The lore of the Warhammer universes is rich and varied, and one of the best ways to explore it is within the pages of Black Library’s books. With over one thousand novels published across more than 20 years – not to mention hundreds of short stories, novellas, and audio dramas – you might want some tips on where to start.
This is the first in a new series that will give you ideas for books to check out, all focused on a particular faction or theme. We’re starting in the 41st Millennium, with tales about humanity’s first line of defence against all the horrors of the grim darkness of the far future – the Astra Militarum.
Even those unfamiliar with the wealth of Astra Militarum fiction may have heard of the storied Gaunt’s Ghosts, Ciaphas Cain, and Commissar Yarrick. These characters all have thrilling tales to tell, and they offer fantastic insights into the lives of the commissars and those who fight alongside them. In this getting started guide, we’re delving deeper into the vaults of Black Library to discover even more brilliant books about the stalwart soldiers of the Imperial Guard.
Cadians
Cadian Shock Troops are the archetype of the Astra Militarum, dedicated soldiers who battle on against all odds. Even after the death of their world at the hands of Abaddon the Despoiler, they continue to serve the God-Emperor on countless battlefields across the Imperium.
Cadia Stands and Cadian Honour by Justin D Hill delve into these stalwart paragons. The first book is set during the events of Cadia’s fall and showcases the heroism of the Astra Militarum as they fight against the forces of Chaos in a truly apocalyptic battle. It’s packed full of incredible action, drama, and pathos – and, of course, tragedy.
The second book picks up some time later and explores the impact of the Cadians losing their home through the eyes of Sergeant Minka Lesk. How do you keep fighting when everything you stood for is gone? Discover the answer and, in the process, gain a deeper understanding of what drives the Cadians.
Rumour has it that Justin has been hard at work on the third volume in his Cadian series, which will be coming your way later this year…
Tanks
Countless troopers form the backbone of the Astra Militarum – and tank companies are its fists. Most powerful among them are super-heavy tanks, the kind that Guy Haley wrote about in Baneblade and Shadowsword.
Baneblade follows the crew of, as you might have guessed, a Baneblade, which forms part of a tank company battling an ork Waaagh! The novel gives you a look into the life of a tank crew, the bonds that build between crewmates and the tank itself, and the nature of large-scale warfare in the 41st Millennium.
Shadowsword continues the story of the Baneblade crew as they join a Shadowsword super-heavy artillery company as close support. With the fate of three star systems in the balance, the tank’s commander faces harsh truths about the nature of the Imperium and his place in it, giving you a different perspective on the duty and honour of the Astra Militarum.
Commissars
We touched on Gaunt and Yarrick earlier – but they’re far from the only commissars who keep discipline tight and lead from the front in the Imperial Guard.
Honourbound by Rachel Harrison puts the focus on Severina Raine, a commissar attached to the 11th Antari Rifles as they battle a sinister Chaos cult. This story highlights the dedication of the Commissariat to maintaining discipline and ensuring that every mission is completed, whatever the cost. It also explores what makes a commissar, and how these harsh heroes are forged in blood.
You can get the ebooks of all these stories – and many more – on BlackLibrary.com now. Cadia Stands, Cadian Honour, and Honourbound are also available as unabridged audiobooks from the Black Library Audio app and Audible. Which of these books are you excited to read? Let us know on the Black Library Facebook page.