The Black Library debut for fantasy author Rob J Hayes, Anarchy’s End is an Imperial Guard short story set almost entirely within the confines of a Baneblade super-heavy tank – the titular Anarchy’s End. Battling the endless hordes of a tyranid swarm, loader Vi Modine and the rest of the crew of Anarchy’s End struggle to keep the ageing tank operational long enough to strike a decisive blow. As the longest-serving member of the crew Vi knows the history of the vehicle well, but as the battle grinds bloodily on she starts to wonder at the nature of its ancient machine-spirit.
There’s a satisfying sense of claustrophobic tension throughout, similar to Chris Dows’ Titans’ Bane, although Vi Modine is a very different protagonist to Lieutenant Quiller. The lowest ranking member of the crew, she nonetheless has the strongest connection to the tank, with a survivor’s backstory which lends her weight and credence as she scurries around solving problems and watching the crew fall apart. While things get a little more generic and action-oriented once the tyranids get up close, the tight focus on the cramped confines of the tank helps keep things interesting throughout as Hayes explores Vi’s relationship with Anarchy’s End and its machine-spirit. It’s action-packed for sure, but enjoyably characterful as well.