What do you think?
Rate this book
Auxilia
An Astra Militarum Novel
An untested Castellan-Colonel of Cadia is forced to step up when he's assigned to lead a motley collection of abhumans. Hated by most, including a ruthless commissar, they are nevertheless thrust into service in the middle of a brutal civil war.
READ IT BECAUSE
It's an unexpected perspective on the Astra Militarum, exposing the cracks in their seemingly strong foundation. Abhumans are pressed into service all across the galaxy, but they are rarely accepted by those with whom they serve, as useful as they are. What would it take to lead them in battle?
THE STORY
A young and brash Cadian, Castellan-Colonel Orysian Roane, was always content to leave the true burdens of leadership to others – that is, until his chain of command was suddenly shattered. Now, he is forced to take charge of a ragtag auxilia built around a clan of despised abhumans. A clash of different cultures and tactical doctrines, the regiment is filled with failures, survivors, and veterans from every corner of the Imperium.
Overseen and openly loathed by a murderous commissar and consistently ignored by the Departmento Munitorum, Roane struggles with the impossible task of hammering his unit into Cadian shape, while those around him would rather see it destroyed. But before Roane can find his footing, a broken world is plunged into civil war, and the auxilia faces a trial by fire. Will this be both his first and last command?
Written by Russell Zimmerman.
An untested Castellan-Colonel of Cadia is forced to step up when he's assigned to lead a motley collection of abhumans. Hated by most, including a ruthless commissar, they are nevertheless thrust into service in the middle of a brutal civil war.
READ IT BECAUSE
It's an unexpected perspective on the Astra Militarum, exposing the cracks in their seemingly strong foundation. Abhumans are pressed into service all across the galaxy, but they are rarely accepted by those with whom they serve, as useful as they are. What would it take to lead them in battle?
THE STORY
A young and brash Cadian, Castellan-Colonel Orysian Roane, was always content to leave the true burdens of leadership to others – that is, until his chain of command was suddenly shattered. Now, he is forced to take charge of a ragtag auxilia built around a clan of despised abhumans. A clash of different cultures and tactical doctrines, the regiment is filled with failures, survivors, and veterans from every corner of the Imperium.
Overseen and openly loathed by a murderous commissar and consistently ignored by the Departmento Munitorum, Roane struggles with the impossible task of hammering his unit into Cadian shape, while those around him would rather see it destroyed. But before Roane can find his footing, a broken world is plunged into civil war, and the auxilia faces a trial by fire. Will this be both his first and last command?
Written by Russell Zimmerman.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2026
About the author
Russell Zimmerman
45 books48 followersRussell ("Rusty" when he's not working) got started in writing as a freelancer for wargames like Warmachine, and since then has contributed to dozens of projects including fan-favorite fiction in Shadowrun and writing the international award-winning PC game Satellite Reign.
His most noteworthy work has been for the Shadowrun role-playing game and associated properties, and in more recent years he's become a regular contributor to the universes of BattleTech and Warhammer 40,000, as well.
During his career he's spilled some ink for a wide variety of genres and games, including Vampire 20th Anniversary, Earthdawn, Mutants & Masterminds, Gangs of the Undercity, multiple video games, and more! By working for Shadowrun, BattleTech, and Earthdawn, he's finished the old-school FASA trifecta, and is as such officially unstoppable.
His most noteworthy work has been for the Shadowrun role-playing game and associated properties, and in more recent years he's become a regular contributor to the universes of BattleTech and Warhammer 40,000, as well.
During his career he's spilled some ink for a wide variety of genres and games, including Vampire 20th Anniversary, Earthdawn, Mutants & Masterminds, Gangs of the Undercity, multiple video games, and more! By working for Shadowrun, BattleTech, and Earthdawn, he's finished the old-school FASA trifecta, and is as such officially unstoppable.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
October 20, 2026
What a wonderful debut for Zimmerman in 40K! A cast of likeable characters, with extra care given to the minutiae of regimental customs, uniforms, and standards all to push against one another in this awkward regiment. The last act was a little bit less strong than the first half but I have to say this was a great read, and I’d be very pleased to see this author return.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review