Nate Crowley’s The Twice Dead King: Reign continues the story begun in Ruin, offering the conclusion to Oltyx’s turbulent journey within the ancient, unliving ranks of the Necrons.
Building upon the themes of honor, exile, and identity from the first installment, Reign raises the stakes to galactic levels by pitting Oltyx’s fractured dynasty against threats both internal and external. The result is a novel that deftly balances epic conflict, introspective character work, and the distinctive grimdark tone of Warhammer 40K.
Plot
Picking up where Ruin left off, Reign sees Oltyx forced to confront the looming Imperial Crusade that threatens to consume the remnants of his once-mighty dynasty. Driven from his home in disgrace, he must now step into a leadership role he never wanted—nor believed he deserved—if he hopes to save his tomb world from annihilation. The novel’s opening chapters lay out the tension between Oltyx’s immediate need to defend against the Imperial fleets and his lingering feelings of insecurity in his new role.
As he fights to save his people, Oltyx must forge uneasy alliances, reconcile with old rivals, and make critical decisions about the future of his dynasty. Crowley weaves together multiple narrative threads—ranging from direct battlefield confrontation to covert politicking—while maintaining a brisk pace that underlines the urgency of the Necrons’ plight. The story’s momentum builds steadily, culminating in large-scale set pieces and pivotal revelations about the legacy he stands to inherit.
Characters
Oltyx remains the emotional core of Reign, his development fueled by the weight of his past failures and the mounting responsibility to protect his people. Crowley deepens Oltyx’s internal struggle by exploring his insecurities, his lingering bitterness toward those who ousted him, and the faint spark of nobility he can’t quite ignore. It’s a compelling portrait of a leader torn between cynicism and duty—a tension that shapes nearly every decision he makes.
Supporting characters also shine, adding texture to the dynasty’s complicated social structure. Members of Oltyx’s retinue—ranging from high-ranking Necron lieutenants to opportunistic nobles—bring their own ambitions, secrets, and loyalties to the table. Their alliances and betrayals reinforce the precarious nature of power within Necron society. Meanwhile, Crowley skillfully portrays the Imperium as a relentless, almost existential threat, though they primarily function as a catalyst for Oltyx’s leadership arc rather than fully fleshed-out antagonists in their own right.
Of particular note is how the novel handles the voices of the past—whether literal echoes of ancient dynastic figures or symbolic burdens inherited from a bygone age. These specters help anchor Oltyx’s sense of identity while underscoring the heavy traditions that can both guide and trap an immortal race like the Necrons.
Overall Summary and Verdict
The Twice Dead King: Reign succeeds as a strong conclusion to Oltyx’s story, plunging him deeper into the murky politics and existential crises that threaten to tear his dynasty apart. Crowley balances large-scale war against the Imperium with personal struggles for identity and redemption, offering a layered depiction of what it means to rule in a galaxy forever on the brink of destruction.
Fans of Ruin will find Reign a fitting and satisfying payoff to Oltyx’s arc, while Warhammer 40K readers intrigued by the enigmatic Necrons will appreciate the deep dive into their hierarchy, their ancient feuds, and their complex honor code. Though some sections move swiftly and certain plot lines might merit even more exploration, the novel delivers on its promise of high-stakes conflict underpinned by resonant character drama. In short, The Twice Dead King: Reign is a compelling finale that cements Nate Crowley’s place among the noteworthy voices expanding the 40K lore from a distinctly Necron point of view.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
