Valdor: Birth of the Imperium (Horus Heresy)

A lot of stuff mentioned in Alpharius relates to events that occur in this book, so read this first.It's a great book though, great fun. Reading 30k is like living history, and this is going back further than ever.

I became disillusioned with the Horus Heresy series due to the repetition, lack of advancement, & unnecessary cash-cow stories (although I’m sure many people would have enjoyed each book, depending on their preferred Legion etc, & there were some great books).Despite that, I had high hopes for this book as I’m a fan of Valdor, the Unity Wars & the Thunder Warriors. And.......it doesn’t disappoint.It contains an interesting take on the character of a “young” Valdor, a relatable protagonist with good intentions, an insight into opinions on the new “Imperium” and it’s next steps, and Thunder Warriors (nuff said). And more, but I won’t spoil it.Also, it’s a nice compact little hardback, which I didn’t expect. And the cover art is great as you can see.One star taken off because, at only 200 pages, I wanted it to be longer. Not sure if there’ll be any direct sequels, but I hope so.This book is well worth your time. Good job Chris Wraight.

Chris Wraight's, 'Valdor: Birth of the Imperium', is a novella that I have been looking forward to reading for a very long time. #valdor is one of my favourite characters from the Warhammer 40k universe and this is the first novel where he takes centre stage.Set at the end of the Unification Wars on Terra, it's not so much an origin story, but more a glimpse into the captain-general's mind at a certain point in his life. Valdor is already 'old' at this point. He has fought by the Emperor's side for over a century. Surprisingly, he has a lot less page time than I expected but captivates whenever he does appear. He also has the best lines and moments which every warhammer fan will remember for years to come. Personally I found the quiet moments with Valdor the most interesting. It is here that we get a deep insight into what it means to be a custodes. This question lies at the heart of the story.There are a number of supporting characters, each of which make for fascinating characters in their own right, considering the little space and time we get with each. By far the most interesting is Kandawire whose interactions with Valdor are the hightlight of the book, and whose own goal is justifiable.In terms of setting, the entire novella is set amid the foundations of the Imperial Palace. Having recently read 'The Lost and the Damned' and 'The First Wall' in the Siege of Terra arc, it was fascinating to see the Imperial Palace durimg its construction from the skelethon of the Lion's Gate to the Imperial Dungeon and the original purpose it served. Most of the novella takes place during a storm. A fitting event considering the book is chock-full of answers to questions that have teased warhammer fans for decades.'Valdor: Birth of the Imperium' is a must read for all 40k fans. Considering the mahor success of the Horus Heresy, I really hope that they continue to explore this earlier period in subsequent books.

I enjoyed this book - had a good pace, and gave a rare glimpse at the early days of the Imperium, and one of the more interesting characters. Well worth a read, and matches the "Primarch" hardcover series, which is a bonus.

This is a very interesting, well written, trip into the early Imperium. As ever, every new revelation prompts more questions!

Novella that's heavy on story and light on action. Best thing it was short, worst thing, simply not enough action for my liking.

+ important, unique history on the imperium, custodians, space Marines, thunder warriors and some on the Emperor+ Good writing and some gripping passages+ Short- Short!- too short and with too mixed a focus to be as impactful as other WH titles

For a book seemingly about Valdor the focus constantly shifts to other points of views and characters in the fledgling Imperium of Man, however it all ties up nicely and really makes it clear what his role and the role of others in the early Imperium were. Hints are left towards things such as the Primarch project and the scattering. Well worth a read for one of the rare glimpses into the Unification Wars!

The story is fantastic and offers a glimpse into the birth of the imperium and Valdor's story. The only downside is how short it is. Easy to finish in just a few sittings, but has left me hungry for more books from this time period.

Short novella that gives a lot of insight into the early imperium. Really liked the thunder warrior point of view.

Como muchos de los libros de Black Library, es una historia con una buena narrativa que nos permite a descubrir un poco más sobre Valdor. Además tuve la suerte de pillarlo en una oferta por 3-4€

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So oder so ähnlich könnte eine Zusammenfassung des gesamten Buchinhaltes klingen. Tragik, Epik und teilweise sogar Komik vereint.Valdor zeigt Szenen aus dem Warhammer-Universum, die so in kaum einem anderen Buch Platz hätten. Mein Favorit: die Konfrontation zwischen Valdor und einem formidablen Feind inmitten eines zentralen Gefechts. Nothing. Nothing at all.Obwohl wir nur minimale Einblicke in die Gedankenwelt des Captain-Generals erhalten, steckt in dieser knappen Charakterisierung enorm viel Tiefe drin: was nützen einem körperliche Perfektion und funktionale Unsterblichkeit, wenn innen drin permanent Versagensangst und Unzufriedenheit herrschen? Was bringt es, die Krone der Schöpfung darzustellen, wenn man doch nur ein Werkzeug ist und nicht leben darf?Zudem: ein Hoch auf die ersten Astartes! Ein Hoch auf die letzten Cataegis! Hurra für das Custodes!Kurzgefasster: eine wirklich spannende Darstellung der letzten Züge der Unification Wars und des Übergangs zum Great Crusade.