Reviews

Another typical Ciaphas novel, with a plot a bit more mysterious and intriguing than the last couple books in the series; I was getting tired of reading about Tyranids.

asukaya's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

nraptor's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

trackofwords's review against another edition

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4.0

Set as usual at an indeterminate date (but definitely pre-Dark Imperium) this sees Cain and the Valhallan 597th deployed to the ice world Drechia, bolstering the defences against eldar pirates. In the depths of the mines beneath the surface Cain unexpectedly finds yet more enemies – Chaos cultists, whose appearance threatens the nearby forge world of Ironfound – but also find himself reacquainted with an old ally as well.

If you’ve ever read a Ciaphas Cain story before, you’ll know exactly what to expect here – Cain and Jurgen getting into trouble (largely unintentionally) and scraping their way out again, as described by Cain’s irreverent, knowing first person narration, with a little help from Inquisitor Vail’s snarky footnotes. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat – and despite being book ten this is as good a place to start as any. While 40k isn’t exactly known for humour, the Cain books are one of the few exceptions, and this is a great example of Mitchell’s easy to read style.

Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2018/09/24/ciaphas-cain-choose-your-enemies-sandy-mitchell/

booksbybarthe's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was by far the best Warhammer 40K book I have read, so plus for that! Disclaimer, I didn't realize that this book was a part of a whole series about Ciaphas Cain (which I am now looking into reading). I found Cain to be a highly entertaining narrator, mostly because he is an unreliable narrator. Speaking of unreliable narrator Ameberly's endnotes where just perfect, they added another dimension and while I normally don't like reading endnotes and "extras" I highly recommend you don't skip these!
Now can we discuss the most important romance and relationship in this book?!? No, not the slightly inferred to hanky panky between Amberley and Cain BUT the real love of Jurgen and his Melta. Cause I swear I laughed out loud everytime Cain looked and Jurgen and Jurgen would just lift the Melta like "How about now? Pleaseeeee". On a serious note, I feel like if Mitchell had a quick snippet of Cain and Amberley's hinted at hanky panky it would've been incredibly entertaining. However, I understand the decision to not elaborate on that, since, I mean its a Warhammer 40K book.
And on a sidenote, I'm mad I missed out on the Emeli and Cain history and if anyone knows where that starts if you could just refer me to that installment I would be most grateful.

BUT to the point, its four stars because!...the conclusions to the plot of this book took maybe 50 pages and was very much rushed and was not as fleshed out as I wanted. But like...this was a top as far as the 40K universe lore.

beholderess's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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