Black Library reading guide: where to start

The best place to start with Black Library depends on the setting you like. For Warhammer 40,000 begin with an Inquisitor or Imperial Guard omnibus such as Eisenhorn: The Omnibus. For the Horus Heresy begin at the start with Horus Rising, and for Age of Sigmar try Gotrek and Maleneth: The Omnibus.

You do not need to play the tabletop game to enjoy any of these. This guide groups the books by what they are good for, so you can pick one and know what you are getting into.

What is Black Library?

Black Library is the publishing imprint for Warhammer fiction. It covers novels, short story anthologies, omnibus collections and illustrated lore books across the Warhammer worlds. The catalogue is large, and that is the problem for newcomers: there are decades of books, many in long series, and no single obvious entry point.

The good news is that most authors write so that a new reader can join without homework. Standalones, omnibuses and the first book of a series are your safest options.

Where should I start with Black Library?

Match the book to the kind of story you enjoy rather than to a reading order. These are the most reliable first picks.

• You like detective stories and dark mysteries: Eisenhorn: The Omnibus follows an Inquisitor and gives a wide tour of the Imperium through one strong point of view.
• You like war stories and ensemble casts: Gaunt's Ghosts: The Founding follows a regiment of Imperial Guard soldiers on the ground.
• You want humour: Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium is a lighter, wry take on a commissar with a reputation he did not quite earn.
• You want the biggest story in the setting: Horus Rising, the first book of the Horus Heresy.
• You like fantasy adventure: Gotrek and Felix: The First Omnibus is a classic pairing of a grim Slayer and his companion.

Which Warhammer 40,000 novels are good for beginners?

Warhammer 40,000 is the grim far-future setting, and its fiction ranges from crime-style intrigue to frontline war. If you are new to the universe, our Warhammer 40,000 guide explains the setting before you commit to a book.

Imperial Guard and frontline war

Ordinary soldiers are often the easiest way into a very large setting. Besides Gaunt's Ghosts, look at Krieg for the grim world of the Death Korps, and Ghosts of Cadia for a story tied to one of the setting's best-known battlegrounds. Demolisher is a good pick if you enjoy armoured warfare.

Space Marine stories

Space Marines are the face of the setting. Helbrecht: Sin of Hope centres on the Black Templars, while Bjorn: The Fell-handed follows a veteran of the Space Wolves. For a wider view of the Imperium after a great upheaval, the Dark Imperium trilogy continues with Plague War and Godblight.

Orks, Chaos and the other side

Not every good first book is told from the Imperium's side. Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet of the Waaagh! is a major Ork story, and an illustrated and annotated edition exists for readers who like extra context. For Chaos, Ahriman: The Omnibus follows a Thousand Sons sorcerer, and Huron Blackheart: Master of the Maelstrom is a story about a renegade warlord.

How do I start the Horus Heresy books?

The Horus Heresy is a long, interconnected series about the civil war that shaped the 40,000 setting. The first three novels are the natural opening: Horus Rising, False Gods and Galaxy in Flames. Hardback editions of Horus Rising, False Gods and Galaxy in Flames are also in the catalogue if you prefer them on a shelf.

After that, you can follow the numbered order or jump to the books that interest you. Fulgrim and Know No Fear are strong follow-ups, and Echoes of Eternity belongs to the later Siege of Terra storyline, so it is better read once you are well into the series. Our Horus Heresy guide covers the background and how the series is organised.

What should I read for Warhammer Age of Sigmar?

Age of Sigmar fiction is a good fit if you prefer fantasy to science fiction. Gotrek and Maleneth: The Omnibus is the most accessible entry in that line. Callis & Toll offers a more character-led tale, and Grombrindal: Ancestor's Burden is a good choice for fans of the Dwarfs (a hardback is available too). The Age of Sigmar guide gives you the setting basics first.

Do I need to read the books in order?

Mostly no. Omnibuses and standalones can be read on their own, and many series are written so that each book works for newcomers. The Horus Heresy is the main exception, since it is a continuous story and rewards reading in order. If a book is part of a numbered series, start at the first volume or at least check the number on the cover.

Can books help with the miniatures hobby?

Yes. Many collectors choose an army because of a book. Reading about a regiment, a warband or a Chapter gives you colours, names and a story to build a painting scheme around. If you are ready to try the miniatures side, our guide to starting painting and the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide are good next steps. For the full picture of what is available, see the Warhammer buying guide.

Black Library FAQ

What is the best Black Library book for a complete beginner?

For a first read, Eisenhorn: The Omnibus and Gaunt's Ghosts: The Founding are the most commonly recommended Warhammer 40,000 choices. Both are written to be approachable and need no prior knowledge. If you prefer fantasy, start with Gotrek and Felix.

Do I need to play Warhammer to enjoy the novels?

No. The novels are written as stories first, and many readers never touch the tabletop game. Any rules or army details that matter to the plot are explained in the text.

Should I read the Horus Heresy first?

Not necessarily. It is a large series, and it is easier to enjoy once you know the basics of the setting. A standalone or an omnibus is a lighter introduction, and Horus Rising is there when you are ready to commit.

Are omnibuses a good way to begin?

Yes. An omnibus collects several stories about the same characters in one volume, which gives you a complete arc and good value in reading time. Ahriman, Eisenhorn and Gotrek and Felix are all available this way.

Paperback or hardback?

The text is the same, so it comes down to preference. Paperbacks are lighter to carry, while hardbacks suit a display shelf. Where both formats exist in the catalogue, they are listed separately.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures
• Warhammer 40,000
• Warhammer Age of Sigmar
• The Horus Heresy