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Imperial Guard
Cadian Blood
An Astra Militarum novel
When the Imperial shrine world of Kathur is blighted by Chaos, the brave Guardsmen of Cadia are sent to reclaim it. Yet, they cannot imagine what lies ahead ...
READ IT BECAUSE
Aaron Dembski-Bowden's first novel, Cadian Blood is a Black Library classic, pitting a force of plucky Guardsmen from Cadia against a zombie apocalypse.
THE STORY
When the Imperial shrine world of Kathur is blighted by Chaos, the brave Guardsmen of Cadia are sent to reclaim it. The plague of Nurgle has set in deeply on the planet, forcing the Cadians into battle with an innumerable legion of the infected. In the midst of battle, Captain Parmenion Thade is thrust into an unlikely commanding role. Yet, he cannot imagine what lies ahead on Kathur, and just how important it will be to ensure victory there.
When the Imperial shrine world of Kathur is blighted by Chaos, the brave Guardsmen of Cadia are sent to reclaim it. Yet, they cannot imagine what lies ahead ...
READ IT BECAUSE
Aaron Dembski-Bowden's first novel, Cadian Blood is a Black Library classic, pitting a force of plucky Guardsmen from Cadia against a zombie apocalypse.
THE STORY
When the Imperial shrine world of Kathur is blighted by Chaos, the brave Guardsmen of Cadia are sent to reclaim it. The plague of Nurgle has set in deeply on the planet, forcing the Cadians into battle with an innumerable legion of the infected. In the midst of battle, Captain Parmenion Thade is thrust into an unlikely commanding role. Yet, he cannot imagine what lies ahead on Kathur, and just how important it will be to ensure victory there.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
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587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 7, 2010
One thing I tend to forget when considering the Imerial Guard is that when we think of the countless billions that die everyday in the wars of the Imerium; regiments tossed into the meat grinder to take a nameless hill, the barely trained conscript given a lasgun from the fellow in front of him that just took a bolt round to the face, these are the "normal" Guardsmen of the Imerium, and for some reason, I always lumped the Cadians in there with these poor schlocks.
For some reason I had assumed that the Cadians were the lowest common denominator. I mean it isn't like they were Catachans, those guys grew up on a jungle death world! The trap a fell into is that although Cadia isn't technically a death world, the Cadians treat it as if it is.
It says in the fluff that Cadians learn to strip a lasgun before they learn to walk. They are inducted into the guard at age 14. The thing I forget about the Cadians is that they are all badasses! These guys are like the Green Berets, Navy SEALs and the SAS all rolled into one.
I think the best part about the book Cadian Blood by Aaron Dembski-Bowden is that he disabused me of the notion that Cadians average soldiers. They are extraordinary soldiers.
This book tells the tale of the Shrine World of Kathur. A plague has gripped the planet, and chaos cults are springing up all over the world. And as the plague consumes the population, those that have fallen to the plague, rise again to attack those that haven't yet succum.
It has been decided that the world is a lost cause, but too important to lose. This is where Captain Thade and the rest of the Cadian 88th Mechanized comes in. They are ordered onto the world as part of the vanguard of the Reclamation forces. Along with the 88th comes other Guard regiments, and also Space Marines of the Raven Guard Chapter.
This book does a good job, in my opinion, of filling in some of the gaps from the IG codex. We get to see Karskins air dropped from a Valkarie. We also get to meet a sanctioned psyker and an engineseer, both as main characters. We see these characters as loyal sons of Cadia, and the author does a good job of building these two individuals into people you care about.
The book does fall into some of the overused plot devices that we've seen too many times in Black Library books. We have the pompous, Lord General that has little tactical sense, and believes that any problem can be solved by throwing more bodies at it.
Dembski-Bowden does a good job, of keeping the reader guessing. The Cadians are assigned a new Commissar, and it is unclear whether or not he is going to be the standard hard-assed Commissar, or more of an soldier-oriented Commissar. I think the author does a good job here of carving out his own style of Commissar. This guy does not seem like a stereotype, and he did end up surprising me in the end.
When all is said and done, this book reminds me of a Gaunt's Ghosts novel in that the author introduces us to quite a few interesting characters and then kills off most of them. I think that this is a must for a 40k novel, especially one about the Guard. Remember, to be a man in this time is to be one amongst untold billions.
If I were to rate this book on a scale of one to five stars, one being the Black Library book I enjoyed the least, and five the one I enjoyed the most, I would give this book a four. A very good read.
For some reason I had assumed that the Cadians were the lowest common denominator. I mean it isn't like they were Catachans, those guys grew up on a jungle death world! The trap a fell into is that although Cadia isn't technically a death world, the Cadians treat it as if it is.
It says in the fluff that Cadians learn to strip a lasgun before they learn to walk. They are inducted into the guard at age 14. The thing I forget about the Cadians is that they are all badasses! These guys are like the Green Berets, Navy SEALs and the SAS all rolled into one.
I think the best part about the book Cadian Blood by Aaron Dembski-Bowden is that he disabused me of the notion that Cadians average soldiers. They are extraordinary soldiers.
This book tells the tale of the Shrine World of Kathur. A plague has gripped the planet, and chaos cults are springing up all over the world. And as the plague consumes the population, those that have fallen to the plague, rise again to attack those that haven't yet succum.
It has been decided that the world is a lost cause, but too important to lose. This is where Captain Thade and the rest of the Cadian 88th Mechanized comes in. They are ordered onto the world as part of the vanguard of the Reclamation forces. Along with the 88th comes other Guard regiments, and also Space Marines of the Raven Guard Chapter.
This book does a good job, in my opinion, of filling in some of the gaps from the IG codex. We get to see Karskins air dropped from a Valkarie. We also get to meet a sanctioned psyker and an engineseer, both as main characters. We see these characters as loyal sons of Cadia, and the author does a good job of building these two individuals into people you care about.
The book does fall into some of the overused plot devices that we've seen too many times in Black Library books. We have the pompous, Lord General that has little tactical sense, and believes that any problem can be solved by throwing more bodies at it.
Dembski-Bowden does a good job, of keeping the reader guessing. The Cadians are assigned a new Commissar, and it is unclear whether or not he is going to be the standard hard-assed Commissar, or more of an soldier-oriented Commissar. I think the author does a good job here of carving out his own style of Commissar. This guy does not seem like a stereotype, and he did end up surprising me in the end.
When all is said and done, this book reminds me of a Gaunt's Ghosts novel in that the author introduces us to quite a few interesting characters and then kills off most of them. I think that this is a must for a 40k novel, especially one about the Guard. Remember, to be a man in this time is to be one amongst untold billions.
If I were to rate this book on a scale of one to five stars, one being the Black Library book I enjoyed the least, and five the one I enjoyed the most, I would give this book a four. A very good read.
September 30, 2023
ADB always delivers and this book is no exception. The only part I didn't care for was what Typhus did at the end. That seemed out of character and a bit forced. Other than that, this book was action packed fun
April 22, 2024
Before getting to grips with some of the biggest bads in the 40k universe, Aaron Dembski-Bowden put his own spin on some of the setting's most familiar tropes; psykers manifesting dangerous powers, daemonic insurrection, meddling inquisitors, and, of course, Guardsmen fed to the meat grinder of war.
The main story has much in common with Dan Abnett's 'Gaunt's Ghosts' series, those stoic Guardsmen adapting to new allies, new authority figures and new enemies. While Abnett's Ghosts fight for each other and their shared histories and beliefs, ADB's Cadians fight because that's what Cadians do; groomed from a young age to operate a rifle and to expect to die in defence of the Imperium. It's good; we get flashes of the character development and personality traits that are so important to Dembski-Bowden's later work. The pacing is skewed somewhat by a diversion into a space battle that feels like it belongs in a different books but is so clearly and cleverly set out that it ends up being the highlight of this one.
It does take a while to get going and there is a tendency to make a point and then unnecessarily repeat it, but even if this doesn't quite meet the standards of Dembski-Bowden's later work it is nonetheless a ripping good yarn and would likely make an excellent introduction for readers new to the 40k setting.
The main story has much in common with Dan Abnett's 'Gaunt's Ghosts' series, those stoic Guardsmen adapting to new allies, new authority figures and new enemies. While Abnett's Ghosts fight for each other and their shared histories and beliefs, ADB's Cadians fight because that's what Cadians do; groomed from a young age to operate a rifle and to expect to die in defence of the Imperium. It's good; we get flashes of the character development and personality traits that are so important to Dembski-Bowden's later work. The pacing is skewed somewhat by a diversion into a space battle that feels like it belongs in a different books but is so clearly and cleverly set out that it ends up being the highlight of this one.
It does take a while to get going and there is a tendency to make a point and then unnecessarily repeat it, but even if this doesn't quite meet the standards of Dembski-Bowden's later work it is nonetheless a ripping good yarn and would likely make an excellent introduction for readers new to the 40k setting.
September 27, 2021
That is what a fun Imperial Guard novel feels like. Overwhelming odds, insane Leadership decisions, Space Marines are there and sufficiently awesome, but do not steal the spotlight.
Nurgle is always a fun antagonist, and I liked how Typhus was there as a looming threat. It may sound stupid, but the wins of the Guard felt earned - that is how humanity in 40k can overcome the awful threats from everywhere. Dogged determination and simply having more bodies to throw at a problem then the enemy.
Still not sure how I feel about 'Cadians as super-Guardsmen' and their child soldiers, but again - that is part of the appeal of 40k. The 'good' guys do horrible things all the time, living in 40k is hell for everybody, but you find your glimpses of light here and there.
40k is less about black and white or shades of grey, it really is black all across with glimpses of hope like the scattered scars in the galaxy.
Nurgle is always a fun antagonist, and I liked how Typhus was there as a looming threat. It may sound stupid, but the wins of the Guard felt earned - that is how humanity in 40k can overcome the awful threats from everywhere. Dogged determination and simply having more bodies to throw at a problem then the enemy.
Still not sure how I feel about 'Cadians as super-Guardsmen' and their child soldiers, but again - that is part of the appeal of 40k. The 'good' guys do horrible things all the time, living in 40k is hell for everybody, but you find your glimpses of light here and there.
40k is less about black and white or shades of grey, it really is black all across with glimpses of hope like the scattered scars in the galaxy.
March 14, 2022
I would not call it Dembski-Bowden's best work but it is a competently written entertaining novel that delivers on its promises for the most part.
However
comparing this book to others in the warhammer 40K universe, it is once again a bit unclear how strong space marines are in comparison to other books and stories. What chance unaltered humans have against them is not a 100% consistent, even with other works by Dembski-Bowden himself. It does not help that almost every plague marine killed by the cadian guard troopers is killed offscreen, which does not help to shake of the feeling that they are a bit underpowered for plot's sake.
It is a pleasant diversion but not quite more then that.
However
comparing this book to others in the warhammer 40K universe, it is once again a bit unclear how strong space marines are in comparison to other books and stories. What chance unaltered humans have against them is not a 100% consistent, even with other works by Dembski-Bowden himself. It does not help that almost every plague marine killed by the cadian guard troopers is killed offscreen, which does not help to shake of the feeling that they are a bit underpowered for plot's sake.
It is a pleasant diversion but not quite more then that.
November 7, 2023
A solid if slightly disjointed bit of 40k pulp, from a time when GW didn't micromanage their author's every move. In my opinion ADB is one of 3 great Black Library writers, alongside Abnett and Wraight, and, while his first work is a bit hit-and-miss with its pacing and characters, it shows flashes of the slickness and deft turn of phrase that come to the fore in his later works. Finishes strongly, and well worth a read.
September 13, 2025
I've had this on my TBR pile forever, solid experience!
November 18, 2011
O nome do universo que inspira os vários livros desta série, WARhammer 40k, não deixa nenhuma dúvida em relação à sua temática principal. São livros de guerra, num futuro onde o belicismo é a ideologia dominante, caracterizada por todo um conjunto de rituais, que a tornam quase como uma religião.
As figuras mais representativas desta sociedade e também, as mais reconhecíveis, são os Space Marines, com as suas imponentes armaduras e total dedicação à causa do Imperador. Mesmo quem só conhece vagamente o universo Warhammer 40k, já ouviu falar destes guerreiros quase sobrenaturais, que com as suas capacidades alteradas geneticamente, são a elite na batalha contra os aliens e demónios.
No entanto, muitos dos seguidores do WH40K, seja dos diferentes tipos de jogos ou dos livros, tem como personagens favoritas, a Imperial Guard, que numa explicação simples, são o exército regular deste Império - são geralmente a primeira defesa nos diversos planetas, ou então, a primeira força de ataque a territórios do inimigo.
Apesar de escolher sempre os Space Marines nos jogos de PC, devido à impossibilidade de resistir ao sentimento épico e cerimonial que estes trazem às batalhas, com as suas orações bélicas e atitude indomável, confesso que estou a ficar grande fã da Imperial Guard, visto que já é o segundo livro deles que leio.
Cadian Blood não foge ao enredo típico dos livros de guerra, dos bons contra os maus, mas neste, as forças imperais vão também ter que enfrentar... zombies! Seguimos a história de uma força do Império, que vai tentar retomar um planeta sagrado, mas que enfrenta um problema muito maior do que esperado, tendo que recorrer a todo o seu fanatismo e dedicação à guerra, para cumprirem os objectivos. Acompanhamos essencialmente o regimento do planeta Cadia, onde se é treinado desde criança para a guerra, visto que estão sobre constante ameaça do inimigo, por estarem próximos do Eye of Terror.
Para estes soldados, estarem longe da batalha pela sobrevivência do seu planeta, é um sacrifício enorme, mas que os leva a terem um elevado sentido de honra e compromisso com as suas missões, sempre com o objectivo de regressarem a Cadia o mais depressa possível. É claro que isto também os torna pouco tolerantes com pessoas de outros territórios, pois, segundo eles, não entendem o sentimento de união e resistência dos Cadian.
Quando a missão parece perdida, é interessante ver como reagem e se adaptam à situação, sempre com o pensamento de que têm que sobreviver, porque não estão destinados a morrer ali, mas sim na defesa do seu planeta de origem. São profissionais da guerra, com as suas próprias tradições militares, que muitas vezes não entendem os protocolos e burocracias do Império, que funcionam como entraves em muitos momentos, nunca deixando no entanto, de os tentar cumprir, visto que toda a existência deles, gira em torno da honra e força de vontade para vencer o inimigo.
Tal como todos os bons livros e filmes de guerra, o livro está repleto de momentos e sacrifícios heróicos, contando também com a participação de uma legião de Space Marines, para tornar a história ainda mais emocionante. Mesmo não conhecendo a fundo toda a mitologia deste universo, é impossível não vibrar em alguns momentos, imaginando estes homens a lutarem quando sabem que têm poucas hipóteses de vencer.
É importante realçar que o livro é perfeitamente acessível para quem não conhece o universo WH40K, apesar de não fazer mal nenhum, dar uma vista de olhos pela internet, para descobrir mais sobre certas personagens, principalmente os inimigos. Confesso no entanto, que o facto de muitos dos livros do Warhammer serem independentes, criam um certo sentimento de "abandono" em relação a personagens que vamos conhecendo ao longo das histórias e que depois, nunca sabemos o que o futuro lhes reserva.
Para concluir, posso dizer que estas novelas do Warhammer 40K, são excelentes livros de guerra, sendo o equivalente aos livros passados na 2ª Guerra Mundial, ou aos de espionagem no período da Guerra Fria, que enchem muitas das prateleiras dos nossos pais, com a vantagem de relatarem um conflito só existente na imaginação de vários autores.
As figuras mais representativas desta sociedade e também, as mais reconhecíveis, são os Space Marines, com as suas imponentes armaduras e total dedicação à causa do Imperador. Mesmo quem só conhece vagamente o universo Warhammer 40k, já ouviu falar destes guerreiros quase sobrenaturais, que com as suas capacidades alteradas geneticamente, são a elite na batalha contra os aliens e demónios.
No entanto, muitos dos seguidores do WH40K, seja dos diferentes tipos de jogos ou dos livros, tem como personagens favoritas, a Imperial Guard, que numa explicação simples, são o exército regular deste Império - são geralmente a primeira defesa nos diversos planetas, ou então, a primeira força de ataque a territórios do inimigo.
Apesar de escolher sempre os Space Marines nos jogos de PC, devido à impossibilidade de resistir ao sentimento épico e cerimonial que estes trazem às batalhas, com as suas orações bélicas e atitude indomável, confesso que estou a ficar grande fã da Imperial Guard, visto que já é o segundo livro deles que leio.
Cadian Blood não foge ao enredo típico dos livros de guerra, dos bons contra os maus, mas neste, as forças imperais vão também ter que enfrentar... zombies! Seguimos a história de uma força do Império, que vai tentar retomar um planeta sagrado, mas que enfrenta um problema muito maior do que esperado, tendo que recorrer a todo o seu fanatismo e dedicação à guerra, para cumprirem os objectivos. Acompanhamos essencialmente o regimento do planeta Cadia, onde se é treinado desde criança para a guerra, visto que estão sobre constante ameaça do inimigo, por estarem próximos do Eye of Terror.
Para estes soldados, estarem longe da batalha pela sobrevivência do seu planeta, é um sacrifício enorme, mas que os leva a terem um elevado sentido de honra e compromisso com as suas missões, sempre com o objectivo de regressarem a Cadia o mais depressa possível. É claro que isto também os torna pouco tolerantes com pessoas de outros territórios, pois, segundo eles, não entendem o sentimento de união e resistência dos Cadian.
Quando a missão parece perdida, é interessante ver como reagem e se adaptam à situação, sempre com o pensamento de que têm que sobreviver, porque não estão destinados a morrer ali, mas sim na defesa do seu planeta de origem. São profissionais da guerra, com as suas próprias tradições militares, que muitas vezes não entendem os protocolos e burocracias do Império, que funcionam como entraves em muitos momentos, nunca deixando no entanto, de os tentar cumprir, visto que toda a existência deles, gira em torno da honra e força de vontade para vencer o inimigo.
Tal como todos os bons livros e filmes de guerra, o livro está repleto de momentos e sacrifícios heróicos, contando também com a participação de uma legião de Space Marines, para tornar a história ainda mais emocionante. Mesmo não conhecendo a fundo toda a mitologia deste universo, é impossível não vibrar em alguns momentos, imaginando estes homens a lutarem quando sabem que têm poucas hipóteses de vencer.
É importante realçar que o livro é perfeitamente acessível para quem não conhece o universo WH40K, apesar de não fazer mal nenhum, dar uma vista de olhos pela internet, para descobrir mais sobre certas personagens, principalmente os inimigos. Confesso no entanto, que o facto de muitos dos livros do Warhammer serem independentes, criam um certo sentimento de "abandono" em relação a personagens que vamos conhecendo ao longo das histórias e que depois, nunca sabemos o que o futuro lhes reserva.
Para concluir, posso dizer que estas novelas do Warhammer 40K, são excelentes livros de guerra, sendo o equivalente aos livros passados na 2ª Guerra Mundial, ou aos de espionagem no período da Guerra Fria, que enchem muitas das prateleiras dos nossos pais, com a vantagem de relatarem um conflito só existente na imaginação de vários autores.
September 5, 2022
I'll remember Cadian Blood for two things --fast and furious combat scenes and promising characters that became near-misses. I say near-misses because the characters started out as very interesting individuals, with distinct viewpoints regarding their profession of being consummate and elite infantry, the boots on the ground as they say. These men do not have the special powers of the Space Marines, nor the special tools of other elite forces of the Emperor of Mankind's Imperium. What they do have is an intense tie with their homeworld's warrior culture and history as well as an unshaken belief that infantry is, at the end of the day, the only way to win and hold ground. Come the middle of the book though, these ideas which had shown so clearly during the first few chapters failed to germinate further, leaving characters that weren't fully fleshed out and started to look indistinct from one another. The middle chapters sacrificed characterization with tedious paragraphs meant to promote the ambiance of the 40K universe.
The plot is simple enough and familiar enough with regards to stories set in the Warhammer 40K universe. A shrine world has begun showing signs of Chaos activity. The Cadian 88th Mechanized Infantry is sent in together with other Imperial Guard forces to reclaim the planet, not knowing that a Chaos force approaches from space. Meanwhile, larger forces are at play, making the regiment's job of reclamation far more important than they realize. I liked how the Cadians were portrayed as career soldiers with immense pride in their homeworld and warrior culture but sometimes the portrayal seemed too narrow-minded in scope and it soon became a one-trick pony act. The introduction of a non-cadian Commisar with his own brand of bad ass machismo could have been played better to portray the regiment as they see themselves and through the eyes of a non-Cadian fighting beside, and sometimes against, them. This wasn't to happen though. I also didn't like the way some characters were deftly built up then casually killed off, sometimes in situations that totally disregarded the characterization invested previously on the individual. The abruptness of these deaths, even the way the approaching forces of Chaos suddenly changed plans was unsatisfying and, to my mind, as a waste of investment. All that said though, I still enjoyed the book, enough to want another novel about Captain Parmenion Thade and the Cadian 88th. Maybe another installment or two featuring the regiment can rectify the lapses in character development and finally deliver a winning combination punch that this first book so temptingly promised.
The plot is simple enough and familiar enough with regards to stories set in the Warhammer 40K universe. A shrine world has begun showing signs of Chaos activity. The Cadian 88th Mechanized Infantry is sent in together with other Imperial Guard forces to reclaim the planet, not knowing that a Chaos force approaches from space. Meanwhile, larger forces are at play, making the regiment's job of reclamation far more important than they realize. I liked how the Cadians were portrayed as career soldiers with immense pride in their homeworld and warrior culture but sometimes the portrayal seemed too narrow-minded in scope and it soon became a one-trick pony act. The introduction of a non-cadian Commisar with his own brand of bad ass machismo could have been played better to portray the regiment as they see themselves and through the eyes of a non-Cadian fighting beside, and sometimes against, them. This wasn't to happen though. I also didn't like the way some characters were deftly built up then casually killed off, sometimes in situations that totally disregarded the characterization invested previously on the individual. The abruptness of these deaths, even the way the approaching forces of Chaos suddenly changed plans was unsatisfying and, to my mind, as a waste of investment. All that said though, I still enjoyed the book, enough to want another novel about Captain Parmenion Thade and the Cadian 88th. Maybe another installment or two featuring the regiment can rectify the lapses in character development and finally deliver a winning combination punch that this first book so temptingly promised.
February 24, 2011
One of the best 40K novels out there. Period.
I skipped it on initial release as I was a bit bored of IG stories at the time. I only picked it up again after enjoying all of ADB's other 40K novels and wanting more.
I'm so glad I did.
This might be his best book so far and I believe it was his first.
The characters are engaging.
The story isn't just a story about the IG. It touches on Astartes, inquisition the 13th crusade and even the Heresy. It's impressive that with everything in the book it dosen't lose focus.
The battles are bad ass.
The bad guy's are suitably bad.
There are moments in the book where you will think "he didn't just do that.....WOW"
There were places where all I could think is "Damn but those Cadian's are bad ass".
I'll not reproduce it here in case I get accused of spoilering but I promise you the last line in the book will leave you with a grin and the kind of feeling you get after watching "Hamburger hill" or "We were solidiers"
In short read the damn book you wont regret it
I skipped it on initial release as I was a bit bored of IG stories at the time. I only picked it up again after enjoying all of ADB's other 40K novels and wanting more.
I'm so glad I did.
This might be his best book so far and I believe it was his first.
The characters are engaging.
The story isn't just a story about the IG. It touches on Astartes, inquisition the 13th crusade and even the Heresy. It's impressive that with everything in the book it dosen't lose focus.
The battles are bad ass.
The bad guy's are suitably bad.
There are moments in the book where you will think "he didn't just do that.....WOW"
There were places where all I could think is "Damn but those Cadian's are bad ass".
I'll not reproduce it here in case I get accused of spoilering but I promise you the last line in the book will leave you with a grin and the kind of feeling you get after watching "Hamburger hill" or "We were solidiers"
In short read the damn book you wont regret it
May 1, 2021
Cadian Blood is an enjoyable and fairly easy read. If you're new to the Imperial Guard (sometimes called the Astra Militarum) of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, this is definitely a good book to start with. It delves into the Cadians' history, tactics, general behaviors, and etc. You also get to see how well they get along with other elements of the Imperium of Man (which is what humanity is called in this universe). The premise of the story is that a horrible plague has enveloped the planet of Kathur (that doesn't sound familiar at all in 2021...) and essentially the Imperium has lost control of the world. The Guard is sent there to reclaim the planet, but things only get worse as they arrive and the sick people who call Kathur home are the least of their worries!
I rate it a 3 out of 5 due in large part to an absolutely horrendous Chapter 9. I won't spoil what's happening story-wise, but this chapter was so confusing and bad that I contemplated calling it quits right there and then. ADB (the author) then seemingly pretends he didn't just write that beginning of the chapter and continues the story like it never happened! If you can push through that rough part, you'll come out the other side having read pretty solid Imperial Guard book. All things considered, I still recommend this to others!
I rate it a 3 out of 5 due in large part to an absolutely horrendous Chapter 9. I won't spoil what's happening story-wise, but this chapter was so confusing and bad that I contemplated calling it quits right there and then. ADB (the author) then seemingly pretends he didn't just write that beginning of the chapter and continues the story like it never happened! If you can push through that rough part, you'll come out the other side having read pretty solid Imperial Guard book. All things considered, I still recommend this to others!
April 11, 2021
This is a Warhammer 40,000 novel about a Cadian Imperial Guard regiment. I'm pretty sure that at least some of the characters show up in other stories. It helps if you understand the setting a bit, but it's not vital. I don't think it matters too much if you read this out of sequence, as I'm not even sure what the correct sequence is.
Basically, Nurgle has infected a shrine world where millions or pilgrims go every year to visit the various temples and cathedrals etc. Why is it always Chaos? The Cadians are sent in to find out what's going on and sort it out. It's actually a pretty good story and there's a lot of action, although there's the usual issue of the lore not matching the tabletop game in that most of the characters are veterans and experts who have seen many conflicts over decades (as opposed to the game where an individual Guardsman will probably be killed every other skirmish or something). Still, I enjoyed it and I would read more books in the series.
Basically, Nurgle has infected a shrine world where millions or pilgrims go every year to visit the various temples and cathedrals etc. Why is it always Chaos? The Cadians are sent in to find out what's going on and sort it out. It's actually a pretty good story and there's a lot of action, although there's the usual issue of the lore not matching the tabletop game in that most of the characters are veterans and experts who have seen many conflicts over decades (as opposed to the game where an individual Guardsman will probably be killed every other skirmish or something). Still, I enjoyed it and I would read more books in the series.
May 24, 2025
Honestly I didn’t buy this haha. It was a kindle gift from my bestfriend since they know I like reading and they like Warhammer’s games so they wanted me to read more about Warhammer so I gave it a chance. Is it my type of a book ? Definitely not it had so much action and dark aura and it was like a video game but in a storytelling somehow hahaha ! Don’t blame me but that’s how I imagined it for some reason as I read. Did I like it ? Oh yeah I did.
I’d say one of my favorite moments reading was when the Raven Guard Space Marines joining forces with the Cadians and there was cooperation just to achieve a goal. Even though I don’t know a lot about Kathur as much of course the fans, I did not want it to corrupt or fall.
Overall, I’m definitely recommending this to people who love missions and as well as those who love action and complexity.
Also pssst I might want to become a Warhammer fan
I’d say one of my favorite moments reading was when the Raven Guard Space Marines joining forces with the Cadians and there was cooperation just to achieve a goal. Even though I don’t know a lot about Kathur as much of course the fans, I did not want it to corrupt or fall.
Overall, I’m definitely recommending this to people who love missions and as well as those who love action and complexity.
Also pssst I might want to become a Warhammer fan
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2022
This is ADB’s first novel and you can kinda’ve tell if you’ve read his later work. The groundwork of his style is there but not in full force. He shines in this book with his dialogue, but sadly the way the plot goes from battle to battle you don’t get a lot of character depth which is where he also shines. You get a feel for some of the big players, but aside from a couple characters everyone else is kinda’ve lost together in a bunch of names and general concepts rather than feeling like you know them or are upset if something happens to them. All in all a decent read, still a book I don’t regret reading but it’s his first book but definitely not his best
March 10, 2024
4/5 Kastrkin™
I was promised Imperial Guard vs Zombie Apocalypse and I only technically received that. Of course with a plague you expect Grandfather and his heretics, but I was hoping to focus on the zombie aspect. Oh well
This is a pretty quick read but manages to deliver some characterization to go with the bolter porn (las porn?). There's not a ton of focus on the Chaos side of things, but the narrative doesn't provide impenetrable plot armor for the Imperium either. You even get some non-heretic Astartes for flavor (which literally every 40k book deserves).
It's fast and well narrated so check it out. It's not going to change your life but you will have a good time
I was promised Imperial Guard vs Zombie Apocalypse and I only technically received that. Of course with a plague you expect Grandfather and his heretics, but I was hoping to focus on the zombie aspect. Oh well
This is a pretty quick read but manages to deliver some characterization to go with the bolter porn (las porn?). There's not a ton of focus on the Chaos side of things, but the narrative doesn't provide impenetrable plot armor for the Imperium either. You even get some non-heretic Astartes for flavor (which literally every 40k book deserves).
It's fast and well narrated so check it out. It's not going to change your life but you will have a good time
May 28, 2019
I think I get what ADB was going for here - something similar to Abnett's Titanicus, a look at a planet at war from a variety of different perspectives (ADB did something similar in Helsreach), but it just didn't work for me. I think the things I"ve enjoyed of ADB's have all been really focused, in-depth character stuff, and he's just not good at pulling that off in little swatches. It's not necessarily that it was BAD, it was just, I kept asking myself, a) who was this person again? & b) why should I care? Meh.
April 17, 2021
Im a huge fan of the author’s 40k work so I was both surprised, but also not really surprised, to see that his first novel in the setting was so good. It’s a typical Guard story, but well done and filled with solid characters and lots of snappy dialogue. The final line, though, in light of current lore events does make me feel a bit bad for the main characters, but hey... Cadia did break before the Guard, so I’d like to think the 88th is still Unbroken out there somewhere.
October 21, 2021
ADB is a fantastic writer of science fiction. He does a great job of showing normal humans being the best they can be and overcoming incredible odds.
As much as I love space marines I love the stories where the humans manage to hold their own against these genetically engineered beasts. It speaks to the best of human valor and heart when we read stories of men and women overcoming the impossible even in the grim dark of the 41st millennia.
As much as I love space marines I love the stories where the humans manage to hold their own against these genetically engineered beasts. It speaks to the best of human valor and heart when we read stories of men and women overcoming the impossible even in the grim dark of the 41st millennia.
December 6, 2024
Decent old guardsmen novel. None of that new-hammer crap. Old school warhammer.
Does drag a bit toward the end, and all of the non-guardsmen characters die easily (as in any other army driven novel), but is a decent read.
Got a few unique characters in it, like the ostracised psyker trying to operate in a military unit, the cocky general trying to win glory, and the sentinel drivers.
Nothing gripping, or anything worth a second read through.
6.5/10
Does drag a bit toward the end, and all of the non-guardsmen characters die easily (as in any other army driven novel), but is a decent read.
Got a few unique characters in it, like the ostracised psyker trying to operate in a military unit, the cocky general trying to win glory, and the sentinel drivers.
Nothing gripping, or anything worth a second read through.
6.5/10
September 23, 2022
Cadian Blood is an entertaining Imperial Guard novel that takes a closer look at both the cadians and the guard as a whole. There are some weird writing decisions here and there but still the novel remains captivating from start to finish.
Watch the full review here: https://youtu.be/Jb1_QLpXTMk
Watch the full review here: https://youtu.be/Jb1_QLpXTMk
June 19, 2023
It’s a good book. The action is exciting, the characters quickly and efficiently drawn (not super deep, but they don’t need to be,) the horror sections effective, the speeches rousing. It’s good to see Dembski-Bowden write a normal Warhammer novel before he either started deconstructing them (Helsreach) or taking on weird characters (his chaos stuff.)
April 30, 2024
A fun action packed book from beginning to end. It's pretty much space soldiers vs space zombies. Its pretty straight forward from beginning to end. But I was caught me off guard was how well written the characters were. Even the villains have some shades of grey in them along with some tragedy that makes you understand why they did what they did. But yeah, great book definitely recommend.
November 16, 2021
Imperial Guardsmen start reclamation of a shrine world overtaken by corruption.
Focusing on Cadian regiment we see why they are considered elite soldiers and learn a lot about them.
Story takes place while battle for Cadia is still ongoing.
Focusing on Cadian regiment we see why they are considered elite soldiers and learn a lot about them.
Story takes place while battle for Cadia is still ongoing.
March 18, 2022
Мир вечно стоящий. Если другим достаётся сражаться со всякими безымянными орками и культистами, то здесь сразу и Тифус и гвардия смерти, а дома 13-й ЧКП Аббадона. Общаются со знаменитостями.
Это не совсем обычная книга из "Гвардейского" цикла. Как раз читается интересно.
Это не совсем обычная книга из "Гвардейского" цикла. Как раз читается интересно.
April 19, 2022
This book was extremely easy to read, it was a great story and very well written, *Spoilers* the death guard in this story are a great and unexpected addition. Typhus showing up and causing havoc was fantastic would highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2022
Pretty good book that heavily features the Death Guard and some good descriptions of Sentinels. And a tribute to the Cadians, of course, though I had more interest in Papa Nurgle. Kind of wish he'd made a deeper dive into describing the plague-slain and Remnant.
March 10, 2023
This is my new favorite 40K novel. However, it was only my fifth and all four previous books which I read were from one author ('The Uriel Ventris Chronicles: Volume 1' trilogy and 'Storm Of Iron' by Graham McNeill), so take that for what it's worth.
September 17, 2023
It's nice to see the Cadian troops outside their home world and this book delivers just that. It really conveys the power but also futility of fighting chaos. Overall, this is a fantastic classic take on Warhammer and I hope Captain thade is in future books.
August 3, 2024
A fun Imperial Guard novel that, while fun and fast to read, is not as good as most offerings from ADB. Not a 4 star but a solid 3 or 3.5... well worth the read for the 40k and/or Imperial Guard fan :)
February 19, 2018
Fast-paced story...a nice read from start to finish...
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