A Space Marine Chapter, the Exorcists, willingly accept daemonic possession to combat Chaos, purging their souls to resist corruption. In "Oaths of Damnation," a daemonic conspiracy threatens to expose their dark rituals as they hunt down a rogue Broken One, delving into the trauma and sacrifices of their unique brotherhood.

Reader Review Summary

Based on the provided information, "Oaths of Damnation" by Robbie MacNiven is an engaging and thought-provoking addition to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, exploring the unique and intriguing concept of the Exorcists Space Marine Chapter. Here's an extensive review highlighting the book's strengths:

1. Captivating Premise: The concept of the Exorcists willingly accepting daemonic possession to combat the forces of Chaos is both fascinating and daring. This unconventional approach sets them apart from other Space Marine Chapters, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to their narrative. The idea of these Marines sacrificing their souls for the greater good of the Imperium is a compelling exploration of the depths they're willing to go to fulfill their duty.

2. Rich Lore and Worldbuilding: MacNiven delves deep into the lore surrounding the Exorcists, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their initiation rites, practices, and the consequences they endure. The descriptions of the gnarly campfire ritual and the trauma embedded within each Marine, manifesting as physical daemonic traits, are both chilling and immersive. These elements contribute to a rich and well-developed worldbuilding, further enhancing the overall reading experience.

3. Gritty and Intense Portrayal: The book effectively captures the hardened and burned-out nature of the Exorcists, who have sacrificed so much in their pursuit of purging Chaos. Their portrayal as borderline heretical servants of the God-Emperor, their souls broken by their initiation, adds depth and complexity to their characters. This gritty and intense depiction resonates with the darker themes of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, making the Exorcists a compelling and morally ambiguous force.

4. Intriguing Narrative: The central quest to locate a daemon-possessed Marine gone rogue provides a captivating narrative hook. As the Hexbreakers, the Exorcists' Vanguard elite, embark on this desperate mission, the connections between their quarry and the strike force commander, Daggan Zaidu, promise to unravel layers of intrigue and personal stakes. This setup invites readers to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Exorcists and their daemonic ties.

5. Unique Perspective: While some readers may find the Exorcists' hardened nature challenging to connect with as protagonist characters, their uniqueness offers a fresh perspective within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. MacNiven's exploration of this obscure and fascinating Chapter opens doors for readers to experience the grim darkness of the far future from a new and unconventional angle.