The Lion Son of the Forest by Mike Brooks.
One of the more modern novels I've read recently, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Throughout this book, we get a deep dive into the psyche of El'Johnson. Unlike other novels he's featured in, he is alone at first and completely lost, in both location and time. much older than he remembers, with a strange ability he has no idea where it comes from or how to use it. The biggest difference with the lion I found was that now he can look back at his actions without his ego interfering with his perception of events; he has been hardened by the events of the Horus Heresy, coming out the other side able to reflect upon his mistakes. As the plot advances, the Lion collects a gang of the Fallen and learns that what he thought happened when he returned to Caliban was not the situation it first seemed.
Mike Brooks has delivered another great read. Initially, I wasn't much of a fan of El'Johnson. I found him a tiny bit less egotistical than Fulgrim and only a tiny bit less self-righteous than Lorgar, but this novel definitely changed that opinion. I can't imagine Azrael and the rest of the Dark Angels accepting the Fallen back easily, even if El'Johnson says it's happening, so that is something I'm looking forward to reading. The Storyline really plays up to the Arthurian legend that the people of Caliban portrayed initially. The mighty Lion is questing across the system, saving all he can with his redeemed knights, saving the common people from the monsters and wizards that haunt their dreams. If like me you have never been fully sold on the personality of Lion El'Johnson, give him another chance with this book and you may find your opinion changed for the better.
Top image used under Creative Commons Warhammer wiki
bottom image book cover of the version used in the review
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