Thanks for the recs! Already started reading Xenos last night and your description of John Wick with psychic abilities is a perfect description of the Inquisitor. I'm not very interested in HH but I'll keep them in mind
@@JosephReadsBooksHi. I am brand new to WarHammer and am interested in reading the books. Is there a list of them that start from the very beginning so I know what is going on? Thanks
@@marteld2108 I don't think there is. The books just kind of jump around unless you are talking about The Horus Heresy part of the 40k lore. You can follow my advice of reading the first 4 or 5 for that. When it comes to factions and lore your best bet is youtube. Or spend 2 weeks reading the wiki on just a single faction like I did. I read THE Ultramarines wiki. It has to be a few hundred pages 🥴.
I’m a 40K vet (I started with the hobby around 2001) and have steadily collected armies and novels ever since. I recently finished reading (no audiobooks, paper copies only) the Horus Heresy and just started the Siege of Terra series. My take on the Heresy is that about 75% of it is really good, a few books are kinda meh and a couple are awful. It’s really tough to get into cause it’s such a slog at 50ish 400 page books. Many of them are anthologies with very little to do with the overall HH. I’m glad I read the series, but there are quite a few I could’ve skipped and not missed much.
Eisenhorn is Ordo Xenos, the Alien branch, even though you'd be forgiven to think he is Hereticus or Malleus from the novels. Personally i prefer reading over audio, because it forces me to a larger degree to pay attention, while with audio books i kinda just zone out occasionally.
Thanks for this video. I was always fascinated by the Games Workshop shops and all those tiny miniatures that you have to paint (knowing that I wouldn’t be able to that), I also loved the artworks and the adventures they promised, but I was always scared off by the sheet amount of factions and lore. I recently searched for good entry points for the books, and Eisenhorn came up often, but your video helped me a lot. And although I know nothing about Warhammer, I think the Ultramarines will be my faction - together with the white guys from the Starquest board game, but I have no idea who they are … 😂 I hope I can track down some of the books you mentioned, they are really hard to come by, especially overseas. What do you think about the two Ultramarines omnibuses by Graham McNeill?
I'm glad my video could help. As far as I can tell the guy in the white armor on the cover of Starquest is a commander for the Blood Angels. It is a very old armor color for them that isn't used anymore. I have read the first novel in the Ultramarines omnibus and I do enjoy Graham McNeil's writing style. I would suggest picking it up if you find it. If you don't mind ebooks you can get digital copies on the Black Library website direct from Gamesworkshop.
1)Eisenhorn was my first warhammer novels too, because I was a fan of Dan Abnett's work on the Punisher. Although I agree that Ravenor isn't as great as Esienhorn (although the one omnibus has a short story where the two meet between them) it also sets up the Magos and the next trilogy Bequin (Which was originally billed as Eisenhorn vs Ravenor). And Eisenhorn is worth following. 2)I am in the minority of people that thought Fulgrim was OK. Didn't love it. 3)I really love Sandy Mitchell's Caphis Cain novels, especially the first book. Cain is both a badass and a coward. It's a blast with humor. Although sometimes it undercuts its suspense and tells you what will happen before it does- it's odd memoir type style of writing.
Gaunt's Ghosts is my jam. Best thing Abnett wrote, imo. 15 books off 40k mil scifi. If you love Imperial Guard, this is the pinnacle. The Ciaphas Cain books are good too, but lighter in tone.
I'm starting with either Eisenhorn or Gaunt's Ghosts since I already loved some of Dan Abnett's comics, especially 2000AD's Sinister Dexter, and I really enjoyed that prequel short story at the start of the Founding omnibus.
Thanks for this video, a subject right up my alley. I would recommend continuing with the Ravenor books. No, they aren't as good as Eisenhorn (what is?), but good in their own right. Also, from Abnett, the Gaunt books (surprised you didn't mention these), Double Eagle, and Titanicus. For Horus Heresy, Prospero Burns and A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill, which are companion novels about the same events from two different perspectives. A Thousand Sons is actually one of my top three Heresy novels. Other favorites include Helsreach by Dembksi-Bowden (anything by him, really), the Blood Angel books (my favorite Space Marine Chapter) by James Swallow, and Gav Thorpe has written some good Chapter novels and some good entries in the Heresy. I agree, there are some duds from the BL, but I've also noticed that opinions on what's good or not varies quite a bit among fans (other than Abnett). Once I started reading BL I just read everything I could get my hands on. It's a great ride.
Would highly recommend the Ciaohas Cain books. Basically a coward officer who accidentally becomes a folk hero having to fake it til he makes it in the imperial guard.
@@JosephReadsBooks I'm new to Warhammer 40K so JUST started the first Ciaphas Cain book which is in the omnibus "Hero of the Imperium." Only read the first story, but I loved it. Reminds me a lot of Black Adder. Cain even has an adjutant who is a virtual clone of Baldric from Black Adder.
I got for glory and honour recently on Barnes and noble, one chapter in seems decent so far, first time trying to get into warhammer and trying to go all out in.
I always felt like that the Horus Heresy has a deeper narrative because of the Primarchs and how the books explored their minds. 40k is like reading horrific events back to back lol.
I want to read Rynn's World really bad. I keep forgetting about it. If I had to pick another Space Marine chapter I love it would he Crimson Fists. They are so cool!
I have never read any of the Warhammer books but about a year ago I picked up Ian Watson's Inquisitor with OG art work which is epic and Barrington J Bailey Eye of Terror? I think? Dont know. I know they predate the modern Black Library but have you read them?
I just added the Web of Ruin short story by Adrian Tchaikovsky to my tbr recently since i was browsing his goodreads page.I know nothing about Warhammer except what i've heard friends talk about and warhammer memes. 😂 The books that looked the most interesting to me personally was the Warhammer horror novels. Dark Harvest, The Watcher in the Rain (i'm annoyed by Black Library this one isn't available to me on kobo in my region since i heard it is really good), Castle of Blood, Gothgul Hollow, Briardark and Black-Eyed Saint.
Tchaikovsky is an awesome writer and I forgot that he wrote a warhammer short story. Now I need to pick up a copy. I have heard that the Warhammer horror is good. I just have no experience with it. I need to add them to my list as well. Thanks for watching!
I’m gonna be honest, I just got into this. I don’t suppose you could just like copy and paste a whole list of as many books as you think I’m relevant? I’d really appreciate it if you did.
I just meant, could you like make me a bigger list of as many books think a relevant to the story of 40k. And then, a list so that there is a proper order to read them. I’ve been compiling one myself, but every time I find more, I realize that there are more to read. I should have elaborated my comment more. This genre is just so massive that I’m trying to basically make like a flowchart to get through it. Therefore, I’ve been looking at a bunch of videos of people that have read the novels and are fans of the series. Although, I really liked your video. I’ll definitely read some of these now that I have the time. They’re already on my list.
@@screamingtaco2190 there are already flowcharts available for the Horus Heresy series. So I would check online. When it comes to the 40k stuff there is just too much to track. It is overwhelming.
Awesome video, thanks for making this! I've always wanted to try 40K and I know Horus Heresy's like the flagship, but I've always kept it far down the TBR because I'm a compulsive completionist and that many books for a single series is a huge financial investment, especially at the Black Library prices. Will definitely take your advice and audiobook them. I think I'll try the two trilogies first to see if all of this is even for me. Curious, you mentioned it's 64 books but Goodreads has 54? Does the 64 count include the ten Primarch novels?
Just don’t read Mike brooks or most ultramarine novels and you’ll be ok Also good luck on getting your hands on some of the books I wouldn’t even try getting any legendary editions
audiobooks are good if you don't have at least 30mins free to read each day so you can get hours a day when it wouldn't be possible with a physical book but it's not reading; you can't say "I've read X-amount of books" when you've only listened to audio books.
I finally got a comment from an "eyes on paper" snob! It only took a year and some change 😂. I hope you also leave comments like this on blind(or dyslexic) booktubers channels. It has to feel real good to imply they can't read. Every study out there shows that audio vs paper is basically the same when it comes to retention of information. Some even skew toward audio being better. I'm going to leave this comment here but I would appreciate it if you would keep ableist statements like that off my channel. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the recs! Already started reading Xenos last night and your description of John Wick with psychic abilities is a perfect description of the Inquisitor. I'm not very interested in HH but I'll keep them in mind
By the time you are done with the Eisenhorn books you will be ready for that Horus Heresy fix 😎.
I think this is the first Warhammer novel video I've seen that actually mentions Dan abnet's time at marvel. Nobody ever bothers to bring that up
Yeah I never understood why that was. It was a selling point for me.
Warhammer thinks a lot about itself
@@JosephReadsBooksHi. I am brand new to WarHammer and am interested in reading the books. Is there a list of them that start from the very beginning so I know what is going on? Thanks
@@marteld2108 I don't think there is. The books just kind of jump around unless you are talking about The Horus Heresy part of the 40k lore. You can follow my advice of reading the first 4 or 5 for that.
When it comes to factions and lore your best bet is youtube.
Or spend 2 weeks reading the wiki on just a single faction like I did. I read THE Ultramarines wiki. It has to be a few hundred pages 🥴.
@@JosephReadsBooks Thank you.
I’m a 40K vet (I started with the hobby around 2001) and have steadily collected armies and novels ever since. I recently finished reading (no audiobooks, paper copies only) the Horus Heresy and just started the Siege of Terra series. My take on the Heresy is that about 75% of it is really good, a few books are kinda meh and a couple are awful. It’s really tough to get into cause it’s such a slog at 50ish 400 page books. Many of them are anthologies with very little to do with the overall HH. I’m glad I read the series, but there are quite a few I could’ve skipped and not missed much.
Eisenhorn is Ordo Xenos, the Alien branch, even though you'd be forgiven to think he is Hereticus or Malleus from the novels.
Personally i prefer reading over audio, because it forces me to a larger degree to pay attention, while with audio books i kinda just zone out occasionally.
Thanks for this video. I was always fascinated by the Games Workshop shops and all those tiny miniatures that you have to paint (knowing that I wouldn’t be able to that), I also loved the artworks and the adventures they promised, but I was always scared off by the sheet amount of factions and lore. I recently searched for good entry points for the books, and Eisenhorn came up often, but your video helped me a lot. And although I know nothing about Warhammer, I think the Ultramarines will be my faction - together with the white guys from the Starquest board game, but I have no idea who they are … 😂 I hope I can track down some of the books you mentioned, they are really hard to come by, especially overseas. What do you think about the two Ultramarines omnibuses by Graham McNeill?
I'm glad my video could help.
As far as I can tell the guy in the white armor on the cover of Starquest is a commander for the Blood Angels. It is a very old armor color for them that isn't used anymore.
I have read the first novel in the Ultramarines omnibus and I do enjoy Graham McNeil's writing style. I would suggest picking it up if you find it.
If you don't mind ebooks you can get digital copies on the Black Library website direct from Gamesworkshop.
1)Eisenhorn was my first warhammer novels too, because I was a fan of Dan Abnett's work on the Punisher. Although I agree that Ravenor isn't as great as Esienhorn (although the one omnibus has a short story where the two meet between them) it also sets up the Magos and the next trilogy Bequin (Which was originally billed as Eisenhorn vs Ravenor). And Eisenhorn is worth following.
2)I am in the minority of people that thought Fulgrim was OK. Didn't love it.
3)I really love Sandy Mitchell's Caphis Cain novels, especially the first book. Cain is both a badass and a coward. It's a blast with humor. Although sometimes it undercuts its suspense and tells you what will happen before it does- it's odd memoir type style of writing.
Gaunt's Ghosts is my jam. Best thing Abnett wrote, imo. 15 books off 40k mil scifi. If you love Imperial Guard, this is the pinnacle. The Ciaphas Cain books are good too, but lighter in tone.
I have the first collection in trade paperback.
When I finally have time to read them I know I will have a good time.
I'm starting with either Eisenhorn or Gaunt's Ghosts since I already loved some of Dan Abnett's comics, especially 2000AD's Sinister Dexter, and I really enjoyed that prequel short story at the start of the Founding omnibus.
Gaunt's Ghosts are next on my list. I have the first Omnibus(I managed to find it for a reasonable price).
I might still do audio though.
@@JosephReadsBookssweet. I dunno how much the ebooks cost where you're at but here the ebooks are absurdly high priced.
I've only read a couple, but I really liked Iron Snakes and Titanicus by Abnett.
I have heard really good things about Titanicus.
Thanks for this video, a subject right up my alley. I would recommend continuing with the Ravenor books. No, they aren't as good as Eisenhorn (what is?), but good in their own right. Also, from Abnett, the Gaunt books (surprised you didn't mention these), Double Eagle, and Titanicus. For Horus Heresy, Prospero Burns and A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill, which are companion novels about the same events from two different perspectives. A Thousand Sons is actually one of my top three Heresy novels. Other favorites include Helsreach by Dembksi-Bowden (anything by him, really), the Blood Angel books (my favorite Space Marine Chapter) by James Swallow, and Gav Thorpe has written some good Chapter novels and some good entries in the Heresy. I agree, there are some duds from the BL, but I've also noticed that opinions on what's good or not varies quite a bit among fans (other than Abnett). Once I started reading BL I just read everything I could get my hands on. It's a great ride.
Thanks for the recommendations!
Would highly recommend the Ciaohas Cain books. Basically a coward officer who accidentally becomes a folk hero having to fake it til he makes it in the imperial guard.
Thanks! I will add them to my wishlist.
@@JosephReadsBooks I'm new to Warhammer 40K so JUST started the first Ciaphas Cain book which is in the omnibus "Hero of the Imperium." Only read the first story, but I loved it. Reminds me a lot of Black Adder. Cain even has an adjutant who is a virtual clone of Baldric from Black Adder.
I got for glory and honour recently on Barnes and noble, one chapter in seems decent so far, first time trying to get into warhammer and trying to go all out in.
Heck yeah! Going all in is the only way to do it! Just pace yourself if you are buying miniatures 😂
I always felt like that the Horus Heresy has a deeper narrative because of the Primarchs and how the books explored their minds. 40k is like reading horrific events back to back lol.
You make a really good point.
I would say Rynn's World and Helsreach would be very great starts. The "A Space Marine Battle Novel" series seems like they don't get enough love.
I want to read Rynn's World really bad. I keep forgetting about it.
If I had to pick another Space Marine chapter I love it would he Crimson Fists. They are so cool!
Helsreach is brilliant, I couldn't put it down (greatly annoyed my wife). Really humanizes Space Marines, which is kind of an oxymoron, but it works.
I have never read any of the Warhammer books but about a year ago I picked up Ian Watson's Inquisitor with OG art work which is epic and Barrington J Bailey Eye of Terror? I think? Dont know. I know they predate the modern Black Library but have you read them?
Inquisitor might predate Black Library. I had never hear of them until now but they look cool!
@@JosephReadsBooks I want the Harlequin og cover
Good stuff Joseph. I love the first four books in the Horus Heresy. And at my Halfprice Books, the Eisenhorn books start at $100!
Thanks!
Wow that is a high price!
I just added the Web of Ruin short story by Adrian Tchaikovsky to my tbr recently since i was browsing his goodreads page.I know nothing about Warhammer except what i've heard friends talk about and warhammer memes. 😂
The books that looked the most interesting to me personally was the Warhammer horror novels. Dark Harvest, The Watcher in the Rain (i'm annoyed by Black Library this one isn't available to me on kobo in my region since i heard it is really good), Castle of Blood, Gothgul Hollow, Briardark and Black-Eyed Saint.
Tchaikovsky is an awesome writer and I forgot that he wrote a warhammer short story. Now I need to pick up a copy.
I have heard that the Warhammer horror is good. I just have no experience with it. I need to add them to my list as well.
Thanks for watching!
Don’t believe anything he said. A guy that thinks ultra marines are the best chapter can’t be trusted
That sounds like something a heretic would say 👀
Said Alpharius 😊
I’m gonna be honest, I just got into this. I don’t suppose you could just like copy and paste a whole list of as many books as you think I’m relevant? I’d really appreciate it if you did.
I'm not sure what you mean by relevant. My video is a list of books that are about getting into and enjoying Warhammer 40k(and 30k) novels.
I just meant, could you like make me a bigger list of as many books think a relevant to the story of 40k. And then, a list so that there is a proper order to read them. I’ve been compiling one myself, but every time I find more, I realize that there are more to read. I should have elaborated my comment more. This genre is just so massive that I’m trying to basically make like a flowchart to get through it. Therefore, I’ve been looking at a bunch of videos of people that have read the novels and are fans of the series. Although, I really liked your video. I’ll definitely read some of these now that I have the time. They’re already on my list.
@@screamingtaco2190 there are already flowcharts available for the Horus Heresy series. So I would check online.
When it comes to the 40k stuff there is just too much to track. It is overwhelming.
Awesome video, thanks for making this! I've always wanted to try 40K and I know Horus Heresy's like the flagship, but I've always kept it far down the TBR because I'm a compulsive completionist and that many books for a single series is a huge financial investment, especially at the Black Library prices. Will definitely take your advice and audiobook them. I think I'll try the two trilogies first to see if all of this is even for me. Curious, you mentioned it's 64 books but Goodreads has 54? Does the 64 count include the ten Primarch novels?
The 64 includes the Siege of Terra novels which is the 10 book ENDING(🤯) to the series.
I'm glad I could help!
@@JosephReadsBooks Holy crap. And there's all those Primarch books too. And not even counting the short stories and novellas . . .
@@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels yup. There is a lot...
If you've got goodreads you should add the link for your viewers.😊
Thanks for reminding me to do that. I always forget about Goodreads even though I use it every day.
I just see it as a book tracking app 😅
Just don’t read Mike brooks or most ultramarine novels and you’ll be ok
Also good luck on getting your hands on some of the books
I wouldn’t even try getting any legendary editions
I have read one 40k Ultramarine novel and it was okay but I didn't feel compelled to read more.
Is there anything you haven't read???
Yes. Most popular Science Fiction and Fantasy from the last 10 years 😂. I'm trying to fix that though.
I've been reading stephen king and Gaunt Ghosts back to back and GG 's prose is kinda meh. The story and characters are great tho.
Are all Warhammer stories hopeless
Most of them are. The Blackhearts Fantasy story I read wasn't hopeless.
lol not really, check out Ciaphas Cain it is more light hearted
Can you please send me a link if you have one to get this book for under $50 please
audiobooks are good if you don't have at least 30mins free to read each day so you can get hours a day when it wouldn't be possible with a physical book but it's not reading; you can't say "I've read X-amount of books" when you've only listened to audio books.
I finally got a comment from an "eyes on paper" snob!
It only took a year and some change 😂.
I hope you also leave comments like this on blind(or dyslexic) booktubers channels. It has to feel real good to imply they can't read.
Every study out there shows that audio vs paper is basically the same when it comes to retention of information. Some even skew toward audio being better.
I'm going to leave this comment here but I would appreciate it if you would keep ableist statements like that off my channel.
Thanks for watching!