The different plotlines created a somewhat disjointed story that at times could be a bit of a drag to get through, though this wasn't as bad as it could've been because the different plotlines were all interesting and chapters had varying lengths which kept the reading experience feeling fresh.

I will say that for a novel this does feel too much like a story just to set up another one, which diminished the impact it had on me.

A very good standalone comic, the characters were really enjoyable to read about and the differences between people from the 1950s and now was shown well. I also appreciated the thought that went into making this appear like an American comic.

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.