Warhammer Fantasy is a tabletop miniature wargame with a medieval fantasy theme. The worldbuilding of this wargame is so rich that there are several Warhammer Fantasy novels. But, are all these Warhammer novels worth reading? Which are the best Warhammer Fantasy books?
In Warhammer Fantasy, aside from humans, there are lots of other races such as elves, dwarfs, orcs, goblins, skavens (humanoid rats) or ogres among other creatures. As you might have guessed, this wargame is influenced in J.R.R Tolkien’s worldbuilding, something usual since Tolkien is the father of modern Fantasy: This is How Tolkien influenced the fantasy genre.
Warhammer is a world of Magic with great lore. All these factions have great heroes and commanders who have proved they were worth to lead their armies and were able to crush their enemies. As a result, lots of books have been written about the universe of Warhammer Fantasy.
For the fans of Warhammer Fantasy, it is true that now Fantasy has a substitute: Age of Sigmar. But even so, since all these stories are based on the world of Warhammer and therefore there are not yet “Empire Space Marines”, we will focus on WH Fantasy better. Let’s find the top Warhammer fantasy novels:
Warhammer Fantasy publisher: The Black Library
Most ot these novels are under Games Workshop’s publishing arm, the Black Library. Warhammer Fantasy books are written by diverse authors, therefore the quality of these novels might vary a lot. That’s why we are here. These are the best Warhammer Fantasy novels:
The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade books by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee
Main faction: Dark elves.
This series tells the story of Malus Dark Blade, a dark elf possessed by the daemon Tz’arkan, Malus Darkblade is an evil elf, even for the dark elves standards, which is a lot to say. This saga is one of the most popular series for Warhammer Fantasy.
In which order should I read The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade?
The best reading order here is the published order, this is how to read Malus Darkblade book series:
Skarsnik by Guy Haley
Main faction: Orcs and goblins.
This book narrates the story of Skarsnik, one of the greatest goblin chieftains of all time. Skarsnik, along with his inseparable squig companion Gobla, will threaten the border of the Empire leading his massive greenskin army. In this novel, Guy Haley will tell us how this humble goblin born in Karak Eight Peaks plotted and schemed until he not only became a warlord but a legend.
The Blackhearts series by Nathan Long
Main faction: The Empire.
When you are about to be executed, volunteering for a suicide mission in order to recover an ancient relic doesn’t sound like a bad deal compared to the gallows. Led by Captain Reine, this band of criminals will have to face demons, dark elves, skavens and fight for their life with honor. For The Empire!
In which order should I read The Blackhearts series?
The best reading order here is the published order, this is how to read The Blackhearts book series:
Archaon: Everchosen by Rob Sanders
Main faction: Chaos warriors.
Everchosen tells the origins of the Chaos warlord with the same title, Archaon, Three-Eyed King and Lord of the End Time chaos. In the northern wastes, Archaon gathers his army, the Followers of Chaos, waiting for the moment to strike the final blow.
In which order should I read Archaon?
This series is a duology, this is how to read Archaon books:
Gotrex and Felix series by William King and Nathan Long
Main factions: Dwarves and The Empire.
The Gotrek and Felix series is the most popular Warhammer Fantasy sagas of all and for most the best Warhammer fantasy saga of all. As the title says, this series tells the story of Gotrex Gurnisson, a Dwarf who took the slayer’s oath, and Felix Jaeger, a human saved who swore to follow Gotrek after the dwarf saved his life. Together they will travel along the Old World seeking death.
If you are looking for a fun story about companionship set in the fictional universe of Warhammer this is what you are looking for.
In which order should I read Gotrex and Felix series?
The Legend of Sigmar by Graham McNeill
Main faction: The Empire.
Sigmar is the god of the Empire of man. This man was raised to lead men, unifying all the 12 tribes of men eventually becoming what is known as The Empire. Here Sigmar reigned for what it was a prosperous fifteen years.
This series narrates the tales of the mighty hero Sigmar Heldenhammer, as he faces the hordes of orcs, battles the undying forces of Nagash and the forces of Chaos. This is the story of a king, an emperor and a god. The story of Sigmar.
In which order should I read The Legend of Sigmar?
Rise of Nagash by Mike Lee
Main faction: Vampire Counts, Tomb Kings.
Nagash, previously a mere priest of Kemhri, now the supreme lord of death. Will embark upon a quest for immortality which will lead to war and conflict. One of the most powerful wizards of all time, he will seek power and will face the empire he was supposed to protect: Nehekkara, Khemri’s capital and home of Settra the Imperishable.
In which order should I read Rise of Nagash?
Brunner the Bounty Hunter by C.L. Werner
Main faction: Mercenaries.
Brunner is a bounty hunter with no heart, he will fulfill his mission no matter what. There’s no honor in his life, as a mercenary, only gold matters. During his journey he will have to survive the encounters of ogres, dragons, vampires. One of those stories that show the grim dark face of the Warhammer Fantasy world.
In which order should I read Brunner the Bounty Hunter?
Mathias Thulmann: Witch Hunter by C.L. Werner
Main Faction: The Empire.
Witch Hunters are individuals known for their dedication and zeal against evil and corruption. Mathias Thulmann is a man of action, in this stories his witch hunter will seek the destruction of evil and dark power in the cities of The Empire.
In which order should I read Mathias Thulmann: Witch Hunter?
The Sundering by Gav Thorpe
Main factions: Dark elves, High Elves
This series tells the story of Malekith, the king of the Dark Elves, the one that divided the race of elves forever. Gav Thorpe will narrate the elves history through the eyes of Malekith, showing us how a civil war will be the beginning of the sundering of the elven race. This book will tell you how the dark elves and the high elves were created.
In which order should I read The Sundering?
Tyrion & Teclis by William King
Main faction: High Elves
This series center on these elven twins. The first a fearsome warrior, the second a powerful sorcerer. Tyrion & Teclis will narrate the story of these two mighty heroes along with different scenarios such as the jungles of Lustria (home of the Lizardmen) or the kingdom of Calendor, where they will have to face no other than the leader of the Dark Elves, Malekith.
In which order should I read Mathias Tyrion and Teclis?
Other recommended Warhammer Fantasy Books:
Riders of the Dead by Dan Abnett.
Ambassador Chronicles by Graham McNeil.
Gilead’s Blood by Dan Abnett and Nik Vincent.
Fell Cargo by Dan Abnett.
The Burning Shore by Rober Earl.
Headtaker by David Guymer.
Vampire Wars by Steven Savile.
Champions of Chaos by Ben Counter.
Here you have a lot of Warhammer fantasy novels to enjoy. Elves, goblins, the Empire, Bretonia… which is your favorite Warhammer army? tell us!
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