The epic saga that began with Horus Rising is reaching its climax, amid the showdown between the Emperor and Horus. The End and The Death Volume 3 is the definitive account of the final days of the Horus Heresy, and we caught up with author Dan Abnett to ask some prying questions about the book, its impact, and the series as a whole.
So how do you bring to life an incredible duel that most Warhammer fans already know the result of? In the author's own words, it’s more about focusing on what the fight is like than the outcome.
“You get the kind of fight that could only take place between these characters,” explained Dan, “There’s a huge sense of momentum. At one point they’re doing these extraordinarily devious, clever, cunning things that are happening really, really fast, just to show how extremely capable they both are. I wanted to show what it was actually like to be in the middle of that.”
Although the duel is the pivotal moment in the novel, it’s not the only thing to look forward to. Malcador the Sigillite – so often hidden in the background – gets his moment, while Rogal Dorn, Garviel Loken, and Ezekyle Abaddon all force their way through the Vengeful Spirit.
Even as the book comes to a close, characters from across the Siege of Terra must contend with their new reality and the aftermath of the battle. From the heights of power down to the poor mortals left sifting through the debris, the impact of the siege is explored in intimate detail.
The End and The Death Volume 3 will be available to pre-order in a special edition, plus regular hardback, eBook, and audiobook editions this Saturday. Don’t sleep on it – it’s set to be the most important literary event of the Horus Heresy since… well, Volume 2.*
* Thoughts and prayers are with our Blood Angels fans.