Xathrodox86 reviews: "Watchers in Death" by David Annandale

Do you want Deathwatch? Cause that's how we got Deathwatch!

In the 9th entry in "The Beast Arises" series, David Annandale explains how the iconic, elite, xeno-fighting force was originally established. At the end of the previous book, "The Beast Must Die", the forces of the Imperium have been devastated. The Orks turned out to be a much bigger threat than originally anticipated, and so Lord Commander Koorland decided to level the odds a bit. He knows that to fight the greenskin menace head on is basically a suicide, so he orders the formation of elite kill-teams. Clad in the black of mourning, these strike squads prove to be very effective against the Orks, but will their expertise be sufficent enough in defeating the xenos once and for all?

Slaying xenos never looked this good! That said these iconic shoulderpads are not yet in service, as of this books' timeline.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, "Watchers in Death" finally gives us the origin story for the Deathwatch, Ordo Xenos' super special fighting force, although in this book they're not yet serving under the Inquisition (although there are hints that this will change, eventually). Annandale describes their formation in a very neat and interesting way, and it's a real treat, seeing the elite of the normally elite Adeptus Astartes, waging war against the Orks. The rivalry betwen certain chapters is also here (guess which ones!), and, finally, their mission against the attack moon, orbiting Terra, is simply fantastic to experience by the reader.

Apart from the nascent Deathwatch, "Watchers in Death" also focus on yet another weapon, which the Imperium plans to use against the greenskins - the Sisters of Silence! Yes, the iconic Null Maidens from the long gone eras of the Great Crusade and the Heresy of Horus, are making a comeback. Their assistance will prove invaluble to the reeling Imperium, but will it be enough to finally secure a solid victory against the xeno menace?

"Watchers in Death" is lighter on huge action setpieces, and instead concentrates on various, commando-style, engagements. It's a welcome change of pace, and seeing the Deathwatch Marines taking the fight to the enemy of Mankind, is refreshing and really, really cool. Aside from that, we also get a nice dosage of politics and plotting. Those nast High Lords are still playing their shadowy games, but none of them can hold a candle to Drakan Vangorich himself. The OG of backstabbery is, once again, one of the most interesting characters in the book, and I'm so glad that Annandale portrays him in a manner that's not only sinister, but also very sympathetic. It tells a lot about the High Lords, when one of their most relatable member, is the Master of the Assassins!

I've really enjoyed "Watchers in Death", mainly because of the slight change in pace and style that this book offers. The creation of the Deathwatch was fascinating to see, and the usual Imperial politics are always nice to explore. Sisters of Silence, one of my favorite 40K factions, are also here so that was another plus for me! This is a solid entry in a already solid series, and I highly recommend it. Check it out, and get ready for a very special time of the year is almost upon us. That's right - soon it will be time for another edition of Grimvember!

This one is shaping up to be exceptionally grim indeed! (artwork by Bloodrave1984)

Also a huge shout out to fantastic Viluir, who's running an equally fantastic blog Rzuć 90k6! I love reading her insightful posts, and she even paints some of her Empire minis in the colors of Nuln! So yeah, visit her blog, check out her painting posts - there's a lot to admire about her work.

Also, I'm a married man now. The ring on my finger feels really good, and I'm pumped about what the future holds. Hopefull I'll see you all there!

Until next time!

Xathrodox86