Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I started reading the Horus Heresy series this year and I'm cruising through them. I need to decide on what I want to read next.

Some things to keep in mind when you vote or post your input. Despite the Ciaphas Cain and Gaunt's Ghosts series getting regular recommendations, there is no subject that I am less interested in of the 40k universe than the imperial guard, so these aren't a current contender.

Secondly, I strongly prefer to read books in chronological order or order of publication when feasible.

Guant's Ghosts. I know what you said, but still.

The Ultramarines Omnibus or the Battles of the Space Marines series. The BotSM books like Helsreach and Fall of Damnos are extremely cool and give you more information on the chapter in the war. The Ultramarines Omnibus is very very good and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Tome of Fire trilogy by Nick Kyme

KamikazeCanuck wrote:Guant's Ghosts. I know what you said, but still.

This, what is better then Imperial Guard?

I don't play IG, and prefer SM novels, but I love gaunt's ghosts, and am going to start Cain sometime (hopefully) soon.
If you're dead set against guard, try the ultramarines series, it's not bad. McNiel makes the ultramarines so much more down to earth and less high and mighty than other authors. Calgar is a brilliant commander, but still has flaws, Telion isn't the sneakiest guy ever, etc.

The Eldar Path books are really good, they give a great insight into the Eldar way of life, both civilian life and warfare. I would highly recommend them.

My first series were the first few Ultramarines books. However, I voted for Eisenhorn/Ravenor. They really made the setting for me. They demostrate how deep the world of 40k can be, even with barely even mentioning power-armoured supermen, world crushing WAAAGHS!, or Black Crusades.

Thanks very much for all of the input.

A note on the IG stuff (Cain and Gaunt's): I'm sure I'll read them eventually, but the Black Library has so much to offer so I'm going to read some other stuff first. These novels are not in consideration for my next choice.

The Eldar Path would probably be a shoe-in for me. After reading the long HH series, I'm really looking forward to some Xenos perspective. I loved the Eldar and Cabal involvement in Fulgrim and Legion. The only reason I may wait a bit on this is because I think the third part of the Eldar series is planned to be published later this summer, so I'll probably hold off on this series until then.

I'll look into the Tome of Fire and Ultramarines series. Those weren't really on my radar so far.

Ultimately, I'm strongly leaning towards The Inquisition War and following with Eisenhorn / Ravenor. I think Inquisition War will be the best choice to follow the HH series chronologically also.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Ravenor. You must read Ravenor. You can skip Eisenhorn for all I care but by god you must read Ravenor.

I don't know about that. I prefer Eisenhorn.

I think I'm going Inquisition War > Eisenhorn > Ravenor

By the time I'm done with those, the third in the Eldar Path should be published and I'll read those 3.

What strikes me as a bit interesting is that Necromunda hasn't even gotten a single vote. It isn't a short series so I'd think that it had some success. It has about 10 books and nearly another 10 short stories. What gives?

HELSREACH

/thread

The Space Wolf series and the Eisenhorn trilogy are required reading for serious 40k fans imo. Both of them create a nice view of the universe from 2 different perspectives. SW gives a real feel for what it is like to be a SW but also it shows you just what Terra is like in the 41st millenium.

Eisenhorn gives you a real feel for the "human" side of the universe that is often missed in BL books since so many of them are from the view point of the Marines.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

LoneLictor wrote:Ravenor. You must read Ravenor. You can skip Eisenhorn for all I care but by god you must read Ravenor.

Also. Couldn't disagree more.

Recomended for Great characters, plots and action

The Night Lords series plus Lord of the Night
Helsreach
Titanicus
Legion of the Damned

Mr Morden wrote:Recomended for Great characters, plots and action

The Night Lords series plus Lord of the Night
Helsreach
Titanicus
Legion of the Damned

While good I can't really get behind any of those books as being benchmarks to the 40k universe. Titanicus actually left quite a bit to be desired and Helsreach was really only good if you were a Templar fan.