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Black Library Advent Calendar 2013 #8
Khârn: The Eightfold Path
In the fighting pits of the Conqueror, Khârn and his fellow World Eaters compete in ever-bloodier contests of carnage and mayhem. As the Butcher’s Nails dig ever deeper into their brains, the Legion have forsaken the Crimson Path. Now they walk a darker, more dangerous road: the Eightfold Path.
A Horus Heresy audio by Anthony Reynolds
A Horus Heresy audio by Anthony Reynolds
Audiobook
First published December 8, 2013
1 person is currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Reynolds
93 books169 followersAnthony Reynolds was a Games Developer and manager at Games Workshop in the UK. Since then he's written freelance for a number of companies, including Black Library Publishing, Mantic Games, THQ, Bandai-Namco, Behaviour Interactive, and River Horse Games. He currently lives in California.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Anthony^Reynolds
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Anthony^Reynolds
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 21, 2024
March 2024 Re-Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order - Omnibus X Shadow Crusade III Chosen of Chaos (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy saga and extras.
I don't really have much to add to my initial review except that this hits harder straight after finishing Betrayer.
It never ceases to amaze me how many great stories either revolve around or feature significant scenes in the duelling cages.
I don't think this could topple Graham McNeill's The Lightning Hall, but this is a serious contender for best Black Library Advent Calendar short.
Bloody marvellous!
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 19.41 Horus Heresy novels, 11 novellas, 52 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 9 Primarchs novels, 3 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels...this run. I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.
Initial Review:
Khârn/ The Eightfold Path was originally part of the 2013 Black Library Advent Callander and more recently in the Treachery and Betrayal anthology. It puts us behind the charismatic, problematic fave, the World Eater half (third?) of Khargal Tal -- the grimdark boyfriends will all deserve, back in the good ole fighting pits of the legion's flagship.
What is an extremely short, but very sweet story expresses so much about the state of Agron, Khârn, and the World Eaters through a simple narrative about a training bout. We can have a little showing, rather than telling, as a treat.
***Spoilers Below, but it's more of a mood piece to be honest***
Angron has Ascended to beast mode and is chained up on the bowls of the ship, with first company, the Devourers, are little more than his jailers, while the yet to become Betrayer and the rest of the legion hang on to the Red Path the War Hounds and World Eaters have been on. The crescendo of Angron's daemonic howls of rage cause the ceiling to bleed and the Blood God's berserker fury join the signing of the Butcher's Nails deep in Khârn's brain giving him a moment of clarity, seeing the legion now damned to walk the eightfold path of Chaos, before the fury descends.
Reynolds captures the tragedy of the World Eaters with the chains that bind Angron and his first company jailors reflect the chains worn in the fighting pits, as well as the Daemon Primarch's sons being bound to him, especially with Khârn's victory sealing his fate, while making him one of Angron's wardens.
This is what I come to the Horus Heresy for, those with no choice broken by events that spiral into meaningless horror. I'm a sad girl with simple tastes. I enjoy a bit of action and dramatics, as well as the grand mythology and allusions, but you can keep the oo-ra and honour. Gimme my sad folx that truly capture the pointlessness of all the awfulness that is grimdark. Please and thank you.
I don't really have much to add to my initial review except that this hits harder straight after finishing Betrayer.
It never ceases to amaze me how many great stories either revolve around or feature significant scenes in the duelling cages.
I don't think this could topple Graham McNeill's The Lightning Hall, but this is a serious contender for best Black Library Advent Calendar short.
Bloody marvellous!
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 19.41 Horus Heresy novels, 11 novellas, 52 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 9 Primarchs novels, 3 Primarchs short stories/ audio dramas, and 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels...this run. I can't say enough good about the way the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project suggestions. I'm loving it! Especially after originally reading to the releases and being so frustrated at having to wait so long for a narrative to continue.
Initial Review:
Khârn/ The Eightfold Path was originally part of the 2013 Black Library Advent Callander and more recently in the Treachery and Betrayal anthology. It puts us behind the charismatic, problematic fave, the World Eater half (third?) of Khargal Tal -- the grimdark boyfriends will all deserve, back in the good ole fighting pits of the legion's flagship.
What is an extremely short, but very sweet story expresses so much about the state of Agron, Khârn, and the World Eaters through a simple narrative about a training bout. We can have a little showing, rather than telling, as a treat.
***Spoilers Below, but it's more of a mood piece to be honest***
Angron has Ascended to beast mode and is chained up on the bowls of the ship, with first company, the Devourers, are little more than his jailers, while the yet to become Betrayer and the rest of the legion hang on to the Red Path the War Hounds and World Eaters have been on. The crescendo of Angron's daemonic howls of rage cause the ceiling to bleed and the Blood God's berserker fury join the signing of the Butcher's Nails deep in Khârn's brain giving him a moment of clarity, seeing the legion now damned to walk the eightfold path of Chaos, before the fury descends.
Reynolds captures the tragedy of the World Eaters with the chains that bind Angron and his first company jailors reflect the chains worn in the fighting pits, as well as the Daemon Primarch's sons being bound to him, especially with Khârn's victory sealing his fate, while making him one of Angron's wardens.
This is what I come to the Horus Heresy for, those with no choice broken by events that spiral into meaningless horror. I'm a sad girl with simple tastes. I enjoy a bit of action and dramatics, as well as the grand mythology and allusions, but you can keep the oo-ra and honour. Gimme my sad folx that truly capture the pointlessness of all the awfulness that is grimdark. Please and thank you.
December 17, 2013
Unique among the Lords of the Space Marines series thus far as the only audio, Khârn: The Eightfold Path gives a brief glimpse into the legion following the events of the Shadow Crusade. Depicting the thoughts of Khârn and focused more upon his personal corruption thanks to the nails, the short audio drama gives a bit more insight into the character than before and the awareness of what the World Eaters were becoming.
While short in length, the audio drama is effective thanks to the utilisation of its strongest assets and not trying to tell some grandiose tale. As mentioned last time we looked at something from this series, rather than action packed such short tales are usually only successful thanks to being introspective and working as character pieces. While the plot revolves around a gladiatorial match between Khârn and a member of the elite Devourers, the fight in itself is used purely as a method to explore the themes of corruption within the tale. Any details of the combat itself is purely secondary to the examination of the character and his ever growing surrender to the drive of the butcher's nails. Unlike some other examples it is intertwined into the narrative and used as a tool to hold the reader's attention as well as, eventually, an example of just how far Khârn has fallen to the influences of Chaos.
As he thinks, Khârn makes it clear of just how dominating a presence the devices are to any who have them. Clawing into his mind, we hear his thoughts attempting to retain a degree of rationality and self control even as they force him to become increasingly aggressive. This works in both conscious and subconscious ways to the being they are preying upon, a theme carried over from Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Betrayer. Denying them kills causes spikes of pain, as it is shown during Khârn's duel, and they will influence people under their thrall to seek out battle even when they are attempting to purposefully avoid it. While both are themes which have been explored before, they prove to be oddly more effective here, largely thanks to the novel they follow on from for two specific reasons.
Firstly, Betrayer's story was told with a legion wide focus. While it had distinctive characters and viewpoint figures it utilised to tell a tale, it was only to explore the legion as a whole and examine Angron as a person. Many of the themes involving the nails existed primarily to show his unique relationship with his forces and the influence a primarch could have over his astartes. Here the same themes are told, but examined from a much more singular and personal level, and despite the short length they manage to resonate with strength.
Secondly, the fact it is Khârn we see struggling here brings home just how far along the Eightfold Path they are. Throughout Betrayer he was seen as a steadfast figure, one of those most resistant to the drives and bloodthirst they would bring on. To see him here unable to resist them to the point where he is subconsciously dragged to the gladiatorial ring hits home just how close to their Khorne Berserker selves they really are.
For all this praise however, let it be made clear this story largely succeeds only because it is an audio. While it has the right degree of focus, and while he might be a proven writer, Anthony Reynolds ability to present effective first person viewpoints is lacking. While not the worst ever put on paper, much like Vulkan Lives there is little truly characteristic within the writing to truly single out a personality as strong as Khârn's. There are no few to no descriptions of the environments, not even of the arena, not enough personal touches or character quirks and the writing is only at its strongest when it comes to the subject of Chaos.
What largely helps avoid this failing is the vocal talents of Chris Fairbank, who gives a great deal of emotion to the words and is free to present the character as he wishes. Many of the inflections and emotion he presents drives the story forwards with great strength and makes him come alive here. As a brief aside, those who have read my reviews of other audio books will know I have been critical of Fairbank's unusually calm tones in the past as unfitting the character. The thirteen minutes of this audio drama were enough to make me turn that opinion right around and consider him the definitive Khârn. Though, unfortunately even Fairbank's performance isn't quite enough to overlook the surprisingly poor quality of the soundtrack here. While it won't be clear at first, on repeat listenings it does become clear that several of the themes are a far cry of the iconic themes from the other audios.
While short, Khârn: The Eightfold Path proves to be a surprisingly strong short story and a great follow-up to Betrayer. While it definitely benefits from having read the book, those with general knowledge of the legion should do fine and it's more than worth the asking price for what you get. With good writing and strong voice acting creating a great tale, you should definitely consider getting this one if you want to see more of the soon to be Betrayer.
Oh, and as an added bonus while the emphasis upon the World Eater's corruption, unlike before they are not presented as a failure of a legion. It's one which might be decaying from within, but the strength brought on from Khorne's influence is made very evident in the closing minutes.
While short in length, the audio drama is effective thanks to the utilisation of its strongest assets and not trying to tell some grandiose tale. As mentioned last time we looked at something from this series, rather than action packed such short tales are usually only successful thanks to being introspective and working as character pieces. While the plot revolves around a gladiatorial match between Khârn and a member of the elite Devourers, the fight in itself is used purely as a method to explore the themes of corruption within the tale. Any details of the combat itself is purely secondary to the examination of the character and his ever growing surrender to the drive of the butcher's nails. Unlike some other examples it is intertwined into the narrative and used as a tool to hold the reader's attention as well as, eventually, an example of just how far Khârn has fallen to the influences of Chaos.
As he thinks, Khârn makes it clear of just how dominating a presence the devices are to any who have them. Clawing into his mind, we hear his thoughts attempting to retain a degree of rationality and self control even as they force him to become increasingly aggressive. This works in both conscious and subconscious ways to the being they are preying upon, a theme carried over from Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Betrayer. Denying them kills causes spikes of pain, as it is shown during Khârn's duel, and they will influence people under their thrall to seek out battle even when they are attempting to purposefully avoid it. While both are themes which have been explored before, they prove to be oddly more effective here, largely thanks to the novel they follow on from for two specific reasons.
Firstly, Betrayer's story was told with a legion wide focus. While it had distinctive characters and viewpoint figures it utilised to tell a tale, it was only to explore the legion as a whole and examine Angron as a person. Many of the themes involving the nails existed primarily to show his unique relationship with his forces and the influence a primarch could have over his astartes. Here the same themes are told, but examined from a much more singular and personal level, and despite the short length they manage to resonate with strength.
Secondly, the fact it is Khârn we see struggling here brings home just how far along the Eightfold Path they are. Throughout Betrayer he was seen as a steadfast figure, one of those most resistant to the drives and bloodthirst they would bring on. To see him here unable to resist them to the point where he is subconsciously dragged to the gladiatorial ring hits home just how close to their Khorne Berserker selves they really are.
For all this praise however, let it be made clear this story largely succeeds only because it is an audio. While it has the right degree of focus, and while he might be a proven writer, Anthony Reynolds ability to present effective first person viewpoints is lacking. While not the worst ever put on paper, much like Vulkan Lives there is little truly characteristic within the writing to truly single out a personality as strong as Khârn's. There are no few to no descriptions of the environments, not even of the arena, not enough personal touches or character quirks and the writing is only at its strongest when it comes to the subject of Chaos.
What largely helps avoid this failing is the vocal talents of Chris Fairbank, who gives a great deal of emotion to the words and is free to present the character as he wishes. Many of the inflections and emotion he presents drives the story forwards with great strength and makes him come alive here. As a brief aside, those who have read my reviews of other audio books will know I have been critical of Fairbank's unusually calm tones in the past as unfitting the character. The thirteen minutes of this audio drama were enough to make me turn that opinion right around and consider him the definitive Khârn. Though, unfortunately even Fairbank's performance isn't quite enough to overlook the surprisingly poor quality of the soundtrack here. While it won't be clear at first, on repeat listenings it does become clear that several of the themes are a far cry of the iconic themes from the other audios.
While short, Khârn: The Eightfold Path proves to be a surprisingly strong short story and a great follow-up to Betrayer. While it definitely benefits from having read the book, those with general knowledge of the legion should do fine and it's more than worth the asking price for what you get. With good writing and strong voice acting creating a great tale, you should definitely consider getting this one if you want to see more of the soon to be Betrayer.
Oh, and as an added bonus while the emphasis upon the World Eater's corruption, unlike before they are not presented as a failure of a legion. It's one which might be decaying from within, but the strength brought on from Khorne's influence is made very evident in the closing minutes.
April 4, 2025
We be out here in a blind rage with the munchies, eating our comrades and Dad is a Space Demon. Good times.
May 19, 2020
Review for the e-book version of this audio drama
A cool, first-person view of the worsening effect of the Nails on the World Eaters post-Nuceria. Three stars only because, well, it's a short - I cannot seem to feel that I "really liked" a short story...
(Takes place after the novel Betrayer.)
A cool, first-person view of the worsening effect of the Nails on the World Eaters post-Nuceria. Three stars only because, well, it's a short - I cannot seem to feel that I "really liked" a short story...
(Takes place after the novel Betrayer.)
August 1, 2025
"The camaraderie of my fellow World Eaters cannot raise a smile from me. Food tastes like ashes. There is no joy to be had but that found in killing. Opening arteries, cleaving flesh, taking skulls - this is what the Nails want from me."
Set shortly after the events of Betrayer, Kharn is uneasy with the changes in his Legion. Their bloodthirst is only growing worse, and the bonds of fraternity disintegrating. The nails pound in his mind, costing him his sanity. The Conqueror is becoming a charnel house as its lord languishes in chains.
The Eaters of Worlds are forever broken. Tragic and well-executed by Anthony Reynolds.
Set shortly after the events of Betrayer, Kharn is uneasy with the changes in his Legion. Their bloodthirst is only growing worse, and the bonds of fraternity disintegrating. The nails pound in his mind, costing him his sanity. The Conqueror is becoming a charnel house as its lord languishes in chains.
The Eaters of Worlds are forever broken. Tragic and well-executed by Anthony Reynolds.
September 10, 2018
Kharn written by Reynolds is always great but this felt a bit out of context, by not having read "Betrayer"...
January 30, 2019
World Eaters' stories are some of my favourites in HH and so is this one.
January 18, 2025
Collected in legacies of betrayal book.
July 26, 2025
A perfect snippet of Kharn and his pain.
January 5, 2026
Kharn realizing he is truly damned. Nice little scene, way too short.
March 26, 2014
Is the audio drama 'Khârn: The Eightfold Path' worth the $4.99 the Black Library is asking for it?
Though short, and I mean give or take 15 minutes short, believe it or not, this story almost is worth the asking price.
Reynolds has put together a story that though short, captures Khârn extremely well, more so with the amazing voice acting that is done in this piece. Combined with high quality sound effects, this piece is quite well done.
Ask any writer to write a piece of flash fiction, and most will point out that it tends to be really hard to do. Longer works allow for more character development, more plot, etc. That said, when an author gets a short piece done and does it right, they can be truly amazing. This piece is one such story.
Reynolds manages to not only give the reader a good sense of Khârn himself and his slow change as his legion deals with the transformation of their primarch, but also deals with the butcher's nails and the ever growing bloodlust among the warriors. It shows us that they haven't given up their gladiator roots, nor that everyone has devolved to mindless warriors. Instead, we are treated to a nice build up to a duel that starts off quickly, gives us plenty of action, and then cuts out. However, when the story comes back in, there is a build of tension, helped along immensely by the audio effects that slowly builds the power of the story to a climax that almost had me yelling along while walking through a grocery store.
'Khârn: The Eightfold Path' is a well written story, and performed well by the narrator and voice actors. It was short, but entertaining. Is it worth the $4.99 asking price? Almost. I still think the pricing is a bit high for something so short, but unlike some of the other Advent audio dramas, this one is actually well written.
So if you are looking for a short piece of flash fiction/audio, pick this up. If you are a fan of the World Eaters, then I highly suggest you pick it up. Overall, I think you will enjoy it.
Though short, and I mean give or take 15 minutes short, believe it or not, this story almost is worth the asking price.
Reynolds has put together a story that though short, captures Khârn extremely well, more so with the amazing voice acting that is done in this piece. Combined with high quality sound effects, this piece is quite well done.
Ask any writer to write a piece of flash fiction, and most will point out that it tends to be really hard to do. Longer works allow for more character development, more plot, etc. That said, when an author gets a short piece done and does it right, they can be truly amazing. This piece is one such story.
Reynolds manages to not only give the reader a good sense of Khârn himself and his slow change as his legion deals with the transformation of their primarch, but also deals with the butcher's nails and the ever growing bloodlust among the warriors. It shows us that they haven't given up their gladiator roots, nor that everyone has devolved to mindless warriors. Instead, we are treated to a nice build up to a duel that starts off quickly, gives us plenty of action, and then cuts out. However, when the story comes back in, there is a build of tension, helped along immensely by the audio effects that slowly builds the power of the story to a climax that almost had me yelling along while walking through a grocery store.
'Khârn: The Eightfold Path' is a well written story, and performed well by the narrator and voice actors. It was short, but entertaining. Is it worth the $4.99 asking price? Almost. I still think the pricing is a bit high for something so short, but unlike some of the other Advent audio dramas, this one is actually well written.
So if you are looking for a short piece of flash fiction/audio, pick this up. If you are a fan of the World Eaters, then I highly suggest you pick it up. Overall, I think you will enjoy it.
November 10, 2015
A short audio drama that is set immediatly after the events in the novel Betrayer. Due to the short scale of the story nothing much can be said without spoiling the story for those who have not yet heard it.
Set in the gladiator pits onboard the World Eaters flagship the Conqueror, insight is provided as to what Khârn and the World Eaters are becoming since Angron's elevation to daemonhood.
This short tale feels like it is a bridge that will lead to a future novel that will no doubt give answers to the readers questions.
Set in the gladiator pits onboard the World Eaters flagship the Conqueror, insight is provided as to what Khârn and the World Eaters are becoming since Angron's elevation to daemonhood.
This short tale feels like it is a bridge that will lead to a future novel that will no doubt give answers to the readers questions.
March 21, 2016
Here we get to see Kharn, post Betrayer, and man is he just as awesome as I remember. Still he is troubled by the death of his only friend Argal Tal, and only now is he really realizing that they are being taken down the path to Chaos, and by the gods will the galaxy bleed for it.
A damn good micro audio drama from Anthony Reynolds. We really need to see more of him working on Chaos.
A damn good micro audio drama from Anthony Reynolds. We really need to see more of him working on Chaos.
May 24, 2017
I'm definitely getting my self more audio dramas featuring Khârn.
The story is very short, it's all a retelling from Khârns perspective some time during the Horus Heresy. There's action, yes, but the best part is his reflections of what they have become.
The story is very short, it's all a retelling from Khârns perspective some time during the Horus Heresy. There's action, yes, but the best part is his reflections of what they have become.
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