My Life as A Death Guard

My Thoughts on My Life as A Death Guard

"My Life as A Death Guard" dives headfirst into the grim darkness of the far future, and I've found myself thoroughly enjoying the journey so far. As someone who's always been intrigued by the Warhammer 40k universe, but intimidated by its sheer complexity, this novel has been a surprisingly accessible entry point.

First Impressions

The premise is a classic isekai setup: a fan reincarnates into the Warhammer 40k universe, specifically as a figure close to Mortarion. What immediately grabbed me was the author's willingness to play with the established lore. It's clear the author is making an effort to stick to the lore, but is willing to tweak things to fit the story. This isn't a paint-by-numbers fanfic; it’s a story that dares to ask "what if?" and then runs with the answer.

What Works Well

The action is gripping, the world-building (while perhaps not as detailed as some might prefer) is sufficient to paint a compelling picture, and the characters are surprisingly engaging. Even without deep Warhammer 40k knowledge, I found myself invested in Hades' struggle to navigate this treacherous world and prevent the grim fate that awaits many of its inhabitants. The protagonist isn't overpowered, which is refreshing in this genre, and his interactions with other characters feel genuine, even if some relationships could use more development. The plot is unique and unlike other reincarnation novels. The author does a great job of keeping things engaging and avoiding info dumps, only briefly mentioning characters that don't impact the story, making it easy to follow.

Areas of Concern

If I had to level any criticisms, it would be that the world-building could be richer. I would have liked a deeper dive into the environment. I also felt that the relationship between Mortarion, Typhas, and Hades could be better defined, as some interactions felt nebulous and driven by plot convenience.

Final Verdict

Overall, "My Life as A Death Guard" is a compelling read for both seasoned Warhammer 40k fans and newcomers alike. It's a story that balances action, drama, and intrigue with a healthy dose of grimdark humor. While it may have a few minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. I'm eagerly awaiting future updates and excited to see where the author takes this story. I'm giving it a solid 4/5 stars.