Warhammer 40k books

[Nostra]

So I'm not that big on the lore side of Warhammer 40K and I'd like to change that by reading some books. But I'm at a loss where to start. I read that "the devastation of Baal" is the prequel to this game, but is also a good place to start reading 40K or should I start somewhere else?

[[][][]RavenBlood[][][]]

The Eisenhorn, Gaunts's Ghosts and Ravenor series are great books for starting with 40k.

If you want a bit of a longer series, then The Horus Heresy novels are great, but is more like a prequel to current going lore as it is set in the 31st millennium but is jam packed with important lore that will definitely shed some light on how the Imperium came to its situation that it is currently sitting in right now...

[Nostra]

Ow ok thanks for the titles! So those before the devastation of baal?

[Solus]

My entry books were the hexalogy books of captain Uriel Ventris of the Ultramarines ("ultramarines omnibus" 2 volumes by Graham McNeill) and the "Know no fear" (Horus heresy series) by the master of his art Dan Abnett. I enjoyed every single page.

Ofc if you seek pure talented and quality writing i would go for the Horus Heresy series exclusively, blindfolded. But they refer to an era long gone as the lad above mentioned.

Ps. Yeah i am hard with the smurfs....

[Solus]

Originally posted by Nostra:

Ow ok thanks for the titles! So those before the devastation of baal?

Horus heresy series took place waaaaaaay before the devastation of Baal. To be precise the events on "The devastation of Baal" are as new as it gets while being the link which connects the "old" space marines with the "new-blood" primaris lead by the resurrected primarch himself. It's like a transition to the future of the franchise.

So i guess you can start however you wish 'cause in most books you get a brief context of the events unfolding. Just pick a theme you like and search for a relevant black library book. And there you go.

[Solus]

Originally posted by RavenBlood:

The Eisenhorn, Gaunts's Ghosts and Ravenor series are great books for starting with 40k.

Solid trilogies all of them by the best 40k author Dan Abnett. Great balance of both action/lore and quality writing. Only con for me they kinda concentrate on Inquisition and Imperial Guards factions.

[Nostra]

alright! Thanks all!

[Samaron]

if wanna start at the beginning of the whole imperium of man and chaos the horus heresy book is where to start at and most known among the fanbase of 40k.

[Chaoscredo]

The book, Horus Rising would be my first recommendation.
The Ciaphas Cain and Space Wolf novels are an easy entry point too.

[Dorque]

If it says Abnett on the cover, get it. Even if they weren't 40K books, they'd be great. Like Gaunt's Ghosts could be a WW2 series. (Maybe WW1? Can't remember all details.) And Eisonhorn could be a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥' noir hero anywhere.

[Nostra]

So many books, so little time…

[Jameswood]

If you want a good intro into the 40K universe then you can't do better than the Eisenhorn series. If you want to get into the Blood Angels and everything that happens before the story of Battlesector then read the Devastation of Baal series.

[dreadfulpennyarcade]

I would start with "Space Marine" if you can find it.

[Solus]

Originally posted by dreadfulpennyarcade:

I would start with "Space Marine" if you can find it.

Borderline heretical but great book in a unique way that no other 40k book has done before.

[Nostra]

I think I’m gonna go for the Eisenhorn series…

[Centurian128]

I would add "Infinite and the Divine" for some Necron shenanigans