Book Review: "Ciaphas Cain: Saviour of the Imperium!"

Saviour Of The Imperium by Sandy Mitchell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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As always, these novels and the one novella are presented as unpublished excerpts from Cain's own massive personal archive, edited and presented by Imperial Inquisitor Amberley Vail, a sometime professional and occasional romantic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.






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