Ciaphas Cain Series by Sandy Mitchell

Commisar Ciaphas Cain - hero of the Imperium and renowned across the sector for his bravery and valour - is sent to help maintain order on an outpost world on the borders of Tau space. But when the alien ambassador is murdered and the situation quickly spirals out of control, Cain and his regiment of Valhallans find themselves in the middle of a war... moreCommisar Ciaphas Cain - hero of the Imperium and renowned across the sector for his bravery and valour - is sent to help maintain order on an outpost world on the borders of Tau space. But when the alien ambassador is murdered and the situation quickly spirals out of control, Cain and his regiment of Valhallans find themselves in the middle of a war. As the Imperial Guard struggle to contain worldwide civil insurrection, can the wily Commisar Cain identify the real villian before the planet is lost to the Imperium forever ? less

Still attached to the Valhallans, Commissar Ciaphas Cain fights orcs and necrons on the ice world of Frigidia.

Commissar Ciaphas Cain is a man who, despite his best attempts to avoid danger and live the easy life, is constantly thrust into fame and fortune. He will be a hero, whether he wants to be or not.

In the war torn future of the 41st Millennium Commissar Ciaphas Cain, hero of the Imperium, is respected by his peers and an inspiration to his men – at least that’s what the propaganda would have you believe. The reality is very different, for Ciaphas is simply looking for an easy life and a way to stay out of peril... moreIn the war torn future of the 41st Millennium Commissar Ciaphas Cain, hero of the Imperium, is respected by his peers and an inspiration to his men – at least that’s what the propaganda would have you believe. The reality is very different, for Ciaphas is simply looking for an easy life and a way to stay out of peril. However, fate has a habit of throwing him into the deadliest situations, and luck (mixed with self preservation) always manages to pull him through and onto the loftiest of pedestals. To survive Commissar Cain must dodge, bluff and trick his way out of trouble, even if it increases his status beyond his control!Featuring futuristic military action, thrills and humour, Hero of the Imperium collects the novels For the Emperor, Caves of Ice and The Traitor’s Hand, plus three exclusive short stories. less

Yet again, reluctant hero Commissar Cain is catapulted into glory in the fourth story of this tremendously popular series. Escaping from a disastrous space battle, the commissar and his malodorous sidekick Jurgen crash-land behind enemy lines. The only way out is to round up what few troops they can find, and fight their way back to the safety of the Imperial lines. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of barbaric alien orks stand in their way!

While assisting local forces quell widespread civil disorder, Commissar Cain and his regiment of Valhallans discover sinister forces are at work behind the scenes. With a rioting populace, aliens on the rampage, and the Inquisition poking their noses everywhere, how can the wily commissar ever find the easy life he prefers?

Audiobook 6 of the Ciaphas Cain SeriesThe Imperium's most unlikely hero is back, reluctantly returning to the front line and hoping his luck will hold out!LISTEN TO IT BECAUSEThis 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.. moreAudiobook 6 of the Ciaphas Cain SeriesThe Imperium's most unlikely hero is back, reluctantly returning to the front line and hoping his luck will hold out!LISTEN TO IT BECAUSEThis 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 STORYAfter 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? less

The legendary Commissar Ciaphas Cain, lauded as one of the great heroes of the Imperium, finds himself thrust onto the battlefield again. Cain wants nothing more than to keep out of trouble and get to the other side of his commission in one piece, but the war-torn 41st millennium has other ideas. Confronted with the powers of Chaos and hordes of alien foes, our intrepid Commissar seeks to sidestep danger and talk his way out of trouble... moreThe legendary Commissar Ciaphas Cain, lauded as one of the great heroes of the Imperium, finds himself thrust onto the battlefield again. Cain wants nothing more than to keep out of trouble and get to the other side of his commission in one piece, but the war-torn 41st millennium has other ideas. Confronted with the powers of Chaos and hordes of alien foes, our intrepid Commissar seeks to sidestep danger and talk his way out of trouble. Yet each time he survives his legend only grows, and his life is in ever-greater jeopardy… Defender of the Imperium contains the novels Death or Glory, Duty Calls and Cain’s Last Stand, plus the short story Traitor’s Gambit and a new introduction from author Sandy Mitchell. less

Commissar Cain is called to duty once more, saving a governor’s daughter from a planet over-run by rebels. The uprising hides something far more sinister however – genestealer hybrids! The search for the source of the alien threat leads Cain to a drifting space hulk – a far safer place than beside the obsessed governor’s daughter. But when the Reclamator Space Marines suffer devastating losses at the hands of the Great Devourer, Cain and his trusty aide Jurgen must go it alone... moreCommissar Cain is called to duty once more, saving a governor’s daughter from a planet over-run by rebels. The uprising hides something far more sinister however – genestealer hybrids! The search for the source of the alien threat leads Cain to a drifting space hulk – a far safer place than beside the obsessed governor’s daughter. But when the Reclamator Space Marines suffer devastating losses at the hands of the Great Devourer, Cain and his trusty aide Jurgen must go it alone. With the tyranids waking and a group of stow away orks on the loose, there are no safe places to run or hide, and Cain must use all his ingenuity and cunning to escape the space hulk alive. less

Commissar Cain returns to an icy planet to crush a new wave of ork attacks, but inadvertently disturbs a far greater threat which has lain frozen and dormant for centuries in a new hardcover edition.Imperial commissar Ciaphas Cain returns to Nusquam Fundumentibus to crush the ork attacks which have been plaguing the frozen planet... moreCommissar Cain returns to an icy planet to crush a new wave of ork attacks, but inadvertently disturbs a far greater threat which has lain frozen and dormant for centuries in a new hardcover edition.Imperial commissar Ciaphas Cain returns to Nusquam Fundumentibus to crush the ork attacks which have been plaguing the frozen planet. But when his ship crashes into the wastelands outside the capital it disturbs a far greater enemy, one which has lain dormant under the permafrost since long before the Imperium came to this world, and could now threaten the whole sector. Faced with ongoing greenskin raids and keeping an over-enthusiastic novice commissar under control, Cain must rally his men and confront whatever emerges from beneath the rapidly melting ice... less

Ninth novel in the popular Commissar Cain series.When the world of Quadravidia comes under attack by the insidious tau, only one man can defeat the aliens and save the planet in the Emperor’s name: the legendary Hero of the Imperium, Commissar Ciaphas Cain. When the aliens call for a ceasefire, Cain expects the worst, and his fears are answered in the form of the dread menace of the tyranids... moreNinth novel in the popular Commissar Cain series.When the world of Quadravidia comes under attack by the insidious tau, only one man can defeat the aliens and save the planet in the Emperor’s name: the legendary Hero of the Imperium, Commissar Ciaphas Cain. When the aliens call for a ceasefire, Cain expects the worst, and his fears are answered in the form of the dread menace of the tyranids. As a hive fleet approaches Quadravidia, Cain must try to forge an alliance between the Imperium and the tau – but can he truly trust the inscrutable xenos? less

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... moreIn 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 less

Book 10 in the Ciaphas Cain Series.Commissar Ciaphas Cain returns! After putting down an uprising on a mining world, he finds evidence that the corruption might have spread to other planets, and the forge world of Ironfound could now be at risk… It's been a long time, but the self-styled Hero of the Imperium is back in action! And he's doing what he does best – telling tall tales of his unlikely exploits... moreBook 10 in the Ciaphas Cain Series.Commissar Ciaphas Cain returns! After putting down an uprising on a mining world, he finds evidence that the corruption might have spread to other planets, and the forge world of Ironfound could now be at risk… It's been a long time, but the self-styled Hero of the Imperium is back in action! And he's doing what he does best – telling tall tales of his unlikely exploits.Commissar Ciaphas Cain and the Valhallan 597th are in the thick of it again, putting down an uprising of Chaos cultists on an Imperial mining world. Though their mission is a success, they find evidence that the corruption might have spread to other planets, and that the forge world of Ironfound could now be at risk. The munitions Ironfound produces are vital to the Imperial war effort in the subsector; its safety must be assured at all costs. As battle explodes across the planet, Ciaphas Cain and his regiment come up against allies and enemies old and new in their fight for victory against the forces of Chaos. less

Book 11 in the Ciaphas Cain SeriesCiaphas Cain is nearing retirement, but of course his fate leads him into a twisted web of deception, corruption, and an unfortunate amount of mortal peril. This time, it’s the Adeptus Mechanicus throwing spanners into his future plans of heroic rest and relaxation.READ IT BECAUSEThe darkly hilarious saga of a reluctant hero continues – packed with all the action, wit, and hijinks you’ve come to expect from Ciaphas and his comrades... moreBook 11 in the Ciaphas Cain SeriesCiaphas Cain is nearing retirement, but of course his fate leads him into a twisted web of deception, corruption, and an unfortunate amount of mortal peril. This time, it’s the Adeptus Mechanicus throwing spanners into his future plans of heroic rest and relaxation.READ IT BECAUSEThe darkly hilarious saga of a reluctant hero continues – packed with all the action, wit, and hijinks you’ve come to expect from Ciaphas and his comrades.THE STORYWhen the flow of desperately needed weapons for the Astra Militarum slows to nothing from a newly founded forge world, there’s only one man able and (un)willing to investigate… Ciaphas Cain, Hero of the Imperium.With Cain’s desperately sought-after retirement on the line, the Imperium’s most reluctant commissar must navigate insidious assassination attempts against his person, legions of mutinous skitarii, heresy within the upper echelons of the Adeptus Mechanicus itself… and a hidden foe, pulling the strings, with an agenda that could threaten the future of Imperial rule in the Damocles Gulf. less

A Ciaphas Cain storyA mysterious comet draws Commissar Ciaphas Cain into a dangerous mission, as he faces a foe bigger than any he has ever seen.READ IT BECAUSEEnjoy the usual mix of humour, excitement and outrageous, over-the-top action in a new tale of the Imperium's greatest hero (from a certain perspective).THE STORYCommissar Ciaphas Cain and the Valhallan 597th are enjoying a rest after dealing with a failed uprising on a peaceful world... moreA Ciaphas Cain storyA mysterious comet draws Commissar Ciaphas Cain into a dangerous mission, as he faces a foe bigger than any he has ever seen.READ IT BECAUSEEnjoy the usual mix of humour, excitement and outrageous, over-the-top action in a new tale of the Imperium's greatest hero (from a certain perspective).THE STORYCommissar Ciaphas Cain and the Valhallan 597th are enjoying a rest after dealing with a failed uprising on a peaceful world. Of course, fate intervenes, and a mysterious comet causes catastrophe on a distant island chain. Accompanying the planet's governor as she investigates, Cain find destruction – and danger. less

A Ciaphas Cain short storyA night at the theatre becomes a fight for survival for Commissar Ciaphas Cain as vengeful Genestealer Cultists plot the hero of the Imperium's downfall.READ IT BECAUSEThere's nothing like a trip to the theatre – and in this story, you'll discover that's as true for Cain as it is anyone else… albeit for some slightly different reasons. A commissar's job is never done... moreA Ciaphas Cain short storyA night at the theatre becomes a fight for survival for Commissar Ciaphas Cain as vengeful Genestealer Cultists plot the hero of the Imperium's downfall.READ IT BECAUSEThere's nothing like a trip to the theatre – and in this story, you'll discover that's as true for Cain as it is anyone else… albeit for some slightly different reasons. A commissar's job is never done.THE STORYEarly in his long and storied career, Commissar Ciaphas Cain enjoys a (mostly) easy assignment on the world of Keffia. After defeating a Genestealer uprising, he's settled into an easy routine – until trouble rears its head again! Invited to a show at the local playhouse – the ill-named Resplendent – Cain becomes the centre of a final act that involves the dark cellars beneath the theatre and surviving members of the xenos-worshipping cult who want vengeance on the hero who defeated their plans. less

A Ciaphas Cain Short StoryCommissar Ciaphas Cain stumbles from a conflict with a genestealer cult, and straight into the sights of a terrifying greenskin.READ IT BECAUSEThe notorious Commissar Ciaphas Cain is a true hero of the Imperium – at least, so long as anyone's watching…THE STORYDeployed to the agri world of Frumentamunda to eradicate a local genestealer cult, Ciaphas Cain shies away from the thick of battle with his trademark sense of discretion... moreA Ciaphas Cain Short StoryCommissar Ciaphas Cain stumbles from a conflict with a genestealer cult, and straight into the sights of a terrifying greenskin.READ IT BECAUSEThe notorious Commissar Ciaphas Cain is a true hero of the Imperium – at least, so long as anyone's watching…THE STORYDeployed to the agri world of Frumentamunda to eradicate a local genestealer cult, Ciaphas Cain shies away from the thick of battle with his trademark sense of discretion. Just his luck, this cunning escape brings him up against an even more dangerous enemy – a feral ork, ready to deliver a proper krumpin'... less

Inquisitor Amberley Vail opens the Cain Archive once again to present one of the strangest missions from the heroic commissar's storied career. Deployed to the world of Lentonia to police the aftermath of an insurrection, Cain and the Valhallan 597th have to deal with a dangerous disease spreading through the Astra Militarum ranks.. moreInquisitor Amberley Vail opens the Cain Archive once again to present one of the strangest missions from the heroic commissar's storied career. Deployed to the world of Lentonia to police the aftermath of an insurrection, Cain and the Valhallan 597th have to deal with a dangerous disease spreading through the Astra Militarum ranks... an infection that kills its victims and returns them to life as flesh-eating zombies! As the dead rise across Lentonia, Cain and his malodorous aide Jurgen must seek a cure and find the source of the warp-tainted infection before they end up among the ranks of the walking dead themselves. Read it because It's a story of Ciaphas Cain vs zombies that was previously only available at Black Library Weekender 2012. Do you need any more reason? Oh, alright then, Cain vs zombies with a series of gorgeous illustrations of key scenes from the story. But mostly, Cain vs zombies. less

Ciaphas Cain's early years come to light as he fights alongside the Valhallan 12th Field Artillery on the world of Desolatia. A short story from the 'Hero of the Imperium' omnibus.

Ciaphas Cain battles alongside the Reclaimers Space Marine Chapter against a mysterious foe.A short story from the 'Hero of the Imperium' omnibus.

Another mission to purge the worlds of the Imperium of the followers of Chaos ends in success, thanks to the inspired leadership of Commissar Cain. Realising it’s time to reward his master with a hot cup of recaff, Jurgen, his faithful servant, heads off to seek refreshment, but finds rather more than he bargained for in the heart of the defeated cultists’ stronghold... moreAnother mission to purge the worlds of the Imperium of the followers of Chaos ends in success, thanks to the inspired leadership of Commissar Cain. Realising it’s time to reward his master with a hot cup of recaff, Jurgen, his faithful servant, heads off to seek refreshment, but finds rather more than he bargained for in the heart of the defeated cultists’ stronghold.A short but sweet little tale that thrusts Commissar Cain's malodorous sidekick into the limelight as he faces the last holdouts of a Chaos occupation all by himself...Previously published in Hammer and Bolter: Issue 20 less

A Ciaphas Cain AnthologyThis book brings together 13 uproarious short stories and one novella, focused on Ciaphas Cain, Hero of the Imperium. His stories are celebrated as heroic propaganda pieces, but he’s simply trying to stay alive in a hostile galaxy.READ IT BECAUSECiaphas Cain doesn’t mean to be a hero – he just can’t seem to help it... moreA Ciaphas Cain AnthologyThis book brings together 13 uproarious short stories and one novella, focused on Ciaphas Cain, Hero of the Imperium. His stories are celebrated as heroic propaganda pieces, but he’s simply trying to stay alive in a hostile galaxy.READ IT BECAUSECiaphas Cain doesn’t mean to be a hero – he just can’t seem to help it. While trying to escape certain death, he somehow achieves unlikely victory after victory in the wildest and most dangerous warzones of the galaxy, to hilarious effect.THE STORYCiaphas Cain is a true hero. Brave, stalwart, uncompromising, a cool head under fire… or is he? His legend has spread far and wide, but only Cain himself knows the truth behind his long and storied career.Until now.Inquisitor Amberley Vail once more delves into the Cain archive to present a selection of the man’s greatest and strangest exploits. From Cain and the Valhallan 597th hunting down the source of a warp-tainted infection that threatens to overwhelm the world of Lentonia with a starving horde of undead, to his early years with the Valhallan 12th Field Artillery fending off a tyranid invasion on a barren mining world, to the mysterious death of a fellow commissar that sees Cain’s life at risk (once again) as the killer’s attention turns to him…CONTENTSThis anthology contains the novella Old Soldiers Never Die and the following short stories:- Fight or Flight- The Beguiling- Echoes of the Tomb- Sector Thirteen- Traitor's Gambit- A Mug of Recaff- The Smallest Detail- The Little Things- Last Night at the Resplendent- The Bigger They Are- The Only Good Ork- Three Questions- Rotten to the Core less

Ciaphas Cain battles alongside the planet's custodians against the tyranid foe on the agri-world of Keffia.A short story from the 'Defender of the Imperium' omnibus.

It's always the little things... That's certainly the case for some Imperial Guardsmen who're scamming supplies from the Munitorum. And in this case, one of the little things in question is Jurgen, aide to the heroic Commissar Cain. All he wanted was some supplies for his boss, but he noticed a small detail and both he and his new enemies are going to get a lot more than they bargained for. Read it because It's a tale focused on Commissar Cain's malodorous aide, Jurgen... moreIt's always the little things... That's certainly the case for some Imperial Guardsmen who're scamming supplies from the Munitorum. And in this case, one of the little things in question is Jurgen, aide to the heroic Commissar Cain. All he wanted was some supplies for his boss, but he noticed a small detail and both he and his new enemies are going to get a lot more than they bargained for. Read it because It's a tale focused on Commissar Cain's malodorous aide, Jurgen. The galaxy's shabbiest Valhallan gets to show what he's made of as he tracks down the source of a criminal enterprise – in his own inimitable way. less

Inquisitor Amberley Vail, best known for chronicling the escapades of Commissar Ciaphas Cain, follows the trail of smugglers of alien technology, and finds herself in the middle of something much bigger… An artefact of an ancient race leads Inquisitor Vail and her warband into the depths of an underhive, where more than just mutants and gangers lurk in the darkness... moreInquisitor Amberley Vail, best known for chronicling the escapades of Commissar Ciaphas Cain, follows the trail of smugglers of alien technology, and finds herself in the middle of something much bigger… An artefact of an ancient race leads Inquisitor Vail and her warband into the depths of an underhive, where more than just mutants and gangers lurk in the darkness. Will Vail survive to tell Commissar Cain about this adventure?Inquisitor Amberley Vail, chronicler of the Ciaphas Cain adventures, finds herself in deadly peril when an ancient alien artefact leads her into the depths of an underhive. less

On Slawkenberg, Ciaphas Cain is a long way from the front lines and that's precisely what he wanted. However, Chaos is present on Slawkenberg and Cain finds himself back in the firefight against his better judgement.A short story from the 'Hero of the Imperium' omnibus.

On a tour of inspection on an aquatic world, in a sector uncomfortably close to Tau space, Cain and Jurgen take full advantage of the Governor's hospitality and conduct most of their tour from his luxurious submersible yacht - until a group of pro-Tau terrorists strike.A short story from the 'Defender of the Imperium' omnibus.