Review: The Sigillite / Author: Chris Wraight / Publisher: Black Library / Release Date: Out Now 

So far the audio drama component of the Horus Heresy series has been made up of tales that describe the more subtle intelligence and espionage elements of the galactic civil war which serves as backdrop to the entire range. One of the spymasters in all of this is the exotically name Malcador the Sigillite, an ancient yet powerful wise man and wizard who functions as seneschal and guardian for the nominal ‘good guys’ of the setting, a sort of space Gandalf, if you will. Given that he is such a crucial character to the entire series, it’s a slight surprise that he hadn’t gotten a story focusing solely on his exploits sooner. 

The Sigillite, despite its name, is not so much about who its titular hero is as about why he does what he does. The story is told through the perspective of an Imperial soldier who is awaiting a trial of sorts, having failed in a very important rescue and retrieval mission. The target of the mission is very much the focus of the tale and this is used as a powerful metaphor to describe the very ethos behind the Imperium of Man during the Heresy. The same trick also allows us to understand the Sigillite himself more clearly. Don’t expect any big revelations such as where he came from or how he ended up on the side of humanity, though there is still plenty here to amuse and intrigue most Horus Heresy fans. 

Those looking for some sort of big reveal will not be disappointed however. Though this drama plays its cards close to its chest, there is plenty of foreshadowing and more than a few hints as to what will happen next in the series, though you are advised to pay close attention; like Malcador himself, elements of this story are quite subtle.  

This audio is of the same standard that we’ve come to expect from the Black Library and even though it is quite short, it is very entertaining for what it is and will certainly brighten up a morning’s commute to work if nothing else. Casual fans will enjoy this drama as a good tale well told, and hardcore fans will be left wanting more.