Warhammer 40k has been round for the reason that late 80s, and since its inception, has impressed tons of of Codexes, books, video video games, and movies. Whereas the franchise has its roots deeply entrenched in tabletop gaming, most of the necessary story moments will be present in books obtainable on Black Library. New Warhammer 40k followers seeking to begin studying could also be spoiled for alternative when selecting the most effective primer to the lore and setting.
When selecting a Warhammer ebook to learn, the most effective starters are those that personally catch your curiosity and have your favourite faction with out requiring any prior data of the setting. These novels are simply a few of the finest primers to assist followers sink their tooth into the galactic setting of 40k. With out additional ado, listed below are our suggestions of the best standalone and starter novels you’ll be able to learn.
The Horus Heresy sequence
Dan Abnett’s Horus Heresy novels aren’t solely probably the most well-written ones within the 40k franchise but in addition the most effective for actually studying the setting, notably the rise and fall of Horus Lupercal and the Imperium of Man. A lot of the modern-day story is derived from the notorious Horus Heresy occasion that kicks off all the setting, and the aptly-named books provide the earliest chronological begin. Particularly, Horus Rising, False Gods, and Galaxy in Flames have greater than sufficient materials to assist followers perceive how and why the Heresy happened.
The Eisenhorn Trilogy
One other sequence from Abnett, this one takes place halfway into the 40k timeline. It’s a fantastic standalone sequence with a extremely participating storyline. Right here, readers get to see the exploits of the Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn throughout his time on the Ordo Xenos department of the Inquisition. Like many different books by Abnett, first-time 40k followers can learn these with no need any prior data or context. Presently, the Eisenhorn Omnibus trilogy consists of Xenos, Malleus, and Hereticus, in addition to the brief tales Lacking in Motion and Backcloth for a Crown.
Area Wolves sequence
For those who’re simply recent off a Area Marine 2 marketing campaign run and wish extra tales in regards to the Adeptus Astartes combating off the horrors of the galaxy, the Area Wolves sequence is best for you. The novels give Ragnar Blackmane’s backstory from his time as an unaugmented feral warrior to his induction into the Area Wolves Legion. These books are a enjoyable hack-and-slash journey with a space-viking theme that many first-time readers will take pleasure in. For those who want to begin the sequence, learn the books within the following order:
- Area Wolf
- Ragnar’s Claw
- Gray Hunter
The Infinite and the Divine
Readers who need to see the 40k setting past the Imperium of Man’s perspective will benefit from the Infinite and the Divine by Robert Rath. The novel takes the angle of the Necron faction, which is the oldest race in Warhammer 40k. Proven from the perspective of Trazyn the Infinite and Orikan the Diviner, the novel does a fantastic job of introducing a few of the core ideas of 40k with no need readers to have any prior data. It’s a fantastic standalone novel that delivers an entertaining character-driven story between Trazyzn and Orikan’s millennia-old beef, wrapped in Necron lore.
Ciaphas Cain novels
Taking a little bit of a break from the standard grimdark tone of 40k, the Ciaphas Cain novels are additionally a pleasant beginner-friendly sequence that introduces a few of the extra ridiculous facets of the 40k lore. A lot of the books are centered across the adventures of Commissar Ciaphas Cain and the completely different Imperial Guard regiments he instructions. Like all of the others listed, this sequence primes newbies for the Imperium of Man and the setting at massive however takes a extra comedic strategy. Learn this sequence within the following order:
- For the Emperor
- Caves of Ice
- The Traitor’s Hand.
The remainder you’ll be able to learn at your individual tempo, however the first three novels are necessary for organising Ciaphas Cain because the comedic reduction of 40k.
The Evening Lords Trilogy
For readers desirous to see 40k from the angle of the Chaos Traitor Legions, Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s Evening Lord trilogy is likely one of the finest in the case of Chaos Area Marines. Particularly, these concentrate on the Evening Lords legion, giving them extra depth and characterization past the standard evil Traitor Marine character that different 40k tales use. The studying order for this sequence is as follows:
- Soul Hunter
- Blood Reaver
- Void Stalker
These are some correct grimdark tales and are finest learn after any novel coping with the Chaos Area Marines. Though, beginning off with this trilogy remains to be a traditional learn for followers.