Warhammer 40k Books in Order: Complete Guide (400+ Books)

By Anna Marie CarrollScience Fiction

Looking for the Warhammer 40k books in order? This is the simplest way to start: pick an entry-point series, then branch out by faction and story arc. This guide includes 400+ Warhammer 40k titles—novels, novellas, anthologies, and omnibuses—organized so you can find what to read next without wading through the entire list.

Quick answer: the best Warhammer 40k reading order for beginners

If you want the smoothest entry into Warhammer 40k, don’t start by trying to read 400+ books in timeline order. Start with a strong “on-ramp” series that teaches the setting while still telling a great story—then branch out by faction, author, or era.

Most new readers do one of these:

Path A: Start with an Inquisition series (best all-around intro).
You’ll get investigations, politics, Chaos threats, and a broad tour of the setting.

Path B: Start with Imperial Guard (boots-on-the-ground war stories).
Less cosmic mythology, more battlefield grit and human stakes.

Path C: Start with Space Marines (iconic, faction-first entry).
If your mental image of Warhammer is power armor and bolters, this is the direct route.

Path D: Read a few Horus Heresy books first (optional prequel context).
Horus Heresy is ~10,000 years earlier and explains major fractures in the Imperium, but you do not need to read it to enjoy 40k. I have a dedicated Horus Heresy books in order article if you want to know more.

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Newest Warhammer 40k Books

This is a convenience list of the newest titles currently included in the guide below. Last updated: January 2026.

Da Red Gobbo’s Last Stand (Novella) (November 7, 2025)
Death And Duty (Anthology) (November 7, 2025)
No Peace Among Stars (Anthology) (November 7, 2025)
The Relentless Dead (November 7, 2025)
Vagabond Squadron (November 14, 2025)
Survivor (Short Story) (November 21, 2025)
The Twice-Dead King Omnibus (November 21, 2025)
Archmagos (November 21, 2025)
Master of Rites (December 5, 2025)
Demolisher (December 12, 2025)
Vaults of Terra: The Omnibus (January 23, 2026)

How to Read the Warhammer 40k Books in Order

There’s no official, unified chronology published by Games Workshop for the Warhammer 40k novels. Many books don’t have firm dates, and even within a single series, decades—or centuries—can pass between installments. That’s why the most practical “order” is to read by series and story arc, not by an imagined master timeline.

You’ll also see Warhammer split into different umbrellas: Warhammer 40k, Horus Heresy (a prequel era), and Warhammer Fantasy (separate setting). Horus Heresy takes place roughly 10,000 years before 40k and can add context, but it isn’t required reading to enjoy 40k.

The best approach is simple: pick a character, faction, or style of story you like, start with a strong entry series, then branch outward from there.

However, if you want an even more thorough overview of the best Warhammer 40k books, we have a guide to the top 18 books. That article only includes the first book in a series, which makes it a great condensed resource for where to begin reading the Warhammer 40k books in order.

Warhammer 40k Books in Order

Physical editions of Warhammer 40k books frequently go out of print, experience reissues, or have limited runs. This makes physical copies a big commodity that can attract a high price tag, but fortunately digital copies of the Warhammer 40k books in order have become readily available.

Best Entry Point

The five series below are consistently recommended because they ease you into the setting without expecting you to already know everything.

  • Inquisitor by Dan Abnett
  • Ciaphas Cain by Sandy Mitchell
  • Gaunt’s Ghosts by Dan Abnett
  • Ultramarines by Graham McNeill
  • Iron Warriors by Graham McNeill

Inquisitor Books

The Inquisitor books are composed of three interconnected series: Eisenhorn, Ravenor, and Bequin. All are written by Dan Abnett, and the first arc (Eisenhorn) is often considered the single best starting point for new Warhammer 40k readers.

Eisenhorn works because the worldbuilding unfolds naturally through investigations. As an Inquisitor, Eisenhorn is constantly forced to define what “justice” means in a universe where Chaos and heresy are not abstract ideas—they’re immediate threats. You get the scope of the Imperium, the moral gray zones, and the tone of 40k without feeling like you walked into the middle of someone else’s story.

  1. Xenos (2001)
  2. Malleus (2001)
  3. Hereticus (2002)
  4. Eisenhorn Omnibus (2005)
  5. Ravenor (2004)
  6. Ravenor Returned (2005)
  7. Ravenor Rogue (2007)
  8. Ravenor: The Omnibus (2009)
  9. Pariah (2012)
  10. The Magos (2018)
  11. Penitent (2021)

Ciaphas Cain Books

Ciaphas Cain is another fan-favorite entry point, especially if you want something that reads faster and leans harder into character voice. Cain is an Imperial Commissar, which keeps the series on the front lines, but the tone is lighter—without ever forgetting how brutal the setting can be.

If you like a reluctant hero and morally gray survival instincts, Cain is an easy series to binge. It’s also a great bridge into the Imperial Guard side of Warhammer, because it keeps your viewpoint close to human-scale war rather than cosmic mythology.

  1. For the Emperor (2003)
  2. Caves of Ice (2004)
  3. The Traitor’s Hand (2005)
  4. Death of Glory (2006)
  5. Duty Calls (2007)
  6. Cain’s Last Stand (2008)
  7. The Emperor’s Finest (2011)
  8. The Last Ditch (2012)
  9. The Greater Good (2013)
  10. Choose Your Enemies (2018)
  11. Vainglorious (2023)

Ciaphas Cain Novella

There is also one Ciaphas Cain novella also written by Sandy Mitchell.

  1. Old Soldiers Never Die (2012)

Gaunt’s Ghosts Books

Gaunt’s Ghosts is another Dan Abnett series and one of the strongest “boots-on-the-ground” ways to experience Warhammer 40k. Like Cain, Ibram Gaunt is an Imperial Commissar, but the vibe is very different—more leadership and sacrifice, less self-mythology.

If you want long-running military storytelling with a clear progression, this is one of the best Warhammer series to commit to. It also gives you a strong sense of what war looks like for regular people trapped inside a galaxy-scale conflict.

  1. First and Only (1999)
  2. Ghostmaker (2000)
  3. Necropolis (2000)
  4. Honour Guard (2001)
  5. The Guns of Tanith (2002)
  6. Straight Silver (2002)
  7. Sabbat Martyr (2003)
  8. Traitor General (2004)
  9. His Last Command (2005)
  10. The Armour of Contempt (2006)
  11. Only in Death (2008)
  12. Blood Pact (2009)
  13. Salvation’s Reach (2011)
  14. The Warmaster (2017)
  15. The Anarch (2019)
  16. The Vincula Insurgency (2021)

Additional Gaunt’s Ghosts Books

There are several bind-ups of the main Gaunt’s Ghosts books and other stories about the Tanith First-and-Only.

  1. Gaunt’s Ghosts: The Founding Omnibus, 1-3 (2003)
  2. Gaunt’s Ghosts: The Saint Omnibus, 4-7 (2007)
  3. Gaunt’s Ghosts: The Lost Omnibus, 8-11 (2009)
  4. Sabbat Worlds (2010)
  5. Sabbat Crusade (2014)
  6. Gaunt’s Ghosts: The Victory Omnibus Part One, 12-13 (2018)
  7. Sabbat War by Various Authors (2021)

Ultramarines Books

If you want a Space Marines-first approach, the Ultramarines books are one of the cleanest starting points. This series dives into a chapter that sits at the heart of the Space Marines identity, and it gives you a strong feel for how the Imperium presents itself—disciplined, ritualized, and absolutely ruthless when necessary.

Uriel Ventris is also a strong anchor character here: a young captain, still learning what leadership costs, which makes the reader’s “newness” feel natural rather than awkward.

  1. Nightbringer (2002)
  2. Warriors of the Ultramar (2003)
  3. Dead Sky, Black Sun (2004)
  4. The Ultramarines Omnibus (2006)
  5. The Killing Ground (2008)
  6. Courage and Honour (2009)
  7. The Chapter’s Due (2010)
  8. The Swords of Calth (2021)
  9. Ultramarines: The Second Omnibus (2012)
  10. The Uriel Ventris Chronicles Vol. 1 Omnibus (2019)
  11. The Uriel Ventris Chronicles Vol. 2 Omnibus (2019)

Ultramarines Novellas

There are also two additional Ultramarines novellas.

  1. Assault on Black Reach by Nick Kyme (2008)
  2. Death Knell by Phil Kelly (2018)

Iron Warriors Books

Iron Warriors is the fifth entry series because it gives you a different perspective early: Space Marines—on the other side. Storm of Iron is one of the earlier Chaos POV stories, and it’s a strong way to understand how Warhammer 40k handles loyalty, corruption, and justification.

If you want to feel how thin the line is between “hero” and “monster” in this universe, this is a smart early pivot.

  1. Storm of Iron (2002)
  2. Iron Warriors: The Omnibus (2012)
  3. Iron Warriors: The Complete Honsou Omnibus (2019)

Iron Warriors Novella

There is also one novella written by Graham McNeill following the Chaos Space Marines.

  1. Iron Warrior (2010)

Standalone Warhammer 40k Books

If you have read the five series above, plus the initial Horus Heresy books, then the rest of the Warhammer 40k books in order await.

You can, of course, choose to read any Warhammer 40k series first, but starting with the recommendations will ease you into this grimdark galaxy. After which you’ll have started forming opinions on which characters, factions, or authors interest you the most and that can inform which books you pick up next.

The Warhammer 40k books below are all standalones, so you can read them in any order.

  1. Space Marine by Ian Watson (1993)
  2. Eye of Terror by Barrington J. Bayley (1999)
  3. Pawns of Chaos by Brian Craig (2001)
  4. Farseer by William King (2002)
  5. Daemon World by Ben Counter (2003)
  6. Angels of Darkness by Gav Thorpe (2003)
  7. Fire Warrior by Simon Spurrier (2003)
  8. Double Eagle by Dan Abnett (2004)
  9. Iron Hands by Jonathan Green (2004)
  10. Lord of the Night by Simon Spurrier (2005)
  11. Brothers of the Snake by Dan Abnett (2007)
  12. Eldar Prophecy by C.S. Goto (2007)
  13. Relentless by Richard Williams (2008)
  14. Titanicus by Dan Abnett (2008)
  15. Sons of Dorn by Chris Roberson (2010)
  16. Atlas Infernal by Rob Sanders (2011)
  17. The Emperor’s Gift by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2012)
  18. Fire Caste by Peter Fehervari (2013)
  19. Seventh Retribution by Ben Counter (2013)
  20. Valedor by Guy Haley (2014)
  21. Dark Hunters: Umbra Sumus by Paul Kearney (2015)
  22. Assassinorum: Execution Force by Joe Parrino (2015)
  23. Silver Skulls: Portents by Sarah Cawkwell (2015)
  24. Curse of the Wulfen by David Annandale (2017)
  25. Warlord: Fury of the God Machine by David Annandale (2017)
  26. Calgar’s Fury by Paul Kearney (2017)
  27. Lucius: The Faultless Blade by Ian St. Martin (2017)
  28. Shroud of Night by Andy Clark (2017)
  29. The Last Hunt by Robbie MacNiven (2017)
  30. Sons of the Hydra by Rob Sanders (2017)
  31. Lukas the Trickster by Josh Reynolds (2018)
  32. Imperator: Wrath of the Omnissiah by Gav Thorpe (2018)
  33. Legacy of Dorn by Mike Lee (2018)
  34. Blood of Iax by Robbie MacNiven (2018)
  35. The Lords of Silence by Chris Wraight (2018)
  36. Spear of the Emperor by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2018)
  37. Celestine by Andy Clark (2019)
  38. Honourbound by Rachel Harrison (2019)
  39. Requiem Infernal by Peter Fehervari (2019)
  40. Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work by Guy Haley (2019)
  41. Rites of Passage by Mike Brooks (2019)
  42. Mark of Faith by Rachel Harrison (2020)
  43. Ephrael Stern: The Heretic Saint by David Annandale (2020)
  44. Brutal Kunnin by Mike Brookes (2020)
  45. The Infinite and the Divine by Robert Rath (2020)
  46. Indomitus by Gav Thorpe (2020)
  47. Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet of the Waaagh! by Nate Crowley (2021)
  48. Silent Hunters by Edoardo Albert (2021)
  49. Volpone Glory by Nick Kyme (2021)
  50. Steel Tread by Andy Clark (2021)
  51. Day of Ascension by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2022)
  52. The Triumph of Saint Katherine by Danie Ware (2022)
  53. Huron Blackheart: Master of the Maelstrom by Mike Brooks (2022)
  54. Assassinorum: Kingmaker by Robert Rath (2022)
  55. Krieg by Steve Lyons (2022)
  56. Catachan Devil by Justin Woolley (2022)
  57. Helbrecht: Knight of the Throne by Marc Collins (2022)
  58. Witchbringer by Steven B. Fischer (2022)
  59. Outgunned by Denny Flowers (2022)
  60. Awakenings by George Mann (2022)
  61. Shadowsun: The Patient Hunter by Phil Kelly (2022)
  62. Renegades: Harrowmaster by Mike Brooks (2022)
  63. Void King by Marc Collins (2022)
  64. Kasrkin by Edoardo Albert (2022)
  65. Wrath of the Lost by Chris Forrester (2023)
  66. Angron: The Red Angel by David Guymer (2023)
  67. Warboss by Mike Brooks (2023)
  68. Pilgrims of Fire by Justin D. Hill (2023)
  69. The Lion: Sons of the Forest by Mike Brooks (2023)
  70. Leviathan by Darius Hinks (2023)
  71. Longshot by Rob Young (2023)
  72. Creed: Ashes of Cadia by Jude Reid (2024)
  73. Genefather by Guy Haley (2024)
  74. Fall of Cadia by Robert Rath (2024)
  75. Above and Beyond (2024)
  76. Elemental Council (2024)
  77. Interceptor City (2025)
  78. Hell’s Last (2025) (A Minka Lesk Novel)
  79. Fulgrim: The Perfect Son (2025)
  80. Voidscarred (2025) (An Aeldari Corsairs Novel)
  81. Tomb World (2025)
  82. Vagabond Squadron (2025)
  83. Archmagos (2025)
  84. Demolisher (2025)

More Warhammer 40k Series

Series are ordered by the publication date of the first book in each series.

The Inquisition War Books

Following the standalones and entry series, the remaining Warhammer 40k books can be explored by subseries. The earliest novels were later republished under Black Library branding, and The Inquisition War is a good example of that shift. This arc follows Inquisitor Jaq Draco investigating Chaos plots that spiral into secret wars, power games, and the cost of forbidden knowledge.

The series follows Inquisitor Jaq Draco investigating a plot of Chaos that threatens the future of humankind. As the series unfolds there will be secret wars, the quest for power, and a steep cost required for forbidden knowledge.

  1. Inquisitor / Draco (1990)
  2. Harlequin (1994)
  3. Chaos Child (1995)
  4. The Inquisition War Omnibus (2009)

Space Wolves Books

The next series on our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order depict Ragnar Blackmane and the Space Wolves. It begins on the world of Fenris after Ragnar is resurrected on the battlefield and recruited to the Space Wolves. He achieves great success and is a fierce warrior, however, he must fight to control the beast within him.

  1. Space Wolf by William King (1999)
  2. Ragnar’s Claw by William King (2000)
  3. Grey Hunter by William King (2002)
  4. Wolfblade by William King (2003)
  5. Sons of Fenris by Lee Lightner (2007)
  6. Wolf’s Honour by Lee Lightner (2008)
  7. The Space Wolf Omnibus by William King (2008)
  8. Space Wolf: The Second Omnibus by William King and Lee Lightner (2009)
  9. Krakenblood (2025)

Necromunda Books

The first title in this series is an anthology and introduces the world of Necromunda. It is a factory world on which savage gangs struggle for survival and dominance in the tunnels under the hive cities while the most wealthy and powerful live in the towering spires. The series follows many different characters, including Kal Jerico, and includes gory fights, strange magic, and gang warfare.

  1. Status: Deadzone by Marc Gascoigne and Andy Jones (2000) (Anthology)
  2. Survival Instinct by Andy Chambers (2005)
  3. Salvation by C.S. Goto (2005)
  4. Blood Royal by Gordon Rennie and Will McDermott (2005)
  5. Junktion by Matthew Farrer (2005)
  6. Fleshworks by Lucien Soulban (2006)
  7. Outlander by Matt Keefe (2006)
  8. Back from the Dead by Nick Kyme (2006)
  9. Cardinal Crimson by Will McDermott (2006)
  10. Lasgun Wedding by Will McDermott (2007)
  11. Wanted: Dead by Mike Brooks (2018)
  12. Sinner’s Bounty by Josh Reynold (2019)
  13. Terminal Overkill by Justin D. Hill (2019)
  14. Low Lives by Denny Flowers (2019)
  15. Underhive: A Necromunda Anthology by Mike Brooks (2019)
  16. Road to Redemption by Mike Brooks (2020)
  17. Soulless Fury by Will McDermott (2020)
  18. Uprising by Denny Flowers (2020)
  19. Fire Made Flesh by Denny Flowers (2021)

Necromunda Novella

There is also one accompanying novella to the Necromunda series.

  1. Spark of Revolution by Gary Kloster (2020)

Last Chancers Books

Gav Thorpe is a popular Warhammer 40k author and he wrote the Last Chancers series which follows Colonel Schaeffer. He can be a brutal, ruthless leader and has command of the Imperial Guard 13th Penal Legion, made up of convict soldiers given one last chance at redemption.

  1. 13th Legion (2001)
  2. Kill Team (2001)
  3. Annihilation Squad (2004)
  4. The Last Chancers Omnibus (2006)
  5. Armageddon Saint (2020)

The Gothic War Books

Next is a slim series with two full-length novels written by Gordon Rennie that were later collected into a bind-up omnibus. It follows Imperial Cruiser Lord Solar Macharius and Captain Leoten Semper during the Gothic War.

  1. Execution Hour (2001)
  2. Shadow Point (2003)
  3. The Gothic War Omnibus (2010)

Soul Drinkers Books

The Soul Drinkers are another chapter of the Space Marines, and in this series by Ben Counter they are in conflict with the Imperium after faithfully serving the Emperor for millennia. The series documents the beginning of their obsession with an ancient relic that threatens to seize them into the grip of Chaos and the ensuing fallout of their decision.

  1. Soul Drinker (2002)
  2. The Bleeding Chalice (2003)
  3. Crimson Tears (2005)
  4. The Soul Drinkers Omnibus (2006)
  5. Chapter War (2007)
  6. Hellforged (2009)
  7. Daenyathos (2010) (Novella)
  8. Phalanx (2012)
  9. Soul Drinkers: Annihilation Second Omnibus (2013)
  10. Traitor by Deed (2020) (Novella)

Shira Calpurnia Books

The next series in our list of all the Warhammer 40k books in order is Shira Calpurnia by Matthew Farrer. The trilogy and subsequent omnibus follow Shira Calpurnia who, at the beginning of the series, is a newly assigned Arbites officer investigating a series of assassination attempts.

  1. Crossfire (2003)
  2. Legacy (2004)
  3. Blind (2006)
  4. Enforcer Omnibus (2010)

Black Templars Books

This is another Warhammer 40k duology. Black Templars is written by Jonathan Green and the first book depicts this loyal Space Marine Chapter returning to their homeworld of Solemnus and finding it under attack by orks.

  1. Crusade for Armageddon (2003)
  2. Conquest of Armageddon (2005)
  3. The Armageddon Omnibus (2011)
  4. Broken Crusade (2024)

Dawn of War Books

With this series the authors delve into the Blood Ravens, another Loyalist Space Marine Chapter. This chapter has mysterious origins that are believed to be tied to the Horus Heresy and with their leader, Brother-Captain Gabriel Angelos, they have become a fan favorite.

  1. Dawn of War by Cassern S. Goto (2004)
  2. Ascension by Cassern S. Goto (2005)
  3. Tempest by Cassern S. Goto (2006)
  4. Blood Ravens: The Dawn of War Omnibus by Cassern S. Goto (2008)
  5. Dawn of War II by Chris Roberson (2009)
  6. Dawn of War III by Robbie MacNiven (2017)

Grey Knights Books

The Grey Knights are another mysterious Chapter of Space Marines that were created during the Horus Heresy to oppose Chaos. They specialize in fighting against the entities of the Warp and everything that wields its power from the Chaos Gods. This series by Ben Counter depicts their fight against daemons and heavily focuses on Grey Knight Justicar Alaric.

  1. Grey Knights (2004)
  2. Dark Adeptus (2006)
  3. Hammer of Daemons (2008)
  4. The Grey Knights Omnibus (2009)

Blood Angels Books

The Blood Angels are one of the original founding legions of the Space Marines and are well-known for their bloodthirsty nature in battle. The series written by James Swallow features two arcs with the first two books documented a rift amidst their chapter with the claim of the reincarnation of their primarch, while the second two books tell the story of the Blood Angels trying to restore their glory in a fight against Fabius Bile.

  1. Deus Encarmine (2004)
  2. Deus Sanguinius (2005)
  3. Red Fury (2008)
  4. Black Tide (2010)

Blood Angels Novellas

There are also three accompanying Blood Angels novellas.

  1. Space Hulk by Gav Thorpe (2009)
  2. Sin of Damnation by Gav Thorpe (2014)
  3. Astorath: Angel of Mercy by Guy Haley (2020)

Imperial Guard Books

The books in this series are written by various authors following different characters in the Imperial Guard, or Astra Militarum. Again, this series gives a boots-on-the-ground perspective of the horrors of Chaos by following soldiers on the battlefront. Since the Imperial Guard books follow different characters and each book has its own conclusion, you can read these Warhammer 40k books in any order.

  1. Fifteen Hours by Mitchel Scanlon (2005)
  2. Death World by Steve Lyons (2006)
  3. Rebel Winter by Steve Parker (2007)
  4. Imperial Guard Omnibus: Volume One / Shield of the Emperor by Various Authors (2008)
  5. Desert Raiders by Lucien Soulban (2007)
  6. Ice Guard by Steve Lyons (2009)
  7. Gunheads by Steve Parker (2009)
  8. Cadian Blood by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2009)
  9. Redemption Corps by Rob Sanders (2010)
  10. Dead Men Walking by Steve Lyons (2010)
  11. Hammer of the Emperor Omnibus by Various Authors (2011)
  12. Imperial Glory by Richard Williams (2011)
  13. Iron Guard by Mark Clapham (2012)
  14. Commissar by Andy Hoare (2013)
  15. Baneblade by Guy Haley (2013)
  16. Straken by Toby Frost (2014)
  17. Honour Imperialis Omnibus by Various Authors (2014)
  18. Shadowsword by Guy Haley (2016)
  19. Glory Imperialis Omnibus by Various Authors (2017)
  20. Final Deployment (2025)
  21. The Remnant Blade (2025)
  22. Death And Duty (2025) (Anthology)
  23. The Relentless Dead (2025)

Imperial Guard Novellas

There are also two Imperial Guard novellas.

  1. Steel Daemon by Ian St. Martin (2018)
  2. Iron Resolve by Steve Lyons (2019)

Deathwatch Books

The Deathwatch Space Marines excel at tactical precision kills and winning against all odds. This unique Chapter is made up of Veteran Space Marines, which makes them some of the very best. It also means the missions they are given are some of the very worst and most challenging, which makes for bleak, brutal entertainment.

  1. Warrior Brood by C. S. Goto (2005)
  2. Warrior Coven by C. S. Goto (2006)
  3. Deathwatch by Steve Parker (2013)
  4. Shadowbreaker by Steve Parker (2019)

Sisters of Battle Books

The Sisters of Battle is the military division of the Adepta Sororitas which exists in a similar function as the Imperial Inquisition. This series by James Swallow follows Celestian Miriya as she fulfils her duty to the Emperor. In the first book she is in pursuit of a psychic heretic who escaped her custody and brought her disgrace, but she uncovers a dangerous plot that threatens humanity.

  1. Faith and Fire (2006)
  2. Hammer and Anvil (2011)
  3. Sisters of Battle: The Omnibus (2017)

Sisters of Battle Novellas

There are also three Sisters of Battle novellas which are written by Danie Ware.

  1. The Bloodied Rose (2018)
  2. Wreck and Ruin (2019)
  3. The Rose in the Anger (2020)

Rogue Trader Books

These books by Andy Hoare follow Lucian Gerrit, a rogue trader, as he becomes swept up in an Imperial Crusade. In an attempt to restore his family’s fortunes and former glory he strikes a deal with an Imperial Commander to collect archeotech and ferry it back to him, but matters rarely go according to plan in Warhammer 40k.

  1. Rogue Star (2006)
  2. Star of Damocles (2007)
  3. Savage Scars (2011)
  4. Rogue Trader Omnibus (2018)

Word Bearers Books

This is another series which shifts the perspective to that of the Chaos Space Marines. In this trilogy Anthony Reynolds tells the story of the Dark Apostle Jarulek of the Word Bearers and Marduk, who lusts for power.

  1. Dark Apostle (2007)
  2. Dark Disciple (2008)
  3. Dark Creed (2010)
  4. The Word Bearers Omnibus (2012)

Bastion Wars Books

This next series, the first and last by Henry Zou for Warhammer 40k, is mired in controversy that shows the far reaches of Chaos. It begins with Inquisitor Roth and Silverstein on the hunt for a set of ancient artefacts in the Medina Corridor while a force of Chaos, the Ironclads, conduct their own search.

However, while Emperor’s Mercy and Blood Gorgons are still readily available with digital editions, Flesh and Iron has been pulled from publication. That’s because it was discovered to be partially plagiarized and Black Library was sued.

  1. Emperor’s Mercy (2009)
  2. Flesh and Iron (2010)
  3. Blood Gorgons (2011)
  4. Bastion Wars: The Omnibus (2014)

Tome of Fire Books

This series by Nick Kyme follows another one of the original founding Chapters of the Space Marines. Their homeworld is Nocturne, and it is thought their close connection to its people is why they care so much about protecting regular civilians.

  1. Salamander (2009)
  2. Firedrake (2010)
  3. Nocturne (2011)
  4. Tome of Fire (2012) (Anthology)
  5. Salamanders: The Omnibus (2013)
  6. Salamanders: Rebirth (2013)

Space Marine Battles Books

While the previous series in our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order focused on specific Chapters of the Space Marines, this series depicts various Space Marine battles throughout the years involving different Chapters, characters, and factions.

This series was relaunched in 2017 as Space Marine Conquests.

  1. Rynn’s World by Steve Parker (2010)
  2. Helsreach by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2010)
  3. Hunt for Voldorius by Andy Hoare (2010)
  4. The Purging of Kadillus by Gav Thorpe (2011)
  5. Fall of Damnos by Nick Kyme (2011)
  6. Battle of the Fang by Chris Wraight (2011)
  7. The Gildar Rift by Sarah Cawkwell (2011)
  8. Legion of the Damned by Rob Sanders (2012)
  9. Architect of Fate by Various Authors (2012) (Anthology)
  10. Wrath of Iron by Chris Wraight (2012)
  11. The Siege of Castellax by C.L. Werner (2012)
  12. The Death of Antagonis by David Annandale (2013)
  13. Death of Integrity by Guy Haley (2013)
  14. Malodrax by Ben Counter (2013)
  15. Pandorax by C.Z. Dunn (2013)
  16. Overfiend by David Annandale (2014) (Anthology)
  17. Damocles by Various Authors (2014) (Anthology)
  18. The World Engine by Ben Counter (2014)
  19. Sanctus Reach by Various Authors (2015) (Anthology)
  20. Flesh Tearers by Andy Smillie (2016)
  21. Blades of Damocles by Phil Kelly (2016)
  22. The Plagues of Orath by Various Authors (2016) (Anthology)
  23. Crusaders of Dorn by Various Authors (2016) (Anthology)
  24. Calgar’s Siege by Paul Kearney (2016)
  25. Storm of Damocles by Justin D. Hill (2016)
  26. Tyrant of the Hollow Worlds by Mark Clapham (2016)
  27. Shield of Baal by Various Authors (2017) (Anthology)
  28. Scythes of the Emperor by Laurie Goulding (2017) (Anthology)
  29. The Eye of Ezekiel by C.Z. Dunn (2017)
  30. War for Armageddon Omnibus by Various Authors

Space Marine Battles Novellas

There are also many novellas within the Space Marine Battles series that, again, feature a variety of Chapters and characters against various enemies.

  1. Accursed Eternity by Sarah Cawkwell (2012)
  2. Endeavour of Will by Ben Counter (2012)
  3. Fateweaver by John French (2012)
  4. Sanctus by Darius Hinks (2012)
  5. Catechism of Hate by Gav Thorpe (2012)
  6. Flesh of Cretacia by Andy Smillie (2012)
  7. Traitor’s Gorge by Mike Lee (2013)
  8. Stormseer by David Annandale (2013)
  9. Blood and Fire by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2013)
  10. Spear of Macragge by Nick Kyme (2013)
  11. Shadow Captain by David Annandale (2014)
  12. Forge Master by David Annandale (2014)
  13. Plague Harvest by Cavan Scott (2014)
  14. Engines of War by Steve Lyons (2014)
  15. Armour of Faith by Graeme Lyon (2014)
  16. Sons of Wrath by Andy Smillie (2014)
  17. Angron’s Monolith by Steve Lyons (2014)
  18. The Eternal Crusader by Guy Haley (2014)
  19. Dante’s Canyon by Josh Reynolds (2014)
  20. Sanctus Reach: Evil Sun Rising by Guy Haley (2014)
  21. Sanctus Reach: Blood on the Mountain by Ben Counter (2014)
  22. Sanctus Reach: Maledictus by David Annandale (2014)
  23. The Hunt of Magnus by Chris Wraight (2015)
  24. Lords of the Storm by Edoardo Albert (2019)

Raven Guard Novella

The Raven Guard were part of the original Space Marine Legions from the homeworld Deliverance. They specialize in guerilla warfare and stealth, which rushes to the forefront in this novella as they enter into a seemingly hopeless battle alongside the Brazen Minotaurs.

  1. The Unkindness of Ravens by George Mann (2012)

Dark Angels Novellas

Another one of the original Space Marine Legions, the Dark Angels have always been shrouded in mystery and a secretive past. There is a legend that they once teetered on the brink of heresy, and that past continues to haunt them in these two novellas.

  1. Dark Vengeance by C.Z. Dunn (2012)
  2. Lords of Caliban by Gav Thorpe (2015)

Lords of the Space Marines Novellas

These two Space Marine novellas focus on two different characters: Mephiston of the Blood Angels and Arjac Rockfist of the Space Wolves.

  1. Mephiston: Lord of Death by David Annandale (2013)
  2. Arjac Rockfist: Anvil of Fenris by Ben Counter (2014)

Apocalypse Novellas

The first four novellas below have also been collected into the Damocles anthology. These stories depict the battle on Agrellan as the White Scars and Raven Guard must defend the world against alien forces.

  1. Blood Oath by Phil Kelly (2014)
  2. Broken Sword by Guy Haley (2014)
  3. Black Leviathan by Ben Counter (2014)
  4. Hunter’s Snare by Josh Reynolds (2014)
  5. The Last Days of Ector by Guy Haley (2014)

Crimson Slaughter Novella

This is another story that shifts the perspective to the opposing side. That’s because the Crimson Slaughter are a Chaos Space Marine warband who used to be the Crimson Sabres before they defected.

  1. Crimson Dawn by C.Z. Dunn (2014)

Shield of Baal Novellas

These three novellas each depict the events surrounding the Shield of Baal as various arms of the Imperium must unite, regardless of their grievances, to protect the Cryptus System from a tendril of Hive Fleet Leviathan.

  1. Shield of Baal: Tempestus by Braden Campbell (2014)
  2. Shield of Baal: Deathstorm by Josh Reynolds (2014)
  3. Shield of Baal: Devourer by Joe Parrino (2015)

Night Lords Books

The Night Lords used to be one of the most powerful forces of the Imperium, but following a horrible betrayal they were labelled heretics and hunted. This series by Aaron Dembski-Bowden begins with the Night Lords receiving a summons from Warmaster Abaddon which sends them into conflict with the Blood Angels.

  1. Soul Hunter (2010)
  2. Blood Reaver (2011)
  3. Void Stalker (2012)
  4. Night Lords: The Omnibus (2014)
  5. Shadow Knight (2015) (Prequel Short Story)

Path of the Eldar Books

This trilogy by Gav Thorpe tells the story of Korlandril, Thirianna, and Aradryan. They are three Eldars from Alaitoc who embark on very different paths, but each leads to battle.

  1. Path of the Warrior (2010)
  2. Path of the Seer (2011)
  3. Path of the Outcast (2012)
  4. Path of the Eldar Omnibus (2014)

Dark Eldar Books

This is another series about the mysterious Eldar race that accompanies the Path of the Eldar series well. However, this series by Andy Chambers is darker in nature, as one might expect by the title, as more about the Eldar is revealed.

  1. Path of the Renegade (2012)
  2. Path of the Incubus (2013)
  3. Path of the Archon (2014)
  4. Path of the Dark Eldar Omnibus (2015)

Dark Eldar Novella

Andy Chambers has also written one Dark Eldar novella.

  1. The Masque of Vyle (2013)

Eldar Novella

While Thomas Parrott has written one Eldar novella.

  1. Isha’s Lament (2019)

The Macharian Crusade Books

The Marcharian Crusade took place under Lord Commander Solar Macharius, and William King tells the story of this period in his trilogy below. It is told largely from the perspective of Sergeant Leo Lemuel who becomes one of Macharius’s bodyguards.

  1. Angel of Fire (2012)
  2. Fist of Demetrius (2013)
  3. Fall of Macharius (2014)
  4. The Macharian Crusade Omnibus (2017)

Forges of Mars Books

This trilogy by Graham McNeill revolves around an expedition into uncharted territory for an ancient relic. It features a whole host of various contingents of the Imperium from guardsmen to Space Marines, and all are led by the ambitious tech-scholar Lexell Kotov in the footsteps of radical Magos Telok.

  1. Priests of Mars (2012)
  2. Lords of Mars (2013)
  3. Gods of Mars (2014)
  4. Forges of Mars Omnibus (2017)

Ahriman Books

Next in our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order is a series by John French all about Ahriman from the Horus Heresy. He is a sorcerer of Tzeentch who has become a wanderer and an outcast after his actions condemned a Legion to damnation, but he has not stopped planning. French delivers a story of revenge, betrayal, and attempted atonement.

  1. Ahriman: Exile (2012)
  2. Ahriman: Sorcerer (2014)
  3. Ahriman: Unchanged (2015)
  4. Ahriman: Exodus (2015) (Anthology)
  5. Ahriman: The Omnibus (2017)
  6. Ahriman: Eternal (2022)
  7. Ahriman: Undying by John French (2024)

Yarrick Books

This series by David Annandale is about Lord Commissar Sebastian Yarrick, a legend amidst Imperium forces. It tells the story of his rise through the ranks and who Yarrick was before he became Lord Commissar.

  1. Chains of Golgotha (2013) (Novella)
  2. Imperial Creed (2014)
  3. The Pyres of Armageddon (2015)
  4. Yarrick: The Omnibus (2018)

Space Wolves Books

This is a newer series by Chris Wraight which harkens back to the older Space Wolves books by William King and Lee Lightner, but with new characters.

  1. Blood of Asaheim (2013)
  2. Stormcaller (2014)
  3. The Helwinter Gate (2020)

The Legacy of Caliban Books

The Legacy of Caliban by Gav Thorpe is a spin-off of sorts from what he began in the standalone novel Angels of Darkness. Thorpe picks up his own threads about the Dark Angels in telling this story of treachery, deceit, and secrets.

  1. Ravenwing (2013)
  2. Master of Sanctity (2014)
  3. The Unforgiven (2015)
  4. Legacy of Caliban: The Omnibus (2016)

Black Crusade Books

The first book in this subseries is by Anthony Reynolds and depicts Khârn’s transition from Captain of the World Eaters Eighth Company to defector. Then the second book by Chris Dow depicts the red path that Khârn leaves in his wake as a Chosen of Korne that will see him in conflict with both the Imperium and the Black Legion.

  1. Khârn: Eater of Worlds by Anthony Reynolds (2014)
  2. The Red Path by Chris Dows (2016)

Black Legion Books

This is another series about the Chaos Space Marine warbands and one that is intimately tied to the Horus Heresy. Aaron Dembski-Bowden writes the series and in the first book Abaddon has been sought out from his long self-imposed exile by the Black Legion to continue what Horus began.

  1. The Talon of Horus (2014)
  2. Black Legion (2017)

Adeptus Mechanicus Books

These books by Rob Sanders reveal the inner workings of the Adeptus Mechanicus, who control much of the Imperium’s technology while destroying the impure technology which stems from Chaos Gods. The duology depicts a fierce stand-off between the opposing sides in the Adeptus Mechanicus’s Quest for Knowledge.

  1. Skitarius (2015)
  2. Tech-Priest (2015)
  3. Adeptus Mechanicus Omnibus (2016)

Titan Legions Novella

This is a novella which is adjacent to the Adeptus Mechanicus series as the Titan Legions are part of the Adeptus Mechanicus’s Collegia Titanica. They control the greatest war machines in the Imperium and Graham McNeill illustrates their prowess against the Hive Fleet Hydra in Knights of the Imperium.

  1. Knights of the Imperium by Graham McNeill (2014)

Phoenix Lords Books

Next in our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order are two more books by Gav Thorpe which focus on individuals. The first is the story of Asurmen who is the first and greatest of the Phoenix Lords of the eldar. Then he wrote the story of Jain Zar, who was the first Phoenix Lord to be recruited by Asurmen and became the first exarch of the Howling Banshees.

  1. Asurmen: Hand of Asuryan (2015)
  2. Jain Zar: The Storm of Silence (2017)

Space Marine Legends Books

These are also character-specific books by various authors focusing on iconic and legendary Space Marines or legends from various Chapters.

  1. Ragnar Blackmane by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2015)
  2. Lemartes: Guardian of the Lost by David Annandale (2016)
  3. Cassius by Ben Counter (2016)
  4. Shrike by George Mann (2016)
  5. Azrael by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  6. Orphans of the Kraken by Richard Williams (2016)
  7. Twelve Wolves by Ben Counter (2016)
  8. The Relic by Jonathan Green (2016)
  9. The Trial of the Mantis Warrior by C. S. Goto (2016)
  10. The Returned by James Swallow (2016)
  11. At Gaius Point by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2016)
  12. The Last Detail by Phil Kearney (2016)
  13. Hell Night by Nick Kyme (2016)

Farsight Books

The Farsight series is written by Phil Kelly and began with a novella before he returned to these characters with a full-length novel a few years later. In the novella and accompanying books Kelly tells the story of Commander Farsight who has been tasked with reclaiming the T’au Empire’s lost colonies.

  1. Farsight (2015) (Novella)
  2. Crisis of Faith (2017)
  3. Empire of Lies (2020)
  4. Farsight: Blade Of Truth (2025)

The Beast Arises Books

The Beast Arises documents the return of orks, which threatens the fragile peace of the Imperium, as written by various authors. This series harkens back to the period following the Horus Heresy in the 32nd millennium which, at the time of original publication, had yet to be explored. These books have also been collected into a three-volume omnibus set.

  1. I Am Slaughter by Dan Abnett (2015)
  2. Predator, Prey by Rob Sanders (2016)
  3. The Emperor Expects by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  4. The Last Wall by David Annandale (2016)
  5. Throneworld by Guy Haley (2016)
  6. Echoes of the Long War by David Guymer (2016)
  7. The Hunt of Vulkan by David Annandale (2016)
  8. The Beast Must Die by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  9. Watchers in Death by David Annandale (2016)
  10. The Last Son of Dorn by David Guymer (2016)
  11. Shadow of Ullanor by Rob Sanders (2016)
  12. The Beheading by Guy Haley (2016)

Legends of the Dark Millennium Books

The next novels in our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order are more companion novels that shed light onto different Chapters and factions, rather than directly correlate.

  1. Deathwatch by Ian St. Martin (2016)
  2. Ultramarines by Various Authors (2016)
  3. Sons of Corax by George Mann (2016)
  4. Astra Militarum by Various Authors (2016)
  5. Space Wolves: Scent of a Traitor by C. L. Werner (2016)
  6. Shas’o by Various Authors (2016)
  7. Space Wolves: The Darkness of Angels by Rob Sanders (2016)
  8. Space Wolves: Wrath of the Wolf by C. L. Werner (2016)
  9. Space Wolves by Various Authors (2017)

T’au Novella

This novella by Braden Campbell about the T’au Empire follows Commander Shadowsun. She is the child of the famed Kiru and protégé of Commander Puretide who has been tasked with leading the next expansion of the Empire.

  1. Shadowsun by Braden Campbell (2013)

Castellan Crowe Books

Garran Crowe is the castellan of the Grey Knights. As such he carries the heavy burden of the Blade of Antwyr, which tempts him to unleash its malevolent power. Crowe is among the purest and most noble of the Grey Knights, but for how long can he remain incorruptible? That is the story David Annandale tells in this duology.

  1. Warden of the Blade (2016)
  2. Castellan (2017)

Fabius Bile Books

From the purest of souls to the most infamous, the next series in our list of the Warhammer 40k books depicts Fabius Bile as written by Josh Reynolds. Bile has many other aliases including Primogenitor, Clone Lord, and Manflayer. He was the Chief Apothecary of the Emperor’s Children Legion before defecting. Now, Bile is a Chaos Lord and Chaos Space Marine Apothecary.

  1. Primogenitor (2016)
  2. Clonelord (2017)
  3. Manflayer (2020)
  4. Fabius Bile: The Omnibus (2022)

Carcharodons Books

The Carcharodons are a predatory Loyalist Space Marine Chapter that is shrouded in mystery. The first book by Robbie MacNiven finds them on the prison world of Zartak seeking a young inmate who has attracted the attention of the Night Lords too. Then, the second book by MacNiven depicts them in battle against a wave of tyranid hive fleets.

  1. Carcharadons: Red Tithe (2017)
  2. Carcharodons: Outer Dark (2018)
  3. Carcharadons: Void Exile (2025)

Imperial Knights Books

The Imperial Knights are robotic combat walkers that are piloted by a human warrior. They are much smaller than even the smallest Titans from the Collegia Titanica, but they are still a formidable force. This duology is written by Andy Clark and the first book introduces two novice Knight pilots facing near impossible odds.

  1. Kingsblade (2017)
  2. Knightsblade (2018)

Mephiston Books

Mephiston by Darius Hinks is a trilogy that dives deep into the story of Blood Angels Chief Librarian Mephiston and how he survived the curse of the Blood Angels. This series is also very informative in exploring the influence of the Emperor during the 41st millennium and the notions of faith that permeate the Imperium.

  1. Mephiston: Blood of Sanguinius (2017)
  2. Mephiston: Revenant Crusade (2018)
  3. Mephiston: City of Light (2019)

Dante Books

Next is a duology by Guy Haley which is also about the Blood Angels. Dante is the Chapter Master of the Blood Angels and has lived longer than any other Chapter Master, leaving him witness to the divine and heretical alike during his long life.

  1. Dante (2017)
  2. Darkness in the Blood (2020)

Watchers of the Throne Books

This duology by Chris Wraight takes place during the early Age of the Dark Imperium and focuses on Terra.

  1. The Emperor’s Legion (2017)
  2. The Regent’s Shadow (2020)

Genestealer Cults Books

Cult of the Warmason focuses on the Sisters of Battle defending the shrine world of Vadok against civil unrest in the fight of their lives. Meanwhile, the second book in this series takes place on the shrine world of Redemption, where an uneasy coexistence is maintained between the Spiral Dawn sect and a regiment of the Astra Militarum.

  1. Cult of the Warmason by C.L. Werner (2017)
  2. Cult of the Spiral Dawn by Peter Fehervari (2018)

Vaults of Terra Books

Vaults of Terra features more books by Chris Wraight focusing on Terra. These novels follow Inquistor Erasmus Crowl and his acolyte Spinoza as they are hunted on the Throneworld.

  1. The Carrion Throne (2017)
  2. The Hollow Mountain (2019)
  3. The Dark City (2022)

Vaults of Terra: The Omnibus (2026)

Iron Hands Books

In this duology, David Guymer explores the duality between man and machine by using a Chapter of the Space Marines, the Iron Hands, which has fallen into heresy. The Iron Hands are heavily augmented, becoming more machine than man, and rule with an iron fist. Thennos is considered sovereign territory by the Adeptus Mechanicus, but it is also a world under the protection of Iron Hands and when darkness lurks, they will respond without mercy.

  1. The Eye of Medusa (2017)
  2. The Voice of Mars (2018)

Iron Hands Novella

Matt Westbrook has also written a novella following this Chapter of the Space Marines.

  1. Meduson Wings (2016)

Dark Imperium Books

This trilogy by Guy Haley documents the return of Roboute Guilliman after the fall of Cadia and a Great Rift opens in the warp. Guilliman brings with him the wrath of the Ultramarines, but the forces of Ruin have amassed numbers never seen before. It will lead to an epic confrontation.

  1. Dark Imperium (2017)
  2. Plague War (2018)
  3. Godblight (2020)

The Horusian Wars Books

The next trilogy in our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order is written by John French and focuses on the Inquisition through the perspective of Inquisitor Covenant. He is a puritan and psyker who loathes those who wish to harness the power of Ruin and wield it as a weapon. In the first book Covenant is about to denounce such a heretic when the inquisitorial conclave is attacked and many are left dead; now, Covenant hunts the heretic himself.

  1. Resurrection (2017)
  2. Incarnation (2018)
  3. Divination (2019)

Cadia Books

We’ve mentioned Cadia before, but this series by Justin D. Hill shines a spotlight on the world and its fight against the forces of Chaos. Lord Castellan Ursarkar Creed stands resilient in the fight against Abaddon’s Thirteenth Black Crusade and hope persists while he still draws breath, but for how much longer will that be?

  1. Cadia Stands (2017)
  2. Cadian Honour (2018)
  3. Traitor Rock (2021)
  4. Shadow of the Eighth (2023)
  5. Minka Lesk: The Last Whiteshield (2023)

Space Marine Conquests Books

This is the result of the Space Marine Battles series being relaunched. It again depicts various Space Marine battles and pivotal characters.

  1. The Devastation of Baal by Guy Haley (2017)
  2. The Ashes of Prospero by Gav Thorpe (2018)
  3. War of Secrets by Phil Kelly (2018)
  4. Of Honour and Iron by Ian St. Martin (2018)
  5. Apocalypse by Josh Reynolds (2019)
  6. Fist of the Imperium by Andy Clark (2020)
  7. Masters of Shadow by Thomas Parrott (2021)

Rise of the Ynnari Books

The next series in our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order is written by Gav Thorpe and depicts the long-lost craftworld of Ziasuthra. With its reappearance, Iyana Arienal and Yvraine of the Ynnari lead an expedition to establish contact, and secretly with the hope of retrieving the last cronesword.

  1. Ghost Warrior (2018)
  2. Wild Rider (2018)

Blackstone Fortress Books

Across the galaxy there are Rogue Traders who seek fortune and glory; Janus Draik is one of them. This series follows Draik as he attempts to restore his fortunes and risks everything to obtain an exceptional prize.

  1. Blackstone Fortress by Darius Hinks (2018)
  2. Vaults of Obsidian by Various Authors (2019)
  3. Ascension by Darius Hinks (2020)

Warhammer Adventures: Warped Galaxies

The Warhammer Adventures series takes the brutal setting of this world and softens it for a middle grade audience. This series is written by Cavan Scott as an early entry-point for young fans. There are aliens, tyrants, and impossible odds, but the stakes are not quite as high as in the books targeted to adults.

  1. Attack of the Necron (2019)
  2. Claws of the Genestealer (2019)
  3. Secrets of the Tau (2019)
  4. War of the Orks (2020)
  5. Plague of the Nurglings (2020)
  6. Tomb of the Necron (2020)

Warhammer Horror Books

The title of this group of books is self-explanatory as these novels and anthologies all fall within the horror genre while taking place in the Warhammer 40k setting.      

  1. The Wicked and the Damned by Various Authors (2019)
  2. The Hunt by David Annandale (2019)
  3. Invocations by Lora Gray (2019)
  4. Nightbleed by Peter Fehervari (2020)
  5. The Child Foretold by Nicholas Kaufmann (2019)
  6. Skull Throne by Jake Ozga (2019)
  7. Maledictions by Various Authors (2019)
  8. The House of the Night and Chain by David Annandale (2019)
  9. The Colonel’s Monograph by Graham McNeill (2019)
  10. The Oubliette by J.S. Stearns (2020)
  11. Five Candles by Lora Gray (2020)
  12. A Moment of Cruelty by Phil Kelly (2020)
  13. Pentimento by Nick Kyme (2020)
  14. The Cache by James Brogden (2020)
  15. The Reverie by Peter Fehervari (2020)
  16. Anathemas by Various Authors (2020)
  17. Sepulturum by Nick Kyme (2020)
  18. The Deacon of Wounds by David Annandale (2021)
  19. The Harrowed Paths by Graham McNeill (2021)
  20. The Vampire Genevieve by Kim Newman (2021)
  21. The Vintage by David Annandale (2021)
  22. The Isenbrach Horror by Darius Hinks (2021)
  23. Aberration by Jake Ozga (2021)
  24. Blood Drinker by James Brogdan (2021)
  25. Bird of Change by Richard Strachan (2021)
  26. The Accursed by Various Authors (2021)
  27. The Bookkeeper’s Skull by Justin D. Hill (2022)
  28. Gothgul Hollow by Anna Stephens (2022)
  29. The Stacks by Chris Winterton (2022)
  30. King of Pigs by J. H. Archer (2022)
  31. The Somewhere Sister by Jeremy Lambert (2022)
  32. The Gnarled Bough by Jamie Mistry-Evans (2022)
  33. Pain Engine by Chris Thursten (2022)
  34. Black-Eyed Saint by Dale Lucas (2023)
  35. The Resting Places by Various Authors (2023)
  36. Unholy Tales of Horror & Woe From The Imperium by Various Authors (2023)

Dawn of Fire Books

This newer series by multiple authors picks up threads from previous series in the Warhammer 40k books in order to tell a new story of the battle between the armies of the Imperium and Chaos. The first book is written by Guy Haley and features Roboute Guilliman gathering forces for the Indomitus Crusade to sling against the rampant Chaos armies.

  1. Avenging Son by Guy Haley (2020)
  2. The Gates of Bones by Andy Clark (2021)
  3. The Wolftime by Gav Thorpe (2021)
  4. Throne of Light by Guy Haley (2022)
  5. The Iron Kingdom by Nick Kyme (2023)
  6. The Martyr’s Tomb by Marc Collins (2023)
  7. Sea of Souls by Chris Wraight (2023)
  8. Hand Of Abaddon by Nick Kyme (2024)
  9. The Silent King by Guy Haley (2025)
  10. No Peace Among Stars (2025) (Anthology)
  11. Master of Rites (2025) A Ferren Areios Novel

Warhammer Crime Books

Similar to the Warhammer Horror books listed above, these novels and anthologies fall within the crime genre. Each story takes place within the seedy city of Varangantua where secrets and crime run rampant, but the authors bring their own interpretation and characters to this idea.

  1. No Good Men by Various Authors (2020)
  2. Bloodlines by Chris Wraight (2020)
  3. Flesh and Steel by Guy Haley (2020)
  4. Grim Repast by Marc Collins (2021)
  5. Broken City by Various Authors Authors (2021)
  6. Sanction and Sin by Various Authors (2021)
  7. The King of the Spoil by Jonathan D. Beer (2023)
  8. Once a Killer by Various Authors (2023)

Baggit and Clodde Books

This duology by Alec Worley also falls within the Warhammer Crime series, but the books are interconnected with the reappearance of the main two characters. Those characters are Baggit, a ratling, and Clodde, an ogryn, who solve crime in the city of Varangantua.

  1. Dredge Runners (2020)
  2. The Wraithbone Phoenix (2022)

Urdesh Books

The next series in our list of the Warhammer 40k books in order follows the Iron Snakes, another Space Marine Chapter, on the desolate Forge World of Urdesh. The world is burning, but the fate of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade depends on the outcome of this world, so the Iron Snakes do everything in their power to protect the world and the reincarnated Saint Sabbat. This duology is written by Matthew Farrer.

  1. The Serpent and the Saint (2021)
  2. The Magister and the Martyr (2021)

The Twice-Dead King Books

The Twice-Dead King duology by Nate Crowley tells the story of Necron Lord Oltyx as he schemes to regain his throne. In the first book Oltyx seethes on the world of Sedh as he fights Ork invaders and bitterly recalls the throne of his birthright. He decides to return to his crownworld and reclaim his dynasty, but upon his return he finds profound horror.                                            

  1. Ruin (2021)
  2. Reign (2021)

The Twice-Dead King Omnibus (2025)

Da Red Gobbo Books  

This duology is the story of Fingwit, a grot who is regulated to the very bottom of ork society. Food, riches, prestige, and personal safety are far out of his reach until one day he is presented with the opportunity to become a legend: Da Red Gobbo.

  1. Da Gobbo’s Revenge by Mike Brooks (2021)
  2. Da Gobbo’s Demise by Denny Flowers (2022)
  3. Long Live Da Red Gobbo (2024)
  4. Da Red Gobbo’s Last Stand (Novella) (2025)

Cypher Book

With this book John French sheds light onto the motivations and innermost thoughts of Cypher. He was one of the most mysterious figures in the galaxy who escaped his bonds on Holy Terra as Roboute Guilliman returned. Cypher was hunted by all as he embarked on a mission, and this is the first time his story is told from his point of view.

  1. Lord of the Fallen (2023)

Adeptus Custodes Novella

The Adeptus Custodes, or Custodians, are the mightiest of all mankind’s warriors. This novella follows Shield-Captain Cartovandis as he responds to a distress call from Vorganthian and finds a planet overrun by Chaos cultists.

  1. Auric Gods by Nick Kyme (2018)

Necrons Novella

In addition to the books which involve the Necrons, there is one novella which follows this xenos species that are robotic humanoids. The novella follows Nemesor Zahndrekh, lauded military strategist, and Vargard Obyron, his protector and eternal companion. While slim, Crowley’s novella provides insight into key necron characters.

  1. Severed by Nate Crowley (2019)

Orks Novella

Finally, if you enjoy reading about the greenskins, you will enjoy reading this novella about Marcus van Veenan who has been taken prisoner by orks alongside several hundred Guardsmen and must plot their escape.

  1. Prisoners of Waaagh! by Justin Wooley (2020)

About Warhammer 40k

Warhammer 40k is often described as one of the bleakest science fiction settings: questionable morality, brutal factions, and a galaxy where “survival” is rarely clean or heroic. It began as a tabletop wargame created by Games Workshop, with fiction expanding over time as readers wanted deeper stories set inside the same universe.

If you’re brand new and searching for the Warhammer 40k books in order, the key thing to know is that Warhammer novels aren’t one continuous storyline. They’re a universe of arcs—some connected, many standalone—so the “best” reading order is usually the one that matches what you want to read next.

Most Warhammer 40k series are organized around a faction, a war zone, or a specific cast of characters, and that’s the easiest way to navigate the setting. If you like investigation and politics, Inquisition-focused books are a strong entry point; if you want battles and camaraderie, Imperial Guard stories work well; if you came here for power armor and bolters, Space Marine series are the direct route.

The setting also spans huge stretches of time, and many books don’t pin themselves to exact dates. That’s why strict chronological order is often messy, debated, or simply not practical—while reading by series and publication flow tends to be smoother and more satisfying.

The good news is you don’t have to “know everything” to start. Pick a strong entry-point series, get comfortable with the tone and the rules of the universe, then branch out by faction, author, or era as your Warhammer 40k reading list grows.

Final thoughts on Warhammer 40k books in order

As Warhammer 40k continues to expand, it becomes more overwhelming to know where to begin and to determine which books are essential reading. This guide will help provide that necessary context before you begin reading about the setting, and hopefully identify which characters, factions, or authors interest you the most.

Have you read the Warhammer 40k books in order? What book was your entry-point? Let us know in the comments below.

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2 thoughts on “Warhammer 40k Books in Order: Complete Guide (400+ Books)”

  1. Thank you so much for this list. I have tried a number of the suggested starting series, but I think I’m going to continue with The Gaunt Series. The audiobook versions are quite excellent. I’m also finishing up The Vaults of Terra which has also been enjoyable. I don’t think I’ll read the entire Horus Heresy, but maybe just the first few and The Seige of Terra.

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