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Ciaphas Cain #7-9
Saviour of the Imperium
In the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, mankind’s mighty Imperium is threatened on all sides by its enemies – brutal orks, ravening tyranid hordes and the corrupt armies of Chaos. Many are the heroes who stand at the forefront of this endless fight against evil, but few names conjure up as much awe and respect as the legendary commissar Ciaphas Cain. When all seems lost, Cain, his trusty but malodorous aide Jurgen, and the Valhallan 597th, can always be relied upon to ride to the rescue and save the day! With their thrills and spills, and tongue in cheek humour, the Ciaphas Cain novels offer a unique vision of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. CONTENTSThe Emperor's FinestThe Last DitchThe Greater GoodOld Soldiers Never Die
1143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2018
About the author
Sandy Mitchell
107 books446 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 6, 2026
Standard, if atypically tongue-in-cheek Warhammer pulp. Somewhat less engaging than earlier in the series—Tyranids, Tyranids, and more Tyranids—but an easy popcorn read.
November 17, 2019
The whole formula of each story is the same. But what makes it more appealing is the character than the stories. With light and dark humour, Ciaphas Cain can be consider a light reading in the grim darkness of 40k.
January 23, 2020
Hail Commissar Cain, Saviour of the Imperium!
In this, the third omnibus collection of Sandy Mitchell's stories about the Flashman and Blackadder-inspired Ciaphas Cain, we are again treated to excerpts from his personal archive covering his extensive service as a Commissar, a political officer for the legions of the Imperial Guard. Cain is a legend, forever being in the heart of the fight, saving entire worlds from mankind's greatest enemies.
At least that's what most people see. In these first-person viewpoint tales, Cain sees himself as a self-serving coward and hypocrite. His first action on any world is to try for a post as far from danger as possible and to make sure there's a shuttle berth with his name on it for a hasty retreat.
Which is what makes the character so compelling. While Cain is always writing about his actions in a self-mocking tone with copious comments about his cowardice and lack of devotion to anyone but himself, the facts show that he is competent, brave when need be, and fastidious about his duties. He is one of the more interesting characters in the entire Black Library, to be honest.
As always, Cain is accompanied by his aide, Gunner Jurgen, who is technically still a member of the 12th Valhallan Field Artillery, although we learn in one of the book's novels that Jurgen has been with Cain for seventy years! Jurgen is the perfect aide. Devoted, single-minded, brave, and possessing the skills needed to assist the Commissar. He also smells worse than a pile of dead Orks, has breath that makes Tyranids gag, and an unending series of skin problems. Which are helpful when keeping people from bothering the Commissar. Most folks can't stand to be around Jurgen for a second longer than necessary.
Jurgen has another advantage: he's a Blank. Psychic and warp powers simply cease to function around him. Which has come in quite handy on several occasions. I was really happy to see two short stories told from Jurgen's point of view in this volume.
As always, these novels and the one novella are presented as unpublished excerpts from Cain's own massive personal archive, edited and presented by Imperial Inquisitor Amberley Vail, a sometime professional and occasional romantic partner of Cain's. She introduces each excerpt, provides copious footnotes to expand on points in the text, and, when necessary, inserts portions of other writings to fill in the gaps in Cain's self-centered writing.
As always, these stories preserve the grimdark feel of the WH40K universe while adding humor and complexes characters. I would not, however, recommend the Ciaphas Cain series as an entry-point into the WH40K books. Start with the Eisenhorn omnibus, or Gaunt's Ghosts: The Gathering. Both of these are better at introducing you to the universe and concepts that make up the setting. Wallow in the grimdark, then pick up Cain for a few laughs.
In this, the third omnibus collection of Sandy Mitchell's stories about the Flashman and Blackadder-inspired Ciaphas Cain, we are again treated to excerpts from his personal archive covering his extensive service as a Commissar, a political officer for the legions of the Imperial Guard. Cain is a legend, forever being in the heart of the fight, saving entire worlds from mankind's greatest enemies.
At least that's what most people see. In these first-person viewpoint tales, Cain sees himself as a self-serving coward and hypocrite. His first action on any world is to try for a post as far from danger as possible and to make sure there's a shuttle berth with his name on it for a hasty retreat.
Which is what makes the character so compelling. While Cain is always writing about his actions in a self-mocking tone with copious comments about his cowardice and lack of devotion to anyone but himself, the facts show that he is competent, brave when need be, and fastidious about his duties. He is one of the more interesting characters in the entire Black Library, to be honest.
As always, Cain is accompanied by his aide, Gunner Jurgen, who is technically still a member of the 12th Valhallan Field Artillery, although we learn in one of the book's novels that Jurgen has been with Cain for seventy years! Jurgen is the perfect aide. Devoted, single-minded, brave, and possessing the skills needed to assist the Commissar. He also smells worse than a pile of dead Orks, has breath that makes Tyranids gag, and an unending series of skin problems. Which are helpful when keeping people from bothering the Commissar. Most folks can't stand to be around Jurgen for a second longer than necessary.
Jurgen has another advantage: he's a Blank. Psychic and warp powers simply cease to function around him. Which has come in quite handy on several occasions. I was really happy to see two short stories told from Jurgen's point of view in this volume.
As always, these novels and the one novella are presented as unpublished excerpts from Cain's own massive personal archive, edited and presented by Imperial Inquisitor Amberley Vail, a sometime professional and occasional romantic partner of Cain's. She introduces each excerpt, provides copious footnotes to expand on points in the text, and, when necessary, inserts portions of other writings to fill in the gaps in Cain's self-centered writing.
As always, these stories preserve the grimdark feel of the WH40K universe while adding humor and complexes characters. I would not, however, recommend the Ciaphas Cain series as an entry-point into the WH40K books. Start with the Eisenhorn omnibus, or Gaunt's Ghosts: The Gathering. Both of these are better at introducing you to the universe and concepts that make up the setting. Wallow in the grimdark, then pick up Cain for a few laughs.
March 25, 2019
This collection is fascinating since it gives us our first real glimpse into how Jurgen, our protagonist's faithful aide, has changed over the years. He's grown familiar enough with the comissar that there are frequent allusions to social conversation with him (previous books depicted work-related conversations almost exclusively - Jurgen doesn't socialise much). But in this book his fondness for his master shows through alongside his never-explored loyalty (not exploring it isn't a bad thing since the books are from the Comissar's POV and he never understood why Jurgen stuck with him no matter what - though he offered a few theories).
At this point, members of the Valhallen 597ths command staff have come to an easy comradely-affection for Jurgen when previously he seemed to be considered more as a quirky outgrowth of the comissar.
Everything I liked about the previous books continues to hold true, so the extra layering of our longest-standing support character is welcome. It also indicates that Cain grew closer to and better grasped the "only man [he] ever trusted".
At this point, members of the Valhallen 597ths command staff have come to an easy comradely-affection for Jurgen when previously he seemed to be considered more as a quirky outgrowth of the comissar.
Everything I liked about the previous books continues to hold true, so the extra layering of our longest-standing support character is welcome. It also indicates that Cain grew closer to and better grasped the "only man [he] ever trusted".
April 6, 2019
More of Ciaphas Cain, if you like the old likes, you will like these ones as well.
The omnibus features a novel and several short stories, two of which center on Jurgen, which is fun on its own right.
The omnibus features a novel and several short stories, two of which center on Jurgen, which is fun on its own right.
April 9, 2021
Great as always
It's bitter sweet to finish all of ciaphas cain's adventures. The witty sarcasm and satire of cain's escapades are a nice twist on the rather grime abd dark warhammer 40k universe
It's bitter sweet to finish all of ciaphas cain's adventures. The witty sarcasm and satire of cain's escapades are a nice twist on the rather grime abd dark warhammer 40k universe
November 22, 2021
These novels and short stories continue the very enjoyable military escapades of Commissar Cain and his adventures across the galaxy. The short stories featuring Gunner Jurgen were interesting little insights into Cain's aide as well.
January 21, 2022
It's exactly what you want from a Cain novel. Ripping good tales of derring do from the ever unlucky/fortunate hero and his skilled and trusty companion.
A good bit of suspense, plenty of action and a few nice twists along the way.
A good bit of suspense, plenty of action and a few nice twists along the way.
December 15, 2022
A great read as always, the adventures of Commissar Cain are as always great, especially when combined with the thoughts of Inquisitor Vale. A great continuation for fans of the series. If you like 40k and you love Caiaphas Cain then I highly suggest this collection.
May 11, 2023
Sandy Mitchell does it again!
I've always love Ciaphis Cain and Jurgen. Amazing duo and great stories. All the action that can be expected from the 41st Millennium, but also with a good deal of humor.
I've always love Ciaphis Cain and Jurgen. Amazing duo and great stories. All the action that can be expected from the 41st Millennium, but also with a good deal of humor.
December 20, 2018
As always another fun series from the galaxy's greatest commissar. if you've read any books in the series, you already know what you're in for.
May 6, 2019
Reviewed under the individual works. All far-future military future, with varying degrees of humor.
April 4, 2020
Outstanding as always
Finishing this is a sad time as theres not another omnibus.
If you got this far in the series you don't need me to tell you how good it is.
Finishing this is a sad time as theres not another omnibus.
If you got this far in the series you don't need me to tell you how good it is.
Read
December 14, 2020Another series of of fun adventures with Ciaphas Cain and his implacable aid Jurgen.
June 10, 2021
Funny & Interesting
Another fantastic and funny adventure for Cain. Also really liked the short story at the end, very hilarious. Want more.
Another fantastic and funny adventure for Cain. Also really liked the short story at the end, very hilarious. Want more.
June 25, 2022
Not some of my favourite stories involving the Hero of the Imperium, but still a good addition to one of the best series by Black Library...
September 21, 2022
Saviour from boredom
Loved it. Commisar Cain is always entertaining. Sandy Mitchell delivers again. If you like the "light hearted" side of 40k you will love this book.
Loved it. Commisar Cain is always entertaining. Sandy Mitchell delivers again. If you like the "light hearted" side of 40k you will love this book.
January 3, 2023
More excellent tales of the Imperium's most cowardly Commissar (or is he?) getting into one scrape after another despite his best efforts to stay out of trouble.
November 18, 2024
Full of unbridled heroics, rib breaking humour, irreverent observe from the start and totally subversive! :D
December 6, 2024
A fun read.
December 31, 2025
As brilliant and enjoyable as ever. I'd like to see a greater variety of antagonists though. Although the revenants in the last story were new, it feels like every other book is about more tyranids.
February 28, 2019
Excellent Book!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews