I'd say 'Blood Gorgons' is a must - read too. It's about a Chaos Space Marine warband. The story is full of brutal battles, and it gives a different perspective on the Chaos side of the Warhammer 40k universe. It shows their culture, their goals, and how they operate, which is quite different from the Imperium's forces.
Definitely 'The First Heretic'. It shows the fall of the Word Bearers legion to Chaos. It's crucial for understanding the broader narrative of the Horus Heresy and how Chaos corrupted the once - loyal Space Marines.
In my opinion, 'Horus Rising' is a must - read. It sets the stage for the huge Horus Heresy storyline. 'Eisenhorn' is also essential as it gives a good look at the role of an Inquisitor in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. And 'Gaunt's Ghosts' as it shows the life and battles of the Imperial Guard in a very engaging way.
One of the great ones is 'Fulgrim'. It gives deep insights into the character of Fulgrim and the fall of his legion. Another is 'Horus Rising' which sets the stage for the Horus Heresy, a crucial event in the Warhammer 40k universe. 'The First Heretic' is also important as it delves into the roots of the Chaos influence on the Word Bearers legion.
Well, if you're just starting out with 'Warhammer 40k novels', I'd recommend 'Fulgrim'. It delves into the story of one of the Primarchs and is really engaging. Also, 'Soul Drinkers' is quite good as it shows a different side of the Space Marines. And don't forget 'The Horus Heresy: Galaxy in Flames' which continues the epic story started in 'Horus Rising' and really gets into the chaos that unfolds in the 40k universe.
Definitely 'Horus Heresy' series. It's a huge collection that details the civil war within the Imperium. It gives a deep understanding of the complex politics, the different factions, and the characters involved. 'Fulgrim' from this series is also a great read as it focuses on one of the Primarchs and his fall to Chaos.
For beginners, 'Gaunt's Ghosts' is a great start. It follows the Tanith First and Only regiment and shows the brutal warfare in the 40K universe. Another one is 'Fulgrim', which delves into the fall of one of the Primarchs. It gives a good understanding of the complex lore and the internal struggles within the Imperium.
A good starting point could be the 'Horus Heresy' series as it sets up a lot of the backstory. Then move on to some of the novels focused on the Space Marines like 'Ultramarines' series. After that, explore the ones about the Imperial Guard such as the 'Gaunt's Ghosts' series.
One of the most critically acclaimed is 'Eisenhorn'. It features Gregor Eisenhorn, an Inquisitor in the Warhammer 40k universe. The story is full of mystery, and the art is top - notch, which has made it very popular among fans and critics alike.
Sure. 'Horus Rising' is a great one. It sets the stage for a lot of the major events in the Warhammer 40k universe. Another is 'Gaunt's Ghosts: First and Only' which follows the story of Colonel - Commissar Ibram Gaunt and his regiment. And 'Eisenhorn' is also quite popular as it delves into the life of an Inquisitor.
Well, 'The First Heretic' is a must - read 40k novel. It delves deep into the Word Bearers Legion and their fall to Chaos. 'Fulgrim' is another important one in the Horus Heresy series. It shows the transformation of Fulgrim and his Legion into servants of Chaos. And don't forget 'Double Eagle' which is about the Imperial Navy pilots and their heroic deeds in the skies above the battlefields of the 40k universe.
There are a large number of Warhammer 40k novels, and it's difficult to give an exact count as new ones are constantly being released. There are hundreds, if not more, spanning different story arcs, factions, and time periods within the Warhammer 40k universe.