6 replies to this topic

[Raven]

I suddenly got an urge to read something based on the DOW 40K universe. I haven't read a single Warhammer book and my only knowledge regarding the universe is through the DoW games and reading the DoW Wikia from time to time.

Any suggestions for me to start off?

[Wizard]

That depends. Are you beaky, traitor, space poof [elf], fishy or one of those squishy guard types??

I am a bit of a Black Library nut and my collection is extensive, but it would help to know where your interests lie.

Edited by Wizard, 20 August 2012 - 08:46.

[Raven]

I am more interested in the Mehrins and guards....Specially the Marines...

[Wizard]

Makes it pretty easy to assist then.

Choose any of the Space Marine Battles novels:

Battle of the Fang (Space Wolves v Thousand Sons) - Superb
Purging of Kadillus (Dark Angels v Orks) - Ok
Ryn's World (Crimson Fists v Orks) - V. Good
Fall of Damnos (Ultramarines v Necrons) - Ok
Hellsreach (Templars v Orks) - V. Good
Legion of the Damned (Excoriators (+ LotD) v Khorne Daemons) - Disappointing
Gildar Rift (Silver Skulls v Red Corsairs) - Ok
Wrath of Iron (Iron Hands v Slaanesh Daemons) - Next in line to be read (latest release)
Hunt for Voldorius (White Scars v Alpha Legion) - Good
Architect of Fate (Novellas v Tzeetch Daemons) - Ok

Or

Pure Salamanders:

Tome of Fire Triology - Salamander; Fireborn, Nocturne - First two are fricking awesome, Nocturne not so much

Pure Ultramares:

The Chapter's Due - Good
Warriors of Ultramar - Ok
Dead Sky Black Sun - Good
Killing Ground - unread as yet
Courage and Honour - Good

Or

Pure Blood Angels:

Just get the 2nd Omnibus - Good

Or

Various Short Stories:

Legends of the Space Marines - Ok
Victories of the Space Marines - Ok
Heroes of the Space Marines - Ok

There a plenty more, but I won't just list the entire of the Black Library catalogue.

If you want the good stuff you have to go back to the Horus Heresy series. That is where the action is and Primarchs aplenty!!!

In publish date order (best way to read them imo), make sure you brush up on the HH chronology on the Lexi before you start reading this:

Horus Rising - Must read
False Gods - Must read
Galaxy in Flames - Must read
Flight of the Eisentein - Must read
Fulgrim - Must read
Legion - Must read
Dark King - Audio Drama, only apperance of Konrad Curze
Lightning Tower - Audio Drama
Battle for the Abyss - Do NOT read, worst book ever!
Mechanicum - Good
Tales of Heresy - Short stories, Ok to good
Fallen Angels - Ok(ish)
A Thousand Sons - Superb
Nemesis - Ok
The First Heretic - Must read
Descent of Angels - Poor
Prospero Burns - Story is a little long and opposite of bolter porn, but one of the best written in the series
Age of Darkness - Short stories, Ok
The Outcast Dead - Ok
Deliverance Lost - Good
Know No Fear - The best book of the series and, imo, the entire of the Black Library!!
The Primarchs - Short Stories, Ok(ish)
Kryptos- Very short story, you can afford to miss this out
The Crimson Fist - Good
Fear to Thread - V. Good, am about 75% of the way through it atm

The only non-space marine book I have read wasn't about the guard, but was Enforcer, an Arbites novel. First story was excellent, but the others were not fun reads. I suggest you read Ciaphas Cain if you want Guard novels. They are next on my list after Wrath of Iron.

Hope that helps, but ask if you want any more specific info.

[Slye_Fox]

I've only read 3 Guard based book series, all of them really good;

13th Legion series
Gaunt's Ghosts series
Ciaphas Cain series

[SquigPie]

If you want some comics, I suggest Blood Quest (rather old, but holds up well to new continuety) and Damnation Crusade (which features TANKRED, the single most badass Dreadnought ever).

Oh, and stay away from the DoW novels. The old ones by Goto are infamous for being the biggest canon rape outside Matt Ward, the one for 2 was terrible too.

Edited by SquigPie, 21 August 2012 - 20:15.

[Raven]

Thanks guys...that's quite a long list. I think I will start looking for either Horus rising or Battle of the Fang.