Ashes of the Imperium

The Horus Heresy: The Scouring, Book 1

By: Chris Wraight

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Audiobook 1 in the Scouring Series

As the Siege of Terra ends, there are many loose ends – Traitors trying desperately to escape, a monumental vacuum of power to fill, and a crumbling galactic government to see to. Those who hold on to power must decide how to wield it, and a new structure must be put in place, all while desires to exact vengeance run high.

LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE
It's the beginning of an epic series. Find out what happens after the cataclysmic events of the Horus Heresy, as an unsteady Imperium must find its footing and learn how to exist without the guidance of the Emperor.

THE STORY
Horus is dead. Terra lies in ruins. The Emperor is silent. Amid the rubble of the Palace, shell-shocked survivors emerge into the light of an uncertain dawn. New powers are present now, ones that have travelled the length of the galaxy to bring salvation to the Imperium, though they are as readily cast as usurpers as redeemers. The survivors of the Traitors’ Grand Armada, now scattered and desperate to escape vengeance, are riven with doubt and dissension, and their gods too are silent. Amid all the grief and confusion, some hopeful souls believe the war to be over and an era of renewal just ahead. But wiser heads know that this war can never end, and that the only question remaining is who shall rise to power within the perilous new age, and who shall fall.

Written by Chris Wraight. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble. Runtime 15 hours and 28 minutes approx.

©2025 Games Workshop Limited (P)2025 Games Workshop Limited

A great start

Go into this with the mindset of setting up the rest of the series with a lot of talking and some action that’s great but

The First Stepping Stone

The Imperium is in ruins and the enemy is fleeing for their lives. The book continues where the Siege of Terra left off and showcases the discourse and loss felt by both sides after the Heresy’s end!

Ashes of the Imperium is an enjoyable but at times tedious novel to go through. It's shortcomings are with a few of its characters in which there are many perspectives we must jump between, some being more interesting than others, and you may find yourself wanting to skip a chapter. This is made a bit more tedious when most of the novel is just talking and Imperial politics. However, that is also it's strength, the webs of secrecy, the differing goals and minds that are constantly clashing with one another, and the unveiling of lore are the highlights of this novel. Seeing the differing viewpoints and change in many characters is the highlight of this novel and should be picked up for that alone!

Ashes of the Imperium is an enjoyable listen with many memorable and cool moments, but fails in keeping your full interest when there are so many other perspectives you would rather be following. Though it is understandable as much is needed to be explained before moving forward, it may leave you groaning as you jump to another character. This is an amazing listen to those who deeply follow the lore and wish to know more about the time after the Heresy. I recommend going into this with the expectation of A LOT of talking and a bit of cool action.

So it begins (again)

Waited a long time for this one. Definitely worth it.
Sets the stage for the next 30k saga and builds the world for the 40k setting we all know and dread.

Plus, a Heresy-era book read by Keeble? Sign me up.


Spoiler:

The battle for Luna felt a little rushed.

Fantastic

Excellent start to a new era. I you liked the siege or the heresy keep going.

Space politics

If you dislike robot girlyman and his Ulta marionette’s, this book will serve to vindicate your opinion. Plenty of interesting perspectives on the rebuilding of the setting alongside the scheming and intrigue that comes with it.