Aurelian – Lorgar’s Fall, Faith, and the Fire That Followed

Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden

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Heresy Reclaimed: Aurelian by Aaron Dembski-Bowden

The Word Bearer finally speaks.

This novella was one I had circled from day one. Sadly, by the time it was released, timing and life got in the way, and Aurelian quietly passed me by. But now, thanks to Amazon, I finally had the chance to experience what I’d been missing. And let me say this upfront: it was worth the wait.

What’s It About?

After the burning of Monarchia and the Emperor’s very public dressing-down of Lorgar and the Word Bearers, our philosophical Primarch begins a soul-deep journey to uncover the “real” truth behind the Imperium. This quest takes him to the very edge of reality and into the Eye of Terror itself. There, guided by the daemon Ingethel, Lorgar comes face-to-face with Chaos, not just as a concept, but as a force with plans, power, and promises.

The story is far more than just a lore drop. It’s a spiritual reckoning.

Lorgar, the Unwilling Believer

Lorgar has always been one of the more divisive Primarchs: too soft, too devout, too “talky” for many readers. But in this novella, he gets the development he deserves. What stood out to me the most is how uncorruptible Lorgar seems. He doesn’t fall to Chaos in the same way others do. He embraces it on his terms. He wants to worship, but not be consumed by it. He wants power, not possession. He wants destiny… and believes it’s his.

And that makes him far more dangerous than most traitors in the series.

There’s a sad irony in Lorgar. He feels abandoned by the Emperor and hurt by a god who refuses to accept his faith. And in that pain, he starts the war that will eventually consume the galaxy. Unlike Horus, who is tricked and twisted, Lorgar walks willingly into the abyss, convinced it’s where he was always meant to be. It’s a Masterclass in Character Work

As expected from Aaron Dembski-Bowden, the prose is atmospheric, the inner monologue piercing, and the imagery unforgettable. Lorgar’s interactions with the Chaos Gods, the sense of something just behind the veil watching, judging, tempting, it’s all incredibly well handled.

I also loved the contrast between Lorgar and his brothers. He always seems to come second. Not as physically dominant as Angron, not as charismatic as Horus, not as masterful as Fulgrim. And yet, he’s quietly the one moving the pieces on the board. He’s the first to fall, and in many ways, the one who set it all in motion. He’s like the dark mirror of Malcador, both thinkers, planners, and architects of what’s to come. But where Malcador builds, Lorgar tears down.

Final Thoughts

Aurelian is more than just a missing puzzle piece in the Heresy. It’s a deep, thoughtful meditation on belief, betrayal, and destiny. If you’re a fan of the Word Bearers or want a richer understanding of how this whole galactic tragedy began, this is essential reading. Gods love a fool, and Lorgar might be the most dangerous fool the galaxy has ever known.

Have you read or listened to Aurelian? What do you think of Lorgar’s role in the Heresy? Was he misguided, or precisely what Chaos needed?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to discuss.

Until next time, thanks for reading!