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The Horus Heresy #Short Story
Virtues of the Sons
Amit duels Khârn and Azkaellon faces Lucius as Sanguinius's chosen sons explore the twin aspects of their nature.
18 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 7, 2017
The Tempest of Angels is one of the most ancient traditions of Baal Secundus, home world of the IXth Legion. Intended to demonstrate skill in attack or defence, in recent times this symbolic duel has been used by the primarch Sanguinius to test his most loyal sons.
In this amazing prequel story to the Horus Heresy, Nassir Amit, the "Flesh Tearer", a Captain of the Blood Angels, duels the bloodthirsty World Eater Khârn, and Azkaellon of the Sanguinary Guard faces Lucius, the Emperor's Children most skilled swordsman, as Sanguinius' chosen sons explore the twin aspects of their nature, switching roles and adapting to the dark times coming.
Andy Smillie is maybe the best Blood Angels author ever, I really hope will be him writing about Sanguinius'last fight against Horus when the Heresy is finally going to reach its end.
April 5, 2024
April 2024 Re-Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order Omnibus XIII Imperium Secondus I Hope's Kindling (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus series and extras.
I think I said pretty much all there was to say last time.
This is a fantastic story with some powerful and amusing scenes with some familiar faces, as well as the rare and mesmerising glimpse into the mind of a Primarch.
It's a cluster of character studies and Sanguinius' introspection, how could I not love it?
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 22.41 Horus Heresy novels, 13 novellas, 72 short stories/ audio dramas (including at least 3 repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 13 Primarchs novels, 4 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.
***
This one really crept up on me and my enjoyment only grew in this story of Sanguinius' reflections upon and the demonstration of the dichotomy of the Blood Angels.
Bookended by the musing of the Great Angel this is two stories that comes together exploring the duality of the IX Legion. These two aspects are demonstrated by two epic duels of cousins. Fighting for the title of the Imperium's Most Talneted Twink, in the red corner, Azkaellon of the Blood Angels, and in the purple corner, Lucius of the Emperor's Children. This is as much a battle of barbs, cool, and charisma that ends hilariously. The contenders for the Imperium's Most Brutal Bear are, in the red and black corner, Amit the Fleshtearer, and in the white, blue, and red all over corner Khârn the (eventual) Betrayer. This is an absolutely savage bout that made me think of Cassius Clay more than I expected it to.
This only got better and better, after I initially started rolling my eyes at another set of duels that didn't mean so much, but we they went on they meant more, the writing and performances were great, the duels did something new and interesting, and the way Smillie pulls the whole thing together is impressive.
This isn't the best audio drama out there and it's absolutely not essential, unless you are dedicated Team Edward or need to witness every moment with Khârn, and to a less extent that enternal prick, but it's a great story with an actual thesis, which is cool.
I think I said pretty much all there was to say last time.
This is a fantastic story with some powerful and amusing scenes with some familiar faces, as well as the rare and mesmerising glimpse into the mind of a Primarch.
It's a cluster of character studies and Sanguinius' introspection, how could I not love it?
Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 22.41 Horus Heresy novels, 13 novellas, 72 short stories/ audio dramas (including at least 3 repeats), as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, 13 Primarchs novels, 4 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.
***
This one really crept up on me and my enjoyment only grew in this story of Sanguinius' reflections upon and the demonstration of the dichotomy of the Blood Angels.
Bookended by the musing of the Great Angel this is two stories that comes together exploring the duality of the IX Legion. These two aspects are demonstrated by two epic duels of cousins. Fighting for the title of the Imperium's Most Talneted Twink, in the red corner, Azkaellon of the Blood Angels, and in the purple corner, Lucius of the Emperor's Children. This is as much a battle of barbs, cool, and charisma that ends hilariously. The contenders for the Imperium's Most Brutal Bear are, in the red and black corner, Amit the Fleshtearer, and in the white, blue, and red all over corner Khârn the (eventual) Betrayer. This is an absolutely savage bout that made me think of Cassius Clay more than I expected it to.
This only got better and better, after I initially started rolling my eyes at another set of duels that didn't mean so much, but we they went on they meant more, the writing and performances were great, the duels did something new and interesting, and the way Smillie pulls the whole thing together is impressive.
This isn't the best audio drama out there and it's absolutely not essential, unless you are dedicated Team Edward or need to witness every moment with Khârn, and to a less extent that enternal prick, but it's a great story with an actual thesis, which is cool.
January 1, 2022
En este relato vemos como a los ángeles sangrientos que no fueron q Signus Prime con Sanguinius y se quedaron en Baal tienen que decidir el futuro de su legión después de que llegarán rumores de la traición de Horus y la muerte de su primarca.
Por otro lado también vemos a Rubio después de encontrarse con Garro y ponerse al servicio del sigilita. Lo interesante de esa novela corta es que la decisión que toman los ángeles es realmente difícil de aceptar y yo no estoy de acuerdo con eso de eliminar las legiones.
Por otro lado también vemos a Rubio después de encontrarse con Garro y ponerse al servicio del sigilita. Lo interesante de esa novela corta es que la decisión que toman los ángeles es realmente difícil de aceptar y yo no estoy de acuerdo con eso de eliminar las legiones.
May 21, 2026
A short story about Azkellon and Nassir Amit. Sanguinius chooses to send them to fight Lucius of the Emperors Children, and Kharn of the World Eaters respectively. They both complete their duels and return to Sanguinius, who is disappointed that they seem to have learned nothing.
This book is basically just a couple of cool fight scenes
This book is basically just a couple of cool fight scenes
February 8, 2024
Two cool character pieces for the Blood Angels.
February 12, 2025
Collected in war without end anthology.
August 16, 2025
"True learning only occurs when consequences forces a change, for we are selfish creatures and we cling to our ways like deposed kings clinging to the ashes of a failed kingdom.
Amit is the Flesh Tearer, the brutal rage of the Angel incarnate, his blood runs hot as he slays his foes.
Azkaellon jealously guards his Primarch as leader of the Sanguinary Guard. He is prideful and reserved.
Sanguinius believes his sons too limited, too much of a single temperament, so he sends them to fight Kharn and Lucius respectively, to see if they can learn to be more than a sword and shield.
Really enjoyed the work this story did to characterised Amit and Azkaellon by not only contrasting them with other Legionaries, but also by looking at their relationship as brothers.
This story is paired with "Sins of the Father".
Amit is the Flesh Tearer, the brutal rage of the Angel incarnate, his blood runs hot as he slays his foes.
Azkaellon jealously guards his Primarch as leader of the Sanguinary Guard. He is prideful and reserved.
Sanguinius believes his sons too limited, too much of a single temperament, so he sends them to fight Kharn and Lucius respectively, to see if they can learn to be more than a sword and shield.
Really enjoyed the work this story did to characterised Amit and Azkaellon by not only contrasting them with other Legionaries, but also by looking at their relationship as brothers.
This story is paired with "Sins of the Father".
March 20, 2016
Virtues of the Sons by Andy Smillie:
A damn good short story where we get to see Sanguinius' personal thoughts on his Legion, and how his favoured Sons were able to live up to his hopes for the future. The short was great. Andy Smillie has done amazing things with the Blood Angels, and their successors, and this remains true even in the Horus Heresy. He just writes them so well. Capturing both their nobility as well as their darkness. I cannot wait to see more from him, and by the gods I hope he does the Death of Sanguinius when that time comes in the Horus Heresy!
A damn good short story where we get to see Sanguinius' personal thoughts on his Legion, and how his favoured Sons were able to live up to his hopes for the future. The short was great. Andy Smillie has done amazing things with the Blood Angels, and their successors, and this remains true even in the Horus Heresy. He just writes them so well. Capturing both their nobility as well as their darkness. I cannot wait to see more from him, and by the gods I hope he does the Death of Sanguinius when that time comes in the Horus Heresy!
February 23, 2016
People don't change, they adapt.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews