Frost here with news about the only Space Marine legion cool enough to name their blades after yours truly.
That’s right, fans of the Space Wolves will be happy to know that one of Dan Abnett’s most acclaimed works, Prospero Burns, is now available in audio book in its original, unabridged length. Over 13hours of murder-making will accompany your furious painting sessions. Unlike the audiobook renditions of previous Horus Heresy novels, your quest for forbidden knowledge will be unhindered by the Inquisitorial censor.
The Great Crusade marches on with the Emperor himself at the fore. The Conservatory of Terra’s greatest advocate, Kasper Hawser, has ever sought the accumulation and preservation of knowledge across the worlds of mankind. But he has become disillusioned with the Administratum of Terra’s interference in the Conservatory, and seeks a new focus for his research. When his request to visit the Space Wolves’ inhospitable home world of Fenris is unexpectedly approved, Hawser finds himself at the center of events that will shape the fate of the galaxy itself. Hawser will come to know that there are far more sinister forces at the heart of the enmity between the Space Wolves and the Thousand Sons.
For those who have not read it, Prospero Burns is regarded not only as one of the greatest pieces of Warhammer 40k fan fiction, but also as an exceptional science fiction work in general. Dan Abnett has always been an extraordinary writer of 40k fiction, and this novel is no doubt among his greatest. The blend of mystery, action and a few mischievous literary devices that can catch the reader off-guard make this work a real pleasure to experience.
Another quality of Prospero Burns is that it meshes so well with Graham McNeill’s A Thousand Sons. Both stories have many parallels and different perspectives on key events, such as the Council of Nikaea and the destruction of Prospero. Despite their differing authors and styles, both stories complete one another. There are few things I could recommend more for entertaining yourself through long bouts of furious painting.
Also, Gareth Armstrong gives this audiobook an excellent reading, giving unique voices to every character and putting careful nuance in their every word. He truly brings Prospero Burns to life in the mind of the listener in a way that audiobooks rarely can.
That’s all there is, comrades! Tell us all what you think of the long format, as well as any reminisces from those who read the story when it was first published.
Mike is a veteran tabletop miniature hobbyist with over 15 years of experience. His specialty is miniatures painting and tutorials for Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar and Flames of War. He began writing for BoLS in 2010.
