#nemiel

I loved this book. The alternating structure between Caliban and Diamat was fantastic. it kept the pace sharp and emotional, and I found myself equally invested in both storylines (which is rare for me, I usually pick a favorite and cling to it).

Zahariel continues to be such a strong character, empathetic, thoughtful, loyal. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel like Luther was using him. Not with overt cruelty, but with that quiet, manipulative kind of affection that hides deeper intentions. And honestly? I don’t doubt for a second that Luther saw Horus’ rebellion as an opportunity. A door cracked open at just the right time for someone who already wanted to step away from the Imperium.

And then there’s Jonson.

It’s not even my opinion anymore: it’s canon that the Lion moves and acts like a cat. It’s stated outright several times in the book—he prowls, slinks, shifts positions “like a feline,” and I cannot stress enough how accurate this is for his whole personality. He’s silent, calculating, occasionally affectionate if he deems you worthy, and impossible to read. And I adore him. I love how he trusts his men, how he lets them carry the burden without holding their hands. But oh, the damage that did.

I truly believe Jonson did trust those he left on Caliban. I believe he meant for them to solve the problem of the Taint, and even gave them the tools to do it, like assigning Lord Cypher, who knew the secrets of the forest and the Lupine Order. But because he didn’t say it, because he didn’t explain anything, because he didn’t reach out.... his silence left room for fear. And fear became resentment. And resentment became rebellion.

But Jonson isn’t heartless. He has doubts. He struggles with trust, with people, with emotion. He’s a genius tactician, a master of strategy, but he’s also deeply disconnected from those around him. And when he does see doubt in someone else, he interprets it as betrayal. Instantly. Without grace. He doesn’t forgive. He doesn’t check in. He just… cuts you down.

Which brings me to the ending.

The moment that had me absolutely screeching.

HE GAVE THE WEAPONS TO PERTURABO.

HE GAVE THE ARTILLERY PLANET TO PERTURABO.

I am unwell.

⸻

In conclusion:

Fallen Angels is a tragedy not because of betrayal, but because of silence. Everyone in this story is doing what makes sense from their perspective and that’s what makes it so painful. Miscommunication, loneliness, misplaced loyalty.

I don’t even know whose side I’m on anymore.

But I do know I want Zahariel to stop writing heartbreaking letters to a Primarch who will never reply, and for Jonson to just… hug one person. Just one.

Nemiel/Zahariel & Luther/Lion El’Johnson

It's a 1 on my "who do I draw for Marine Meat Monday"-d20! So once again my favourite Dark Angel: Nemiel!

And I'm still very mad he was killed off like some disposable side-serf. That truly was a low point of Black Library. It smacked of "main-Dark-Angels-author mad at fans liking other author's Dark Angels-characters better than his so he had to make sure they never will see the light of day again".

It could have been some glorious cousin-against-cousin-thing, embodying the conflict of the Legion. But, no. Both got sidelined. Nemiel even terminally.

“Zahariel and Nemiel”

- art by Karl Richardson

Commander Krole: *hand gestures*

Melpomanei: “Zahariel, though I knew him by another name, had a soul of a roaring lion, and a whispering serpent - though for the good of all the lion won out in the end. Nemiel I only knew from Zahariel’s tales, but I deem his soul was like the ring of iron against a blade once broken and stronger for its reforging.”

Zahariel & Corswain & Nemiel

p2:day2,Corswain: Wasn't that a dream?