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The Horus Heresy #Audio Drama
Dark King and The Lightning Tower
The Dark KingThe acts of terror and warmongering by Konrad Curze, Primarch of the Night Lords Legion, have earned the ire of his brother primarch, Rogal Dorn. Wracked by terrible visions of the future, Curze is driven insane and attacks Dorn, setting the Night Lord on an inexorable course towards eternal damnation. The Lightning TowerRogal Dorn, Primarch of the Imperial Fists Legion, faces a stark reality €“ he must tear down the magnificence of the Emperor¹s Palace, a shining beacon in a galaxy of darkness, and turn it into a fortress. With the army of Horus drawing ever closer, as he blights the Palace with gunports and defence towers, Dorn must face a difficult question, 'What are you afraid of?'
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 1, 2007
3 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Graham McNeill
341 books932 followersHailing from Scotland, Graham McNeill narrowly escaped a career in surveying to work for Games Workshop as a games designer. He has a strong following with his novels Nightbringer, Warriors of Ultramar, Dead Sky, Black Sun and Storm of Iron.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 21, 2017
The Dark King is very good. Dwells in the mind of the madman.
August 30, 2023
Amazing vocal performance on the audio drama, interesting story involving Konrad Kurze in the early heresy days
March 22, 2016
This is my first venture into Black Library Audio Dramas, and I must say, I am most pleased with them! The music and sound effects are amazing, and since I was reading the scripts alongside listening to the audio, I could really feel like I was there!
The Dark King:
The Dark King is about Konrad Curze, one of the primarchs I have been most interested in since my introduction to Warhammer 40000 and the Horus Heresy, and I must say that it was amazing to finally read/listen to a story with him as the focus. We get a nice glimpse into the darkness that is Curze's mind, and it was truly terrifying. That is what strikes me most about this particular audio drama. Curze's choice of words and tone, as well as how the reader does his voice help to paint a horrifying portrait. I cannot wait to read(or listen to) more about the Night Haunter!
5/5
The Lightning Tower:
This was a more introspective piece, as we get to see into the head of Rogal Dorn in the midst of his preparing the Palace on Terra for the coming siege. I liked that Dorn was so shaken by the events of the Horus Heresy, as well as how we get to see Malcador speak with him about his troubles. I feel that this wasn't Abnett's best work ,but it was thoroughly enjoyable none-the-less. I only wish we got to see more of Dorn experimenting with the simulations towards the end. Oh, and getting to hear the Emprah was pretty cool too! I feel that both Dorn and the Emprah's voices weren't done justice in this audio drama, though getting their voices just right could be impossible!
4/5
The Dark King:
The Dark King is about Konrad Curze, one of the primarchs I have been most interested in since my introduction to Warhammer 40000 and the Horus Heresy, and I must say that it was amazing to finally read/listen to a story with him as the focus. We get a nice glimpse into the darkness that is Curze's mind, and it was truly terrifying. That is what strikes me most about this particular audio drama. Curze's choice of words and tone, as well as how the reader does his voice help to paint a horrifying portrait. I cannot wait to read(or listen to) more about the Night Haunter!
5/5
The Lightning Tower:
This was a more introspective piece, as we get to see into the head of Rogal Dorn in the midst of his preparing the Palace on Terra for the coming siege. I liked that Dorn was so shaken by the events of the Horus Heresy, as well as how we get to see Malcador speak with him about his troubles. I feel that this wasn't Abnett's best work ,but it was thoroughly enjoyable none-the-less. I only wish we got to see more of Dorn experimenting with the simulations towards the end. Oh, and getting to hear the Emprah was pretty cool too! I feel that both Dorn and the Emprah's voices weren't done justice in this audio drama, though getting their voices just right could be impossible!
4/5
July 6, 2011
Good both for those of us who love hereics and for those emperialist scum. Set in a secular futuristic society, this audio story is about two genetically enhanced superhuman warrior brothers/clones: Konrad Curze (the heretic) and Rogal Dorn (the loyalist).
In the first story Curze (AKA "The Dark King") gets in a fight with primarch brother (Rogal Dorn) breaks out of prison pretty awesomely, and joins Horus' Heresy.
The second story "The Lightning Tower" is a bit slower; Rogal Dorn returns to Terra (aka Earth) to protect his father/the emperor from the heretics. Simultaniously, Dorn confrunts his fears and stupidity for not believing his clarvoiant brother who told him the heresy was coming when he had the chance(Thus beginning the fight referenced at the beginning of the first story).
The narriator is only slightly less cool then the guy who does the Harry Potter series.
Complaint: It wasn't long enough.
In the first story Curze (AKA "The Dark King") gets in a fight with primarch brother (Rogal Dorn) breaks out of prison pretty awesomely, and joins Horus' Heresy.
The second story "The Lightning Tower" is a bit slower; Rogal Dorn returns to Terra (aka Earth) to protect his father/the emperor from the heretics. Simultaniously, Dorn confrunts his fears and stupidity for not believing his clarvoiant brother who told him the heresy was coming when he had the chance(Thus beginning the fight referenced at the beginning of the first story).
The narriator is only slightly less cool then the guy who does the Harry Potter series.
Complaint: It wasn't long enough.
December 3, 2018
Having only read the first two books in the 50+ HH books a couple of years ago, I decided to give it a go at reading the entire HH series in chronological order. Starting with the "Last Church" audiobook set in 30,800. I am using https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Tymell... as a guide on which books to read in chronological order.
This audiobook takes place around 30,984 it covers the destruction of the Nostramo and the compliance of the Cheraut System which results in Curze attacking Dorn. I don't want to give away too much details but this short audio story is great. I really cant recommend it enough. I also really enjoyed the previous Konrad Curze short audiobook a Lesson in Darkness and would recommend that if you enjoyed this one. Unfortunately I have not read more of the Night Lords books yet. But I eagerly look forward to them.
This audiobook takes place around 30,984 it covers the destruction of the Nostramo and the compliance of the Cheraut System which results in Curze attacking Dorn. I don't want to give away too much details but this short audio story is great. I really cant recommend it enough. I also really enjoyed the previous Konrad Curze short audiobook a Lesson in Darkness and would recommend that if you enjoyed this one. Unfortunately I have not read more of the Night Lords books yet. But I eagerly look forward to them.
December 13, 2018
This is the second audio drama I've listened to, and it's much better then the audio books I've tried recently. I like the author a lot, but it's the sound and voice people who really makes it shine.
Three stars for the stories, but a solid four for the presentation.
Three stars for the stories, but a solid four for the presentation.
May 6, 2020
These were pretty good. The narrator pronounces things with an English accent instead of a US one, so some of his words sound wrong to me, but otherwise, I'd have to say this is the best one of the various audio dramas I've listened to so far.
August 23, 2025
I've been spoilt with amazing 40k writers so when one is merely good it feels disappointing.
I listened to the audio drama and quickly realized I prefer non-dramatised audiobooks.
If you are working through the Hours Heresy, like me, this is rather skip-able.
I listened to the audio drama and quickly realized I prefer non-dramatised audiobooks.
If you are working through the Hours Heresy, like me, this is rather skip-able.
June 21, 2024
Well, neither of these tales help Dorn much. He is hypocritical and condescending. He's an unquestioning fascist.
January 22, 2017
This seemed an awful lot like the Judge Dredd series and was a little too gory for my tastes.
September 27, 2018
Graham McNeill - The Dark King - *****
For me, a Night Lords fan, this is a classic. I can’t remember how many times I’ve read it or listen to the audio, it gets me every single time. Curze is an amazing, complex character, an absolute madman, yet the only person who seems to see the truth. This is written exceptionally well, and in audio format – performed perfectly. One of the very few pieces in Horus Heresy where Night Lords are presented as the main focus of the story, it’s captivating, full of both important lore and amazing atmosphere. One of my absolute favorites, forever.
Dan Abnett - The Lightning Tower - ****
This one was first released in 2007 and it shows… somehow. Even though I only read it about 5 years ago for the first time, I am definitely getting this feeling with the way characters and events are being described. It is interesting how we just recently got Now Peals Midnight and The Board Is Set shorts, 11 years later Dorn is still there, waiting, and the main event is finally coming. However, I digress. It is a good, atmospheric piece and I enjoyed reading it again.
For me, a Night Lords fan, this is a classic. I can’t remember how many times I’ve read it or listen to the audio, it gets me every single time. Curze is an amazing, complex character, an absolute madman, yet the only person who seems to see the truth. This is written exceptionally well, and in audio format – performed perfectly. One of the very few pieces in Horus Heresy where Night Lords are presented as the main focus of the story, it’s captivating, full of both important lore and amazing atmosphere. One of my absolute favorites, forever.
Dan Abnett - The Lightning Tower - ****
This one was first released in 2007 and it shows… somehow. Even though I only read it about 5 years ago for the first time, I am definitely getting this feeling with the way characters and events are being described. It is interesting how we just recently got Now Peals Midnight and The Board Is Set shorts, 11 years later Dorn is still there, waiting, and the main event is finally coming. However, I digress. It is a good, atmospheric piece and I enjoyed reading it again.
June 16, 2013
This is the first audio-book from the H.H. series that I have listened to, and from the beginning "The Dark King" had me on the edge of my seat. Danny Webb delivers the narrative with a deep, powerful voice you would expect of a Primarch, and the excellent use of sound effects really makes you feel you are listening to a movie soundtrack.
Dan Abnett's writing crackles with the energy of a power-sword, and provides genuine insights into the minds of the Primarchs Dorn and Kurze. Even before the heresy is exposed, the Night Haunter comes across as a completely sadistic psychopath, which makes me wonder how could the Emperor not see it coming?
"The Lightning Tower" is a more introspective tale, with a revealing look into the mind of Rogal Dorn as he fortifies the Emperor's palace on Terra. Dorn is clearly tortured by the betrayal of his brothers, and is forced to ask himself "What do I really fear?"
Dan Abnett's writing crackles with the energy of a power-sword, and provides genuine insights into the minds of the Primarchs Dorn and Kurze. Even before the heresy is exposed, the Night Haunter comes across as a completely sadistic psychopath, which makes me wonder how could the Emperor not see it coming?
"The Lightning Tower" is a more introspective tale, with a revealing look into the mind of Rogal Dorn as he fortifies the Emperor's palace on Terra. Dorn is clearly tortured by the betrayal of his brothers, and is forced to ask himself "What do I really fear?"
October 3, 2012
These stories focus on two of the Primarchs; the noble & stern Rogal Dorn and the damaged & bitter Konrad Curze. With Dorn having little screen time in the series thus far (he's turned up in a number of book but usually just to prod the plot along for another protagonist) and Curze having almost none it was a good for them to have their own tales even if they were just short stories. I look forward to seeing more of the characters later in the series (especially Curze).
March 6, 2011
This short audiobook served to whet my appetite to hear/read more about the terrorising Night Lords chapter and their primarch Konrad Curze (I see there are few non-Heresy books about them) and also made me see Rogal Dorn and his Imperial Fists as less boring than I had suspected.
Enjoyable and well read by Danny Webb - next audiobook Ravens Flight
Enjoyable and well read by Danny Webb - next audiobook Ravens Flight
April 5, 2011
My first experience with an audiobook. Overall, very pleasant. The reading was very clear and easy to follow, the story wasn't very deep, but certainly engaging enough to be interesting, and the overall time spent listening to this was very worth it. The reader's voice was a perfect quality for this, and the work he did on individual characters' voices was well worth it.
September 12, 2012
It's Primarch vs. Primarch as the story of the growing hatred between Konrad Curze, of the Night Lords, and Rogal Dorn of the Imperial Fists are told in these two books. I like how the stark contrast of the two Primarchs are easily conveyed, and how Dorn's thoughts clearly flesh out his personality. Suffice it to say, Dan Abnett is still in the zone when he writes these short installments.
October 21, 2012
Two short stories that take place just prior to book 8 of the Horus Heresy. I know...I know I said I was done with HH for awhile, but they were short sooooo yeah.
And Dan Abnett wrote the first one, and I love his writing.
Great reads and I would say that though they are not a must, they do offer small glimmers of what is currently going on else where in the epic.
And Dan Abnett wrote the first one, and I love his writing.
Great reads and I would say that though they are not a must, they do offer small glimmers of what is currently going on else where in the epic.
August 11, 2011
Another audio novel, once again finding time to appreciate it was a bit hard, but I did find myself looking forward to hearing the next section when I had to leave it. Still, this format doesn't hold a candle to actual printed words...
September 30, 2011
Loved the narrator...Rogal Dorn will forever have a british accent in my head:) Cruz I never want to meet him up a dark ally.
August 21, 2012
Curze is basically space-batman. Would love to read more about him and his chapter
February 23, 2013
outstanding!!
July 4, 2013
Better than most audiobooks not bad stories...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews