Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

Author: Nick Kyme
Series: Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer Horror
Publisher: Games Workshop/Black Library
Released: March 3^rd, 2020
Received: NetGalley
Warning: Gore
Rating:

I received a copy of Sepulturum through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sepulturum is the latest novel to the Warhammer Horror line, and that is automatically enough to get my attention right there. As does the fact that it’s written by Nick Kyme, an author famous for his connection to Black Library.

Have you ever looked at Warhammer and wished that there was a zombie plot somewhere in the mix? Then you’re in luck! Because that is exactly what Sepulturum sets out to do. Well, part of what it does.

Morgravia Sanctus is both hunted and haunted. She knew she came to this planet to investigate something. But that was before she was captured and tortured. Now, with her memories having been ripped out of her head, she can only piece together the scraps.

She can safely assume that the ones who removed her memory are also the ones she’s here to investigate. If that were all she was dealing with, things likely would have gone very differently. However, the planet is about to be overrun by a dangerous new plague, one that is as unstoppable as it is terrifying.

“’I’m sorry…’ she said, absorbing every scrap of fear and anger in Oshanti’s jaundice-yellow eyes, and ran.”

Sepulturum is a dark and disturbing tale, picking up on all of the notes that make Warhammer Horror shine so brightly. Morgravia Sanctus’ story is truly harrowing and with very good reason. This is exactly the zombie tale I have been hoping for.

This is a novel split into multiple perspectives, which may surprise you, considering the description merely mentions Morgravia Sanctus. But it’s really her plot arc that drives the whole story forward. Arguably, it’s her arrival on the planet that sets everything into motion.

The perspective shifts allow for an increase in tension, as we’re provided a wider glimpse of the city at large. More importantly, we’re given a chance to see what is happening in the city, and thus know more about how bad things are going to get.

It was also a clever obfuscation tool, one that Kyme used to his advantage. Best of all, it moved the plot forward at a steady pace. I for one highly enjoyed the whole story, including the variety of characters introduced over the course of this one novel.

I also enjoyed the subplot surrounding the politics, scheming, and investigation that Morgravia got wrapped up in. It added a whole new layer to the story. It was a mystery for the readers to try and solve, and that made the tale much more immersive.

In short, I highly enjoyed everything that Sepulturum had to offer. You can boil the description down to a simple phrase: zombie novel. But that honestly doesn’t do it justice, not when there is so much more going on within the pages. It made for an enjoyable and chilling read. And I for one hope to see more like it.