The elite warriors of the Militarum Tempestus defend an Imperial world against Mankind's foes. Tempestus Scions (sing.Tempestus Scion) (pronounced 'Tem-PEST-ess cy-ONS'), or as they are known in Low Gothic, Storm Troopers, are the elite special forces units of the Astra Militarum and the Inquisition, but officially belong to a subdivision of the Adeptus Administratum known as the Militarum. WARHAMMER ARMIES: WARRIORS OF CHAOS. Title: Layout 1 Created Date: 4914.

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Hulking monsters, heavily armored infantry and epic cavalry form the backbone of the Warriors of Chaos’ armies. Chaos god worshipers descend from the North, leaving only desolate wasteland in their path. In terms of in-game capabilities, Warriors of Chaos are fairly limited in their potential. A distinct lack of ranged power lets them down considerably, although their power in melee is uncontested.

The core infantry units available to the Warriors of Chaos are of course Chaos Marauders, Chaos Warriors and Chosen. The latter 2 can be equipped with a variety of weapons, allowing you to tailor your build quite well. Some units are definitely worth using over others though, as you’ll see on this list!

10. Chosen

Honestly you could take out this entry and replace it with the great weapons or halbers variant. It really depends on your army composition, Chosen in general are overall the best infantry unit available to the Warriors of Chaos. While they lack a slightly lower unit count than the ordinary Chaos Warriors, the stats are superior enough to give them a spot on the list. Chosen sport higher stats across the board, both offensively and defensively.

9. Chaos Warhounds (Poison)

Chaos Warhounds with poison attacks might be the only entry due to personal bias. I love these guys, they’re so effective for how cheap they are. A high speed stat allows them to act as a sort of light-cavalry unit, they really shine when charging into a fight that’s already started. A rear charge will demolish the leadership of the enemy unit, while simultaneously reducing their combat stats due to poison attacks!

8. Gorebeast Chariot

All chariot units belonging to the Warriors of Chaos are great choices, the Gorebeast Chariot is a world above the regular Chaos Chariot, though. Armored, armor-piercing and bonuses vs infantry allow this unit to decimate entire ranks of enemies. On the flipside, each unit only comes with 2 models and they’re very, very vulnerable to ranged fire. Gorebeast Chariots are effective enough to make the list but weak enough to not reach the top 5.

7. Chaos Spawn

One of the most terrifying sights to behold in the Warhammer universe is a unit of Chaos Spawn, which coincidentally does cause fear but not terror. This unit has low defensive stats but if they can reach melee range, they won’t need them. Chaos Spawn will cut through infantry ranks with ease, routing enemies and destroying those foolish enough to stick around. Don’t worry about them running as soon as the fight starts to look bleak, Chaos Spawn are unbreakable too!

6. Dragon Ogres

Dragon Ogres are ancient beings, capable of living forever if they stay away from war long enough. The battlefield is the only place they can die, giving them a huge power boost when they’re in the frey. High damage is the norm for a Dragon Ogre, as they have no problems fighting either infantry or large units, they hit hard regardless. Low defenses reduce their staying power but that’s justified, they’d be absurdly broken if they were a bit tankier!

5. Chaos Trolls (Armored)

Everyone knows how strong Trolls are, despite their lack of leadership and intelligence. A single swing from one of these beasts will cleave multiple enemies, sending them to their doom. With such offensive power, you’d think the trade-off would be a vulnerability to being focus fired. Not anymore, as Armored Chaos Trolls are one of the most difficult non-single-entity units in the entire game to kill.

4. Dragon Ogre Shaggoth

Arguably the biggest issue with units like this is their size, as every ranged unit will be able to shoot them. The Dragon Ogre Shaggoth repays the huge investment required to obtain it by accompanying itself with a massive 25% missile damage reduction. A huge HP pool, bonuses vs large and crazy high armor-piercing damage make a Dragon Ogre Shaggoth amazing in combat. It also has surprisingly high speed too, further adding to its competence on the battlefield!

3. Hellcannon

Of all the artillery pieces the Warriors of Chaos could possibly make, you have to give them props for getting the Hellcannon spot on. Not only does it hit like a truck, each shot will reduce the leadership of enemies hit. Every Warriors of Chaos army composition needs a Hellcannon, to put it simply, there’s no reason not to include one. Also, it looks awesome, which is a huge boon in a game about immersion.

2. Chaos Knights

The bulk of cavalry available to the Warriors of Chaos comes in the form of Chaos Knights, both the base variant and the Lances version. Both unit types are successful at what they’re supposed to do, with great base stats to propel them into the top 3 on the list. Wielding high armor and shields is incredibly beneficial, making them surprisingly tanky despite how much damage they can dish out.

1. Chaos Giant

You can look at the entire Warriors of Chaos roster, maybe even the rosters of the entire Old World factions and you won’t find a unit as scary as a Chaos Giant. This unit is exactly the same as other Giant units in terms of stats but combine it with the rest of the units available to the Warriors of Chaos and you have an even scarier monster. Sure, Giants are slow, lumbering beasts but once they get into the fight, they’ll stay there until their enemies are dead.

The universe of Warhammer 40k novels is expansive. The Black Library has published over a hundred books and they aren’t stopping soon. As a new reader, how are you supposed to know which are the best? How do you find the diamonds in the rough? Below is my attempt to list the 10 best Warhammer 40k novels published today.

Obviously, “best” is a subjective term. I compared a variety of sources: articles, reviews, message board, etc. The novels below appeared time and time and again. While no “best of” list is perfect, I think this is a pretty good start.

The hope is that by going through this list, you will hit the high spots of Warhammer 40k literature and be able to delve deeper where you see fit. The novels themselves are in no particular order. Instead, this group represents the best of the best. I have provided Amazon listings, but don’t forget to check your local library. Now go forth and enjoy.

[See also the Top 5 Warhammer 40k Novels for the New Reader list]

The 10 Best Warhammer 40k Novels

Horus Rising by Dan Abnett – Amazon

Whether you are a hardcore Warhammer 40k fan or brand new to the universe, Horus Rising by Dan Abnett is the place to begin. Taking place 10,000 years before the main 40k setting, this tale lays the foundation of the 40k mythos. With the Imperium of Man at its height, the Immortal Emperor leaves the frontlines and entrusts the great crusade to his Warmaster Horus. This sets forth the 40k universe as we know it.

Horus Rising is the perfect mix of militaristic 40k fare and rich character development. Dan Abnett’s prose is top-notch (which is why you will see his name many times on this list) and Horus Rising is just the start. There is something for everyone in this novel. Simply put, this is the one Warhammer 40k book you should read.

Fulgrim by Graham McNeill – Amazon

Fulgrim by Graham McNeill (another name appearing many times on this list) is a true tragedy depicting Fulgrim’s fall from grace. The story follows the Emperor’s Children as they battle an alien foe. In their attempt to achieve perfection, Fulgrim fights against the seduction of Chaos. Fulgrim’s struggles takes the Emperor’s Children to a climactic battle on Isstvan V.

The novel itself is epic in scope and often deals with morally grey themes. McNeill’s powerful writing and vivid descriptions leaves the reader haunted. A noted criticism of the book is that it does not give story-lines the space to breathe. At 512 pages, a lot is packed into this novel. Fulgrim is a definite page turner.

Legion by Dan Abnett – Amazon

A great war looms and loyalties are tested. Legion by Dan Abnett focuses on the Space Marines of the Alpha Legion and an alien organization known as the Cabal. Told from the perspective of ordinary humans, the novels details how and why the Alpha Legion are considered traitors. As you might guess, the answers are not always black-and-white.

Secrets, lies, twists, turns… Legion is a sci-fi thriller. Abnett weaves a web of espionage and intrigue. The novel is often compared to a James Bond story set in the 40K universe. If that isn’t enough to hook you, this book is considered by some to be the best Horus Heresy novel published. Not to be missed!

Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett – Amazon

Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett is a trilogy of novels about the career of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn. Written as a first person narrative, Eisenhorn follows a man’s quest to safeguard humanity and eradicate Chaos in the universe. Eisenhorn wields great power, but do the ends always justify the means? Good versus evil and everything in between.

The Eisenhorn trilogy was popular enough to be collected as an Omnibus. Fast paced and full of character, Abnett is in top form. This trilogy is self-contained and can be enjoyed by anyone without previous reading. A Warhammer 40k classic.

A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill – Amazon

The twelfth book of the Horus Heresy series details how the Thousand Sons went from loyal warriors to so-called traitors. Being forced to return to Prospero for their use of sorcery, Magnus the Red and the Thousand Sons warn the Emperor of Horus’ treachery. But the Emperor is not keen on their use of forbidden powers and instead sends the Space Wolves to to attack Prospero.

A Thousand Sons is gut wrenching and powerful, but also thoughtful and complex. The characters are philosophical and the story tragic. By the time the Space Wolves lay down a brutal siege on Prospero you may find yourself sympathizing with the Thousand Sons. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden – Amazon

Lorgar and the Word Bearers worship the Emperor as a god. For this they are punished. Questioning their faith, they seek out the true gods. But if the Emperor is not the true god, then who is? In slips Chaos and the first heretics in the 40k universe.

Total War Warhammer Chaos Warriors

The fall from grace is a common tale in the Horus Heresy series, but The First Heretic is one of the more compelling. It is the struggle of faith, shattered beliefs, and betrayal. We begin to see that many of these tragedies could have been prevented had the Emperor not been a poor father to his children. A heart wrenching novel.

Ravenor by Dan Abnett – Amazon

The Ravenor trilogy follow Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor and his mission to root out heresy in the galaxy. Ravenor is an immensely powerful psychic unable to use his physical body. Using only his mind, Ravenor travels through the Imperium of Man and time itself hunting down Chaos.

To truly appreciate Ravenor, it is recommended that you read Eisenhorn first. For as great as Eisenhorn is, Abnett has taken the universe one step further. The trilogy is a true adventure and Abnett’s writing as good as ever. Similar to Eisenhorn, the trilogy has been collected as an Omnibus. If you enjoyed Eisenhorn, you will love Ravenor.

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The Founding (Gaunt’s Ghosts) by Dan Abnett – Amazon

The Founding collects the first three novels that follow Ibram Gaunt, commissar of the Tanith First-And-Only regiment. On the day of the regiment’s founding, Chaos destroys their world. Now Gaunt and his regiment travel from world to world fighting battles both physical and political.

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The Gaunt’s Ghosts series by Dan Abnett is widely considered one of the best and The Founding is just the beginning. No need to read any backstory. Abnett knows how to flesh out the micro and the macro. You will care not only for the characters but also the universe they live in. Jump right in. This is good, fast paced stuff.

Storm of Iron by Graham McNeill – Amazon

Warhammer Warriors Of Chaos

Storm of Iron by Graham McNeill is the book to read if you enjoy Chaos Space marines. This standalone novel focuses on the Iron Warriors’ siege of the imperial planet Hydra Cordatus. But why have the Iron Warriors invaded and can they be stopped?

McNeill unleashes incredibly detailed military action along with fascinating characters in this 40k novel. Plenty of explosions without neglecting plot. The battles are brutal, both physically and emotionally. Never a dull moment. A classic McNeill ending makes this required reading.

Titanicus by Dan Abnett – Amazon

If you were ever interested in the Titans of Warhammer 40k, this is the novel for you. Huge battles, both literally and figuratively, fill the pages while subplots and twists unfold in the background. The Titans are the big allure of this book, but you might find the non-Titan characters even more interesting. Mech-warfare with political intrigue.

The page count of Titanicus suits the title. It is a hefty work with a bounty of plot threads. Readers who haven’t read earlier works, specifically Mechanicus, might be a bit lost. Titanicus might not be the most new-reader friendly novel. For those of you who are familiar with the 40k universe and/or have a love of Titans, this will be a welcome addition.