Summary: Today, I've put together 20 of the best Warhammer fantasy books that perfectly blend epic battles with deep storytelling. Here are my top 3 choices:
- Gotrek & Felix: The First Omnibus by William King
- The Legend of Sigmar (The Empire Series) by Graham McNeill
- The End Times: The Return of Nagash by Josh Reynolds
Warhammer Fantasy books immerse readers in a dark, gritty world of epic battles and rich lore. Set in the Old World, where humans, elves, dwarfs, and orcs clash with the forces of Chaos, these stories blend intense action with deep world-building. Whether following Gotrek & Felix's adventures, the rise of legends like Sigmar or Nagash, or the chaos of the End Times, these novels deliver gripping tales perfect for fans of dark fantasy, where victory often comes at a heavy cost.
TOP 20: Best Warhammer Fantasy Books
- Gotrek & Felix: The First Omnibus by William King
- The Legend of Sigmar (The Empire Series) by Graham McNeill
- The End Times: The Return of Nagash by Josh Reynolds
- Gotrek & Felix: The Second Omnibus by William King
- The End Times: The Fall of Altdorf by Chris Wraight
- Malus Darkblade: The Chronicles by Dan Abnett & Mike Lee
- Nagash the Sorcerer (Time of Legends) by Mike Lee
- Skavenslayer (Gotrek & Felix) byWilliam King
- The Sundering (The Sundering Trilogy) byGav Thorpe
- The Vampire Genevieve by Jack Yeovil
- Heldenhammer (The Empire) by Graham McNeill
- The Rise of Nagash (Time of Legends) by Mike Lee
- The Court of the Blind King by David Guymer
- Empire in Chaos (Warhammer: Age of Reckoning) by Anthony Reynolds
- Manslayer (Gotrek & Felix) by Nathan Long
- The End Times: The Rise of the Horned Rat by Guy Haley
- Call of Archaon by David Annandale, Rob Sanders, and others
- Palace of the Plague Lord by C. L. Werner
- Guardians of the Forest by Graham McNeill
- The End Times: Lord of the End Times by Josh Reynolds
1. Gotrek & Felix: The First Omnibus
- Author: William King
- About: This omnibus introduces Gotrek Gurnisson, a Slayer seeking an honorable death, and Felix Jaeger, his reluctant human companion. Their adventures span across the Old World, battling everything from Skaven to Chaos forces.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, action-heavy, and humorous, with engaging character dynamics.
- Length: ~300,000 words (3 novels)
- Year written: 1999 (Omnibus release)
- Emotional impact: High, with a mix of humor, tragedy, and thrilling action.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; easily accessible for fans of fantasy and newcomers alike.
- Why read it: Iconic duo, rich character development, and thrilling adventures that capture the essence of Warhammer.
2. The Legend of Sigmar (The Empire Series)
- Author: Graham McNeill
- About: Chronicles the rise of Sigmar, founder of the Empire, his battle against greenskins, and his unification of human tribes.
- Style of writing: Epic, grand in scale, with mythic themes and detailed world-building.
- Length: ~330,000 words (trilogy)
- Year written: 2008-2010
- Emotional impact: Significant, blending heroism with sacrifice and the harsh realities of war.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, due to detailed historical and world-building elements.
- Why read it: Essential for understanding the origins of the Empire and one of Warhammer's most legendary figures.
3. The End Times: The Return of Nagash
- Author: Josh Reynolds
- About: The return of Nagash, the Great Necromancer, as he seeks to reshape the world in his image, marking the beginning of the End Times.
- Style of writing: Dark, foreboding, and filled with powerful, apocalyptic imagery.
- Length: ~130,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: High, as it kicks off the climactic End Times saga.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; understanding some prior lore enhances the experience.
- Why read it: Crucial for fans of the End Times storyline and for those interested in the rise of one of Warhammer's most powerful characters.
4. Gotrek & Felix: The Second Omnibus
- Author: William King
- About: Continues the adventures of Gotrek & Felix as they face new threats, including dragons, vampires, and beastmen.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced with engaging action scenes, witty dialogue, and strong character growth.
- Length: ~300,000 words (3 novels)
- Year written: 2003 (Omnibus release)
- Emotional impact: High; further develops the bond between the protagonists, with moments of tension and heroism.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A must for fans of the dynamic duo and those who enjoy continuous action and adventure.
5. The End Times: The Fall of Altdorf
- Author: Chris Wraight
- About: Chronicles the siege and fall of Altdorf, the capital of the Empire, during the End Times.
- Style of writing: Intense, grim, with a focus on siege warfare and desperation.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: Very high, as it portrays the tragic collapse of one of the Old World’s greatest cities.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Essential for fans of the End Times and lovers of high-stakes battles.
6. Malus Darkblade: The Chronicles
- Author: Dan Abnett and Mike Lee
- About: Follows Malus Darkblade, a ruthless dark elf, as he quests for power and deals with a demonic curse.
- Style of writing: Dark, brutal, and character-driven, with heavy focus on the moral complexities of evil.
- Length: ~400,000 words (5 novels)
- Year written: 2007 (Omnibus release)
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with a mix of grim determination and treachery.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to High, due to the complex and morally ambiguous characters.
- Why read it: A dark, twisted journey into the psyche of a villain, offering a deep dive into dark elf society.
7. Nagash the Sorcerer (Time of Legends)
- Author: Mike Lee
- About: The rise of Nagash, the father of necromancy, and his descent into dark magic and corruption.
- Style of writing: Dark, epic, with a focus on horror and power.
- Length: ~130,000 words
- Year written: 2008
- Emotional impact: High, focusing on ambition, betrayal, and the tragic fall into darkness.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Key to understanding the origins of one of Warhammer’s most powerful and notorious villains.
8. Skavenslayer (Gotrek & Felix)
- Author: William King
- About: Gotrek and Felix battle against the sinister ratmen, the Skaven, in the underbelly of the Empire.
- Style of writing: Action-packed, with a balance of humor and grim fantasy.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 1999
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with fast-paced action and tense moments.
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Why read it: A fan-favorite in the Gotrek & Felix series, offering intense battles with one of Warhammer’s most iconic enemy races.
9. The Sundering (The Sundering Trilogy)
- Author: Gav Thorpe
- About: Chronicles the civil war among the high elves that led to the creation of the dark elves and the division of their people.
- Style of writing: Grand, epic, with political intrigue and dramatic battles.
- Length: ~350,000 words (trilogy)
- Year written: 2004-2009
- Emotional impact: High, as it deals with the tragic fall of a once-great civilization.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to High
- Why read it: Essential for understanding the high elf/dark elf split, one of the most pivotal events in Warhammer lore.
10. The Vampire Genevieve
- Author: Jack Yeovil
- About: A vampire story set in the Warhammer world, following Genevieve Dieudonné, a vampire with a conscience.
- Style of writing: Gothic, moody, with elements of horror and humor.
- Length: ~130,000 words
- Year written: 1989
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with moments of dark humor and reflection.
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Why read it: A unique perspective on vampires within the Warhammer world, offering a blend of horror and humor.
11. Heldenhammer
- Author: Graham McNeill
- About: Follows the rise of Sigmar Heldenhammer as he unites human tribes and founds the Empire, fighting Orcs and other threats.
- Style of writing: Epic and mythic, with grand battles and detailed world-building.
- Length: ~140,000 words
- Year written: 2008
- Emotional impact: Moderate to high, offering an inspiring tale of heroism with lasting historical significance.
- Difficulty level: Moderate; rich in lore but accessible.
- Why read it: Essential for exploring the origins of the Empire and the legendary figure of Sigmar.
12. The Rise of Nagash (Time of Legends)
- Author: Mike Lee
- About: Chronicles Nagash’s ruthless rise to power through necromancy and dark magic.
- Style of writing: Dark, epic, with a focus on ambition and corruption.
- Length: ~130,000 words
- Year written: 2010
- Emotional impact: High, highlighting Nagash’s descent into darkness.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Essential for fans of Warhammer’s dark magic and one of its most infamous villains.
13. The Court of the Blind King
- Author: David Guymer
- About: Follows the political intrigue and underwater warfare among the sea-dwelling aelves.
- Style of writing: Complex, political, with detailed world-building.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Unique exploration of the often-overlooked deep-sea aelves and their rich, underwater culture.
14. Empire in Chaos (Warhammer: Age of Reckoning)
- Author: Anthony Reynolds
- About: A novel set during the Warhammer: Age of Reckoning video game, focusing on the war between the Empire and Chaos.
- Style of writing: Action-driven, with a fast pace and epic battles.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2008
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with a focus on war and the horrors it brings.
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Why read it: Ideal for fans of Warhammer and those interested in the Age of Reckoning era.
15. Manslayer (Gotrek & Felix)
- Author: Nathan Long
- About: Another adventure of Gotrek & Felix, this time facing chaos warlords and sinister forces.
- Style of writing: Fast-paced, with a balance of humor, action, and character-driven moments.
- Length: ~110,000 words
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: High, with intense action and moments of peril for the heroes.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: Essential for continuing the adventures of one of Warhammer’s most beloved duos.
16. The End Times: The Rise of the Horned Rat
- Author: Guy Haley
- About: Chronicles the rise of the Skaven under the Verminlords during the End Times.
- Style of writing: Dark, apocalyptic, with a focus on Skaven scheming and warfare.
- Length: ~130,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: High, with a sense of doom and chaos.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A key part of the End Times storyline, focusing on the Skaven’s pivotal role.
17. Call of Archaon
- Author: David Annandale, Rob Sanders, and others
- About: A collection of stories focusing on Archaon, the Everchosen, and his preparations for the final invasion of the Old World.
- Style of writing: Varied, with different authors providing different perspectives on Archaon’s forces.
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: High, as it focuses on the gathering storm of the End Times.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A unique exploration of Archaon’s followers, giving insight into the many forces of Chaos.
18. Palace of the Plague Lord
- Author: C. L. Werner
- About: A dark adventure set in the Plague Lands, focusing on Nurgle’s forces and a group of adventurers venturing into the Chaos Wastes.
- Style of writing: Dark, atmospheric, with elements of horror and grim fantasy.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with an eerie, oppressive atmosphere.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A unique and horrifying look at the world of Nurgle, the Chaos God of disease.
19. Guardians of the Forest
- Author: Graham McNeill
- About: A story set in Athel Loren, home of the Wood Elves, exploring their mysterious culture and their battles to protect their forest.
- Style of writing: Mythical, immersive, with a focus on nature and magic.
- Length: ~110,000 words
- Year written: 2005
- Emotional impact: Moderate, with themes of nature vs. civilization.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A deep dive into the lore and culture of the enigmatic Wood Elves.
20. The End Times: Lord of the End Times
- Author: Josh Reynolds
- About: The final novel in the End Times series, detailing the climactic destruction of the Warhammer Fantasy world.
- Style of writing: Dark, apocalyptic, with a sense of finality and inevitability.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Very high, as it concludes the Warhammer Fantasy timeline.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to High
- Why read it: Essential for fans of the End Times, bringing closure to the Warhammer Fantasy universe.
Conclusion
These Warhammer Fantasy books offer a captivating dive into a dark, richly detailed world. Whether you're new to the series or a long-time fan, I think Gotrek & Felix: The First Omnibus is the perfect entry point, capturing the adventurous spirit of Warhammer. The Legend of Sigmar provides an epic look at the Empire's origins, while The End Times: The Return of Nagash brings the apocalyptic drama to a whole new level. In my opinion, these top three picks really showcase the best of Warhammer’s epic battles, complex characters, and immersive lore.
