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Chem Dog
The Savlar Chem-Dogs are a notorious regiment of penal legion troopers who earn absolution for their misdeeds only in death – a far cry from the glorious Imperial Guardsmen that Commissar Bastun Hasp was hoping to lead. Lumped with insubordinate and unruly troops that he views as little more than mongrels, Hasp must nevertheless lead his kill team through enemy-infested terrain to secure vital intelligence. But there’s a catch, he needs them far more than they need him, and eventually he’s going to have to start trusting the Chem-Dogs if any of them are going to survive.
- Genres40kScience Fiction
247 pages, Hardcover
Published March 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 3, 2026
Chem Dog is a new commissar novel, one that leads us into a penal legion and behind ork enemy lines with a ragtag scrap team from the Bastards of Midas. There is a short story ("Those Without Mercy") featuring this crew, which I have not read, so I went in completely blind.
My conclusion on Chem Dog is.. Mixed.
First things first, I quite enjoyed the commissar it. Hasp isn't one of the firm lovers of humanity, we meet him as a true zealot with an iron set of rules, which I thoroughly enjoy! I had hoped for a good and proper asshole and I'm very content we didn't get a Cain or Gaunt clone. The Savlars likewise grow on you as time goes on, and I would have loved to see more character-interactions within the team.
Which brings me to my possibly biggest gripe, and that is the prose. It is very much "Tell, don't show": character revelations are rushed through as are dialogues, a lot of work is done through over-used cursive thoughts on every page, over-explanation and overuses, and it stops a lot of things from "hitting right". The style itself keeps as a result very dry and matter-of-fact with few flourishes, which is alright. However, these issues combined make the going slow for about 50%, in which you feel like you are being rushed through the story rather than being told it, while some bigger plot points get disregarded until they suddenly become convenient.
One thing I want to point out as remarkable and positive is Davis's way of writing women. Having read my fair share of Warhammer novels, you will find quite a few spouting oversexualized descriptions, flat female characters, or simply not containing women at all. This isn't the case here. About half of the characters we meet are female, are given as much detail and equally fun descriptions as their male counterparts, and are just as varied. It's sad that this has to be pointed out, but nonetheless.
The ending is very lukewarm by the way it sets itself up from a mile away, and if you had any questions during the plot along the line of "I wonder how X is going to be resolved" rest assured that it simply won't. The ending feels more like a setup for a Part 2 but fails to satisfy enough, the plot in the end being a lot simpler than expected or enjoyable.
Nonetheless I finished the book and didn't have a bad time doing it! Davis finds his footing eventually and especially does well in tight combat descriptions. I fear I may be ragging on the book, but read the novel over 2 days and a lot of the time the plot was genuinely engaging, offering a fun middle between a slow start and a curt ending.
All in all this wouldn't need a big revamp and could have been truly, remarkably solid with more rigorous editing and a few descriptions added here and there. I gave this a 3, 2.75 if I had been given then option, but given that we've seen improvement even in a single book, I'm excited to see what Davis puts out next and would gladly give it another go.
My conclusion on Chem Dog is.. Mixed.
First things first, I quite enjoyed the commissar it. Hasp isn't one of the firm lovers of humanity, we meet him as a true zealot with an iron set of rules, which I thoroughly enjoy! I had hoped for a good and proper asshole and I'm very content we didn't get a Cain or Gaunt clone. The Savlars likewise grow on you as time goes on, and I would have loved to see more character-interactions within the team.
Which brings me to my possibly biggest gripe, and that is the prose. It is very much "Tell, don't show": character revelations are rushed through as are dialogues, a lot of work is done through over-used cursive thoughts on every page, over-explanation and overuses, and it stops a lot of things from "hitting right". The style itself keeps as a result very dry and matter-of-fact with few flourishes, which is alright. However, these issues combined make the going slow for about 50%, in which you feel like you are being rushed through the story rather than being told it, while some bigger plot points get disregarded until they suddenly become convenient.
One thing I want to point out as remarkable and positive is Davis's way of writing women. Having read my fair share of Warhammer novels, you will find quite a few spouting oversexualized descriptions, flat female characters, or simply not containing women at all. This isn't the case here. About half of the characters we meet are female, are given as much detail and equally fun descriptions as their male counterparts, and are just as varied. It's sad that this has to be pointed out, but nonetheless.
The ending is very lukewarm by the way it sets itself up from a mile away, and if you had any questions during the plot along the line of "I wonder how X is going to be resolved" rest assured that it simply won't. The ending feels more like a setup for a Part 2 but fails to satisfy enough, the plot in the end being a lot simpler than expected or enjoyable.
Nonetheless I finished the book and didn't have a bad time doing it! Davis finds his footing eventually and especially does well in tight combat descriptions. I fear I may be ragging on the book, but read the novel over 2 days and a lot of the time the plot was genuinely engaging, offering a fun middle between a slow start and a curt ending.
All in all this wouldn't need a big revamp and could have been truly, remarkably solid with more rigorous editing and a few descriptions added here and there. I gave this a 3, 2.75 if I had been given then option, but given that we've seen improvement even in a single book, I'm excited to see what Davis puts out next and would gladly give it another go.
March 30, 2026
This book was shocking! Not the actual story but the developments within, traitorous Mordians? 😱 i thought at first this was going to be similar to Death Riders…. 98% commissar but was pleasantly surprised that it allowed the chemdogs to tell their histories and also for their commissar to become addicted to their chems! My only caveat being I listened to the Audiobook and the narrator Richard Reed who is a great narrator (I loved his mephiston trilogy) does not suit the chemdogs
April 17, 2026
Really enjoyable read! I do agree with the idea of the ending being a bit abrupt/sudden. Solid book 3,75/5 I would say!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
Rating of 4.5.
The Warhammer 40,000 universe continues to grow with an outstanding debut novel from new author Callum Davis, Chem Dog, a cool and intense read with a great plot behind it.
Upon the vital, war-torn planet of Kruxx, disaster has struck the Imperium of Man. Under attack by ruthless ork invaders, Kruxx’s most heavily defended fortress, the Bastion Ajaxus, has fallen. Overwhelmed by hordes of brutish aliens, the defenders have been brutally cut down, and the bastion reforged into a crude but deadly ork fort. To ensure victory on Kruxx, the remaining Imperial soldiers need to retake the bastion at any cost, but the fate of the war may lay in the hands of the most unlikely of soldiers, the Savlar Chem-Dogs.
The refuse of an infamous prison world, the Savlar Chem-Dogs are a notorious and unreliable penal legion. Killers and thieves given the chance to die on the field of battle, the Chem-Dogs are an unlikely group of defenders for humanity whose only incentive to stay in the fight is the promise of loot taken from the bodies of the fallen.
Few know how imperfect the Chem-Dogs are more than Commissar Bastun Hasp, a relentless rule follower, dedicated to lethally enforcing order with his bolt pistol. However, ordered to join the likely fatal assault on Bastion Ajaxus and recover vital intelligence from its occupied halls, Hasp begins to feel doubt for the first time in his career, especially as his only backup are a squad of Chem-Dogs he previously sentenced to death. Forced to cross over deadly enemy-infested territory and join a bloody siege, can Hasp keep the Chem-Dogs loyal long enough to complete his mission, or will a far more sinister threat claim all their lives?
Chem Dog was an awesome new Warhammer 40,000 entry that quickly grabs your attention and keeps you hooked with its compelling narrative, entertaining characters and great action sequences. A powerful and intense first full novel from new author Callum Davis, Chem Dog was an easy book to fall in love with and is a must read for all Warhammer fans.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2026/05/18/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
The Warhammer 40,000 universe continues to grow with an outstanding debut novel from new author Callum Davis, Chem Dog, a cool and intense read with a great plot behind it.
Upon the vital, war-torn planet of Kruxx, disaster has struck the Imperium of Man. Under attack by ruthless ork invaders, Kruxx’s most heavily defended fortress, the Bastion Ajaxus, has fallen. Overwhelmed by hordes of brutish aliens, the defenders have been brutally cut down, and the bastion reforged into a crude but deadly ork fort. To ensure victory on Kruxx, the remaining Imperial soldiers need to retake the bastion at any cost, but the fate of the war may lay in the hands of the most unlikely of soldiers, the Savlar Chem-Dogs.
The refuse of an infamous prison world, the Savlar Chem-Dogs are a notorious and unreliable penal legion. Killers and thieves given the chance to die on the field of battle, the Chem-Dogs are an unlikely group of defenders for humanity whose only incentive to stay in the fight is the promise of loot taken from the bodies of the fallen.
Few know how imperfect the Chem-Dogs are more than Commissar Bastun Hasp, a relentless rule follower, dedicated to lethally enforcing order with his bolt pistol. However, ordered to join the likely fatal assault on Bastion Ajaxus and recover vital intelligence from its occupied halls, Hasp begins to feel doubt for the first time in his career, especially as his only backup are a squad of Chem-Dogs he previously sentenced to death. Forced to cross over deadly enemy-infested territory and join a bloody siege, can Hasp keep the Chem-Dogs loyal long enough to complete his mission, or will a far more sinister threat claim all their lives?
Chem Dog was an awesome new Warhammer 40,000 entry that quickly grabs your attention and keeps you hooked with its compelling narrative, entertaining characters and great action sequences. A powerful and intense first full novel from new author Callum Davis, Chem Dog was an easy book to fall in love with and is a must read for all Warhammer fans.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2026/05/18/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
May 20, 2026
The characters made this feel a bit different from the usual warhammer 40k war story. Having the troops the commissar leads be from a penal legion gave them a bit of a dangerous underdog quality. As he's leading them through their mission, Commissar Hasp grapples with doubts on whether they're actually as irredeemable as they are supposed to be, and personal weakness in himself. So those things combine to give a lingering undercurrent of uncertainty for how it will all turn out which helps to draw you in. The other Imperials around seem to have no faith in Hasp or his troops, so there is also some undercurrent of not being able to trust supposed allies.
The characters feel distinct and are written well. Orks are a fun adversary as usual. The action is fast paced, enjoyably intense, and well described.
It's pretty solid until the end. Without going into spoilers, the end lets it down a bit. There isn't much payoff for what our characters go through. The spirit of it is sort in keeping with the bleakness of the 40k setting so it probably depends on your perspective, but I was hoping for more. Getting there is an enjoyable time though. 3.5/5
The characters feel distinct and are written well. Orks are a fun adversary as usual. The action is fast paced, enjoyably intense, and well described.
It's pretty solid until the end. Without going into spoilers, the end lets it down a bit. There isn't much payoff for what our characters go through. The spirit of it is sort in keeping with the bleakness of the 40k setting so it probably depends on your perspective, but I was hoping for more. Getting there is an enjoyable time though. 3.5/5
May 3, 2026
Chem Dog was a pleasant surprise and a personal disappointment for me. The story follows a commissar and his squad of Savlar Chemdogs, the lowest of the low of the Imperial Guard, as they infiltrate and fight through a greenskin fortress.
The story has a slower start, but when it picks up, it doesn't stop. The Savlars are full of personality, and contrary to their reputation, they are suspiciously capable and disciplined while on the mission. Their commissar goes through quite a character arc, and overall, the characters in the novel are dynamic and fun to read about.
However, I felt like the characters do a little bit too well in the situations that they are in. In the end it feels like a bit of an Imperial Guard powerfantasy. There is not much more I see as negative about Chem Dog. However, I am a bit dissaponted with how the story utilized Savlar Chem Dogs as a concept, since they are relegated to a band of thieving and bickering albeit effective soldiers. As far as I know, the Chem Dogs appear in one other novel - Pilgrims of Fire, where they are presented as a force of soldiers losing their grip on reality because of the combat chems (Chemdogs, duh). I felt that this side of the Chemdogs was missing from this depiction.
I was expecting a bit of a tragic depiction of men and women who lose themselves to achieve what needs to be achieved and instead and I got an incredibly entertaining Guard story. I would call that a win!
The story has a slower start, but when it picks up, it doesn't stop. The Savlars are full of personality, and contrary to their reputation, they are suspiciously capable and disciplined while on the mission. Their commissar goes through quite a character arc, and overall, the characters in the novel are dynamic and fun to read about.
However, I felt like the characters do a little bit too well in the situations that they are in. In the end it feels like a bit of an Imperial Guard powerfantasy. There is not much more I see as negative about Chem Dog. However, I am a bit dissaponted with how the story utilized Savlar Chem Dogs as a concept, since they are relegated to a band of thieving and bickering albeit effective soldiers. As far as I know, the Chem Dogs appear in one other novel - Pilgrims of Fire, where they are presented as a force of soldiers losing their grip on reality because of the combat chems (Chemdogs, duh). I felt that this side of the Chemdogs was missing from this depiction.
I was expecting a bit of a tragic depiction of men and women who lose themselves to achieve what needs to be achieved and instead and I got an incredibly entertaining Guard story. I would call that a win!
August 6, 2026
Spoilers
This one didn't quite land for me. 40k fans go into these books expecting the usual, a scrappy squad of soldiers getting run into the ground by a commissar who doesn't care if they live or die and that setup is here, but the execution feels flat.
The characters read as two-dimensional, there's not much depth beneath the archetypes they're built from.
The bigger issue is the central mission. I get that keeping it vague is meant to build suspense, but there's so little given no stakes, no shape to what they're actually trying to accomplish that the plot never builds real tension.
Usually a book like this can lean on strong characters to carry a thin plot, but since the characters here are underwritten too, there's nothing propping the story up.
Not a bad book, just a forgettable one. Solid premise, weak follow-through.
This one didn't quite land for me. 40k fans go into these books expecting the usual, a scrappy squad of soldiers getting run into the ground by a commissar who doesn't care if they live or die and that setup is here, but the execution feels flat.
The characters read as two-dimensional, there's not much depth beneath the archetypes they're built from.
The bigger issue is the central mission. I get that keeping it vague is meant to build suspense, but there's so little given no stakes, no shape to what they're actually trying to accomplish that the plot never builds real tension.
Usually a book like this can lean on strong characters to carry a thin plot, but since the characters here are underwritten too, there's nothing propping the story up.
Not a bad book, just a forgettable one. Solid premise, weak follow-through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2026
This is a far cry from the beloved Commissars Gaunt, Hark and Ludd, but the really gritty world of penal regiments and the commissars that command them.
Chem Dog is a very interesting read and the book has a fantastic pace, there's no sub plots, just action, betrayal and doubts. Commissar Hasp leads a penal regiments into an Ork bastion to find vital information. Hasp is a stalwart servant of the emperor with a fervor that could be envied by even Space Marine chaplains. And he is quick to pass the Emperor's judgement to allies and the xenos. We also come to understand the gritty Savlars and their motivations.
Read this if you want a stripped to the bone tale of the hard life for penal regiments, the lowest of the lowest in the Emperor's service.
Chem Dog is a very interesting read and the book has a fantastic pace, there's no sub plots, just action, betrayal and doubts. Commissar Hasp leads a penal regiments into an Ork bastion to find vital information. Hasp is a stalwart servant of the emperor with a fervor that could be envied by even Space Marine chaplains. And he is quick to pass the Emperor's judgement to allies and the xenos. We also come to understand the gritty Savlars and their motivations.
Read this if you want a stripped to the bone tale of the hard life for penal regiments, the lowest of the lowest in the Emperor's service.
August 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and competent. They made good choices. It had great character development. I especially loved reading the Commissar’s pov - how he had to weigh every action and statement so carefully to make sure he maintained authority and control. Grukker was fun. He was a great example of what an Ogryn is and why they’re such valuable squad members. The chem dogs were very cool. The writer did a great job of giving them quirk and showing them as the lying thieves they are who are also competent in anything they actually decide to. Hoping to see more books from this author soon.
April 29, 2026
A solid 4 star read that I wish I could rate higher but it just missed in certain parts. The opening third is excellent and thoroughly enjoyable but then gets bogged down in action in the middle and has an abrupt final third. However, this has some excellent interactions between characters and is screaming out for a continuation. I will happily continue to read where the remaining characters go next.
August 7, 2026
It was a really good 40k story following a commissar on a suicide mission leading a group of former convicts that have joined the Imperial Guard to infiltrate an Ork-infested stronghold.
The action was good and fun, the various people of the squad got enough characterisation and even some POVs. The only downside was that the writing in some places felt a bit rushed and, dare I say, basic? Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
3,5/5 stars
The action was good and fun, the various people of the squad got enough characterisation and even some POVs. The only downside was that the writing in some places felt a bit rushed and, dare I say, basic? Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
3,5/5 stars
April 8, 2026
Really engaging story. I really enjoyed commissar Hasp and his interactions with the Savlars, especially Rastus. Definitely seems like there may be a sequel and I hope there will be. Overall a very good read!
April 19, 2026
The Savlar Chem Dogs are SO fun to read about, which partnered with an absolute monster of a Commissar make for a great Grimdark read. Impressed by how human the monsters feel in this one with a relatively three dimensional examination of the internal workings of zealotry.
May 9, 2026
Took me a bit to get into the book but enjoyed it nonetheless. Left the story open to continuation with so e of the main characters. Unfortunately I kept comparing this to Gaunt novels, which is a bit unfair on the author.
August 4, 2026
Up there with my favorite guard books. Ill say as far as commissars go, Hasp might be favorite. Might be tied with Cain but I found him more interesting then even Gaunt with the time I spent with him in this novel.
April 3, 2026
An excellent novel, Callum Davis needs to write more!
April 14, 2026
Great ‘Dirty Dozen/ Suicide Squad’ type of story. Compelling characters. The ending demands a sequel!
April 15, 2026
Adequate
April 30, 2026
A great read! Enjoyed the dynamic between the Commissar and the Chem dogs. Favorite guy was the ogryn. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of the Guard.
June 1, 2026
Easy read. Good perspective on savlar chem dogs and Mordians. Enjoyable book with a great siege battle.
July 6, 2026
Standard fare. Follows the stereotypical commissar as he lets his standards reach attainable levels. Nothing new to see here, it rechews well chewed ground. The writing is competent, keeping the action moving along without evoking any real depth of emotion or surprise.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews