Initially just a tabletop wargame,Warhammer 40khas expanded into various mediums, from video games to animations and even books.The Black Libraryis their publishing wing for novels based in theWarhammeruniverse. This publishing brand has grown to include a large catalog of novels numbering in the hundreds, with more books released every year to a growing fan base.
For many passionate wargamers, Black Library novels were the entry point where they became interested in40k. These novels expand on the lore, fleshing out the many factions and giving more depth to the tabletop experience. Many of these books are pure escapism, appealing to fans of sci-fi andWarhammeralike. While every novel may not be a hit, many have become classics in the setting.
Updated June 25, 2025, by Andy Chapman: Warhammer 40k continues to expand and grow, reaching new fans yearly. With several high-profile video games released to widespread acclaim, Warhammer’s fanbase has grown even more. Titles such asBoltgun,Rogue Trader, and the recently releasedSpace Marine 2have set a new standard for Warhammer video games. Meanwhile, hype continues to grow surrounding the upcoming Warhammer TV adaptation from Amazon. Every year, Black Library produces more and more novels, expanding on the lore of the setting and giving readers new and exciting stories to get lost in. This article has been updated to include more novels from the Black Library catalog that have become fan favorites.
14Dark Imperium
Goodreads Score: 3.86
Dark Imperiumfollows on after the reawakening of Primarch Roboute Guilliman into theWarhammer 40ksetting. The novel is an epic story that follows both Guilliman’s perspective, as he must contend with a very different galaxy from the one he left behind, and that of Chaos, as they attempt to bring down the Primarch for good.
Dark Imperiumis the first in a trilogy of novels that tells a pivotal story within the lore and has far-reaching ramifications for the ongoing story of40k. For fans of the setting, this is a must-read book that gives great insight into the mind of one ofthe setting’s central figures.
13The Flight of the Eisenstein
Goodreads Score: 4.08
The fourth book in the colossalHorus Heresyseries is a major turning point in the narrative and an engaging, action-filled story of survival. The book primarily follows Nathanial Garro, a loyalist Space Marine of the Death Guard legion, as he attempts to escape the Isstvan III massacre and warn Terra of Horus’s betrayal.
The Flight of the Eisensteinis a pivotal story in the Horus Heresy. It depicts the true splitting of the legions, as brothers murder their own and announce themselves openly as traitors. TheHorus Heresyseries is a vast narrative, with many ups and downs. However,The Flight of the Eisensteinis a must-read highlight in the early stages of the series.
12Brutal Kunnin: An Epic Waaagh! Novel
Goodreads Score: 4.09
Brutal Kunninshows why the Orks are one of the most beloved factions in theWarhammer 40ksetting. Often the comic relief of the lore, the Orks are simple creatures that love nothing more than having a good scrap.
The book follows warboss Ufthak Blackhawk, as he invades an Adeptus Mechanicus forge world, only to find it already invaded by another Ork warband. The novel is a lot of fun, showing the Orks as both goofy and dangerous, with the perspectives changing between Orks and Humans. With most Black Library novels depicting the ongoing struggles of the Imperium,Brutal Kunninis a refreshing release from theWarhammerpublisher.
11The Devastation of Baal
Goodreads Score: 4.12
The Devastation of Baaldepicts the destructive battle between the many Sons of Sanguinius against the overwhelming Tyranids from the Hive Fleet Leviathan. The novel follows the Blood Angels Chapter Master, Commander Dante, who, after summoning many successor chapters to the planet Baal, must lead the fight for survival or see it fall to ruin.
The novel is truly epic and features large-scale battles as the Space Marines fight desperately on as more and more Tyranids invade. While the book is largely a self-contained story, its narrative sits in the middle of major events in the setting. The fall of Cadia and the resurrection of Roboute Guilliman both have significant effects on the story, makingThe Devastation of Baala must-read for fans of recent lore.
10Space Wolf Omnibus
Goodreads Score: 4.20
This collection of three novels is told from the perspective of Ragnar Blackmane, a legend within the Space Wolf Chapter of Adeptus Astartes. The novels follow the young Blackmane first becoming a Space Marine, discovering the vast galaxy, and joining the fight against humanity’s enemies.
TheSpace Wolf Omnibusis a perfect entry point intoWarhammer 40k, as the character joins one of the most iconic factions within the setting. Ragnar must not onlydeal with dangerous foeshellbent on ending his life but also the ever-present rage that follows him everywhere, his inner wolf.
9Fire Caste
Goodreads Score: 4.23
Fire Casteis a rare40knovel that attempts to delve more into the psychological effect of the setting. Highly influenced by Joseph Conrad’sHeart Of Darkness, the story revolves around a depleted Astra Militarum regiment, led by a broken Commissar, which is sent to a tropical death world named Phaedra.
Tasked with taking out a united group of human deserters and Tau, the novel follows thesebroken and flawed charactersas they journey deeper into the forests of the alien world.Fire Casteis a somewhat more mature novel from Black Library and is one of the most original in its catalog.
8The Lords Of Silence
The perfect novel for fans of the Chaos God Nurgle, the book is told from the perspective of a Death Guard Warband, known as The Lords Of Silence. The book follows all the infighting and political turmoil that goes on within the warband as they look for worthy opponents to face.
The Death Guard spread their diseases and turned populations into rotting undead for their dark god, all the while contending with a fast-changing galaxy.The Lords Of Silenceis a unique perspective that tells a rarely-told story from one of the most disgusting factions within the setting.
7Horus Rising
Dan Abnett once again delivers a fantastic novel set ten thousand years before the currentWarhammer 40ksetting.Horus Risingkick-starts the truly epicHorus Heresyseries and is a window into the early Imperium before civil war destroyed the Emperor’s dream. The book starts at the end of the Great Crusade when the Imperium is at its peak. The Emperor has handed over the reins of power to his son Horus and named him Warmaster.
The novel follows Horus as he must contend with the role of command and shows the Primarch before the corrupting influence of chaos has tainted him. It introduces many of the main characters that become central figures in the novels that follow.Horus Risingdoes a great job setting up the colossal narrative that follows this novel and is a must-read for fans of theWarhammer 40ksetting.
6Helsreach
Goodreads Score: 4.24
Helsreachis set during one of the most famous conflicts in theWarhammer 40ksetting, The Third War for Armageddon. The book follows Reclusiarch Grimaldus, Chaplain of the Black Templars chapter, as he commands the defenses of Hive Helsreach from an overwhelming Ork attack. Completely outnumbered and out-gunned, the book is the classic tale of an organized few holding out against many.
As the human numbers dwindle, and there seems no end to the greenskin numbers, the defenders ofHelsreachprepare for a last stand.Helsreachis a gripping tale that holds the reader’s attention from start to finish. The War for Armageddon is a significant conflict in the setting, showing the sheer brutality of the Ork menace, as well as the determination of the defending humans.
5Soul Hunter
Goodreads Score: 4.35
Soul Hunteris the first novel in theNight Lordsseries of books, following the traitor legion as they work to bleed the Imperium Of Man. The Night Lords are one of the most feared factions in the setting, being known for their horrific deeds and ruthless savagery.
The novel follows a Night Lord’s company as they are sent on a mission by Warmaster Abaddon the Despoiler to invade the planet Crythe during one of his Black Crusades. The book is a fan favorite and an ideal read for anyoneinterested in the Chaosfaction.
