Xathrodox86 reviews: "The Last Son of Dorn" by David Guymer

Grimvember 2019 came to an end, and I need a small break from the Warhammer Fantasy... at least for a while. Since I'm in a huge Warhammer 40,000 drive lately, I've decided to return to "The Beast Arises" series, and review another one of its many tomes - "The Last Son of Dorn".

David Guymer returns to the series, and tells the story of a final (hopefully), desperate attempt by the Imperium to defeat the titular Beast and free the galaxy from its menace. There's a lot, and I do mean A LOT, going on in this book. We have the newly-formed Deathwatch, finally being shown to include members from the latter foundings, taking the fight to the orks. We have Valhallans, one of my favorite Imperial Guard regiments, selling their lives dearly against their arch-foes. The newly returned Sisters of Silence are also active during the war, and there's a palpable sense of tension and desperation, right from the very first page of "The Last Son of Dorn", as well as lots of action! For me this is a good thing, as at this point in the story, the humanity's fate hangs in the balance (a primarch just got KIA FFS!). The author showcases this by literally starting with some intense bolter porn, and we, the readers, know that the stakes have never been higher.

Koorland knows this too. Just look at his face!

There is, of course, my main man Kalkator, who is the best Iron Warrior in history. He's cynical, ironic and and jaded, and his view on the Long War, the Imperium, and Chaos are simply glorious to behold. His interactions with Zerberyn, captain of the Fists Exemplar, are both tense, and strangely fraternal. Zerberyn truly believes in what he's saying, when it comes to seeing the truth of the universe and the hypocrisy of the Emperor.

On Terra the politics and strife within the ranks of the High Lords, are still running strong. Ecclesiarch Mesring finally loses it, and becomes a filthy, rotting heretic. With death nearly upon him, the elderly priest fully embraces his selfish nature, and proves to be one of the most despicable heroes of this saga. Seriously, fuck this guy.

Koorland is leading the main assault against the Beast, but there are also many other heroes, worthy of note. Maximus Thane, second captain of the Fists Exemplar, leads the main assault on Ullanor, proving himself a capable commander, and a great leader of men. Wienand and Magos Laurentis provide a different point of view to the whole endeavor, and Beast Krule is just straight up terrfying. Officio Assassinorum breeds hardcore, remorseless killers, but Krule is on a truly different level.

Then there's the Beast itself. I won't spoil anything, but Guymer's portrayal of this... thing is simply glorious. The Beast is one of the biggest threats that the Imperium has ever faced, and for a good reason. Reading about this primal force of nature made me respect the orks even more, than I did before.

"The Last Son of Dorn" is a perfect melange of action, intrigue, heroism and humor. It is a more than solid entry in this, dare I say sadly, rather forgotten series. Of all the "Beast Aries" book, that I've reviewed so far, this one is definitely my favorite one.

Until next time!

Xathrodox86