The world of Warhammer 40,000 refuses to stop expanding, bringing in more and more new fans every year with its established TTRPG figures, multiple headline-grabbing video games, and new novels didving ever deeper into the lore of the Imperium of Mankind. And with Henry Cavill’s Warhammer cinematic universe in development, there’s no better time to start digging into the mythology and cosmos that puts even Star Wars to shame.
But with literally dozens of Warhammer 40K novels to sift through, newcomers may not know where to start. Which stories are the best for newcomers, which are the best at showcasing the universe’s coolest lore, and which are the must-read novels you need to know about? We’re running down the top choices, to show you exactly where to start reading Warhammer 40k today.
‘Eisenhorn’ Remains The Best Book Series For Those Starting Warhammer
The Saga Evolves From The Easiest 40K Story, To The Most Important
There is a reason that news of Henry Cavill producing and starring in a Warhammer 40K series or movie led many fans to instantly conclude, “Henry Cavill is playing Eisenhorn.” There is simply no point in denying that Dan Abnett’s Eisenhorn trilogy is likely the best introduction to the far future of the setting, the major forces at play, and the arcane technology, all while following a secret agent through countless pulse-pounding battles of bullets and blades.
The series of books (Xenos, Malleus, Hereticus) follow the first-person account of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn, a member of the clandestine intelligence agency known as the Inquisition. His mission: along with his retinue of warriors, psykers, and scholars, investigate reports of any number of macabre, alien, or demonic activity across the galaxy. And whether reading the trilogy or listening to the audiobook (brilliantly narrated by Toby Longworth), you will quickly realize why the series spawned not one, but two additional trilogies.
Results may vary on the Ravenor trilogy due to notable differences from the original series and style, but the Bequin trilogy (spinning off from Eisenhorn’s right-hand woman) has recently become the most important lore to the future of the Warhammer 40K setting. We won’t spoil anything here, but the sooner these are read, the better.
‘Horus Rising’ is A Strong Introduction To The Iconic Astartes
The Book’s Treatment of Space Marines & Their ‘Father’ is Pitch-Perfect Fantasy
There is nothing more intimidating to a 40K newcomer than the words Horus Heresy. What began as a publishing initiative to finally flesh out the ‘major betrayal’ which led to humanity’s dark future soon explosed into 60+ books. And regardless of the genre or universe, that is overwhelming. Fortunately, the first book of the series Horus Rising (also written by Dan Abnett) is not only a straightforward introduction, but offers the most compelling possible perspective: meeting the titular Horus when he was still the best of the Emperor’s sons, before his fall into darkness.
Set during the heights of the Emperor’s ‘Great Crusade’ to unite mankind and wipe out alien threats across the universe, Horus Rising is primarily told through the eyes of Garviel Loken, a rising star in Horus’ legion. With his primarch Horus, the Emperor’s first-found son, newly named Warmaster as commander of all Imperial forces, Garviel suddenly finds himself promoted to his most trusted group of advisors. (While elsewhere, other Space Marine legions descend into a gruesome alien war that would make Ellen Ripley blush.)
It’s hard to imagine a more noble, thoughtful, or classic protagonist than Loken, which allows for the brotherhood, the intelligence, and the personality of the often-faceless Astartes Space Marines to shine through. The core cast will carry you through the direct sequels which launched the Heresy line: False Gods by Graham McNeill and Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter. But they will also introduce enough larger groups, legions, and plots for you to start pursuing specific interests in the lore elsewhere.
‘Birth of The Imperium’ is Lore-Heavy, But A Fantastic Read
The Story of Constantin Valdor Could Be Crucial for Henry Cavill
If the books above have introduced or teased enough of the basic framework of the Warhammer 40K future, then you are likely to wonder how the massive Imperium, led by its enigmatic Emperor of Mankind, actually began. There was a period, after all, when the Emperor had managed to conquer and unite all of Earth, but before he turned his crusade into the stars. And it at this precise moment that Valdor: Birth of the Imperium begins, shining a spotlight on the leader of the Emperor’s forces: the Captain General, Constantin Valdor. (Note: do not Google this name. You have been warned.)
Unlike the previous entries on our list, much of this novel will not make immediate sense at first blush. Part of that is by design as the mystery unfolds, but premier 40K author Chris Wraight is also working to pull together multiple threads in both past and present. If that kind of lore-making is up your alley, then forge ahead. But if it isn’t the novel is still a terrific chronicle of one of the most important figures the future of the property. So in the interest of making it easier for anyone, new or experienced, we’ll offer this set-up.
After employing his superhuman legions of ‘Thunder Warriors’ to conquer Earth’s empires, the hulking (but unruly) soldiers have disappeared. Constantin Valdor, the Emperor’s spear-tip, and the first and finest of his enhanced soldiers, watches as the new Imperial Palace is constructed atop the Himalayan Mountains. And as members of the united Earth government come looking for answers, a new kind of soldier is being born deep beneath the mountains, for a mission nobody yet living could ever predict.
Prepare to spend some time wiki-searching for proper names or new terminology, and these books will give you all you need to grasp what makes Warhammer 40K unique, which authors to follow, or which legions and factions have your name on them. And if you have any recommendations of your own, be sure to leave them in the comments below.
- Created by
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Rick Priestley
- Video Game(s)
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Space Hulk, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2, Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon, Warhammer 40,000: Storm of Vengeance, Space Hulk: Ascension, Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch, Space Hulk: Deathwing, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War, Warhammer 40000 Mechanicus, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2, Necromunda, Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge
- Character(s)
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The Emperor of Mankind, Horus Lupercal, Roboute Guilliman, Abaddon the Despoiler, Eldrad Ulthran, Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka, Farsight, Trazyn the Infinite