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sharkticon wrote:I can't believe no one here has mentioned Storm of Iron yet. Honsou is still my favorite character, despite McNiel's tendency to make him completely incompetent when within 500 feet of Ventris in the later books.

Honsou is all kinds of badass.

Void__Dragon wrote:Omegus praising a member of the Space Wolves.

I must have taken a left turn into Bizarro World from work.

A Thousand Sons is my personal favorite 40k novel, and if you have not done so you should check out the Eisenhorn series (I haven't read Ravenor).

As for characters, Magnus the Red is my favorite 40k character period, with other honorable mentions going to (Counting only book characters) Ahriman, Loken and Torgaddon, Perturabo ("Yo Lion El'Jonson gimme ur siege batteries and I'll support you for Warmaster promise), Zathariel, Luther (Both being basically the only reasons you need to read the two Dark Angels HH novels), Ferrus Manus, Argel Tal, Eisenhorn, Ravenor (A way cooler psychic cripple than the Emperor could ever be) and Fischig (He's a proper man) from Eisenhorn, and... There are probably others, but I can't recall them.

Hey, it's been known to happen! When a Space Wolf character is presented as a reasonable and logical being, they deserve double props. For example, I also liked that White Wolf captain guy in Battle for the Fang. Unfortunately, the Wolves tend to marginalize or outright mock any fellow Wolf who is reasonable or logical.

I contemplated bringing up Zahariel and Luther, but I need to see the end of that tale first (if it ever happens).

As for the Primarchs, I didn't list any of them because I don't think any of them are particularly likable (except Sanguinius, I guess, but he's almost too much of a nice guy). I do find Lorgar and Magnus the most interesting. Both had disagreements with the Emperor that led to them throwing their lot with Chaos, and both were basically right. Magnus argued that humanity cannot afford to close their eyes to their psychic potential, and that fully mastering the arcane arts is what will ensure mankind's survival. And true enough, the Nikea proclamation crippled the Imperium in their most dire hour of need, whereas the Grey Knights are one of the Imperium's most potent weapons in the 41st millenium. The problem was that Magnus delved too far and too fast, thinking himself too clever to make a mistake. I think some part of him knew he was doing something wrong, since he chose to conceal it from his father (although his father is judgmental and extermination-happy). Likewise, the Emperor didn't trust/underestimated his son, since he failed to share the dangers of the Warp with him ("do as I say, not as I do" is never effective parenting, especially with a gifted child). Magnus went from being the most powerful among the Primarchs, to a broken shade of his former self, drowning in his own bitterness in his tower. Likewise, Lorgar argued with the Emperor that mankind needs something greater than themselves to believe in, to give them hope, strength, and unity. And he was right, since faith (and its enforcement) is the only thing keeping the modern Imperium together. He went from being the meekest Primarch, who didn't know his place in his father's plan, to the mastermind (at least at first) of the Heresy and the chosen son of Chaos.

WOW you guys have given me alot to think about. just bought the eisenhorn omnibus because the inquistion is bad ass.

Helsreach was the best. Grimaldus was a douchebag, yet very insecure of his abilities because he was convinced his role in the battle was pointless. The speech he gave to the Princeps. The apothecary crying over the wasted lives of so many battle brothers.

And Andrej, don't forget Andrej, yes?

 Omegus wrote:
Hey, it's been known to happen! When a Space Wolf character is presented as a reasonable and logical being, they deserve double props. For example, I also liked that White Wolf captain guy in Battle for the Fang. Unfortunately, the Wolves tend to marginalize or outright mock any fellow Wolf who is reasonable or logical.

I contemplated bringing up Zahariel and Luther, but I need to see the end of that tale first (if it ever happens).

As for the Primarchs, I didn't list any of them because I don't think any of them are particularly likable (except Sanguinius, I guess, but he's almost too much of a nice guy). I do find Lorgar and Magnus the most interesting. Both had disagreements with the Emperor that led to them throwing their lot with Chaos, and both were basically right. Magnus argued that humanity cannot afford to close their eyes to their psychic potential, and that fully mastering the arcane arts is what will ensure mankind's survival. And true enough, the Nikea proclamation crippled the Imperium in their most dire hour of need, whereas the Grey Knights are one of the Imperium's most potent weapons in the 41st millenium. The problem was that Magnus delved too far and too fast, thinking himself too clever to make a mistake. I think some part of him knew he was doing something wrong, since he chose to conceal it from his father (although his father is judgmental and extermination-happy). Likewise, the Emperor didn't trust/underestimated his son, since he failed to share the dangers of the Warp with him ("do as I say, not as I do" is never effective parenting, especially with a gifted child). Magnus went from being the most powerful among the Primarchs, to a broken shade of his former self, drowning in his own bitterness in his tower. Likewise, Lorgar argued with the Emperor that mankind needs something greater than themselves to believe in, to give them hope, strength, and unity. And he was right, since faith (and its enforcement) is the only thing keeping the modern Imperium together. He went from being the meekest Primarch, who didn't know his place in his father's plan, to the mastermind (at least at first) of the Heresy and the chosen son of Chaos.

I think that the same thing will happen to Zathariel and Luther that happens with many traitors in the Heresy, that they will start off good intentioned until their motives and sanity decays.

I would agree, but I don't personally look at characters in fiction in terms of how "likeable" they are in the sense that you could be a massive douche, but I could still like the character. Like Perturabo for instance, arguably the most genuinely sinister of the Primarchs, but he gets brownie points for making Lion El'Jonson and Rogal Dorn look like total tools.

Eisenhorn Trilogy - Alizebeth Bequin...
She wasn't so interesting in Ravenor.

 hotsauceman1 wrote:
Sarik from Savage scars.
1: Survives a point blank Fusion blaster shot.
2: Takes on 3 crisis suits.
3: Takes on a Rogue Inquisitor who is on fire.

Not sure if serious...

Hellsreach made me want to buy the Grimaldus model!

And the Cain books are awesome...but like someone said, they are a bit repetitive. It is akin to watching a TV series back to back. You notice the repetitive things much more than you would if you took some time between viewings/readings.

 Coolyo294 wrote:
Helsreach is easily the best 40k book I've ever read. If you haven't read it, go to your nearest bookstore and buy it immediately.

Helsreach is the best non Gaunt's Ghost book there is. Being a fan of battle Titans, I also enjoyed Titanicus. If you only read a single Ghosts book, Necropolis is the strongest, followed closely by The Guns of Tanith.

In case you haven't realized, Dan Abnett is the top author BL has. He wrote the GG novels, and Titanicus, as well as Double Eagle and the Eisenhorn and Ravenor trilogies.

Sabbat Worlds. Mainly because the short story Apostle's Creed is fantastic. It's pretty much Warhammer meets tie fighter.

Kinda stunned that no-ones mentioned The Emperor's Gift.

Most of the HH series is great, with my particular favorites being The First Heretic, Mechanicum and Legion.
AD-B's Night Lords trilogy is excellent also. Whilst I didn't think it was a spectacular trilogy, the characters in Ravenor are excellent also.


Character-wise: Torgaddon, Talos, Solomon Demeter, the sculptor from Fulgrim, Harlon Nayl and Bjorn stand out for me.

The Gaunt's Ghosts and Ciaphas Cain series are both my favorite, though character wise my favorite would obviously be Ciaphas Cain, HERO OF THE IMPERIUM!

Character wise some of my favorites have been Guardsman Hawke from Storm of Iron, Godwyn Fischig from Eisenhorn and Dinas Chayne from Legion

 SisterJoey wrote:
In case you haven't realized, Dan Abnett is the top author BL has. He wrote the GG novels, and Titanicus, as well as Double Eagle and the Eisenhorn and Ravenor trilogies.

I'm starting to think ADB is usurping that position. He certainly writes far more interesting Space Marines. Abnett is good with "mortals", but his Astartes are terrible.

 Bobthehero wrote:
And Andrej, don't forget Andrej, yes?

Yes! Andrej and Grimaldus.

 AnomanderRake wrote:
Ciaphas Cain is impossibly funny.

A great was to describe it, I also recommend The Ciaphas Cain Series.

Lord Gearhart from Titanicus. I love the idea that the guy who is in charge is also badly losing his marbles and is aware that sooner or later they're pulling the plug on him for good.

I like the portrayal of Rogal Dorn in The Lightning Tower, showing him to have a thoughtful side that's not usually associated with him.

Captain Kharn in Butcher's Nails, just for the fact that his face is completely unscarred and he's so softly spoken. A far cry from where he ends up...

If you're looking for a really good series, those telling you to get Gaunt's Ghosts will not lead you wrong. That series really reminds me of Band of Brothers from HBO. Really good story development, trust me when I say you will come to hate a certain someone in the 5th book. Lijah Fething Cuu...

On a happier note, check out the Space Marine Battle novels, Helsreach is a phenominal book, but my personal favourite is either Rynn's World, Legion of the Damned, or Battle of the Fang. (Feth it, there all pretty damn good, with the DA one being meh imo)

If you're looking for a good Marine book that Marines actually give a feth about humans though, you can deffinetly not go wrong with the Salamanders trilogy, Nick Kyme is by far my second most fav author.


Or if you just want a simple brain lapse book, read the Ultramarine series, good, but very yay! Ultramarines, Woo!!

And the Night Lord trilogy is also really good.

(Ok I'll shut up now )

My favorite "character" thus far is probably Lorgar, hes been given the best characterization imo (no coincidence ADB was behind it).

The moment that won me over though was this quote:



An official 40k "o snap" moment.

Probably helsreach or the second book in the tome of fire series. The chaplain running around comorragh was pretty beats.

I was surprised at how much I liked Guilliman in Know No Fear, despite not liking the book itself.

My favorite book from BL that I've read still is Ghostmaker. I liked the first two books for not focussing on a single planet. Larkin is my favorite character from his short story in Ghostmaker, with his conversation with the Imperial Angel.

I'm still not overly fond of Abnett for killing (major Sabbat Martyr spoilers below)

 Omegus wrote:
I'm starting to think ADB is usurping that position. He certainly writes far more interesting Space Marines. Abnett is good with "mortals", but his Astartes are terrible.

Personally I tend to prefer Graham McNeil to Abnett (I haven't really read enough of ADB's work honestly, need to do that). I feel that McNeil generally writes better Space Marines than Abnett as well (And, for what it's worth, Argel Tal might actually be my favorite Marine character period, next to Ahriman, which is a good point in ADB's favor).

 Pilau Rice wrote:
Character wise some of my favorites have been Guardsman Hawke from Storm of Iron, Godwyn Fischig from Eisenhorn and Dinas Chayne from Legion

Hawke returns in Priests of Mars

From what everyone is saying, sounds like I need to buy Helsreach. Incidentally I had this conversation about Black Library authors with my best friend just a few minutes before getting online

My first book I read was Hammer of the Emperor, and I would easily recommend that to anybody interested in the IG, as I have not read Gaunt's Ghosts. Would love to see a continuation of Colonel Steele's story

I owe James Swallow one for Flight of the Eisenstein. When I started reading it I also had a project due for a Writing class. Was writing a romantic short story, so I copied his style of doing dialogue and in the end it turned out beautifully. Also going to say that I loved that book. HH was amazing, especially because it takes place during an era when many of the Space Marines were individuals, with complex personalities and hopes, even dreams of peace before the Heresy begins, while others can only see endless war, many even inviting it into their lives

Really like Dan Abnett and Graham McNeill's works. Sadly have not had the opportunity to read Ciaphas Cain or Gaunt's Ghosts but will happily do so later this year

McNeil's Space Marines seem to be much better than Abnett's, but Abnett writes better regular people (inquisitors, guardsmen, regular joes).

After reading every Gaunt's Ghost book, all the Eisenhorn and Ravenor books, and all of his HH books, I'm tired of Abnett though. He uses certain cliches in almost everyone of his books that irritate the hell out of me. His stories are all like James Bond novels, and his heroes have way too much plot armor (even for a WH40K story).

ADB is probably my favorite writer right now, and I think that unlike all the other BL writers, he cares the most about the actual fluff and actively tries to enhance the entire fluff universe, not just whatever story he's writing at the time. I love the Night Lords trilogy, though I got bored with Helsreach and Cadian Blood was horribly written (you can tell it was his first book). I also read an awesome short-story he wrote about a Flesh Tearer's marine last night. Great stuff. The Emperor's Gift was a bit too nihilistic for my taste, though seeing Logan Grimnar effortlessly speed-blitz a Grey Knights Grand Master was hilariously awesome. The First Heretic was pretty good, though I thought it was a bit too... weird, in certain spots.

I like Graham Mcneil's work too, with Mechanicum and Fulgrim being some of my favorite BL novels (I enjoyed Mechanicum especially though the Void Dragon sub-plot was stupid).

Haven't read a whole lot of McNeil's work though. Space Marines are the least interesting faction in the mythos to me, sans the HH-era legions, so I've avoided most of the omnibuses he's written.

I enjoyed the Path of Eldar novels, but haven't read any of his other works. I got about a hundred pages into Deliverance Lost and gave up.

- - - - - -

As far as favorite characters go... my favorite woman is probably Bequin, as by the end of Eisenhorn she still wasn't nearly as badass as most of the male characters, but she was still more than adept for someone who possesses basically zero military training. For that matter, I like Patience Kys as well.

Male characters are more difficult. I suppose Loken is probably my favorite, though Torgaddon is awesome too. Fulgrim is my favorite primarch by a pretty far margin. My favorite non-Astartes guy is probably Pre-Salvation's Reach Gaunt.

Although I have been reading (and loving!) the Gaunt's Ghosts series, my favorite character would have to be Ciaphas Cain. There is just something magic about a cowardly commissar who everyone looks up to as a great hero, and who keeps winning fights mostly on accident.

 Void__Dragon wrote:

 Omegus wrote:
I'm starting to think ADB is usurping that position. He certainly writes far more interesting Space Marines. Abnett is good with "mortals", but his Astartes are terrible.

Personally I tend to prefer Graham McNeil to Abnett (I haven't really read enough of ADB's work honestly, need to do that). I feel that McNeil generally writes better Space Marines than Abnett as well (And, for what it's worth, Argel Tal might actually be my favorite Marine character period, next to Ahriman, which is a good point in ADB's favor).

I'll agree that McNeil writes better Astartes than Abnett, but overall he is more hit or miss than Abnett.

Xarl from the night lords trilogy is the coolest character in the BL. Hands. Down. Which is saying something cos all of ADB's NL trilogy really is something special!

Xarl is a BAMF.

Ciphias Cain series no one beats it

Helsreach and Fulgrim are my two favourites so far. Favourite characters, also from these two books, would be Grimaldus, Vespasian and Solomon Demeter.