Xathrodox86 reviews: "Shadow of Ullanor" by Rob Sanders

The Imperium recieved a major beating in the "Last Son of Dorn", but it's not out of the game yet. The Imperial Fists have been reformed, and mankind travels to Ullanor for one, final battle with the Orks.

Rob Sanders penned the 11th title in "The Beast Arises" series - "Shadow of Ullanor". Looks like this poor planet just can't take a break! There's a lot going on in this book, and it was sometimes hard for me to keep track of all the action. Sanders makes a solid job of tying all the loose plots together, however there is one problem - we've seen this all before.

Is it still worth a read, though?

Humanity once again reaches Ullanor, the Deathwatch capture more Ork psykers (off-screen, I might add), Thane shows the High Lords their place, as Koorland did before him. Even the final engagement with the Beast(s) is very similar to the previous one. We've all seen this before, and that's why this book doesn't really offer anything new. The reformation of the Imperial Fists is interesting, I admit. Same with Vangorich's plans for the future. Once again the Grandmaster of Assassins proves to be one of the best written characters in this series, and I'm very glad that Rob Sanders did him justice.

"Shadow of Ullanor" is a strange book. It's not bad, far from it. I did enjoyed it a lot, but the fact that it repeats a lot of things which happened before in this series, makes it just that - repetitive. There are a couple of logical and plot inconsistencies, like the aformentioned Deathwatch psyker grab (the Orks were supposed to guard them extremely closely, after the last incident), as well as the appearance of the Phalanx. That said, they're not detracting from the enjoyment of reading this title, and while not my favorite part of "The Beast Arises", it is still worth checking out. Rob Sanders did an overall good job, so give this title a go.

That was my first post o 2020, and it's one of the shortest ones that I've ever written. New year blues has its grip on me, so do excuse me, while I'm gathering my strength for something bigger... and cooler!

Until next time!

Xathrodox86