How it all Started…
The anthology’s existence was first brought to light several months ago when images of the limited edition print surfaced on Facebook, reportedly discovered in a secondhand bookstore. The cover reportedly features a new embossed design of a corrupted Imperium Eagle.
Here’s the original post:
And a few of the shared images (Source):
Initially met with skepticism from the Warhammer 40,000 community, the book’s legitimacy has now been verified through its listing in the bibliography of recently published “End and the Death” paperback editions.
“Era of Ruin” – Publication Details
The book, identified by ISBN 978-1-80026-260-7, is scheduled for publication in 2024 by Black Library, Games Workshop’s publishing division. The artistic team brings together a talented roster of established fantasy artists that gives further credibility to the the rumors.
Artists Credited in the Book
Cover artwork by Neil Roberts, veteran Horus Heresy artist known for his iconic cover illustrations throughout the Siege of Terra series including for the recently launched The End and The Death Volumes.
Neil’s Profiles: Artstation; Instagram; X (Twitter);
Chapter illustrations by Anna Lakisova, a France-based freelance illustrator and concept artist who has been working with Games Workshop and Black Library since 2010, specializing in fantasy illustrations and character concepts,
Anna’s Profiles: Website; Instagram; Facebook;
Character busts by Zuzanna Wuzyk, a Cracow-based fantasy illustrator whose portfolio includes work for Wizards of the Coast, Games Workshop, and other major gaming companies.
Zuzanna’s Profiles: Artstation; X (Twitter); Instagram;
Black and white internal artwork by Mikhail Savier, a Citadel illustrator at Games Workshop’s Warhammer World in Nottingham.
Mikhail’s Profiles: Artstation; Instagram; Facebook;
A review of the artists’ professional portfolios and social media profiles confirms their experience with Warhammer and Fantasy artwork.
Each artist has previously published work featuring Space Marines, Imperial architecture, and other elements of the Warhammer 40,000 or Fantasy universe, lending additional credibility to the book’s authenticity.
“Era of Ruin” Anthology – Featured Authors and Stories
The anthology includes works from several renowned Black Library authors:
- “Angels of Another Age” by John French
- “Fulgurite” by Nick Kyme
- “Fragments (All We Have Lost)” by Dan Abnett
- “Ex-Libris” by John French
- “System Purged” by Graham McNeill
- “After the Dawn the Darkness” by Guy Haley
- “Homebound” by Chris Wraight
- “The Carrion Lord of the Imperium” by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Stories and Author Analysis
The anthology features eight stories by established Black Library authors, each potentially exploring different aspects of the immediate post-Siege period:
“Angels of Another Age” by John French
- French is known for his deep work with the Imperial Fists and Thousand Sons.
- Community speculation suggests this may deal with the Blood Angels’ transformation following Sanguinius’s death and the first manifestations of the Black Rage.
- French previously explored similar themes in his Ahriman series.
“Fulgurite” by Nick Kyme
- Kyme is known for his extensive work with the Salamanders and with the title referencing one of the artifacts directly connected to Vulkan, the book will likely explore the Salamanders’ role in the aftermath of the Siege.
“Fragments (All We Have Lost)” by Dan Abnett
- Abnett, one of Black Library’s most celebrated authors, is known for his work on foundational Horus Heresy novels. The title of his story suggests a broader look at the cost of the Heresy.
- May tie into his previous work with perpetuals and the wider Imperial perspective
“Ex-Libris” by John French
- Second contribution by French in the Anthology. Title suggests connection to the Librarius.
- Fan theories point to possible exploration of the Imperial Fists’ librarians, who were sealed away on Phalanx.
“System Purged” by Graham McNeill
- McNeill is known for his work with both the Mechanicum and Imperial Fists.
- His story in “Era of Ruin” will likely deals with the systematic cleansing of Terra’s solar system or may explore the Dark Angels’ rumored role in system-wide purges.
“After the Dawn the Darkness” by Guy Haley
- Haley has written extensively about both loyalist and traitor Primarchs and the title of his story suggests exploring the immediate aftermath of the Emperor’s internment.
- Could deal with the beginning of the Imperial religious transformation.
“Homebound” by Chris Wraight
- Wraight is known for his work with the White Scars and fan speculation suggests this might follow the White Scars’ return to Chogoris.
- Alternatively could deal with the Dark Angels’ return to Caliban.
“The Carrion Lord of the Imperium” by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- Dembski-Bowden previously wrote “Master of Mankind” and the title of his story directly references the Emperor’s new state on the Golden Throne.
- Likely provides a definitive look at the Emperor’s transformation into the Imperium’s living corpse.
The combination of authors has generated significant excitement in the community, as these writers have previously crafted many of the most celebrated Horus Heresy novels.
“Era of Ruin” Position in the “Siege of Tera” Series
This anthology follows the dramatic conclusion of the Siege of Terra series, which culminated in the Emperor’s installation on the Golden Throne. The previous book ended with several major plot points resolved:
- The Emperor’s final battle with Horus.
- Sanguinius’s death and the creation of the Black Rage.
- The Emperor’s internment on the Golden Throne.
- The death of Garviel Loken at the hands of Erebus.
Lore Implications
The anthology is rumored to serve as a bridge between the Siege of Terra series and a potential new “Scouring” series, which would chronicle the loyalist forces’ campaign to drive traitor legions into the Eye of Terror.
Community members have expressed particular interest in seeing stories about the Imperial Army’s reformation, the implementation of the Codex Astartes, and the aftermath for legions who lost their Primarchs.
Fan discussions on popular forums suggest the “Era of Ruin” anthology could also explore several critical post-Heresy narratives:
- The Blood Angels’ experience with the Black Rage following Sanguinius’s death.
- The fate of Barthusa Narek.
- Constantin Valdor’s activities after the Emperor’s internment.
- The Mechanicum’s reorganization.
- A civilian perspective of the aftermath.
- The Khan’s recovery from his injuries.
- Guilliman’s arrival and subsequent reforms.
- The Dark Angels’ internal struggles.
The book is expected to release as a limited edition volume in 2025, with speculation pointing to a possible announcement at Black Library’s annual reveal event in March.
2 Responses
I would like to see what directly happens as Guilliman arrives at Terra. Actual battles between the Loyalists as they arrive in system and begin the onslaught to drive the traitors out of the Sol system directly. I want to read about Abbadon and the remaining sons of Horus escaping in the Vengeful Spirit. I want to see the loyalists take revenge on the traitors, I want to see loyalist primarchs fight the traitors like Russ, Guilliman and Corax and their legions enact revenge and declare victory. The whole time during the siege there weren’t any loyalist victories really, just trying to survive until reinforcements got to Terra.
And even when reinforcements got to Terra, the “victory” was the survival of the imperium, at the cost of The Emperor and Sanguinius… We need proper revenge.