The Black library has produced some great books over the passed twenty years or so, with that here is a list of my favourites I have read. Provisions I have to had actually read them, not listened to an audiobook; I'm not against them as I do have a few. There is something special about actually having a physical copy. Finally finished more than once, I mean why suggest a book I've only read once so I have to finished these more than once and I have. If your favourite book is not here, means I haven't read it or read it once. So here we go!
Gaunt's Ghosts: First and Only Dan Abnett
Let's start with one of the best series by one of the best writers. The Gaunt's Ghosts series is one of the longest and best loved series, following Colonel Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith first and only after their planet was destroyed by chaos. Great story about someone leading a force he doesn't fit in and how he doesn't feel the
same loss as his men at the loss of their homeworld Tanith. Great character study with the interaction being believable in the 41st millennium.
2. Legion of The Damned Rob Sanders
As of writing this I am reading through this space marine battle novel again. Set during the Cholercaust of the world eaters and the pyrrhic victory of the Excoriators chapter upon the Cemetary world Certus Minor. For those that want to learn more about the enigmatic Legion of the Damned and more to about the Imperial fist geneflaw (yes they have one). It's an enjoyable read that is more about entertainment than anything else. Plus it has someone using a memevox in it. Memevoxes exist in the 41st millennium makes me smile.
3. Horus Rising Dan Abnett
The obligatory horus heresy mention, so it has to be the first one. For a series a large and long lived as the horus heresy is, now finally going through the war on Terra
. Out of fairness I had to put the first one. It's a great read, with the best subversions of expectations with the opening line 'I was there, when Horus slew the Empreror.' If you are looking to get into horus heresy books start here.
4. Dante Guy Haley
I was stuck between Dante and Devastation of Baal for this list, so with more of a fondness for character and background stories. How could I not go with Dante. Based on how the current and best Chapter Master of the Blood Angels rose up through the ranks. From the hardship of life on Baal secundus to preparing for the Tyranid hive fleet that was heading this way. I love it and really made love one of my favourite characters in 40k even more.
5. Helsreach Aaron Dembski-Bowden
How could I not mention the seminal book on the seco..first war for Armageddon, because we all know that silly Angron never invaded that planet. So much to say from learning about the rituals of the Black templars to infrastructure of a hive planet. There is so much here and it caters to many different types of reader. From bolter porn lovers to deep character works. It really is one of the best books, produced by the black library. Grimaldus is a great character, willing to defy the mechanicus to obtain victory from the greenskins that had invaded Armageddon. I love it, all of the interactions, the set pieces, the feeling of dread to elation. ADB wrote an amazing story.
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