The Seventh Serpent

The Horus Heresy #Novella

by Graham McNeill

Since the near-destruction of the Iron Hands, Raven Guard and Salamanders on Isstvan V, scattered warbands from these ‘shattered Legions’ have waged a guerrilla war on Horus’ forces across the galaxy. Now, the crew of the Sisypheum are drawn into a covert assault on a hidden Alpha Legion outpost – an assault orchestrated by none other than the infamous warleader Shadrak Meduson himself. But what does Meduson really hope to make from such a bold move against the sons of Alpharius, arguably the undisputed masters of deception…?

Read it because
It's a tale from the dark underbelly of the Horus Heresy, as the broken remnants of the Isstvan Legions wage a covert war against the masters of deception: the Alpha Legion.

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

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2014

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

[David Guymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing gets me turning the pages like the promise of hurt where hurt is long overdue, and no one is more overdue some hurt like the Alpha Legion! And boy does Seventh Serpent keep that promise dangling right up until the bitter, bitter end. My reading pace is languid to leisurely, but I devoured this over two nights.

A great little novella

[Dylan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seventh Serpent, man what a surprise this was to see at the weekender! The early and surprise release was great, and getting to talk to the big man himself about it was great. The artwork is fantastic, and I hope we see an art print of it sometime in the future. The book itself is a beauty. The front and back cover, as well as the internal art was awesome.
The story itself follows the loyalists from Angel Exterminatus, and the path they take from the end of that novel. I really can't say too much without throwing spoilers everywhere, but I absolutely love McNeill's portrayal of the Shattered Legions and the Alpha Legion. The story was amazing, and for the first time in quite a while, I didn't see the twist coming. Which was awesome. Another amazing addition to the Hours Heresy. If you can, definitely pick this up when it goes on sale!

[RatGrrrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Did I listen to this earlier in the month, have no idea until a little way in, and does that say something about my memory and the amount of these I am housing? Yes.

Did I actually enjoy this a lot more for being less tired, if not by much, and within the context of this omnibus? Also, yes.

This is by no means the strongest novella, but it is definitely entertaining and a tale well told. The Shattered Legion dynamics, especially with the majority Iron Hands with a single Raven Guard, and the comradery between the Raven and the Salamander, as well as the continued growth of the tech and stealth Iron Raven pair from Kryptos, is all great.

I'm genuinely glad I stumbled into this again without realising as I might have skipped it as it was literally weeks ago I read this, but I chose to stick with it because I had only read it once previously and I remembered my feelings being malleable.

Good novella is good.

Through using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project (www.heresyomnibus.com) and my own choices, I have currently read 28 Horus Heresy novels, 16 novellas (including 2 repeats), 96 short stories/ audio dramas (including 6 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 and a short story...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 3/5

April 2024 Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order Omnibus XII The Truth of Iron (https://www.heresyomnibus.com/omnibus...) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus series and extras.

Everyone is getting a turn with the Shattered Legions with their iron spine and now it's McNeill's turn to take them for a spin in this tale of mystery and murder.

Following the events of Kryptos the Shattered Siblings cell exemplified by the Iron Hands and Raven Guard pairing we were first introduced to run into an old friend with a simply darling offer of joining him on a mission to cut the head from the Hydra! It's Alpha, Iron, and Ravens, so you know it gets sneaky, mysterious, and confusing, as well as big brained in the doing war departments.

Seeing how different authors authors handle the Shattered Legions is really interesting and McNeill does a solid job of making the factions and characters distinct and fleshed out. Honestly, it was purely the strength of the characters and their relationships that kept me interested, beyond being vaguely intrigued to see just how badly things end up going as I was absolutely certain Mr Alpharius McAlpharius wasn't going to die into his book.

When it comes to the more military minded and spec ops, top level operator stories, I can't tell if it's just that I am not particularly interested in that side of things or if those things are particularly difficult to write about, and so can come off some combination of confusing, obvious, and boring to me. But hey, that's me and the autism and ADHD. I absolutely don't think that this is anywhere near as bad as the first sentence of this paragraph makes it sound, it's just an honest thing I wonder.

One thing I will say, and I'll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, is that the element that was sketchy was so unbelievably obviously sketchy with it being both written and performed in a way that felt absolutely nothing like any previous experience with it. There's also an element where you know as soon as someone mentions the frat bros it's going to get all M. Night, which is fine, but there's a fine line between clever, confusing, and twists that feel like loopdeloops for their own sake and/ or impossible. I think that's the thing I'm unsure about and I think writers and readers are also, maybe? Like, is a mystery supposed to be solved by close reading and deduction (not something I'm bringing to the table) or is the author just trying to surprise the reader?

I dunno. I'm tired and I've got to sleep, but I think I talked myself down from this being a low four to being a solid three over the course of writing this review. Your mileage and my limited brainpower may vary and significantly effect how we feel about this book.

This was interesting and confusing and good, but not quite my cup of tea, though there's more than enough here I did enjoy.

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, 68 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.

[Mhoram · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story from Mr McNeill. The Seventh Serpent (I found no actual reason for this title, but it works I guess) covers the story of Wayland and Sharrowkyn, and the other survivors from the battle in the Eye in "Angel Exterminatus", attempting to ambush and assassinate the Primarch Alpharius. Even for someone used to the twists presented in a story about the Alpha Legion, events were not entirely predictable. While this is not Graham McNeill's finest prose (I reserve that rating for the otherwise awful "The Outcast Dead"), I think I would call it his greatest story since "Fulgrim". In particular, the Iron Hands survivors are displaying far more character as a Legion than they ever did in Fulgrim or Feat of Iron, and this makes the characters feel far more significant. Additionally, McNeill has done a phenomenal job of capturing Alpharius' character. Highly recommended for fans of Angel Exterminatus and the Alpha Legion.

[Chris Bowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seventh Serpent follows on from Kryptos and Angel Exterminatus, continuing the storylines of the iconic Nykona Sharrokin and Sabik Wayland. It's a top quality entry in the Horus Heresy series that will sadly be missed by most readers.

The plot, which revolves around The Shattered Legions' Sisypheum crew trying to 'out Alpha Legion' the Alpha Legion, is absolutely fantastic. What could possibly go wrong? There's puzzling moments, twists and turns and a commendable portrayal of the elusive 20th legion.

Characterisation and action scenes are noteworthy.

The Shattered Legions story arc within the Horus Heresy perhaps represents Graham McNeill's best works. McNeill's full-length titles (even the better ones such as Vengeful Spirit or A Thousand Sons) often suffer from being overly wordy. When McNeill is able to focus on a single story arc in a novella format, he is a true master of his craft perhaps able to rival the likes of the legendary Dan Abnett.

Read as preparation for Sons of the Selenar.

[Michael Dodd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Horus Heresy series grinds ever onwards with the release of the eleventh (!) limited-edition novella, The Seventh Serpent, the first such novella from Graham McNeill. Black Library kept this one nice and quiet and sprung it as a surprise for those attending the Black Library Weekender III event, prior to its general release. The typically brilliant Neil Roberts cover art appears to show Alpha Legion fighting each other, with a handful of Iron Hands thrown in for good measure, though as ever with the XXth Legion things are possibly not quite what they seem. Underneath the dust jacket the book's cover shows an Iron Hands legion symbol, cracked and shattered, while the back cover sees a scrawled message of 'For the Emperor'.

Read the rest of the review at https://trackofwords.wordpress.com/20...

[Marsha Altman · Rating 3 out of 5]

So there's these two recurring characters named Wayland and Sharrowkyn and I think the author thinks they're super cool and smart when in fact they are very uninteresting and totally fail at every plan they have. They're only alive because of plot armor.

There is a hilarious subplot that the captain of this ship is so wounded he has to be in mega-super-cryo-statis, but every time they have to make a decision they have to wake him up and ask him about this super complicated situation because he is the captain, and of course he has no idea what they're talking about because they have no time to fill him in before he passes out again and he just tells them to murder. But they keep doing it. At least after a couple tries one character is like, "I think doing this might be a bad idea."

[Pavle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham McNeill has always been one of my top two, Black Library, authors for 40k. HOWEVER, this blew any expectation. I recently bought this at my local Warhammer Store, and being a big fan of the original Istvaan Loyalist legions (Particularly - Raven Guard) it drew me in. I wish this novella was a legitimate book in the Horus Heresy. It was incredible, and weaved together so many different things together, albeit to no ones surprise having involved the Alpha Legion. Please, do yourself a favor and read this. I cannot rave about this enough, and I honestly finished this in a day because I could not put it down. Too good to pass up.
Well done Mr. McNeill.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subterfuge and intrigue a plenty

I've always been a fan of the Sisypheum and it's crew since Graham Mcneil introduced them in Angel exterminatus. Their adventures and run ins with some of the traitor primarchs are always a fun adventure to experience. Especially as we get to see three of the shattered legion personalities clash and work together so well.

The Aplha legion plot was fun and full of double lies and confuscation as to be expected. Graham once again shows us how badass the raven guard can be by showing off just how skilled and deadly Sharrowkyn is.

Though not essential Horus Heresy content, it is no doubt an intriguing and fun read none the less.

[Matt Argueta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting novella following the group of Istvaan survivors that have gotten some periodic focus and their battles with the Alpha Legion and Alpharious

While I found the developments of this book interesting, and getting more of a glean on the cunning of Alpharious and how he measures up to other Primarchs, I will say this one didn't catch me as strongly as of the other works did. I feel that this was is important to the broader story, and will likely be good to have read, but not the strongest work from McNiell up to this point

[Davinia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the Alpha Legion since I read “Legion”. I fell in love of them in “Deliverance Lost” . With this story I confirm that it: Alpharius and his twin are the best of the best.
The title of the book is wrong “Seventh Serpent: cut off the head and the body dies”, but the Hydra has too many heads… never dies. Hydra dominatus!

[Veronica Anrathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Alpha Legion, being one of those few I sympathize with the least, rarely intrigue me. This story I was invested in, Graham did a wonderful job portraying Alpharius, as well as the shattered legions characters. Nykona Sharrowkyn is still a "Mary Sue", but I feel like here he became a bit more alive, not getting his way 100% from the beginning. Loved the ending.

[Danny Saines · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
I definitely feel this needs a reread at a later date as I did not see the twists coming but it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Sharrowkyn has become a particular favourite character and although some things McNeil does in his stories I find irritating, generally this is a fun, enjoyable tale.

[Colm Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devious Alpha legion v stalwart Iron Hands

I really enjoyed this. I knew there would be a twist of some sort, it's Alpharius after all, but I had no idea what it would be until it happened. Action packed, with strong well written characters that you want to see more of. The quote of the book for me is "the ingot is on anvil, let the hammer fall", great stuff.

[Ross Cudmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to this novella, the crew of the Sisypheun appear in "Kryptos" and later "Angel Exterminatus".

The novella opens with the Sisypheun crew battling the Alpha Legion, dealing with the usual issues of deception and subterfuge. Outnumbered, the Sisypheun is saved by the appeaeance of Shadeak Meduson, hero of the Iron Hands and scourge of the traitors. Meduson has appeared in a number of short stories, taking the fight to the traitors. But now he is planning something grander, the assassination of Alpharius.

I really enjoyed this story, Sharrowkyn is probably my favorite Raven Guard from the Heresy and I'm growing quite attached to the crew of the Sisypheun.

The next appearance for the crew of the Sisypheun is during the Siege of Terra in "Sons of Selenar".

[Flávio Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

40k in 40 words: *The Seventh Serpent* is one of the best short stories in the Warhammer 40K universe, masterfully weaving intrigue, loyalty, and betrayal. With razor-sharp pacing and psychological depth, it elevates Alpha Legion’s mystique, delivering unforgettable tension and atmosphere in a compact narrative.

[Stefan Koepeknie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also included in The Horus Heresy Book 43-'Shattered Legions'

[Bryan Moreton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I have always had a fondness for the crew of the Sisypheum and in particular Sharrowkyn. This book did not disappoint in its update on their exploits. I hope there is more to come!!

[Станислав · Rating 4 out of 5]

Все Альфарий кроме я.

[Tyberius · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always. Anything XX legion goes hard and the Iron Hands are an awesome legion to exlpore here in this story aswell!!!

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ya never know if Alpharius is Alpharius or just a legionary who is pretending to be or genuinely thinks he is Alpharius, but even when I think I'm having Alpha legion burn out, I will always have time for a potential primearch interaction.

A fun little covert operation watching the 3 different legions use each other's strengths to hit the traitor legions harder then they possibly could alone.

[Abhinav · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read the full review over at my blog:

https://shadowhawksshade.wordpress.co...

The first true appearance of the mysterious Alpha Legion in the Horus Heresy series was with the novel Legion by Dan Abnett.As has become his hallmark and signature element in the last decade or so, Dan Abnett molded the culture of the XX Legion from the ground-up, injecting a depth of diversity and character that had never seemed possible before. Aside from being one of the best novels of the series, Legion also set up many future stories and one of those was how the legion’s decision to ally with the Warmaster would play out, particularly in terms of their reasons for doing so.

That’s where The Seventh Serpent comes in, in part. With this novella, Graham McNeill writes one of the best medium-length stories of the Horus Heresy as a small band of warriors of the Shattered Legions take the fight directly to the Alpha Legion and their mysterious Primarch Alpharius. Featuring some of my favourite characters from previous stories, Graham weaves together a tale that is quintessentially Alpha Legion and also gives a great shout-out in essence to the Shattered Legion characters found herein, continuing a tale that began with the novel Angel Exterminatus and giving the reader a tantalizing glimpse of the Alpha Legion’s internal affairs.

When Angel Exterminatus ended, things didn’t look so good for the Shattered Legion warship Sisypheum and its crew. Led by Captain Branthan of the Iron Hands, they had struck a great blow against the traitor Primarchs Perturabo and Fulgrim, but had suffered themselves, with Branthan himself grievously wounded. Now with Captain Branthan’s equerry Cadmus Tyro in command, the Sisypheum continues its mission of sabotage against the Warmaster’s forces and in The Seventh Serpent it comes up with a golden opportunity to strike at the heart of the Alpha Legion, with Alpharius himself in their cross-hairs.

The Seventh Serpent is undoubtedly one of Graham’s absolute best works to date. The nature of the Alpha Legion is such that treachery and deception are like second nature to them. It is rooted deeply into their culture and their traditions. That’s one of the reasons why Legion was so damn good and why similar stories of espionage and destruction featuring the Alpha Legion have become so popular since then, particularly Rob Sanders’ amazing short story The Long Games At Carcharias. Graham continues here in that same vein and he gives the Alpha Legion an outing that is true to that depiction while also leaving his own stamp on them, which is important for a grand collaborative effort like the Horus Heresy series.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad realisation hit me years back: there will never be an Alpha Legion book as good as Dan Abnett’s ‘Legion’, and now, that book will always feel a little bit lessened by the absence of a ‘proper’ sequel. Oh well, I guess we 20th Legion fans must just grit our teeth and live with that. But. There are some lights in the darkness ‘Seventh Serpent’ is NOT a good ‘Legion’ sequel, but it IS a good Graham McNeill novella, and if you liked ‘Angel Exterminatus’ (I did) well here’s some more of the Loyalist survivors from that getting into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the Alpha Legion.

Look, not all of the character actions make sense, and as many have complained, some of the Sisypheum crew are perhaps TOO cool and dangerous, but – it’s a Graham novella, and you are going to see likeable characters do some cool shit and villainous characters probably get foiled. (And I actually LIKE Sharrowkyn. He’s fun.)

7/10

[J.G. Cully · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Graham McNeill delivers the goods with this well written novella that looks at the deadly Alpha Legion and their foes, in this case a group of Black Shields loyalist marines. The story twists and turns as expected of any tale involving the Alpha Legion, and kept me enthralled the entire time. A must read for any Horus Heresy series fan, particularly those interested in the Alpha Legion and the Black Shields.

[Nick Ohrn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable novella with a solid story involving a somewhat familiar cast of characters (if you've read most of the other Heresy books) and a great twist that I definitely was not expecting.

I'd say if you're a fan of the other HH novels, then definitely pick this one up and give it a read.

[Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent continuation of one of the plot lines from McNeill's earlier ANGEL EXTERMINATUS. The roughly 125-page length was a nice change of pace from his usual 500-pagers, too.

[Hakan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better WH40K yarns

[Alexandre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good ... Actually felt like a réal story with characters ( SM are written so bland and borine) enjoyed this a lot.

[Alexander van der Pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am alpharius