Blood Angels and their Primarch, Sanginius, are called to execute the decimation of the non-compliant world (world that is even struck from the official records and constantly referred as H____) because world dared to use forbidden weapons and technologies against the Imperial forces.

While they will execute the will of the Emperor, Blood Angels and Sanginius are hurt by the sheer loss of life their actions will cause. They are aware that they are weapons that have a single purpose - to give humanity brightener future. And for that goal they are willing to fight to the end and all the death caused to achieve this goal is not caused in vain. It is necessity.

While we follow Sanginius as he joins his Destroyer Host and leads them into battle we also get glimpses of his own feelings and how he views himself. He is aware that he is a weapon and does not harbor any ill will towards his creator, Emperor. He has no illusions that once humanity is firmly established there might be no need for Angels of Death. But unlike Curze who would end up in despair and lunacy because of this, Sanguinius accepts his role and gives his best to achieve the Emperor's goal.

I especially liked game of chess between Sanguinius and Horus. It is obvious that Horus is acting in rather underhanded way while discussing the future Emperor plans for but Sanguinius is aware of this (being gifted with fore-sight) and tells Horus it is not good to ponder on what might be, "present is still not done". It is as he is aware that something is gnawing at his brothers soul and that only bad things would come out of it.

Recommended to all fans of Horus Heresy. ( )