Summary: In this article, I have handpicked 20 of the best Warhammer 40K books I think offer a perfect mix of action and story. Here's my top 3 picks:
- Horus Rising by Dan Abnett
- Eisenhorn – The Omnibus by Dan Abnett
- First and Only by Dan Abnett
Warhammer 40K books immerse you in a dark, war-torn future where humanity's survival is at stake. With epic battles, complex characters, and deep lore, these novels explore everything from the heroics of the Imperial Guard to the terrifying forces of Chaos. Perfect for fans of military sci-fi and dark fantasy, Warhammer 40K offers high-stakes adventure and morally complex worlds.
TOP 20: Best Warhammer 40k Books
- Horus Rising by Dan Abnett
- Eisenhorn – The Omnibus by Dan Abnett
- First and Only by Dan Abnett
- The Infinite and The Divine by Robert Rath
- Dark Imperium by Guy Haley
- The Greater Good by Sandy Mitchell
- Yarrick – The Pyres of Armageddon by David Annandale
- The Lion – Son of the Forest by Mike Brooks
- The Fall of Cadia by Robert Rath
- Krieg by Steve Lyons
- Broken Crusade by Steven B. Fischer
- Siege of Vraks by Steve Lyons
- Marneus Calgar by Kieron Gillen
- Elemental Council by Noah Van Nguyen
- Soldiers of the Imperium by Steve Lyons, Edoardo Albert, et al.
- The Dark Coil – Damnation by Peter Fehervari
- Warhammer 40,000 – The Ultimate Guide by Gavin Thorpe and Guy Haley
- The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness by Various Authors
- Farsight – Blade of Truth by Phil Kelly
- Pariah – Ravenor Versus Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett
1. Horus Rising
- Author: Dan Abnett
- About: The first book in the Horus Heresy series, focusing on the rise and eventual fall of Warmaster Horus, leading to the galaxy-shattering civil war.
- Style of Writing: Gripping, fast-paced, and richly detailed with a focus on character development and battle scenes.
- Length: Approx. 120,000 words
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Deeply emotional, especially for fans of the series, as it sets up the tragic conflict of the Horus Heresy.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (some prior knowledge of Warhammer 40K helps, but not necessary)
- Why Read It: It’s the foundational novel of the Horus Heresy and essential for understanding the backstory of the Warhammer 40K universe.
2. Eisenhorn - The Omnibus
- Author: Dan Abnett
- About: A collection of the Eisenhorn trilogy, following Gregor Eisenhorn, an Inquisitor of the Imperium, as he battles against heresy.
- Style of Writing: Thought-provoking and full of intrigue, with a balance between action and moral dilemmas.
- Length: Approx. 380,000 words (for all three books combined)
- Year Written: 2001-2004
- Emotional Impact: Profound, especially with its exploration of the Inquisitor's personal struggles and the dark choices he faces.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires patience and attention to moral nuances)
- Why Read It: The Eisenhorn series is a unique, introspective look into the Warhammer 40K universe through the eyes of an Inquisitor.
3. First and Only
- Author: Dan Abnett
- About: Follows Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and his regiment, the Tanith First and Only, in their campaigns against the forces of Chaos.
- Style of Writing: Action-packed, character-driven, with a focus on military tactics and camaraderie.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year Written: 1999
- Emotional Impact: Powerful, especially in the portrayal of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the horrors of war.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (accessible, even for new readers)
- Why Read It: It’s one of the best military sci-fi series in the Warhammer 40K universe and a fantastic starting point.
4. The Infinite and The Divine
- Author: Robert Rath
- About: The story of two Necron overlords, Trazyn and Orikan, as they engage in a millennia-long rivalry.
- Style of Writing: Humorous, philosophical, and full of rich world-building.
- Length: Approx. 110,000 words
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Light on emotional weight but offers a unique perspective on the Necron faction.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (some familiarity with Warhammer 40K lore is helpful)
- Why Read It: It provides a fascinating and often humorous look at the Necron race, offering a different pace from the usual 40K books.
5. Dark Imperium
- Author: Guy Haley
- About: Set in the aftermath of the Great Rift, it follows the return of Roboute Guilliman and his efforts to rebuild the Imperium.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, with strong character arcs and a focus on high-stakes action.
- Length: Approx. 120,000 words
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Strong, particularly for fans of the Ultramarines and the lore surrounding Guilliman’s return.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires some knowledge of the Warhammer 40K universe)
- Why Read It: It’s a key part of the Warhammer 40K timeline, detailing significant changes in the galaxy after the return of a Primarch.
6. The Greater Good
- Author: Sandy Mitchell
- About: Part of the Ciaphas Cain series, it follows the reluctant hero Commissar Ciaphas Cain as he navigates the challenges of war and politics.
- Style of Writing: Witty, lighthearted, with a good mix of humor and action.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Light, with occasional moments of depth in Cain’s character and moral dilemmas.
- Difficulty Level: Easy (great for casual readers)
- Why Read It: For a mix of humor and action in the Warhammer 40K universe, Ciaphas Cain is one of the most likable characters.
7. Yarrick - The Pyres of Armageddon
- Author: David Annandale
- About: Focuses on the legendary Commissar Yarrick and his defense of the planet Armageddon against the Ork invasion.
- Style of Writing: Intense, action-filled, and dramatic.
- Length: Approx. 80,000 words
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Strong, especially for fans of Yarrick’s heroic feats.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (accessible but detailed in battle scenes)
- Why Read It: Yarrick is one of the most iconic heroes in the Warhammer 40K universe, and this novel highlights his courage and leadership.
8. The Lion - Son of the Forest
- Author: Mike Brooks
- About: Follows the origins and awakening of the Primarch Lion El'Jonson, leader of the Dark Angels chapter.
- Style of Writing: Dark, brooding, and filled with intrigue.
- Length: Approx. 120,000 words
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Deep, particularly for fans of the Dark Angels chapter and the mysterious history of the Primarchs.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires some background in Warhammer 40K lore)
- Why Read It: It’s a key part of the Primarch stories, especially if you’re a fan of the Dark Angels.
9. The Fall of Cadia
- Author: Robert Rath
- About: Chronicles the fall of the fortress world Cadia and the start of the 13th Black Crusade by Abaddon the Despoiler.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, with epic battle sequences and high tension.
- Length: Approx. 110,000 words
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: High, as it deals with the collapse of a key world in the 40K lore.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (knowledge of Warhammer 40K history adds depth)
- Why Read It: It’s essential to understanding the ongoing conflicts in Warhammer 40K, particularly for fans of the Black Crusades.
10. Krieg
- Author: Steve Lyons
- About: The story of the Death Korps of Krieg, an infamous regiment known for their fanatical devotion to the Imperium.
- Style of Writing: Gritty, grim, and focused on the horrors of war.
- Length: Approx. 85,000 words
- Year Written: 2003
- Emotional Impact: Strong, especially for readers drawn to the tragic, relentless nature of Krieg’s soldiers.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (warfare-heavy with some psychological depth)
- Why Read It: For a closer look at one of the most brutal and tragic regiments in the Warhammer 40K universe.
11. Broken Crusade
- Author: Steven B. Fischer
- About: Follows a group of Space Marines on a crusade that faces unexpected trials and dark secrets.
- Style of Writing: Epic, with a focus on character development and strategic warfare.
- Length: Approx. 90,000 words
- Year Written: 2011
- Emotional Impact: Moderate, with some compelling moments of internal conflict among the characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires some familiarity with the Warhammer 40K universe)
- Why Read It: It provides a fresh perspective on the Space Marine chapters and their internal struggles during a crusade.
12. Siege of Vraks
- Author: Steve Lyons
- About: Depicts the Imperial forces' ongoing siege of the Chaos-held world of Vraks, blending action and tactics with the grim realities of war.
- Style of Writing: Tactical, focused on war strategies and the brutality of conflict.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Moderate, with a sense of hopelessness and grim determination that pervades the siege.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to High (in-depth focus on military tactics)
- Why Read It: A good choice for readers who enjoy large-scale battles and military-focused 40K novels.
13. Marneus Calgar
- Author: Kieron Gillen
- About: Focuses on the legendary Space Marine Chapter Master, Marneus Calgar, and his defense of the Imperium from various threats.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on action and the leadership struggles of a hero.
- Length: Approx. 90,000 words
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Moderate, as it deals with the responsibilities and burdens of leading an army.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (some prior knowledge of the Ultramarines adds context)
- Why Read It: A must-read for fans of the Ultramarines and the Primarchs, offering a look at one of their greatest leaders.
14. Elemental Council
- Author: Noah Van Nguyen
- About: Set within the T'au Empire, this novel follows the political and military struggles of the T'au leadership as they face external threats.
- Style of Writing: Thought-provoking, with a focus on political intrigue and the complexities of empire-building.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Moderate, with a focus on diplomacy and power struggles rather than emotional highs.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to High (requires some understanding of the T'au and their philosophy)
- Why Read It: For those interested in exploring the more philosophical and political side of the Warhammer 40K universe.
15. Soldiers of the Imperium
- Author: Steve Lyons, Edoardo Albert, et al.
- About: A collection of stories featuring various soldiers of the Imperium, showcasing their bravery and sacrifices on the battlefield.
- Style of Writing: Varied, with each story offering different perspectives on the lives of Imperial soldiers.
- Length: Approx. 300,000 words (across multiple stories)
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Moderate, as it emphasizes the personal sacrifices and struggles of the soldiers rather than grand battles.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (perfect for those who enjoy short stories)
- Why Read It: Ideal for readers who want to see the Warhammer 40K universe from different angles, focusing on individual soldiers’ lives.
16. The Dark Coil - Damnation
- Author: Peter Fehervari
- About: A tale set in the grimdark future, following a group of individuals as they uncover forbidden knowledge in a twisted universe.
- Style of Writing: Dark, atmospheric, and psychological.
- Length: Approx. 75,000 words
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: High, as it delves into the darker, more twisted aspects of the Warhammer 40K universe.
- Difficulty Level: High (requires patience and an appreciation for darker themes)
- Why Read It: For those who enjoy psychological horror and deep, brooding narratives.
17. Warhammer 40,000 - The Ultimate Guide
- Author: Gavin Thorpe and Guy Haley
- About: A comprehensive guide to the Warhammer 40K universe, offering detailed descriptions of factions, lore, and history.
- Style of Writing: Informative, with a mix of narrative and descriptive content.
- Length: Approx. 300,000 words
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Low (more of a reference book than a narrative)
- Difficulty Level: Easy (perfect for newcomers to 40K lore)
- Why Read It: A great starting point for those new to the Warhammer 40K universe or anyone looking to get a deeper understanding of its factions and history.
18. The Horus Heresy - Age of Darkness
- Author: Various Authors
- About: A collection of short stories set during the early stages of the Horus Heresy, exploring different facets of the galaxy during the war.
- Style of Writing: Varied, with each story offering a unique perspective on the events of the Heresy.
- Length: Approx. 200,000 words
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Moderate, with some stories having a strong emotional impact on certain characters.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (great for readers familiar with the Horus Heresy timeline)
- Why Read It: A good choice for fans of the Horus Heresy series who want more short-form content and different perspectives.
19. Farsight - Blade of Truth
- Author: Phil Kelly
- About: Follows the story of Commander Farsight, a leader of the T'au Empire, and his internal battle against external threats.
- Style of Writing: Action-driven, with an emphasis on military strategy and the moral dilemmas of leadership.
- Length: Approx. 100,000 words
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Moderate, especially for fans of the T'au and their unique viewpoint on the galaxy.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (requires knowledge of the T'au faction)
- Why Read It: For T'au fans, this is a deep dive into one of their most interesting leaders and his role in shaping the future of the T'au Empire.
20. Pariah - Ravenor Versus Eisenhorn
- Author: Dan Abnett
- About: A confrontation between two of the Inquisition’s most famous agents, Gregor Eisenhorn and Gideon Ravenor.
- Style of Writing: Engaging, with a focus on action, strategy, and moral conflict.
- Length: Approx. 95,000 words
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Strong, as it pits two beloved characters against each other in a battle of ideals.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (some familiarity with Eisenhorn and Ravenor is helpful)
- Why Read It: A must-read for fans of the Eisenhorn and Ravenor series, as it explores the personal conflicts between two powerful figures within the Imperium.
Conclusion
I think Warhammer 40K offers a vast universe full of deep lore and unforgettable characters. Starting with Horus Rising, you’ll dive into the epic story of the Horus Heresy, which sets the stage for the galaxy-shaking events to come. Eisenhorn – The Omnibus takes a more personal approach, following an Inquisitor as he navigates the grimdark world of heresy and tough moral choices. And First and Only puts you in the boots of the Tanith First and Only, giving you a gripping military tale of sacrifice and survival. In my opinion, these three books are perfect starting points, offering a great mix of action, character development, and the dark intrigue that defines the Warhammer 40K universe.
