Best Warhammer 40K Books

“Affirmed that “modern science fiction is the only medium of literature that regularly takes into account the essence of the changes facing everyone. Science fiction is the creative extrapolation of a real natural phenomenon that is or is likely to be present in the present. It is advised to determine whether a tale is negative or hopeful while indulging in the world of science fiction literature.

In 1987, Games Workshop first introduced the War hammer 40,000 War game and featured the events of the distant future fantasy universe. Soon, the Black Library, its partner printing house, began publishing history literature describing the world and its characters. More than one hundred books have been published already. It does not end, and it extends the list of writers.

A new reader has no idea what to start with. Using the following list of books ranked best to worst you can begin exploring the universe.

Contents

Best Warhammer 40K Books

IMAGE PRODUCT RATING

Horus Rising (1) (The Horus Heresy)
  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Pages: 416
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False Gods (2) (The Horus Heresy)
  • Author: Graham McNeill
  • Pages: 416
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Eisenhower (A War-hammer 40,000 Omnibus)
  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Pages: 768
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Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium
  • Author: Sandy Mitchell
  • Pages: 768
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Dark Imperium (1)
  • Author: Guy Haley
  • Pages: 468
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The Emperor’s Gift (1) (Grey Knights)
  • Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • Pages: 320
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The Emperor's Legion

The Emperor’s Legion (1) (Watchers of the Throne)
  • Author: Chris Wraight
  • Pages: 288
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The Talon of Horus The Talon of Horus (1) (The Black Legion)
  • Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • Pages: 416
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Battle of the Fang

Battle of the Fang (4) (Space Marine Battles)
  • Author: Chris Wraight
  • Pages: 416
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Firedrake (Tome of Fire)
  • Author: Nick Kyme
  • Pages: 416
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Sanctus Reach
Sanctus Reach (Space Marine Battles)
  • Author: Ben Counter
  • Pages: 416
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A Thousand Sons A Thousand Sons (12) (The Horus Heresy)
  • Author: Graham McNeill
  • Pages: 560
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Titanicus

Titanicus (War hammer 40,000)
  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Pages: 608
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Soul Hunter (Night Lords)
  • Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • Pages: 416
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Double Eagle
  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Pages: 416
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1: Horus Rising (1) (The Horus Heresy)

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  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: August 26, 2014
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

The Imperium of Man has extended throughout the galaxy under the benevolent leadership of the Everlasting Emperor. The Emperor leaves the front line on the eve of victory, entrusting his favorite son, Horus, with the great crusade. The idealistic Horus, promoted to War master, attempts to carry out the grand scheme of the Emperor, all the while among his brothers the seeds of heresy and revolt have been sown.

Book Author:

Dan Abnett is a writer of novels and award-winning comic books. For the Black Library, he published twenty-five novels. The bestsellers were both his Black Library novels.

Our Opinion:

I considered this to be a fantastic introduction to the Legion, who the Primarchs and Chapters are and how they contribute to the overall theme, as a first-time reader of WH40K.

2: False Gods (2) (The Horus Heresy)

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  • Author: Graham McNeill
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: September 30, 2014
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

The Great Crusade continues; not everything in the armies of the Emperor, however is pleasant. On the moon of Davin, in battle with minions of the Chaos Forces, Horus gets wounded. Weakened, he must also fight against the envy and anger of his brother. The author describes Horus’s slow decline, and how his will is broken down by corrupting whispers of uncertainty and false promises.

Book Author:

More than twenty novels were published by Graham McNeill for the Black Library. A Thousand Sons, his Horus Heresy book, was a New York Times bestseller.

Our Opinion:

The heart of this tale is fantastic, but the author’s mastery of storytelling is night and day when compared to the first novel.

3: Eisenhower (A War-hammer 40,000 Omnibus)

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  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: January 1, 2005
  • Pages: 768

Book Description:

Inquisitor Eisenhower is a senior member of the Imperial Inquisition, which aims to defend mankind and weed out the universe’s heresy. He would like to eliminate Chaos with his war band. Eisenhower has to depend on himself alone when heresy is discovered in the Inquisition itself. He has great strength, but he’s got to make deals with the enemy sometimes.

Book Author:

Dan Abnett is a writer of novels and award-winning comic books. For the Black Library, he published twenty-five novels. The bestsellers were both his Black Library novels.

Our Opinion:

A very great series with a great balance of suspense and action. It’s good fun to sweep.

4: Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium

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  • Author: Sandy Mitchell
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: September 15, 2015
  • Pages: 768

Book Description:

A number of books detailing the exploits and misadventures of Ciaphas Cain, an Imperial Guard Commissar, are included in Hero of the Imperium. He is a valued man and a source of inspiration for his colleagues. He’s just in fact, looking for an easy life. Fate still sends him hard trials, but with little wear and tear, the Commissar is fortunate enough to survive. To live, he has to dodge and bluff, and that raises his standing beyond his grasp.

Book Author:

Sandy Mitchell is the author of a long-running War hammer 40,000 novel series, Commssar Ciaphas Cain, about the hero of the Empire. He wrote a plethora of short stories too.

Our Opinion:

I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the characters and the storylines. In this omnibus, my favorite book was about the Emperor.

5: Dark Imperium (1)

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  • Author: Guy Haley
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: January 23, 2018
  • Pages: 468

Book Description:

Belisarius Cawl is a rogue genius and the Adeptus Mechanicus’s master. The last of the faithful Primarchs, Roboute Guilliman, resurrected him. In order to revive a new generation of Space Marines, Cawl cured him and helped use a saved seed gene. He begins a crusade and will have to face the Lord of Decay’s hordes.

Book Author:

Guy Haley has published 40,000 War hammer novels. He has also written numerous novels and short stories set in the modern setting of War hammer’s Age of Sigmar.

Our Opinion:

A very nice start to the new narrative of 40k. In places particularly when displaying some of the new miniatures from GW,  this is a bit formulaic, but it does not distract from the overall tale.

6: The Emperor’s Gift (1) (Grey Knights)

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  • Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: May 29, 2012
  • Pages: 320

Book Description:

A young boy is recruited into the Grey Knights and, if he is to join the sacred and enigmatic ranks of the Space Marine daemon hunters, he must refine his fledgling psychic talents.

Book Author:

With his origins in the videogame and RPG industries, Aaron Dembski-Bowden is a British author. For the Black Library, he wrote several novels. In general, his interests revolve around reading something within reach and helping individuals spell his surname.

Our Opinion:

The majority of 40K fans will tell you that Aaron Dembski-Bowen is one of the universe’s best writers, and after reading this book, I wholeheartedly support that opinion.

7: The Emperor’s Legion (1) (Watchers of the Throne)

The Emperor's Legion

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  • Author: Chris Wraight
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: September 26, 2017
  • Pages: 288

Book Description:

The Adeptus Custodes have been watching over the Golden Throne since the Imperium was created. They are one of the greatest warriors with golden armour, and across the galaxy their fearful determination is well-known. They are the most trustworthy guardians, and they defend the Master of Civilization alongside the allies of the Sisters of Silence.

Book Author:

Chris Wraight is a fantasy and science fiction writer. Many books set in the worlds of War hammer Fantasy, War hammer 40,000 and Stargate: Atlantis have been released.

Our Opinion:

This book was Fantastic! It certainly began slowly and I had trouble getting into it until I saw the End of the Imperium as we knew it but the Beginning of the New Imperium, where it was going.

8: The Talon of Horus (1) (The Black Legion)

The Talon of Horus

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  • Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • Publisher: Games Workshop; Reprint edition (December 6, 2016)
  • Publication Date: December 6, 2016
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

The Black Legion was split after Horus and his sons fell, and nothing was known about Abaddon, the greatest follower of the War master. The Legionaries' Confederation finds him and persuades Horus to continue the undertaking.

Book Author:

With his origins in the videogame and RPG industries, Aaron Dembski-Bowden is a British author. For the Black Library, he wrote several novels. In general, his interests revolve around reading something within reach and helping individuals spell his surname.

Our Opinion:

ADB at some of its finest. A very distinctive way to represent the Black Legion and its organization! A fraternity! Well done.

9: Battle of the Fang (4) (Space Marine Battles)

Battle of the Fang

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  • Author: Chris Wraight
  • Publisher: Black Library
  • Publication Date: June 7, 2011
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

The book begins when Magnus is spotted by a ship of Space Wolves and sends its powers toward him. The Thousand Sons attack their planet of Fenris while the Space Wolves are distracted and leave only a small number of warriors to guard Fang and their homes. The violent fight continues.

Book Author:

Chris Wraight is a fantasy and science fiction writer. Many books set in the worlds of War hammer Fantasy, War hammer 40,000 and Stargate: Atlantis have been released.

Our Opinion:

Wow, I didn’t expect too much after the last couple of space marine combat books, but I needn’t worry, this book is an absolute tour de force.

10: Firedrake (Tome of Fire)

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  • Author: Nick Kyme
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: October 26, 2010
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

In the Dark Eldar Lands, the Salamanders pursue a quest to discover a secret hidden in the Tome of Fire. Elysius, their chaplain, is abducted by the Dark Eldar aliens. The Firedrakes have been sent to save him. Elysius knows several other secrets that might lead their world to both damnation and redemption.

Book Author:

Not only is Nick Kyme one of the up and coming authors of the Black Library, he is one of the up and coming editors of it as well. Nick has successfully published fantasy and science fiction for the Black Library.

Our Opinion:

Terrific. Nick Kyme did a great job making fascinating and fluid tales of heroics for them and the Salamanders need more attention.

11: Sanctus Reach (Space Marine Battles)

Sanctus Reach

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  • Author: Ben Counter
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: December 8, 2015
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

The books describe the invasion of the Sanctus Reach by the Orks of the Red Waaagh. The Astra Militarum warriors and the Space Marines fight to protect the worlds of the Imperium from the hostile armies of green-skinned invaders.

Book Author:

Galaxy in Fire and War for the Abyss, Ben Counter has two Horus Heresy novels to his credit. He is a fanatical miniature painter, a hobby that earned him his most precious possession: a coveted award for the Golden Demon.

Our Opinion:

One of the best collections of short stories from War hammer that you might ever expect to find involving the orks. Every story was fantastic, and I doubt I’ll ever find this quality ork stories again.

12: A Thousand Sons (12) (The Horus Heresy)

A Thousand Sons

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  • Author: Graham McNeill
  • Publisher: Black Industries
  • Publication Date: August 28, 2014
  • Pages: 560

Book Description:

From loyal warriors to so-called traitors, the Thousand Sons went. Forced to return to Prospero for their use of magic, the Emperor of Horus' treachery is warned by Magnus the Red and the Thousand Sons. The Emperor, however is not interested in their use of prohibited forces and sends the Space Wolves to attack Prospero instead.

Book Author:

More than twenty novels were published by Graham McNeill for the Black Library. A Thousand Sons, his Horus Heresy book, was a New York Times bestseller.

Our Opinion:

My favorite Legion of all time is The Thousand Sons. All is fine, from their names to the artwork and iconography.

13: Titanicus (War hammer 40,000)

Titanicus

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  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: November 24, 2009
  • Pages: 608

Book Description:

A Mechanicus forge world is called to protect the Titan Legion Legio Invicta, which is under assault from Chaos Titans.

Book Author:

Dan Abnett is a writer of novels and award-winning comic books. For the Black Library, he published twenty-five novels. The bestsellers were both his Black Library novels.

Our Opinion:

This is undoubtedly one of WH40’s best novels, and I find myself chuckling at the fact that it’s too difficult. A fantastic read and look at the God-Engines, the Mechanicus and Imperium interaction, and the Chaos blend. It’s very fun.

14: Soul Hunter (Night Lords)

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  • Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: February 23, 2010
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

One of the most feared legions of the Anarchy Space Marines is the Night Lords. Remorable hunters and assassins, the Imperium of Man battles endlessly to avenge the death of their Primarch, Konrad Curze. They are brought to the precious world of Crythe Primus by their dark crusade, where they will battle Colonial forces to claim the earth.

Book Author:

With his origins in the videogame and RPG industries, Aaron Dembski-Bowden is a British author. For the Black Library, he wrote several novels. In general, his interests revolve around reading something within reach and helping individuals spell his surname.

Our Opinion:

A friend of mine proposed this. Since I’ve read some form of science fiction fantasy, it’s been a very long time and I have to say, this is very well done. The expense is the only thing I don’t understand. I wish the Kindle had arrived.

15: Double Eagle

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  • Author: Dan Abnett
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Publication Date: August 9, 2005
  • Pages: 416

Book Description:

The war-torn world of Enothis hangs in the balance after many hard-fought weeks. Only the day and night actions of the Phantine Fighter Corps' brave flyers will hold the enemy host at bay long enough to regroup the Imperial ground forces for a final battle.

Book Author:

Dan Abnett is a writer of novels and award-winning comic books. For the Black Library, he published twenty-five novels. The bestsellers were both his Black Library novels.

Our Opinion:

The book deals with an air war set during the Sabbath World Crusade. Air fights are unbelievable. The tale is convincing and imaginative. The distinct aircraft are particularly interesting in the contrast between local aircraft and the Imperial military flying aircraft.

FAQs:

What is meant by the term “War-hammer”?

War hammer is a miniature war game on a tabletop with a mediaeval fantasy theme that simulates wars between various factions' armies.

Who is the most powerful character in War hammer 40k?

The most Strong Character in 40k at the Moment is The God-Emperor of Mankind. His strength is powerful enough to challenge all four gods of chaos, combining while keeping a warp tear shut in the centre of Terra.

What's the name of God's Emperor?

Sly Marbo is Mankind's true God-Emperor.

Why is War-hammer 40k so popular?

Literally, War hammer 40k isn't common. Among nerds, it's well known because it's one of the only few surviving and popular miniature tabletop war-games.

What's the best match for Dawn of War?

Dawn of War II is the most recent: Retribution.

Is it worth getting into War hammer 40k?

40k is and totally worth it a premium hobby. It will provide the person with decades of enjoyment. But only if the person is willing to comfortably spend thousands of dollars on their hobby.

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