For many Warhammer fans, the Black Library is where the magic happens. From the burning hives of the 41st Millennium to the Mortal Realms of Sigmar, these novels and short stories bring the worlds of Warhammer to vivid life.
Whether you’re brand new or just looking to expand your reading list, here’s your essential guide to the best Black Library books, plus must-read Warhammer novels and tips on where to start!
Where to Start with Black Library
For Warhammer 40,000 (40K)
If you’re diving into the grim darkness of the far future, these are perfect entry points:
- Eisenhorn (by Dan Abnett) - A fast-paced trilogy that’s part detective story, part epic saga, following Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn’s desperate fight against Chaos.
- Horus Rising (by Dan Abnett) - Book one of the Horus Heresy series. See the birth of treachery in the Emperor’s Legions - it’s 40K’s greatest tragedy.
- Dark Imperium (by Guy Haley) - Explore the current narrative of 40K in the era of Roboute Guilliman and the Plague Wars.
For Age of Sigmar (AoS)
If the Mortal Realms are your passion, try these as your starting point:
- Soul Wars (by Josh Reynolds) - The dawn of the Age of Sigmar’s Soul Wars - great for getting to grips with AoS lore.
- Realmgate Wars series - Epic battles that set the stage for the Age of Sigmar’s early stories.
- The Gloomspite (by Andy Clark) - A wonderfully weird (and a bit terrifying) introduction to the Gloomspite Gitz faction.
Fan Favourites & Modern Classics
Some Black Library novels have become absolute legends in the hobby - must-read Warhammer novels that every fan should try at some point:
- Gaunt’s Ghosts (by Dan Abnett) - Follow the heroic Tanith First and Only regiment through the horrors of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade.
- The Night Lords Trilogy (by Aaron Dembski-Bowden) - A dark, twisted tale of Chaos Space Marines that has become a cult favourite.
- Helbrecht (by Marc Collins) - Explore the faith, fury and iconography of the Black Templars’ greatest champion.
- The Infinite and the Divine (by Robert Rath) - A surprisingly witty tale of ancient Necron rivals that’s a delight to read.
Hidden Gems & Faction Standouts
If you want to dive deeper into your favourite faction, here are some standouts worth adding to your shelf:
- The Devastation of Baal (by Guy Haley) - An epic tale of the Blood Angels’ desperate fight against the Tyranids.
- Witch Hunter (by C.L. Werner) - A grim, Gothic tale of an Inquisitor’s relentless crusade in the Old World of Warhammer Fantasy.
- Callis & Toll: The Silver Shard (by Nick Horth) - A thrilling Age of Sigmar mystery that’s perfect for fans of the Order factions.
- A Dynasty of Monsters (by David Guymer) - Deep dive into the monstrous Flesheater Courts - a faction unlike any other.
Merlin’s Miniatures is your go-to for expanding your hobby library. We carry a range of Black Library novels and limited editions in-store and online - plus a rotating selection of classic White Dwarf magazines and hobby tomes.
Check out the Merlin’s Miniatures Black Library section - or drop by the shop at:
Unit 10, Coronation Way, Tangmere, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2NY - and see what’s new!
