Eisnhorn pwns Ravnor. I've go with Gaunt's Ghosts for Impguard side of things, and then anything Space Mariney. The Ultramarines books are sweet as, and if you want something really wordy, look up the Book 'Space Marine'. XD Horus Herasy is a must if you want backstory etc.
WH40K Books to read for a new guy
- Thread starter I-Protest-I
- Start date
As others have mentioned, the Gaunt's Ghosts and Ciaphas Cain books are great introductions to the Imperial Guard. Other notable books that cover other facets of the Imperium's regular military are Titanicus and Double Eagle. In other words, just about anything by Dan Abnett and Sandy Mitchell are worth checking out.
If it's the Space Marines you want to read about, I recommend the book Space Marine, by Ian Watson (yeah I know, generic title). You can't find it in regular bookstores anymore, but you can order a print-on-demand version from the Black Library's website:
http://www.blacklibrary.com/Exclusive-Products/Print-on-Demand/Space-Marine.html
It was written back in the early days of Warhammer 40k, when they were still working out the details of the universe. As such, the book is considered non-canon nowadays due to inconsistencies with the modern flavor of the franchise. However, I would argue that the book is still worth a read, as it isn't afraid to delve into the disturbing implications of being a Space Marine (mild spoilers follow):
If it's the Space Marines you want to read about, I recommend the book Space Marine, by Ian Watson (yeah I know, generic title). You can't find it in regular bookstores anymore, but you can order a print-on-demand version from the Black Library's website:
http://www.blacklibrary.com/Exclusive-Products/Print-on-Demand/Space-Marine.html
It was written back in the early days of Warhammer 40k, when they were still working out the details of the universe. As such, the book is considered non-canon nowadays due to inconsistencies with the modern flavor of the franchise. However, I would argue that the book is still worth a read, as it isn't afraid to delve into the disturbing implications of being a Space Marine (mild spoilers follow):
Most modern 40k novels take the easy route with Space Marines and portray them as noble and incorruptible knights in shining armor (but in space). Ian Watson on the other hand depicts them as brainwashed psychopaths that just barely toe the line with regards to being psychologically stable. Having been whisked away as adolescents and brutally indoctrinated into a hideously warped version of a "family," they have all sorts of secret emotional baggage. They put up a brash front, yet desperately seek comfort and acceptance from their fellow battle-brothers.
I've been wanting to read about Cain should I start with Hero of the Imperium?[/quote]
Yes, you get the first 3 books and some short stories in-between, I've read and reread that book so many times.
@OP, the one's suggested above, also read the rulebooks for the races you are most interested in, they give you unrivalled background on the race, and contain dozens of stories and characters in each.
If you want a more universal overview of the galaxy as a whole, then one of the main rulebooks is essential.
As far as novels go, anything by Dan Abnett as said above, and the Caiphus Cain books are brilliant.
Yes, you get the first 3 books and some short stories in-between, I've read and reread that book so many times.
@OP, the one's suggested above, also read the rulebooks for the races you are most interested in, they give you unrivalled background on the race, and contain dozens of stories and characters in each.
If you want a more universal overview of the galaxy as a whole, then one of the main rulebooks is essential.
As far as novels go, anything by Dan Abnett as said above, and the Caiphus Cain books are brilliant.
Aye, in chronological order that one does come first. Pretty sure that "Defender of the Imperium" comes second. No idea after that.Lordpils said:
This man knows his WH40k books... basically, anything by Dan Abnett. I really couldn't get into the Eldar books, though.BiscuitTrouser said:
