This video has been requested so often I decided to finally make it - I only apologise that this was meant to be out yesterday to give more time for the Humble Sale, but my internet decided to stop working (of course) I have listed in the notes of the videos to links for every book suggestion - the humble sale - and audible. I hope you guys enjoy as I explain my thoughts about how to approach beginning to read into 40K lore, If you guys enjoy drop a like - maybe I can do this for other subjects and so in the future.
Luetin09 This is exactly what I was looking for! I literally just asked someone on reddit what their opinion I should look into. They basically gave me the same answer you did... wait... did you... nah never mind.
Luetin09 this is good advice for any franchise, series, etc. something no one tells you about but is very important since it’s sucks so bad to try and get them into something for them to turn away, give up, or dislike it. Sucks soooo bad!
Thank you, I asked in the comments this question a few videos back and you said you would be making this soon. I appreciate the time you put into explaining not only your choices but the reasons behind them. This should be well recieved now and in the future. Thanks again!
For the impatient - If you want to get straight to the Book choices - Timestamps: Short Collections 7:37 Middleweight Choices: 12:01 Trilogy Choices: 16:28
The MOST important tip for reading ALL the Warhammer books.. is make, buy or steal a time machine. Most fans will grow old and die before some of the stories get an ending .. oh wait .. cough, ack, gurgle. X,x
What would be the correct choice for those who want to start reading anything related to Indomitus Era ? Mainly events that led Guilliman's awakening, Primaris and Fall of Cadia ? I was reading new rule book for the lore but wondering if there's anything extra to read aside "Gathering Storm" series (i think it was Gathering Storm)
Started with the first book in the horus heresy. Shreded thru 12 books in 2 weeks. Took a break and am now making my way thru more. Seemed like a fine place to me to start.
There's a step I think you're missing. If someone asks "Where should I get started in 40k?" my response isn't going to be a recommendation, it's to ask "Well, what kind of stories do you like?" If someone really likes grim-and-gritty war novels, I'm more likely to recommend Gaunt's Ghosts, if they prefer the Dresden Files I'd point them towards Ciaphas Cain. Me, I've been peripherally aware of 40k since first edition; almost bought a box set from Argos, but never quite got around to it. I wasn't that keen on the black-on-black, everyone-is-awful-but-implausibly-badass style. I'm the guy who rolls his eyes and says "Yeah, right," when I hear about Commissar Yarrick getting his arm torn off, for example. I needed something a bit more down-to-earth to introduce me to the universe, so my gateway was the Cain novels.
Werrf1- Ok my first book was The Founding-Gaunts Ghosts Omnibus. It was recommended and I loved it! What do you recommend I read next? Would love more Ghost novels as I have come to love the characters. Thanks for any suggestions!
@@buffyleone If you like the Mechanicus I'd say The Forges of Mar omnibus. It has that sense of mystery and exploration. Though it does have some pretty cool action from time to time.
I never hear the Ciaphis Cain series recommended as much, and it's by FAR my favorite 40k series. I didn't put the Dresden Files connection together, but that makes a lot of sense, it has a similar narrated and humorous feel, showing us the wit and vulnerabilities of the main character in a nice combination most of the 40k universe lacks. I always look for something similar in other 40k novels and feel disappointed in what I've tried, other than the Dark Eldar books. Any similar suggestions?
I tried the Horus Heresy books after finding the 40k lore very interesting on RUclips, and I could not get into them. It was too much like a depressing historical documentary similar to covering a world war or something than a story. "And then everyone died".... My biggest gripe is there are no characters to care about or get invested in. I find 40k interesting in that I find the panoramic sweeps of the whole verse interesting, rather than books that explore a lot of the details. Because without caring for a character(s) or feeling invested in some sort of stake in the world, some hope, it just starts sounding like trivia. I'm inclined to say I guess I want to root for the Imperium because I'm pro-humanity in real life? But it's just a grotesque evil caricature in 40k, so the moment I say "okay I'm pro-Imperium as a reader because at least it's humans many of whom just want to survive, and all the other factions suck" or something like that the authors just make me feel like an idiot for doing so. I have no idea why people would keep reading more than a few of these books at most. I think the verse itself is a very interesting setting, but the authors probably feel compelled to stick to their notion of the "grimdark" genre and it's more the genre itself that I don't enjoy - if that makes sense. I like "dark", I'm good with violence in fiction, I like rich scifi universes, but if there's no "hook" then what's the point?
I feel like this is the YT comment I needed to see to finally understand how to jump in to 40K. It’s like learning about the real world, sort of, as someone said above. I feel like I’d prefer to start with the more down to earth stories as well, but not sure which specific series. I bet when I finally get to Space Marines cleaving each other’s faces off that makes it really kick my ass.
Gaunt's Ghosts gives you a very visceral idea of what life is like for the common soldiers of the Imperium. The way Abnett writes the firefights in it are really detailed and can be easily visualised.
You're doing great work here. I work in radio, in the US, and have spent my last few summers broadcasting Minor League Baseball for my region. I'm not a fan of baseball nor am I a fan of being stuck in a studio every day for four months to broadcast it. That said, and the point about this comment, is that I've much of my time in the studio reading 40K novels (more specifically Horus Heresy novels) and I greatly appreciate your work and attention to detail with your lore videos. There isn't necessarily a huge audience for this sort of thing but you've done some great work catering to those of us nerds that are into hearing your take on it. This is good, well-researched, stuff tastefully condensed into some great explanatory videos. It's very well done and very much appreciated. Keep it up! I'm always looking forward to your next video.
Luetin - If it ever came to the 'Astartes' channel creates a full length film, you should *absolutely* get involved in script, story, narration, plot etc. Could you imagine a collaboration 😁👌
Me:**Buys a "book" about 40k** Later: “Asmodai!” “INTERROGATE?!” “Our assumptions are confirmed!” “WHAT” “He has a suspicious book!” “BOOK” “He’s in cahoots with the Fallen!” “FALLEN” “Make him repent!” “REPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-“ **BANG**
I started with Eisenhorn. Really enjoyed it. I like when a story refers to things I have no clue about, and do so in a matter they are ”general knowledge” of that culture. For me, it gives a story depth. Eisenhorn was spot on start for me.
Personally I love my Guardians of the Covenant (Dark Angel Successors), and I wanted to learn more on the origins, organizational structure etc., of the Dark Angels. I started out with Horus Rising, and from there moved to book 6 (Decent of Angels). I have been on a constant crusade through Dark Angels books ever since. Before staring this crusade into 40k knowledge however it started with you Luetin09, and many others like you, to forge a baseline of information on what has happened, happening, and what may come to be. I will finish my endeavor of all Dark Angel lore and move on from there to new and exciting adventures.
I'm a newcomer to warhammer 40k. I started with the gaunt's ghosts series. I'm half way through the 3rd book. Its incredible!! One thing I do often when reading it is that I will google images of the weapons and vehicles in the lore.
I started off with "Heroes of the Space Marines". Fresh of DoW: Dark Crusade, I scoured bookstores everywhere in my area. I think I ended up going to one of the larger bookstores in the capital before I found a Warhammer 40k book. I came back for more and I think my dad absolutely hates that bookstore till today.
I’d recommend the Hero of the Imperium omnibus by Sandy Mitchell, following the (mis)adventure’s of commissar Caphius Cain and his malodorous aide Gunner Jurgen, essentially this is Blackadder meets 40k and is a somewhat lighter and humorous introduction to the universe, the three novels and three short stories introduce (at least from the imperial viewpoint) 5 different factions along with the Valhallan Imperial Guard regiment he serves with. It’s generally a good read and I quite enjoyed this take on the imperium and the 40k universe at large.
My 40K literature adventure began when a friend offered me a printed copy of Eisenhorn trilogy. I had already been a fan of space/high tech sci-fi, so I found it to be a relatively easy reading, even though some aspects and terms were not very clear initially. I then proceeded to read a bunch of other books, including the first few of Heresy series, Ravenor trilogy, Ciaphas Cain, Gaunt's Ghosts and Grey Nights. I consider Eisenhorn/Ravenor to be the best books in 40k library, and good for beginners as well, as long as you are familiar with general space sci-fi genre.
I honestly think Codex Space Marines is the best starting book to get into 40k. The codexes have a lot of information condensed in them, and can give you a lot of background for what you want to explore next.
I've been loving Audible for burning though 40k books. If you haven't tried audio books before definitely give them a go - I was a pretty big sceptic about how much I would enjoy and take in audio books, but they're my go-to for any Black Library books nowadays.
if you havent already, the horus rising trilogy, the first 3 books of the heresy are great books, full of emotion, and the audiobooks of them are great!
That's wild. I thought i was the only one who started on Storm of Iron?! I had no idea what i was doing, i just saw it and needed more 40k after many hours playing Space Hulk in the mid 90s and Dawn of War in 2004
I started watching a video of a general description of the all the factions and picked Necrons, as the idea of ancient robots slumbering beneath planets with technology that far surpasses even the most cutting-edge human technology of the 41st millenia appealed to me. I learned about the Necrontyr, their struggle with their homeworld, their feud with the Old Ones, and the creation of the Eldari to fight the Necrontyr. I was like "Oh, the Eldari seem pretty cool too!" so I researched all of the factions of the Eldari and the Fall of their civilization, learning about the birth of Slaanesh and how cruel he/she can be, so I researched Slaanesh, then Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Khorne. It's so awesome learning all of these things and how they relate/contrast from one another. Definitely picking up this Humble Bundle
I just started eisenhorn xenos for my first 40k book. Loving the detective/intrigue vibes and the imperiums motifs in the planet setting (this constant balance of light and dark in the culture) I'm so glad i found your channel, i wanted to read one of the thicker novels but i knew it would be INCREDIBLY dry without context, so thank you for your lore videos. I don't have too much in cash so these books are really going to be my only gateway into 40k until i get fanatic/financial enough to purchase an army
I really like Toby Longworth. I’m currently on Legion narrated by David Timson. I get worried when it switches to a new narrator, but this guy is pretty good tbh.
"Oh yes! Let me just strut into the obscurest corner of the Webway and break into the most heavily defended reservoir of knowledge in the galaxy, not to gain infinite wisdom and power or anything like that, but to read a bunch of novels for my own personal amusement."
My first 40k novel was Storm of Iron by Graham McNeil. I thought it a great starter book since it covered both the Imperial Guards perspective as the Iron Warriors. It is a book without clear sides, and also portrays the threat of chaos forces pretty clearly. Great book!
You’re my favorite RUclipsr man. You make fantastic videos and have gotten me seriously addicted to 40k lore and the books and this video is just yet another example of how awesome you are. Appreciate all that you do brother!
I definitely recommend Horus Heresy as a starting point. The first five books are fantastic reads and I burned through them with ease (as well as everything that follows). I actually started my reading following Lutins advice, but I don't like short stories as much (some are great). Then I read the Eisenhorn series (which I ended up loving), but there was a lot I didn't understand at the time and wished I would've started with Horus Heresy, as it really explains a lot about the basis of 40K lore. I'm currently 21 books into The Heresy, and have loved most of them. I go through the short story collections slower, as some of the stories felt like a waste of time (the farming colony one in Age Of Darkness was boring). That being said, from time to time, some of the short stories have relevancy and come up later in the rest of the series, so it's a must for completionists. I've also stopped and read other novels in the current timeline along the way (Indomitus, Dawn of Fire, Belarius Cawl, etc.). Overall, most of the 40K novels are fantastic, with great writing, plot twists, and memorable characters be it heroes or villains and those that could be either. I was ensnared by this Grim Dark future from the moment I saw the Astartes fan film, and once I found Lutin's channel, there was only War...
It was channels like this and the fan-made film "Helsreach" that got me to start reading 40k. For me, I figured I should just start at the beginning (Horus Heresy) and work my way up from there. I've also occasionally stepped outside the Horus Heresy and read the Eisenhorn trilogy, which is just fantastic.
Giving me some excellent recommendations here man, cheers. For myself I'd recommend Fifteen Hours, The Imperial Guard novel. Great characters, and it gives you the outlook of a pleb soldier sent into the wrong battlefield, completely under prepared, because of someone's administrative error.
"Fifteen Hours" was my introduction to Warhammer 40k novels as well. I've quite enjoyed all the Imperial Guard books I've read. To me, they're the most interesting "faction" in the game: they weren't vat-grown from genetic material to pilot Terminator armour, they're mostly just a bunch of ordinary people, sometimes literally teenagers, thrown into the meat grinder because human life is literally cheaper than the lasguns and bolters they're carrying. Obviously you have your more highly-trained and adaptable segments, like the Catachans and Death Korps of Krieg who are more like the Green Berets or SAS of the world, but they're still just normal guys trying to live to fight another day.
I always found that question to be simple to answer; The Horus Heresy Book 1; Horus Rising. It is a great introduction to the Universe, it is less over the top Grimdark then most and therefore more approachable to newcomers and if you like it, there is a clear line of followup books.
It is a great book a favourite for many me included, however I don't think its necessarily the best choice for beginners, but thats my personal opinion. It throws you in quite heavily to a specific time period with very specific events, and I think that could be confusing to someone who knows little about 40K
@@Luetin09 That is all true, but I my self started with it, because I knew very little about the Universe, and wanted the "Best Era" The biggest most dramatic war/story of the entire setting, and because it is nice to start with a definitv nr. 1. And I had a feeling, that I would like the Universe. But if you are unsure about 40k, the yes, it is a heavy early commitment.
- Talon of Horus by Aaron Dembski-Bowden - Black Legion - Nightlords The Omnibus - Soul Hunter - Blood Reavor - Void Stalker & For The Horus Heresy - Horus Heresy Audio Collection 1, 2, 3 & 4 I own 156 Audible Warhammer Books amd I've listened to them all some multiple times. Nothing I've found better than the Audio dramas & Aaron Dembski-Bowden books. Siege of Terra is also a great way to jump in.
IMO Aaron Dembski-Bowden is the best in writing interesting and ''believable'' space marine characters, his books are definitely my favorites. I'm not really a fan of his take on the Emperor though.
He writes good guard stories as well. Don’t remember the name of the novel, but there was one about the plague (basically zombie) planet and guard there was almost Gaunt’s level good.
I agree in the main, though I think Aaron does far better with Chaos characters than he does Imperial. And honestly? I wouldn't let him within a thousand miles of a story about The Emperor ever again, lol. The one exception to his rule about being better with expounding on Chaos is Helsreach, which is damned amazing, and one of the finest BL books ever written. Between that, his Night Lords, Black Legion, and Betrayer, the man does have a very good collection to sit through.
Your video comes at the perfect time, just this morning I decided to start reading the 40K Novels, but I had no Idea on where to start. Thank you, for making this video!
My very first 40k book was Tales of The Dark Millenium: The Tau Empire. Felt like a fitting starting point seeing as I had just started properly joining the hobby, and played Tau. Then Humble Bundle did that Horus Heresy bundle, I hopped on, and I've been plowing through HH novels since then, picking up the odd 40k book I could find in charity shops. Eisenhorn Omnibus for 50p was clearly a gift from the Emperor himself.
My personal recommendation: Luetins Emperor of mankind 2 part series. Honestly I still don't know why they landed in my recommendation list but they inspired me to give this universe a chance after playing Dawn of War etc. while never taking the setting seriously. After that I red the first part of the Space Wolves Omnibus (which was also widely recommended as starting lore) and I followed this up with the Night Lords Omnibus, which turned out to be a good choice because I prefer the edgy bad guy marines. After that the novel "Titanicus" is pretty nice to get a wider overview including Space marines, AdMech and the Guard and from there on it mostly depends on personal preferences imo. The Fabius Bile novels are great if one is a Chaos Marines fan, Forges of Mars omnibus for AdMech and Gaunts Ghosts or Ciaphas Cain (the latter being more humorous) for the Guard. Just after that I'd advise reading the Heresy novels because its even better to follow all those long gone heroes if one has some insight on the setting in general.
My entrance into the 40k world was the Uriel Ventris series. Ever since I had watched your lore episode on the daemonculaba, I wanted to read about it; and I cannot thank you enough for bringing me this joy/addiction to 40k books.
I started with 40k with Dawn of War the video game, so when I decided to read some of the novels I decided to start with the Dawn of War novel. It follows the story of the game pretty well but it also adds detail that they couldn't really go into in the game. There are also two follow on novels that deal with the aftermath of the events of the game and introduces other factions and races like the Necron. The second book, Ascension, has one of my favourite battles between the Blood Ravens and the Eldar in a desert. Fighting beside the Blood Ravens are a few Sisters of Battle and there are parts that describe how the Astartes were impressed by their skill and fortitude in battle even thought the weren't augmented like the Astartes are. There was a novelisation of Dawn of War 2 as well that deviated pretty far from the game. Knowing what I know now about the Tyanids, the threat they posed in the game was kinds tame. In the book they really go over how utterly devastating a Tyranid invasion can be. Its not a battle for victory, its simply a fight for survival. By the end of the game the Tyranids are defeated and all is well. In the book the ending isn't quite as rosy.
in japan 2023, Hachette starts Warhammer 40k "Imperium" magazine. i bought only #1($4) and #2($10). they looks nice for beginners. But i gave up that point. Because the regular price from #3 and later, are insane. approx. $20 per issue, in calc, x90 issues = $1800+. (i can't believe Game Workshop premium price gone so far than UK or US). Note: Here, 1 of "gundam kit 1/144 size" is $12 ish. i will stay on Gundam for modeling and painting. (still i love Warhammer series for PC gaming).
Spear of the Emperor by Aaron Dembski Bowden is really good for a beginner book IMO. You get the tone of the setting from the first chapter, it's from the point of view of a human so it's relatable, and it shows Space Marines fighting in different ways depending on their chapter.
Thank you for this Luetin! Every time I've traveled to this bookstore that has a large collection of 40K books it felt a bit daunting having to choose which one to purchase as my first book to further delve into the universe. I've never owned or played any of the tabletops, my early exposure to this grimdark universe was through the first Dawn of War game and through these lore videos and the gorgeous collection of artworks I have had a long fascination with this subject.
The first non-guidebook I read was “Fall of Damnos” which did an effective job of making both the Necrons and Ultramarines look badass. But for a series, few things beat “Ciaphas Cain: HERO OF THE IMPERIUM”
Ciaphas Cain novels are a decent place to start. Fun, tongue in cheek, and not soul crushingly depressing. You also cant go wrong with Graham McNeil, his work is pretty clutch. Ben Counter is good as well.
Best starting place I recommend to my friends is basically anything to do with the soldiers of the Imperium. I started with Eisenhorn, went through Ciaphis Cain and am working on Gaunts Ghosts currently.
Thank you for the Belsarius Caul recommendation. I had no idea the book existed and it's a point a view I'm looking forward to learning more about. I'm shared this out with several people, thank you for the great video.
Horus Rising Masterworks! I’m dyslexic & don’t typically read for fun but this book was so good i couldn’t put it down. I’m not into table top games but 40K lore is amazing.
I remember getting my first 40k novel: I was thirteen and found a copy of Brothers of the Snake by Dan Abnett at a truck stop in between my hometown and Dallas. I got my mom to buy it for me and now I have a collection of over 40+ novels.
I jumped on this bundle almost immediately, can't wait to dive into it just as soon as I finish Forges of Mars!...I first got into 40k about 9 years ago and my first novel was '13 hours' which I happened across in a bookstore in Albany and I thought it was a great introduction to the world of 40k, and than I dove right into the Ultramarines Omnibus and that forever solidified my love for the 40k universe...thanks for all of your great content Luetin!
Your "miasma" description of the way you view 40K is spot on... it is exactly how I feel... I'm not judgemental of those who stick to chronology but 'me thinks' the authors are thinking the same way... making EVERYTHING reasonably changeable so it never ends and GW can still make the money!
Started reading the first Gaunt's Ghosts Omnibus the other day, as my first read. I've heard they're supposed to be good, but that they get quite a lot better down the line, personally I'm having fun so far. Gonna check out some of the other ones you mentioned here!
Nice Video man. Thanks for the suggestions! I've wanted to get into the 40k books for some time now but just couldn't figure out where to start. Got the Horus Heresy books eventually but it didn't really grip me. Started reading "There is only war" now and I really enjoyed it so far
I’ve gone the audiobook route through to And including Fulgrim, and then listened to the Garro anthology, then back to Legion to continue the “timeline”. I’ve never read/listened to any other Warhammer novels and just dived straight into the HH. I thought, what better place to start than at the beginning.
@@gratis20101 Same with me, I'm currently up to _Scars._ I haven't read the other Garro stories but I will because he's certainly a pretty cool character. Jonathan Keeble is an awesome narrator!
I'd recommend choice novels for their quality and immersion. I'd shun to mention works which do not immerse themselves sufficiently in the bizarre setting. Short stories and old White Dwarf articles are indeed a great digestible starting point (they were my own) and nowadays I'd always point first to Luetin's videos as well, but these are my picks when it come to novels: 1. Eisenhorn omnibus by Dawn Abnett, for being the best 40k stories around there, and a flagship narrative for the setting. 2. Space Marine by Ian Watson, for being one of the very best written 40k books around (but you'll want to keep a dictionary webpage on hand during the read). It's old, it's bonkers, but it breathes and lives 40k through and through. 3. Enforcer Omnibus by Matthew Farrer, and virtually anything penned by Farrer (Lamplighter Necromunda novel, short stories such as Masks). This author's thoughtful style and complete immersion in the cruel setting is a shining beacon among middling works. Farrer's works are not the best narratives per se, but excellent pieces of world building and rich tours of the Imperium. Head and shoulders above most other authors of Black Library, including most of their best ones. No list of the best 40k authors would be complete without Matthew Farrer on it. Furthermore, outside novels I'd actually recommend the original Rogue Trader rulebook for its background parts. They have aged very well (quality writing from the start), and will give a solid basis on which to explore 40k. In fact it will give you a great knowledge of obscure references sprinkled around in later works. And lastly an honorary mention to Xenology. Not a starting point, but a must-read for anyone who has dug in a bit in the grim darkness of the far future.
Leutin09, thank you so much for your comment at 1:30. It's always nice to be reminded that I'm not the only one who remembers "back then"... yeah, let's say 20 years ago... Being introduced to Tyranids Vs. Ultramarines by way of "Advanced Space Crusade" 😀
My first exposure to the extremely immersive lore of 40k was your multi-part Emperor series. I then did a free trial of Audible and started at the beginning of the HH. Now I am on “The Unremembered Empire”. Essentially my comment has 2 points: 1) Your videos are awesome. And 2) Audiobooks are a fantastic way to “read” the books as you can have them playing in the background whilst doing mundane tasks or driving. It’s so much easier to get through dull swaths of literature without missing much and still keeping abreast of the core storyline.
My first 40k book was Blood Reaver. I was a bit miffed when I discovered that it was the second book of the Night Lords series, but I enjoyed it nontheless. I've since picked up the Night Lords omnibus, the Word Bearers omnibus, and a couple other 40k books. Honestly, I haven't read any of them yet due to a lack of time, but seeing as I'll have a bit more time soon, I'm probably gonna get started with the rest of the Night Lords books then.
“When you have come to the edge of all that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen,’ the Warmaster had told him. ‘And what are they?’ he had asked. ‘That there will be something solid to stand on or you’ll be taught to fly,’ laughed Horus as he jumped.
So far, as a relatively new reader and lore nerd, my list is 1) caiphas cain - great read for a look at normal humans 2) mark of calth - many great short stories that tell both sides of that betrayal 3) Scars - so far my second favorite heresy book after esinstian
Years ago i started with a video game. Then i just listened to random audio books . When i really got into it , I bought all the Primarch books and then started with the Horus Heresy in order. Nowadays i`m just catching up on new books in random i haven`t read yet.
Thought you might appreciate this. I bought a 40K book almost a decade ago while perusing a 2nd hand bookstore. At the time, I had no knowledge of the 40K universe and was completely lost with the terminology and subject matter, so I just stored it away. It was a Ciaphas Cain novel, btw. Then 2 years ago I stumbled across your videos on RUclips, and also some other 40K themed videos. Well after absorbing as much of the info as I could, I found the novel that I had stored a was away and needless to say, the rest is history. I've been hooked ever since. I think I've already knocked out 10 or more novels, and because of your videos, it doesn't matter what the timeline is with each book, I have an idea what is going on in the Imperium and generally who the main characters are. Thanks so much, Luetin. 👍🏽
I had no idea where to start reading so I just went to the wiki and looked up events I was interested in. The war in the webway had always been interesting so I ended up starting with Master of Mankind. I loved it, its still my favorite book in 40k. Some people have lore issues with the book but the story its self is great. Since then I've read over 35 40k books and typically burn threw 2 or 3 books a month. You really can just pick a topic you are interested in and jump right in. Edit: I also want to add that the reason I got back into 40k and read my first 40k book was because I ran out of youtube lore vids. Lore vids, most notably ones from Luetin09, are really the best starting point.
So I decided to got the deal yesterday and it’s the first time I’ve read for pleasure in years! This video has actually given me something new to do and I’m so grateful 💜
Very recently discovered 40k as a whole, and the books/novels seem the most interesting place for me to start my proper journey. This definitely helped a lot. Cheers!
I've started with the Horus Heresy as my first books, but thats just because I already knew so much about the universe from your channel :) I got two collections with the first 6 books in the series and I've raced through them in under a month! I dont think I'm gonna go through all 30+ books of the heresy though just cant wait to get to the solar wars!! Just stumbled upon your channel one day and watched the whole Emperor of Mankind series. Love your content bro keep it up and keep spreading the love for 40k.
Great video man. I just started getting into 40K last week. Loving the lore and books and progressing. Starting in the Necromunda novels and backstory first.
Oh you beautiful bastard, I've been dying for something like this to come along. I've been educating myself on tons of these fantastic videos. Keep up the good work!
Coming in late to the game here...played a little 40k 20+ years ago in high school and getting into now more than before thanks to the new Joy Toy line. First read of all currently working through...Ultramarines omnibus from McNeill. I played Ultramarines when I played table top, and the Joy Toy line features them strongly. So in we go. I echo the point on short stories. For me, the bigger a book the better. But that first short story hooked me to read the next 3 novels that make up the omnibus. Thank you brother for your work here.
I really enjoyed the Honsou Omnibus (for obvious reasons, SIEGE!, FORTIFY! SIEGE!) as my first 40k read, thought you should read it together with the Uriel Ventris books as the stories are connected. Storm of Iron is great!
I bought random books online and my first book that I actually finished today is one of the siege of terra books. I really enjoyed it and was impressed by how it all so many characters and events came together in the end to create a story that made sense. I read it with many questions in my mind and the book did a good job of answering all of them as I went through. I'm planning on reading more soon. If recommend it to anyone. The book does a good job of telling you who the characters are and the siege serve as good stand alone stories. I loved it. Definitely one of my new favorites
I found the Soul Drinkers Omnibus at a used book store without knowing what 40k even was and read through it. After that I started reading through the Horus Heresy in order, one after the other. A year and a half later I'm still going. It's all I read, and as of now I've made it to "The Master of Mankind". Luetin is such a great resource for learning about the elements of the 40k universe that I don't understand, I don't know what I would do without this channel sometimes.
Perfect tutorial. I like that you are realistic and respectfull to people's time in your advices. Thank you and I will definitely have a look at your suggestions!
I started with the second book of the gaunts ghosts series. That was a perfect start because of is essentially a collection of short stories about the prominent ghosts. After that I obviously read the whole series and then I just bought everything ☺.
Eisenhorn is great (The first 3) Gives you bits of the larger universe but focuses closely around one guy and his peeps. Nothing was jarring or confusing in it. Very well done. Good pacing and never boring.
Had no idea what 40k was.... My brother started me with Horus Heresy. I was blown away. He laughed and said the main series is 10,000 years into the future and the ending is already known. There is nothing like Warhammer.
I just made my audible account and was browsing "Warhammer 40,000" and saw "Belisarious Cawl: The great work" and from "If the emperor had a tts device" I remember the character really intriguing me so that's what I went with, Haven't started it yet but I will listen to it while I do some 3D modelling
Update: So I'm basically bed ridden due to a minor injury (it keeps me from sitting though so I can't do much) so I listened to the book in 1 go. Pretty good place to start I think, Admittedly I know some of the lore, primarily from watching "If the emperor had a tts" and your series on the subject. But I don't think much background is needed for understanding and following along. I'll need to listen to it another 2 or 3 times to catch everything, spending 11 hours in bed listening to an audio book makes it hard to keep paying complete attention.
I got both the short stories and the Humble Bundle deal. Thank you for making me so interested in this universe! I'm gonna go back to paint my first mini!
I just got into 40k this year. It started when I bought the Inquisition Martyr video game on a whim. This lead me to the books. I knew Dan Abnett from his work with Marvel Comics and so I jumped into 40k books with Eisenhorn. I devoured that trilogy, finished the Ravanor books, and am currently on The Magos. I feel these books have been great as an introduction to 40k and would recommend them to any new reader.
So when I first started I was not sure what direction I wanted to go in, so someone recommended the " Forges Of Mars" Trilogy , and I loved it. It was really nice to get a look at so many different factions in one story, instead of a whole book about just space marines or something. You got, of course, the Adeptus Mechanicus, but also the Black Templars, Imperial Guardsmen, a Rogue trader vessel, even the Eldar. Plus a look at some of the bonded servants on the lower decks of the Ark Mechanicus.
As for some of my suggestions for where to start: The Eisenhorn Trilogy: A great story about an Inquisitor whose forced to make hard choices, and see how many lines he's willing to cross to root out heresy and defend the Imperium of Man. Relatively easy to jump into with the lore, with it getting your toes wet with different concepts and factions in 40k. It's sequel, Ravenor, is also quite good as well. Commissar Cain Series: A funny series about a commissar who doesn't want to shoot people. A general crowd-pleaser, along with getting the reader introduced to the Imperial Guard/Astra Militarum, as well as to a range of foes to the Imperium as Commissar Cain goes through his crazy adventures where he desperately tries and fails to stay out of danger. Gaunt's Ghosts: Sharpe in Space. A great series about a regiment of the Imperial Guard fighting a crusade against Chaos. After these series, I'd say jump into what interests you. The omnibuses can be good if you want to jump into a specific Astartes chapter, and there's a lot of books all about specific characters or factions you can jump into. Horus Heresy can be good if you want to get into some of the mysterious origins of the 40k universe, though you can skip a lot of them if you aren't interested in who the book focuses on, and there are lists on places like Reddit suggesting which books are the "must reads" and "skips" of the series.
I'm watching this after getting into the books just to hear your thoughts. I know its years after you made this and new books have come out. I started with the Ghazkull book by Nate Crowley, just cause I have always loved orks in every setting and wanted to hear his origin story since he's "THE ork". Then went on to all of Mike Brooks' new ork books. Then since I knew I liked his work, I did The Son of the Forest. Completely different tone but still AMAZING. Then I did Infinite and the Divine just cause its always recommended these days as a new classic. Bounced off it at first and left it for a month. Then went back to it and got through the intro and loved it too! After that, did First and Only since its another highly rated classic. FANTASTIC! And thats where I'm at now. Have read a variety and haven't been disappointed yet!
Thank you for this! I started with the Horus heresy bundle from a few years back after my introduction being the Dawn of War games. I moved on to Eisenhorn trilogy and have basically used my audible sub to snag titles every month since. One book I'd like to highlight that I rarely see get much praise is Legion by Dan Abnett...I have yet to finish all of the Hersey books but this one and the Dark Angels have been among my favorites. Very unique perspectives from officers and foot soldiers regarding the many mysterious ways Alpha Legion choose to operate. I just grabbed The Great Work and am really looking forward to hearing it after Dark Imperium.
I've just started reading some of the 40k books... Not exactly 40k, but Necromunda. I find that the confined location of the hive city, the depth in the world building, and character building really accessable. Granted, I had listened to some lore videos beforehand, but that had just helped me to orientate myself in the underhive
If you already know a lot about the 40k verse and know the terminology then you can just jump in anywhere, if you don’t then that would understandably be pretty confusing. I would say to watch a fair few lore videos first to get to grips with terminology.
Just started playing a dark heresy campaign (my first 40k) and knew bits of the universe already but ploughed through core book in one night. Eager to learn more I turned to good old faithful youtube, and due to this vid I had to ask our gm whether the Eisenhorn trilogy was safe reading. Think he was pretty pleased to have to be asked! Recommended it and said it was essential reading. Thank you for getting me in my gm's good books and looking forward to bonus xp! ;)
Im glad I watched this, I initially wanted to dive into big series, but starting small worked nicely for me. I am a new reader of 40k books and started with Yarrick and got really hooked in. Then Pariah and Penitent and now working through Ravenor OMNI. With all Gaunt’s ghosts in the mail and I am addicted. The only depressing fact is that its hard to get physical books in stock (im not a fan of ebooks, to me its worse then heresy).
I started about 9 years ago with the Inquisitor omnibus by Ian Watson.. Bought it on a railway station had no idea of 40k (although big Sci fi fan since childhood)... Wow what a read.. A nightmarish journey through an empire of madness.. Not easy to read but I was addicted immediately.. Ian Watson what a fantastic author... Still one of my favorite 40k books..
I also thinks, that Ian Watson is the best Warhammer40k starter. Many details are outdated in the Lore now, but the overall despair and bloody-minded madness in it just perfect.
I actually started by reading some stand alone novellas; like Rebel Winter and Death world. After that I read the Eisenhorn series and found myself referencing 40k wiki frequently from there I started to watch lore videos, here's looking at you Luetin09, then the horus heresy of which I am currently reading Legion. After seeing this I realized I haven't read any non human centric 40k books. If anyone has suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
I ended up starting with eisenhorn myself and am now working on the ciaphas cain books. I have a pretty good library to pick and choose what to read after I'm done with that series. I watched a whole load of 40k videos and eisenhorn kept coming up as a good starting point so I gave it a go and they were right. Then with Ciaphas cain I was looking through various omnibus and thought the story would be both pretty good and worth a good chuckle here and there.
![40K - THE EMPEROR OF MAN [5] ABANDON HIM IN M41? | WARHAMMER 40,000 Lore/History](/img/1.gif)
This video has been requested so often I decided to finally make it - I only apologise that this was meant to be out yesterday to give more time for the Humble Sale, but my internet decided to stop working (of course) I have listed in the notes of the videos to links for every book suggestion - the humble sale - and audible. I hope you guys enjoy as I explain my thoughts about how to approach beginning to read into 40K lore, If you guys enjoy drop a like - maybe I can do this for other subjects and so in the future.
Luetin09 This is exactly what I was looking for! I literally just asked someone on reddit what their opinion I should look into. They basically gave me the same answer you did... wait... did you... nah never mind.
Luetin09 this is good advice for any franchise, series, etc. something no one tells you about but is very important since it’s sucks so bad to try and get them into something for them to turn away, give up, or dislike it. Sucks soooo bad!
Luetin09 holy shit... your suggestions are what the guy I spoke to suggested/just finished...
Luetin09 great choice by the way with the episode structure and background music.
Thank you, I asked in the comments this question a few videos back and you said you would be making this soon. I appreciate the time you put into explaining not only your choices but the reasons behind them. This should be well recieved now and in the future. Thanks again!
For the impatient - If you want to get straight to the Book choices - Timestamps:
Short Collections 7:37
Middleweight Choices: 12:01
Trilogy Choices: 16:28
The MOST important tip for reading ALL the Warhammer books.. is make, buy or steal a time machine.
Most fans will grow old and die before some of the stories get an ending .. oh wait .. cough, ack, gurgle. X,x
For someone who hasn’t really slept in the past couple of days, u my sir, has saved me valuable minuets lol
I love you
This should be the channel intro video or at least linked to
What would be the correct choice for those who want to start reading anything related to Indomitus Era ? Mainly events that led Guilliman's awakening, Primaris and Fall of Cadia ? I was reading new rule book for the lore but wondering if there's anything extra to read aside "Gathering Storm" series (i think it was Gathering Storm)
Started with the first book in the horus heresy. Shreded thru 12 books in 2 weeks. Took a break and am now making my way thru more. Seemed like a fine place to me to start.
schlynn I’m just about to start a thousand sons shits getting real such a good series
I know quite a bit about the setting but was still thinking of starting with that series, so would you still recommend it?
is it required you buy the books? I'm trying to get into 40k but I don't want to spend like $11 on the horus heresy books
anywhere you can get them for free?
@@garfieldman2380 "z-library", just google it
There's a step I think you're missing. If someone asks "Where should I get started in 40k?" my response isn't going to be a recommendation, it's to ask "Well, what kind of stories do you like?" If someone really likes grim-and-gritty war novels, I'm more likely to recommend Gaunt's Ghosts, if they prefer the Dresden Files I'd point them towards Ciaphas Cain.
Me, I've been peripherally aware of 40k since first edition; almost bought a box set from Argos, but never quite got around to it. I wasn't that keen on the black-on-black, everyone-is-awful-but-implausibly-badass style. I'm the guy who rolls his eyes and says "Yeah, right," when I hear about Commissar Yarrick getting his arm torn off, for example. I needed something a bit more down-to-earth to introduce me to the universe, so my gateway was the Cain novels.
Werrf1- Ok my first book was The Founding-Gaunts Ghosts Omnibus. It was recommended and I loved it! What do you recommend I read next? Would love more Ghost novels as I have come to love the characters. Thanks for any suggestions!
@@buffyleone If you like the Mechanicus I'd say The Forges of Mar omnibus. It has that sense of mystery and exploration. Though it does have some pretty cool action from time to time.
I never hear the Ciaphis Cain series recommended as much, and it's by FAR my favorite 40k series. I didn't put the Dresden Files connection together, but that makes a lot of sense, it has a similar narrated and humorous feel, showing us the wit and vulnerabilities of the main character in a nice combination most of the 40k universe lacks. I always look for something similar in other 40k novels and feel disappointed in what I've tried, other than the Dark Eldar books. Any similar suggestions?
I tried the Horus Heresy books after finding the 40k lore very interesting on RUclips, and I could not get into them. It was too much like a depressing historical documentary similar to covering a world war or something than a story. "And then everyone died".... My biggest gripe is there are no characters to care about or get invested in. I find 40k interesting in that I find the panoramic sweeps of the whole verse interesting, rather than books that explore a lot of the details. Because without caring for a character(s) or feeling invested in some sort of stake in the world, some hope, it just starts sounding like trivia. I'm inclined to say I guess I want to root for the Imperium because I'm pro-humanity in real life? But it's just a grotesque evil caricature in 40k, so the moment I say "okay I'm pro-Imperium as a reader because at least it's humans many of whom just want to survive, and all the other factions suck" or something like that the authors just make me feel like an idiot for doing so. I have no idea why people would keep reading more than a few of these books at most. I think the verse itself is a very interesting setting, but the authors probably feel compelled to stick to their notion of the "grimdark" genre and it's more the genre itself that I don't enjoy - if that makes sense. I like "dark", I'm good with violence in fiction, I like rich scifi universes, but if there's no "hook" then what's the point?
I feel like this is the YT comment I needed to see to finally understand how to jump in to 40K. It’s like learning about the real world, sort of, as someone said above. I feel like I’d prefer to start with the more down to earth stories as well, but not sure which specific series. I bet when I finally get to Space Marines cleaving each other’s faces off that makes it really kick my ass.
Gaunt's Ghosts gives you a very visceral idea of what life is like for the common soldiers of the Imperium. The way Abnett writes the firefights in it are really detailed and can be easily visualised.
You're doing great work here. I work in radio, in the US, and have spent my last few summers broadcasting Minor League Baseball for my region. I'm not a fan of baseball nor am I a fan of being stuck in a studio every day for four months to broadcast it. That said, and the point about this comment, is that I've much of my time in the studio reading 40K novels (more specifically Horus Heresy novels) and I greatly appreciate your work and attention to detail with your lore videos. There isn't necessarily a huge audience for this sort of thing but you've done some great work catering to those of us nerds that are into hearing your take on it. This is good, well-researched, stuff tastefully condensed into some great explanatory videos. It's very well done and very much appreciated. Keep it up! I'm always looking forward to your next video.
Luetin -
If it ever came to the 'Astartes' channel creates a full length film, you should *absolutely* get involved in script, story, narration, plot etc. Could you imagine a collaboration 😁👌
They should put a rememberancer named Luetin in the canonical lore.
Unfortunately GW bought them just to stop them from creating anything.
@@davidgreen3001 Yea its sad to see them do that.. Would be so awsome with a full length astrates movie!
Me:**Buys a "book" about 40k**
Later:
“Asmodai!”
“INTERROGATE?!”
“Our assumptions are confirmed!”
“WHAT”
“He has a suspicious book!”
“BOOK”
“He’s in cahoots with the Fallen!”
“FALLEN”
“Make him repent!”
“REPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-“
**BANG**
Poke Just I was about to scroll past this like an IDIOT
BROTHER I AM PINNED HERE
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Of course I heard it in their voice
VICTORY FOR THE CAPTIN GENERAL!!!
I started with Eisenhorn. Really enjoyed it. I like when a story refers to things I have no clue about, and do so in a matter they are ”general knowledge” of that culture. For me, it gives a story depth. Eisenhorn was spot on start for me.
Same.
Personally I love my Guardians of the Covenant (Dark Angel Successors), and I wanted to learn more on the origins, organizational structure etc., of the Dark Angels. I started out with Horus Rising, and from there moved to book 6 (Decent of Angels). I have been on a constant crusade through Dark Angels books ever since. Before staring this crusade into 40k knowledge however it started with you Luetin09, and many others like you, to forge a baseline of information on what has happened, happening, and what may come to be. I will finish my endeavor of all Dark Angel lore and move on from there to new and exciting adventures.
Glad to hear it dude, keep doing the good work
I'm a newcomer to warhammer 40k. I started with the gaunt's ghosts series. I'm half way through the 3rd book. Its incredible!! One thing I do often when reading it is that I will google images of the weapons and vehicles in the lore.
Dude I use ChatGPT nowadays, especially for Star Wars books. Been reading the Timothy Zahn 2017-2019 Thrawn trilogy.
I'd actually be really interested in "the inner workings of the Tryanid hives"🤓
I've always wondered...
Get some Tyranid love triangles going.
Political machinations of the Orks? Is that even possible?
For the glory of the swarm.
@@trekker105 I mean the orks are constantly fighting between clans and to be war boss. An action packed ork novel would make sense
Or tyranids, recipe books
I started off with "Heroes of the Space Marines". Fresh of DoW: Dark Crusade, I scoured bookstores everywhere in my area. I think I ended up going to one of the larger bookstores in the capital before I found a Warhammer 40k book.
I came back for more and I think my dad absolutely hates that bookstore till today.
I’d recommend the Hero of the Imperium omnibus by Sandy Mitchell, following the (mis)adventure’s of commissar Caphius Cain and his malodorous aide Gunner Jurgen, essentially this is Blackadder meets 40k and is a somewhat lighter and humorous introduction to the universe, the three novels and three short stories introduce (at least from the imperial viewpoint) 5 different factions along with the Valhallan Imperial Guard regiment he serves with. It’s generally a good read and I quite enjoyed this take on the imperium and the 40k universe at large.
CI-CI-CIAPAS CAIN, HERO OF THE IMPERIUM!
The Cainiverse is definitely the lightest gateway to the 40k verse, and my preferred vision of 40k.
My 40K literature adventure began when a friend offered me a printed copy of Eisenhorn trilogy. I had already been a fan of space/high tech sci-fi, so I found it to be a relatively easy reading, even though some aspects and terms were not very clear initially. I then proceeded to read a bunch of other books, including the first few of Heresy series, Ravenor trilogy, Ciaphas Cain, Gaunt's Ghosts and Grey Nights. I consider Eisenhorn/Ravenor to be the best books in 40k library, and good for beginners as well, as long as you are familiar with general space sci-fi genre.
I honestly think Codex Space Marines is the best starting book to get into 40k. The codexes have a lot of information condensed in them, and can give you a lot of background for what you want to explore next.
Perfect! I’ve been looking for what to get next on audible so this couldn’t be a better time. Thanks luetin! Your videos are always great!
Gaunt's ghosts is incredible if you feel like starting a 12 or 13 book series. The first 9 books are in 3 omnibus so it's easy to begin imo
audible is so bad
I've been loving Audible for burning though 40k books. If you haven't tried audio books before definitely give them a go - I was a pretty big sceptic about how much I would enjoy and take in audio books, but they're my go-to for any Black Library books nowadays.
@ may i ask why you dont like audible?
if you havent already, the horus rising trilogy, the first 3 books of the heresy are great books, full of emotion, and the audiobooks of them are great!
My first WH40K book was "15 Hours". What got me hooked was "Storm of Iron" by Graham McNeill, IMHO probably the best stand alone novel of WH40K.
Bought "Storm of Iron" on your suggestion (and others). Thanks!
@@lamejosh8355 that's awesome. Graham McNeill is a superb author. I hope you enjoy it.
That's wild. I thought i was the only one who started on Storm of Iron?! I had no idea what i was doing, i just saw it and needed more 40k after many hours playing Space Hulk in the mid 90s and Dawn of War in 2004
I started watching a video of a general description of the all the factions and picked Necrons, as the idea of ancient robots slumbering beneath planets with technology that far surpasses even the most cutting-edge human technology of the 41st millenia appealed to me. I learned about the Necrontyr, their struggle with their homeworld, their feud with the Old Ones, and the creation of the Eldari to fight the Necrontyr. I was like "Oh, the Eldari seem pretty cool too!" so I researched all of the factions of the Eldari and the Fall of their civilization, learning about the birth of Slaanesh and how cruel he/she can be, so I researched Slaanesh, then Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Khorne. It's so awesome learning all of these things and how they relate/contrast from one another. Definitely picking up this Humble Bundle
I just started eisenhorn xenos for my first 40k book. Loving the detective/intrigue vibes and the imperiums motifs in the planet setting (this constant balance of light and dark in the culture)
I'm so glad i found your channel, i wanted to read one of the thicker novels but i knew it would be INCREDIBLY dry without context, so thank you for your lore videos.
I don't have too much in cash so these books are really going to be my only gateway into 40k until i get fanatic/financial enough to purchase an army
Would highly recommend the audiobooks. A lot easier to digest on a commute or before going to sleep.
Zorodex I loved the first audiobook of the Horus Heresy, but couldn’t stand the narrator of the second :/
@@tmspica toby longworth narrates both though?
Can't stand the narrators of most 40k audiobooks tbh
I really like Toby Longworth. I’m currently on Legion narrated by David Timson. I get worried when it switches to a new narrator, but this guy is pretty good tbh.
Another tip: Go to the Black Library and start reading books peacefully there
And never mind the weird clowns in the library
So ... where is this "black library" of yours ...
How to get into this black library? ... :D
@@laszlomiskei9138 Deep in the eldar webway
"Oh yes! Let me just strut into the obscurest corner of the Webway and break into the most heavily defended reservoir of knowledge in the galaxy, not to gain infinite wisdom and power or anything like that, but to read a bunch of novels for my own personal amusement."
@@reaperdan84 Sounds like a plan
I finally did it, after all these years, the black library.
My first 40k novel was Storm of Iron by Graham McNeil. I thought it a great starter book since it covered both the Imperial Guards perspective as the Iron Warriors. It is a book without clear sides, and also portrays the threat of chaos forces pretty clearly. Great book!
Just finished the Night Lords series and it was amazing! I love Chaos.
You’re my favorite RUclipsr man. You make fantastic videos and have gotten me seriously addicted to 40k lore and the books and this video is just yet another example of how awesome you are. Appreciate all that you do brother!
I started with Horus rising and moved through in order until book 8 where I am now.
Legion is my favorite. Alpha Legion rule
I definitely recommend Horus Heresy as a starting point. The first five books are fantastic reads and I burned through them with ease (as well as everything that follows). I actually started my reading following Lutins advice, but I don't like short stories as much (some are great). Then I read the Eisenhorn series (which I ended up loving), but there was a lot I didn't understand at the time and wished I would've started with Horus Heresy, as it really explains a lot about the basis of 40K lore. I'm currently 21 books into The Heresy, and have loved most of them. I go through the short story collections slower, as some of the stories felt like a waste of time (the farming colony one in Age Of Darkness was boring). That being said, from time to time, some of the short stories have relevancy and come up later in the rest of the series, so it's a must for completionists. I've also stopped and read other novels in the current timeline along the way (Indomitus, Dawn of Fire, Belarius Cawl, etc.). Overall, most of the 40K novels are fantastic, with great writing, plot twists, and memorable characters be it heroes or villains and those that could be either. I was ensnared by this Grim Dark future from the moment I saw the Astartes fan film, and once I found Lutin's channel, there was only War...
@@lazerbeamhawkins you have a strong mentality. I could barely get through a novella in 3 weeks
@@erebus9217 I started with eye of terror a lot of fun actually
Im on book 29 now. Some book are amazing others are ehhh, but I havnt read a bad one yet
It was channels like this and the fan-made film "Helsreach" that got me to start reading 40k. For me, I figured I should just start at the beginning (Horus Heresy) and work my way up from there. I've also occasionally stepped outside the Horus Heresy and read the Eisenhorn trilogy, which is just fantastic.
Giving me some excellent recommendations here man, cheers. For myself I'd recommend Fifteen Hours, The Imperial Guard novel. Great characters, and it gives you the outlook of a pleb soldier sent into the wrong battlefield, completely under prepared, because of someone's administrative error.
That was the first story in the Warhammer 40k verse I read and I really loved and starting consuming the rest from there
"Fifteen Hours" was my introduction to Warhammer 40k novels as well. I've quite enjoyed all the Imperial Guard books I've read. To me, they're the most interesting "faction" in the game: they weren't vat-grown from genetic material to pilot Terminator armour, they're mostly just a bunch of ordinary people, sometimes literally teenagers, thrown into the meat grinder because human life is literally cheaper than the lasguns and bolters they're carrying.
Obviously you have your more highly-trained and adaptable segments, like the Catachans and Death Korps of Krieg who are more like the Green Berets or SAS of the world, but they're still just normal guys trying to live to fight another day.
I always found that question to be simple to answer; The Horus Heresy Book 1; Horus Rising. It is a great introduction to the Universe, it is less over the top Grimdark then most and therefore more approachable to newcomers and if you like it, there is a clear line of followup books.
It is a great book a favourite for many me included, however I don't think its necessarily the best choice for beginners, but thats my personal opinion. It throws you in quite heavily to a specific time period with very specific events, and I think that could be confusing to someone who knows little about 40K
@@Luetin09 That is all true, but I my self started with it, because I knew very little about the Universe, and wanted the "Best Era" The biggest most dramatic war/story of the entire setting, and because it is nice to start with a definitv nr. 1. And I had a feeling, that I would like the Universe. But if you are unsure about 40k, the yes, it is a heavy early commitment.
- Talon of Horus by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- Black Legion
- Nightlords The Omnibus
- Soul Hunter
- Blood Reavor
- Void Stalker
& For The Horus Heresy
- Horus Heresy Audio Collection 1, 2, 3 & 4
I own 156 Audible Warhammer Books amd I've listened to them all some multiple times.
Nothing I've found better than the Audio dramas & Aaron Dembski-Bowden books.
Siege of Terra is also a great way to jump in.
IMO Aaron Dembski-Bowden is the best in writing interesting and ''believable'' space marine characters, his books are definitely my favorites. I'm not really a fan of his take on the Emperor though.
He writes good guard stories as well. Don’t remember the name of the novel, but there was one about the plague (basically zombie) planet and guard there was almost Gaunt’s level good.
@@Rabarbarzynca that one is his first book, and it's Cadian Blood.
I agree in the main, though I think Aaron does far better with Chaos characters than he does Imperial.
And honestly?
I wouldn't let him within a thousand miles of a story about The Emperor ever again, lol.
The one exception to his rule about being better with expounding on Chaos is Helsreach, which is damned amazing, and one of the finest BL books ever written.
Between that, his Night Lords, Black Legion, and Betrayer, the man does have a very good collection to sit through.
What’s bad about his writings on the Emperor?
Your video comes at the perfect time, just this morning I decided to start reading the 40K Novels, but I had no Idea on where to start. Thank you, for making this video!
Read Gaunt's ghostsssss
My very first 40k book was Tales of The Dark Millenium: The Tau Empire. Felt like a fitting starting point seeing as I had just started properly joining the hobby, and played Tau. Then Humble Bundle did that Horus Heresy bundle, I hopped on, and I've been plowing through HH novels since then, picking up the odd 40k book I could find in charity shops. Eisenhorn Omnibus for 50p was clearly a gift from the Emperor himself.
My personal recommendation: Luetins Emperor of mankind 2 part series. Honestly I still don't know why they landed in my recommendation list but they inspired me to give this universe a chance after playing Dawn of War etc. while never taking the setting seriously.
After that I red the first part of the Space Wolves Omnibus (which was also widely recommended as starting lore) and I followed this up with the Night Lords Omnibus, which turned out to be a good choice because I prefer the edgy bad guy marines. After that the novel "Titanicus" is pretty nice to get a wider overview including Space marines, AdMech and the Guard and from there on it mostly depends on personal preferences imo.
The Fabius Bile novels are great if one is a Chaos Marines fan, Forges of Mars omnibus for AdMech and Gaunts Ghosts or Ciaphas Cain (the latter being more humorous) for the Guard. Just after that I'd advise reading the Heresy novels because its even better to follow all those long gone heroes if one has some insight on the setting in general.
My entrance into the 40k world was the Uriel Ventris series. Ever since I had watched your lore episode on the daemonculaba, I wanted to read about it; and I cannot thank you enough for bringing me this joy/addiction to 40k books.
I started with 40k with Dawn of War the video game, so when I decided to read some of the novels I decided to start with the Dawn of War novel. It follows the story of the game pretty well but it also adds detail that they couldn't really go into in the game. There are also two follow on novels that deal with the aftermath of the events of the game and introduces other factions and races like the Necron. The second book, Ascension, has one of my favourite battles between the Blood Ravens and the Eldar in a desert. Fighting beside the Blood Ravens are a few Sisters of Battle and there are parts that describe how the Astartes were impressed by their skill and fortitude in battle even thought the weren't augmented like the Astartes are.
There was a novelisation of Dawn of War 2 as well that deviated pretty far from the game. Knowing what I know now about the Tyanids, the threat they posed in the game was kinds tame. In the book they really go over how utterly devastating a Tyranid invasion can be. Its not a battle for victory, its simply a fight for survival. By the end of the game the Tyranids are defeated and all is well. In the book the ending isn't quite as rosy.
in japan 2023, Hachette starts Warhammer 40k "Imperium" magazine.
i bought only #1($4) and #2($10). they looks nice for beginners.
But i gave up that point.
Because the regular price from #3 and later, are insane.
approx. $20 per issue, in calc, x90 issues = $1800+.
(i can't believe Game Workshop premium price gone so far than UK or US).
Note: Here, 1 of "gundam kit 1/144 size" is $12 ish.
i will stay on Gundam for modeling and painting. (still i love Warhammer series for PC gaming).
Spear of the Emperor by Aaron Dembski Bowden is really good for a beginner book IMO. You get the tone of the setting from the first chapter, it's from the point of view of a human so it's relatable, and it shows Space Marines fighting in different ways depending on their chapter.
Just finished the infinite and the divine, never thought I’d laugh so much! Easily one of the best books in my opinion
Thank you for this Luetin! Every time I've traveled to this bookstore that has a large collection of 40K books it felt a bit daunting having to choose which one to purchase as my first book to further delve into the universe. I've never owned or played any of the tabletops, my early exposure to this grimdark universe was through the first Dawn of War game and through these lore videos and the gorgeous collection of artworks I have had a long fascination with this subject.
The first non-guidebook I read was “Fall of Damnos” which did an effective job of making both the Necrons and Ultramarines look badass. But for a series, few things beat “Ciaphas Cain: HERO OF THE IMPERIUM”
Ciaphas Cain novels are a decent place to start. Fun, tongue in cheek, and not soul crushingly depressing.
You also cant go wrong with Graham McNeil, his work is pretty clutch. Ben Counter is good as well.
Best starting place I recommend to my friends is basically anything to do with the soldiers of the Imperium. I started with Eisenhorn, went through Ciaphis Cain and am working on Gaunts Ghosts currently.
Thank you for the Belsarius Caul recommendation. I had no idea the book existed and it's a point a view I'm looking forward to learning more about. I'm shared this out with several people, thank you for the great video.
Horus Rising Masterworks!
I’m dyslexic & don’t typically read for fun but this book was so good i couldn’t put it down.
I’m not into table top games but 40K lore is amazing.
I remember getting my first 40k novel: I was thirteen and found a copy of Brothers of the Snake by Dan Abnett at a truck stop in between my hometown and Dallas. I got my mom to buy it for me and now I have a collection of over 40+ novels.
I jumped on this bundle almost immediately, can't wait to dive into it just as soon as I finish Forges of Mars!...I first got into 40k about 9 years ago and my first novel was '13 hours' which I happened across in a bookstore in Albany and I thought it was a great introduction to the world of 40k, and than I dove right into the Ultramarines Omnibus and that forever solidified my love for the 40k universe...thanks for all of your great content Luetin!
Your "miasma" description of the way you view 40K is spot on... it is exactly how I feel... I'm not judgemental of those who stick to chronology but 'me thinks' the authors are thinking the same way... making EVERYTHING reasonably changeable so it never ends and GW can still make the money!
Started reading the first Gaunt's Ghosts Omnibus the other day, as my first read. I've heard they're supposed to be good, but that they get quite a lot better down the line, personally I'm having fun so far. Gonna check out some of the other ones you mentioned here!
Nice Video man. Thanks for the suggestions! I've wanted to get into the 40k books for some time now but just couldn't figure out where to start. Got the Horus Heresy books eventually but it didn't really grip me.
Started reading "There is only war" now and I really enjoyed it so far
The Audible short story collections are phenomenal I’ve been binging through those
Nice. HH in particular is one hell of a daunting series to plunge into.
I’m currently 5 books in finshing off the fulgrim
@@Andy-ss8yg I'm now 26 books deep and its such a great series, daunting true but well worth it
I’ve gone the audiobook route through to And including Fulgrim, and then listened to the Garro anthology, then back to Legion to continue the “timeline”.
I’ve never read/listened to any other Warhammer novels and just dived straight into the HH. I thought, what better place to start than at the beginning.
@@gratis20101 Same with me, I'm currently up to _Scars._ I haven't read the other Garro stories but I will because he's certainly a pretty cool character. Jonathan Keeble is an awesome narrator!
I'd recommend choice novels for their quality and immersion. I'd shun to mention works which do not immerse themselves sufficiently in the bizarre setting. Short stories and old White Dwarf articles are indeed a great digestible starting point (they were my own) and nowadays I'd always point first to Luetin's videos as well, but these are my picks when it come to novels:
1. Eisenhorn omnibus by Dawn Abnett, for being the best 40k stories around there, and a flagship narrative for the setting.
2. Space Marine by Ian Watson, for being one of the very best written 40k books around (but you'll want to keep a dictionary webpage on hand during the read). It's old, it's bonkers, but it breathes and lives 40k through and through.
3. Enforcer Omnibus by Matthew Farrer, and virtually anything penned by Farrer (Lamplighter Necromunda novel, short stories such as Masks). This author's thoughtful style and complete immersion in the cruel setting is a shining beacon among middling works. Farrer's works are not the best narratives per se, but excellent pieces of world building and rich tours of the Imperium. Head and shoulders above most other authors of Black Library, including most of their best ones.
No list of the best 40k authors would be complete without Matthew Farrer on it.
Furthermore, outside novels I'd actually recommend the original Rogue Trader rulebook for its background parts. They have aged very well (quality writing from the start), and will give a solid basis on which to explore 40k. In fact it will give you a great knowledge of obscure references sprinkled around in later works.
And lastly an honorary mention to Xenology. Not a starting point, but a must-read for anyone who has dug in a bit in the grim darkness of the far future.
Leutin09, thank you so much for your comment at 1:30. It's always nice to be reminded that I'm not the only one who remembers "back then"... yeah, let's say 20 years ago... Being introduced to Tyranids Vs. Ultramarines by way of "Advanced Space Crusade" 😀
The Night Lords trilogy opened my mind to the heretic perspective after years in the hobby with Blood Angels since second edition. Great read!
My first exposure to the extremely immersive lore of 40k was your multi-part Emperor series. I then did a free trial of Audible and started at the beginning of the HH. Now I am on “The Unremembered Empire”.
Essentially my comment has 2 points:
1) Your videos are awesome.
And 2) Audiobooks are a fantastic way to “read” the books as you can have them playing in the background whilst doing mundane tasks or driving. It’s so much easier to get through dull swaths of literature without missing much and still keeping abreast of the core storyline.
My first 40k book was Blood Reaver. I was a bit miffed when I discovered that it was the second book of the Night Lords series, but I enjoyed it nontheless. I've since picked up the Night Lords omnibus, the Word Bearers omnibus, and a couple other 40k books. Honestly, I haven't read any of them yet due to a lack of time, but seeing as I'll have a bit more time soon, I'm probably gonna get started with the rest of the Night Lords books then.
100% agree! I came to W40K a complete newbie, started with the shorts and just fell in love with it all within the first 10 pages. Hooked.
“When you have come to the edge of all that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen,’ the Warmaster had told him.
‘And what are they?’ he had asked.
‘That there will be something solid to stand on or you’ll be taught to fly,’ laughed Horus as he jumped.
So far, as a relatively new reader and lore nerd, my list is
1) caiphas cain - great read for a look at normal humans
2) mark of calth - many great short stories that tell both sides of that betrayal
3) Scars - so far my second favorite heresy book after esinstian
That is actually going to be really usefull, thank you so much for the reccomendations :)
Years ago i started with a video game. Then i just listened to random audio books . When i really got into it , I bought all the Primarch books and then started with the Horus Heresy in order. Nowadays i`m just catching up on new books in random i haven`t read yet.
Thought you might appreciate this. I bought a 40K book almost a decade ago while perusing a 2nd hand bookstore.
At the time, I had no knowledge of the 40K universe and was completely lost with the terminology and subject matter, so I just stored it away. It was a Ciaphas Cain novel, btw.
Then 2 years ago I stumbled across your videos on RUclips, and also some other 40K themed videos.
Well after absorbing as much of the info as I could, I found the novel that I had stored a was away and needless to say, the rest is history.
I've been hooked ever since. I think I've already knocked out 10 or more novels, and because of your videos, it doesn't matter what the timeline is with each book, I have an idea what is going on in the Imperium and generally who the main characters are.
Thanks so much, Luetin. 👍🏽
This is indeed a great story thanks for sharing I love to hear things like this
I had no idea where to start reading so I just went to the wiki and looked up events I was interested in. The war in the webway had always been interesting so I ended up starting with Master of Mankind. I loved it, its still my favorite book in 40k. Some people have lore issues with the book but the story its self is great. Since then I've read over 35 40k books and typically burn threw 2 or 3 books a month. You really can just pick a topic you are interested in and jump right in.
Edit:
I also want to add that the reason I got back into 40k and read my first 40k book was because I ran out of youtube lore vids. Lore vids, most notably ones from Luetin09, are really the best starting point.
So I decided to got the deal yesterday and it’s the first time I’ve read for pleasure in years! This video has actually given me something new to do and I’m so grateful 💜
I watched lutins Emperor Videos and then read the Ciaphas Cain Series in its entirety and it was a very good Start into warhammer 40k!
Very recently discovered 40k as a whole, and the books/novels seem the most interesting place for me to start my proper journey. This definitely helped a lot. Cheers!
I've started with the Horus Heresy as my first books, but thats just because I already knew so much about the universe from your channel :)
I got two collections with the first 6 books in the series and I've raced through them in under a month! I dont think I'm gonna go through all 30+ books of the heresy though just cant wait to get to the solar wars!!
Just stumbled upon your channel one day and watched the whole Emperor of Mankind series.
Love your content bro keep it up and keep spreading the love for 40k.
Great video man. I just started getting into 40K last week. Loving the lore and books and progressing. Starting in the Necromunda novels and backstory first.
Oh you beautiful bastard, I've been dying for something like this to come along. I've been educating myself on tons of these fantastic videos. Keep up the good work!
Coming in late to the game here...played a little 40k 20+ years ago in high school and getting into now more than before thanks to the new Joy Toy line.
First read of all currently working through...Ultramarines omnibus from McNeill. I played Ultramarines when I played table top, and the Joy Toy line features them strongly. So in we go.
I echo the point on short stories. For me, the bigger a book the better. But that first short story hooked me to read the next 3 novels that make up the omnibus.
Thank you brother for your work here.
I really enjoyed the Honsou Omnibus (for obvious reasons, SIEGE!, FORTIFY! SIEGE!) as my first 40k read, thought you should read it together with the Uriel Ventris books as the stories are connected.
Storm of Iron is great!
I bought random books online and my first book that I actually finished today is one of the siege of terra books. I really enjoyed it and was impressed by how it all so many characters and events came together in the end to create a story that made sense. I read it with many questions in my mind and the book did a good job of answering all of them as I went through. I'm planning on reading more soon. If recommend it to anyone. The book does a good job of telling you who the characters are and the siege serve as good stand alone stories. I loved it. Definitely one of my new favorites
I found the Soul Drinkers Omnibus at a used book store without knowing what 40k even was and read through it. After that I started reading through the Horus Heresy in order, one after the other. A year and a half later I'm still going. It's all I read, and as of now I've made it to "The Master of Mankind". Luetin is such a great resource for learning about the elements of the 40k universe that I don't understand, I don't know what I would do without this channel sometimes.
Perfect tutorial.
I like that you are realistic and respectfull to people's time in your advices.
Thank you and I will definitely have a look at your suggestions!
I started with the second book of the gaunts ghosts series. That was a perfect start because of is essentially a collection of short stories about the prominent ghosts. After that I obviously read the whole series and then I just bought everything ☺.
Eisenhorn is great (The first 3) Gives you bits of the larger universe but focuses closely around one guy and his peeps. Nothing was jarring or confusing in it. Very well done. Good pacing and never boring.
Had no idea what 40k was.... My brother started me with Horus Heresy. I was blown away. He laughed and said the main series is 10,000 years into the future and the ending is already known. There is nothing like Warhammer.
I just made my audible account and was browsing "Warhammer 40,000" and saw "Belisarious Cawl: The great work" and from "If the emperor had a tts device" I remember the character really intriguing me so that's what I went with, Haven't started it yet but I will listen to it while I do some 3D modelling
Update: So I'm basically bed ridden due to a minor injury (it keeps me from sitting though so I can't do much) so I listened to the book in 1 go. Pretty good place to start I think, Admittedly I know some of the lore, primarily from watching "If the emperor had a tts" and your series on the subject. But I don't think much background is needed for understanding and following along. I'll need to listen to it another 2 or 3 times to catch everything, spending 11 hours in bed listening to an audio book makes it hard to keep paying complete attention.
I got both the short stories and the Humble Bundle deal. Thank you for making me so interested in this universe! I'm gonna go back to paint my first mini!
I just got into 40k this year. It started when I bought the Inquisition Martyr video game on a whim. This lead me to the books. I knew Dan Abnett from his work with Marvel Comics and so I jumped into 40k books with Eisenhorn. I devoured that trilogy, finished the Ravanor books, and am currently on The Magos. I feel these books have been great as an introduction to 40k and would recommend them to any new reader.
Hi, I just finished reading Valdor which is my first book of Warhammer 40k and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for the recommendation.
So when I first started I was not sure what direction I wanted to go in, so someone recommended the " Forges Of Mars" Trilogy , and I loved it. It was really nice to get a look at so many different factions in one story, instead of a whole book about just space marines or something. You got, of course, the Adeptus Mechanicus, but also the Black Templars, Imperial Guardsmen, a Rogue trader vessel, even the Eldar. Plus a look at some of the bonded servants on the lower decks of the Ark Mechanicus.
As for some of my suggestions for where to start:
The Eisenhorn Trilogy: A great story about an Inquisitor whose forced to make hard choices, and see how many lines he's willing to cross to root out heresy and defend the Imperium of Man. Relatively easy to jump into with the lore, with it getting your toes wet with different concepts and factions in 40k. It's sequel, Ravenor, is also quite good as well.
Commissar Cain Series: A funny series about a commissar who doesn't want to shoot people. A general crowd-pleaser, along with getting the reader introduced to the Imperial Guard/Astra Militarum, as well as to a range of foes to the Imperium as Commissar Cain goes through his crazy adventures where he desperately tries and fails to stay out of danger.
Gaunt's Ghosts: Sharpe in Space. A great series about a regiment of the Imperial Guard fighting a crusade against Chaos.
After these series, I'd say jump into what interests you. The omnibuses can be good if you want to jump into a specific Astartes chapter, and there's a lot of books all about specific characters or factions you can jump into. Horus Heresy can be good if you want to get into some of the mysterious origins of the 40k universe, though you can skip a lot of them if you aren't interested in who the book focuses on, and there are lists on places like Reddit suggesting which books are the "must reads" and "skips" of the series.
I'm watching this after getting into the books just to hear your thoughts. I know its years after you made this and new books have come out. I started with the Ghazkull book by Nate Crowley, just cause I have always loved orks in every setting and wanted to hear his origin story since he's "THE ork". Then went on to all of Mike Brooks' new ork books. Then since I knew I liked his work, I did The Son of the Forest. Completely different tone but still AMAZING. Then I did Infinite and the Divine just cause its always recommended these days as a new classic. Bounced off it at first and left it for a month. Then went back to it and got through the intro and loved it too! After that, did First and Only since its another highly rated classic. FANTASTIC! And thats where I'm at now. Have read a variety and haven't been disappointed yet!
was looking for something like this and see what pops up in my sub box! pushed me over the edge to finally get started.
Thank you for this! I started with the Horus heresy bundle from a few years back after my introduction being the Dawn of War games. I moved on to Eisenhorn trilogy and have basically used my audible sub to snag titles every month since. One book I'd like to highlight that I rarely see get much praise is Legion by Dan Abnett...I have yet to finish all of the Hersey books but this one and the Dark Angels have been among my favorites. Very unique perspectives from officers and foot soldiers regarding the many mysterious ways Alpha Legion choose to operate. I just grabbed The Great Work and am really looking forward to hearing it after Dark Imperium.
Gaunts Ghosts is a must read.
Thanks this is really helpful, i have been absorbing all the 40k lore possible via youtube and absolutely love it but wasn’t sure where to start.
I've just started reading some of the 40k books...
Not exactly 40k, but Necromunda. I find that the confined location of the hive city, the depth in the world building, and character building really accessable. Granted, I had listened to some lore videos beforehand, but that had just helped me to orientate myself in the underhive
If you already know a lot about the 40k verse and know the terminology then you can just jump in anywhere, if you don’t then that would understandably be pretty confusing. I would say to watch a fair few lore videos first to get to grips with terminology.
Thank you so much!! I just finished Space Marine earlier tonight and I've been playing Dawn of War 1, now I can actually learn more on the lore
Just started playing a dark heresy campaign (my first 40k) and knew bits of the universe already but ploughed through core book in one night. Eager to learn more I turned to good old faithful youtube, and due to this vid I had to ask our gm whether the Eisenhorn trilogy was safe reading. Think he was pretty pleased to have to be asked! Recommended it and said it was essential reading. Thank you for getting me in my gm's good books and looking forward to bonus xp! ;)
I found LET THE GALAXY BURN, a huge collection of warhammer shorts. Been on the roller coaster ever since!
Im glad I watched this, I initially wanted to dive into big series, but starting small worked nicely for me. I am a new reader of 40k books and started with Yarrick and got really hooked in. Then Pariah and Penitent and now working through Ravenor OMNI. With all Gaunt’s ghosts in the mail and I am addicted. The only depressing fact is that its hard to get physical books in stock (im not a fan of ebooks, to me its worse then heresy).
I started about 9 years ago with the Inquisitor omnibus by Ian Watson.. Bought it on a railway station had no idea of 40k (although big Sci fi fan since childhood)... Wow what a read.. A nightmarish journey through an empire of madness.. Not easy to read but I was addicted immediately.. Ian Watson what a fantastic author... Still one of my favorite 40k books..
I also thinks, that Ian Watson is the best Warhammer40k starter. Many details are outdated in the Lore now, but the overall despair and bloody-minded madness in it just perfect.
I actually started by reading some stand alone novellas; like Rebel Winter and Death world. After that I read the Eisenhorn series and found myself referencing 40k wiki frequently from there I started to watch lore videos, here's looking at you Luetin09, then the horus heresy of which I am currently reading Legion. After seeing this I realized I haven't read any non human centric 40k books. If anyone has suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
I started here with you and your channel man. As always, great upload.
I ended up starting with eisenhorn myself and am now working on the ciaphas cain books. I have a pretty good library to pick and choose what to read after I'm done with that series. I watched a whole load of 40k videos and eisenhorn kept coming up as a good starting point so I gave it a go and they were right. Then with Ciaphas cain I was looking through various omnibus and thought the story would be both pretty good and worth a good chuckle here and there.
The other "middleweight" book that always jumps to mind for me is Storm of Iron. Great shout on Dark Adeptus too, such an interesting book.