The Deacon of Wounds

Warhammer Horror

By: David Annandale

Narrated by: Christopher Kent

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

A Warhammer Horror audio

In the harshest of times, even the most faithful can walk in dark places - as Arch-Deacon Ambrose discovers when drought and plague sweep through his city.

Listen to it because: in the grim darkness of the far future, gods are real and faith is rewarded. Discover what happens when that faith is misplaced and light becomes darkness.

The story: the planet of Theotokos is dying. Drought has wiped out all but the capital city of Magerit. Worse, an outbreak of a terrible plague, known as the Grey Tears, ravages its populace. Only the charismatic Arch-Deacon Ambrose stands in the way of desperation and anarchy. But as the plague rampages through the streets, murdering its victims with unnatural symptoms, Ambrose struggles to confront the appalling measures he must take to save his people.

Written by David Annandale. Narrated by Christopher Kent.

©2020 Games Workshop Limited (P)2020 Games Workshop Limited

Proof Warhammer horror can work

This is a testament to what you can do with horror in the 40k universe. Narration is superb and engrossing. The only real issue I have is that it feels about 2 hours too short, with everything escalating a little too quickly. Still, it's a story I cant wait to share with my friends.

Actually horrified

*slight spoiler* Do not eat food while listening to chapter 7. Story takes a sharp turn near the end.

This is good

It’s a warhammer horror story and it doesn’t follow a beat sheet. If you’re a fan of terror or psychology horror you should like this book.

Well Performed, We’ll Written, Not Horror

While this was a great listen and was well voiced with a story that kept me interested, there wasn’t a point, aside from the prologue at the very beginning where I had felt tense. The main problem with this story that I had, was that if you’re familiar with the universe, you can see where this story is going.

The main character of the Arch Deacon was interesting to watch, especially over the course of the crises that he faces. But other characters don’t have nearly as much depth as he does. Given that this is on the shorter side, that makes sense.

As I said in the title, there wasn’t a point at which I felt real dread or was anxiously awaiting what could be on the next page. The descriptions of what was happening were good, but I felt like there could’ve been more. It was over too quickly in the grand scheme of things, and would’ve benefited from having a bit more time for us to watch this unfold.

The long slow struggle through hardship

Far from the many battlefields of 40K a political drama in the church during a time of hardship descends into yet greater struggle and spirals into deeper and deeper horrors

The rains will come!

Very well-written and acted. Dark with disturbing imagery and sprinkled with deception. Quite an addictive listen...besides the haunting worm's song...

First 40k Horror

It is great to see the bleak side of the 41st millennium. A short read but well worth it 10/10

SPOILERS AHEAD
While I love the action of the guard or space marines they cannot be everywhere. In a universe as vast as 40k there will be situations where people must fend for themselves. This book is a great example of how the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Slow start, EXCELLENT end!

The story starts off very slow, but deliberate, in developing Arch Deacon Ambrose's character and the challenges he faces. As the story continues, the tension picks up and drives you to the edge of your seat for a horrific finale.

It did irritate me slightly that the word "Taurox" was used so often, and mispronounced each time.

Disquieting

Stellar performance, but I could not stand the singing worms. Besides that, a tragic story. You could see where Ambrose was going to end up, but watching him get there was terrible. Chilling ending. Had me asking myself wtf several times the last 20 or so minutes. Will continue to listen to Annandale books.

Slow start but what a story

What a phenomenal story. David Annandale knows what he is doing when he mixes psychological and body horror into this truly nerve-wracking story of a priest whose faith is continually challenged. It does take its time to really get started, as it establishes our protagonist and the current situation he and his world are in. Yet, like a roller coaster, the slow chugging uphill just means you get more momentum when you reach the peak. Christopher Kent did a great job with the material, only possible complaint would be that I could hear his voice crack on a phew lines. otherwise a truly perfect audiobook experience.