do with the power wielded by saints and clerics (is he a god or Patron in the Divine or Warlock sense in D&D) or is the Imperial Creed and the veneration of the Emperor simply a convenient focus for bajillions of people affecting the Warp and a way for those with the capacity for it to wield power through the intensity of their faith, regardless of whether he's involved at all or if it would still work if you had the same structure and focused on anyone else, saying Ciaphas Cain? Lmfao.
Finally, I know he's long gone in lore and copyright, the most powerful of Warp Entities, but the Emperor either being the manifestation of or at least somewhat related to Malal, like a chosen one or Avatar is something I think is a fun idea and seems to fit with the Anathema title. (I have only ever gotten as far as Vulkan Lives, so if any of this is answered, or more likely, speculated on in the later books, please do not post spoilers, please and thank you!)
Just like Hubris of Monarchia, I listened to this randomly as part of the Horus Heresy Audio Collection, Treachery and Betrayal, which made me want to re-listen and finally complete the whole Horus Heresy, but unlike Hubris, I absolutely remembered every moment of this because it is an incredibly short and practically perfect audio drama with tight writing, powerful performances, and the kind of reveal that answers some and raises so many more questions, in the best of ways, for both the listener and Lorgar himself.
I really can't add much to what I previously said, beyond reaffirming just how much I love this little audio drama that seems to hit every serious, brutal, silly, and comical note of Warhammer at once, while reckoning with some of the biggest themes at the Horus Heresy and all Dark Millennia's core.
It's impressive dense, nutritious, and thoroughly entertaining.
I did have one question occur to me on this listening, which I will put way down at the bottom, below the previous review that I very much stand by, as it kinda spoilery.
***
I don't know if it's impacted by the fact I found Illyrium repulsive and galling in its apologia, but I absolutely loved this extremely short, but incredibly important snapshot of Lorgar's life.
Aurelian does some pontificating into a servo skull, before being brought to the surface of the latest planet of Ultramar the Word Bearers have conquered in his name and in service of Chaos to see something extremely surprising - an underground fane dedicated to the Emperor and what will become the Imperial Creed. The bulk of the audio drama sees Lorgar in dialogue with the bearer of his own words, the Lectitio Divinitas, the holy nook of the Emperor that saw Monarchia burn.
Just getting to the see the absolute WTF moment of Lorgar realising that people are using his book in defiance of the Emperor's edicits and the horror in the devout that their book was written by a traitor is wonderful. The exchanges are written and performed wonderfully.
There's very little I can say without spoiling things, but also it's a very short, sweet, simple, and incredibly effective tale that highlights the many odd mirrors in the lives and wishes of father and son, as well as the contradictions, paradoxes, and complications around divinity and worship in the galaxy. Lorgar's reflections are fascinating.
Most importantly, especially after Illyrium, the only thing shown on any kind of positive light was the faith of the congregation. That faith being their own feelings, not the religion itself. Lorgar is so obviously an evil, religious extremist, and yet we still see the hurt he still feels over his rejection and punishment at Monarchia.
Great stuff!
***
***Potential Spoilery Lore Question Below***
So, it occurred to me on re-listening that the congregation have no weapons and make no attempt to defend or even run away or hide, in fact, they simply raised their arms to the sky as the Word Bearers descended on them. Why?
A simple answer could be that they didn't know about the Traitors or specifically the Word Bearers, so they thought they were heralding the Emperor's Angels. But with this being set at after the scouring of Calth, they may already be aware through communications, if not their faith. This might also not be possible because of the difficulty communicating with Calth, as shown in the garbled message from the Ultramarines off fighting Orks shown in Hubris of Monarchia being one of the Interstitials in Mark of Calth.
What if the Emperor allows this congregation, planet, and who knows what else to be destroyed with his name in their hearts, possibly making their deaths a sacrifice to him as either a deity, aspiring deity, or simply conveying a Warp Charge to him for his work, boosting his power, etc. in a way that is analogous to the way a thousand or more psykers are sacrificed to keep the Astronomicon lighthouse shining (and/nor the Golden Throne) in the 41st Millennium. I realise that this isn't a one for one, as I may be wrong, but believe the light of the Astronomicon without the Emperor is literally the Warp Presence/ souls of the psykers burning as fuel for the Astronomicon beacon.
Anyways, just a thought. Religion in the Dark Millennia, the actual pinning down of what a deity actually is, and whether power of faith is enough to be the means to an ends, i.e does the Emperor, either alive in 30K or dead/ semi-alive in the Golden Throne in 40K, actually have anything to do with the power wielded by saints and clerics (is he a god or Patron in the Divine or Warlock sense in D&D) or is the Imperial Creed and the veneration of the Emperor simply a convenient focus for bajillions of people affecting the Warp and a way for those with the capacity for it to wield power through the intensity of their faith, regardless of whether he's involved at all or if it would still work if you had the same structure and focused on anyone else, saying Ciaphas Cain? Lmfao.
Finally, I know he's long gone in lore and copyright, the most powerful of Warp Entities, but the Emperor either being the manifestation of or at least somewhat related to Malal, like a chosen one or Avatar is something I think is a fun idea and seems to fit with the Anathema title. (I have only ever gotten as far as Vulkan Lives, so if any of this is answered, or more likely, speculated on in the later books, please do not post spoilers, please and thank you!)
December 31, 2019
This ‘Horus Heresy: Primarchs’ audio drama deals with one of the most hated Primarchs ever, and also deals with one of the notorious ironies of the Heresy. This features Lorgar Aurelian during the Shadow Crusade period when he comes into contact with a planet where he discovers an underground church devoted to the Emperor which uses his writings ‘Lectitio Divinitatus’ as their sacred text.
It was fun to hear about Lorgar’s reaction upon finding his twisted teaching, forming a religion which currently he despises fervently. His initial rage is later replaced by the realization of the overall irony of the situation, as he understands that this turn of event is not something that the Emperor himself desires at all either.
The narrator’s did a flawless job and their efforts put a real flesh and blood picture of the characters in my mind as a listener. I especially liked the performance of Lorgar ( John Banks ) and the Word Bearer chaplain ( Stephen Perring ). But the interesting concept of the setting of the story and David Annandale’s usual charisma in telling it were the main stars of the show. This is definitely one of the best products to come out of the ‘Advent Calendar’ this year.
Rating – 9 out of 10.
Find other reviews and stuff for 'Black Library' fiction on my blog - https://theoctedpath.wordpress.com/
It was fun to hear about Lorgar’s reaction upon finding his twisted teaching, forming a religion which currently he despises fervently. His initial rage is later replaced by the realization of the overall irony of the situation, as he understands that this turn of event is not something that the Emperor himself desires at all either.
The narrator’s did a flawless job and their efforts put a real flesh and blood picture of the characters in my mind as a listener. I especially liked the performance of Lorgar ( John Banks ) and the Word Bearer chaplain ( Stephen Perring ). But the interesting concept of the setting of the story and David Annandale’s usual charisma in telling it were the main stars of the show. This is definitely one of the best products to come out of the ‘Advent Calendar’ this year.
Rating – 9 out of 10.
Find other reviews and stuff for 'Black Library' fiction on my blog - https://theoctedpath.wordpress.com/
August 1, 2025
Long before Lorgar made his first appearance in the Horus Heresy series, we saw his legacy in the pages of Horus Rising and Galaxy in Flames. Lorgar is the author of the Lectitio Divinitatus, the holy text of the Imperial Cult. While the Emperor seeks to spread secularism, Lorgar spent much of his early life spreading the word of his father as a God. It was only in the wake of Monarchia that Lorgar left behind his worship of the Emperor. With everything he believed proven to be a lie, Lorgar found new powers to embrace.
Humiliated by Guilliman on Monarchia, Lorgar sought revenge. Calth was the first to burn (as seen in Know no Fear) but that was only the beginning. Lorgar and Angron lead their Legions in the Shadow Crusade, to lay waste to the 500 worlds of Calth (you can listen to that in "Butcher's Nails").
By the time of the Heresy, the Imperial Cult has spread far and wide. Always underground and hidden in the shadows, but with devout followers. Encountering one such group, Lorgar must confront his legacy.
Really well-acted audio drama with a tight script. Great character driven story.
Humiliated by Guilliman on Monarchia, Lorgar sought revenge. Calth was the first to burn (as seen in Know no Fear) but that was only the beginning. Lorgar and Angron lead their Legions in the Shadow Crusade, to lay waste to the 500 worlds of Calth (you can listen to that in "Butcher's Nails").
By the time of the Heresy, the Imperial Cult has spread far and wide. Always underground and hidden in the shadows, but with devout followers. Encountering one such group, Lorgar must confront his legacy.
Really well-acted audio drama with a tight script. Great character driven story.
January 4, 2020
During his Shadow Crusade against Guilliman’s 500 Worlds, Lorgar Aurelian’s meditations are disturbed by one of his sons bringing word of a strange discovery. Travelling to its source, Lorgar finds an underground church and a congregation basing their forbidden worship of the Emperor on the Lectitio Divinitatus. There’s no action to be had here, just engaging dialogue brought to life by great performances. It’s an entertaining examination of ironies and hypocrisies,and a charismatic depiction of a bitter, self-centred, dangerous character.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/12/...
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2019/12/...
February 24, 2022
Another short story focusing on Lorgar as we see him encounter a cult of the religion he founded but discarded when the Emperor punished him for it. Now he serves Chaos as it’s arch-priest after his search for the truth, and I’ve always been interested of his reaction that his earlier efforts founded the current Ecclesiarchy in 40K and here we see it. I’m enjoying these character-focused short stories that deepen the universe
December 25, 2019
A pretty decent audio drama. Nothing necessarily new, but I enjoyed it while it lasted.
December 27, 2019
Talk about your words biting you in the ass!
August 20, 2020
An excellent audio performance. Lorgar contemplates the irony and hypocrisy of how he now resolves to destroy the religion he created and was chastised for. His rage at this is conveyed well, and the sound effects drew me into the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
I always expected Lorgar to sound more sniveling. However, since he's found 'purpose' and was always described as an amazing orator, I guess sniveling is more of a personality trait.
December 17, 2024
Solid appendix, almost an epilogue, to Know No Fear, but without hiding Lorgar's immense emotions during/after the attack on Calth. Great companion piece, and only 24 mins. An audiobook must-listen.
October 28, 2020
He's not happy when his old book being worshipped as religion and decided to take a hiatus for millennias because of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews