Bloody Books Reviews - The Beast Arises Book Nine: Watchers In Death by David Annandal

We re-enter The Beast Arises with book nine, the third such novel written by David Annandale, which jumps straight into the moments after the final pages of the preceding tale. Vulkan is lost to the Marines, and Koorland is left directionless after the various beatings his forces have suffered until a very unlikely inspiration strikes and new path opens.

This is also, and possibly more importantly, the beginnings of the Deathwatch and how the origination is formed. However, and very surprisingly, that's not the only big moment held within these pages, as we get back to some more Terra-based experiences at long last. There's a return to the feeling of the opening salvos again, rather than the more modern tone of the last few entries, and it's very welcome to once again soak into.

Amongst the stunning detailing of the formation of the Deathwatch (and it really is brilliantly done), there is not any loss of the characters that have been so strong so far. We get to see another chain forge the 30k setting to the 40k setting, and the Inquisition circling at the outset. It's another strong entry, and as it's laid down so many rails and references, I am shocked the series is not mentioned in the same level of hushed tones as The Horus Heresy.

The Watchers In The Dark ramps up everything for the final push, and does so in a remarkably well designed way. It's possibly Annandale's best entry into the series and very likely one of my favourites.