Chem Dog

[sitnam]

A Commissar and his men sent on a suicide mission, facing Xenos dangers

Spoiler

and treachery

 

This synopsis doesn't describe just Chem Dog but also the recent Death Rider by Rhuairidh James. In many ways these novels parallel each other, but the characters and end results feel very different.

 

This novel really impressed me, and I think reading this alongside Death Rider makes for a great unintentional duology. The lead Commissars are both very different men, with very different companions. It almost feels like both authors were given the above synopsis as a starting point and worked from there.

 

Rasp leads a kill team of Chem Dogs with both sides despising each other. He is a harsh disciplinarian, zealous in his faith to the God Emperor. His journey leads him to evaluate his beliefs on about the convict killers he despises.

 

Hesh leads a squadron of riders on a mission to find the Death Korps. Hesh is a far more forgiving morale officer, using persuasion and charisma as a tool.

 

Hesh would likely be seen as weak by Rasp, whereas the DkoK Commissar would see Chem Dog leader as a brutal fanatic.

 

Highly recommend Chem Dog especially if you liked Death Rider. Callum Davis, with this and his Iron Lords short story, really has potential. I thought the ending was a bit weak and anti-climatic, but that's my main issue with the novel. Now I'm off to eBay to peruse bits for a Chem Dog kitbash I have all sudden urge to make

[Felix Antipodes]

I had pretty much the same thoughts.  Really enjoyed it up until the last few chapters, when it seemed to lose its way.  Davis goes on my author watch list after this.