Cain's Last Stand

Ciaphas Cain #6

by Sandy Mitchell

Audiobook 6 of the Ciaphas Cain Series

The Imperium's most unlikely hero is back, reluctantly returning to the front line and hoping his luck will hold out!

LISTEN TO IT BECAUSE
This entry from the Cain Archives takes the Hero of the Imperium into his greatest – and possibly last – battle. He's an old man in this one, pulled out of retirement for one last mission as the hordes of Chaos close in on the Imperium...

THE STORY
After a long and distinguished career defending the Imperium from its many enemies, Commissar Cain is enjoying a well-deserved retirement on Perlia, teaching in a schola progenium. But when a Black Crusade threatens the sector, all able-bodied citizens must rise to the defence, including Cain and his cadets. As the forces of Chaos overwhelm Perlia, can the wily commissar prove himself to be a real hero of the Imperium one last time?

Genres: Science Fiction, 40k, Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy, Military Fiction, Humor

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Sandy 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.

Reviews

[Juho Pohjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge skip between the novels - almost a human lifetime - yet Cain and Jurgen seem about the same as they always were. Not much growth happened in between. I guess these things don't matter as much in the far future where people can be kept young for much longer.

[Ralph McEwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is well paced and well thought out. There is good suspense and some unexpected actions. For those who have been reading this series , you'll enjoy the story. I actually found Cain mostly likeable if still delusional in thinking his actions are self-centered. For those who are picking this up as a first, you'll be able to understand and follow without any trouble. There are many foot notes. There is a lot of violence but it's not overly graphic. There isn't any properly spelled bad language.

[Chris Bowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The appeal with the Ciaphas Cain books is typically the unique blend of action and humour. Being the sixth book in the series, the humour in Cain’s Last Stand feels a little stagnant as the same jokes are essentially recycled from the first book. Despite this, there are still some laughs to be had.

The plot and action of Cain’s Last Stand are perhaps more developed than previous novels in the series. If this is the case it becomes easy for a reader to compare the book to one of the Gaunt’s Ghosts novels and whilst it may be an enjoyable read, against those, Cain’s Last Stand stands no chance.

[Indigoli · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this volume time skips 65 years into the future, and Cains personality and jokes remain the exact same. Also, the plot threads from the past 2 books are resolved, by the introduction of a yet un-forshadowed solution and tie to a different xenos race.

One thing this boom makes clear is how incredibly good the infinite and the divine is compared to even other "good" warhammer fiction. The necrons in this book suck they aren't even gay.

[Steven Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story which seems to contain both the best and worst of the series.

That's not to say it's not a good read, it is of course but where some veins are rich and engaging, there are others that seem tacked on and just too convenient, like an after though.

The story will be familiar to any who have read the previous books. This is Cain's defence at the second Siege of Perlia, often alluded to but finally fleshed out. This is probably Cain at his most defiant. There has always been a discussion over how "yellow" Cain is when it comes to danger and his role as an unreliable narrator over how much he's simply in it to save his own neck and how much of the news reels are to the truth but here it feels more heroic than he's ever been. Oh sure he TALKS about doing x or y to save his own skin but time and time again in this story he seems to do the righteous thing almost without thought. He'll say he needs to do the thing to avoid others seeing him for how he is but someone who's as much a coward as he implies he is wouldn't think of that at times of peril so the fact he alludes to it constantly probably puts the matter to bed. If anything he's almost Gaunt like in this story and his interactions with the cadets is stellar and a highlight of the book, if not the series.

The downsides however is.... it's a bit too... convenient. I was listening to it (narrated by the excellent Stephen Perring, Penelope Rawlins and others) and for a 10 hour and change book by the 9 hour mark it was still all part of the build up... so I knew then and there the ending was going to be incredibly rushed. And to a degree it was. not only rushed but all a bit too tidy. I've marked this review for spoilers so feel comfortable talking about it here but really I found the introduction of the necrons to be a bit of a waste here. Alluded to time and time again in the story but never seen they pop up at the 11th hour, just at the point where you're wondering if they're a red herring, do the thing, and then pop off again. So by the point I'm almost 90% through the book Cain and the main antagonist hasn't even met, the maguffin of the book, the shadowlight is still a big question mark and... that's it. The actual back and forth between characters is engaging but it feels like the author realised he didn't need to tell a story but instead could imply a story was coming..... until he ran out of time to tell it. So then in the last hour you have a last stand, the face off with the main antagonist, the "nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition" style appearance of the Necrons, the "you ain't seen me, right?" disappearance of the Necrons, and Inquisitor Vale kicking about to sum the whole story up.

If all those above points were introduced more gradually the story would have been probably the best of the series, but instead it wasn't so the only thing that makes this book stand out, despite the story itself been mentioned time and time again in previous books, is Cain's mentoring of the young cadets.

[Swords & Spectres · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever, this entry into the Cain archive is a fun-filled romp through the 40k landscape with Cain and his trusty, yet malodorous, aide, Jurgen, at the helm.

Cain's Last Stand does a couple things differently to other entries in the series; most prominently being the fact that it is set at the tail-end of his career, so he's an old man without the aid of the Valhallan regiment to call on. But he has Jurgen, so that's pretty much as good. Jurgen and his Meltagun is essentially a one-man army on its own.

Another thing this book does is throw EVERYTHING at the reader. It's almost like the author thought 'I'm not quite sure what enemy race I should use. Maybe all of them. And have it set to the backdrop of a black crusade. That should probably do it.' And, surprisingly, it didn't feel like there was too much going on or that anything was shoe-horned in. Everything felt like it had a legit reason for being there and the call backs to previous arcs from earlier books was very nicely done. This book really made me feel like the series was progressing and was going places. I can't wait to see where those places are in future works as things were certainly left on a bit of 'well, things could get nasty' footing.

As ever, the writing is witty, clever and engaging. If you want a bit of light-hearted fun with your 40k darkness, or you just fancy dipping your toe in the ever-expanding ocean that is Warhammer 40k content, the Ciaphas Cain series is probably the best place to start. Not least of all due to the footnotes by the Inquisitor (they explain some of the more ambiguous, hard to tackle terminology used within the universe). I class this as a 'comfort read' and hope the series keeps on keeping on.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.25/10

This one had the potential to be the series best with some really heartfelt moments and suspense. However due to it’s short length certain moments were dulled and it didn’t provoke the too much emotion out of me. Which is unfortunate because I wanted it to.

Beyond that it’s a fun Ciaphas Cain story. However, due to its short comings which I believe to be pacing and not nearly enough time to familiarize yourself with a larger than normal cast of characters. This makes it not memorable but again it’s still fun. I complain because I saw the real glimmer of greatness here just out of reach.

[Henrik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Blackadder meets warhammer 40K, which makes it a fun romp. But this far into the series it gets a bit samey

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cain’s Last Stand is the third book of the second Cain trilogy. It brings Ciaphas Cain, Liberator of Perlia, back to the planet where he defeated the dreaded greenskins by destroying a dam and drowning an entire army. The novel may be the same “bat-channel,” but it doesn’t include the same enemies. In fact, in a reverse-Marvel Team-Up, it features more than one enemy. Cain, the Harry Flashman of humanity’s dark future, doesn’t have those itching hands for nothing. [My maternal grandmother used to joke that itching hands meant she was going to come into money and having her nose itch meant she was going to have company. Cain’s itching hands usually indicate unwelcome company and anticipated danger.]

The new element in this book was the fact that Cain was training new cadets to be commissars. Yes, if you haven’t read any of these books before, commissars in this universe are like the political officers in Stalin’s army. If you aren’t right thinking and you’re hurting the moral of the troops, the commissar will shoot you. Of course, as Cain rightfully notes, many commissars have also been shot by “friendly fire.” Indeed, at one point in this novel, he actually calculates whether he has to worry about such an attack—ironic on the planet where a memorial clock has his image popping out to do liberating battle on the hour.

And, of course, my initial assessments of these cadets as supporting characters weren’t accurate. Some proved significantly better than I expected and at least one for whom I had great expectations proved to be an unexpected misdirection. Indeed, misdirection abounds in this episode because the enemy I thought would be most formidable proved not to be so (probably setting up the next book) and the enemy I thought was “setting-up” the ultimate enemy proved considerably more dangerous than I thought.
Frankly, I’m always amused at how Cain manages to be in the right place at the right time in order to get the most credit, Harry Flashman style. I love the way he tries to wriggle out of even justified credit for his deeds. We, as readers, know he’s merely trying to save his own skin, but there is something to be said for successfully implementing the strategies necessary to accomplish that. Cain does have quick wits to maximize slim opportunities and make the stories worth reading. One has to constantly scour the text for those little clues in order to try to be a jump ahead of the guy when he explodes into action (usually by mobilizing everyone and everything near him in unexpected ways).

Cain’s Last Stand is a mixture of familiarity and surprise. Certain venues or battlegrounds have been traversed before. Certain betrayals or enemy gambits have been experienced before. Certain Inquisitorial considerations also feel like déjà vu when the plot begins to unfold. Yet, this episode is fresh as well as familiar. One isn’t entirely sure which enemy poses the greater threat or which expected betrayal (at least, by the readers) is going to have the most impact. So, one keeps reading with a sense of satisfaction that there are going to be enough surprises to make the journey worthwhile. Will Cain have to destroy something or someone in order to “save” it? Will Cain have to draw upon a “secret,” and heretofore held in reserve, resource in order to blunt the force of the major invasion (there’s always an invasion in this series, isn’t there?)? Are Cain’s commissar cadets up to the challenge? What old nemesis or ally from the past will show up to complicate or smooth the situation? I like such questions, even in mindless action novels, and I like the way they are handled in this novel.

As for a recommendation, I’ll be taking my leave from the Warhammer 40K universe for a while. My leisure reading seems to have been stuck in a rut over the last few months and it is my intent to diversify. Does that mean this Cain adventure isn’t as entertaining as the first one I read? Yes, but it is more entertaining than the last one I read. Does this mean I’m sorry I invested the time in this novel? No, it simply means that I need to expand my repertoire even in fantasy and science-fiction, not to mention actually hitting some non-fiction books that have been gathering dust while I indulged in the familiar to the expense of the new.

[Graham Oliver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good pulp, but very very repetitive from the earlier Cain books.

[Vigneswara Prabhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cain’s Last Stand, everyone’s favorite Commissar takes on Space Hitler, mixed with the mule from Asimov’s Foundation series. Having spent the better part of a century taking the good fight to the Emperor’s numerous enemies, the hero of Imperium finds himself spending the last light of the 42nd Millenium back in Perlia.

For those unaware, Perlia was the planet where previously our hero had led a ragtag group of resistance fighters to drive out the numerically superior Ork invasion force. Thus, earning him the moniker of ‘The great Liberator’. Detailed in one of stronger of the Caiphas Cain Novels #4 ‘ Death or Glory Death or Glory’.

At the ripe old age of 200, Cain & his faithful aide Jurgen, have been assigned to the Schola Progenium founded on the planet, to train a new generation of Commissarial Cadres. (Yes, you heard that right; In the world of 40k if you’re someone of worth, or happen to be born into nobility, you can afford to regularly administer the expensive age rejuvenation technology, extending your lifespan for several times that of the regular mook. Not that this would help you much, in a galaxy where everything and their mother are out to kill you in a hundred different brutal ways).

Expecting a cushy little piece of heaven, in a world which venerates him, surrounded by rookies and colleagues who idolize his legends, Cain however wasn’t expected to be hosting the heretical invasion force of some charismatic traitor general, who was able to bring multiple worlds to heal within hours, and with little to no bloodshed.

With a severely depleted PDF, untrained militia, and novice cadets with little to no field experience, Cain and his cohorts face the insurmountable task of making their home battle ready, against the ravenous hordes worshipping the ruinous powers.

All the while, keeping under wraps the highly protected Inquisitorial project which is located in the valley of daemons, location of ‘Cain’s last stand’, the eponymous event wherein Cain the liberator uprooted thousands of ork invaders ‘single handedly’.

‘Cain’s last stand’, offers a new outlook of our seasoned and world weary protagonist. Still manipulative and self-serving on the inside, he has nonetheless seemed to embrace the responsibility borne by his age and past feats gracefully; at least on the outside. Despite being a self-proclaimed coward and opportunistic, the commissar nonetheless uses his considerable talent, intellect and preternatural luck to once again turn the tides in his favor, and by extension, that of the defenders. He is after all the definition of the saying ‘beware of the old man in a profession where men usually die young’.

One thing I don’t agree on, is how it’s shown that an entire convent of Adepta Sororitas became the mindless slaves to our mule Hitler. Sisters of Battle don’t fall to chaos corruption damn it! They get manipulated into heresy by some evil power-hungry ecclesiarch. Or they get manipulated into heresy by some inquisitor on a power trip. But my sisters don’t fall into chaos.

Other than that, the action this time seems almost muted, something happening in the background. Perhaps it’s to show how used our protagonist has become to this particular series of events, where he ends up going from one world ending threat to another, despite his best efforts to do otherwise.

There is quite the climactic battle, where Cain fights space hitler in single combat (Aided by the blank powers of Jurgen to remain immune to his mind control), and kicks him off a height down into the depths, sparta style; which I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t gratifying.

As the feats of the commissar, have finally caught up to the dark days following the fall of Cadia, let’s hope for more stories as to how our good Commissar unwittingly intervenes in galactic events, in favor of the Imperium, and in service of the Emperor.

[Adam Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

After eighty years on the front lines, Commissar Ciaphas Cain is enjoying a relatively quiet semi-retirement tutoring students on Perlia, the site of one of his greatest victories. The period of peace is rudely interrupted when the hordes of Chaos, led by Abaddon the Despoiler, launch a vast invasion of the Imperium through the Eye of Terror. Fortunately, Perlia is on the other side of the galaxy to the main battlefront. Unfortunately, a major Chaos battle fleet is on its way to invade the planet and seize an ancient relic that Cain has dealt with before...

Cain's Last Stand is the sixth (of seven so far) books in the Ciaphas Cain series and sees author Sandy Mitchell fast-forwarding to near the end of his protagonist's career, right up almost to the 'present day' of the Warhammer 40,000 setting. Thanks to the SF setting, Cain and his constant companion Jurgen are still hale and going strong, though they're a bit more seasoned and experienced than earlier books focusing on their earlier days. Cain is somewhat less cowardly and more commanding here and has evolved into a fine tutor of commissariat students, trying to imbue them with a degree of common sense and intelligence in their dealings with demoralised troops. With Perlia in danger of attack and the planet's defenders mostly being inexperienced soldiers, it falls to Cain and his students to keep morale high in the face of overwhelming enemy numbers.

As with the previous books, this is an entertaining romp with black humour laced through it. The time setting also introduces an element of regretful nostalgia to proceedings: Cain remembering various people he's fought alongside and reflecting that many of them have died (from either natural causes or enemy action) during the preceding years.

Plotting-wise, Mitchell has taken a leaf out of Dan Abnett's book. Aware that these last three books would be assembled into an omnibus edition, he's laced ongoing storyline points through them which build to a huge finale. This works well, but the actual ending is actually a little disappointing in its lack of resolution and it's difficult to work out if it's a final one or setting up more adventures in future. Elsewhere the book is very busy, combining planetary politics, Cain's activities in the college and interactions with other tutors and his forging of his students into an effective force whilst also taking part in military action proving to be a lot of plot to pack into just 250-odd pages (in the omnibus edition). As a result the book moves very fast, but doesn't have time to build up the secondary characters as successfully as Mitchell normally manages.

Cain's Last Stand (****) brings this three-book arc to a successful conclusion and shines a different light on Ciaphas Cain to great effect. Not the series at its best, but relentlessly entertaining nonetheless. The novel is available now as part of the Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium omnibus in the UK and USA.

[Unseen Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating of 4.75.

I’ve been on a real roll with the amazing Ciaphas Cain series by Sandy Mitchell (a pseudonym of Alex Stewart) lately, which is easily one of the funniest Warhammer 40,000 series out there.

Commissar Ciaphas Cain, legendary hero of the Imperium and self-professed fraudulent coward, has done the near impossible and survived decades of brutal service in the Imperial Guard. Now effectively retired from active duty, Cain has returned to the planet of Perlia, which he helped save from an ork invasion early in his career, and now spends his time teaching Commissar cadets at the planet’s Schola Progenium. However, the battle is never truly over for Cain, and soon dark forces begin to descend once again.

Half a galaxy away, Abaddon the Despoiler has launched his 13th Black Crusade, determined to invade the Imperium of Man. While most of the fighting occurs around the fortress world of Cadia, a splinter fleet has broken off and is heading deep into the Imperium, defeating several forces sent to stop it. When it becomes apparent that this fleet is heading directly for Perlia, Cain is once again forced into action, especially as he knows exactly what they are coming for.

An ancient alien device of devastating power lies hidden on Perlia, one capable of reshaping reality itself, and Cain is one of the few people who knows it’s there. With no means of escape available and the fate of the galaxy in the balance, Cain is forced to lead the defence of Perlia against the oncoming Chaos tide. With only a ramshackle army of local soldiers, militia and students from the Schola under his command, the defence of the planet looks grim, especially when faced with a charismatic Chaos lord and his fanatically loyal soldiers. Worse, a far greater evil has its eyes on Perlia, one that Cain fears above all else. Can the legendary hero of the Imperium pull out one last impossible victory before he rides off into the sunset, or has Cain finally met his match at the site of his greatest triumph?

Mitchell continues to bring joy to the dark Warhammer 40,000 universe with this epic sixth entry, which I had so much fun with. Cain’s Last Stand was an excellent read, and I loved the cool and elaborate story that emerged.

To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/06/10/...

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[Dom · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second half of this review contains spoilers.

This book is entertaining enough, but I think this is the book where the repetition of the Ciaphis Cain novels began to become a parent. Certain bits of prose in terms of phrase become very notice (“palms itching”, Jurgen’s scent, blunt and direct foreshadowing. That being said, Cain himself remains an endearing character and his relationship with Jurgen is always charming. I also enjoy Amberly’s little interjections within the text.

The rest of my review contains spoilers, so be forewarned.
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I found this to be the sloppiest of the Cain novels in terms of plot and pacing. Most of the Cain novels are relatively direct with who the foe is that Kane will be facing. This book through several enemy factions at once and didn’t even confirm if certain a foes were actually present until the very end of the book. This book features tyranids, chaos cultists, daemons, mutants, and Necrons. And it makes mention of chaos space marines and orks as well. There is a lot going on. This book also seemed to just throw characters at you. There is always a revolving door of characters in these novels, because obviously characters need to be introduced, and then killed off in order to make the world seem dangerous. But man it felt like there were just so many characters in this one. It also felt like the story was constantly jumping from location to location and then onto the next location. I normally like spending time in this universe and I did during this read, but this one was all over the place.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont know what it is about this one, but I felt like this one is one of the more intense novels of the series. The desperation behind the whole war is palpable in the writing. And it also has some great character moments with Cain where he really proves he isnt the selfish scoundrel he likes to come off as. Sure, there are times in previous books where he has these moments, but I think this one is a bit different because it involves kids that he himself has trained up to this point in his lifetime. That, and I think on a certain level, they delve deeper into his emotions as a character, more than previous books (up until this point; havent finished the series). I would go so far as to say Mitchell might have taken some notes from Abnett's writing as I consider the whole arc of these three books, with Cain's personal character development and the intensity and depth of these fights he finds himself in.

Overall, a great read, and I think one of my favorite books of the series next to Caves of Ice. I think if I had any complaints about this one, it was the ending. After how quickly and energetic everything moves up to this point, the final chapter is quite short, and definitely feels like a quick resolve, kind of blowing through the resolution. A bit disappointing, but again, still loved the book

[Ross Coulbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cain's palms are tingling again, and for good reason. Maybe next time you decide to retire to teach the next generation of Commissars, don't pick the planet with such a rich history of things going wrong for you. Yes, Cain's back on Perlia, but if there is one thing I can say for sure, it's that there are no Orks around this time.

As usual Cain lives up to expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed the parts which I keep coming back for time and again. But on top of that, I felt this book went the extra mile because of the differences. He's older now, and subtly wiser. Even his attempts to save his own skin, while still at the forefront of his mind, are aided by being exceptionally capable himself from his long years of service, and not as much by relying on manipulating others. We get to see a nurturing side of him when he's trying to keep his students alive, and there are a couple of moments as the book progresses with them that really hit the heartstrings.

The book nicely concludes a overarching story line that started with his first visit to the planet in Death or Glory. Ramping up the stakes and the tension to a nail biting Last Stand as it were.

Highly recommend for all Cain fans, but do advise reading Death or Glory, and Duty Calls, first for references.

[Mark Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cain novels are like pulp action/war movies - you know the hero is going to survive, there's going to be some plot twist, he's going to have a moment where he almost dies and either survives through an ingenious plan or the cavalry showing up, and happily ever inevitable sequel(s).

The Cain novels are this in 40k.

Sandy keeps the writing interesting, though not always fresh. Cain is secretly completely self-interested, Jurgen smells bad and has infinite pockets, the melta gun is heavy, bulky, produces an actinic glare when fired, and Cain drinks tanna tea... etc.

If you're looking for character development, growth, and change, look further. If you want light, entertaining war action set in a grimdarkness future of onlywar, these are worth a read.

[Oliver Eike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes the previous two and ties it all neatly together. This is by far a better book than nr 5, it is in most ways better than nr 4 as well. But i felt the ending of this book was rushed and that the author was running out of steam.

Cain has retired mostly from active duty now and works as a teacher at a Schola on Perilia. But the planet comes under attack and so Cain has to save the day again. And doing so with a new cast of characters around him. Many of whom i hope we get to see more off down the line.

But yes, the build up of the book is great, the ending however leaves a lot to be desired. Which is why this book gets just a 3, rather than a 4.

[Vlad G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, Commisar Cain returns to Perlia for yet another adventure! It proved to be a satisfying conclusion to an interesting arc. The return to Perlia as a member of the schola proved highly enjoyable, with Cain's doubts about what information others should or should not have access to resulting in a very rewarding balancing act. Personally, I can't quite decide which of the trio of opponents Cain found himself facing in this particular adventure would be the most unpleasant to deal with. Happy it was the heroic commisar Cain that had to rise to the challenge and not me. Oh, and let's not forget about Jurgen!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saved this review to cover three books following Commisar Cain's career. Death or Glory is early, Duty Calls a decade later, and this book at the end of his career. It goes to show that choices have consequences, and Cain in his never ending quest for safety and leisure, is always in the middle of important things. Much to his dismay. His luck and trusty aide, the malodorous Jurgen, keep him the Hero of the Imperium. This is book 6, check it out.

[Gareth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another strong novel this one, even without the Valhallan 597th. We see Cain in his later years here, dealing with some familiar foes once again. Ties together nicely the loose trilogy of Death or Glory, Duty Calls and this novel, and we get to see one or two familiar faces as well as hear about various others we've met along the way. A bit of bittersweet feeling to it, given it feels like an overall ending to the series, so good that more stories have since been written :)

[Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cain is enjoying his retirement doing serving as an instructor for the next generation of commissar students at the Schola Progenium on Perlia. He is recalled to service one more time.

This book is more intense than the previous novels and he shows just how tough he can be when the chips are down. I think this book REALLY shows us who Cain really is.

[Dev S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The jump forward in time really changes the feel of this story to a surprising degree. I certainly miss the 598th but several of the new cast are engaging, the return to a known planet and the implications of hugely uneven life spans provided some interesting elements. The somewhat ambiguous ending was also well done.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I thought 40k Hitler was tasteless and not at all funny.


Mitchell has improved as a storyteller, but unfortunately it seems Cain has become less silly in the process. It hurts him.

He's actually become quite heroic, not to mention Jurgen, who should be decorated as fuck.


Still fine pulp, but as it was sold to me as a 40k comedy, I feel like a victim of false advertisement.

[Tim Skaret Sørensen]

Going forwards in time to after his service with the 597th is a fun twist! And you really do get a lot of Cain's feelings for his students, his colleagues, and for the world.

I do miss Jürgen, though.


The book still keeps Cain's sense of humor, sassiness, and everything you expect from the Ciaphas Cain archives!

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurray for more action! Commissar Cain, in his later years, battles against the forces of the 13th Black Crusade to keep a Necron artifact out of Chaos’ possession. The new characters and pace of the plot are engaging and it leaves off in a semi-cliffhanger.

[C Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the series so far by a distance. The change of scope that forced a older, more experienced Cain dealing with the enemy without his normal range of skilled allies. It showed him at his adaptable, strategic best. And the final duel was just hilarious.

[angela k staples · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Hero. When I grow up, I want to be like him.

Always more informed than the average Commissar.Cain and his aide move as one with equal skills. As effective as entertaining. On to the next book.

[James Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the Cain canon that builds on and wraps on some of the earlier stories in the series. It remains a series that has robust action and very silly comedy including in this case a very pleasing extended reference to a classic British sit com. I'd definitely recommend.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cain versus a Chaos warmaster with a ridiculous Hitler 'stache. Good times.