The Reflection Crack'd

The Horus Heresy #Novella

by Graham McNeill

The Emperor's Children have thrown their lot in with Horus, but their own path is taking them into the clutches of the Chaos God Slaanesh. While the warriors of the Legion descend into debauchery, Fulgrim's closest allies notice that their primarch has changed, and plot to purge the Phoenician of the daemonic influence which is clouding his judgement.Written by Graham McNeill. This story is also available in The Primarchs, Book XX of the Horus Heresy series.

Read it because
It showcases the lengths the Emperor's Children will go to in order to save Fulgrim from daemonic corruption, and the surprise twist will make you rethink your views of the primarch...

Genres: Science Fiction, 40k, Novella, Fiction, Audiobook

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Hailing 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.

Reviews

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novella about Fulgrim, Lucius and the downfall into madness and degeneration of the III Legion. Lots of twists, a far unexpected (and deserved) death, a disturbing (unbelievable)long torture session scene and a great ending make this novella a great setup to "Angel Exterminatus" novel and, together with "Fulgrim", make the Horus Heresy omnibus dedicated to the Emperor's Chldren the most adult/horror themed of the saga. A great chilling and disturbing tale.

[La Criatura]

Singularly fascinated by a certain subsection of Warhammer fans who insist it’s exclusively for manly heterosexuals when this exists. My brother in Chaos, this is 150 pages of Fulgrim graphic ryona at the hands of his soldiers.

Suffice to say I’m a big fan 👍

Reread 10/30/25 -- Sat down with this again because I've been feeling somewhat bad recently and I thought that the way to cheer myself up a little bit would be reading about Fulgrim getting the business once more. It did work! Thank you Fulgrim.

Definitely worth re-reading even if you're not trying to do weird coping because the end recontextualizes a lot of the novella in a way I think is pretty neat, as does just generally knowing more about Fulgrim as a character and being able to recognize what a horrible liar he's being throughout all of it. "I'm over it"--quote from man who spends the next ten thousand years trying and failing to get Over It.

I've fretted a lot about the version of him that exists in my head being what I thought of as too melodramatic, and I've wondered if I'm exaggerating his actual character because it's funny to me, and this novella contains a scene where he receives mild criticism and immediately throws a screaming temper tantrum about it. Category 10 Diva Moment. Fulgrim IS maybe one of the funniest people in 40K and I love him for it.

[Dylan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

And McNeill returns to my true loves of both Warhammer 40K and the Horus Heresy, the Emperor's Children, with the same glory and perfection that I had been hoping for! He wrote them really quite well. They are dark, the farthest fallen of all the traitor legions thus far, and they are all the more perfect for it. The novella focuses around Fulgrim and Lucius(Litterally my 2 favourite characters) and they were both well done. Lucius was perfect. His arrogance and skill a wonder to read. I really hope he stays a main character in the series, and dear Slaanesh I hope he gets some more screen time in both the forthcoming HH and some work in 40k. Fulgrim was amazing as well, and finding out my one and only true liege is back, lifts my heart to the absolute heights of pleasure! Slaanesh is pleased! Finishing this, I cannot wait for Angel Exterminatus!

[Timo S. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Someone check the authors hard drive and get him psychological help. Brutality is one thing, this is vile and feels like Graham McNeil lived out some disgusting fantasies he had under the cover of the fall of the emperor‘s children.

[Arnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Primarks – būtne, kura ir ne tikai skaistāka, spēcīgāka, gudrāka un visādi citādi pārāka par parastu mirstīgo, bet arīdzan pār superkaravīriem astartes. Viņiem šie superkaravīri būtu jāiedvesmo uz varoņdarbiem, uz Diženā Krusta kara un cilvēces reiz kolonizēto planētu atkalapvienošanu ar cilvēci, bet ne visi Primarki, reiz izkaisīti pa Visumu, ir vienās domās, ne visi Primarki ir vienlīdz lojāli Imperatoram.

https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...

[Garry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella follows on the heels of Graham McNeill's novel Fulgrim.

Focussing on Lucius and his slow realisation that Fulgrim is no longer who he claims to be, we are led through a dark a menacing journey showing us the continuing degeneration of the Third Legion.

After attacking the Mechanicum world of Prismatica V Lucius and a gathering of the Legions officers capture Fulgrim, and with the aid of Apothecary Fabius they intend to cast out the daemon that has ensnared their Primarch.

While there is action in this story I would describe this novella as a more dark and sinister tale with a few twists and the unexpected death of a well known character. The torture scene has to be read to be believed. This is a great setup to the next story involving Fulgrim and the Emperor's Children in the novel Angel Exterminatus.

[Brady Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was really excited to read this book after the premise of what the synopsis was, despite having some cool characters working together that all hate each other due to a united cause, it turns out to be actually not needed and a bit of a damp squib. Missed opportunity.

[M H · Rating 1 out of 5]

No but this was BAD bad.
B A D bad.
#NotMyFulgrim
I almost don't believe the same author that wrote Fulgrim wrote this story.
Loved Fulgrim, hated this. Sorry.

[Tyberius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somtimes you just gotta fight your Dad.

[Rev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reflection Crack'd is another novella that this time around centers itself on the tumultuous events surrounding the Primarch of the imperium's Third Legion, Lord Fulgrim of The Emperor's Children. This story delves deep into the fractured psyche of both Fulgrim himself & the remainder of his Legion following the events of Isstvan V & his possession by the daemonic entity that now shares his body, highlighting his transformation from a paragon of perfection into a being consumed by his own flaws. For a figure with immense power, charisma, & a deep appreciation for artistry, the way in which his vanity & ambition is exhibited in regard to his downfall is oddly touching to me. His isolation, his growing detachment from his legion, his struggle & or lack thereof against the influence of the daemon within, as all of it is juxtaposed with his glorious monologues & the additional well written scenes from the others in his Legion, it's a surprisingly satisfying experience that still leaves you with a teaser for his next big novel "Angel Exterminatus" which i'm extremely excited to read soon this year. I also loved how characters like Lucius here actually felt like a character who has a story rather than some freak of nature berserker of the Emperor's Children who somehow calls himself a swordsman.

[Gamer Gamersson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now THIS is a good Fulgrim story! Coming from Graham McNeill's Fulgrim novel, which I hated, I didn't have very high expectations for this. Needless to say, it rose above that, and then some!

Lucius as a POV character is really fitting, and for the first time, he's actually a really fun and interesting character. He still retains some semblance of purpose and direction, in the absolute madness that his legion is starting to become. Very flavourful representation of Slaanesh corruption and debauchery, and without the burden of having to depict the 3rd Legion at their "normal," McNeill actually delivers on a wacky story of depravity and insanity.

Fulgrim is also a much more interesting character than he is in the book that (ironically) shares his name. He is a riot of conflicting feelings and whims all battling to come up to the surface at any given time, all packaged in equal amounts degeneracy and hedonism. I also enjoy the reverse-Dorian Grey reveal at the end. A much better note on which to rest after the Fulgrim novel, for sure.

[Matt Argueta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd say this is closer to a Novella than a short story, but this one feels critical in the broader narrative for Fulgrim and the Children of the Emperor Legion as a whole

The focus on events post Fulgrim from Lucius' perspective was a great method for telling this story further, with someone who you, as a reader, have developed a slow descent of hatred towards, but are also in constant awe of his battle prowess

The ending flipping the narrative, after the conversation where the Daemon in control talks to Horus, was very interesting. Knowing Fulgrim reassumed control further paints his discent into insanity with the candor he now presents himself with and the actions that took place in this story

[Eric Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emperor’s Children are always so damn disturbing to read about. For the squeamish here’s a warning that there are some somewhat explicit depictions of torture in here. Or weird sensation excess foreplay cause half the time torture with these loons sounds like a freaking porno. Listen Fulgrim just makes everything creepy and weird and disturbing just by strutting his narcissistic ass through the room. It does have a lot of good information about how far the 3rd legion have fallen and how absolutely batshit they and their Primarch currently are at this point in the Heresy. Still a good read if the content doesn’t bug you.

[Courland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following up on the pretty damn good Fulgrim, this novella follows Lucius on his quest to torture his dad. I actually quite enjoyed this story, it adds a lot of depth to the most obsessive swordsman in the galaxy. That being said, the ~20 page torture/interrogation scene might be a bit excessive for some people, I certainly did not see it coming.
4 stars

[Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one really only gets three stars because it had beautiful descriptive writing and a great plot line. The twist at the end was a bit clunky. No reason was really given why Fulgrim was acting so differently or how he cast out the demon possessing him. But it seems some things were set up for Angel Exterminatus so I will see what happens there.

[Jake Josling · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good read, but not amazing. The Emperor's Children come across very unlikely even for a traitor legion. If Dembski-Bowden can make the Word Bearers and World Eaters personable, I'm surprised that McNeill can't do the same for them. It was definitely interesting, but not great.

[Marsha Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is an immediate follow-up to the events of Fulgrim, and I love all of these little psychopaths. (I picture them small because I think of space marines being 25 mm tall) There is a long torture scene that is kind of ridiculous.

[Tuấn Vũ · Rating 4 out of 5]

technically BDSM expanded but only males involved

[hank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucius is the best

[Blory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fulgrim is back, baby!!!

[Will Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I missed reading about the Emperors Children! Those sick boys!

[tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing says filial piety like dissecting dad!

[Thomas Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book
Eidolen fucking dies
Lucius continues to be a massive prick to absolutely everyone
and Fulgrim has his asshole opened by a torture device... and he loves it

[Heather Milton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Let's torture the torture demon!"

This novella is grimdark comedy gold and should be enjoyed as such. Perhaps some scenes are -pardon my pun- tortuous to read, but the audio version is excellent.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sorry for ever hating on the Emperor's Children. I didn't realize Fulgrim was on that #MasochismGrindset

[James Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torture but like from an endearing and only slightly kinky perspective

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt rather pointless…

I don’t know what else to say. But this short story adds little but an insight into the further depravity of the III legion, and if you want that, great. You’ll find that. As for a satisfying story? I’d look elsewhere. The twist (if you could call it that) is a horrible rug pull with no real hint throughout the story until its reveal. Could easily be skipped, and I’d probably have been infuriated had the story been longer.

I don’t know what else to say

[RatGrrrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW Lots of Graphic Torture and (Purely Theoretical, but full on) Reference to Killing a Baby

February 2024 Re-Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order - Omnibus IV Shattersong (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy saga and extras.

The wee bairns in pinky purple and gold return after the Dark Prinze has taken custody of them, despite keeping their father's name with a novella that continues directly from the novel, Fulgrim, just as with McNeill would go the following year with Calth That Was for Know No Fear.

Things have happened since the Maraviglia and Isstvan V...and it's now Legion-as-giant-Slaaneshi-warband times. Fulgrim is acting suspicious and it's down to Private Detective Lucius of the Faultless Detective Agency to discover what's rotten in space Denmark.

This is a decent novella that does a good job of continuing the story of the xxxD4RK_PH03N1Xxxx and the Emperor’s Children (but, like, ironic now). It's fascinating to see Lucius as the protagonist and, at least in the context, kinda, maybe, the hero of this tale. I thoroughly enjoy that it's literally been like a fortnight or something for them to go from the Oxford rowing team to members of the Bullingdon Club (this might be a particularly fancy, niche English reference).

For the most part I was feeling great with this seeming like Fulgrim, but without the virulent and genuinely awful misogyny, quality-wise despite not quite reaching the heady heights of the novel, but I think the ending is a disappointment. Without spoiling too much, there's somehow a, both extremely graphic and protracted, but remarkably bland and unaffecting torture scene (your mileage may vary) that feels like it's harkening to mindless 'shock horror' and 'torture porn' like Hostel. This is only made worse by the answer to the mystery being incredibly anticlimactic in a way that makes it seem so much more confusing and mysterious than it is because it makes so many people, including myself, feel like we didn't get it because it really seems like there should be more to it...but there just isn't. Hiding something in plain sight is one thing, but a mystery that seems more mysterious because it seems like the answer just really shouldn't be the answer, especially with the novella showing exactly none of its working.

I was having such a good time for the bulk of this, but the ending really soured it for me with that double-whammy of disappointment, and now writing this review I've realised just how much it spoiled an otherwise great story. McNeill really does like making strange narrative, structural, and character (and/ or including wild misogyny) choices that, at least for me, don't pay off and lower the overall quality of his otherwise brilliant novels.

As a general guiding principle, your core premise shouldn't be revealed as a deus ex offscreen with any potential attempt to explain or question it literally handewaved. Imagine the detective announcing to everyone in the parlour that the butler did it and refusing to explain behind saying they worked it out offscreen.

I think Graham McNeill might be the Chris Nolan of the Horus Heresy. I mean this as both a compliment and critique. They both have great ideas and execution, but they often sacrifice the potential quality of their work with some combination of being overwrought and self-congratulatory, get lost in the weeds or losing sight of the core of their stories, and/ or devolving into self-indulgence and insensitivity. I enjoy most of the work by both of these creators to be clear, I'm just often frustrated that there are just minor tweaks to make them infinitely more enjoyable for me.

Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 10 Horus Heresy novels, 5 novellas, 18 short stories/ audio dramas, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 5 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.

[Ross Cudmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set shortly after "Fulgrim" and before the events of "Angel Exterminatus". Fantastic story that is atmospheric and intense. The character of Fulgrim has changed greatly since Istvann V, and his sons no longer trust the man they once called Father. The story follows the loathsome Lucius and chronicles the degradation of the Emperor's Children. Grotesque and intense.

[Vii · Rating 4 out of 5]

marius... why lmao

the singlehandedly funniest moment of this book is lucius watching his brothers that HE PULLED INTO THIS MESS get flung around and mashed up like pizza dough by thier primarch, only for lucius to be like

:/// hmmm yeah i think im gonna sit this one out they dont need me here

and fabius just being like: ay yo get in there lucius now is your chance!!! mad loud

i imagine fulgrim side-eyeing lucius standing there in the corner like: "yeah lucius! get in here!!" while he curbstomps the other captains

and i cant stop laughing