View Full Version : Top 3 must read 40k books
Levitas
11-07-2009, 06:57 PM
Pretty straight forward. I was browsing Narns & Boble in search of new thrills in paper back. It reminded me of the great books I've already read, and inevitably I had to top 3 them.
1. Eisenhorn - just so so so good. Like layer cake.
2. legion - oooh twisty!
3. Horus Rising - The big bad primarch shows he has yeast...
Yours?
Aegis
11-07-2009, 07:28 PM
Being new to the dark library (I had scoffed them off for a while, before picking one up out of desperation to read something that was not a history text book), I have only read a couple. Of the ones I have read though, the three Ravenor books stand strong. Having said that, I do love the Eisenhorn books as well, but they just did not impart the same feelings of empathy.
The AKH
11-07-2009, 10:51 PM
1. Only In Death
2. Ravenor - the first one.
3. Necropolis
Big fan of the Ghosts, and anything by Dan Abnett is fantastic...
The West Coast Knight
11-07-2009, 11:37 PM
Space Wolf by William King
First and Only by Dan Abnett
Caves of Ice a Ciphas Cain novel by Sndy Micthell All the Cain books are top notch.
WCK
rkiviman
11-08-2009, 02:02 AM
The Ultra-marine series is excellent also. Really enjpy the different ones with collections of short stories:"Let the Galaxy burn","Dark Imperium", "Words of Blood","Eye of Terror" etc... The Horus heresy series has also been excellent. You want fluff, got to read the books.They are a great introduction into the 40k universe.
Magos Explorator
11-08-2009, 03:54 AM
Possibly controversial but Inquisitor, Harlequin and Chaos Child (with Space Marine as an extra) by Ian Watson for me. :)
I also enjoyed the three Eisenhorn novels by Dan Abnett a lot, too. I like the Horus Heresy series but am not sure which ones I'd pick!
hummus
11-09-2009, 03:53 AM
eisenhorn
dark disciple really good action and good portrayl of dark eldar and wordbearers
storm of iron
imperialsavant
11-09-2009, 04:35 AM
;)
Hero of the Imperium (Caiphus Cain collection + short stories)
Brothers of the Snake (ah heck--- all the Dan Abnett books)
Crossfire.
Only 3----- really I have so many, Most of the Heresy series,Cadian Blood, Ian Watsons early BL books.
There are some great SF writers for the BL but there are some I cant hack but I will not list them.:rolleyes:
1) Eisenhorn - it's just brilliant
2) Titanicus - it's great because it's such a different take on the 40k universe compared to the normal guardsmen / marine view point
3) Storm of Iron - total bolter porn in comparison to the other two but such a great CSM book
I'd add the Gaunts Ghosts books and the Ultramarine series (with Honsou spinoffs) to the list as well as the Cain books. I also really enjoyed Scourge the Heretic and am looking forward to reading Innocence Proves Nothing when I finally have time to pick it off the 'to read' pile
Lord Azaghul
11-09-2009, 07:43 AM
The Founding "Gaunts Ghost Omnibus"
but anything dan anbett is worth your time.
Gotthammer
11-09-2009, 08:07 AM
-Titanicus
-Cain series
-Deathword
Space Marine is a close fourth - fair bit of rubbish but some great stuff inbetween.
Pi666
11-09-2009, 08:29 AM
Flight of the Einsenstein
Galaxy in Flames
Space Wolf
The first one got me back on the tables afet 2 or 3 years off.
Melissia
11-09-2009, 08:31 AM
In no particular order...
Ciaphas Cain, Hero of the Imperium
Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer (... what?)
Death or Glory
Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer (... what?)
yeah, that too. One of the under rated background books that's really worth a look
Keeps on waht u want to read.
I prefer the Dark Heresy Books from Sandy Mitchell (Scourge the Heretic and Innocence profes Nothing)
They are really well written and focus an a group of inquisition acolythes.
Salamanders as start of the Tomb of Fire Trilogy focusing on the Salamanders chapter (always my first SM love). Not focused on Bolter action but on a secret and interaction of SM in their chapter not only kill, kill slash, slash.
The Horus Heresy Books, well written and deep with background of the 40kverse.
For Chaos i would recommend Deamonworld for thos interested in Chaos interaction.
I would not recommend the Books with Soul Drinkers, Ultramarines and Space Wolves.
FOr fans ok but if u want some serious books dont read them, in my opinoin they are neither well written nor have a good story.
Dont want to offend someone, but they suck for my taste.
30+ sites of a book decribing how Brother Santa slashinf 100 Orks decribing into detail how the blood splurts isnt interesting for me. This paper could have been used for better printworks, like a new Dark Eldar Codex ;)
ssylyss
11-09-2009, 09:26 AM
Double Eagle
Titanicus
Space wolf (Really like the entire series.)
eagleboy7259
11-09-2009, 03:02 PM
There were a few books that I think are out of print now, but Maelstorm - a collection of short stories was one of my favorites when I was just getting into 40k. The whole Gaunt's Ghosts series is worthwhile but I'm sure everyone by now has heard that. The new Horus Heresy books have caught my eye lately...
have to be a snob on this one.
Book number 1 must be the Inquisitor collection by Ian Watson (including halequin and chaos Child)
(Scourge the Heretic is a pale imitation of this). (Most uk libruaries stock this).
Get hold of Space Marine by Ian Watson if you can.
Deathwing - the one with two heads talking taking out a genestealer covern.
---------
The early stuff really sets the mould - you see themes repeated in the later works. It's like the literature equivalent of John Blanche - it helped define the 40k universe and the toen of the gothic Imperium. (the assassin is tre sexy too).
Having said that, I buy everything 40k written by Abnett. His ghosts books are great Bernard Cornwell esq action with real characters and are a beleivable glimpse of the 41st miilennium- but they do not give you much depth or background to the fluff. His Eisenhorn books gripped me.They follow the Ian Watson pattern and are next on my list for recommendation (Ravenor is good but an after echo in truth). If you are serious about 40k and you collect Chaos or Imperia armies, there is no excuse for reading the Horus Heresy series - it is the essential fluff- and now cannon. Legion Rocked.
Don't touch the Blood angel stuff. If you are tempted by the Ultra marine novels, read storm of Iron first - that is a great stand alone book.
ratpack
11-22-2009, 01:45 PM
Eye of Terror
IA Anphelion Project
Ciaphas Cain Books
I would like to add as a note that the introduction story in Ciaphas Cain Omnibus was very good, as well as a short stor about some old war veterans in Eisenhorn Omnibus
If you are short on time read Space Hulk
Oh by the way I heard that next Gotrek & Felix book is going to be names primarchslayer ;)
Aldramelech
11-22-2009, 02:45 PM
yeah, that too. One of the under rated background books that's really worth a look
Agreed. A very clever idea. Comic gold! LOL
Vorlon
11-22-2009, 04:23 PM
The Ciaphas Cain series is a definite must read....its rare to see just the right amount of comedy in serious reading with ruining it.
Anyone know if any more books are due out *crosses fingers*
Sitnam
11-22-2009, 05:06 PM
Ciaphus Cain: Hero of the Imperium
Eisenhorn
Soul Drinlkers Omnibus
Mike X
11-23-2009, 01:03 AM
Eisenhorn
Ravenor: the Omnibus
Titanicus
dasfbehsd
11-23-2009, 01:51 AM
Eisenhorn
Ravenor: the Omnibus
Titanicus
I agree with you. It is a good idea....happy.:confused::cool:
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Old_Paladin
11-27-2009, 09:52 AM
Only 3 books? That's so restrictive.
1) Gaunts Ghosts 'The Lost' omnibus + Only in Death (the series gets better with each passing book).
2) Let the Galaxy Burn (almost 40 short stories in almost 800 pages; there's a lot of love to go around).
3) Space Wolves omnibus (this is just personal, I like the wolves and Ragnar).
johnnyfoodmaster
11-29-2009, 08:04 PM
Well, I haven't read very many of the books, but the ones I have read I have liked.
My favorites have been the Space Wolf Omnibusses...er...or omnibi? They're both great and give a feel for what it's like in the early days of being a Space Wolf. Here are the other's I've read (and enjoyed)
Salamander
Horus Heresy books 1-3. I especially liked the ending of Galaxy in Flames. I'm working on Flight of the Eisenstein right now. I can't wait for the Leman Russ/Thousand Sons books coming next year!
My friend gave me the Eisenhorn trilogy, but I haven't read them yet. I guess they'll be after the Horus Heresy. I also want to read the Blood Angels omnibus.
Artein
11-30-2009, 04:19 PM
Sure, Gaunt's Ghosts, Eisenhorn, Ravenor, Ciaphas Cain, Horus Heresy, all of them (ok, most of them) are really nice, but....
Lord of the Night is a must-read.
Hawkeye
11-30-2009, 11:12 PM
Storm of Iron- The Imperial Guard attempt to repel a massive invasion by the Iron Warriors. Depicts the invasion from many points of of view including captured Guardsman, and Iron Warrior Captains.
Necropolis- Outnumbered the Ghosts attempt to repel an massive Chaos invasion.
Space Wolf- Good book telling the story of Ragnar Blackmane's life before and indoctrination into the Space Wolves.
Naobi
12-03-2009, 05:06 AM
15 Hours
Flight of The Eisenstien
Mechanicus
mercer
12-03-2009, 05:23 AM
I really enjoy Storm of Iron and I'm currently reading it again for the second time. I did also enjoy Heroes of the Space Marines.
iheartgrimdark
12-04-2009, 02:34 PM
The Konrad Trilogy!
iheartgrimdark
12-04-2009, 02:51 PM
I know the above isn't grimdark 40k, but they were good books non the less.
Space Marine and Inquisitor were also good. The Horus Herey books are mostly good. Some better than others.
Bought Plague Deamon from Oxfam for 79p yesterday. All good.
Like a poster stated in the begining i really hesitated in starting the Horus hersey series since there were so many books however after reading titanicus i figured why not. Shortly after reading horus rising i was hooked so any where here are my top 3
1.Horus Rising
2.this was almost a tie between fulgrim/legion but legion squeaks out
3. Finally the Salamander book (sorry there my favorite chapter and i play them so I cant help it)
pacopaco
12-09-2009, 11:05 PM
Thought not a novel, "The Falls of Marakross" in the Tales from the Dark Millenium short story book is awesome! A Dark Angels Interrogator-Chaplain and an Inquisitor are after one of The Fallen. The Inquisitor has his own reason and the Dark Angel has his. it's a great story.
travinius
12-12-2009, 04:04 PM
1. Necropolis
2. Storm of Iron
3. Ravenor
a hard choice though, i adore black library novels (even the stinkier ones) and had a hard time not putting a horus heresy novel up here. dan abnett is a fav of course.
archimbald
12-14-2009, 03:16 PM
1) the fallen
2)mechanicus
3) only in death
descent of angels was cruff
ChaplainCliff
12-14-2009, 08:41 PM
1. Eisenhorn, one of my favorite books, the way it is as told by eisenhorn is great.
2. Legion, really a good read, best twist I have read in a while.
3. Horus Rising, just good, read it.
Subject Keyword
12-19-2009, 11:40 AM
1. Necron Codex
2. Xenology (the Necron Part)
3. Main Rulebook (the big Necron Picture)
In all seriousness, though...
the Gaunt's Ghosts Omnibus is terrific. My friend described the writer as "a person who is an expert on actual warfare who knows a little bit about 40k, as opposed to the other authors who are experts on 40k and know a little about warfare."
Ooh, the Space Wolves Omnibus is pretty hot too.
Renegade
12-19-2009, 02:06 PM
The Inquisitor series.
Heroes of the Space Marines.
Cain series.
And thats being brutal! Why only 3? That was SO unfair! There may be some bunk in the BL, but there is also really excellent books too.
Anything by Sandy Mitchell, Dan Abnet or Graham McNeil is worth at least a look, as they rarely write one thats not quite that good.
1. The rulebook
2. Your codex
3. Errata
It may be obvious but you would be suprised whow amny people doesn't read these three!
sicarius2424
01-31-2010, 10:15 PM
1)fifeteen hours (first 40k i ever read holds a special place for me and awsome book!)
2)titanicus (can't get much better then giant metal constructs slugging it out)
3)horus rising (gave me a really good of look of horus becuase before that i thought he was nothing but a mindless killer)
but any and all things done by dan abnett are awsome!!!
currently reading ice guard just finished titianicus so the book will be a let done from that one but it's good so far
david5th
02-01-2010, 11:08 AM
Warriors Of Ultramar - Tyranids vs Ultramarines in space and on the ground, says it all.
Sons Of Dorn - Insight into the initiation process for scouts + fluff about the Imperial Fists.
Titanicus or Storm Of Iron - I Really can't chose between the two.
Faultie
02-01-2010, 12:37 PM
Execution Hour
Brothers of the Snake
Eisenhorn
Master Bryss
02-01-2010, 12:39 PM
I'd go for
Space Wolf
First and Only
Horus Rising
I hate this limit of 3! Why not 5? Then I could add Ciaphas Cain and Eisenhorn!
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