Audio Review 135 // Heirs of the Laughing God: A Deadly Wit by Gav Thorpe

Feels like an age since I read/listened to an Aeldari/Eldar book. So here we are with A Deadly Wit by Gav Thorpe. Can this reignite a dying flame of love for my old Aeldari? Let's see.

Title: Heirs of the Laughing God #1 - A Deadly Wit

Author: Gav Thorpe

Blurb: 'Monster king, monster king, where are you?

Your house is burning down.

Monster king, monster king, won’t you play?

The Red Swan wants your crown.'

The charismatic Great Harlequin, Duruthiel, leads his troupe on a daring raid of an ork settlement. Urging them forth with bold eccentricity, the Red Swan proclaims fate as the guiding hand for the Masque of the Fading Dawn. But as Skyweaver jetbikes invade the night skies, his attempts to overthrow the great warlord become increasingly reckless. It soon becomes apparent that this is more than just another performance for Duruthiel, but a battle for honour and freedom.

Running time: 62 minutes.

Performed by: Gareth Armstrong, Tim Bruce, Steve Conlin, Emma Gregory & Matthew Hunt

Purchase via my Amazon.ca affiliate store

Review

Oh yes. It is good to be back amongst the true heirs to the galaxy. Damn, I love Aeldari, and what makes it more remarkable is that it is Harlequins. The most secretive sect of the fallen race. These isolationist, killer space clowns are so iconic for me, coming from the end of Rogue Trader into the 2nd Edition. Their colourful schemes and models still amaze me today.

If you can't tell, I enjoyed the listen. The story focuses on a Greater Harlequin declaring a bold and reckless attack on an Ork-held Imperium City. His goal was to slay the Ork Warboss. Seems straightforward enough and, if we are honest, a rather plain-sounding story. But the Red Swan (Great Harlequin) has a deeper, more hidden reason for the attack that may cost him everything.

Overall an enjoyable listen. It felt Shakespearean in parts, and with the arrogance of the Harlequins portrayed so well, I ended up loving and hating them, which is the perfect result. The Orks felt threatening and dangerous, and their brutish way paired perfectly with the Harlequins' flair and showboating. Like all Black Library dramas, the sound and acting were superb. I fully understand that not all readers are lovers of Sci-fi, but the recording quality will 100% suck you into the story. Give it a go!