#bequin isn't on here and neither is lords of silence because both are better if you know what people are talking about when you read them

[sincethewreck]

Katherine's Guide to Getting (into) Warhammer 40k*

*for people who want shipping in their grimdark space opera

What is it:

Warhammer 40k is a tabletop wargame with lots of teeny tiny expensive plastic miniatures, produced by the UK’s Games Workshop. There’s a lot of math and measuring and painting involved, but Games Workshop began putting out novels based in the setting more than two decades ago, which really helped flesh out the canon and individual characters and is my preferred method of canon consumption.

There are two ‘main’ settings for Warhammer 40k. One is 40k, which is the year 40,000 AD, where everything is grimdark and has gone to shit. The main human faction is the Imperium of Man, a horrible ultra-religious fascist shithole ruled by a probably-but-not-definitely-dead Emperor. He sits upon on the Golden Throne, a nightmare engine that powers the Astronomican, the means by which human spaceships can navigate the Warp, which is a nightmare dimension that is the only means of travel between the vast distances of space that make up the Imperium.

The time when everything was just starting to go to shit but was otherwise pretty great (for some people) is 30k (30,000 AD), when the Emperor was still alive and moving, along with his 20 18 genecrafted sons. With their help, he conquered most of known space after the Age of Darkness, a massive Warpstorm that broke the previous galactic civilization and fucked up all of space for thousands of years. Everything was golden (literally) and great until Horus (favorite son) was lured over to the side of Chaos and started a civil war which ended with the Emperor being trapped on the Golden Throne. Also, Sanguinius, the one with the pretty angel wings, died.

Among others. It was a pretty big deal.

Why should you get into it:

Both eras are pretty intense space operas. Plus, the canon is so large that there’s literally something for everyone. If you want elves, we’ve got elves. If you want empire expansion and exciting conquest, you can consume just that. Terrifying space bugs? Got them in droves. Space Wizards? Yep. Incest brother smarm? So much of that. Religious guilt, female characters, space battles at immense scales, people doing their best to keep hope alive in a horrible universe, people reveling in evil and trying to burn everything—you get the idea. Most people have a favorite set of space marines or primarchs or a faction and just follow that, which is entirely possible.

However, the canon is pretty much indecipherable without help. Remember how I mentioned that they’ve been publishing novels for more than two decades? Combine that with how most of the novels assume you’ve played the tabletop or read other novels, and it’s very hard to pick a starting point. Luckily, I’ve read literally dozens of them, and I’m here to help you. In all honesty, it’s because I want more fic for my ships, and that’s honestly not going to happen until more people get into the canon, so let’s go.

I have chosen six books that I think are good starting points for getting into the canon, based on three criteria. One, you can read it canonblind, and it will introduce the world, vocab, and at least two factions to you gently. Two, reading it early on and missing some stuff because you're new won't ruin the book for you. Three, the book is pleasingly well-written, and is enjoyable in and of itself.

You can use this like a reading list, but in theory, you should be able to get through any two or three of these and then feel safe launching into any Warhammer 40k novel. I have also listed each book's era, if you have a preference.

While this list is not extensive (I very specifically wanted to keep it short) I suggest looking in the comments to see books others will doubtless recommend once you feel you've got your bearings. My ask box is always open, if you want to hit me up with personalized recommendations as far as wanting more female characters, more books about a specific primarch, short stories, a specific faction etc.

Finally, I link to where you can purchase each book via Games Workshop’s site, which you should definitely do and not seek them out secondhand on Better World Books, or as pirated ebooks. That would absolutely be a very bad idea.          

What to read:

The Eisenhorn Series - if you want a long series with lots of interpersonal relationships and mysteries:

The single best entry point to Warhammer 40k. Dan Abnett began writing this so early into the novelization that he invented most of the vocabulary for the canon. The series covers Gregor Eisenhorn’s journey from bright young thing to grizzled old sadman as he is forced to make choice after choice that chips away at his resolve and morals. (& you can launch right into the Ravenor series after!) Read if you like: sad old men, heists, mentor/mentee found family. (40k)

Valdor: Birth of the Imperium - if you want that good lore and want to start at the very beginning of the founding of the Imperium:

Set just at the cusp of the founding of the Imperium, Constantin Valdor manages a threat and puts to bed the old world while watching the thing that will become the Imperium of Man begin to show cracks. Read if you like: female characters, diplomacy, the slow collapse of people trying to do good and justice, insights into genecrafting and whatever the fuck is actually going on with the primarchs. (30k)

Vaults of Terra (Carrion Throne/Hollow Mountain/Dark City) - if you want a female MC with politicking and detective work:

Luce Spinoza, an Inquisitor-in-training, is assigned the very great honor of serving on Terra, and also covertly surveilling her master. When a far larger conspiracy comes to light, she has to decide who she really serves. Why you should read it: excellent intro to what Terra is like by 40k, overview of some of the most recent events in the canon, Erasmus Crowl is the sort of sad old man that tumblr loves, solving a very intricate conspiracy. (40k)

Fulgrim: the Palatine Phoenix - if you want primarch content:

Early into the Great Crusade, a newly independent Fulgrim tries to prove himself by (almost) biting off far more than he can chew. Why you should read it: it’s Fulgrim everyone loves Fulgrim, that’s enough of a reason, his fall is far more striking if you see him being a precious valiant baby first. (30k)

The First Heretic - if you want inter-legion relationships and a focus on Chaos:

The Word Bearers legion and their Primarch, Lorgar, messily and brilliantly become disillusioned with the promise of the Imperium and the Emperor. Why you should read it: an easy overview of most of the major events preceding and going into the Heresy, fun with daemons, plenty of interpersonal relationships between Astartes and Astartes and Astares and humans.

Rites of Passage - if you want more of a civilian focus with no Space Marines and an older female MC:

After the mysterious death of her husband, Lady Chettamandey struggles to gain control over her Navigator house and prevent further damage to their economic status and general wellbeing. Why you should read it: discussion of the role of Navigators in the Imperium, house/family politics, a view of civilian life in the Imperium. (40k)