Hand of Abaddon: A Dawn of Fire Novel (First Look)

The Dawn of Fire book series remains incredibly influential when it comes to the modern lore of the Warhammer 40K universe. Eclipsed only by the sprawling novels of the Horus Heresy, the series chronicles a key moment in the history of the Imperium of Man, following a cast of characters who have literally reshaped the galaxy during the chaotic events of the Indomitus Crusade.

Now, the final chapter in the long running saga has been confirmed. Entitled Hand of Abaddon: A Dawn of Fire Novel, the upcoming book is written by longtime Black Library scribe Nick Kyme and marks the eighth entry in the long running series.

So just what can we expect to find in this conclusion to one of the most ambitious Warhammer 40K epics? Below, we break out all the details.

What is “Hand of Abaddon” About?

This final entry in the series follows the exploits of Leonid Rostov, a Psyker and Imperial Inquisitor with the Ordo Xenos. As the forces of the Imperium continue the march of the Indomitus Crusade, Rostov discovers vital intelligence about the Hand of Abaddon, a shadowy figure serving the forces of Chaos.

The book also follows the ongoing exploits of Ultramarines Lieutenant Ferren Areios and Imperial Guard Sergeant Madga Kesh, both of whom are battling for their lives in the bloodsoaked defense of the the Anaxian Line; a key region of space that serves us a fragile buffer between the enemy and the Imperium.

In addition, the book also chronicles the machinations of cult leader Tharador Yheng and the notorious space pirate lord Graeyl Herek, as both both vie for the favor of the Dark Gods and attempt to uncover an ancient evil that could reshape the war between Humanity and Chaos.

Notably, the book will also contains an author’s introduction, the short story Defragmentation and an appendix containing detailed notes on the Indomitus Crusade.

What is the Dawn of Fire Series About?

Dawn of Fire is an eight-volume series of Warhammer 40K books published under the Black Library imprint. A spiritual successor to the Horus Heresy saga, the book takes place during the tumultuous era of the Indomitus Crusade, in which the Imperium of Man (lead by the resurrected Primarch Robute Guilliman) is locked in a brutal struggle with the forces of Chaos (lead by the traitorous Abaddon the Despoiler).

While the books do have overlapping characters and story arcs, each is also relatively self contained and written by a different Black Library author, exploring one unique aspect of the Indomitus Crusade. The Dawn of Fire series is considered pivotal to the overall lore of Warhammer 40K as it chronicles a period that hasn’t been as fully explored in previous novels.

Who is Nick Kyme?

Nick Kyme is a UK-based author best known for his work with Games Workshop’s Black Library imprint, particularly the Salamanders series. He’s also contributed to the Horus Hersey book series, with a focus on the Primarch Vulkan. His other work includes Space Marine Battles, the Blood comic book Bowl series More Guts, More Glory and a variety of Warhammer 40K audio dramas.

Notably, Kyme joined Games Workshop in 2003 and worked as a Layout Designer for White Dwarf magazine before beginning his work for the Black Library.

When is the Release date for “Hand of Abaddon”?

Games Workshop has not yet confirmed when Hand of Abaddon will be released, saying only that it will happen later in 2024. At that time the book will be available from both Games Workshop, Amazon and other online and brick and mortar retailers.

GW has confirmed, however, that the book will be released in multiple formats, including a special edition with a faux-leather cover and gold foil details on the front and back covers, as well as gilt page edges, a ribbon bookmark, and a coloured plate on the front. In this sense it will be similar to The End and the Death: Volume 3, the final volume of the Horus Heresy which was available as a highly sought after collector’s edition which triggered Games Workshop cracking down on scalpers.

How much is “Hand of Abaddon” Retailing for?

The standard hardcover of Hand of Abaddon: A Dawn of Fire Novel will likely retail for $35 USD (although prices may vary depending on where you buy your copy from, and whether it’s online or in person). The paperback version (which will come out several months after) will likely retail for $22 USD, with a similar price point for the eBook versions.

The special edition leatherbound version will likely retail for $80 USD, which is similar price point to the collector’s edition of The End and the Death: Volume 3 (although markups on the secondary market are significantly higher).

FINAL THOUGHTS

While Hand of Abaddon isn’t likely to be a great jumping on point for new readers, for longtime fans of Dawn of Fire it’s great to see the series finally getting the epic conclusion it deserves. It’s also fantastic to see the series wrapped by author Nick Kyme, who was a key contributor to the Horus Heresy.

The book will be available for pre-order soon on the Black Library website and we’ll be providing a complete review after launch.

SEE OUR BOOKS COVERAGE

Visit our Warhammer 40K Books page for more reviews and news.

*We are a member of the Amazon Affiliates program, which allows us to earn a small commission off of any sales at no extra cost to you the consumer.