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Ciaphas Cain #1
For the Emperor
Commisar Ciaphas Cain - hero of the Imperium and renowned across the sector for his bravery and valour - is sent to help maintain order on an outpost world on the borders of Tau space. But when the alien ambassador is murdered and the situation quickly spirals out of control, Cain and his regiment of Valhallans find themselves in the middle of a war. As the Imperial Guard struggle to contain worldwide civil insurrection, can the wily Commisar Cain identify the real villian before the planet is lost to the Imperium forever ?
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 23, 2003
About the author
Sandy Mitchell
92 books390 followersSandy Mitchell is a pseudonym of Alex Stewart, who has been a full-time writer since the mid nineteen eighties. The majority of his work as Sandy has been tie-in fiction for Games Workshop's Warhammer fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 science fiction lines. The exceptions have been a novelisation of episodes from the high tech thriller series Bugs, for which he also worked as a scriptwriter under his own name, some Warhammer roleplaying game material, and a scattering of short stories and magazine articles.
His hobbies include the martial arts of Aikido and Iaido, miniature wargaming, role-playing games, and pottering about on the family allotment.
He lives in the North Essex village of Earls Colne, with his wife Judith and daughter Hester.
His hobbies include the martial arts of Aikido and Iaido, miniature wargaming, role-playing games, and pottering about on the family allotment.
He lives in the North Essex village of Earls Colne, with his wife Judith and daughter Hester.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
October 22, 2018
It is the 41st Millennium. For more than a hundred centuries The Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. He is the Master of Mankind by the will of the gods, and master of a million worlds by the might of his inexhaustible armies. He is a rotting carcass writhing invisibly with power from the Dark Age of Technology. He is the Carrion Lord of the Imperium for whom a thousand souls are sacrificed every day, so that he may never truly die.
Yet even in his deathless state, the Emperor continues his eternal vigilance. Mighty battlefleets cross the daemon-infested miasma of the Warp, the only route between distant stars, their way lit by the Astronomican, the psychic manifestation of the Emperor's will. Vast armies give battle in his name on uncounted worlds. Greatest amongst his soldiers are the Adeptus Astartes, the Space Marines, bio-engineered super-warriors. Their comrades in arms are legion: the Imperial Guard and countless planetary defence forces, the ever vigilant Inquisition and the tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to name only a few. But for all their multitudes, they are barely enough to hold off the ever-present threat from aliens, heretics, mutants - and worse.
To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold billions. It is to live in the cruelest and most bloody regime imaginable. These are the tales of those times. Forget the power of technology and science, for so much has been forgotten, never to be re-learned. Forget the promise of progress and understanding, for in the grim dark future there is only war. There is no peace amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter, and the laughter of thirsting gods.
This is my first Warhammer experience, and the intro listed above gives one a much different feeling than what would follow (and yes Warhammer fans, I know the Cain series is an oddity in that regard). Those looking for something truly grim need not apply… though those looking for a total light hearted read should possibly avoid as well.
As I mentioned above, this is my first Warhammer experience. While I am familiar with the game, I was never able to afford getting into it as a hobby in my younger days (I was strictly a D&D player who used friends' "community" books for character creation and rules). My knowledge of the universe is thus very limited. I bring this up because people in the same situation as me may like to know that several alien races are introduced with little to no description. Knowledge of the universe is very much assumed. If you are wanting to read this, I suggest bookmarking the Warhammer wiki... if you're like me you will be checking it frequently.
So, some may ask after reading the above, why should I bother with a book that I'm going to be frequently checking references to understand? Well, because it is damn fun for one reason. The plot follows Commissar Ciaphas Cain, well known hero of several campaigns; he's become a legend in his own time and his name opens doors throughout the universe... but his heroic status is a bit exaggerated to say the least. The book takes the form of his memoirs, in which he reveals that his heroic acts are mostly being in the right place (or wrong place from his point of view) at the right time. For example, the heroic act of going back for a fallen soldier seems a lot less heroic when you find out that from his view point, he saw something horrible ahead, retreated and decided a human shield was the appropriate way of keeping himself alive. He is happy to use his status as hero to get what he wants, but as he says early on (setting up his character wonderfully) “The trouble with everybody thinking you’re a hero is that they tend to assume you like being in mortal danger and go out of their way to provide some.” Cain is a hero in name only, as he'll be happy to inform you repeatedly. He is a coward, a combination of Blackadder and Flashman, placed in a grim military science fiction setting, who is supposedly know for his heroic acts; through this Mitchell is able to deconstruct the entire Warhammer setting, playing it completely tongue in cheek.
Though very humorous, it doesn't completely take away the darker aspects of its setting. People die, sometimes abruptly and in rather terrifying ways. Some of the aliens presented are the things of nightmares and there are a few moral decisions that make even Cain rather shellshocked. While this is not the grim dark novel that one may expect from the series, it is still very much in its setting and doesn't dismiss that to keep its humorous tone.
One of the most interesting aspects of the novel is that we can't actually trust Cain entirely about how he presents himself. We are told at the beginning that these are his own personal journals found and footnoted by an inquisitor after his death. Through footnotes and chapter breaks from "historic sources" we are given a view about how people perceived Cain and how others saw his actions, sometimes outright conflicting with his report. He is caught in lies throughout the footnotes, making it seem that Cain may perhaps be exaggerating his own cowardliness... or are the inquisitors trying to rewrite his story to create a more propaganda appropriate Cain? That, at least in the first novel, is not resolved, but it creates a character that you are constantly given two alternate interpretations. Through these two extreme interpretations we are given a shockingly 3-dimensional character, who most likely falls somewhere between to two takes.
While the novel suffers from some pacing issues, and newcomers to Warhammer will no doubt need references to the material, For The Emperor is a constantly entertaining read with a shockingly fascinating lead. Recommended for Warhammer fans and those looking for a grim but humorous read. A solid three out of five.
August 30, 2018
I adore this book and I adore this series, and I keep coming back to it time and time and time again. I first read it about a decade ago, when I was in college, and I just reread it for at least the seventh or eighth time, and still love it.
The basic premise is that Commissar Ciaphas Cain is a renowned far and wide as a great and noble hero... while secretly being a cynic, a rogue, and a (self-professed) coward. It's basically a sci-fi version of Flashman, which is a deserved classic, except I actually think Mitchell one-ups the originals in certain ways.
The setting is that of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40k, and yes, this is a tie-in novel. At the same time, deep setting information is *not* required, and if anything this series is far more comprehensible than, say, some of Max Gladstone's work (and I say this as someone who adores Gladstone to bits). Mitchell also avoids the excesses that plague some of Warhammer 40k's less subtle works.
Within the context of the story, this is mostly an adventure story, with plenty of military-style action and an enormous amount of comedy derived from Cain's constant flim-flam. For the Emperor, unlike most of the series, also has an element of mystery and intrigue, with a Sinister Conspiracy trying to pit our heroes and some aliens against each other in a war -- for this reason, For the Emperor is one of my favorites of all of Mitchell's work. So, action, comedy, intrigue, mystery, gorgeous sci-fi settings, a dash of amusingly sweet romance...
I might further add that while this is a very *light* book, it's also a rather smart one. There's a lot of wit in the writing, but more subtly, there's a lot of depth to the character descriptions -- Cain himself is particularly fascinating, a lifelong dissembler who claims to be a fraud and not a hero, but might be more heroic than he realizes (it's always interesting to note what Cain *does* as opposed to how he justifies it). To be fair, most other characters are fairly static in comparison.
It's also interesting that Mitchell is, in his own quiet way, one of the more feminist authors to work in what is technically Military-SF. Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Lt. Jenit Sulla, and Colonel Regina Kasteen are all wonderful characters, massively different from each other, and a joy to read about.
The sum result is that these are wonderful books to read when you want something fun, and exciting, and funny, with maybe a touch of genuine drama for spice. For the Emperor is probably my absolute favorite, but I'd say all of the first six books are quite good (Books 3 and 5 have the same elements of intrigue, Book 4 has the best adventure aspect, Book 6 the best drama). Afterwards I think Mitchell gets tired of writing them and they get weaker, so I tend to think of Book 6 as the grand finale.
Highly recommended to all and sundry.
The basic premise is that Commissar Ciaphas Cain is a renowned far and wide as a great and noble hero... while secretly being a cynic, a rogue, and a (self-professed) coward. It's basically a sci-fi version of Flashman, which is a deserved classic, except I actually think Mitchell one-ups the originals in certain ways.
The setting is that of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40k, and yes, this is a tie-in novel. At the same time, deep setting information is *not* required, and if anything this series is far more comprehensible than, say, some of Max Gladstone's work (and I say this as someone who adores Gladstone to bits). Mitchell also avoids the excesses that plague some of Warhammer 40k's less subtle works.
Within the context of the story, this is mostly an adventure story, with plenty of military-style action and an enormous amount of comedy derived from Cain's constant flim-flam. For the Emperor, unlike most of the series, also has an element of mystery and intrigue, with a Sinister Conspiracy trying to pit our heroes and some aliens against each other in a war -- for this reason, For the Emperor is one of my favorites of all of Mitchell's work. So, action, comedy, intrigue, mystery, gorgeous sci-fi settings, a dash of amusingly sweet romance...
I might further add that while this is a very *light* book, it's also a rather smart one. There's a lot of wit in the writing, but more subtly, there's a lot of depth to the character descriptions -- Cain himself is particularly fascinating, a lifelong dissembler who claims to be a fraud and not a hero, but might be more heroic than he realizes (it's always interesting to note what Cain *does* as opposed to how he justifies it). To be fair, most other characters are fairly static in comparison.
It's also interesting that Mitchell is, in his own quiet way, one of the more feminist authors to work in what is technically Military-SF. Inquisitor Amberley Vail, Lt. Jenit Sulla, and Colonel Regina Kasteen are all wonderful characters, massively different from each other, and a joy to read about.
The sum result is that these are wonderful books to read when you want something fun, and exciting, and funny, with maybe a touch of genuine drama for spice. For the Emperor is probably my absolute favorite, but I'd say all of the first six books are quite good (Books 3 and 5 have the same elements of intrigue, Book 4 has the best adventure aspect, Book 6 the best drama). Afterwards I think Mitchell gets tired of writing them and they get weaker, so I tend to think of Book 6 as the grand finale.
Highly recommended to all and sundry.
May 18, 2020
Ciaphas Cain is generally lauded as the second part of the great Imperial Guard Commissar book series duo, along with Gaunt's Ghosts, but it never hit quite as well to me. The humor felt forced, and the main character's self-impression as an incompetent coward never really rang at all true, since he actually is pretty badass. Would have been funnier if he wasn't.
Never got around to the rest of the books. I heard they tend to repeat the same stuff a lot.
Never got around to the rest of the books. I heard they tend to repeat the same stuff a lot.
August 6, 2019
A fun read if you like military sci-fi, Black adder and dry britsh humor
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March 20, 2024
This was recommended as a great intro. to the Warhammer 40K universe...but it was almost TOO accessible, y'know?
Where were the psychic Cockney plant-orcs?
Where were the planet-extinguishing Latin weapons?
Where were the ravenous Chaos cultists?
It was fine enough for a sci-fi book, and I really enjoyed the first 1/3 on the ship, but everything I've heard about the setting was so much grander & darker & weirder than this!
Where were the psychic Cockney plant-orcs?
Where were the planet-extinguishing Latin weapons?
Where were the ravenous Chaos cultists?
It was fine enough for a sci-fi book, and I really enjoyed the first 1/3 on the ship, but everything I've heard about the setting was so much grander & darker & weirder than this!
September 18, 2021
The 40k novel you don't expect. Or, better, the main character you don't expect. If you're familiar with Black Library novels, you know that they are filled with great warriors, heroic acts made in the emperor's name, bla bla bla. Cain Is simply just the opposite. He's basically a scoundrel, only interested in saving his own skin. Well, that's refreshing, and a very funny read indeed. I will definitely read the other books in this saga.
May 30, 2012
or the Emperor by Sandy Mitchell is the first novel in the new Warhammer 40K series starring the (somewhat)amusing, irreverent and, ultimately, heroic Commissar Ciaphas Cain of the Imperial Guard. This new series recounts the adventures and exploits of Ciaphas Cain as he tries to fake and smooth talk his way out of what he thinks are dangerous and life-threatening situations. This sort of behavior is very unusual for a man of his rank and resposibility since as a Commissar of the Imperial Guard he's suppose to be represent a symbol of bravery in the face of danger, especially insurmountable ones. Cain does so through all his adventures, but usually due to his actions of self-preservation actually putting him in danger. And when he gets out of it he's hailed a hero of the Imperium.
The reluctant hero is sent to a Valhallan regiment. Problems occur from the instant he sets foot on the hangar bay of the Righteous Wrath. Two Valhallan regiments have been consolidated from the survivors of 301st and 296th. One is a female regiment, one is a male regiment, and each believe themselves better than the other. Cain has his hands full keeping them from each other's throats and eventually welding them into a single cooperating regiment (597th Valhallan). This is barely accomplished before they are sent to help maintain order on an outpost world on the borders of Tau space. But when the alien ambassador is murdered and the situation quickly spirals out of control, Cain and his new regiment find themselves in the middle of a war. Accompanying him is his ever-present and ever-loyal aide Jurgen whose personal appearance and hygiene doesn't conform to the most minimum of standards of what a soldier is suppose to look. But Jurgen's administrative talent makes him a valuable sidekick to Cain, and whose more secret talent Cain later finds out through another companion makes him even more invaluable in keeping him alive.
Jurgen has a skin disease (psiorasis). As Cain works to make the newly formed 597th Valhallan become a well-drilled and proper Imperial Guard force he and his men soon become part of a diplomatic delegation between Imperium diplomats negotiating with Tau counterparts in the Damocles Gulf sector. One thing leads to another and soon Cain and his men must solve the mystery that is putting the Imperium and the Tau Empire in the path to war. It is through his investigation that Cain first meets Amberley Vail. A woman who seems to be nothing more than a political hanger-on and courtesan, but whose outward appearance hides a much more dangerous personality. It is actually through Vail's recollection and annotations throughout the novel that Cain's exploits are told. From the get go there's a mutual respect and attraction between Cain and Vail. This is a new one in the series of novels released about the Warhammer 40K universe. Though the romance is minimal it is hinted at early on and given mention as something that both pursue as they get to know each other throughout their lives. The whole novel is a very good start to a new character for the Warhammer 40K and at times the pacing of the story shows this. There's less of the intense battle scenes that makes another series about a Commissar very good and intense. But the unveiling of Cain, Jurgen, Vail and the 597th more than makes up for the smaller amount of action. The foundation laid down in For the Emperor by Sandy Mitchell shows that bigger and better things await those who have the patience to stick with Ciaphas Cain. Here's to hoping that Amberley Vail picks the right volume from Cain's memoirs for us readers to read through.
As I said before this is the first of a series reporting the archived memories of Commissar Cain. Each is told as written by Cain, after his retirement. It also describes the first time Cain meets Amberley Vail, an agent of the Ordo Xenos, and the Valhallan regiment he spends most of his career with. Vail is the one putting Cain's archives together for her fellow inquisitors to read if they so wish. She has annotated several sections to fill in Cain's gaps. As the reader, I found many of these footnotes interesting, as they made Cain's campaign seem more realistic; however, some of these footnotes are pointless. This novel covers the Gravalax campaign and will be referred to often in the upcoming books of the series. All-in-all, I believe this novel to have succeeded in creating a solid foundation for the Cain series to build upon.
The reluctant hero is sent to a Valhallan regiment. Problems occur from the instant he sets foot on the hangar bay of the Righteous Wrath. Two Valhallan regiments have been consolidated from the survivors of 301st and 296th. One is a female regiment, one is a male regiment, and each believe themselves better than the other. Cain has his hands full keeping them from each other's throats and eventually welding them into a single cooperating regiment (597th Valhallan). This is barely accomplished before they are sent to help maintain order on an outpost world on the borders of Tau space. But when the alien ambassador is murdered and the situation quickly spirals out of control, Cain and his new regiment find themselves in the middle of a war. Accompanying him is his ever-present and ever-loyal aide Jurgen whose personal appearance and hygiene doesn't conform to the most minimum of standards of what a soldier is suppose to look. But Jurgen's administrative talent makes him a valuable sidekick to Cain, and whose more secret talent Cain later finds out through another companion makes him even more invaluable in keeping him alive.
Jurgen has a skin disease (psiorasis). As Cain works to make the newly formed 597th Valhallan become a well-drilled and proper Imperial Guard force he and his men soon become part of a diplomatic delegation between Imperium diplomats negotiating with Tau counterparts in the Damocles Gulf sector. One thing leads to another and soon Cain and his men must solve the mystery that is putting the Imperium and the Tau Empire in the path to war. It is through his investigation that Cain first meets Amberley Vail. A woman who seems to be nothing more than a political hanger-on and courtesan, but whose outward appearance hides a much more dangerous personality. It is actually through Vail's recollection and annotations throughout the novel that Cain's exploits are told. From the get go there's a mutual respect and attraction between Cain and Vail. This is a new one in the series of novels released about the Warhammer 40K universe. Though the romance is minimal it is hinted at early on and given mention as something that both pursue as they get to know each other throughout their lives. The whole novel is a very good start to a new character for the Warhammer 40K and at times the pacing of the story shows this. There's less of the intense battle scenes that makes another series about a Commissar very good and intense. But the unveiling of Cain, Jurgen, Vail and the 597th more than makes up for the smaller amount of action. The foundation laid down in For the Emperor by Sandy Mitchell shows that bigger and better things await those who have the patience to stick with Ciaphas Cain. Here's to hoping that Amberley Vail picks the right volume from Cain's memoirs for us readers to read through.
As I said before this is the first of a series reporting the archived memories of Commissar Cain. Each is told as written by Cain, after his retirement. It also describes the first time Cain meets Amberley Vail, an agent of the Ordo Xenos, and the Valhallan regiment he spends most of his career with. Vail is the one putting Cain's archives together for her fellow inquisitors to read if they so wish. She has annotated several sections to fill in Cain's gaps. As the reader, I found many of these footnotes interesting, as they made Cain's campaign seem more realistic; however, some of these footnotes are pointless. This novel covers the Gravalax campaign and will be referred to often in the upcoming books of the series. All-in-all, I believe this novel to have succeeded in creating a solid foundation for the Cain series to build upon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Me estaba planteando si darle cuatro o cinco estrellas, pero mira. Teniendo en cuenta que la gran mayoría de libros de 40k deben de ser grimdark a tope y ya otro que me había empezado comenzaba a tomar carrerilla con Desgracias y Nihilismos Varios, a mi que me den a mi comisario cobarde al que le acaban saliendo las cosas de chiripa. El ritmo es un poco igual a lo largo del libro y el final llega de golpe, pero me lo he pasado bien y todo se perdona. Ale.
May 15, 2020
Blackadder in 40k! Awesome. Would give it 4.5 if I could.
June 4, 2015
Obviously, this did not work for me. (In truth, if I hadn't read the Gaunt's Ghosts series I NEVER would have even given this a chance.) It didn't have the "spark" of the aforementioned series; there were many similar elements but thrown together in a way that did not please me, as the reader. I liked the whole secretly-cowardly-war hero thing, but how it was proven, by thoughts rather than any discernible actions, got old pretty fast. "Okay, I get it, you're sooo cowardly while doing brave stuff. Yup. Keep telling me about it." That's basically my feelings on that. Then there was Amberley-who-ugh. There, that is all. Nothing else I say will precisely explain my feelings except a simple and whole-hearted "ugh."
Besides nit-picking, the story itself was not at all difficult to piece together in the first hundred pages. And from there, each twist was easily anticipated. They weren't even good easily anticipated twists, I could have forgiven that. Instead they were stock scifi plot twists, I would have preferred something that would have been a little funnier, since that would have relieved the tedium and resulting boredom.
So, I highly doubt I'll have an interest in the next book, because really I don't want to read Warhammer books if I can help it, and here I think I can help it.
Besides nit-picking, the story itself was not at all difficult to piece together in the first hundred pages. And from there, each twist was easily anticipated. They weren't even good easily anticipated twists, I could have forgiven that. Instead they were stock scifi plot twists, I would have preferred something that would have been a little funnier, since that would have relieved the tedium and resulting boredom.
So, I highly doubt I'll have an interest in the next book, because really I don't want to read Warhammer books if I can help it, and here I think I can help it.
May 14, 2022
first 40k read ever
i really enjoyed it
i loved caiphas and his voice
i expected more action
i m still a little disoriented with the lore
but i really really liked it and had a good time
i really enjoyed it
i loved caiphas and his voice
i expected more action
i m still a little disoriented with the lore
but i really really liked it and had a good time
July 21, 2022
Dummeste shittet jeg har lest.
June 22, 2020
This was a lot of fun to read. The blend of serious and comedy is done very well and is never in your face.
Commissar Ciaphas Cain, as he mentions himself frequently throughout the series of his memoirs, is a coward with more luck than any hundred people put together. If you have read the Flashman Papers then you'll have a good idea of what to expect coming into the Ciaphas Cain books.
Ciaphas, along with his trusty aide, Jurgen, and the newly formed, mixed gender regiment of the Valhallan 597th are sent to the planet of Gravalax to deal with insurrection caused by the Tau (a race of blue-skinned, technologically advanced humanoid aliens).
Personally, although I enjoyed this very much, I felt this featured far too much talking, world-building and political back and forth to ever reach the five star rating I desperately wanted to give it. That being said, it's not dull, just not as explosive as I know the Cain books can be.
When the author puts their foot down on the accelerator, though, it gets very exciting, very fast. Almost like that plodding ascent up a roller coaster before the downward rush when you reach the peak.
The character/world building done is essential, I just feel there was too much of it. You certainly get a much better knowledge of the Warhammer 40k universe as a whole from this book/series than you do others and, for that reason alone I'd say it's hands down one of the best places to start.
As is usually the case with 40k novels, the action is fast-paced, dark, painful and hellishly exciting. Cain is one of the most endearing characters for me as far as Warhammer universe goes as he is the sort of hero that I love to read about. The kind that hates being thought of as a hero and is only their by a mixture of luck, fluke and skill. With every passing victory, his fame grows and he finds himself thrust into more and more deadly situations. Makes for the perfect character. You just can't help but feel sorry for the sort of chap who does everything within his power to avoid danger but inadvertently finds himself rushing towards it instead.
It's told in first person narrative and features footnotes explaining certain aspects that your unknowledgeable 40k reader would not know. Another reason for it being a perfect starting point in the Warhammer universe.
All in all it's a great blend of styles that makes for a wonderful opener in a wonderful series.
Commissar Ciaphas Cain, as he mentions himself frequently throughout the series of his memoirs, is a coward with more luck than any hundred people put together. If you have read the Flashman Papers then you'll have a good idea of what to expect coming into the Ciaphas Cain books.
Ciaphas, along with his trusty aide, Jurgen, and the newly formed, mixed gender regiment of the Valhallan 597th are sent to the planet of Gravalax to deal with insurrection caused by the Tau (a race of blue-skinned, technologically advanced humanoid aliens).
Personally, although I enjoyed this very much, I felt this featured far too much talking, world-building and political back and forth to ever reach the five star rating I desperately wanted to give it. That being said, it's not dull, just not as explosive as I know the Cain books can be.
When the author puts their foot down on the accelerator, though, it gets very exciting, very fast. Almost like that plodding ascent up a roller coaster before the downward rush when you reach the peak.
The character/world building done is essential, I just feel there was too much of it. You certainly get a much better knowledge of the Warhammer 40k universe as a whole from this book/series than you do others and, for that reason alone I'd say it's hands down one of the best places to start.
As is usually the case with 40k novels, the action is fast-paced, dark, painful and hellishly exciting. Cain is one of the most endearing characters for me as far as Warhammer universe goes as he is the sort of hero that I love to read about. The kind that hates being thought of as a hero and is only their by a mixture of luck, fluke and skill. With every passing victory, his fame grows and he finds himself thrust into more and more deadly situations. Makes for the perfect character. You just can't help but feel sorry for the sort of chap who does everything within his power to avoid danger but inadvertently finds himself rushing towards it instead.
It's told in first person narrative and features footnotes explaining certain aspects that your unknowledgeable 40k reader would not know. Another reason for it being a perfect starting point in the Warhammer universe.
All in all it's a great blend of styles that makes for a wonderful opener in a wonderful series.
June 28, 2023
In the grim darkness of the far future there is only war. War and a little bit of lighter humor given to us by ciaphas cain.
This first book introduces us to the character, a higher ranking military official who's sole goal is to survive. Through this goal he finds himself in several instances where his self serving purpose turns him into a hero. A hero he doesn't believe he is.
It's quite a different read than what I'm used to but I welcome a little lighter and humorous tale in this universe.
I'd give it a 4.5/5 if I could. Felt a little short but great read all in all.
This first book introduces us to the character, a higher ranking military official who's sole goal is to survive. Through this goal he finds himself in several instances where his self serving purpose turns him into a hero. A hero he doesn't believe he is.
It's quite a different read than what I'm used to but I welcome a little lighter and humorous tale in this universe.
I'd give it a 4.5/5 if I could. Felt a little short but great read all in all.
February 15, 2021
First Warhammer novel and it was OK... I wanted to get in to the 40k lore and was put off by the Horus Heresy collection due to its size and was told this was a good place to start.
I liked the style of it being told as a memoir which went some way to paper over the cracks of bad writing as you can't fully blame the author but instead the character writing the memoir. However, this wasn't the novel I thought it would be. It was a very vanilla story in the world of 40k that I was expecting. A lot of knowledge of the 40k universe and other races is assumed which made it hard to follow what's going on or really get immersed.
The writing style was repetitive at points with the same statements/idioms/jokes being repeated. Cian is a great protagonist but the way he tries so hard to describe himself as a coward is a bit cringe and feels very incencere at times.
On the whole it's worth a read but I've started Horus Heresy and already have a far better feel for the universe in the first few chapters and it's far darker/philosophical.
I liked the style of it being told as a memoir which went some way to paper over the cracks of bad writing as you can't fully blame the author but instead the character writing the memoir. However, this wasn't the novel I thought it would be. It was a very vanilla story in the world of 40k that I was expecting. A lot of knowledge of the 40k universe and other races is assumed which made it hard to follow what's going on or really get immersed.
The writing style was repetitive at points with the same statements/idioms/jokes being repeated. Cian is a great protagonist but the way he tries so hard to describe himself as a coward is a bit cringe and feels very incencere at times.
On the whole it's worth a read but I've started Horus Heresy and already have a far better feel for the universe in the first few chapters and it's far darker/philosophical.
April 15, 2022
3.75 stars
Being my first 40K book I was good, I liked the world building and monster names used here and I dearly love our Protagonist Caine too.
It is written in an account like a memoir with anecdote's scattered here an thier , the writing style is quite good to it flows very well.
Being my first 40K book I was good, I liked the world building and monster names used here and I dearly love our Protagonist Caine too.
It is written in an account like a memoir with anecdote's scattered here an thier , the writing style is quite good to it flows very well.
March 10, 2022
Egy ideje vágytam már egy jó W40k történetre, és bár belekezdtem Dan Abnett Eisenhorn-trilógiájába most kicsit mást szerettem volna, így esett a választásom erre a könyvre. Jó döntés volt, mert épp egy ilyen laza, humoros, itt-ott enyhén darkos olvasmányra vágytam. Ciaphas Cain komisszár rögtön az elején a szívembe lopta magát, mert igaz, hogy nagyon gyáva, de azt legalább szórakoztató módon teszi. Cain a Birodalom hőse - szerinte dicstelenül, aminek eleinte hitelt is lehet adni -, ahogy veszélyforrást észlel azonnal megpróbál mindent és mindenkit fedezéknek használni, illetve amint lehet, szép óvatosan elsunnyogni. Persze minél inkább kerülni akarja a veszélyt, annál nagyobb bajba keveredik, amelyekből általában csak a szerencséjének köszönhetően sikerül megmenekülnie. Közben hőstetteket hajt végre - mondanom sem kell, hogy teljesen véletlenül -, és minden egyes ilyen cselekedetével csak még nagyobb hírnévre tesz szert. Emiatt persze folyamatosan olyan helyre küldik, ahol igencsak nehéz elkerülni bármiféle veszedelmet.
Szintén megkedveltem Cain hű szárnysegédjét, Jurgent, akinek a testszaga előbb érkezik meg, mint ő maga és aki végletekig hűséges a komisszárhoz. Valamint a történet folyamán később becsatlakozó szereplő is nagy kedvencem lett, de róla csak spoileresen lehetne írni, azt meg nem szeretném. Remélem ez a hármas változatlan formában jelen lesz a folytatásokban is, amire abszolút vevő vagyok.
Negatívumként annyit tudok csak felhozni, hogy szerintem több leírás alkalmazása nagyobb hasznára vált volna a könyvnek, hogy ezt a sötét, grimdarkos hangulatot, ami a W40k sajátja, minél jobban át tudja adni. Ez sajnos nem mindig sikerült.
Szintén megkedveltem Cain hű szárnysegédjét, Jurgent, akinek a testszaga előbb érkezik meg, mint ő maga és aki végletekig hűséges a komisszárhoz. Valamint a történet folyamán később becsatlakozó szereplő is nagy kedvencem lett, de róla csak spoileresen lehetne írni, azt meg nem szeretném. Remélem ez a hármas változatlan formában jelen lesz a folytatásokban is, amire abszolút vevő vagyok.
Negatívumként annyit tudok csak felhozni, hogy szerintem több leírás alkalmazása nagyobb hasznára vált volna a könyvnek, hogy ezt a sötét, grimdarkos hangulatot, ami a W40k sajátja, minél jobban át tudja adni. Ez sajnos nem mindig sikerült.
January 25, 2024
Rating: 2.5/5
I read this book as a buddy-read with my husband. It was not my usual genre (I'm not a fan of grimdark stories so avoid 40k books) but it was alright. It was funny and showed the Warhammer world through a more positive lens. I was bored at times because there was a lot of information about a world I didn't care about, but I liked the main character.
Having said that, I did have some difficulty with the writing style. It was not complex but it was not straightforward either, so I had to pay attention when reading the book. The structuring was a bit repetitive at times, and I didn't know a lot of the words used (a mix between unknown Warhammer terminology and heavy thesaurus usage). This made the pacing a bit slower for me, so I switched to Audiobook early on. It noticeably improved my experience.
As I mentioned, I liked Cain. The way the book followed his musings and was edited by a member of the inquisition was awesome and necessary, since Cain was an unreliable narrator. I especially liked his interactions with other characters , but didn't care for the battles or world building.
For me, the book was a standard read and didn't evoke any emotions, so I gave it an average rating. There was nothing wrong with - it just didn't excite me. It was more of a character study than a book with a solid plot. However, I do think that fans of Warhammer would thoroughly enjoy the book.
Side note: I read this alongside The Shadowhunter's Codex (Cassandra Clare, Joshua Lewis) and it had a similar vibe; there was a lot of world building with sporadic humour. The reason I loved that book but not this one was that I was invested in the Shadowhunter world, but not in the Warhammer world.
I read this book as a buddy-read with my husband. It was not my usual genre (I'm not a fan of grimdark stories so avoid 40k books) but it was alright. It was funny and showed the Warhammer world through a more positive lens. I was bored at times because there was a lot of information about a world I didn't care about, but I liked the main character.
Having said that, I did have some difficulty with the writing style. It was not complex but it was not straightforward either, so I had to pay attention when reading the book. The structuring was a bit repetitive at times, and I didn't know a lot of the words used (a mix between unknown Warhammer terminology and heavy thesaurus usage). This made the pacing a bit slower for me, so I switched to Audiobook early on. It noticeably improved my experience.
As I mentioned, I liked Cain. The way the book followed his musings and was edited by a member of the inquisition was awesome and necessary, since Cain was an unreliable narrator. I especially liked his interactions with other characters , but didn't care for the battles or world building.
For me, the book was a standard read and didn't evoke any emotions, so I gave it an average rating. There was nothing wrong with - it just didn't excite me. It was more of a character study than a book with a solid plot. However, I do think that fans of Warhammer would thoroughly enjoy the book.
Side note: I read this alongside The Shadowhunter's Codex (Cassandra Clare, Joshua Lewis) and it had a similar vibe; there was a lot of world building with sporadic humour. The reason I loved that book but not this one was that I was invested in the Shadowhunter world, but not in the Warhammer world.
July 9, 2019
I have so much fun with books in the Warhammer 40k setting. There are hundreds upon hundreds of them and they range from the utterly ridiculous to the downright tragic; from grimmer than grimdark to…uh, kids’ books narrated by David Tennant and Billie Piper *squints*. All sorts of brilliant writers have contributed to the colossal body of works that is the lore of this universe – my absolute favourite so far has been Dan Abnett – and through its sheer amount, there is something for everyone. Granted, this is licensed tie-in fiction and I don’t think I’ll be doing anyone a disservice when I say that a lot of it isn’t particularly good. I’m not pointing any fingers!
That said, like with Abnett’s Eisenhorn series, every once in a while I come across something exciting and really, really good! In this particular case, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the one, the only, Commissar Ciaphas Cain! Say hello, Commissar, don’t be shy, I know how you love the spotlight. Who is Commissar Cain? If you ask any high-ranking officer in the Imperial Army, he is a man of undeniable moral fibre, unquestioning loyalty to the Emperor and bravery in the face of unspeakable horror. If you ask Cain, he’ll gladly corroborate all these…while reflecting in the deep recesses of his mind that he is in fact an opportunist who has spent nearly two centuries surviving through quick thinking, exemplary bluffing and no small amount of luck.
For The Emperor is presented as the archived diary of this amusing Commissar, with footnotes and editorial comments penned by an Inquisitor who plays no small role in the untangling story of an Imperial frontier world that has erred away from the Emperor’s light. If a lot of what I said doesn’t make much sense to you, let me explain – in the fortieth millennium of the grim future, a very xenophobic humanity is barely surviving thanks to the will of a god-like entity entombed alive in a golden throne, holding together thousands of worlds and trillions of human lives through strength of will alone. This doesn’t play a factor, really, but you might as well know it if you’re still with me so far. This book doesn’t exactly get into any of this ‘bigger picture’ stuff but it’ll expect you to know certain backdrop information like this, or a few species of xenos (aliens) that aren’t explained in-depth. Certainly a minus for newcomers, I have to note, much as I adore this book.
Why do I like it so much? It’s humorous; hell, it’s laugh out loud funny, thanks to Cain (and, I suppose, Mitchell’s) acerbic wit, displayed time and again whenever the Commissar is forced to deal with life-threatening or otherwise harmful to himself situations. Or social functions. But in Cain’s case, they usually end up being one and the same, and the man has so much of that razor-sharp humour to spare for friends and enemies alike that it’s hardly a factor we need worry about. Inquisitor Veil’s footnotes are alike tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at much of what Cain has to say. Oh, you want an example? Fine, you’ve twisted my hand, here you go!
Cain: "Bribery and threats are popular methods for getting what you want, but the Inquisition is better at both and tend to resent other people using them."
Amberley: Entirely untrue. The Inquisition is most definitely above such petty emotions as resentment.
With the aid of his smelly adjutant Jurgen, Ciaphas Cain is damn near a force of nature, and a ridiculous caricature of your average Commissar to boot. I hear he’s also the antithesis of Dan Abnett’s famous Commissar Gaunt…No way of telling really, since I have yet to touch those novels but it sounds believable enough. I adore Cain. It was refreshing to read about a character who, despite all outward appearances, is a self-centred rogue looking out for himself. Or is he? That’s the catch, the big question – is Ciaphas Cain the self-serving ass he sees himself as, or is he more a hero than he could ever admit?
I’ll let you decide for yourself, dear reader. Ciaphas Cain is much like Schrodinger’s cat; instead of wondering whether he’s alive or dead, though, we wonder which interpretation of Cain is the one closer to reality; others, or his own. As for me, I am happy to give For the Emperor a score of 4/5 stars on Goodreads! I had an immensely good time with the audiobook version of this novel; it was released just last year, eighteen years after the paperback release. Stephen Perring’s narration adds so much to the character, gives him a remarkable voice that reminded me so much of actor Tony Curran (Defiance, Doctor Who) that I could’ve sworn when I first began listening that it was indeed Curran narrating it. What I want more than anything is for Perring to narrate the rest of the novels in the series – come on, Black Library, you can do it!
You’ll enjoy this if:
• You like Warhammer 40k but are tired of the mixture of heroics and melodrama;
• You really enjoy well-written tongue-in-cheek humour that somehow manages to deconstruct much of what’s iffy with the Warhammer 40k universe without taking away any of the fun of it;
• You’re into excellent characters, there are plenty of those;
• and more! Prob’ly.
Before I wrap this up, I want to give a shout-out to a really enjoyable cast of supporting characters – a likable, newly-promoted colonel, a bunch of convicted soldiers, a general with a high opinion of the Commissar, among others. I can’t wait to read more about them, about Cain’s regiment, the 597th Valhallan, as a whole, and about what comes next for the good Commissar. I just want Stephen Perring to narrate it all! Oh, and I don’t suppose I ever told you about the Inquisitor. Let’s just say…Amberley Vail is a ruthless badass, one of the very few who see through Cain’s carefully crafted mask. An Inquisitor (I really like Inquisitors), Vail is an efficient operative who drags Cain into danger for the first of many times to come!
That said, like with Abnett’s Eisenhorn series, every once in a while I come across something exciting and really, really good! In this particular case, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the one, the only, Commissar Ciaphas Cain! Say hello, Commissar, don’t be shy, I know how you love the spotlight. Who is Commissar Cain? If you ask any high-ranking officer in the Imperial Army, he is a man of undeniable moral fibre, unquestioning loyalty to the Emperor and bravery in the face of unspeakable horror. If you ask Cain, he’ll gladly corroborate all these…while reflecting in the deep recesses of his mind that he is in fact an opportunist who has spent nearly two centuries surviving through quick thinking, exemplary bluffing and no small amount of luck.
For The Emperor is presented as the archived diary of this amusing Commissar, with footnotes and editorial comments penned by an Inquisitor who plays no small role in the untangling story of an Imperial frontier world that has erred away from the Emperor’s light. If a lot of what I said doesn’t make much sense to you, let me explain – in the fortieth millennium of the grim future, a very xenophobic humanity is barely surviving thanks to the will of a god-like entity entombed alive in a golden throne, holding together thousands of worlds and trillions of human lives through strength of will alone. This doesn’t play a factor, really, but you might as well know it if you’re still with me so far. This book doesn’t exactly get into any of this ‘bigger picture’ stuff but it’ll expect you to know certain backdrop information like this, or a few species of xenos (aliens) that aren’t explained in-depth. Certainly a minus for newcomers, I have to note, much as I adore this book.
Why do I like it so much? It’s humorous; hell, it’s laugh out loud funny, thanks to Cain (and, I suppose, Mitchell’s) acerbic wit, displayed time and again whenever the Commissar is forced to deal with life-threatening or otherwise harmful to himself situations. Or social functions. But in Cain’s case, they usually end up being one and the same, and the man has so much of that razor-sharp humour to spare for friends and enemies alike that it’s hardly a factor we need worry about. Inquisitor Veil’s footnotes are alike tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at much of what Cain has to say. Oh, you want an example? Fine, you’ve twisted my hand, here you go!
Cain: "Bribery and threats are popular methods for getting what you want, but the Inquisition is better at both and tend to resent other people using them."
Amberley: Entirely untrue. The Inquisition is most definitely above such petty emotions as resentment.
With the aid of his smelly adjutant Jurgen, Ciaphas Cain is damn near a force of nature, and a ridiculous caricature of your average Commissar to boot. I hear he’s also the antithesis of Dan Abnett’s famous Commissar Gaunt…No way of telling really, since I have yet to touch those novels but it sounds believable enough. I adore Cain. It was refreshing to read about a character who, despite all outward appearances, is a self-centred rogue looking out for himself. Or is he? That’s the catch, the big question – is Ciaphas Cain the self-serving ass he sees himself as, or is he more a hero than he could ever admit?
I’ll let you decide for yourself, dear reader. Ciaphas Cain is much like Schrodinger’s cat; instead of wondering whether he’s alive or dead, though, we wonder which interpretation of Cain is the one closer to reality; others, or his own. As for me, I am happy to give For the Emperor a score of 4/5 stars on Goodreads! I had an immensely good time with the audiobook version of this novel; it was released just last year, eighteen years after the paperback release. Stephen Perring’s narration adds so much to the character, gives him a remarkable voice that reminded me so much of actor Tony Curran (Defiance, Doctor Who) that I could’ve sworn when I first began listening that it was indeed Curran narrating it. What I want more than anything is for Perring to narrate the rest of the novels in the series – come on, Black Library, you can do it!
You’ll enjoy this if:
• You like Warhammer 40k but are tired of the mixture of heroics and melodrama;
• You really enjoy well-written tongue-in-cheek humour that somehow manages to deconstruct much of what’s iffy with the Warhammer 40k universe without taking away any of the fun of it;
• You’re into excellent characters, there are plenty of those;
• and more! Prob’ly.
Before I wrap this up, I want to give a shout-out to a really enjoyable cast of supporting characters – a likable, newly-promoted colonel, a bunch of convicted soldiers, a general with a high opinion of the Commissar, among others. I can’t wait to read more about them, about Cain’s regiment, the 597th Valhallan, as a whole, and about what comes next for the good Commissar. I just want Stephen Perring to narrate it all! Oh, and I don’t suppose I ever told you about the Inquisitor. Let’s just say…Amberley Vail is a ruthless badass, one of the very few who see through Cain’s carefully crafted mask. An Inquisitor (I really like Inquisitors), Vail is an efficient operative who drags Cain into danger for the first of many times to come!
November 23, 2024
3.5⭐️
An interesting introduction to the Warhammer 40k universe - i must confess that I didn’t have any knowledge about its lore prior to reading this first instalment of a series. I still liked it in the end and it even made me curious enough to dive further into the universe.
Due to the nature of the narration (a report), the descriptions are often left out which sometimes make it hard for a ‘first time reader’ to follow (there are some objects, events or basic rules of the worldbuilding that are never touched upon; a lot of terms are just being used without any further explanation, which makes it challenging for someone who is not familiar with the universe). It also took me about 250 pages to even grow accustomed to the style of narration - Commissioner Cain is a typical gray type of character and sometimes not very likeable, which I don’t mind, but I didn’t get this type of humor. I also wasn’t a fan of the writing style itself: it relied heavily on snarky dialogue, which is just not my style, while not making use of descriptions / the showing instead of telling-concept.
An interesting introduction to the Warhammer 40k universe - i must confess that I didn’t have any knowledge about its lore prior to reading this first instalment of a series. I still liked it in the end and it even made me curious enough to dive further into the universe.
Due to the nature of the narration (a report), the descriptions are often left out which sometimes make it hard for a ‘first time reader’ to follow (there are some objects, events or basic rules of the worldbuilding that are never touched upon; a lot of terms are just being used without any further explanation, which makes it challenging for someone who is not familiar with the universe). It also took me about 250 pages to even grow accustomed to the style of narration - Commissioner Cain is a typical gray type of character and sometimes not very likeable, which I don’t mind, but I didn’t get this type of humor. I also wasn’t a fan of the writing style itself: it relied heavily on snarky dialogue, which is just not my style, while not making use of descriptions / the showing instead of telling-concept.
December 23, 2020
I had heard of the Ciaphis Cain series long before Warhammer 40k was on my radar, and I was intrigued by what I had heard told about it. While there's a good amount of action here, this series shines with its self-interested hero, who's forced into taking risks he's really rather not to maintain his facade as "hero of the Imperium". The glib banter between characters and dry humor make this one to definitely check out.
July 12, 2023
That is precisely what I needed right now. A simple W40k story with an exciting cast of main characters. It's easy to see why Ciaphas Cain is such a popular character in the Warhammer lore.
4.25 stars out of 5.
4.25 stars out of 5.
October 9, 2018
Pulp plot that fits so good into the dark future of the 41st millenium. And the charismatic narrator just makes it so immerse. Was a while since I was so engaged in an audiobook
December 26, 2022
Me despollo con esta novela.
October 8, 2024
A light hearted read and ideal for someone relatively new to the 40k universe. Definitely humourous with a touch of Black adder.
March 10, 2023
Thoroughly entertaining book with a host of colourful characters, especially the ever accidental hero, the eponymous Ciaphas Cain. This is my first introduction to the Warhammer 40000 universe and it's gotten me hooked.
September 18, 2024
Liking this a lot better then the eisenhorn series. Keen to check out more ciaphas cane books. Seams to feature quite a bit of lore and different races in the warhammer universe.
December 12, 2017
Commissar Ciaphas Cain has a formidable reputation: an outstanding soldier, an inspiring officer and a terror to the enemies of the God-Emperor of Mankind. However, it is completely unearned. Cain actually spends his missions desperately trying to stay out of trouble and trying to find the best place to hunker down and ride out any conflict. Instead, he finds that events conspire to place him on the front lines and in the most dangerous hotspots.
This time, Cain has been assigned to a regiment of Valhallan troopers which has been cobbled together out of two former single-sex units. With the soldiers of the formation mistrustful and resentful of one another, Cain must find a way of integrating the two sides before their new mission can even get underway. Their new assignment is Gravalax, a world on the border of the Tau Empire. Highly unusually for the Imperium, which prefers war and genocide over diplomacy and negotiation, Gravalax's exposed position on a salient into Tau territory means that it relies on the goodwill of its Tau neighbours to survive. When the Tau Ambassador is assassinated and war threatens to erupt, it falls to Cain, an Imperial Inquisitor and a penal detachment of condemned murderers to save the day.
We're back in Warhammer 40,000 territory with this novel, but this time around things are rather different to the fine novels of Dan Abnett. If the Gaunt's Ghosts series are a military SF take on Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books, Ciaphas Cain is an SF take on George MacDonald Fraser's superb Flashman series of historical adventures, with a dash of Blackadder thrown in for good measure. As far as the rest of humanity is concerned, Ciaphas Cain is a brave, heroic warrior who brings terror to the enemies of mankind and instills valour in the men under his command. Cain himself thinks he is a cowardly, blustering braggart who is the first to dive for cover or beat a retreat when the firing starts, and this is how he comes across in these novels (his unofficial memoirs, with wry commentary from Inquisitor Amberley Veil and occasional extracts from other documents to add context). Cain sells himself short though: he is also cunning, impressively deceitful and has a talent for survival, not just for himself and his stalwart aide Jurgen (think of a cross between Baldrick and Gregor Clegane) but for whatever unit he is attached to.
As such, Cain isn't quite as cowardly and blustering as either Blackadder or Flashman and is a reasonably effective soldier. This is a good thing, as a simple pastiche of those characters in the WH40K universe would be briefly amusing but likely grating in the long run. By taking inspiration from those sources but allowing Cain to develop along his own path, Sandy Mitchell makes the character and the stories much more interesting.
The story cracks along at a fair old pace and characterisation of both Cain and his fellow troopers (not to mention Inquisitor Veil, whom we meet as both a character in the book and also as the memoir's editor) is nicely-done. For those coming to these books after Abnett's, there's also some pleasing references to the earlier books (Gaunt is briefly discussed, although not by name, at one point, as is the Sabbat Worlds Crusade) and, as a nice change of pace, we get to meet some other enemies of humanity other than just Chaos. In this book, the Tau, their Kroot mercenaries and the Tyranids (whom I have to mention, by tradition, preceded the Zerg by over a decade) are the main adversaries and provide some variety. However, familiarity with the WH40K universe and characters is not assumed, and For the Emperor! makes a viable starting point for those new to the setting.
The calling-card of these books is the humour, and Mitchell does a great job of subtly highlighting the inherent lunacy of the WH40K universe without ripping it to pieces and undermining the integrity of the setting. Instead, the satirical and comical edge works very well, resulting in a fair few major laughs as the book unfolds. Certainly the book's conclusion leaves you wanting to read more about Cain and Jurgen and their continuing misadventures.
For the Emperor! (****) is an enjoyable, fast-paced adventure story with a great line in humour. It is available now as part of the Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium omnibus in both the UK and USA.
This time, Cain has been assigned to a regiment of Valhallan troopers which has been cobbled together out of two former single-sex units. With the soldiers of the formation mistrustful and resentful of one another, Cain must find a way of integrating the two sides before their new mission can even get underway. Their new assignment is Gravalax, a world on the border of the Tau Empire. Highly unusually for the Imperium, which prefers war and genocide over diplomacy and negotiation, Gravalax's exposed position on a salient into Tau territory means that it relies on the goodwill of its Tau neighbours to survive. When the Tau Ambassador is assassinated and war threatens to erupt, it falls to Cain, an Imperial Inquisitor and a penal detachment of condemned murderers to save the day.
We're back in Warhammer 40,000 territory with this novel, but this time around things are rather different to the fine novels of Dan Abnett. If the Gaunt's Ghosts series are a military SF take on Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books, Ciaphas Cain is an SF take on George MacDonald Fraser's superb Flashman series of historical adventures, with a dash of Blackadder thrown in for good measure. As far as the rest of humanity is concerned, Ciaphas Cain is a brave, heroic warrior who brings terror to the enemies of mankind and instills valour in the men under his command. Cain himself thinks he is a cowardly, blustering braggart who is the first to dive for cover or beat a retreat when the firing starts, and this is how he comes across in these novels (his unofficial memoirs, with wry commentary from Inquisitor Amberley Veil and occasional extracts from other documents to add context). Cain sells himself short though: he is also cunning, impressively deceitful and has a talent for survival, not just for himself and his stalwart aide Jurgen (think of a cross between Baldrick and Gregor Clegane) but for whatever unit he is attached to.
As such, Cain isn't quite as cowardly and blustering as either Blackadder or Flashman and is a reasonably effective soldier. This is a good thing, as a simple pastiche of those characters in the WH40K universe would be briefly amusing but likely grating in the long run. By taking inspiration from those sources but allowing Cain to develop along his own path, Sandy Mitchell makes the character and the stories much more interesting.
The story cracks along at a fair old pace and characterisation of both Cain and his fellow troopers (not to mention Inquisitor Veil, whom we meet as both a character in the book and also as the memoir's editor) is nicely-done. For those coming to these books after Abnett's, there's also some pleasing references to the earlier books (Gaunt is briefly discussed, although not by name, at one point, as is the Sabbat Worlds Crusade) and, as a nice change of pace, we get to meet some other enemies of humanity other than just Chaos. In this book, the Tau, their Kroot mercenaries and the Tyranids (whom I have to mention, by tradition, preceded the Zerg by over a decade) are the main adversaries and provide some variety. However, familiarity with the WH40K universe and characters is not assumed, and For the Emperor! makes a viable starting point for those new to the setting.
The calling-card of these books is the humour, and Mitchell does a great job of subtly highlighting the inherent lunacy of the WH40K universe without ripping it to pieces and undermining the integrity of the setting. Instead, the satirical and comical edge works very well, resulting in a fair few major laughs as the book unfolds. Certainly the book's conclusion leaves you wanting to read more about Cain and Jurgen and their continuing misadventures.
For the Emperor! (****) is an enjoyable, fast-paced adventure story with a great line in humour. It is available now as part of the Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium omnibus in both the UK and USA.
October 8, 2020
For the full review please visit Bits & Pieces - https://bitsandpieces.games/2020/10/0...
Warhammer books are a lot of things. You’ve got some intriguing wartime stories, epic power struggles between beings with crazy powers and deep dives into the life of ordinary people trying to live their lives. However, I’ve yet to find one that makes me laugh. And you’d think that makes sense with the whole grimdark setting and all that. And so it’s refreshing to read the Ciaphas Cain books, where his brand of humour and action fit in perfectly, even if by lifting the comedy they sometimes lose the other interesting elements of Warhammer books.
To get a quick understanding of what to expect from the Ciaphas Cain books you might want to picture a scenario that is more or less Blackadder Goes Forth (the one set in World War 1) but in space. This is a somewhat flawed comparison but if that concept sounds amazing (and it should), then you can save yourself some time and pick up this first book. However, if you want to know a little bit more then let’s dive into one of 40k’s most beloved characters.
The Ciaphas Cain books, For the Emperor included, are set the personal retellings of his most famous moments. Interspersed are some segments by Inquisitor Amberley Vail who comments on how Cain tells the story or fills what is happening around the main story. And this form of storytelling is refreshing after going through a lot of boots on the ground, the supposed main character could die at any moment stories. Because we know that Cain survives his adventures to write this book and instead of worrying about his well being, we can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Warhammer books are a lot of things. You’ve got some intriguing wartime stories, epic power struggles between beings with crazy powers and deep dives into the life of ordinary people trying to live their lives. However, I’ve yet to find one that makes me laugh. And you’d think that makes sense with the whole grimdark setting and all that. And so it’s refreshing to read the Ciaphas Cain books, where his brand of humour and action fit in perfectly, even if by lifting the comedy they sometimes lose the other interesting elements of Warhammer books.
To get a quick understanding of what to expect from the Ciaphas Cain books you might want to picture a scenario that is more or less Blackadder Goes Forth (the one set in World War 1) but in space. This is a somewhat flawed comparison but if that concept sounds amazing (and it should), then you can save yourself some time and pick up this first book. However, if you want to know a little bit more then let’s dive into one of 40k’s most beloved characters.
The Ciaphas Cain books, For the Emperor included, are set the personal retellings of his most famous moments. Interspersed are some segments by Inquisitor Amberley Vail who comments on how Cain tells the story or fills what is happening around the main story. And this form of storytelling is refreshing after going through a lot of boots on the ground, the supposed main character could die at any moment stories. Because we know that Cain survives his adventures to write this book and instead of worrying about his well being, we can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
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