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Chronicles of Cain #5
The Dead Never Die: Lovecraftian Mythical Fantasy
To-do Stop a zombie uprising. Stop the apocalypse. Resurrect a goddess.
They say no good deed goes unpunished, and Cain is living proof of it. His quest to help the gorgon Dusa and his favorite bartender, Aura, went terribly right and horrifically wrong. Now, the sword Soultaker has claimed two more souls and added them to its undead army. Zeus and Mars tell Cain to fix the situation, or they'll erase him permanently along with everyone he cares about.
To free souls from Soultaker, Cain needs information from the original Thanatos, Greek god of death. But Thanatos vanished long ago, creating the office of the Grim Reaper, which is now occupied by a man named Garrick.
Garrick agrees to help Cain find Thanatos, but before they get started, the other three horsemen, War, Pestilence, and Famine, put Garrick in a coma so they can they seed the world with plagues, conflict, and starvation and start the apocalypse. Without Death to free the souls of the humans dying from the chaos, their bodies are rising from the dead, killing more humans, and threatening the very fabric of fate itself.
Cain reluctantly accepts the mantle of Death, so he can stop the zombie apocalypse and use the powers of his new office to find Thanatos. His journey will take him all over the world - to Hell, Hel, and beyond.
Dealing with one pantheon was nearly impossible. Now, Cain finds himself tangling with the Norse, Greeks, Christians, and of course, minions of the Elder Things. Cthulhu and Shub-Nuggerath were horrific enough, but this new entity is even worse. But there's one thing Cain's enemies didn't count on. If there's an apocalypse, there will be no more mangoritas.
No more plastic pirate swords with fruit. No more toothpick umbrellas. The bad guys are about to find out the hard way that no one, not even a god comes between Cain and his mangoritas.
They say no good deed goes unpunished, and Cain is living proof of it. His quest to help the gorgon Dusa and his favorite bartender, Aura, went terribly right and horrifically wrong. Now, the sword Soultaker has claimed two more souls and added them to its undead army. Zeus and Mars tell Cain to fix the situation, or they'll erase him permanently along with everyone he cares about.
To free souls from Soultaker, Cain needs information from the original Thanatos, Greek god of death. But Thanatos vanished long ago, creating the office of the Grim Reaper, which is now occupied by a man named Garrick.
Garrick agrees to help Cain find Thanatos, but before they get started, the other three horsemen, War, Pestilence, and Famine, put Garrick in a coma so they can they seed the world with plagues, conflict, and starvation and start the apocalypse. Without Death to free the souls of the humans dying from the chaos, their bodies are rising from the dead, killing more humans, and threatening the very fabric of fate itself.
Cain reluctantly accepts the mantle of Death, so he can stop the zombie apocalypse and use the powers of his new office to find Thanatos. His journey will take him all over the world - to Hell, Hel, and beyond.
Dealing with one pantheon was nearly impossible. Now, Cain finds himself tangling with the Norse, Greeks, Christians, and of course, minions of the Elder Things. Cthulhu and Shub-Nuggerath were horrific enough, but this new entity is even worse. But there's one thing Cain's enemies didn't count on. If there's an apocalypse, there will be no more mangoritas.
No more plastic pirate swords with fruit. No more toothpick umbrellas. The bad guys are about to find out the hard way that no one, not even a god comes between Cain and his mangoritas.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
Audible Audio
Published December 28, 2021
86 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
John Corwin
81 books559 followersJohn Corwin is the bestselling author of the Overworld Chronicles.
He enjoys long walks on the beach and is a firm believer in puppies and kittens.
After years of getting into trouble thanks to his overactive imagination, John abandoned his male modeling career to write books.
He resides in Atlanta.
He enjoys long walks on the beach and is a firm believer in puppies and kittens.
After years of getting into trouble thanks to his overactive imagination, John abandoned his male modeling career to write books.
He resides in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 7, 2023
4+
I enjoyed this one a good bit. It was the story that really had me. Inventive way to use pretty much every pantheon and all the Abrahamic religions too.
Fun. And the end was pretty tight.
I enjoyed this one a good bit. It was the story that really had me. Inventive way to use pretty much every pantheon and all the Abrahamic religions too.
Fun. And the end was pretty tight.
September 20, 2021
Another great installment
Some great revelations in this book, great action. from start to finish. is cain finally ready to grasp his future with both hands?? I can't wait to find out!!
Highly recommended series. Just brilliant. If you love Shayne Silvers or Orlando Sanchez, you will love this!!!
Some great revelations in this book, great action. from start to finish. is cain finally ready to grasp his future with both hands?? I can't wait to find out!!
Highly recommended series. Just brilliant. If you love Shayne Silvers or Orlando Sanchez, you will love this!!!
September 25, 2021
Another great book in the series
This one's a little slow at the beginning but picks up quickly and doesn't disappoint. I can't wait for the next book in the series
This one's a little slow at the beginning but picks up quickly and doesn't disappoint. I can't wait for the next book in the series
September 22, 2021
Greatness
My only complaint is that I know have to wait for book 6! Great story and continuation to this series!
My only complaint is that I know have to wait for book 6! Great story and continuation to this series!
August 22, 2022
If Death’s horse is Mortis who is Rigor?
Eek, the author sometimes uses reins (correctly) and other times reigns (wrong!) when speaking of parts of a bridle. Nitpicking 101.
So did Cain’s parents die in different ways on the various planes? Am I correct in that they died during a fae massacre on Oblivion and on Prime were cultists killed by a young boy who grew into the man that sold Sanctuary to Cain?***
I couldn’t resist:
Mangorita
2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers tequila
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger triple sec liqueur
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger fresh lime juice
1 mango - peeled, seeded, and sliced
4 ice cubes
¼ cup mango nectar
Directions:
In a blender, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango, and ice. Blend until ice is finely crushed. Sweeten with mango nectar to your liking. (The above fails to include the de rigueur plastic pirate sword, tiny umbrella and fruit)
Somewhere in the book the cry rings out, “Long may she rein.” Really? The one time reign would be the correct usage?
There are so many bad guys from so many places that my brain is broken. Cain has to take over Death’s responsibilities because Garrick has been whammied by the other three horsemen. This entails getting a handle on a zombie apocalypse before assuming the day to day duties. He needs to find a way to free Layla and Aphrodite from Soultaker which requires locating Thanatos, the original Death. Tons of shit happens while he attempts to fix all the problems. Oh yeah, Lucifer apparently isn’t the devil we’ve all come to know and love. Who woulda thunk?
***This was clarified in one of the later books. Infant Cain was rescued from being sacrificed by a cult when they were annihilated by a young boy (Old Joe) Old Joe then turned Cain over to his Ekhsis parents.
Eek, the author sometimes uses reins (correctly) and other times reigns (wrong!) when speaking of parts of a bridle. Nitpicking 101.
So did Cain’s parents die in different ways on the various planes? Am I correct in that they died during a fae massacre on Oblivion and on Prime were cultists killed by a young boy who grew into the man that sold Sanctuary to Cain?***
I couldn’t resist:
Mangorita
2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers tequila
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger triple sec liqueur
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger fresh lime juice
1 mango - peeled, seeded, and sliced
4 ice cubes
¼ cup mango nectar
Directions:
In a blender, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango, and ice. Blend until ice is finely crushed. Sweeten with mango nectar to your liking. (The above fails to include the de rigueur plastic pirate sword, tiny umbrella and fruit)
Somewhere in the book the cry rings out, “Long may she rein.” Really? The one time reign would be the correct usage?
There are so many bad guys from so many places that my brain is broken. Cain has to take over Death’s responsibilities because Garrick has been whammied by the other three horsemen. This entails getting a handle on a zombie apocalypse before assuming the day to day duties. He needs to find a way to free Layla and Aphrodite from Soultaker which requires locating Thanatos, the original Death. Tons of shit happens while he attempts to fix all the problems. Oh yeah, Lucifer apparently isn’t the devil we’ve all come to know and love. Who woulda thunk?
***This was clarified in one of the later books. Infant Cain was rescued from being sacrificed by a cult when they were annihilated by a young boy (Old Joe) Old Joe then turned Cain over to his Ekhsis parents.
February 22, 2022
Wow, another dark, yet humorous, invigorating and exciting addition to the Cain Chronicles. I really enjoyed the author's take on Death's duties and persona. Cain is forced to take on the mantle of Death to save the world from a zombie apocalypse and hopefully find the original Thanatos who may or may not help him free souls from Soultaker. From Hel to Valhalla, Hell and Feary Cain travels far and wide, meeting the likes of Hel, Charon, the Horsemen and revisits Lucifer himself. Just when you think Cain is really and truly screwed, along comes another twist! If you like urban fantasy, with relentless action, imaginative characters, the interesting themes of Christian, Norse, and Greek beliefs, and the occasional references to pop culture, you'll enjoy this book. But please, start with the first book in the Cain Chronicles series, 'To Kill a Unicorn', to get in on this wild and captivating series from the start
January 17, 2022
Where did he get those wonderful toys?
Each book in this series has been a delight, but truthfully non now than this one to me! As an avid reader, I was overjoyed to see so many characters I know and love represented without infringing on cop right, lol beware the house of....
Truly a skilled writer John Godwin is and once I finish the series, I will need to go revisit the others.
Each book in this series has been a delight, but truthfully non now than this one to me! As an avid reader, I was overjoyed to see so many characters I know and love represented without infringing on cop right, lol beware the house of....
Truly a skilled writer John Godwin is and once I finish the series, I will need to go revisit the others.
October 28, 2021
Awesome series
I just binged all the books in the series so far and loved it. All the amazing references to other series and characters was a great tribute to those authors. Loved this series from the first book till now. Now I'm stuck waiting for the next book to arrive
I just binged all the books in the series so far and loved it. All the amazing references to other series and characters was a great tribute to those authors. Loved this series from the first book till now. Now I'm stuck waiting for the next book to arrive
January 24, 2022
Great Followup
This story was a great followup to the last. Cain is on a mission to save his love, but gets sidetracked by Death. Great story but with this one, I felt like it had a slow start. Also, really good use of present day events, tying them into the story.
This story was a great followup to the last. Cain is on a mission to save his love, but gets sidetracked by Death. Great story but with this one, I felt like it had a slow start. Also, really good use of present day events, tying them into the story.
March 1, 2022
Another winner
You can always be guaranteed a good read coming from John Corwin; plus the excitement knowing there will be another. Can't wait to hear what happens in the bar, and how the next adventure for Cain will start -- and end.
You can always be guaranteed a good read coming from John Corwin; plus the excitement knowing there will be another. Can't wait to hear what happens in the bar, and how the next adventure for Cain will start -- and end.
September 18, 2022
More chaos than Cain can handle?
Once again Cain proves his worth to all the powers that be on two of the three versions of earth. Unfortunately, his role was not in a guise that he expected. As usual, he put his own touch on things. Great episode! I’m on to book 6.
Once again Cain proves his worth to all the powers that be on two of the three versions of earth. Unfortunately, his role was not in a guise that he expected. As usual, he put his own touch on things. Great episode! I’m on to book 6.
November 1, 2021
Hooked
I’m definitely ready for the NEXT book. This series has had me from the beginning!!! I can’t wait for the next one to come out 👍😍👍
I’m definitely ready for the NEXT book. This series has had me from the beginning!!! I can’t wait for the next one to come out 👍😍👍
January 29, 2022
Great
I thoroughly enjoyed this madcap journey into chaos. It's nice to know that Cain still has what it takes. More please.
I thoroughly enjoyed this madcap journey into chaos. It's nice to know that Cain still has what it takes. More please.
March 6, 2022
Well done and entertaining
This series is great. The author writes a great story with twists and turns. The mix of characters is creative and enjoyable. Give it a try!
This series is great. The author writes a great story with twists and turns. The mix of characters is creative and enjoyable. Give it a try!
February 12, 2025
I am teetering on the edge between "this is cool" and "this is blatantly stealing other characters to sound cool."
First we had the casual mention of other series, Dresden, Iron Druid, a couple others I'm not familiar with. Then we had an actual character from Iron Druid, just with the name changed. Then we had LITERALLY the Lucifer from the TV show, down to the "What is it you most desire?" Sure, Lucifer is public domain, but I doubt anyone could even muster a defense that it was obviously the tv version. Now in this book, not only do we have him meet "Henry and Murray" (Harry and Murphy) from Chicago, replete with "Hell's Bells" and duster references, but we have essentially Death from On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony, with guest appearances by the rest of the Incarnations of Immortality. Again, public domain characters, but come on, you even stole the horse's name, Mortis!
Is this whole series going to be nothing but taking ideas that others have created and then twisting them slightly to encompass the Cthulhu mythos as well? (Yet another public domain series of stories that have been co-opted, of course.) Is this even legal? I feel like it would not be difficult at all to prove correlation here if a lawyer chose to, but maybe it is fair use or something? Can someone enlighten me? Because yeah it is cool at first to think, "Oh, he's talking about Dresden!" but then not as cool to think, "Huh, he literally stole the entire Lucifer character wholesale."
First we had the casual mention of other series, Dresden, Iron Druid, a couple others I'm not familiar with. Then we had an actual character from Iron Druid, just with the name changed. Then we had LITERALLY the Lucifer from the TV show, down to the "What is it you most desire?" Sure, Lucifer is public domain, but I doubt anyone could even muster a defense that it was obviously the tv version. Now in this book, not only do we have him meet "Henry and Murray" (Harry and Murphy) from Chicago, replete with "Hell's Bells" and duster references, but we have essentially Death from On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony, with guest appearances by the rest of the Incarnations of Immortality. Again, public domain characters, but come on, you even stole the horse's name, Mortis!
Is this whole series going to be nothing but taking ideas that others have created and then twisting them slightly to encompass the Cthulhu mythos as well? (Yet another public domain series of stories that have been co-opted, of course.) Is this even legal? I feel like it would not be difficult at all to prove correlation here if a lawyer chose to, but maybe it is fair use or something? Can someone enlighten me? Because yeah it is cool at first to think, "Oh, he's talking about Dresden!" but then not as cool to think, "Huh, he literally stole the entire Lucifer character wholesale."
January 29, 2026
Rank B-
Personal Tags: Urban Fantasy, FR, PR, GP, Fae, Lovecraft, Large-scale
4-star. This one really feels like the series hitting its stride again. A lot of the plot focuses on escalating fallout from earlier books, and I liked how problems Cain created in the past are no longer abstract but actively coming back to bite him. The Lovecraftian gods continue to be the highlight for me, especially as their influence feels more direct and unsettling rather than just looming in the background. Cain’s growth feels more grounded here, particularly in how he handles leadership and accepts responsibility instead of just reacting to threats. There’s also more attention paid to alliances and political maneuvering, which helped the world feel more lived-in and less episodic. The action scenes are still fun and chaotic, but they’re broken up with quieter moments that give the story room to breathe. The humor is still present and mostly lands, helping keep things from getting too heavy. A few plot resolutions feel a bit convenient, but not enough to derail the overall experience. By the end, it felt like the series was clearly setting up bigger conflicts without losing sight of the characters. Overall, this was a confident, satisfying entry that reminded me why I’ve stayed invested in Cain’s story.
Personal Tags: Urban Fantasy, FR, PR, GP, Fae, Lovecraft, Large-scale
4-star. This one really feels like the series hitting its stride again. A lot of the plot focuses on escalating fallout from earlier books, and I liked how problems Cain created in the past are no longer abstract but actively coming back to bite him. The Lovecraftian gods continue to be the highlight for me, especially as their influence feels more direct and unsettling rather than just looming in the background. Cain’s growth feels more grounded here, particularly in how he handles leadership and accepts responsibility instead of just reacting to threats. There’s also more attention paid to alliances and political maneuvering, which helped the world feel more lived-in and less episodic. The action scenes are still fun and chaotic, but they’re broken up with quieter moments that give the story room to breathe. The humor is still present and mostly lands, helping keep things from getting too heavy. A few plot resolutions feel a bit convenient, but not enough to derail the overall experience. By the end, it felt like the series was clearly setting up bigger conflicts without losing sight of the characters. Overall, this was a confident, satisfying entry that reminded me why I’ve stayed invested in Cain’s story.
January 14, 2023
I am absolutely obsessed with this entertaining and inclusive (🏳️🌈) eight book series. Even better that I was able to read them all on Kindle unlimited. I was a little skeptical at first when I realized they were trying to combine fairies, Cthulhu mythos, werewolves, vampires, witches, etc. BUT I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!
I devoured this whole series in a couple of weeks so have been able to enjoy the story arc and character development. My only complaint is that the books are a little on shorter side (I want more Cain!).
No spoilers but if you like an ex-assassin who’s secretly a softy, kids with powers, or good eldritch monsters you won’t be disappointed.
I devoured this whole series in a couple of weeks so have been able to enjoy the story arc and character development. My only complaint is that the books are a little on shorter side (I want more Cain!).
No spoilers but if you like an ex-assassin who’s secretly a softy, kids with powers, or good eldritch monsters you won’t be disappointed.
September 30, 2025
Author seems obsessed with lesbianism
While I do love the storyline, the author seems obsessed with lesbianism and feminism in general. Practically every female character is gay or bi. And evidently only women can lead in his world. Now I recognize that there are some great women in many roles,but seriously, when Every single situation has a female as the only one to step up it's an obsession.
While I do love the storyline, the author seems obsessed with lesbianism and feminism in general. Practically every female character is gay or bi. And evidently only women can lead in his world. Now I recognize that there are some great women in many roles,but seriously, when Every single situation has a female as the only one to step up it's an obsession.
November 27, 2024
The Dead Never Die
This was an interesting one. Though it kinda dragged at certain points. And use of certain current events is a bit questionable. But overall it was fine.
Though I still do not understand Corwin’s obsession with having Cain bed a women of one kind or another every single book. The scenes aren’t even all that exciting to read.
This was an interesting one. Though it kinda dragged at certain points. And use of certain current events is a bit questionable. But overall it was fine.
Though I still do not understand Corwin’s obsession with having Cain bed a women of one kind or another every single book. The scenes aren’t even all that exciting to read.
September 25, 2023
So good. This might be my favorite book so far.
I loved this book. Every word was fun. I didn’t realize how funny the main character could be. The action, the lust and the comedic timing are all here. Yassss
I loved this book. Every word was fun. I didn’t realize how funny the main character could be. The action, the lust and the comedic timing are all here. Yassss
May 6, 2024
Truly Wondrous
How Corwin weaves so many myths together continues to amaze me, especially since he does it in a way that makes you believe they've always been that way. His unique takes in each of them just adds to the story. Wonderful read.
How Corwin weaves so many myths together continues to amaze me, especially since he does it in a way that makes you believe they've always been that way. His unique takes in each of them just adds to the story. Wonderful read.
August 24, 2025
Great story
The more convoluted this tale becomes the more I enjoy it. And I feel like it is going to ramp up even more going forward. The writing and the story's premise is excellent. Very well done.
The more convoluted this tale becomes the more I enjoy it. And I feel like it is going to ramp up even more going forward. The writing and the story's premise is excellent. Very well done.
February 8, 2023
This story only emphasizes how demanding and selfish the gods are. Good grief, I just need Cain to catch a break. Just one.
January 18, 2024
A pleasant surprise
Excited to have found a fantasy author who rivals Jim Butcher. No editing slips. Good character development and storyline flows well. This series is a Gem!
Excited to have found a fantasy author who rivals Jim Butcher. No editing slips. Good character development and storyline flows well. This series is a Gem!
February 11, 2025
The first four were interesting and fun. This one on the other hand I found hilarious and very creative.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews