Bloody Books Reviews - Dredge Runners by Alec Worley

Warhammer Crime has been, for the most part, a huge success for GW. The world of Varangantua allows for exploration at a street level rarely seen before in 40k, and due to that wonderful small scale, those explorations have been everything from out and out horror to more light hatred heist-fare.

Which is where we get to Dredge Runners. Alec Worley introduces us to Baggit and Clodde, a Ratling and Ogryn duo with dreams of riches and occasional philosophy. This hour long audio drama neatly introduces our heroes, before hurtling them into a twisting tale of double dealing and corrupt commerce. These two accidently find themselves on the wrong end of a deal gone bad, and are tasked with finding dirt on a supposed puritanical Sanctioner (the amazingly named Savriel Sabbiaatti). The two have the skills and the wits to carry out the job, but will their luck hold out?

This is first and foremost a caper, it's breezy, fun and can generate some good humour from the events and settings, and lacks some of the darker elements from other entries into the imprint. Jon Rand and Paul Putner manage to pull so much of the characters into their voice work that you cannot help but fall in love with them throughout the tale, obviously having a blast with Worley's excellent wordsmithery.

Throughout the story, Clodde displays moments of deep thought. He says himself he is unaware of where these thoughts come from, and doesn't understand his own words when they do. He may be a walking engine of destruction, but having such a fearsome abhuman often being the voice of reason and sense adds further charm to the pair.

All plot aside, once of the standout moments is the Propaganda that plays between chapters. David Seddon displays a wonderful touch of ridiculous to the proceedings with his sermons and calls to piety with mentions of advertisement or recruitment drives that reminds the listener of the satire 40k once was. Not since the Ciaphas Cain books has such satire been so front and centre, or used so sharply. It tells the story of the hive-world in brief bursts. The examination of 40k does not stop there though, for alongside these multiple moving parts lies a dive into the xenophobic heart of the Imperium, as Baggit and Clodde come up against the boundaries placed for Abhumans in all Imperial society. These moments of morality give the whole a much needed heart within the darkness and gallows humour.

The Black Library rarely hands in a below average audio production these days, and this is no different. Layers of sounds open up the world of Varangantua with a cast of supporting characters bringing everything to life. It's something of an absolute joy to behold, and hopefully starts a bright future for Worley

Very recommended.