Deacon of Wounds by David Annandale

Deacon of Wounds (Warhammer Horror)

by David Annandale

Spine-chilling Warhammer Horror novel set in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe.

The planet of Theotokos is dying of thirst. For years, Arch-Deacon Ambrose has done everything in his power to help the people. Charismatic, virtuous, pious, he is as beloved as the corrupt Cardinal Lorenz, who hoards the water reserves beneath the Ecclesiarchal Palace, is feared. When Lorenz dies, Ambrose’s moment has arrived. As good as his intentions are, he is also proud. He will be the saviour Theotokos needs, and bring the relief of water to the suffering. But there is something worse than drought to come. Lorenz’s death unleashes a terrible plague, soon to be known as the Grey Tears. As Ambrose struggles to save Theotokos from the Grey Tears, the unnatural nature of the plague becomes clearer and clearer, and he is driven to more and more extreme measures. He fears malign forces lurk behind the Grey Tears. The truth is worse than his most awful imaginings.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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David Annandale's Deacon of Wound is the latest novel in the Warhammer Horror world. As with every other tale in this collection, be ready for your skin to crawl.

Death is coming for Theotokos. It is a planet plagued by drought, famine, and greed. At this point, all the citizens can hope to do is stave off the worst of it – assuming their leaders and wealthy are willing to work alongside them.

Naturally, they're not. Arch-Deacon Ambrose is one of the few exceptions in that regard. He has been actively fighting for the well-being of the people since the day he started, even when a literal plague runs through the streets.

“A dread worse than the fears of sleep clutched his heart.”

Deacon of Wounds delivered on every promise made. It was exactly the sort of horror novel I was looking for, providing that perfect blend of terror and Warhammer fiction that I so often crave. Then again, I've enjoyed everything I've read that was by David Annandale, so I'm not surprised by that.

The story of Theotokos is not exactly a new one. We've seen corruption and worse before in the 40k world, but it is how Annandale describes it that makes it come to life. Frequently in atrocious fashion.

More than that, I enjoyed reading the novel from Ambrose's perspective. In a way, what happened here was predictable as well, but honestly, that just added to the satisfaction to me—guessing how his story would unravel left me feeling like a cat who found the cream.

“I am going to live to see the death of my world.”

Honestly, I wouldn't have minded seeing more of Theotokos – before the drought and the plagues - that is. It would have increased the sense of loss, I know, but I'm still so curious about it all. Regardless, there was such a human element in this novel. Both the good and the bad. Those that drove the atrocities on and those who did everything in their power to stop it. There's something to take away from that, don't you think?

Thanks to Black Library and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks (of Books)

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 18 March, 2021: Finished reading
  • 18 March, 2021: Reviewed