u/muzicz13

If you’ve seen my reading guide here on the subreddit (I’ll link below but this isn’t a plug), you’ll know that I’m one for the idea of strength in the unity of consensus.

I wish to see the best Black Library quotes this community has to offer; surprise me… I bet you can’t you heretical Blackshielders!

My favourite to set you all off:

“To the darkness I bring fire. To the ignorant I bring faith. Those who welcome these gifts may live, but I will visit naught but death and eternal damnation upon those who refuse them.” - Merek Grimaldus: High Chaplain of the Black Templars - Aaron Dembski-Bowden

👑🗡️❤️

Guide:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Blacklibrary/s/DbVlhmobLQ

⬇SCROLL DOWN FOR LIST / GUIDE ⬇️

________________________________________________________________________________

📚LINK TO THE SISTER VERSION OF THE GUIDE ON r/Blacklibrary

(For General Reference and Comment Section Questions and Answers)

https://www.reddit.com/r/Blacklibrary/s/Z8gUyp8jLp

________________________________________________________________________________

For the r/fantasybooks Community:

Though initially only intended for the r/Blacklibrary subreddit, I decided to post this guide on r/fantasybooks in order to reach those who aren’t necessarily Warhammer fans but who’ve seen and thought the extended universe seemed intriguing. Moreover, it is for those who felt the shear volume of content in The Black Library was overwhelming and therefore unapproachable.

Through personal experience over the years, reading all that the Warhammer universe has to offer, I decided it was well worth it to help as many others enjoy it as possible.

After an embarrassing amount of research and finagling, I believe I’ve designed an ‘all-levels’ guide that helps new readers and re-readers alike, experience the 30K/40K narrative landscape in a seamless and streamlined way, without the stress of ‘where to begin’ or ‘am I doing it wrong’.

So new readers don’t think the 30/40K universe is for the monothematic or genre-locked, here is a shortlist of fantasy authors I have also enjoyed:

- Brandon Sanderson
- Joe Abercrombie
- James Islington
- Patrick Rothfuss
- Scott Lynch
- James S.A. Corey
- Pierce Brown
- Terry Pratchett
- Ursula K. Le Guin
- Anne McCaffrey
- Andrzej Sapkowski
- George R.R. Martin
- J.R.R. Tolkien (Obviously)

Always with a love and passion for stories,

many kind regards,

Muz.

________________________________________________________________________________

Just a Few Initial Notes:

This is an intentionally Imperium focused list with a few mandatory dips into Chaos, T’au, Necron and then a splattering of Ork towards the end.

If you consider yourself knowledgeable about the Black Library, you can most likely skip my explanation of the phase structure immediately below and proceed down to the list/guide itself. It will however, likely explain most queries you might have about my debatable phase sectionalisation and book order.

I have tried to design the guide so it is audiobook friendly, as a lot of people only have the time to enjoy The Black Library if they do so while multitasking.

Most importantly, as it’s my wish that this guide act as a longterm source for first time readers and re-readers alike, don’t hesitate to comment below if there’s an important omission from, or new addition to, The Black Library that you think I should include.

________________________________________________________________________________

🗣️**🎙FOR NEWCOMERS WHO MAY FEEL OVERWHELME**D

Simply experience and revel in the new universe you’ve just entered; and just like the real universe, don’t try to reach the boundary, it’s moving away too fast :D

Welcome to the grim darkness of the far future!

________________________________________________________________________________

PHASE AND NARRATIVE STRUCTURE:

The intention behind Phase 1 is to start with Space Marines’ factional foundations and to help the reader develop a rudimentary understanding of the Imperium. It also serves to build up intrigue and mystery as characters drop legendary references to figures and events now turned mythical or theological. I also added an intermission in the form of the Trazyn and Orikan, Necron duology. I did this partly to act as a tonal break from the Imperium, and partly because they are highly regarded, so I wanted the reader to experience them early.

Phase 2 then jumps back, opening what seemed like forbidden or forever lost ancient archives. The reader finally gets to experience the genesis of why systemic inquisitorial paranoia is so embedded and moreover, necessary, to holding a rotting empire together. I’ve primarily structured Phase 2 as a ‘main novels’, chronologically streamlined Heresy with a few important supplementary novels as well as some noteworthy Primarchs: Horus Heresy novellas.

I also thought this order might serve as an opportunity to jump right into the action with many fast paced, self contained stories across different Legions and Chapters; rather than the other common recommendation of beginning by examining the Imperium and Inquisition’s functional architecture with Eisenhorn and Ravenor.

Phase 3 and 4 are self explanatory.

WHY THE GUIDE STARTS WHERE IT DOES:

I kick off the list with Valdor: Birth of the Imperium as it acts as a narrative ground zero, taking place at the very end of the Unification Wars on Terra (Earth). Amongst other things, it covers the inception of the Adeptus Custodes, the secret origin of the Primarch project, and like the title suggests, the creation of the Imperium.

Second, we hand the baton to Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader, specifically so the reader gets a later description of Terra through Sigismund's telling of his upbringing, and a view of what was the zenith of the Legions, at the end of the Great Crusade. It also examines what makes the ideal Space Marine and explains the origins of the Templars. Furthermore, by immediately following up with Helsreach and seeing Grimaldus carrying on Sigismund's legacy 10,000 years later, the reader gets the early benefit of grasping the devastating contrast between 30K hope and 40K zealotry.

________________________________________
________________________________________

🔴IF YOU WANT TO READ THE HORUS HERESY FIRST

but still want to use the reading guide, simply place Valdor: Birth of the Imperium and Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader before Horus Rising [HH B1] in Phase 2 (as a prelude to the tragedy), then flip Phase 1 and Phase 2.

(New readers beware of ‘Heresy fatigue’)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

PHASE 1: SPACE MARINE FACTIONAL FOUNDATIONS AND EARLY CORE 40K + A TRAZYN AND ORIKAN NECRON INTERMISSION:

Greater Narrative Prelude:
Valdor: Birth of the Imperium
Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader

Phase 1 Proper:
Helsreach
Rynn’s World
Storm of Iron

The Chronicles of Uriel Ventris (Arc 1 / Books 1-3):
- Book 1. Nightbringer
- Book 2. Warriors of Ultramar
- Book 3. Dead Sky, Black Sun

Brothers of the Snake
Hive - Warhammer 40,000
Wrath of Iron
Dante

An Intermission for Some Trazyn and Orikan Necron Tales:
The Infinite and the Divine
The Wicked and the Warped

Back to the Imperium:
Space Wolves: Warhammer 40,000 (Original 6 Book Series)
Space Wolves (Newer Trilogy by Chris Wraight)
The Traitor and the Alien
Oaths of Damnation
Carcharodons
Konrad Curze: The Night Haunter
Night Lords

==================================

PHASE 2: THE HORUS HERESY 30K MAIN TRAGEDY TRUNK, ESSENTIAL STORYLINES, SIEGE OF TERRA CLIMAX + THE SCOURING:

[OPTIONAL] Short Story Prelude to the Horus Heresy Tragedy:
The Wolf of Ash and Fire
(For Audiobook Listeners, This is Part of Audible’s Eye of Terra Collection, Which is Also Part of the Core Horus Heresy Storylines Section Below)

Main Horus Heresy Tragedy Trunk:
Horus Rising [HH B1]
False Gods [HH B2]
Galaxy in Flames [HH B3]
Flight of the Eisenstein [HH B4]
Fulgrim [HH B5]

Important Heresy Contextual, Supplementary and Bridging Novels:
Dropsite Massacre
Alpharius: Head of the Hydra

Core Horus Heresy Storylines (Chronologically Streamlined):
Legion [HH B7]
Mechanicum [HH B9]
A Thousand Sons [HH B12]
Prospero Burns [HH B15]
Lorgar: Bearer of the Word [Primarchs: HH B5]
The First Heretic [HH B14]
The Outcast Dead [HH B17]
[OPTIONAL] Nemesis [HH B13] (Side-Story About An Attempt to Assassinate Horus)
Know No Fear [HH B19]
Betrayer [HH B24]
Perturabo: The Hammer of Olympia [Primarchs: HH B4]
Angel Exterminatus [HH B23]
Fear to Tread [HH B21]
Vulkan Lives [HH B26]
The Unremembered Empire [HH B27]
[OPTIONAL] Deathfire [HH B32] (Salamander Side-Quest)
Pharos [HH B34]
Eye of Terra Anthology [HH B35]
Jaghatai Khan: Warhawk of Chogoris [Primarchs: HH B8]
Scars [HH B28]
The Path of Heaven [HH B36]
Garro [HH B42]
Vengeful Spirit [HH B29]
Tallarn [HH B45]
Wolfsbane [HH B49]
Titandeath [HH B53]
Old Earth [HH B47]
Praetorian of Dorn [HH B39]
[OPTIONAL] The Crimson King [HH B44] (For a Closer Look at Magnus’ Story)
The Master of Mankind [HH B41]
Slaves to Darkness [HH B51]
The Buried Dagger [HH B54]

The Heresy Climax:
Siege of Terra: The Horus Heresy:
- Book 1. The Solar War
- Book 2. The Lost and the Damned
- Book 3. The First Wall
- [OPTIONAL] Sons of the Selenar (Novella)
- Book 4. Saturnine
- [OPTIONAL] Fury of Magnus (Novella)
- Book 5. Mortis
- Book 6. Warhawk
- Book 7. Echoes of Eternity
- [OPTIONAL] Garro: Knight of Grey (Novella)
- Book 8.1. The End and the Death: Volume I
- Book 8.2. The End and the Death: Volume II
- Book 8.3. The End and the Death: Volume III

Era of Ruin (A Siege of Terra Aftermath Anthology)

The Horus Heresy: The Scouring:
- Book 1. Ashes of the Imperium

==================================

PHASE 3: RETURN TO 40K - WIDER IMPERIUM, FACTION AND GALACTIC LORE:

Eisenhorn (Books 1-3):
- Book 1. Xenos
- Book 2. Malleus
- Book 3. Hereticus

Ravenor

Eisenhorn (Book 4):
- Book 4. The Magos

Bequin

The Chronicles of Uriel Ventris (Arc 2 / Books 4-6):
- Book 4. The Killing Ground
- Book 5. Courage and Honour
- Book 6. Uriel Ventris: The Chapter’s Due

Gaunt Ghosts

An Intermission for Some More Necron Tales:
[OPTIONAL] The World Engine (Novel / eBook Only)
[OPTIONAL] Severed (Novella / eBook Only)
The Twice-Dead King: Ruin
The Twice-Dead King: Reign

Back to the Imperium:
Ciaphas Cain (Anthology Last)
The Emperor’s Gift
Black Legion
Fabius Bile
Renegades: Lord of Excess
Shroud of Night
Sons of the Hydra
Ahriman: Warhammer 40K
Titanicus
Forge of Mars
Dominion Genesis
Dead Men Walking
Krieg
Siege of Vraks
Cadian Blood
Deathworlder
Death of Integrity
Knights of Macragge
Spear of the Emperor
Space Marine Conquests
Pandorax
Blades of Damocles

A Touch of T’au:
Farsight

Back to the Imperium:
Deathwatch (Novel / eBook Only - Can be Skipped by Audiobook Listeners)
Deathwatch: Shadowbreaker (Just Titled ‘Shadowbreaker’ on Audible)
Kingsblade
Assassinorum: Kingmaker
Blackstone Fortress
Morvenn Vahl: Spear of Faith

An Ork Palate Cleanser (If Such a Thing is Possible):
Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet Waaagh!

==================================

PHASE 4: THE MODERN ERA - INDOMITUS, ORKS AND THE 42ND MILLENNIUM:

Vaults of Terra
Watches of the Throne
The Fall of Cadia
[OPTIONAL] Cypher: Lord of the Fallen (A Covert Imperial Palace Novella)
Dawn of Fire
Indomitus

Another Detour Into Ork Hijinks:
Brutal Kunnin’
Warboss
Da Big Dakka

Back to the Imperium:
Dark Imperium
The Lords of Silence
Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work
Genefather
Belisarius Cawl: Archmagos
Darkness in the Blood
The Lion: Son of the Forest
Lazarus: Enmity’s Edge

⬇SCROLL DOWN FOR LIST / GUIDE ⬇️

________________________________________________________________________________

Just a Few Initial Notes:

This is an intentionally Imperium focused list with a few mandatory dips into Chaos, T’au, Necron and then a splattering of Ork towards the end.

If you consider yourself knowledgeable about the Black Library, you can most likely skip my explanation of the phase structure immediately below and proceed down to the list/guide itself. It will however, likely explain most queries you might have about my debatable phase sectionalisation and book order.

Most importantly, as it’s my wish that this guide act as a longterm source for first time readers and re-readers alike, don’t hesitate to comment below if there’s an important omission or new addition to the Black Library that you think I should include.

________________________________________________________________________________

🗣️***🎙️SOME ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS THAT MIGHT FEEL OVERWHELM***ED

Simply experience and revel in the new universe you’ve just entered; and just like the real universe, don’t try to reach the boundary, it’s moving away too fast :D

Welcome to the grim darkness of the far future!

________________________________________________________________________________

PHASE AND NARRATIVE STRUCTURE:

The intention behind Phase 1 is to start with Space Marines’ factional foundations and to help the reader develop a rudimentary understanding of the Imperium. It also serves to build up intrigue and mystery as characters drop legendary references to figures and events now turned mythical or theological.

Phase 2 then jumps back, opening what seemed like forbidden or forever lost ancient archives. The reader finally gets to experience the genesis of why systemic inquisitorial paranoia is so imbedded and moreover, necessary, to holding a rotting empire together. I’ve primarily structured Phase 2 as a ‘main novels’, chronologically streamlined Heresy with a few important supplementary novels, as well as some noteworthy Primarchs: Horus Heresy novellas.

I also thought this order might serve as an opportunity to jump right into the action with many fast paced, self contained stories across different Legions and Chapters; rather than say, examining the Imperium and Inquisition’s functional architecture with Eisenhorn and Ravenor.

Phase 3 and 4 are self explanatory.

WHY THE GUIDE STARTS WHERE IT DOES:

I kick off the list with Valdor: Birth of the Imperium as it acts as a narrative ground zero, taking place at the very end of the Unification Wars on Terra (Earth). Amongst other things, it covers the inception of the Adeptus Custodes, the secret origin of the Primarch project, and like the title suggests, the creation of the Imperium. Second, we hand the baton to Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader, specifically so the reader gets a later description of Terra through Sigismund's telling of his upbringing, and a view of what was the zenith of the Legions, at the end of the Great Crusade. It also examines what makes the ideal Space Marine and explains the origins of the Templars. Furthermore, by immediately following up with Helsreach and seeing Grimaldus carrying on Sigismund's legacy 10,000 years later, the reader gets the early benefit of grasping the devastating contrast between 30K hope and 40K zealotry.

________________________________________
________________________________________

🔴IF YOU WANT TO READ THE HORUS HERESY FIRST

but still want to use the reading guide, simply place Valdor: Birth of the Imperium and Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader before Horus Rising [HH B1] in Phase 2 (as a prelude to the tragedy), then flip Phase 1 and Phase 2.

(New readers beware of ‘Heresy fatigue’)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

PHASE 1: SPACE MARINE FACTIONAL FOUNDATIONS AND EARLY CORE 40K:

Greater Narrative Prelude:
Valdor: Birth of the Imperium
Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader

Phase 1 Proper:
Helsreach
Rynn’s World
Storm of Iron
The Chronicles of Uriel Ventris (Arc 1 / Books 1-3):
- Book 1. Nightbringer
- Book 2. Warriors of Ultramar
- Book 3. Dead Sky, Black Sun
Space Wolves: Warhammer 40,000 (Original 6 Book Series)
Space Wolves (Newer Trilogy by Chris Wraight)
Brothers of the Snake
Wrath of Iron
Hive - Warhammer 40,000
The Traitor and the Alien
Dante
Oaths of Damnation
Carcharodons
Konrad Curze: The Night Haunter
Night Lords

PHASE 2: THE HORUS HERESY 30K MAIN TRAGEDY TRUNK, ESSENTIAL STORYLINES, SIEGE OF TERRA CLIMAX + THE SCOURING:

Optional Short Story Prelude to the Horus Heresy Tragedy:
The Wolf of Ash and Fire (For Audiobook Listeners, this is part of Audible’s Eye of Terra Collection which is also part of my Essential Horus Heresy Storylines Section Below)

Main Horus Heresy Tragedy Trunk:
Horus Rising [HH B1]
False Gods [HH B2]
Galaxy in Flames [HH B3]
Flight of the Eisenstein [HH B4]
Fulgrim [HH B5]

Important Heresy Contextual, Supplementary and Narrative Bridging Novels:
Dropsite Massacre
Alpharius: Head of the Hydra

Essential Horus Heresy Storylines:
Legion [HH B7]
Mechanicum [HH B9]
A Thousand Sons [HH B12]
Prospero Burns [HH B15]
Lorgar: Bearer of the Word [Primarchs: HH B5]
The First Heretic [HH B14]
The Outcast Dead [HH B17]
Know No Fear [HH B19]
Betrayer [HH B24]
Perturabo: The Hammer of Olympia [Primarchs: HH B4]
Angel Exterminatus [HH B23]
Fear to Tread [HH B21]
Vulkan Lives [HH B26]
The Unremembered Empire [HH B27]
Pharos [HH B34]
Eye of Terra Anthology [HH B35]
Jaghatai Khan: Warhawk of Chogoris [Primarchs: HH B8]
Scars [HH B28]
The Path of Heaven [HH B36]
Garro [HH B42]
Vengeful Spirit [HH B29]
Tallarn [HH B45]
Wolfsbane [HH B49]
Titandeath [HH B53]
Old Earth [HH B47]
Praetorian of Dorn [HH B39]
The Master of Mankind [HH B41]
Slaves to Darkness [HH B51]
The Buried Dagger [HH B54]

The Heresy Climax:
Siege of Terra: The Horus Heresy
Era of Ruin (A Siege of Terra Aftermath Anthology)
The Horus Heresy: The Scouring

PHASE 3: RETURN TO 40K - WIDER IMPERIAL AND FACTION LORE:

Eisenhorn (Books 1-3):
- Book 1. Xenos
- Book 2. Malleus
- Book 3. Hereticus
Ravenor Series
The Magos (Eisenhorn Book 4)
Bequin
Gaunt Ghosts
The Chronicles of Uriel Ventris (Arc 2 / Books 4-6):
- Book 4. The Killing Ground
- Book 5. Courage and Honour
- Book 6. Uriel Ventris: The Chapter’s Due
Ciaphas Cain (Read the Anthology Last)
The Emperor’s Gift
Black Legion
Fabius Bile
Renegades: Lord of Excess
Shroud of Night
Sons of the Hydra
Ahriman: Warhammer 40K
Titanicus
Forge of Mars
Dominion Genesis
Dead Men Walking
Krieg
Siege of Vraks
Cadian Blood
Deathworlder
Death of Integrity
The World Engine (Novel / eBook Only)
Knights of Macragge
Spear of the Emperor
Space Marine Conquests
Pandorax
Blades of Damocles
Farsight
Shadowbreaker
Kingsblade
Blackstone Fortress
Morvenn Vahl: Spear of Faith
Severed (Novella / eBook Only)
The Twice-Dead King: Ruin
The Twice-Dead King: Reign
The Infinite and the Divine
The Wicked and the Warped
Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet Waaagh!

PHASE 4: THE MODERN ERA - INDOMITUS AND THE 42ND MILLENNIUM:

Vaults of Terra
Watches of the Throne
The Fall of Cadia
Dawn of Fire
Indomitus
Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work
Genefather
Dark Imperium
Darkness in the Blood
The Lion: Son of the Forest
Lazarus: Enmity’s Edge
The Lords of Silence
Brutal Kunnin’
Warboss
Da Big Dakka

***Just an initial note:
This is an intentionally Imperium focused list with a few dips into Chaos + T’au, and a splattering of Ork towards the end.***

The idea of the beginning phase is to start with Space Marine Foundations and then jump back to see the genesis of why systemic inquisitorial paranoia is so imbedded and moreover, necessary, to holding a rotting empire together. I also thought this might serve as an opportunity to jump right into the action rather than say, examining the Imperium’s functional architecture with Eisenhorn and Ravenor.

I kicked it off with The Eternal Crusader specifically so as to grasp the origins of the Templars first and then immediately jump into Helsreach to see Grimaldus carrying on Sigismund's legacy 10,000 years later.

Feel free to point out any important errors or omissions etc.

________________________________________________________________________________

PHASE 1: SPACE MARINE FOUNDATIONS & EARLY CORE 41K:

Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader
Helsreach
Rynn’s World
Storm of Iron
Space Wolves : Warhammer 40,000 (Original 6 book Series)
Space Wolves (Newer 3 Book Series)
Brothers of the Snake
Wrath of Iron
Warhammer 40,000 - Hive
The Traitor and the Alien
Dante
Night Lords

PHASE 2: THE HORUS HERESY 30K MAIN TRAGEDY TRUNK + ESSENTIAL STORYLINES:

Main Horus Heresy Tragedy Trunk:
Horus Rising [HH B1*]*
False Gods [HH B2]
Galaxy in Flames [HH B3]
Flight of the Eisenstein [HH B4]
Fulgrim [HH B5]
Dropsite Massacre

Essential Horus Heresy Storylines:
Legion [HH B7]
A Thousand Sons [HH B12]
Prospero Burns [HH B15]
The First Heretic [HH B14]
Betrayer [HH B24]
Know No Fear [HH B19]
Vulkan Lives [HH B26]
The Unremembered Empire [HH B27]
Scars [HH B28]
The Path of Heaven [HH B36]
Praetorian of Dorn [HH B39]
The Master of Mankind [HH B41]
Garro [HH B42]
Vengeful Spirit [HH B29]
Slaves to Darkness [HH B51]
The Buried Dagger [HH B54]

The Heresy Climax:
Siege of Terra: The Horus Heresy
Era of Ruin (A Siege of Terra Anthology)
The Horus Heresy: The Scouring

PHASE 3: RETURN TO 41K - WIDER IMPERIAL & FACTION LORE:

Eisenhorn
Ravenor
Bequin
Gaunt Ghosts
The Chronicles of Uriel Ventris
Ciaphas Cain
The Emperor’s Gift
Black Legion
Fabius Bile
Ahriman: Warhammer 40k
Titanicus
Forge of Mars
Dead Men Walking
Krieg
Death of Integrity
Knights of Macragge
Spear of the Emperor
Space Marine Conquests
Pandorax
Blades of Damocles
Farsight
Shadowbreaker
Kingsblade
Blackstone Fortress
Morvenn Vahl: Spear of Faith
The Twice-Dead King: Ruin
The Twice-Dead King: Reign
Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet Waaagh!
Warboss
Da Big Dakka

PHASE 4: THE MODERN ERA - INDOMITUS & THE 42ND MILLENNIUM:

Vaults of Terra
Watches of the Throne
The Fall of Cadia
Dawn of Fire
Indomitus
Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work
Dark Imperium
Darkness in the Blood
The Lion: Son of the Forest
Lazarus: Enmity’s Edge
The Lords of Silence
Brutal Kunnin’