What are the Best Warhammer 40k Books 2024? Not sure which model to pick? Then you NEED to see this list.
Warhammer 40K is a world that is unlike any other literary world. Due to over 20-years worthiness of rulebooks, codexes, and books printed, the world has rich and storied lore. This is lore. The typical person can research by checking out the books from the Black Library’s catalog.
If you are new to this world or have not seen it in some time, you will probably need to look at our testimonials and our manual to come up to speed. Thus, let us take a trip to this world combo of fantasy, science fiction, and horror wrapped into one. And allow Penn Book to begin our journey by having a peek at the best Warhammer 40K books to start with.
Top Rated Best Warhammer 40K Books To Read
In 1987, Warhammer 40,000 war game was initially released by Games Workshop and showcased the occasions of the distant future dream world. Shortly, its affiliate print home Black Library began publishing background literature that described the world and its personalities in detail.
A new reader does not understand what to start with. You will begin exploring the world with all the following listing of novels ranked best for worst. This choice contains the best 40k books that are available on the market these days.
The Black Library: The Art Of Warhammer 40,000
Black Library has been telling action-packed and character-driven stories set in Warhammer 40,000’s dark future for over twenty years. They also bring those stories to life with dramatic, dynamic illustrations on their covers.
Black Library: The Art of Warhammer 40,000 offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creation of over a dozen of Black Library’s most beloved book covers. It is the perfect visual companion for Warhammer 40,000 fiction readers.
This book includes over 200 pages of full-color covers artwork from Black Library novels, past and present. It also features fan-favorite characters like Gregor Eisenhorn and Celestine, the Living Saint.
Horus Rising by Dan Abnett
Whether you’re a hardcore Warhammer 40k enthusiast or new to the world, Horus Rising by Dan Abnett is where to start. Occurring 10,000 years before the significant 40k setting, this narrative lays the basis of the 40k mythos.
Together with the Imperium of Man at its height, the Immortal Emperor renders the frontlines and entrusts the great crusade into his Warmaster Horus. This sets forth the 40k world as we understand it.
Horus Rising is the best mixture of militaristic 40k cuisine and productive character growth. Dan Abnett’s prose is top-notch (that is why you can see his name several times on this listing), and Horus Growing is only the beginning.
There’s something for everybody in this book. In other words, this is the one Warhammer 40,000 novel you ought to read.
Fulgrim – Graham McNeill
This 40k novel is book 4 of the Horus Heresy Series; the Warmaster Horus proceeds his Good Crusade.
However, the Primarch of the Emperor’s Children, Fulgrim, leads his warriors into battle. And he does it while staying unaware that dark powers have locked their gaze upon the Imperium of Man.
Since loyalties are analyzed. Friendships are strained; each murderous and insatiable appetite will perform since the Emperor’s Children start their descent to actual corruption and on the street, which will lead them into the killing fields called Isstvan V. A warrior who will haul the reader with them.
Legion – Dan Abnett
A fantastic war looms, and loyalties are tested. Legion by Dan Abnett concentrated on the Space Marines of the Alpha Legion and an alien association known as the Cabal and told from the view of ordinary people, the novel’s details why and how the Alpha Legion is considering traitors.
Secrets, lies, spins, turns… Legion is a sci-fi thriller. Abnett weaves a web of espionage and intrigue. The book is frequently compared to a James Bond story set in the Warhammer 40K universe.
If this is not enough to hook you, then this Warhammer book is considered by some to be the most exceptional Horus Heresy book printed. Not to be overlooked!
Eisenhorn – Dan Abnett
Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett is a trilogy of books about the livelihood of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn. Inquisitor Eisenhorn is a high-ranking member of the Imperial Inquisition, whose mission is to safeguard humanity and eradicate heresy throughout the world. Eisenhorn wields enormous power, but do the ends always justify the means? Good versus evil and everything in between.
The Eisenhorn trilogy was famous enough to be gathered as an Omnibus. Fast-paced and filled with personality, Abnett is in prime shape. This trilogy is self-contained and may be appreciated by anybody without preceding reading.
A Thousand Sons: The Horus Heresy – Graham McNeill
The twelfth book of Horus Heresy shows details the way A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill went from faithful musicians to so-called traitors.
Being forced to return to Prospero due to their sorcery, Magnus the Red and the Thousand Sons warn the Emperor of Horus’ treachery. However, the Emperor isn’t keen on their usage of prohibited powers and instead pushes the Space Wolves to attack Prospero.
A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill are gut-wrenching and robust, but also thoughtful and complicated. The figures are philosophical, and even the narrative awful.
From now on, the Space Wolves put down a brutal siege on Prospero, which may sympathize with the Thousand Sons. The path to hell is paved with good intentions.
The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
(Best first Warhammer 40k book)
Lorgar, as well as the Word Bearers, worship the Emperor as a god. For this, they’re punished. Questioning their religion, they search out the true gods. But when the Emperor isn’t the real god, then that is? In slides, Chaos and also the first heretics from the Warhammer 40k universe.
The fall from grace is a frequent narrative in the Horus Heresy series, but The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden is among the more persuasive. It’s the battle of religion, shattered beliefs, and even betrayal.
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The Founding (Gaunt’s Ghosts) by Dan Abnett
The Founding (Gaunt’s Ghosts) collects the first three books that follow Ibram Gaunt, commissar of this Tanith First-And-Only regiment. In the afternoon of the regiment’s heritage, Chaos destroys their entire world. Today Gaunt and his regiment travel from world to world battling conflicts, both political and physical.
The Gaunt’s Ghosts series by Dan Abnett is widely considered among the very best, and also The Founding is only the start. It’s not necessary to read any backstory. Abnett knows the way to flesh out the micro and the macro. The book is inspired by the Sharpe series and has a more human tone than many other Black Library books.
Storm of Iron – Graham McNeill
Storm of Iron by Graham McNeill is the book to see if you like Chaos Space Marines. This standalone book focuses on the Iron Warriors’ siege of this imperial world Hydra Cordatus. But haha she Iron Warriors invaded and will they be stopped?
False Rings: The Seeds Of Heresy Are Sown
This book was written by Graham McNeill, a writer that has written 20 distinct books for this particular series, books which have A Thousand Sons, and this 40k novel; he reveals why he’s written a lot of those Warhammer 40,000 novels.
Then, Noble captain, Gavriel Loken has misgivings about a few of those ways because of his brethren, and it is apparent the Horus has a personal stake in the reconquering of this moon of Davin. And all this happens because dark forces grow up.
Descent Of Angels: The Horus Heresy
Here is the sixth book from the Horus Heresy series. It appears to take a tiny break from the most compelling storyline or somewhat and wanders into some slightly different fantasy elements.
The coming birth of the Imperium induces new issues to arrive, and also the sons of Caliban should decide for themselves when they are likely to combine the Lion at the great Crusade.
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Ravenor: The Omnibus by Dan Abnett
The trilogy of Ravenor: The Omnibus by Dan Abnett follows Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor contains Ravenor, Ravenor Returned, and Ravenor Rogue. The Inquisition contributes to covert warfare, hoping to root out heresy and combating with the alien, the daemon, and the heretic. It must show the origin of chaos-inspired drugs disperse over the Imperium worlds.
Watch more about 40 Facts and Lore on Warhammer 40K Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor.
Watchers of the Throne: The Emperor’s Legion – Chris Wraight
This is the next book in the trilogy Vaults of Terra composed by Chris Wraight. Considering that the Imperium was set up, the Adeptus Custodes watch on the Golden Throne. They’re among the greatest warriors and have gold armor, as well as their solution is well-known around the globe.
They’re the most reliable guardians together with Sisters of Silence allies to protect the Master of Mankind.
The narrative is told through the perspective of 3 Chief characters:
- Tieron (a person Chancellor);
- Valerian (a Custodian and Shield-Captain);
- Aleya (a sister of the Silent Sisterhood).
The writer utilizes the primitive and ambiguous language which the readers will expect in this world.
Dead Men Walking – Steve Lyons
This book is one of the Imperial Guard series. Hieronymous Theta is a mining world, and its cities have been assembled around mining facilities. One afternoon, the miners found odd artifacts deep underground and upset Necrons.
All these mutants, which occupy the lower degrees of this city, begin moving to high degrees. Together to retake the entire world, they ruin the human inhabitants. The Death Korps of Krieg is dispatching the Theta to Take Care of the mutants.
Galaxy in Flames (Horus Heresy) – Ben Counter
Galaxy in Flames is the final book in the Warmaster Horus Heresy trilogy by Ben Counter. Horus recovers from his injuries and contributes to the Imperial troops from the rebel world of Istvaan III. The rebels can easily be crushed, but virus bombs arranged by Horus can ruin the inhabitants of Earth.
Deciding the Emperor has taken the incorrect route, Horus makes a deal with the Chaos forces. The Warmaster Horus, together with his allies, begins removing all who could be in opposition.
Galaxy in Flames ends with a burst against his Astartes troops which were deployed on Earth. After Space Marines show Horus’s treachery, they flip their forces.
Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium by Sandy Mitchell
Hero of the Imperium by Sandy Mitchell carries a series of novels that explain the exploits and misadventures of Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperial Guard Commissar. He’s a respected guy and an inspiration to his peers. He’s only searching for a simple life.
The book is written unconventionally: an Inquisitor is studying the journal of Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium and leaves his humorous footnotes as Blackadder making it a lighter, more humourous Black Library title.
The book is excellent for the beginning if you would like to learn more about the Imperial Guard series. Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium may be the best for people sicking of Space Marines, this is a welcome change of pace.
False Gods: The Horus Heresy – Graham McNeill
Among the most notable books Graham is now written, coincidentally also among the greatest Warhammer 40,000 novels, is your 2006 book, False Gods. Knowing the Imperium of man is in the loftiest position it has been at. It’s logical to assume that there are corrupting, manipulating items that linger and are awaiting the high time when to attack.
Since Warmaster Horus has become the leader and continues to be shrouded with total strength, it stands to reason to wonder whether Horus will fall prey to temptations that set him up.
This book is the next among this series, should you want to read the novels in a proposed Warhammer 40,000 book reading order and awesome writing and a worthy sequel to Horus Rising.
Eisenhorn – Dan Abnett
Dan Abnett’s 2004 book titled Eisenhorn is a compelling read from the Warhammer 40k books, and also we think of it among our favorites.
Malleus – Dan Abnett
The omnipresent, ferocious, and infinitely gruesome enemies of humankind have not ceased their threatening manners a bit, and at the 2001 book Malleus, this series continues. Malleus is among those books we believe belong to the essential Warhammer 40k book order if a person wants to have a grip on the broader narrative.
First And Only – Dan Abnett
Even though millennia passed, the Sabbat system gradually fell into disarray and has been shot by Chaos. Gaunt’s Ghosts, Tanith First and Ibram Gaunt would be those in the very first lines of conflict.
But when heresy becomes a demo event, the two research and discover the truth, which doesn’t set them. Among the greatest Warhammer 40,000 novels.
Betrayer – Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Continuing the Narrative of the Word Bearers and Leaping into the origins of Angron and the World Eaters, Betrayer Happens shortly Following Dan Abnett’s Know No Fear events. Betrayer is your 24th entrance in the Horus Heresy series that describes a narrative of loss, anger, and, you guessed it, betrayal.
Aaron Demski-Bowden does an impressive job of building on those traits to add depth and flavor, which can be a frequent theme through the Horus Heresy series. Ironically, it is not for its faint-hearted as Betrayer is unbelievably comprehensive on the violence and jammed-packed using actions.
The publication can also be best valued if you presently possess foreknowledge of this Heresy Legion or the Chaos Space Marines; should you need to discover more, you will want to start using Horus Rising, the first entry Horus Heresy series composed by Abnett.
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Space Wolf – William King
Every hero starts someplace, and Space Wolf: The First Omnibus follows the narrative of Ragnar Blackmane. The show is distinctive from another Space Marine substance as Ragnar is not an all-powerful hero out of the get go.
The First Omnibus includes a trilogy of tales Space Wolf, Ragnar’s Claw, and Grey Hunter – that provides a glimpse into one of Warhammer’s most beloved characters.
For this, you get a sneak peek into the background of the Space Marines along with the fabled procedure to induction. Writer William King does a great job of gradually exposing you to the Space Marine lore, making this a perfect starting point for Space Marine fans.
There is a good deal of detail the Codex: Space Wolves doesn’t provide, like why the Chapter averts wearing helmets and how they behave differently compared to other factions.
Space Wolf: The First Omnibus is filled with action and character development and provides insight into Space Marine’s most-loved Chapters. Besides, who does not love Vikings in the distance?
Other Considerations:
Nemesis – James Swallow
Ravenor – Dan Abnett
Night Lords: The Omnibus – Aaron Dembski-Bowden
The Flight of the Eisenstein – James Swallow
Titanicus – Dan Abnett
Dark Imperium – Guy Haley
The Emperor’s Gift – Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Chaos Space Marines
Space Wolves
Interesting Facts
Fascinating facts about the best Warhammer 40k novels:
- The Imperium resides from the country of war. Despite this fact, it’s a flourishing internal tourist market. It possesses some planets, which may be in comparison to 5-star vacation hotels.
- The Imperium could possess a thriving fashion business. This is an explicit assumption when you visit numerous matches and uniforms in various themes and colors.
- The Orks reproduce via spores, which can be discharged in their bodies when they expire. This means when somebody reaches an Ork, this can produce more Orks.
- The names used in such novels turn around famous names that currently exist. The title of Nurgle (the Chaos God of Destruction, Disease, and Decay) is motivated by Nergal (the early Mesopotamian God of war and pestilence). The title of Eisenstein (an Inquisitor) is known to Einstein (a scientist).
- There’s a joke floating about online: “youth wishes to develop at Star Trek, while maturity understands that the actual world is similar to the WH40k”.
Once you read some books about the world, share more intriguing facts, you’ll discover them.
FAQs about Best Warhammer 40k Books
Where to start reading Warhammer 40k?
What Warhammer 40K Books Should I Start With?
In our view, there’s no wrong or right Warhammer 40,000 reading sequence to begin this superb series, but when we had to select three for our subscribers, to start with, then they’d be of the Snake, Horus Growing, and False Gods.
How many Warhammer books are there?
As far as it’s understood, you will still find an astonishing one-thousand-two-hundred-and-twelve novel from the Warhammer 40,000 series.
The Warhammer 40K Books Order?
Just like there is no clear-cut approach to put in the show, there’s absolutely no universal order in which you can read the novels. However, the one we laid out above might be a helping hand since it’s the one we stick to. However, the Horus Heresy collection of novels are critical to getting comprehension.
Are There Any Good Warhammer 40K Book Without Humans?
Route of the Eldar, Evil Sun Growing and Valedor are three novels where people are not the key protagonists we believe the reader should pick up!
Which Warhammer 40k books are the best?
Our research shows that “The Founding”, Legion, and “Fulgrim” are the most popular Warhammer 40k books. We recommend starting there if you are looking for a great book! Suppose you are a hardcore fan of science fiction adventures and love to read them. In that case, we recommend purchasing the whole Horus Heresy series. It contains 93 books! ).
Where can I find all the Horus Heresy series information?
Amazon is a good start, although they have only added 50 books to the series. Scroll down to the header and click “series”, then search for “Horus Heresy “. You will find what you are looking for.
What are the top Warhammer 40k authors, and why?
Author Dan Abnett is the top answer (with an excellent 10 books on our list!) Two notable mentions are Graham McNeill (4 books) and Aaron Dembski–Bowden (3 books). All three are top-rated authors with a lot of experience writing Warhammer 40k books.
Conclusion
Reading Warhammer 40k books is like a vortex. You flip page after page and can’t stop before the book is completed. All books are amazing and worthy of your attention.
For novices, it is far better, to begin with, the very best Warhammer novels listed previously. The books recommended cover the most intriguing topics, various personalities, and attractive plot spins. Enjoy the choice.
Black Library articles are available in audiobook format if you prefer to consume material on the move or want a stronger storyline to your stories. Even if you aren’t interested in playing or collecting the miniatures, Black Library continues to provide some of the greatest sci-fi materials available.
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Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
