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Warhammer 40,000
Words of Blood
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288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 28, 2002
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91 people want to read
About the author
Marc Gascoigne
101 books61 followersPublisher, editor, designer – a lifetime in books. Previously publisher of Aconyte, Angry Robot, Black Library, and Solaris. Before that, responsible for a whole bookcase worth of books, both fiction and non-fiction, tie-ins and original works, as well as games design, journalism, computer game scripting, etc. Winner of both the World Fantasy Award and British Fantasy Award.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 20, 2025
Words of Blood: The Journey into the Past Continues
Words of Blood – Ben Counter
Old anthologies are strange beasts. Under one cover, you might find both clever, inventive stories and absolute absurdities. And I honestly can't tell what dominates this tale of the Black Templars (who feel more like average, rather unprofessional mortals here) tactically retreating in a battle against frothing Khorne-worshippers – creativity or nonsense.
Raptor Down – Gav Thorpe
An indirect sequel to the even older short story Acceptable Losses. Imperial air forces, an unusual xenos species, and aerial battles where a single decision can determine the fate of an entire campaign, the lives of one’s subordinates, and the task completion. This has all the hallmarks of a great pilot story! Gav was among the first to write about Imperial aviators, and I’m pretty sure both Abnett and Flowers drew inspiration from his work later on. A pity he never returned to Jaeger and his squadron.
Chains of Command – Graham McNeill
Uriel Ventris short story. And well – being Uriel Ventris story, that pretty much sums it up. Still a sergeant here, he learns not to blindly follow the Codex Astartes and to think for himself. All while firing his bolter, naturally.
Loyalty’s Reward – Simon Jowett
Simon’s quickly become one of my favourite authors of the early BL era. A mafia-style story that soon spirals into something much more sinister – though the appearance of Space Marines at the end slightly undermines the grounded feel. Had Simon wrote this today, with more creative space and some refinement, it could easily fit under the Horror imprint.
Deus ex Mechanicus – Andy Chambers
A Mechanicus expedition, a dead world, and black monoliths. We all think we know what’s coming next. Or do we? Chambers doesn’t turn the Necrons into some vague mystery; instead, the real twist comes with the finale of the priest’s expedition, raising more questions than answers.
Barathrum – Jonathan Curren
Another excellent but sadly forgotten gem. Two Inquisitors with clashing ideologies investigate the murders of Mechanicus archaeologists in an ancient, sand-burried city. Suspense, gruesome imagery, haunting atmosphere of a forgotten place, and a classic “they delved too deep” narrative straight out of Lovecraft. Oh, I'm not gonna lie, despite the predictable ending, I found Jonathan’s tale genuinely gripping.
Missing in Action – Dan Abnett
Eisenhorn story. Another case for Gregor—but this time, the suspects are the very last people he (or we) would ever expect. A strong little mystery.
Liberty – Gav Thorpe
Last Chancers story. Cage is in trouble, thrown into yet another prison by his colonel. But no bars can hold this madman down for long: his escape is fast, bloody, and not exactly subtle. Classic Penal Legion style.
Ork Hunter – Dan Abnett
The Jopallians expected to defend Armageddon like everyone else, only to be dropped into jungle hell with feral Ork hunters. Savage and lethal psychopaths, nailed by Abnett – as is the sheer alienation felt (not for long!) by bewildered Jopallian recruit. Reminds me of 20-years-much later Catachan Devil by Justin Woolley, though even the Catachans were more welcoming to the newbie. That says a lot about these guys.
Business as Usual – Graham McNeill
Spin-off to Warriors of Ultramar but not about Marines, but… a scum. Snowdog, an amoral underhive ganger, finds his shady narcotics deal going sideway. And by “sideway” I mean tyranids and an Arbites officer on his tail. Familiar underhive crime tale with a surprisingly hilarious ending involving drugs and tyranid. Honestly, I enjoyed it way more than yet another Uriel story.
Defixio – Ben Counter
The Imperium has plenty of tankers, but Savlar Chem-Dogs? That’s a rare treat. Especially when one of them seems cursed with constant bad luck – just in time to get surrounded by greenskins. If Ben’s first entry in this collection bordered on the absurd, this one works – something any Guard fan will appreciate.
Words of Blood – Ben Counter
Old anthologies are strange beasts. Under one cover, you might find both clever, inventive stories and absolute absurdities. And I honestly can't tell what dominates this tale of the Black Templars (who feel more like average, rather unprofessional mortals here) tactically retreating in a battle against frothing Khorne-worshippers – creativity or nonsense.
Raptor Down – Gav Thorpe
An indirect sequel to the even older short story Acceptable Losses. Imperial air forces, an unusual xenos species, and aerial battles where a single decision can determine the fate of an entire campaign, the lives of one’s subordinates, and the task completion. This has all the hallmarks of a great pilot story! Gav was among the first to write about Imperial aviators, and I’m pretty sure both Abnett and Flowers drew inspiration from his work later on. A pity he never returned to Jaeger and his squadron.
Chains of Command – Graham McNeill
Uriel Ventris short story. And well – being Uriel Ventris story, that pretty much sums it up. Still a sergeant here, he learns not to blindly follow the Codex Astartes and to think for himself. All while firing his bolter, naturally.
Loyalty’s Reward – Simon Jowett
Simon’s quickly become one of my favourite authors of the early BL era. A mafia-style story that soon spirals into something much more sinister – though the appearance of Space Marines at the end slightly undermines the grounded feel. Had Simon wrote this today, with more creative space and some refinement, it could easily fit under the Horror imprint.
Deus ex Mechanicus – Andy Chambers
A Mechanicus expedition, a dead world, and black monoliths. We all think we know what’s coming next. Or do we? Chambers doesn’t turn the Necrons into some vague mystery; instead, the real twist comes with the finale of the priest’s expedition, raising more questions than answers.
Barathrum – Jonathan Curren
Another excellent but sadly forgotten gem. Two Inquisitors with clashing ideologies investigate the murders of Mechanicus archaeologists in an ancient, sand-burried city. Suspense, gruesome imagery, haunting atmosphere of a forgotten place, and a classic “they delved too deep” narrative straight out of Lovecraft. Oh, I'm not gonna lie, despite the predictable ending, I found Jonathan’s tale genuinely gripping.
Missing in Action – Dan Abnett
Eisenhorn story. Another case for Gregor—but this time, the suspects are the very last people he (or we) would ever expect. A strong little mystery.
Liberty – Gav Thorpe
Last Chancers story. Cage is in trouble, thrown into yet another prison by his colonel. But no bars can hold this madman down for long: his escape is fast, bloody, and not exactly subtle. Classic Penal Legion style.
Ork Hunter – Dan Abnett
The Jopallians expected to defend Armageddon like everyone else, only to be dropped into jungle hell with feral Ork hunters. Savage and lethal psychopaths, nailed by Abnett – as is the sheer alienation felt (not for long!) by bewildered Jopallian recruit. Reminds me of 20-years-much later Catachan Devil by Justin Woolley, though even the Catachans were more welcoming to the newbie. That says a lot about these guys.
Business as Usual – Graham McNeill
Spin-off to Warriors of Ultramar but not about Marines, but… a scum. Snowdog, an amoral underhive ganger, finds his shady narcotics deal going sideway. And by “sideway” I mean tyranids and an Arbites officer on his tail. Familiar underhive crime tale with a surprisingly hilarious ending involving drugs and tyranid. Honestly, I enjoyed it way more than yet another Uriel story.
Defixio – Ben Counter
The Imperium has plenty of tankers, but Savlar Chem-Dogs? That’s a rare treat. Especially when one of them seems cursed with constant bad luck – just in time to get surrounded by greenskins. If Ben’s first entry in this collection bordered on the absurd, this one works – something any Guard fan will appreciate.
June 12, 2019
Nice collection of short stories.
July 21, 2012
This was one of the first anthologies published by black library. With 11 stories you've got Space Marines, Inquisitors, Imperial Guard, Tech-Priests, Hive Gangs.
The first story is Words of Blood by Ben Counter.
This tale we follow the Black Templars in a way we aren't used to see. The Black Templars are among the most pious of all chapters going on a crusade that lasts for 10.000 years. They are a No Retreat chapter. They are what we call the brute with force and without brains. Something like that... But Commander Athellenas as another thing in his mind and puts forward a plan that goes against everything their doctrine tells them. So he must cope not only with the foe they are battling but also against their own man who think he is a coward. Excellent tale. 8.5/10.
Raptor Down by Gav Thorpe.
This tale is one of the few examples of an Imperial Air Squadron being portrayed in writing. It was written some years before Dan Abnett wrote Double Eagle. It's a good tale about a commander who must make a decision to follow the original plan or save the war effort. It's an excellent story because it reminds us of dozen of examples in real life that a person must choose to do what he was told or make a decision that probably will cost his life but at the same time save the war-effort. 8/10
Chains of Command by Graham McNeill
This is the first tale, in terms of chronology, of Uriel Ventris as he battles the Night Lords and the Chaos forces. In this tale he is still a Sergeant and follows a rather strange captain that doesn't follow the codex as the Ultramarines are known to follow. Strictly to the letter. It's probably where it all began. I am tempted to start reading his tales. 8/10
Loyalty's Reward by Simon Jowett
This was a good tale about an Hive Ganger that discovers the grim reality of faith. It's also a good tale about the inquisition and how they work. I really enjoyed the tale. It's strange that this written only wrote a couple of short stories. 9/10
Deus ex Mechanicus by Andy Chamber
We follow the Tech-Priests of Mars as they explore a Necrontyr tomb and somethnig goes wrong. It's quite good mystery tale. Andy Chambers really knows how to write. 8/10
Barathrum by Jonathan Curren
Two Inquisitions must cope with their different viewpoints to a common foe. It was a small tale but I didn't felt connected with plot or characters. 5/10
Missing in Action by Dan Abnett
I am only going to read this tale when I start reading the Eisenhorn trilogy.
Liberty by Gav Thorpe
This is a excellent tale about Kage of the Last Chancers. I probably should have read this tale after reading the first two books but it gave a good taste about him. 9/10
Ork Hunter by Dan Abnett
It was the first tale I read about Jopall Indentured Squadron as they are assigned to Armageddon Ork Hunters as "bait". It's a good tale about the full realization of war and growth. I really enjoy it. The names are not give but earned. 8/10
Business as Usual by Graham Mcneill
As I read this tale I didn't felt connected to it. I didn't enjoy it. Snowdog, a hive ganger, gets slightly more than he hoped for when a deal goes wrong in the depths of the Underhive. 5/10
Defixio by Ben Counter
Samiel is supposed to be a bad luck charm. The only survivor in a crew of a Leman Russ and his assigned to a new Exterminator tank and to a new squad who things he is jinked. Quite good tale and a good ending of a story and book. 8.5/10
The first story is Words of Blood by Ben Counter.
This tale we follow the Black Templars in a way we aren't used to see. The Black Templars are among the most pious of all chapters going on a crusade that lasts for 10.000 years. They are a No Retreat chapter. They are what we call the brute with force and without brains. Something like that... But Commander Athellenas as another thing in his mind and puts forward a plan that goes against everything their doctrine tells them. So he must cope not only with the foe they are battling but also against their own man who think he is a coward. Excellent tale. 8.5/10.
Raptor Down by Gav Thorpe.
This tale is one of the few examples of an Imperial Air Squadron being portrayed in writing. It was written some years before Dan Abnett wrote Double Eagle. It's a good tale about a commander who must make a decision to follow the original plan or save the war effort. It's an excellent story because it reminds us of dozen of examples in real life that a person must choose to do what he was told or make a decision that probably will cost his life but at the same time save the war-effort. 8/10
Chains of Command by Graham McNeill
This is the first tale, in terms of chronology, of Uriel Ventris as he battles the Night Lords and the Chaos forces. In this tale he is still a Sergeant and follows a rather strange captain that doesn't follow the codex as the Ultramarines are known to follow. Strictly to the letter. It's probably where it all began. I am tempted to start reading his tales. 8/10
Loyalty's Reward by Simon Jowett
This was a good tale about an Hive Ganger that discovers the grim reality of faith. It's also a good tale about the inquisition and how they work. I really enjoyed the tale. It's strange that this written only wrote a couple of short stories. 9/10
Deus ex Mechanicus by Andy Chamber
We follow the Tech-Priests of Mars as they explore a Necrontyr tomb and somethnig goes wrong. It's quite good mystery tale. Andy Chambers really knows how to write. 8/10
Barathrum by Jonathan Curren
Two Inquisitions must cope with their different viewpoints to a common foe. It was a small tale but I didn't felt connected with plot or characters. 5/10
Missing in Action by Dan Abnett
I am only going to read this tale when I start reading the Eisenhorn trilogy.
Liberty by Gav Thorpe
This is a excellent tale about Kage of the Last Chancers. I probably should have read this tale after reading the first two books but it gave a good taste about him. 9/10
Ork Hunter by Dan Abnett
It was the first tale I read about Jopall Indentured Squadron as they are assigned to Armageddon Ork Hunters as "bait". It's a good tale about the full realization of war and growth. I really enjoy it. The names are not give but earned. 8/10
Business as Usual by Graham Mcneill
As I read this tale I didn't felt connected to it. I didn't enjoy it. Snowdog, a hive ganger, gets slightly more than he hoped for when a deal goes wrong in the depths of the Underhive. 5/10
Defixio by Ben Counter
Samiel is supposed to be a bad luck charm. The only survivor in a crew of a Leman Russ and his assigned to a new Exterminator tank and to a new squad who things he is jinked. Quite good tale and a good ending of a story and book. 8.5/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
It was fine. In the middle there are some more interesting stories set, which aren't just about space marines or imperial guard and big wars which are quite fun. But it starts and ends with a few stories which are mostly uncomplicatedly glorifying big battles and dying honourably and following the chain of command etc.etc. which I don't like so much.
I liked the stories set on hive planets and the opening paragraphs of "Deus Ex Mechanicus" -
THE SCREAM OF the engines fought against the howling winds in a terrifying crescendo of doom. Hyper-velocity mica particles skittered across the hull of the ship like skeletal fingers as it wallowed in the storm, shuddering and dropping by steps as the pilot struggled for control. In the midst of the tumult, Lakius Danzager, tech-priest engineer, Votaris Laudare, illuminant of Mars, adept of the Cult Mechanicus was struggling to open up the skull of that failing pilot, and cursing in a distinctly un-priestly fashion as he struggled to find the right tools for the job.
'Dammit! Osil, find me a hydro coupling, my boy. We'll need one if I can free these accursed fasteners. Look in the vestibule! He tried to keep his voice calm so as not to frighten his acolyte, but Osil's face was pallid in his cowl as he nodded and hurried out through the rusty bulkhead hatch.
I liked the stories set on hive planets and the opening paragraphs of "Deus Ex Mechanicus" -
THE SCREAM OF the engines fought against the howling winds in a terrifying crescendo of doom. Hyper-velocity mica particles skittered across the hull of the ship like skeletal fingers as it wallowed in the storm, shuddering and dropping by steps as the pilot struggled for control. In the midst of the tumult, Lakius Danzager, tech-priest engineer, Votaris Laudare, illuminant of Mars, adept of the Cult Mechanicus was struggling to open up the skull of that failing pilot, and cursing in a distinctly un-priestly fashion as he struggled to find the right tools for the job.
'Dammit! Osil, find me a hydro coupling, my boy. We'll need one if I can free these accursed fasteners. Look in the vestibule! He tried to keep his voice calm so as not to frighten his acolyte, but Osil's face was pallid in his cowl as he nodded and hurried out through the rusty bulkhead hatch.
September 21, 2017
A great collection of short stories, totally worth it.
December 24, 2008
Not a bad collection of raw blood and guts adventure stories. Some were stupid but most were quite good.
October 29, 2024
A wonderful collection with all of the stories being highly enjoyable (barring the one regarding astronomicon that's just not my jam) but still worth a read
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews