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I really want to start reading 40k novels and have read Fall of Damnos about a year and half ago, but where do I start? I don't want to read out of order. Also I play Necrons but can't find any books/novels/stories with them other than Fall of Damnos.

Are you interested in the Horus Heresy?

Besides Necrons, what stories would interest you? Imperial Guard, Space Marines, Chaos Space Marines, Eldar?

I use to play Space Marines for a short while, but I'm one of those people I want to read about what I am playing. Overall I am open to anything in the 40k universe, just not sure where to start.

The Eisenhorne Trilogy seems to be a good series to start with. Then if you are feeling bold, Inquisitor by Ian Watson might also be a good choice.

EDIT: Those really don't have anything to do with what you are playing, but they are good fun adventure stories in the 41st millenium that really focus on the human element.

I was in the same situation years back, I wondered where to start in this vast universe. I ended up starting with the Ultramarines Omnibus and I think it was a decent place to begin. But there is no chronological path in the Black Library, all of the stories stand well on their own and you can't go wrong starting anywhere. With that in mind, Black Library even has a page regarding where to start which you can find here:

http://www.blacklibrary.com/Getting-Started/New-Reader.html

I've read quite a few of the books now, some are better than others of course. You really can't go wrong starting with the Horus Heresy in my opinion. It is a huge series now, but starting with the original trilogy is a great way to get back to the story that "started it all" of course this series focuses on Warhammer 30K so if you're looking to stay in the 40K aspect the Horus Heresy wouldn't be your place to start.

I am reading "Eisenhorn" right now, and like almost everyone who reads it, I love it. Certainly one of my favorites so far, and I think if someone asked me "which book should I start with?" I would say....Eisenhorn. It covers many of the branches of the Imperium, is written very well, and reads almost like a detective story albeit a very bloody one. Pick up Eisenhorn and you'll have a great kickoff. The Ultramarines Omnibus is also a great starter IMO but a bit more focused on Ultramarines whereas Eisenhorn covers the Inquisition, The Astartes, The Imperial Guard, etc. . .

Enjoy your journey!

I'd start with a Commissar Cain book. He fights necrons a couple of times in his stories (and orks, and bugs).

Another thing that happens (at least to me) when you start reading in the Black Library is...you read references to other branches of the Imperium, or other characters, enemies, worlds, etc.... Then all the sudden I have a new book on my "wish list" that I plan to read next.

For instance, reading Eisenhorn there were some chapters that had the Deathwatch chapter of the Astartes which I found intriguing. Now I plan to pick up "Deathwatch" next so I can dig into their story some more. Basically, if you like the style of writing in the BL you will start reading books...that lead to other books...that lead to other books.

I've heard good things about the Eisenhorn and Ravenor Omnibi, I've picked them up but haven't got around to reading them yet. Of what I have read, The Horus Heresy series is great for getting a lot of background info on the Primarchs and of course the events of The Horus Heresy. Gaunt's Ghosts is a good series about a Colonel-Commissar in charge of an Imperial Guard regiment that specialises in stealth and guerrilla tactics, Ciaphas Cain is a light-hearted take on a similar theme, following the exploits of a cowardly Commissar that has quite accidentally become known as a legendary hero, great if you like Blackadder-esque humour.

Emperor's Gift

Gaunt's Ghosts

Necron Fanfiction

WH40K007 wrote:I really want to start reading 40k novels and have read Fall of Damnos about a year and half ago, but where do I start? I don't want to read out of order.

Aside from specific series (such as the Horus Heresy, Gaunt's Ghosts or the Inquisition War), there is no order. From my experience, the majority of novels refrain from citing a specific date - and they are not intended to tie into each other anyways. Don't make the mistake to assume that this franchise promotes a single continuity - this is community hearsay in direct contradiction to the people who actually write the books you are reading.

Other than that, for someone new to 40k fiction, I always recommend Black Library's short story anthologies. They tend to feature a variety of selected stories, often from many different factions (including those you rarely hear anything about, such as the experiences of a teenage psyker on a remote Imperial world falling prey to the whispers of the Warp), and most notably from many different writers. This would enable you to not only go and see what other armies/topics might be of interest to you, but also hopefully discover what author you like, for their writing style and type of narration can vary greatly.

Also, don't necessarily avoid the graphic novels either. This is just my personal taste, but on average I've found them to be less boring/onesided as the usual "bolterporn". That the fandom has a specific term for it speaks a lot just by itself.
Should you consider graphic novels, I've introduced a few of them in this post.

Happy hunting.

If you're into Space Marines, I really suggest the Horus Heresy series. Horus Rising was amazing. You'll be a little lost at first but soon you'll start to see how the Empire was and how it came to be what it is now. You'll understand the W40k universe much better. If you just want fun reads with lots of pew pew, then choose a chapter and find a book about them. I liked the Battle of the Fang and Titanicus....actually, find Titanicus. It'll give you a good idea of the 'modern' Imperium and is one of the better BL books out there.

Lyanata's right, the comics were great, I recommend Daemonifuge and Bloodquest, the Space Wolves vs Tyranids one was decent too, if a bit short.

I just picked up a ciaphas Cain series, haven't started it yet-got 3 books for 8 bucks, look brand new! Also, the Horus Heresy is awesome-highly recommended. Start with Horus Rising, False Gods and Galaxy in Flames. You can't go wrong.

The Word Bearers trilogy has a good deal to do with Necrons but is not primarily about them as the enemy. I have always been a strict Eldar player but regardless my favorite authors have usually been writing for Chaos. The Night Lords Trilogy is a solid set of books to start cutting your teeth on but if you want something a little less evil and a little more grimdark the Gaunts Ghosts series is also a great read. The trick is to find an author you like and see what other armies they have written about. Graham McNeil, Aaron Dembski Bowden, Ben Counter, and Dan Abnett are all solid authors imho.

Dead Men Walking features the Necrons