Mysterion, April 2025

“Honey-Fang’s Confessor” by D.G.P. Rector

Reviewed by Eric Kimminau

If you’re into epic stories with deep themes, you might want to check out “Honey-Fang’s Confessor” by D.G.P. Rector. It’s about Father Colm, a Christian missionary who survives a shipwreck only to end up as a slave to the Geats, ruled by none other than “He whose fang drips honey” – King Beowulf. Yeah, that Beowulf. Throughout the story, Colm struggles to hold onto his faith while enduring the harsh realities of being a captive. He tries to show Beowulf a path of peace, challenging the king’s identity as a warrior and forcing him to reckon with his past, including his haunting battle with Grendel’s mother.

The plot takes a wild turn when a dragon wakes up—furious after its treasure hoard is disturbed by another captive. This sets the stage for chaos as the dragon unleashes destruction across the Geatish lands. Beowulf is left grappling with his responsibility to protect his people and the personal cost of his choices. There’s this powerful moment where someone accuses Beowulf, saying, “You risk your death for a slave.” And Beowulf replies, “No. For a lamb.” It shows the layers of his character. And when Beowulf dies, Colm weeps for him as his “friend” – “the reaver, the slayer, the heathen king.” It left me reflecting on themes like power, guilt, and redemption. Who would’ve thought a modern take on the Beowulf legend could pack such an emotional punch? Honestly, I had doubts that it would be able to hold with the original story but I was pleasantly surprised with the wonderful message that the missionary had led the King with thought of the lamb. Epic.

Eric Kimminau is a BBS geek turned IT professional seeking the next Great Adventure.