Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a good opening line is important for a novel. Black Library’s books are no exception, and some of their first lines are classics for the ages.
Today we’re taking a look at some of our favourites, starting with probably the most famous first line any Warhammer novel will ever have…
This, of course, is Dan Abnett’s opening to Horus Rising, which kicked off a series that’s still going strong 15 years later. ‘He’ is Garviel Loken, captain of the Luna Wolves, whose journey through The Horus Heresy has been a cornerstone of the sweeping saga – and we’re sure he’ll have a crucial part to play in what remains of the Siege of Terra.
The line itself is nigh-perfect. For those already immersed in Warhammer 40,000’s story, it’s filled with irony and intrigue. For anyone new to the universe, it’s full of mysteries to be unravelled. Who is Horus? Why did he slay the Emperor? And why is it such a delicious conceit? We defy anyone to read this line and not feel an immediate need to keep going.
Horus Rising is far from Dan Abnett’s only first line to do this. Take the start of First and Only, for example.
It’s no surprise that this too started a story that continues to this day. Like the opening of Horus Rising, these words evoke mysteries to be solved and conjure a compelling vision of a far future shattered by war.
As the novel – and the Gaunt’s Ghosts series – explored the Sabbat Worlds and the crusade to control them, this promise of immersion in a rich science fiction universe was realised.
Sometimes, an introduction establishes characters rather than setting the tone. In Honourbound, Rachel Harrison paints a fascinating portrait of her protagonist, with different points of interest for new and existing fans.
For Warhammer veterans, this is the epitome of a commissar, but rookie readers will want to know why she’s killing her own troops. It also instantly grounds Honourbound in the total war of the 41st Millennium, establishing the setting as adroitly as the character.
The third Dan Abnett-penned entry on our list, Xenos is very different from the others, but it’s equally rich in the factors that make you need to read on through nearly ten books. We’re thrust straight into the head of Gregor Eisenhorn, even if we don’t know yet who he is or why he’s important.
The description tells us much about the planet of Hubris and its people, as well as giving us an insight into what drives Eisenhorn. It also shows that this tale takes place away from the battlefield, making it tonally unique and interesting.
This beginning to The Devastation of Baal is all about setting. Guy Haley’s opening here makes it clear that Baal Secundus will be vital to the story to come. At the same time, it creates a grim, dark reality, showing a life of struggle and frugality in a few deft strokes.
In conjunction with the cover, this opening establishes that the story will cover a broad swathe of drama, from everyday human struggles to super-powered Space Marine battles.
Sometimes, a great first line builds on those that have come before it. For the start of the landmark Dawn of Fire series, Guy Haley consciously stood on Dan Abnett’s shoulders with this gem.
Everything we said about Horus Rising applies here too. But there’s the additional delicious twist that anyone who’s read The Horus Heresy series immediately sees the parallels, and is thus instantly on high alert.
After all, The Horus Heresy went from a semi-utopian beginning to the horrors of treachery, total war, and tragedy on a galactic scale. For a tale set in the already-dystopian 41st Millennium to begin this way is foreboding indeed. Does Guy double down on this darkness or subvert it? Grab a copy of Avenging Son to find out for yourself.
What’s your favourite first line? Have we covered it here or is there another Warhammer story that grabbed your attention and just didn’t let go? Head to Black Library’s Facebook page to let us know.