Warhammer 40K is one of the richest worlds in terms of storytelling. Fromtabletop experiences, to video games, to dozens of novels, there’s something for everyone to enjoy about this vast, seemingly infinite universe. But what are the best Warhammer 40K books to add to your collection?
In this list, we’ll review some of the best Warhammer 40K books you’re able to get your hands on. As a note, we won’t go over thingslike Codexes, as those are purely up to the personal taste of whether you prefer those armies and their lore. Instead, we’ll dive into the novels, storybooks, and other printed narratives that you’ll want to curl up and read before building your next army.
Updated May 17, 2025 by Kenny Kimberly:From the Black Library to the frontlines of Davin, there’s a Warhammer 40K book for everyone. We’ve popped back in to toss a few more phenomenal reads in here for fans who are still looking for where they want to go with the franchise, or for long-time readers looking to find their next favorite. Enjoy!
Warhammer 40K: The Fall Of Cadia
See how the Great Rift opened
Robert Rath’s The Fall of Cadia gives us a pivotal moment in the Warhammer 40K timeline, taking place in the aftermath of the Thirteenth Black Crusade. This war novel shows us the opening of the Great Rift, showing combat on an unspeakable scale.
If you’re looking for something that tells a crucial lore moment, The Fall of Cadia is a can’t-miss. Through this story, author Robert Rath paints the aftermath of the Thirteenth Black Crusade and the days of Abaddon the Despoiler’s invasion of Cadia. Lord Castellan Creed desperately gathers his allies and leads the defense of Cadia, leading to a novel full of battles on a massive scale. If you’re a fan of warfare, tactics, and everything else Warhammer offers, you can’t skip this book.
Victoria Hayward’s Warhammer 40,000: Deathworlder
Suicide mission doesn’t mean hopeless
If you’re looking for Tyranid violence, Deathworlder is the novel for you. This book follows Major Wulf Khan, the leader of the 903rd Catachan Night Shrikes, and the group’s mission to recover a piece of archeotech that could save the Lazulai System.
If you’re the sort that can never get enough of the non-stop violence that Tyranids offer, then Victoria Hayward’s Deathworlder is the novel for you. This novel follows Major Wulf Khan, leader of the 903rd Catachan Night Shrikes, a group of warriors fighting as their world is beset by Tyranids. Certain that death will be their end, the group is suddenly given a mission to fight through the jungle and receive a piece of archeotech.
With no chance of assistance, a near-guaranteed death, and the fate of the Lazulai system in their heads, it’s up to the Night Shrikes to deliver the archeotech if there’s to be any salvation against the Tyranids. The Tyranids may be ruthless, relentless warriors, but that just puts them on even ground with the Major.
The Reverie
Too intense, too quick.
This chilling Warhammer Horror novel plunges readers into a tale of mystery and terror, where nightmares become reality.
The Reveriepulls you into the worldof Warhammer 40,000, seen through the mystical, tech-obsessed Adeptus Mechanicus faction. We follow a crew of Mechanicus explorers on a dangerous mission into a derelict, haunted space hulk, seeking long-lost secrets in its shadowy halls.
As they delve deeper into the creeping darkness, these explorers encounter sanity-shattering horrors lurking within and without. Fehervari deftly guides us through the minds of these characters as they battle their deepest fears and tempting obsessions, their grip on reality strained to the breaking point.
Guy Haley’s Warhammer 40,000: Death Of Integrity
Featuring the intersection of factions
When tracking a brood of genestealers across the sector leads Chapter Master Caedis to an enormous space hulk dubbed the Death of Integrity, the forces that be lead his troops to infiltrate the monstrosity in a strange, twist-filled mission.
We’re happy to discuss most of these novels, but Death of Integrity is a story that youneedto go into blind. That’s because this story’s main claim to fame is a late twist that shatters the expectations of much of the audience. To preserve that, we’ll make sure we aren’t spoiling much for you in this space-faring novel.
The basis of this novel follows Chapter Master Caedis in pursuit of a group of genestealers across the sectors. The fiends lead his troops to an enormous space hulk, dubbed the Death of Integrity. Charged by the Adeptus Mechanicus to retrieve something from the hulk rather than cleanse it, this story is mysterious and action-filled for fans of Tyranids and Space Marines alike.
Anthony Reynolds' Warhammer 40,000: Word Bearers: The Omnibus
A great starting point for people who want multiple stories
Looking for a collection of stories that can get you into the franchise? These stories range across multiple armies, genres, and lengths to verify every reader has something to enjoy.
There are multiple Omnibus collections in the Warhammer franchise, but this is our favorite of them for beginners looking to join the fandom. Word Bearers containsstories of different genres, armies, factions, and lengths to ensure there’s something to fit anyone’s tastes.
It’s a great way to jumpstart your collection with a huge selection of “samples” from the franchise. However, this isn’t a true “novel,” so if you’re looking for a single storyline, you may not want to grab an Omnibus. Still, we love this choice for its multiple genres, featured armies, and more, giving you something no matter what mood you’re in.
Speaking of newcomers to Warhammer 40K, here arethe best Starter Setsif you’re trying your hand at the game!
Eisenhorn: The Omnibus (Warhammer 40,000)
Everything Eisenhorn
Eisenhorn: The Omnibus is a collection of multiple novels and short stories. The collection tells the full story of Eisenhorn and his life throughout the Warhammer 40K universe.
The Eisenhorn series is one of the most popular names in Warhammer 40K lore, and for that reason, it’s landed itself as the best overall pick. The sheer popularity, as well as how often Eisenhorn comes up in other stories, makes this a crucial read for anyone who wants to follow the lore. We’ve chosen the Omnibus because it’s impossible to pick just one of the stories within.
Eisenhorn: The Omnibus combines the novels Xenos, Malleus, Hereticus, and The Magos, along with four related short stories. These stories all follow the life of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn on his journey from a fanatic zealot to a man who will work with anyone for the right cause. you’re able to’t let this series of novels escape your library as a Warhammer fan.
Requiem Infernal (Warhammer 40,000)
Not pure violence, but still plenty
Requiem Infernal follows the story of war-weary travelers resting with the Adepta Sororitas sisterhood. As the planet itself seems turned against them, this intriguing novel follows mystery as closely as conflict.
Since its release in late 2019, Requiem Infernal has become a fan favorite in the Warhammer 40K universe. It enjoys popularity among users of social media and highly favorable reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Following the battle sisters of Adepta Sororitas, the characters have their solitude broken by an encroaching danger.
Breaking their eternal vigil, the Adepta Sororitas of the Last Candle turn from deciphering the visions of their founder to meet these outsiders. Led by a former Adepta Sororitas herself, the survivors of the Astra Militarum company find themselves facing malignant beings from the storming spires of the planet.
Horus Rising: Anniversary Edition (Horus Heresy)
Where Horus Begins
Horus Rising focuses on the start of the famous and lengthy Horus Heresy series. Highlighting Horus and his oath to the Emperor, this start to the titanic series is a can’t-miss.
The Horus Heresy series is not just among the most prolific storylines in Warhammer 40K, but is also among the most titanic franchises in fantasy and fiction as a whole. As of writing this, there are roughly 54 novels in this series. What better way to learn more than to start at the beginning?
Horus Rising follows Warmaster Horus, an idealistic soldier in the Imperium of Man. Trusted with the Great Crusade by the Immortal Emperor, Horus finds the seeds of heresy among his brothers in this thrilling start to a truly gargantuan series.
Betrayer (Horus Heresy)
Takes some homework, but worth the time
Taking place at the mid-point of the Horus Heresy series, this is a fan favorite of Warhammer fanatics. It’ll take some reading to get up to it, but few novels are as beloved in the franchise.
Further along in the Horus Heresy timeline is the 24th installment, Betrayer. Written by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, this installment follows the beginning of the Shadow Crusade. As the Ultramarines struggle to get back on their feet, they find themselves involved with a strange set of allies. We won’t say more than that to avoid spoilers!
It’s difficult to suggest the 24th book in a series of 54, but we had to mention Betrayer. For many fans, this is the highlight of the immense series, even if it takes a couple dozen novels to catch up.
Fire Caste (Warhammer 40,000)
Intrigue, battle, environmental mayhem
Fire Caste is a fan favorite among Warhammer fans of all armies. Following the Arkhan Confederates, the survivors are placed in a brutal guerrilla war.
Written by Peter Fehervari, Fire Caste follows a set of fresh Imperial Guard forces. Taken from the Arkhan Confederates, these soldiers come to break a long-standing stalemate between the Imperial Guard and a coalition of Tau and Human deserters.
Finding themselves scattered, the Confederates are forced into a brutal guerrilla war. With their only leader a disgraced, vengeful officer, the jungles of the Dolorosa Coil are as treacherous as the forces working against both sides of the conflict.
Forges of Mars (Warhammer 40,000)
For fans of all armies
Following the story of Archmagos Lexell Kotov, this trilogy follows a crusade of one of the most powerful individuals in lore. Involving the Space Marines and Imperial Guard, fans of all armies will love this trilogy.
For fans of multiple armies, Forges of Mars is a can’t-miss. The trilogy is also available as an omnibus so you can snag every part of the story in one book, if you prefer.
Forges of Mars follows the story of Archmagos Lexell Kotov as they move to investigate strange occurrences. Along with the Archmagos are the Space Marines, Imperial Guard, and the warriors of Adeptus Mechanicus. The three-army crusade comes together to become one of the most epic stories in the franchise.
FAQ
Since the original release of Warhammer 40K, there have been several hundred novels written in the franchise by a plethora of authors. It’s far from required to read them all, but it’d be an impressive feat.
Do Warhammer 40K Novels Affect My Tabletop Game?
No. Some beginning players think that the novels are directly tied to gameplay, but there’s little to no link. These books are for extracurricular lore and enjoyment.
Are The Codexes Warhammer Lore?
Warhammer codexes are books that dive deeply into the art, lore, design, and behind-the-scenes story of individual armies. These are full of lore, but we’ve separated them into another category, as your enjoyment of them depends on whether you enjoy the subject of the codex. We strongly recommend them if you find one that interests you.
