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Hi all,

I'm a longtime 40k player (Eldar is my choice army). I've read some of the background, but only what's available in codices or the BGB.

So, my question is: In terms of the 40k novels, where is the best place to start? Is there a "core" series of books I should begin with?

It really depends on you.
When I'm introducing people to the 40K universe via fiction, I start with the Ragnar saga.
The first book starts as your typical "viking" based high fantasy, then delves into the sci-fi aspects. It's kind of like the reader learns about the 40K universe as Ragnar does.
It's been spectacular.

You like Eldar. I seem to recall there bein a book of short stories out there, based on Eldar. Isn't there?

What else do you like? The Inquisition? Start with Eisenhorn.

If you're looking to start "in order" as the books were created, you'll have to go pretty far back.

There really is no "core" of books you should start with, though.


Eric

MagickalMemories wrote:You like Eldar. I seem to recall there bein a book of short stories out there, based on Eldar. Isn't there?

path of the warrior?

Unfortunantly, there really arn't many books written from a Xeno perspective.

Path of the Warrior is supposed to be one of the first good Eldar orientated ones.


C.S. Goto wrote a couple of abominations about Eldar.




Any book written by Dan Abnett is a good book.


i second the suggestion of the Space Wolf omnibus. it's a good way of introduction to 40k.

Warning: book may result in sudden desire to start a SW army

Personally, I've been a big fan of the Horus Heresey. Most of it is well written, and there is a good focus on the different SM legions.

well, path of the warrior, but I love the gaunt's ghosts series. Best series eva.

MagickalMemories wrote:
There really is no "core" of books you should start with, though.

That's good. I really got into Dragonlance as a kid and it took me a few years to finally find Dragons of Autumn Twilight.

Ragnar may be the way to go. I'd like to ease into the larger 'verse, so I'm not just confused the whole time!

been reading the HH novels and Eisenhorn which I'm actually about to read again

The Horus Heresy is a great start, and does include Eldrad in one book. It gives you a good comprehensive overview of how the universe ended up where it is

For a more in-depth look at the present day, I'd say Gaunt's Ghosts. Again, this covers humans, chaos and even Eldar again, and is a fantastic insight into the 40k universe. Alternatively, if you want to look more at civilian life than battlefield roles, I'd say maybe Eisenhorn, or Ravenor.

And, of course, Sandy Mitchell's Ciaphas Cain series is amazing. A brilliantly satirical, hilarious look at the 40k universe through the eyes of an Imperial 'hero'

Path of the Warrior has already been mentioned, but I would like to second it. A very well-written insight into the Eldar in peace and war.

@Fmtea... Agreed on Ciaphas Cain.
I just thought of him & was coming back to suggest him.

Easily my favorite 40K character in a novel.

Eric

I would say Eisenhorn is a good place to start, and Gaunts Ghosts is a very good series, and basically all the other books written by Dan Abnett are good.

My favorite book has been "Titanicus", it really gives some insight into the Mechanicus/Imperium relationship. Oh, and there are tons giant titan battles.

GK's omnibus is a personal favorite

I'm in the middle of the Horus Heresy books right now and loving them. It really is a good way to learn how the universe got to the way it is other than OH NOES! THE EMPEROR WAS BETRAYED!

Gaunts Ghosts is next on my list and I've heard nothing but great things about the series!

I would HIGHLY recommend Helsreach as a great place to start if you are looking for a good Space Marine type book. For Eldar definately check out Path of The Warrior - though the end might leave you a bit hanging... it's intentional.

Ciaphas Cain Omnibus' are good. Humor with a whole bunch of action. Has battles with Tau, Chaos, Tyranids, Necrons, Orks....all that good stuff.

I like The Last Chancers. Its a Guard-heavy book, but it's really good and the stories are very plot heavy with action.

Horus Heresy is good, but they use a lot of names and terminologies so you may have to keep flipping to the glossary to remind yourself who is what.

I'd start with the Space Wolf novels - as others have said, they do a good job of easing you into the murky waters of tech and terminology of the 41st Millennium. The Horus Heresy novels are also good to read - if you can manage to read through them (there are 14? now, with Prospero Burns coming in January), they basically set the entire stage for the modern world, covering the Heresy from start to (eventual) finish.

However, as others have said, there really aren't any 'core' novels to read, though many consider Gaunt's Ghosts to be among the best of the 40k novels. As long as you avoid anything by C.S. Goto (for anything other than a laugh), you're fine.

Dan Abnett stuff is the better stuff. C.S. Goto's should be avoided like the herpes.

Agree Goto should be avoided.

Why not start with one of the collection books like 'fear the alien' this will introduce you to quite a few authors and give you a flavour of what their books are like.

It is hard to find good books about Eldar. I haven´t read "Path of the Warrior" and CS Goto stuff will tear your soul apart. "Fear the Alien" have a good story about Dark Eldar and another story about Craftworld Eldar / Harlequins that let me somehow confused.
Some personal favourites:
Inquisition: Eisenhorn trilogy (Dan Abnett).
Chaos: Storm of Iron (Graham McNeill).
Imperial Guard: Gaunt´s Ghosts (Dan Abnett).
Black Templars: Helsreach (Aaron Dembsky-Bowden).

Just start, bro. There are many good books out there. W40k background is amazing.

ShadowPoint has some good Eldar stuff in it.
Path of the Warrior (and the others in the trilogy when they are done. Path of the seer is up next).
Eisenhorn/Ravenor (get the omnibus editions. Extra stuff in them. Ravenor consorts with Eldar.)

i just started reading the HH novels, i read AoBR (attempted) and found it really badly written, then my mate suggested i try the Heresy novels, im liking them so far.
best place to start is at the beginning (unless you read Dragonlance then the best place to start is Dragons of Autumn Twilight which is five years on)

The book Fifteen Minutes is an important read, IMO, as it really sets the stage for understanding how the Imperial Guard really works.

Eric

Fifteen Minutes is a good, if depressing read.

Space wolves Omnibus was first 40k book(s) I read, followed shortly by HH books.
Didn't care for Souldrinkers books though, only ones I didn't like so far.

Terminus wrote:Fifteen Minutes is a good, if depressing read.

arn't most IG books

1. Horus Heresy for interesting background. Some of the books aren't that great (I'm looking at you Battle for the Abyss) but the rest are awesome.
2. Gaun'ts Ghosts novels. Start at the beginning and keep on going. I think there are Omnibuses which make them cheaper to get.
3. Caiphas Cain series. Humor in 40k? Heresy I say!

and don't forget step 4: lock yourself up at home with tons of junk food and caffeine so you can read nonstop!

1.) Often called best 40k novels are Abnett's Eisenhorn Triology (about inquisition), and the follow up Ravenor. But it is about a single Inquisitor, not 40k armies. Often called second best are Abnett's "Gaunt's Ghosts" series about Imperial Guard. Another good series is Ciaphas Cain, rare humour about a coward IG commissar who always ends being celebrated as a hero.
2.) Horus Heresy is a nice high quality series, but it's 30k, so maybe wrong time to start.
3.) Eldar have few novels that can be recommended. The current "Path of the Warrior" is very good and informative, Shadowpoint second best but hard to get. "Farseer" is also acceptable. As many have said: If you like Eldar (or good writing or your sanity), avoid everything by Goto, as he hates Eldar and has no clue about them. Not funny.

You may want to select further novels following the fractions that you like. E.g. Firedrake for Dark Eldar, Dead Men Walking for Necrons, Grey Knights (my personal favorite), "For the Emperor" for Tau, and all the Space marine novels which I haven't read.

Just grab one of the anthologies. Lots of different authors and stories there and if you get to one you don't like, it's shot.