I like the once like "Vauts of Terra"and "Watchers of the Throne" (Chris Wraight). They are similar to Eisenhorn novels. And then than are "Candian Honour" ( Justin D. Hill) and "Doubel Eagle" (Dan Abnett) for the commen soldiers.
All great suggestions, Joerg 😁 I’ve just picked up Double Eagle as part of the Fanatical Bundle, so looking forward to getting my flight cap on for that one.
1:02 Sandy Mitchell - For the Emperor 3:35 Graham McNeill - Storm of Iron 6:01 Dan Abnett - Titnicus 8:21 Dan Abnett - Xenos 10:18 Ben Counter - Grey Knights
Read all the Eisenhorn and Ravenor series and the new Bequin books. Have taken to consuming my Black Library goods via Audible now, nothing makes me smile more now than hearing "Written by Dan Abnett, read by Toby Longworth"
I just finished the first of the eisenhorn series, started the second. Loving it. And I am listening to the second one, toby is so good. What are the best books about the salamanders chapters?
I really love Dante by Guy Haley. An awesome story of a boy becoming a space marine, as well as a more noble persepctive of the horrors that beset the galaxy, including the very personal Red Thirst. Seeing the child you grow to love turn into a chapter master who has to give some extreme orders, as well as do horrific things because of the Thirst is a fantastic gut wrenching story
Great list. I also think Horus Rising is a great book (even if not technically 30K) that really made me appreciate how Luna Wolves were ostensibly loyal and, dare I say, pretty chilled out at times. Loken, in particular, is a super likeable character with a capacity for deep, nuanced thought. He reminds you that Space Marines are devoted warriors but are also perfectly capable of scholarly and philosophical thought.
I got the opposite feel for Loken. When he first came to Sinderman to ask a question about an old book, Sinderman recommended that Loken read the Chronicles of [Ursh? I forget]. Sinderman said it would be more to his liking, since there’s way more blood and gore and glorious battle in it. I thought Loken would take offense to this, but he listens to Sinderman, and reads the war book. He finds that Sinderman was right, and that he was much more drawn to the new book. I took this to mean that Sinderman viewed Loken as a warrior, not a philosopher. But Loken isn’t offended, he accepts this as he gains respect for Sinderman. I thought Loken was grateful to Sinderman BECAUSE he showed him that it’s okay to be who you are, and that you don’t NEED to be a deep thinker to be a good person.
Everyone will have their own personal tastes and biases, but for me I loved the Dark Angeles Omnibus: Legacy of Caliban by Gav Thorpe. It really brings to life the many infamous characters in the Dark Angels legion such as Belial, Ezekiel, Sammael, Azrael and Asmodai. You also get a better illustration of the Deathwing and Ravenwing companies and a perspective on the inner circle. Great battles with the Deathguard as well. I absolutely loved it!
As a fellow huge fan of Dan Abnett, my actual favorite is anything with Ibrahm Guant my personal favorite character in all of the lore. To me he has all the genius and intrigue of and humanity of Ciaphas Cain but with Mr. Abnett’s great writing that I find more enjoyable than Alex Stewart’s
@@patrickt6642 Dan Abnett himself have admitted that Ibrahm Gaunt and his Ghosts are a 40k take on Sharpe's Riffles. A British long form series about a British officer in the Napoleonic war.
This is fantastic list, HOWEVER I think any list about where to start in 40k needs an Aaron Dembski BOwden book. People seem to like his Night Lords series, however I've always found 'The Emperor's Gift' to be his best and an absolutely fantastic read. Also, I think it's worth doing a seperate list of more 'Modern' 40k books. There are some really good BL books from more recent authors: Chris Wriaght's the Carrion throne stands out, and I think it's worth giving them a mention.
I've started the original Gotrek and Felix series. At least the audiobooks. Such a spectacular series! Immersed me into the Fantasy setting and got me to learn about the Empire's and dwarven culture
Thanks Lazarus! 😊 Really glad you enjoyed Eisenhorn - would really recommend Ravenor if you’re looking to continue the journey and haven’t checked it out already. 🙂
Good choice’s sir! I’ve read all these they are all classics. Ben Counter gets flack for some of his books but that first grey knight book was up there with Dan Abnett IMO. The two others in the omnibus were good but the first one was 10/10.
Thanks for watching, and I 100% agree - I think a lot of my love for that Grey Knights book is what has carried over to my decision to collect the faction today. It is such a good read. 👍🏻
I'll take this opportunity to advertise what I humbly think is the best way to enjoy and have a glimpse of the Horus Heresy scale and drama without having to consume all the >60 novels in that series (which writing quality can be very heterogeneous, depending on the author...) : 1. The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden 2. Know No Fear by Dan Abnett 3. Betrayer by Aaron Dembski-Bowden It is a perfect and complete arc, each book introduce us to a different Astartes legion (Word Bearers, Ultramarines & World Eaters + their respective primarchs). That trilogy has everything : - Good and compelling origin story for the "baddies", good and relatable motivations, so that we can root for them, even though we know what they do is evil - The "goodies" facing difficult choices, fighting battles with unbearable odds of success - Shows lots of key moments in the Horus Heresy (Monarchia, Istvaan V, Calth, Nuceria...) - Tons of lore on the warp, the demons, the history of the legions - Beautifully written astartes, human and female characters with interesting character developments - And, last but not least : actual main characters dying, giving a good reminder that, even in 40k with warp powers & Space Marines physiology and gear and plot armors, this is war. And heroes die in war.
I've recently listened to Saga of the Beast, I'm no audio book expert but it was amazing. Really cinematic and it gives a nice look at the Space Wolves. Definitely check that out
I recommend reading Graham McNeil's "Ultramarines Omnibus" after reading "Storm of Iron". The novel, "Dead Sky, Black Sun" takes place directly after and continues the story.
If you want a fun chuckle I’m the grimdark I highly recommend “Brutal Kunnin” Brutal Kunnin is told first person from the point of view of an Orc who’s WAAGH invades a Mechanicus Forgeworld. Every other chapter flips to the Mechanicus point of view trying to strategize against the orcs and suffering from internal conflicts.
I just want some more Iron Hands books... Iron Hands fans like me ain’t got shit, and most of the books paint the Iron Hands as bumbling fucking idiots instead of the cold, calculating fury they’re famed for.
I wish that there was more warhammer books about the point of view of the enemy, I would like to see a Horus heresy book that makes us feel bad for Horus as we see how his motives of pretty much from his point of view his dad has just gone off to terra to work on a mysterious project and he is left to command a entire empires worth of military and he realises that why does his father not help him himself and why does he have to fight for his father while he does not get the title and honours that he should deserve, of course from our point of view we know about the webway project and the emperors intentions but Horus did not
You get "the enemy" point of view quite often in the Horus Heresy series, and to be a bit heretical... The Emperor really dropped the ball as a parent.
@@GomiBushi well yes, when you consider that the heresy was planned by him (it just wasn’t meant to be Horus rebelling) then yes he was a useless father
I've listened 3 of the 4 Eisenhorn and the 4th is in my wish list on audible, I've been reading the sisters of battle books, waiting on the new Epreal Stern book to arrive and have mark of faith on the shelf, as soon as I finish the current series I am listening to I will start the watchers of the throne series, it is much easier for me to listen to books while I am at work
Great selection there, Chris ☺️ I keep hearing amazing things about Watchers of the Throne, and if they’ve made models based on the series, then it’s got to be worth checking out. 😄
Found your channel fairly recently and have been really enjoying your videos. Completely agree with you on Eisenhorn and Ciaphas Cain. Will have to check out the others once I've finished the long trek through the Horus Heresy series. (Which I would recommend, but I highly suspect you will have encountered them already!)
Hey Farglator, thanks for leaving a comment. I’m really glad you found my channel and that you’re enjoying the content. 😊 And I’ve actually fallen a bit behind on the Horus Heresy; currently sitting on Prosperous Burns, so would love to hear where you have got up to, and what your favourite has been so far? 😁
Do the Grey Knight books have human POV characters or POC characters that help to humanize or at least show how the Grey Knights are like/different from humans like some of Aaron Demski Bowden's books? I just know that Space Marine books have a tendecy to los ethemselves in the super-human aspect of the stories.
Late to the party but can absolutely recommend The Great Work by Guy Haley. It's a really brilliant story focused on Belisarius Cawl & a troupe of space marines unearthing secrets on a world long ago ravaged by the tyranids. Don't want to spoil it for y'all but its a brilliant read if you're in the mood for something more in line with the current edition of 40k.
Honestly this was my least favorite 40k book so far, I would warn anybody thinking about picking this book up that the pacing of the story is very bad, switching between multiple perspectives, with multiple time jumps, that really kills any sense of pacing the book might have
Is there any books that don’t have ridiculous plot armour and characters killing space marines like nothing? I’m reading the Night Lords omnibus which is very good in many ways but often feels like there are no consequences for the characters. They get out of the most improbable situations.
I wondered if there was a continuaton of Honorbound cause they word it A Severina Raine novel but I see no other books with her name does that mean I gotta read the story Cadian Honor or just skip to Horus Heresey cause damn
So I'm halfway thru XENOS and idk man its become kind of hard to follow. Like I just get tired listening to it. What should I do? Soldier on or just move on to something else?
I think if you’re finding it more of a chore to read, definitely put it down for now and move to something else. I’ve had similar experiences with other books and often just kept it to a chapter a month just to keep things moving without it becoming really unenjoyable (after a while I get back into it and then so can marathon through again) 😄
Cain is a hero with the skill set of a hero, and a remarkably good leader. He views himself as a cowardly scoundrel, and spends all of his memoirs coping. “Oh, I just dueled that World Eater and saved that guardsman because I, uhhhh… wanted more meat shields between me and the enemy.” “Yeah I dove into a swarm of tyranids armed with only a chainsword to save that woman’s life, but only because morale would plummet if the troopers knew I was such a coward.” “Yeah, I may have faced down that Necroid so that the tech priest could get to safety, and I’ve been saying throughout the story that I hate this tech-priest and so did everyone else… but uh… yeah I don’t know, I must’ve been feeling woozy from hitting my head earlier.” These are only slight exaggerations. The situations and rationalizations are directly from the books, just not actual quotes.
@@N0TYALC okay fair enough. I think it's hard for me to pin down. Because it's told from his own narrative. With snippets from other peoples testimonies. So it was hard for me to tell if he had a giant poser syndrome or if it was a Blackadder type situation. Because there are times where he is genuinely self serving and only afterwards is it being rationalized by others as heroic actions. So to me it's a bit ambiguous. But it is fun to read how he is an unreliable witness to his own actions and thoughts, because he is retelling years later.
I like the once like "Vauts of Terra"and "Watchers of the Throne" (Chris Wraight). They are similar to Eisenhorn novels. And then than are "Candian Honour" ( Justin D. Hill) and "Doubel Eagle" (Dan Abnett) for the commen soldiers.
All great suggestions, Joerg 😁 I’ve just picked up Double Eagle as part of the Fanatical Bundle, so looking forward to getting my flight cap on for that one.
1:02 Sandy Mitchell - For the Emperor
3:35 Graham McNeill - Storm of Iron
6:01 Dan Abnett - Titnicus
8:21 Dan Abnett - Xenos
10:18 Ben Counter - Grey Knights
Thank you!
Read all the Eisenhorn and Ravenor series and the new Bequin books. Have taken to consuming my Black Library goods via Audible now, nothing makes me smile more now than hearing "Written by Dan Abnett, read by Toby Longworth"
You know you are in for some amazing hours of storytelling when you got that combination. Can't wait for the new Bequin!
I know what you mean. Have you done the Abnett/Longworth combo Gaunt's Ghosts series as well?
@@GomiBushi I know right, he's throwing everything at this last trilogy, I won't spoil anything here but damn!
@@sadhappy8860 yes I have, currently just finished straight silver. I love Longworths choice to use Scottish and Irish accents for the Tanith.
I just finished the first of the eisenhorn series, started the second. Loving it. And I am listening to the second one, toby is so good. What are the best books about the salamanders chapters?
I really love Dante by Guy Haley. An awesome story of a boy becoming a space marine, as well as a more noble persepctive of the horrors that beset the galaxy, including the very personal Red Thirst. Seeing the child you grow to love turn into a chapter master who has to give some extreme orders, as well as do horrific things because of the Thirst is a fantastic gut wrenching story
Really great suggestion, Thomas 😄 I’ve not read Dante, but I’ll deffinitely pick it up based on your recommendation. 👍🏻
Great list. I also think Horus Rising is a great book (even if not technically 30K) that really made me appreciate how Luna Wolves were ostensibly loyal and, dare I say, pretty chilled out at times.
Loken, in particular, is a super likeable character with a capacity for deep, nuanced thought. He reminds you that Space Marines are devoted warriors but are also perfectly capable of scholarly and philosophical thought.
I got the opposite feel for Loken. When he first came to Sinderman to ask a question about an old book, Sinderman recommended that Loken read the Chronicles of [Ursh? I forget]. Sinderman said it would be more to his liking, since there’s way more blood and gore and glorious battle in it. I thought Loken would take offense to this, but he listens to Sinderman, and reads the war book. He finds that Sinderman was right, and that he was much more drawn to the new book. I took this to mean that Sinderman viewed Loken as a warrior, not a philosopher. But Loken isn’t offended, he accepts this as he gains respect for Sinderman. I thought Loken was grateful to Sinderman BECAUSE he showed him that it’s okay to be who you are, and that you don’t NEED to be a deep thinker to be a good person.
Everyone will have their own personal tastes and biases, but for me I loved the Dark Angeles Omnibus: Legacy of Caliban by Gav Thorpe. It really brings to life the many infamous characters in the Dark Angels legion such as Belial, Ezekiel, Sammael, Azrael and Asmodai. You also get a better illustration of the Deathwing and Ravenwing companies and a perspective on the inner circle. Great battles with the Deathguard as well. I absolutely loved it!
As a fellow huge fan of Dan Abnett, my actual favorite is anything with Ibrahm Guant my personal favorite character in all of the lore. To me he has all the genius and intrigue of and humanity of Ciaphas Cain but with Mr. Abnett’s great writing that I find more enjoyable than Alex Stewart’s
Gaunt is a great choice, and I’ve got the first few books on my shelf ready to read when I finally finish Gotrek and Felix 😅
Ciaphas Cain introduced me to 40K (the humour was great) and Ibrahm Guant kept me hooked.
Gaunt reminded me of Owen deathstalker a Simon green book character
@@patrickt6642 Dan Abnett himself have admitted that Ibrahm Gaunt and his Ghosts are a 40k take on Sharpe's Riffles. A British long form series about a British officer in the Napoleonic war.
This is fantastic list, HOWEVER I think any list about where to start in 40k needs an Aaron Dembski BOwden book.
People seem to like his Night Lords series, however I've always found 'The Emperor's Gift' to be his best and an absolutely fantastic read.
Also, I think it's worth doing a seperate list of more 'Modern' 40k books. There are some really good BL books from more recent authors: Chris Wriaght's the Carrion throne stands out, and I think it's worth giving them a mention.
The Ciaphas Cain audiobooks are some of my favorite audiobook.
I've started the original Gotrek and Felix series. At least the audiobooks.
Such a spectacular series! Immersed me into the Fantasy setting and got me to learn about the Empire's and dwarven culture
That’s awesome - they’re such a great series for new and old Warhammer fans - wish I’d had the audiobook all those years ago 😁
Grey Hunter (Space Wolves) and Fire Warrior were my first books.
Great suggestions! I recently read the Eisenhorn series and couldn’t agree with you more 👍
Thanks Lazarus! 😊 Really glad you enjoyed Eisenhorn - would really recommend Ravenor if you’re looking to continue the journey and haven’t checked it out already. 🙂
Good choice’s sir!
I’ve read all these they are all classics.
Ben Counter gets flack for some of his books but that first grey knight book was up there with Dan Abnett IMO. The two others in the omnibus were good but the first one was 10/10.
Thanks for watching, and I 100% agree - I think a lot of my love for that Grey Knights book is what has carried over to my decision to collect the faction today. It is such a good read. 👍🏻
I'll take this opportunity to advertise what I humbly think is the best way to enjoy and have a glimpse of the Horus Heresy scale and drama without having to consume all the >60 novels in that series (which writing quality can be very heterogeneous, depending on the author...) :
1. The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
2. Know No Fear by Dan Abnett
3. Betrayer by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
It is a perfect and complete arc, each book introduce us to a different Astartes legion (Word Bearers, Ultramarines & World Eaters + their respective primarchs).
That trilogy has everything :
- Good and compelling origin story for the "baddies", good and relatable motivations, so that we can root for them, even though we know what they do is evil
- The "goodies" facing difficult choices, fighting battles with unbearable odds of success
- Shows lots of key moments in the Horus Heresy (Monarchia, Istvaan V, Calth, Nuceria...)
- Tons of lore on the warp, the demons, the history of the legions
- Beautifully written astartes, human and female characters with interesting character developments
- And, last but not least : actual main characters dying, giving a good reminder that, even in 40k with warp powers & Space Marines physiology and gear and plot armors, this is war. And heroes die in war.
I've recently listened to Saga of the Beast, I'm no audio book expert but it was amazing. Really cinematic and it gives a nice look at the Space Wolves. Definitely check that out
Sweet, I’ll definitely take that recommendation! 👍🏻 Thanks 😄
My favorite is the infinite and divine
Imperial Glory by Richard Williams
One of my favorites.
I recommend reading Graham McNeil's "Ultramarines Omnibus" after reading "Storm of Iron". The novel, "Dead Sky, Black Sun" takes place directly after and continues the story.
The Ultramarines omnibus is the first book I read. I've read over 200+ books now.
Loved hearing your selections and justifications for these reading choices. ♥ Very helpful.
If you want a fun chuckle I’m the grimdark I highly recommend “Brutal Kunnin”
Brutal Kunnin is told first person from the point of view of an Orc who’s WAAGH invades a Mechanicus Forgeworld. Every other chapter flips to the Mechanicus point of view trying to strategize against the orcs and suffering from internal conflicts.
Gaunt's Ghost First and Only... This is all.
Solid choice!
You forgot The Emperors Gift, that was my first book and still one of the best to me
Sorry for missing that one, but thanks for pointing it out. Thinking of doing a refreshed list in the New Year and will consider adding this to it 👍🏻
I just want some more Iron Hands books... Iron Hands fans like me ain’t got shit, and most of the books paint the Iron Hands as bumbling fucking idiots instead of the cold, calculating fury they’re famed for.
I wish that there was more warhammer books about the point of view of the enemy, I would like to see a Horus heresy book that makes us feel bad for Horus as we see how his motives of pretty much from his point of view his dad has just gone off to terra to work on a mysterious project and he is left to command a entire empires worth of military and he realises that why does his father not help him himself and why does he have to fight for his father while he does not get the title and honours that he should deserve, of course from our point of view we know about the webway project and the emperors intentions but Horus did not
Have you read the first 3?
There’s a decent amount of those. The first 3 books, Betrayer, Angel Exterminatus, shit like that.
You get "the enemy" point of view quite often in the Horus Heresy series, and to be a bit heretical... The Emperor really dropped the ball as a parent.
@@GomiBushi well yes, when you consider that the heresy was planned by him (it just wasn’t meant to be Horus rebelling) then yes he was a useless father
@@oliverwithers9736 oh, I am not not deep into the lore yet. Only some vague hints of it so far.
I like Bequin, you kinda follow her thoughts throughout her travels. Dan abnett has an interesting way of writing.
Have heard pretty good things about the Bequin books; putting it on my 'to-read list'.
I always loved the Guants Ghost series so I thought severina had a series too that branched out more
I've listened 3 of the 4 Eisenhorn and the 4th is in my wish list on audible, I've been reading the sisters of battle books, waiting on the new Epreal Stern book to arrive and have mark of faith on the shelf, as soon as I finish the current series I am listening to I will start the watchers of the throne series, it is much easier for me to listen to books while I am at work
Great selection there, Chris ☺️ I keep hearing amazing things about Watchers of the Throne, and if they’ve made models based on the series, then it’s got to be worth checking out. 😄
Found your channel fairly recently and have been really enjoying your videos. Completely agree with you on Eisenhorn and Ciaphas Cain. Will have to check out the others once I've finished the long trek through the Horus Heresy series. (Which I would recommend, but I highly suspect you will have encountered them already!)
Hey Farglator, thanks for leaving a comment. I’m really glad you found my channel and that you’re enjoying the content. 😊 And I’ve actually fallen a bit behind on the Horus Heresy; currently sitting on Prosperous Burns, so would love to hear where you have got up to, and what your favourite has been so far? 😁
Additional Titles:
-Gaunt Ghosts Series
-Ultramarines Series
I heard Black Adder. Is it because Tzeentch has a cunning plan ?
Love it! 🤣
Fall of Cadia is one of my favorites
I checked this video out for new books and my two favorite 40k books are the first two on the list😂
Great list! I've read half of them. Cheers.
Just started Caiphas Cain and it’s awesome! And the Eisenhorn series is an absolute classic.
Also, is that you Britzza?
I thought Cain was more in line with Flashman
Anything written by Dan Abnett is going to be incredible.
anything Abnett or Dembski-Bowden. I like Mcneil and Wright too.
Do the Grey Knight books have human POV characters or POC characters that help to humanize or at least show how the Grey Knights are like/different from humans like some of Aaron Demski Bowden's books? I just know that Space Marine books have a tendecy to los ethemselves in the super-human aspect of the stories.
I’m personally fond of the Warhammer Crime and Horror Lines.
Great suggestion! I expect we’ll see more of those over the years to come 😄
Late to the party but can absolutely recommend The Great Work by Guy Haley. It's a really brilliant story focused on Belisarius Cawl & a troupe of space marines unearthing secrets on a world long ago ravaged by the tyranids. Don't want to spoil it for y'all but its a brilliant read if you're in the mood for something more in line with the current edition of 40k.
Honestly this was my least favorite 40k book so far, I would warn anybody thinking about picking this book up that the pacing of the story is very bad, switching between multiple perspectives, with multiple time jumps, that really kills any sense of pacing the book might have
Is there any books that don’t have ridiculous plot armour and characters killing space marines like nothing? I’m reading the Night Lords omnibus which is very good in many ways but often feels like there are no consequences for the characters. They get out of the most improbable situations.
Thank you for this lovely video, subbed!
You have gained a new subscriber!
I wondered if there was a continuaton of Honorbound cause they word it A Severina Raine novel but I see no other books with her name does that mean I gotta read the story Cadian Honor or just skip to Horus Heresey cause damn
So I'm halfway thru XENOS and idk man its become kind of hard to follow. Like I just get tired listening to it. What should I do? Soldier on or just move on to something else?
I think if you’re finding it more of a chore to read, definitely put it down for now and move to something else. I’ve had similar experiences with other books and often just kept it to a chapter a month just to keep things moving without it becoming really unenjoyable (after a while I get back into it and then so can marathon through again) 😄
Cain memoirs.
These sound great, Tom. What’s the list again to save me going back and writing them down?
Sorry for the delay, mate. In case you still need it, it was Storm of Iron, Eisenhorn: Xenos, Titanicus, Grey Knights, and For the Emperor 😄
Tabletop Tom thanks, I had forgotten about it haha!
Anything from ADB or Dan Abnett should be automatic shut up and take my money
Read? If i read i can't multi-task
Haha, I’m with you there - but, trust me, audio books are a dream! 😄
I listen to warhammer audio books when I paint
Cain is a egoistical coward with a skill set of a hero. But he's really no hero at all. 😅
Cain is a hero with the skill set of a hero, and a remarkably good leader. He views himself as a cowardly scoundrel, and spends all of his memoirs coping.
“Oh, I just dueled that World Eater and saved that guardsman because I, uhhhh… wanted more meat shields between me and the enemy.”
“Yeah I dove into a swarm of tyranids armed with only a chainsword to save that woman’s life, but only because morale would plummet if the troopers knew I was such a coward.”
“Yeah, I may have faced down that Necroid so that the tech priest could get to safety, and I’ve been saying throughout the story that I hate this tech-priest and so did everyone else… but uh… yeah I don’t know, I must’ve been feeling woozy from hitting my head earlier.”
These are only slight exaggerations. The situations and rationalizations are directly from the books, just not actual quotes.
@@N0TYALC okay fair enough. I think it's hard for me to pin down. Because it's told from his own narrative. With snippets from other peoples testimonies.
So it was hard for me to tell if he had a giant poser syndrome or if it was a Blackadder type situation. Because there are times where he is genuinely self serving and only afterwards is it being rationalized by others as heroic actions. So to me it's a bit ambiguous.
But it is fun to read how he is an unreliable witness to his own actions and thoughts, because he is retelling years later.
man the Eisenhorn novels are just to depressing not even something interesting in the story and such, Cain is witty and comedic at least.
Too late now, GW has probably banned them.