I have come to really appreciate the short stories in which no action sequences happen, they are such a good way to introduce a bit calmness (in this case) or other feelings you would otherwise not see often in the Horus Heresy stories. I really liked the insight we got into the way of thinking about the Primarchs, their purpose and their future (at least from Vulkan's perspective). Very often they are either described very simplistically and singular or it's not even described, so having a story dedicated to this specifically was really nice. The prose and dialogue is also done well and is presented in a believable way.

I didn't think a story about a mute Space Marine would be as engaging as this. It's great seeing the broken and shattered have a glimmer of hope, the contrast between the Iron Hands and Salamanders is exquisite. One utterly broken and with their beliefs shattered, only continuing to enact vengeance on the traitors, and the other broken as well, but fighting on with the hope that their father yet lives. The enemies actions were a bit odd to me but maybe we'll learn more about their agenda in another story.

A very solid story showing how the Shattered Legions are doomed and broken. They are very fatalistic (and rightfully so) and unlike many other stories involving Space Marines, these ones experience true horror and despair. I wish we could have had just a bit more time with the characters so their experiences could have landed even better.

Wow, what an exploration of madness. Sure, we've seen madness described in other Horus Heresy stories but there has always been an extent of distance to it. This story though throws you right into the middle of it. A bunch of survivors struggling with their own identities and how they have no future, no real hope of reuniting with their respective fathers. And the way Chaos was described, so vile and pervasive in everything the survivors experience. I am struggling to think of anything I disliked about this novella.

It's a fine story, nothing special. The overall hook of the story is a bit cliché but the main character at least is convincing. Another issue I had with the story is that most of it is just a combat scenario in which we learn nothing much of importance neither for the overarching plot nor on a character level.

Even though it is a very short story, I feel like I have learnt more of the different viewpoints that exist within the Salamanders than in any of the stories I have featuring them up until now.

I have to acknowledge this was a very well written story but somehow it didn't manage to really be all that interesting to read for me. I can't tell if it's something specific about this story or the general themes associated with the Iron Hands which just don't interest me all that much.