The best books about Warhammer 40,000 that do not deal with Space Marines
Space Marines are the most popular motif for most novels and stories from Warhammer 40,000. However, the world has much more to offer even within the Imperium. Therefore, here are two additional recommendations.
Especially many factions are offered by Dawn of War, which is soon getting a remaster:
1. The Fall of Cadia
The Fall of Cadia tells of one of the greatest disasters in the modern Imperium, the destruction of the fortress world of Cadia. Cadians are among the toughest soldiers in the Imperium, and for good reason, their home world was practically on a source of Chaos.
Many will have already heard of the planet – and that Cadia has fallen. The books tell how it came to be.
- The Fall of Cadia: Part 1 in the Black Library
- also exciting for the story afterwards: The Last of Hell in the Black Library
2. The Book of Martyrs
My personal favorite faction from Warhammer 40,000 are the Adepta Sororitas, fanatical warrior-priestesses in power armor. The Adepta Sororitas are interesting not only because they are an order that consists entirely of female fighters, but also diplomats, healers, and more. They stand in stark contrast to the all-male Space Marines.
Unfortunately, many books about the Adepta Sororitas have not been translated into German, which is why there is only a small selection here. However, especially for those who can read English, The Book of Martyrs is highly recommended, which tells about the martyr death of three of the fanatical sisters. Due to the limitation, here’s a small selection:
- The Book of Martyrs in the Black Library (English)
- Fire of Faith in the Black Library (German) or: Sisters of Battle, the entire collection of this series in the Black Library (English)
- Requiem Infernal in the Black Library (German; individual novel)
3. Priests of Mars
The Adeptus Mechanicus are the tech-priests of the Imperium – the guys who ensure that the “machine spirits” are not upset and that chaotic forces do not take over the technology. They worship the Omnissiah and are a very… special organization.
In Priests of Mars by Graham McNeill, an Explorator fleet searches for the traces of a radical Magos who has suspected ancient, powerful technology in uncharted space.
If you are interested in the Adeptus Mechanicus, you can look forward to a new game that focuses exactly on the priesthood of Mars. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2 is a new tactical strategy game in the style of XCOM and allows you to control the Adeptus Mechanicus or Necrons in the battle for a mysterious tomb world.
