I’d like to try reading some fiction in the 40k universe and was wondering if anyone has some recommendations. There’s a lot of books to decide between so I’m a bit lost. There’s also the humble book bundle going on right and it looks like it might be a good deal, but I’m not familiar with any of the authors. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Edit: following the advice in the responses, I got the humble bundle and am starting out with spear of the emperor. Thanks for all the advice! Definitely want to give eisenhorn a read sometime if I can find an epub at a good price.

  • captainhaddock@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    7·
    3 months ago

    The Humble Bundle is a solid deal. The Tome of Fire trilogy is a big Salamanders line. The rest is pretty standard current space marines stuff. If you’re looking for backstory, specifically Dark Angels, tracing their path through the Horus Heresy novels is a good idea. If you’re looking for non-marines starters, Eisenhorn and Ciaphis Cain are good starting points. I am personally fond of the Vaults of Terra trilogy (have not been able to get into the sequel yet). There’s only a few Necron novels so if that’s your thing it’s pretty easy to start. I don’t know a ton about the other races and their fiction.

    • BlueTardisEnglish
      3·
      3 months ago

      Try and sample a few. The actual content/character and writing style will make a difference and some will appeal more than others.

      I really enjoyed any of the Trazyn stuff - War in the Museum is a good short story but infinite and the divine is awesome.

      Picked up the eisenhorn trilogy and can’t put it down. Nice paced detective thriller in 40k universe

      There are a few samples of short stories. Try them and figure what you love to read and start there. Don’t try and do the whole thing in release/timeline.

    • dodos@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      3 months ago

      Awesome, thanks! I’ll probably start with the humble bundle then. I’ve also heard good things about eisenhorn so may give that a go as well.

      • captainhaddock@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        2·
        3 months ago

        There’s usually one or two bundles a year that give you plenty to read. I have so much content from the last few years.

        There are so many entry points that if you don’t have a very specific desire it doesn’t matter a ton where you start.