Ciaphus Cain series

[Ion Raptor]

First off, I suggest to everyone to pick up the Hero of the Imperium Omnibus, it includes 3 novels and 3 short stories. Now on the the review.

Writing:
It's written in a memoir style of writing so it's a new experience for those of us used to reading in 3rd person. The extra insight into the inner workings of Cain's mind while he guesses at what others think is an excellent writing style. As a memoir, we only get the events that happened to Cain, not the whole picture. For the fillers within the story we rely on an Inquisitor named Amberly Veil, who edits Cain's journals and adds footnotes every once in a while at the bottom of the page (usually one or two every other page)

Story:
The stories themselves are very well done and thought through. Normally in a 40k novel you will have a bunch of mega battles with not much else in between. Not the case in Cain's adventures, many times they are less about the battles and more about the people. In the case of "For the Emperor" the story revolves around diplomacy and the prevention of a war rather then killing the enemy i na spray of blood. It's a fresh look on the 40k universe

Characters:
In sharp contrast to normal 40k novels the characters of the Cain series are not (for the most part) the brain washed righteous fury screamers we're so used to reading about. Instead most of the characters have minds of their own, this is especially true of our main character, who will do anything to save his own skin. The book is filled with normal everyday conversations and situations that Cain would have encountered, rather then every scene being filled with inflated dialect like "Emperor be praised, all that we do is in service to him! I will throw down my life for him!". When this type of dialect is used however it is purposeful and it's a sure bet that Cain has a smart remark to make about it.

Comedy:
Most importantly the book is full of dark humor, once again in contrast to the nitty gritty 40k world we get a more light hearted look into the lives of it's soldiers.

My rating? 2 thumbs up, 10 out of 10, and 5 Stars!

[Stubber]

I've just finished reading The Hero of the Imperium omnibus.
It is excellent and I'd definetely reccomend it to anyone who is looking for a more humorous side to 40k.
(In fact I've already talked Ides into reading it )

[Gregor Xenos]

I have read a few of the independant books and love them... definatly not the norm for 40K

Still have yet to find the omnibus tho... my bookstore sux, and tho i look to BL for upcoming releases, Ive never ordered from them.

[Templar Mikeel]

A great read for all. There are several points where you just stop reading and chuckle to yourself.

[Captain Slow]

Just finshed Reading the first book in the monibus,a dn the two short stroies, and ive just started (well if you call 100 pages started) Caves of ice, and well, let me just say so far im impressed. im a big Abnett fan, for obvious reasons, as well as ben counter, both aweosme writers, and both have turned thier ahnds to Sm adn guard well. and i quote like the fact that the book was written in the first person rather than the usual, 3rd person narrator.

all in all, im going to keep reading!

[Ides]

Ciaphas Cain said: "Frak this."

Ahmel Mahat, a Tallarn Sergeant believes Cain said: "Frak this, for my faith is shield enough against your blandishments."

[Ion Raptor]

Originally Posted by Ides

Ciaphas Cain said: "Frak this."

Ahmel Mahat, a Tallarn Sergeant believes Cain said: "Frak this, for my faith is shield enough against your blandishments."

and that's a perfect example of the humor of this series.

Another would be in one of Amberly's footnotes. Cain states that the Inquisition is better at bribes and threats then anyone, but tend to get jealous and pissy if anyone else tries the same. Amberly promptly places a foot note in there saying that that is completely untrue, as the the Inquisition is above such things as jealousy....yet she never denies that they bribe and threaten people!

[Ides]

The Emperor's pet psychopaths. Cain's name for his Divine Majesty's Most Holy Inquisition.

[Lord Commander Erus]

Originally Posted by Ides

The Emperor's pet psychopaths. Cain's name for his Divine Majesty's Most Holy Inquisition.

That is now my user title.... Great one ides..

And curse you... Now I have another book series to read...

[Baron Spikey]

An omnibus plus 'Death or Glory' and 'Duty Calls'- the 4th and 5th books, respectively, in the Ciaphus Cain series.

'Death or Glory' is set before he joined the 597th Valhallan , stuck behind enemy lines Cain does what he does best.....tries to get as many warm bodies between himself and the enemy.

'Duty Calls' is an extremely good read (in fact its my favourite in the series) and it resumes with Cain serving with the 597th on a rather peculiar Imperial World.

[Scoutmaster477]

I have read them all and highly recommend any book by Abbatt. I much prefer the books on the IG over those of the SM.

[Ides]

I think you posted this in the wrong thread mate...

[GazgutzDaBiggun]

I love it man! I passed the part when he said get the brooms I laughed out load in class at that one. I am up to the part when they are marching into the city.

[lord marcus]

Originally Posted by Ion Raptor

First off, I suggest to everyone to pick up the Hero of the Imperium Omnibus, it includes 3 novels and 3 short stories. Now on the the review.

Writing:
It's written in a memoir style of writing so it's a new experience for those of us used to reading in 3rd person. The extra insight into the inner workings of Cain's mind while he guesses at what others think is an excellent writing style. As a memoir, we only get the events that happened to Cain, not the whole picture. For the fillers within the story we rely on an Inquisitor named Amberly Veil, who edits Cain's journals and adds footnotes every once in a while at the bottom of the page (usually one or two every other page)

Story:
The stories themselves are very well done and thought through. Normally in a 40k novel you will have a bunch of mega battles with not much else in between. Not the case in Cain's adventures, many times they are less about the battles and more about the people. In the case of "For the Emperor" the story revolves around diplomacy and the prevention of a war rather then killing the enemy i na spray of blood. It's a fresh look on the 40k universe

Characters:
In sharp contrast to normal 40k novels the characters of the Cain series are not (for the most part) the brain washed righteous fury screamers we're so used to reading about. Instead most of the characters have minds of their own, this is especially true of our main character, who will do anything to save his own skin. The book is filled with normal everyday conversations and situations that Cain would have encountered, rather then every scene being filled with inflated dialect like "Emperor be praised, all that we do is in service to him! I will throw down my life for him!". When this type of dialect is used however it is purposeful and it's a sure bet that Cain has a smart remark to make about it.

Comedy:
Most importantly the book is full of dark humor, once again in contrast to the nitty gritty 40k world we get a more light hearted look into the lives of it's soldiers.

My rating? 2 thumbs up, 10 out of 10, and 5 Stars!

i agree with everything that you have said. ciaphias cain is my hero of books.

[Baron von Lexus]

I'm right in the middle of it right now and I'm immensely enjoying it.