An Astra Militarum Novel An untested Castellan-Colonel of Cadia is forced to step up when he's assigned to lead a motley collection of abhumans. Hated by most, including a ruthless commissar, they are nevertheless thrust into service in the middle of a brutal civil war. READ IT BECAUSE It's an unexpected perspective on the Astra Militarum, exposing the cracks in their seemingly strong foundation. Abhumans are pressed into service all across the galaxy, but they are rarely accepted by those with whom they serve, as useful as they are. What would it take to lead them in battle? THE STORY A young and brash Cadian, Castellan-Colonel Orysian Roane, was always content to leave the true burdens of leadership to others – that is, until his chain of command was suddenly shattered. Now, he is forced to take charge of a ragtag auxilia built around a clan of despised abhumans. A clash of different cultures and tactical doctrines, the regiment is filled with failures, survivors, and veterans from every corner of the Imperium. Overseen and openly loathed by a murderous commissar and consistently ignored by the Departmento Munitorum, Roane struggles with the impossible task of hammering his unit into Cadian shape, while those around him would rather see it destroyed. But before Roane can find his footing, a broken world is plunged into civil war, and the auxilia faces a trial by fire. Will this be both his first and last command? Written by Russell Zimmerman.