What Order to Read Warhammer 40k Novels

Afterwards decades of remaining more or less static, these days the Warhammer 40,000 setting is evolving before our eyes, and many of the new and upcoming novels from Blackness Library are helping to shed lite on these new developments in the lore. Information technology's not always articulate how the various stories fit into the ongoing timeline, however, and Blackness Library equally usual doesn't seem inclined to provide anything in the mode of an official reading order. I've put together this reading list to try to fit together where all of the recent books go in the 'new 40k' timeline – it's entirely unofficial, and I can't guarantee that I'll accept got everything right, but hopefully it will be a useful resource to anyone interested in keeping up with Warhammer 40,000 fiction.

NOTE: until such time as BL produces an official resources, I'll do my best to proceed this reading list up to appointment with new releases as and when they're published. The terminal (minor) update to this commodity was made in January 2022.

A couple of caveats. Firstly, very few 40k stories are given specific dates so information technology's tricky to know exactly when the events they cover have identify. I've grouped things into various headings for the purpose of clarity, but take all of this with a small compression of table salt. Secondly, while I've washed my best to put this together equally accurately as possible, I may accept got some things wrong and/or missed off a few stories here and there (I've read lots of recent BL books, but not all of them).

Essential Novels

I've added this section in every bit an extra (in the Jan '21 update) – feel gratuitous to skip ahead to the more detailed section where I talk about each championship and link out to reviews, interviews etc., merely if you merely want a recommended reading social club of the key novels dealing with events on Terra and the Indomitus Crusade then here'southward what I would suggest:

• Vaults of Terra: The Carrion Throne past Chris Wraight
• Vaults of Terra: The Hollow Mountain by Chris Wraight
• The Devastation of Baal by Guy Haley*
• Watchers of the Throne: The Emperor'south Legion past Chris Wraight
• Dawn of Fire 1: Avenging Son by Guy Haley
• Dawn of Fire 2: Gate of Bones past Andy Clark
• Dawn of Fire 3: The Wolf Time past Gav Thorpe
• Dawn of Burn down 4:  Throne of Light by Guy Haley (2022 TBC)
• Knights of Macragge by Nick Kyme
• Watchers of the Throne: The Regent's Shadow by Chris Wraight
• Indomitus by Gav Thorpe
• The Heretic Saint past David Annandale
• Nighttime Imperium by Guy Haley
• The Swords of Calth past Graham McNeill
• Dark Imperium: Plague War by Guy Haley
• Dark Imperium: Godblight by Guy Haley
• Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work past Guy Haley
• The Destruction of Baal by Guy Haley*

* Yes, The Devastation of Baal is included twice in this list on purpose. Run into afterward in the article for more details of why (TL;DR due to Warp/time shenanigans it spans quite a broad range of fourth dimension).

If y'all're interested in seeing how the rest of the recent Blood Angels stories fit alongside The Devastation of Baal , so here's a recommended reading gild just for these novels:

• Dante past Guy Haley
• Mephiston: Blood of Sanguinius by Darius Hinks
• The Devastation of Baal by Guy Haley
• Mephiston: Revenant Cause by Darius Hinks
• Astorath: Angel of Mercy past Guy Haley
• Darkness in the Blood by Guy Haley
• Mephiston: City of Light past Darius Hinks

More Detail

While the lists above are all about novels, for this main (and slightly more detailed) department I've added in some of the Games Workshop background books and a few audio dramas as well. I've also gone a chip further back in fourth dimension to begin with the events of the Gathering Storm (i.east. the terminate of the old setting). Here's how I've cleaved it upwardly:

• The Gathering Storm
• The Era Indomitus
• The Aftermath/Filling in the Gaps
• Other Perspectives
• What Else?

One concluding caveat: the bulk of these stories are written from an Imperial perspective, then for the almost office that's what I've focused on in this article. Check out the 'Other perspectives' department for…um…other perspectives.

The Gathering Storm

The point at which the old '5 minutes to midnight' 40k setting started to change was when Games Workshop started edifice upwardly to the Not bad Rift, the huge Warp storm which has divide the galaxy in two. Big events included the fall of Cadia, the troubled nascency of Ynnead (the aeldari god of the dead), and the miraculous resurrection of Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines. For the sake of ease I've referred to this whole era as the Gathering Tempest.

The Gathering Storm background books
The just identify to go the full details of these events is in these three Games Workshop background books – Fall of Cadia, Fracture of Biel-Tan and Rise of the Primarch. They're non currently available from GW and then they're hard to discover, merely a quick online search should give you lot the gist if y'all just want a summary. Given that they're not novelised, a summary should probably be enough to give you lot the context you need for the balance of the stories to make sense.

Cadia Stands by Justin D. Hill
This offers a 'boots on the footing/grunt'south eye view' perspective on the fall of Cadia, told from multiple Imperial Baby-sit viewpoints and reflecting the chaos and confusion as the Cadians reel from Abaddon'south invasion.

Read my review of Cadia Stands or myRapid Burn down interview with Justin.

Vaults of Terra: The Carrion Throne by Chris Wraight
If you want to see what life is like on Terra from an Inquisitorial viewpoint, this is the volume to choose. It's largely ready merely before the opening of the Great Rift, so this is less about finding out what happened and more than about giving interesting context to the time period equally background to a great story with some fantastic characters – namely Inquisitor Crowl and Interrogator Spinoza.

Read my review of The Carrion Throne.

Vaults of Terra: The Hollow Mountain by Chris Wraight
The sequel to The Carrion Throne , this continues the story of Crowl and Spinoza on Terra in the immediate wake of the Great Rift. Once again the big picture is loosely there in the groundwork, but this is more about the next steps in an ongoing mystery lurking beneath the surface of Terra.

Read my review of The Hollow Mountain or my Rapid Fire interview with Chris.

Dante and The Devastation of Baal by Guy Haley
These two books focus on the Blood Angels in the build upwardly to the Great Rift, and are well worth checking out. Dante is carve up between the Chapter Master's origin story and his deportment during the Shield of Baal campaign, while The Destruction of Baal (the commencement Space Marine Conquests novel) deals with the tyranid invasion of Baal itself, which takes place just as Cadia is about to fall. If you lot wanted to endeavor and be equally chronologically-correct as possible then you lot could read Dante earlier the Gathering Storm groundwork books.

The Destruction of Baal is trickier to pin downwards in terms of the chronology, however, only here'south how I empathise information technology. Narratively speaking, the book starts earlier the Rift opens and and so covers the immediate backwash on Baal. From the perspective of the Blood Angels then, when the book ends it'due south but but after the Rift has opened. Still, due to some complicated Warp-related fourth dimension jiggery-pokery, from the perspective of Imperium Sanctus (i.e. Terra, the Indomitus Crusade etc.) information technology's a fair few years after the start of the Indomitus Crusade.

Technically speaking then, The Devastation of Baal probably too fits into the timeline at some betoken after the events of the Dark Imperium books (now that they're being adjusted to take place earlier on in the crusade) and The Great Work …but for the sake of ease I've included information technology here.

Read my reviews of Dante and The Devastation of Baal, or my Rapid Fire interview with Guy talking about The Devastation of Baal.

Watchers of the Throne: The Emperor'due south Legion past Chris Wraight
Also set up on Terra, this takes a unlike approach to The Carrion Throne and shows the same time catamenia through the eyes of the Imperial Chancellor, a Sister of Silence and a member of the Adeptus Custodes. Information technology too features a BIG battle which takes place roughly simultaneously with the tail end of Ascension of the Primarch.

Read my review of The Emperor's Legion or myRapid Burn down interview with Chris.

The Era Indomitus

Every bit Guilliman leaves Terra and sets off to liberate embattled Royal worlds, the Indomitus Crusade kicks off the 'Era Indomitus', which for the purpose of this commodity I'thousand using every bit a catch-all for all the books that take place on or near Terra, involve some part of the Indomitus Cause, or mostly have a decent impact on the wider 40k narrative. Until recently the crusade itself was only covered in the Night Imperium books, which accept place towards the terminate of the crusade, but we're slowly finding out more well-nigh this period (with more on the way).

Avenging Son past Guy Haley
The first book in the make new Dawn of Fire serial, this effectively takes place as the Indomitus Cause begins. If you oasis't already read Dark Imperium , this is definitely the place to showtime with the Era Indomitus stories. There'due south lots nigh Guilliman and masses of great new lore, simply also all sorts of interesting arcs featuring the Imperial Navy, the Inquisition and the Administratum.

Read my review of Avenging Son or my Rapid Fire interview with Guy .

The Gate of Bones by Andy Clark
Book 2 in the Dawn of Fire series continues to portray the early on steps in the burgeoning Indomitus Crusade, this time post-obit Shield-Captain Achallor of the Adeptus Custodes equally he leads an urgent rescue force to the beleaguered Shrine World of Gathalamor. Information technology'south not exactly a direct sequel toAvenging Son, more than a standalone novel that works on loosely like ideas, and continues to build the foundations for this series.

The Wolftime by Gav Thorpe
I oasis't read this yet, but judging by the synopsis it sounds like this deals with the Space Wolves facing off confronting the forces of legendary ork warlord Ghazghkull Magazine Uruk Thraka. Like with The Gate of Bones it would seem that this is about broadening out the Indomitus Crusade arc rather than directly following on from the earlier books in theDawn of Fire series.

Throne of Ligth by Guy Haley
This ane is due out at some point in 2022. The synopsis suggests it'southward going to bargain with Kor Phaeron'south Discussion Bearers targeting Blackness Ships, and Inquisitor Rostov searching for the Manus of Abaddon. Nosotros'll notice out more than once this is released.

Knights of Macragge past Nick Kyme
One of the nigh interesting Infinite Marine character arcs in post-Bully Rift 40k is that of Cato Sicarius, and this book explores what happened to the heroic captain of the Ultramarines' second Company later on he and his ship were lost in the Warp after being sent by Guilliman to ensure the safety of Ultramar. It'due south hard to know exactly where this fits in the timeline, simply somewhere around here feels similar the correct place for it to get. Ideally, read Assault on Black Reach,Fall of Damnos andVeil of Darkness first.

Read my review of Knights of Macragge or my Rapid Fire interview with Nick.

Watchers of the Throne: The Regent's Shadow by Chris Wraight
The sequel to The Emperor's Legion , this takes a like approach and features two of the 3 principal characters from its predecessor. The Regent in the title refers to Guilliman, and the Primarch's absenteeism – and the void left behind – is very much at the core of this fantabulous, politics-heavy story.

Read my review of The Regent'due south Shadow or my Rapid Burn down interview with Chris.

Indomitus by Gav Thorpe
This takes place within the first decade of the Indomitus Crusade, detailing a crucial conflict betwixt the Ultramarines of Fleet Quintus and the Necrons. And so far, this provides the best viewpoint on the events relating to the Pariah Nexus.

Read my review of Indomitus or my Rapid Burn interview with Gav Thorpe.

Ephrael Stern: The Heretic Saint past David Annandale
While I haven't read this yet, I've included it here because as far as I'm aware it'due south the Blackness Library story which ties in the closest to the Psychic Awakening arc that's been taking place recently in the chief game. As well Ephrael Stern is cool!

Read my Rapid Fire interview with David Annandale talking nigh The Heretic Saint.

The Swords of Calth past Graham McNeill
Graham McNeill'due south latest Ultramarines novel brings the ongoing saga of Uriel Ventris up to appointment with the current 40k timeline. As I understand it, for the total picture of how Ventris fits in with theDark Imperium trilogy you should check out the short storyThe Death of Uriel Ventris, and then the offsetDark Imperium novel, and soThe Swords of Calth. If you're interested, you tin bank check out my reading society for the whole Uriel Ventris (and Honsou) series here.

Dark Imperium, Plague State of war and Godblight past Guy Haley
For a long time Dark Imperium and Plague War were the ii main books gear up in the current 40k timeline. They're focused on Guilliman'due south battles against the forces of his brother Mortarion, and as well as telling great stories they give a lot of information well-nigh Guilliman, Cawl the Primaris Marines and the land of the Imperium (and I'yard bold Godblight will do the same).

The first ii novels were originally set at the tail end of the Indomitus Crusade, but no longer! The long-awaited book 3 –Godblight – has now been released, alongside update editions of the first two books which have at present been adjusted so that they take place during the cause, rather than at its decision. I haven't yet readGodblight so tin't comment on information technology in whatever detail.

Read my reviews of Nighttime Imperium and Plague War, or my Rapid Fire interview with Guy talking near Plague State of war.

Belisarius Cawl: The Peachy Piece of work past Guy Haley
With this book Haley turned his attending fully to Belisarius Cawl, combining story threads from his Dark Imperium books, the Horus Heresy and the ongoing story (mostly told past LJ Goulding) of the Scythes of the Emperor. Personally, I would say this is an essential read once you've tackled the two Dark Imperium books.

Read my review of The Bully Work.

The Aftermath/Filling in the Gaps

In the wake of the Great Rift, at that place are a few skilful stories which don't necessarily fit into the Era Indomitus arc simply which acquit on individual grapheme arcs from earlier. These are all character-focused stories which don't cover too much of the thou sweep of galactic events, but are well worth checking out.

Cadian Accolade and Traitor Rock past Justin D. Colina
Ii of the characters from Cadia Stands – Minka Lesk and General Bendikt – return in Cadian Honor, a story about how the Cadians are trying to cope with the loss of their world and the touch Cadia's fall has had on their identity. I haven't still read the side by side novel,Traitor Rock, merely it's billed every bit 'a Minka Lesk novel' then I assume it'due south a direct sequel toCadian Award.

Read my review of Cadian Laurels or my Rapid Burn down interview with Justin.

Heart of Night and Hand of Darkness by Gav Thorpe
I've included these two audio dramas here considering they feature a few primal characters from the Gathering Storm stories, namely Inquisitor Greyfax and Yvraine, with a little bit of Guilliman and Eldrad Ulthran in the mix as well. Of all the stories I'm including, these are the closest to direct follow-ons from the Gathering Storm.

Read my reviews of Middle of Night and Hand of Darkness.

Our Martyred Lady by Gav Thorpe
If you're a fan of Inquisitor Greyfax, this 4-part audio drama is the adjacent footstep in her story after Eye of Dark. It besides heavily features Saint Celestine, and has brilliant performances from Katherine Tate (Greyfax) and Emma Gregory (Celestine). I wouldn't say it was essential to the ongoing story, simply it provides a practiced look at the Ecclesiarchy and the Inquisition post-Great Rift.

Read my review of Our Martyred Lady or my Rapid Fire interview with Gav.

Mephiston: Revenant Cause and City of Light by Darius Hinks
I haven't really read either of these, but equally Darius points out in this interview Revenant Crusade is prepare mail-Groovy Rift, later on the events of The Devastation of Baal. Meanwhile the synopsis for City of Low-cal specifies that information technology's set "deep in Imperium Nihilus". If yous want to continue exploring the Blood Angels, these seem worth having on your list (meet the Claret Angels listing earlier for where they fit in the timeline).

Darkness in the Blood past Guy Haley
This explores what's happening with the Claret Angels – and in item Commander Dante and Chief Librarian Mephiston – later on the events of The Devastation of Baal . Technically speaking, if y'all want to read this in chronological order then get for it in between the 2nd and 3rd Mephiston novels only subsequently having read Astorath: Angel of Mercy .

Read my interview with Guy Haley talking about both Darkness in the Blood and Astorath: Angel of Mercy .

Spear of the Emperor by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Life in Imperium Nihilus on the wrong side of the Great Rift is pretty grim, which this fantastic book demonstrates to great effect. It'due south a story about a Space Marine Affiliate stretched too thinly and on the brink of defeat, but information technology explores loads of interesting ideas along the way.

Read my review of Spear of the Emperor or my Rapid Burn down interview with Aaron.

Other perspectives

The vast majority of what I've mentioned so far has shown events from an Imperial viewpoint, but there are a few books which take a look from different perspectives as well. These are all set up after the Great Rift has taken place.

Shroud of Nighttime by Andy Clark
Ane of the earliest post-Great Rift novels to be published, this entertaining A-Team-esque Alpha Legion story features a couple of big-name characters in the groundwork, but is mostly a small-scale-scale special forces sort of story. Want to know what a tight-knit team of Alpha Legion brand of Primaris Marines and the state of the milky way? Bank check this out.

Read my review of Shroud of Night.

The Lords of Silence past Chris Wraight
The Death Guard are the antagonists in the Dark Imperium books, but here they're the disgustingly brilliant protagonists of a story which explores what life is similar for the 'bad guys' in the wake of the Great Rift. It's a relatively small scale story, but well worth investigating for a bright take on Anarchy Infinite Marines.

Read my review of The Lords of Silence or my Rapid Burn interview with Chris.

Ghost Warrior and Wild Rider by Gav Thorpe
Gav Thorpe'due south Ascent of the Ynnari series currently extends to these two novels and a few accompanying short stories, and as the championship suggests information technology focuses on the Ynnari, the newest sub-faction within the fractured Aeldari race. Yvraine, one of the key characters in the Gathering Storm, features heavily.

Read my review of Ghost Warrior or my Rapid Fire interviews with Gav about Ghost Warrior and Wild Rider.

What else?

If yous're yet looking for more, there are all sorts of other Blackness Library stories set mail service-Groovy Rift, including the other Infinite Marine Conquests novels, John French's The Horusian Wars series, and various standalone novels. Robbie MacNiven's Claret of Iax and The Last Hunt feature Ultramarines and White Scars respectively; Rachel Harrison's Mark of Faith is a brilliant Sisters of Boxing story; Rites of Passage past Mike Brooks is the first novel to explore the Navigator Houses; Celestine: The Living Saint makes a overnice companion piece to Our Martyred Lady. I'chiliad sure there are others, just these should give you plenty to be getting on with!

If y'all actually want the full flick you lot could always go back a lilliputian further, to the events detailed in the Shield of Baal and War Zone: Fenris background books and accompanying BL stories, and/or cheque out Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Black Legion books for in-depth context to the crucial character of Abaddon (although they have identify long before the 'present' 40k timeline).

***

I hope that was useful! It'south clear that in the few years since the 40k narrative was moved forward there take been A LOT of books released, some of which fit relatively neatly into a single timeline while plenty more are a little more vague in terms of where they fit. If you want to know as much equally possible most the 'electric current' 40k timeline then I would propose reading all of these, but hopefully this article volition help you lot to pick out exactly what y'all're interested in checking out. As I mentioned earlier, I'll do my all-time to keep this updated as and when new books are released!

As e'er, let me know if you lot've got any comments, questions or suggestions – driblet a annotate below or find me on Twitter!

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