Above and Beyond

Warhammer 40,000

By: Denny Flowers

Narrated by: Phillip Sacramento

A Lucille Von Shard Audiobook

An Imperial propagandist meets the flying ace legend he created, to prepare her for the most difficult battle of her storied career.

LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE

This novel offers insight into some of the lesser-known, but no less important, aspects of the Imperial war machine – the agents who move in the shadows to rouse and inspire the masses of soldiers across every branch of the war effort.

THE STORY

Flight Commander Lucille von Shard: Hero of Bacchus, fighter ace, and a living legend heralded for her valour and piety. Propagandist Kile Simlex, responsible for her fame, shares none of this renown. Condemned to the ignominy of a scribe’s cubicle cell, his chance at liberation comes as a cryptic vid message claiming to be from Shard herself, requesting his aid.

Under the von Shard family’s patronage, Simlex journeys to Deighton, a world in open rebellion from the Imperium, where he finds the commander a shadow of her former self. Near broken by eternal war, her confidence and reputation crumbling, Shard must somehow steel herself for her deadliest battle yet, against a xenos mercenary of unparalleled skill. Can Simlex help her overcome this near-invincible enemy, or merely watch as she is finally defeated?

©2024 Games Workshop Limited (P)2024 Games Workshop Limited

Acerbic, Insightful, Hilarious

I was a big fan of the previous Simlex/Shard novel OUTGUNNED, and if anything this one is better. Following on from the events of the previous novel, it ramps up the political intrigue and mystery, because this is if anything a mystery novel. Twists come layered and fast, and quite properly for a book about propagandists nothing is quite what it seems. The characterization and dialogue are razor sharp as always from Flowers and his observations on the Imperium and the way it twists people are insightful, harrowing and humane. It’s a psychologically complex book that still moves like a thriller, with a greater sense of tension than Outgunned. Similarly the narrator does a fantastic job with the cast, making sure the jokes land and the subtlety of interactions comes through. Just really, really great.

I want more!

I absolutely love this unique perspective! The characters are written so well with twists that are intriguing, makes you always think about what's happening. I can't wait for another book in this series!

Finally

A ravenor quality detective mystery. Worth getting into purely by virtue of a new author, excellent voice acting, and very believable characters

Denny you are evil and cruel

Denny Flowers I detest your skillful weaving of a narrative through two stories. I hate the way you have written characters which I have grown to enjoy the company of chapter after chapter. This book reintroduces characters from Outgunned which reprised their roles and reinstate their place in a readers heart. You feel for their suffering and pains. As the narrative unfolds and the complex nest of narrative is unfurled and unwoven, giving way to a truth that is much welcomed and easily understood.

This is my problem with this story; it presents likable and flawed charterers who serve the plot perfectly. It hurt to get to the end and have a proper resolution as I was forced to face a genuine feeling of loss. If you want to cry just a little bit, laugh, and then again dive deeper into the inner workings of the imperium of man, highly recommend.

The Lame Saved the Day!

Awesome listen! Definitely different from the ones I listen to. The twists, turns and deaths!