Alec Worley’s third Black Library short story, Whispers sees the Adepta Sororitas in action, responding to the summons of missionary Marcus Amouris to a backwater world whose tribes he hopes to bring into the fold of the Imperium. Something has been hunting the tribespeople and Amouris needs it removing but as he and the Sisters of Battle, led by Dominion Superior Adamanthea, venture into the deep forests and reach the City of Whispers, his assertion that it’s merely a dangerous indigenous predator is quickly challenged.
It’s a pleasure to read a story which really shows the Sisters of Battle as a characterful, powerful force, Worley’s depiction managing a fine blend of creepy religious fervour and genuine military threat. Seen through the eyes of Amouris, who’s not entirely happy to see them, Adamanthea and her sisters are almost as physically intimidating as Space Marines just by their size and bearing, while in action they’re almost shockingly intense. A relatively straightforward plot leaves plenty of space for friction between Amouris and Adamanthea and their differing objectives, with plenty of action balanced out by a strong sense of atmosphere all wrapped up in a smart concept that presents an interesting, satisfying view of the Adepta Sororitas.