The Warhammer 40K franchise can be enjoyed in a plethora of ways – and for many, that’s reading the incredible stories of the grimdark future. So have a look through this list and pick out the one’s you’re interested in.
Table of contents
Eisenhorn Omnibus
The Eisenhorn Omnibus, by Dan Abnett, is a collection of the four novels and four short stories about Gregor Eisenhorn – Inquisitor of Ordo Xenos.
This series is incredibly renown in the Warhammer 40K reading community and is almost a must-read for any newcomers. The Eisenhorn Omnibus is a detective story and an interplanetary epic, encompassing everything that could be enjoyed out of a Warhammer 40K product.
The Eisenhorn Omnibus is a large saga compressed into one huge book, so you’d better have your best chair to sit in whilst reading.
Fabius Bile Omnibus
The Fabius Bile Omnibus, by Josh Reynolds, is a collection of three novels and three short stories that tell the twisted tale of Fabius Bile, a traitor and master genetic manipulator.
This omnibus is home to insidious tales and gruesome creatures – most of which are creations by Fabius Bile himself. Ironically, his quest for perfection leads him to sculpt monstrosities across the galaxy, from the Eye of Terror to the Dark City of Commorragh.
Yet again, the Fabius Bile Omnibus is an incredibly long story, so try to make yourself comfortable when reading the malicious stories within.
Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium
Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium, is a collection of the first three Ciaphas Cain stories to get you started with this plucky and sarcastic commissar.
A great shift in tone from all the other grimdark entries in this list, the Ciaphas Cain novels have a lighter, more action-packed tone than other Warhammer 40K stories. Due to the nature of these hilarious yet true-to-theme stories, many fans have recommended this series. And where better to start than at the beggining.
Sandy Mitchell is still writing Ciaphas Cain stories, so there is plenty more greatness to come from our favorite commissar.
Night Lords Omnibus
The Night Lords Omnibus is a collection of the three Night Lords stories by Aaron Dembsku-Bowden. In this thrilling story, you’ll follow the traitor legion of the dreaded Night Lords as they seek revenge for the death of their primarch, Konrad Curze.
In their constant battling and stalking, a struggling warband must face off against the countless Imperium forces, as well as the forces of Aeldari from Craftworld Ulthwe. Their journey takes them to site of their greatest defeat, where they must fight against impossible odds.
You must steel yourself if you are to venture alongside the Night Lords.
Helsreach
Helsreach, an entry into the Space Marine Battles series written by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, follows the battle for Armageddon. The Space Marines against the Orks is a battle as old as time, although this story is still thrilling and exciting.
You’ll follow the Black Templars as they defend Hive Helsreach from the Orks. Naturally, this will lead into a final stand with the fervent templars against the growing green horde.
If you enjoy Warhammer 40K for the epic battles, then Helsreach will certainly give you one.
Death of Integrity
Another entry into the Space Marine Battles series, Death of Integrity, by Guy Haley, takes a brutal space hulk as its stage.
Two Space Marine chapters, the Blood Drinkers and the Novamarines, face off against thousand of Genestealer cultists in the Death of Integrity space hulk. However, the Adeptus Mechanicus send them on a secretive mission that sends them into the heart of the ship.
If you’re interested in seeing one of the very few times Genestealers are written about, then Death of Integrity will be a great read.
The Twice-Dead King: Ruin
The Twice-Dead King: Ruin, by Nate Crowley, tells the story of Necron politics, pride, and revenge. All that is typically told about the necrons is that they’re mindless robotic zombies. However, the lords do retain some of their mental faculties, allowing for ambition and bitterness.
Necron Lord Oltyx was stripped of his title as heir to the Ithakas dynasty and exiled to a forgotten planet to wage an endless war against the Orks. Despite his dwindling garrison, Oltyx wishes for revenge against those who betrayed him. But a whole other horror is soon revealed to him.
For a greater insight into the Necrons, as well as a great story, The Twice-Dead King: Ruin is waiting for you.
Requiem Infernal
Requiem Infernal, by Peter Fehervari, tells a dark story that follows a tucked away order of the Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle) that have dedicated themselves to understanding their founder’s twisted visions.
However, on their secluded doors soon come an Astra Militarum company reeling from conflict with an unknown xenos power, heralded by a Sister Hospitaler who turned her back on the order long ago.
For a mysterious and twisted plot following one of the coolest Imperium forces in Warhammer 40K, Requiem Infernal will provide.
The Infinite and The Divine
The Infinite and The Divine, by Robert Rath, tells the millenia-long story of two polarizing Necron leaders: Trazyn the Infinite and Orikan the Diviner.
In this colossal tale, Trazyn, a historical collector, and Orikan, a Chronomancer who can manipulate the future, have a feud that shapes the galaxy, ends civilizations, and changes each other. Despite their conflict, they ultimately dictate the future of the Necrons.
For a spanning story of Necron might and power, The Infinite and The Divine is surprisingly concise.
Ravenor: The Omnibus
Ravenor: The Omnibus, by Dan Abnett, is a trilogy of stories that tell the tale of another inquisitor, Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor.
Investigating a Chaos conspiracy, Ravenor and his followers are taken to extreme peril as they try to shut down the spread of evil. As they journey through space (and even time!), Ravenor and co. never let up their secret war against the demonic forces of Chaos.
Both Ravenor’s greatest successes and failures will be on display for you to get lost in with Ravenor: The Omnibus.
With all of these incredible Warhammer 40K stories to dive into, all you need to do now is pick one to read first.
