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Black Library Novella Series 2 #5
Lords of the Storm
A Fulminators novella
A young warrior hides on a storm-wracked shrine world, sheltering sacred artefacts from the dread servants of Chaos who would defile them. As the storm wanes, hope fades… until the Fulminators arrive.
READ IT BECAUSE
Discover the ways of the Fulminators, an all-Primaris Space Marine Chapter created during the Ultima Founding.
THE STORY
From the sanctity of the Storm Zone, the Faithful watch as the Ruinous Powers defile their once-glorious shrine world of Chevreuse. Amongst their number is the young warrior Montalte, sheltering within the divine tempest that protects not only the remains of the planet's populace, but the sacred bones of an Imperial saint. As the forces of Chaos grow in strength and the storm begins to wane, it seems certain that all is lost… until Montalte is summoned by blue-armoured gods. The Fulminators now walk the storm.
Written by Edoardo Albert
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2019
About the author
Edoardo Albert
55 books160 followersEdoardo Albert is a writer of Sri Lankan and Italian extraction based in London. He writes about history and archaeology, particularly of the early Medieval period, as well as writing historical and speculative fiction.
Find out more about him and his work at www.edoardoalbert.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdoardoAlbert or like him on Facebook.
Find out more about him and his work at www.edoardoalbert.com. Follow him on Twitter @EdoardoAlbert or like him on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 13, 2020
On the shrine world of Chevreuse, home to the sacred bones of Saint Blaise, the forces of the Ruinous Powers move ever closer to victory. Montalte, of the loyal Faithful, is tasked with guiding a small force of Fulminators (Sergeant Augustin and his Reivers) to the saint’s remains, navigating the dangers of Chaos cultists, traitor Guard and a living storm apparently conjured up by the saint himself.
On the surface it’s a fairly straightforward ‘get from A to B without dying and save the day’ story, complete with youthful protagonist, fearless heroes and villainous enemies, but the relative simplicity of the plot allows Albert to spend plenty of time developing his characters and exploring the world of Chevreuse. It isn’t the paciest or most action-packed of stories, and doesn’t go deep into the background of the still largely unexplored Fulminators, but every aspect of it feels both thoughtful and thought-provoking, and very human.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2020/04/...
On the surface it’s a fairly straightforward ‘get from A to B without dying and save the day’ story, complete with youthful protagonist, fearless heroes and villainous enemies, but the relative simplicity of the plot allows Albert to spend plenty of time developing his characters and exploring the world of Chevreuse. It isn’t the paciest or most action-packed of stories, and doesn’t go deep into the background of the still largely unexplored Fulminators, but every aspect of it feels both thoughtful and thought-provoking, and very human.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2020/04/...
December 26, 2019
“I am a sergeant of the Fulminators. Even in death, there is no despair, for the Emperor is with us.”
The Warhammer 40K novella Lords of the Storm by Edoardo Albert (who had also written a short story prequel featuring the Adeptus Astartes Fulminators Chapter for the first time in Black Library history - Born of the Storm) perfectly displays the sheer contrast between these Primaris-generation brethren, common mortals – both loyal and traitorous – a retired Sister of Silence (not a great lot of them in literature yet) and an ancient dark apostle of the Heretic Astartes. The current battlefield of Brother-Sergeant Augustin’s Reiver squad is a planet of deep faith and religious wonders, lashed by the storms presumably generated by a long-dead saint to protect his followers from the stubborn heretics besieging this Imperial world. And who is better suited to such battle conditions as the noble Fulminators, those who walk the storm? Turns out though, even these proud warriors born in tempests of their own (reminds of the Stormcast Eternals a little, now doesn’t it?) are yet to get used to such inclement weathers.
The wider plot of combined pilgrimage and war is threaded with the Primaris’ perceptions of the human Imperium they were designed to protect – some 10,000 years onwards from their creation. The interaction between the rationalistic Astartes and their local guide whose dearly held beliefs they seemingly find naive may be uneasy at first, but for the soldier himself the time spent in their godlike company proves not just harsh and punishing but also rewarding. Despite its modest length, the novella is full of traditional but no less welcome features found in other great 40K tales. A radiant saint defending his people also plays a crucial part in the Shroud of Night; the operation to retrieve the saint’s relics calls to mind the Honour Guard; loyal Astartes versus Word Bearers on a shrine world have recently appeared in the Blood Rite; and the evil made weaker by humour and irony somewhat echoes the tone of the Rites of Passage (after all, isn’t the traitor Captain simply comical despite – or due to – his motives?)
Albert mostly shows the versatile, redoubtable and utterly deadly Vanguard Space Marines through the eyes of a mortal fighter. To be honest, I’d have preferred more background on the Fulminators Chapter – and also for the story to be written mainly from their own perspective – but who knows, a full-length novel could already be in the making… As it is though, Lords of the Storm is an interesting, dynamic work from one of BL’s newest writers. Along the way this fast-paced, action-heavy, mysterious tale raises questions of duty, of the profane and the miraculous. Also Primaris Astartes – and by default Edoardo himself, the connoisseur of everything medieval – demonstrate ample (and useful!) knowledge of Gothic rites and architecture. Lastly, I’ve given it 5 stars because of my favorite character – the ‘stormcaller saint’ (the guy’s being very active despite his… immobility) and the (rather infrequent in Warhammer books in general) happy-end or something like it. In the grim dark future miracles are real, after all!
The Warhammer 40K novella Lords of the Storm by Edoardo Albert (who had also written a short story prequel featuring the Adeptus Astartes Fulminators Chapter for the first time in Black Library history - Born of the Storm) perfectly displays the sheer contrast between these Primaris-generation brethren, common mortals – both loyal and traitorous – a retired Sister of Silence (not a great lot of them in literature yet) and an ancient dark apostle of the Heretic Astartes. The current battlefield of Brother-Sergeant Augustin’s Reiver squad is a planet of deep faith and religious wonders, lashed by the storms presumably generated by a long-dead saint to protect his followers from the stubborn heretics besieging this Imperial world. And who is better suited to such battle conditions as the noble Fulminators, those who walk the storm? Turns out though, even these proud warriors born in tempests of their own (reminds of the Stormcast Eternals a little, now doesn’t it?) are yet to get used to such inclement weathers.
The wider plot of combined pilgrimage and war is threaded with the Primaris’ perceptions of the human Imperium they were designed to protect – some 10,000 years onwards from their creation. The interaction between the rationalistic Astartes and their local guide whose dearly held beliefs they seemingly find naive may be uneasy at first, but for the soldier himself the time spent in their godlike company proves not just harsh and punishing but also rewarding. Despite its modest length, the novella is full of traditional but no less welcome features found in other great 40K tales. A radiant saint defending his people also plays a crucial part in the Shroud of Night; the operation to retrieve the saint’s relics calls to mind the Honour Guard; loyal Astartes versus Word Bearers on a shrine world have recently appeared in the Blood Rite; and the evil made weaker by humour and irony somewhat echoes the tone of the Rites of Passage (after all, isn’t the traitor Captain simply comical despite – or due to – his motives?)
Albert mostly shows the versatile, redoubtable and utterly deadly Vanguard Space Marines through the eyes of a mortal fighter. To be honest, I’d have preferred more background on the Fulminators Chapter – and also for the story to be written mainly from their own perspective – but who knows, a full-length novel could already be in the making… As it is though, Lords of the Storm is an interesting, dynamic work from one of BL’s newest writers. Along the way this fast-paced, action-heavy, mysterious tale raises questions of duty, of the profane and the miraculous. Also Primaris Astartes – and by default Edoardo himself, the connoisseur of everything medieval – demonstrate ample (and useful!) knowledge of Gothic rites and architecture. Lastly, I’ve given it 5 stars because of my favorite character – the ‘stormcaller saint’ (the guy’s being very active despite his… immobility) and the (rather infrequent in Warhammer books in general) happy-end or something like it. In the grim dark future miracles are real, after all!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
This is the fourth book from Black Library's 2nd novella series that I've read (after Severed, Low Lives and Isha's Lament), and it continues the streak of well-written, entertaining takes on the 40k universe by fresh voices set forward by the other novellas.
I had a great time with LotS. Albert put in work where other authors too often glance over, which is in finding an intersting premise as well as a unique place to set it into. The former is accomplished by a reversal of the usual "Stop The Evil Ritual"-quest the heroes so often have to undertake and twisting it so that the mysterious, murderous, supernatural phenomenon is (more or less) on the side of the Imperium and the antagonists have to find ways to tip-toe around it. The latter Albert manages by creating a truly unique and wondrous world in Chevreuse, a world full of sentient storms, hidden fire-worms and electrical seas, on which only those who understand it's rules survive and those that don't perish.
The core of the story is still a version of the well-known "Imperial citizens and Space Marines versus the forces of Chaos"-set-up, but Albert finds ways to pepper it with fresh ideas and turn it into an entertaining romp. I particularly enjoyed the well-chosen touches of humour Albert finds in the interactions of characters between each other or with the world.
I very much hope that Albert will return to Chevreuse one day, as I would like to see more of this weird world.
I had a great time with LotS. Albert put in work where other authors too often glance over, which is in finding an intersting premise as well as a unique place to set it into. The former is accomplished by a reversal of the usual "Stop The Evil Ritual"-quest the heroes so often have to undertake and twisting it so that the mysterious, murderous, supernatural phenomenon is (more or less) on the side of the Imperium and the antagonists have to find ways to tip-toe around it. The latter Albert manages by creating a truly unique and wondrous world in Chevreuse, a world full of sentient storms, hidden fire-worms and electrical seas, on which only those who understand it's rules survive and those that don't perish.
The core of the story is still a version of the well-known "Imperial citizens and Space Marines versus the forces of Chaos"-set-up, but Albert finds ways to pepper it with fresh ideas and turn it into an entertaining romp. I particularly enjoyed the well-chosen touches of humour Albert finds in the interactions of characters between each other or with the world.
I very much hope that Albert will return to Chevreuse one day, as I would like to see more of this weird world.
April 23, 2020
In this engaging and easy-to-read novella, Space Marines of the Fulminator chapter are assigned to retrieve a dying world’s relics, and embark on a mission that is brought to life by an author who knows a thing or two about medieval cathedrals, pilgrimage and the adoration and emotive power of faith. The interactions between the home-worlder protagonist Montalte and the superhuman Augustin are fascinating, as are the ethical choices both of them are forced to make in light of the ever seductive powers of Chaos. Augustin’s squad of warriors are reliably pragmatic and efficient, and act as effective counterpoints for the sergeant’s retained humanity, and there are classic villain archetypes who make their appearance known in the guise of a chaos champion and Machievellian cultist captain. A surprisingly spritely sister of silence also entertains, and the enigmatic saint himself will leave you wondering if he retains genuine life and powers, or whether his perceived interventions in the world are nothing more than the delusions of the desperately faithful. All in all, this story is thoughtful, fun, and comes highly recommended!
April 8, 2020
Under the cove of a divine tempest, centred around the shrine Cathedral of Saint Blaise, the last Faithful hold fast against the forces of Chaos. Protected by the storm and the lethal fauna and flora of the planet the populace stood strong for seventeen years. When the Fulminators arrive to aid the Faithful this stalemate might finally be broken, that is if the space marines can accept Chevreuse's peculiarities.
This novella main strength is how it breaths life in the planets religious symbolism. It also feels as if it is written with Psychic Awakening: Faith & Fury in mind since it gives a clear example of the Emperors growing power in the wake of the rift.
Edoardo Albert pulls of an enjoyable view of space marines trough the eyes of humanities faithful and his history in religious writing makes him well-suited for this. He does tend to use quite esoteric word though (so keep google at hand) yet this does help create a mystical religious ambiance. I'm looking forward to his next work, hopefully he keeps the ecclesiarchal vibe going .
This novella main strength is how it breaths life in the planets religious symbolism. It also feels as if it is written with Psychic Awakening: Faith & Fury in mind since it gives a clear example of the Emperors growing power in the wake of the rift.
Edoardo Albert pulls of an enjoyable view of space marines trough the eyes of humanities faithful and his history in religious writing makes him well-suited for this. He does tend to use quite esoteric word though (so keep google at hand) yet this does help create a mystical religious ambiance. I'm looking forward to his next work, hopefully he keeps the ecclesiarchal vibe going .
February 15, 2020
Die Novellen-Reihe der Black Library geht in die zweite Runde und auch hier finden sich wieder kurze, aber umso knackigere Kurzgeschichten aus dem Warhammer 40K-Universum.
Diese Geschichte liest sich für mich deshalb umso interessanter, da sie sich hauptsächlich um das Thema Religion dreht. Wahrer Gott gegen falschen Gott. Kommt einem bekannt vor? Bestimmt. Einfach verpackt in das Gewand von 40K.
Aber auch die Umgebung ist von Albert aussergewöhnlich beschrieben. Wir befinden uns im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes mitten im Sturm. Einem für uns eigenartigen und gefährlichen Sturm. Wie so oft bei den Warhammer-Büchern war ich mitten drin in diesem Gewitter. Ich fühlte den Wind, die Elektrizität, das scharfe Schneiden des Windes.
Und natürlich die sich nähernde Armee...
Diese Geschichte liest sich für mich deshalb umso interessanter, da sie sich hauptsächlich um das Thema Religion dreht. Wahrer Gott gegen falschen Gott. Kommt einem bekannt vor? Bestimmt. Einfach verpackt in das Gewand von 40K.
Aber auch die Umgebung ist von Albert aussergewöhnlich beschrieben. Wir befinden uns im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes mitten im Sturm. Einem für uns eigenartigen und gefährlichen Sturm. Wie so oft bei den Warhammer-Büchern war ich mitten drin in diesem Gewitter. Ich fühlte den Wind, die Elektrizität, das scharfe Schneiden des Windes.
Und natürlich die sich nähernde Armee...
December 10, 2019
Some fantastic concepts - particularly the storm-setting, which was really evocative!
March 28, 2024
Did not care for this one.
What could have been a cool story about Reivers infiltrating behind enemy lines and helping a beleaguered world resist against impossible odds, ended up just being a really disjointed action filler piece with tons of nonsense hyperbole that goes way too far in using "Emperor's faith" powers to give the "good guys" endless magic. Lightning from the sky, teleport powers from nowhere, etc. Now I understand that all of this is essentially a psychic manifestation from faith in the Emperor, but so much more could be done to make that engaging and interesting (like having a librarian with the marines to ponder on this, etc.) instead of having it all just be a bunch of out of nowhere nonsense.
And the Fulminators Marines are pointless here. They could have been any generic chapter. There is nothing in this novel that establishes them as a unique chapter (storm-based chapter culture and cult, being from Mars, seeming to not be as naive' as other early primaries chapters, etc.)
Not great, and not recommended, even if you are a big fan of Space Marines like me.
What could have been a cool story about Reivers infiltrating behind enemy lines and helping a beleaguered world resist against impossible odds, ended up just being a really disjointed action filler piece with tons of nonsense hyperbole that goes way too far in using "Emperor's faith" powers to give the "good guys" endless magic. Lightning from the sky, teleport powers from nowhere, etc. Now I understand that all of this is essentially a psychic manifestation from faith in the Emperor, but so much more could be done to make that engaging and interesting (like having a librarian with the marines to ponder on this, etc.) instead of having it all just be a bunch of out of nowhere nonsense.
And the Fulminators Marines are pointless here. They could have been any generic chapter. There is nothing in this novel that establishes them as a unique chapter (storm-based chapter culture and cult, being from Mars, seeming to not be as naive' as other early primaries chapters, etc.)
Not great, and not recommended, even if you are a big fan of Space Marines like me.
December 3, 2019
This book was painful to read.
Its got Fulminators (which are extra large space marines) who are on a mission and being guided by a human who is risking his life to help them because its what his faith tell him is right to do. They pretty much treat him like dirt and are some of the most unlikable Astartes I think of (Just under Erebus)
I don't think the author knows how stuff works some of the time. Maybe he confused what a Sister of Silence is with a Sister of Battle.
I would complain about much more in detail but I don't want to give any spoilers. The whole story up and especially to the ending is cringe worthy.
Its got Fulminators (which are extra large space marines) who are on a mission and being guided by a human who is risking his life to help them because its what his faith tell him is right to do. They pretty much treat him like dirt and are some of the most unlikable Astartes I think of (Just under Erebus)
I don't think the author knows how stuff works some of the time. Maybe he confused what a Sister of Silence is with a Sister of Battle.
I would complain about much more in detail but I don't want to give any spoilers. The whole story up and especially to the ending is cringe worthy.
May 3, 2021
Pretty good- a nice short, direct and well paced story. My biggest quibble would be the inclusion of the Fulminators. Maybe I don't know much about the chapter, but aside from talking about the storm, it really could have been any chapter in the galaxy. So why these guys? What makes them special enough to include in this novella. Exploring that a tiny bit more would have been nice.
July 29, 2022
I don’t know why but I found this surprisingly good, primaris marines, sister of silence and word bearer dark apostle with a very funny despoiler captain, a thoroughly good read
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews