Volume six in the excellent Horus Heresy series does not disappoint, shedding light on the founding of the mysterious and aloof Dark Angels.

The planet of Caliban exists much as it has for thousands of years – the knightly orders protect the common people, fighting back the beasts that lurk in the depths of the seemingly endless forests. Young Zahariel and Nemiel aspire to join the greatest of the orders, led by the example of mighty Lion El’Jonson and his vision of a peaceful and unified world. But the coming of the Imperium brings new concerns and a new destiny for the Lion as part of the Great Crusade, and the sons of Caliban must decide if they will follow him to glory among the stars.

Covering the founding and subsequent fall of the Dark Angels, Descent of Angels offers an interesting insight into one of the most popular (and four primary) legions that make up the Space Marines. The Dark Angels are, of course, one of the most mysterious Legions/Chapters, too. It’s not surprising, therefore, that any fiction that promises to illuminate some of their history would be of interest to fans of the Horus Heresy/WH40k franchise. I had hoped that Descent of Angels would give readers some more meat to add to the secrets at the heart of the Legion, and it does this — not as much as I would like, but I suppose that’s not surprising. This is also not the best book in the series so far. Scanlon does offer plenty for fans of this series, and also the Legion, but it doesn’t land as well as previous novels in the series, and it didn’t hold my attention quite as much as I’d hoped. Continue reading →