Josh Reynolds’ serialised novel The Black Rift of Klaxus closes in on the end with part seven, Bridge of Smoke. Having fought through never-ending hordes of Khorne worshippers and the twisted city of Uryx itself, Lord Celestant Orius and his battered Stormcasts are almost at their goal when Anhur’s great ritual finally comes to fruition. As numberless daemons flood into existence, Orius leaves the greater part of his forces to bear the brunt of the assault while he leads a small group into the Sulphur Citadel to confront Anhur and put an end to his plans for apotheosis.
As per the rest of the stories there’s action galore here with events now finally coming to a head, but the best parts are the pauses for breath between set pieces, especially Anhur’s increasing conflict over what he should be doing and where he should be. Reynolds seems to be more comfortable with the Chaos characters than the Stormcasts, and while Orius and co. are perfectly entertaining it’s Anhur and his remaining champions who stand out here. It’s not particularly subtle, but as the penultimate instalment it’s suitably pacy and action packed, and sets things up nicely for the grand finale.
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