Xathrodox86 reviews: "The Hunt for Vulkan" by David Annandale

After almost three years I've decided to finish my review of "The Beast Arises" series. I've finally managed to complete it earlier this years, and I'd love to share my opinions on the whole thing with you lot.

After ""Echoes of the Long War" comes "The Hunt for Vulkan" by David Annandale. This book is almost non-stop action, as it concentrates on the last loyal Primarch who's still active in the Imperium. Koorland wants to find him to give the humans a fighting chance against the greenskins. The Lord of Drakes is kicking fungi ass on the planet Caldera, last seen in the "Promethean Sun" by Nick Kyme. Here we see that he's not holding back anymore, slaying hundreds of greenskins by himslef, like they're nothing. Annadale's portrayal of XVIIIth Legion's Primarch is primal and full of righteous fury. Fury at what happened during the Heresy of Horus. Fury at the death of his beloved brothers, and the corruption of the traitors. Vulkan is no giver of hugs here, he is a killer, Imperium's vengeance personified. He's also a very tragic hero, being unable to let go of the past and move on. One cannot help but feel sympathy for him.

One, however, can't and should not feel any sympathy for these fuckers

The High Lords are shitters as usual, bickering, scheming and being unable to protect their citizens. "The Hunt for Vulkan" has very few scenes where they're actually present, but when they do appear, the reader will instantly feel his gorge rising. It's a real tragedy, to see these weak men and women as ruleres of the Imperium, forged by a literal god who wanted nothing else but the best for his people.

The recurring heroes are as solid as ever. Koorland is a true son of Dorn, for whom nothing is more imporant than duty. Veritas, the ancient inquisitor, is playing a dangerous game in the shadows of the Throneworld, eventually trusting Koorland with a secret that might save the Imperium. Since the Beast is on Ullanor, a place of the greatest triumph of mankind during the golden age of the Great Crusade, they now need a legend of their own to fight the monster. That legend is Vulkan, Lord of Drakes, master of the XVIIIth Legion and the last loyal Primarch who's still alive in these troubled times.

This book finally feels like the humans actually have a chance against the orks. The victory is now a possibility, and Annandale makes sure to play on that hope. As in most of his books, his writing is solid and incredibly enjoyable to read. I'm in the "Damnation of Pythos was actually a good book" club, so you won't hear anything negative about his style from this geek. There's also mention about other Adeptus Astartes chapters, like the Vlka Fenryka and the glorious Ultramarines. It's nice to know that it's not only about the Fists and their successors!

This is a very solid, very good book, and one of this series stronger titles. There are still a few more to come, before we're finished, but I highly recommend reading "The Hunt for Vulkan". It's worth it for the action alone.

Vulkan lives!

Until next time!

Xathrodox86