f you’re into Warhammer 40K lore, especially anything to do with the Death Guard and their unholy devotion to Nurgle, The Lords of Silence by Chris Wraight is essential reading.
And if you haven’t picked it up yet – or just want a nastier, prettier version – now’s the perfect time. It’s back in a brand new annotated and illustrated edition, giving this classic story the respect (and rot) it deserves. For veterans and new lore-heads alike, this is one of the most human stories you’ll read about the least human of Legionaries.
The Story – Chaos in the Wake of the Great Rift
Shortly after the galaxy was torn in half by the Great Rift, the forces of Chaos surged like pus through a wound. Naturally, the Death Guard were in the thick of it. Thanks to Mortarion’s return, they had new purpose – and new plagues – to spread across Imperial space. That’s where The Lords of Silence picks up.
This isn’t just a smash-and-burn Chaos rampage. It follows a warband of the same name trying to regroup and find their Primarch after being scattered across space. These aren’t faceless monsters. Chris Wraight gives them depth, showing how each warrior wrestles with corruption, loyalty, memory, and decay. You’ll come to understand them – not sympathize, necessarily, but definitely see their world through their pustule-crusted helmets. That mix of high-stakes action and philosophical rot is what makes this story shine.
Author Commentary – Behind the Filth
The new edition doesn’t just reprint the same story. Instead, it gives readers a direct window into Chris Wraight’s brain with annotations that break down his intent. He shares why he wrote things a certain way and how he brought emotion and structure to a story about immortal, rotting demigods.
This is a huge bonus for anyone who enjoys understanding the craft behind the narrative. The best part? He doesn’t hold back. Wraight reflects on how hard it is to write villain protagonists while still keeping them grounded. Because even a Chaos Marine can be compelling, as long as you remember they were once human.
The Art – Glorious in Its Grossness
You want Death Guard vibes? You’ve got them in spades. The new edition is stacked with brutal, gooey, sickly art. Some pieces are subtle – a bloated silhouette in the fog – while others are full-on grotesque showcases of decay. And then there’s that ship on page 190.
Let’s just say if you’ve got a strong stomach, you’ll admire the dedication. If not, well… maybe don’t read it while eating. The illustrations bring a new layer of immersion to the already rich world of the Lords of Silence. They feel like they were born from the same sick galaxy the story describes.
The Takeaway – The Best Time to Read (or Reread) It
Whether you’re brand new to Chaos lore or already worship at the altar of Mortarion, this new edition is worth it. It expands one of the best-written Chaos stories in the Black Library, adding new depth, visuals, and author insight without bloating it beyond recognition. Better still, it helps show that even in the filthiest corners of the galaxy, there’s drama, purpose, and even dark beauty.
So if you’ve ever been curious what makes the Death Guard tick – or you just want to read something filthy in the best way – The Lords of Silence should be top of your reading list. And with this annotated edition dropping soon, you’ve got no excuse. The Plague God awaits.
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