⚔️ Book Review: The Judges, In Their Hunger by David Annandale (Kindle Edition)
A brutal, atmospheric Warhammer 40K short story that pits two terrifying Space Marine factions against each other in a grimdark showdown of judgment, vengeance, and chaos.
🧠 Overview
Published by Black Library in 2013, The Judges, In Their Hunger is the 10th entry in the Angels of Death series. Written by David Annandale, a prolific Warhammer author known for his dark, psychological storytelling, this 8-page Kindle short story delivers a tightly focused narrative set on the planet Sendennis, where Imperial rule has collapsed.
The story features two rarely spotlighted factions:
- 🩸 The Flawless Host – Fallen Chaos Space Marines obsessed with excess and judgment
- 🦈 The Carcharodons Astra (Space Sharks) – Loyalist Space Marines known for their savage, uncompromising tactics
🔍 Plot Snapshot
Governor Bellasun, a decadent and cowardly ruler, finds himself at the mercy of the Flawless Host, who now act as twisted judges of the planet. Their rule is grotesque and indulgent—until the arrival of the Carcharodons, whose brutal justice makes even the Flawless Host tremble.
The story unfolds like a grim courtroom drama, with Sendennis itself on trial, and the verdict delivered in blood.
💬 Reader Impressions
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.15/5 from 74 readers
- 🗣️ “An awesome W40K e-short… great and bloody, and the ending very grimdark.”
- 🧠 “A satisfying story… concentrated on one scene, but gave the reader all they needed.”
- 🦈 “The Space Sharks dismembering traitors—what more could you want?”
Fans of Warhammer 40K appreciate the tight pacing, visceral action, and moral ambiguity, especially in how justice is portrayed through two radically different lenses.
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Very short format: At 8 pages, it’s a snapshot rather than a full arc
- 📚 Best for Warhammer fans: Newcomers may find the lore dense or confusing
- 🧾 No character development: Focuses more on atmosphere and action than personal growth
🏁 Final Verdict
The Judges, In Their Hunger is a grim, punchy Warhammer tale that showcases David Annandale’s talent for crafting intense, morally complex conflict in a compact format. If you’re a fan of the Carcharodons, Chaos Marines, or stories that explore justice through a blood-soaked lens, this short read is a brutal delight.
