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Black Library Readers’ Hall of Fame: 2007 and a Changing of the Guard
Through the votes of readers as well as our community panel of community voices, we’ll examine the entire history of the Black Library, induct the latest winners, and vote for the next round’s candidates every other week.
Welcome Aboard
In our last installment we noted the changing of the guard with the end of last quarter, bidding adieu to our friends and Committee members Liam Brough and Chris Farrugia. This week we're excited to announce the two new additions to the Committee, two gentlemen who need little introduction!
Image credit: Arbitor Ian
Arbitor Ian
Arbitor Ian is a London-based content creator, lore historian, and a prominent voice in the international Warhammer community. Since launching his channel in 2020, Ian has become a "go-to" analyst for fans seeking a clear, accessible, and objective look at the grimdark future.While many "Loretubers" focus strictly on in-universe narrative, Ian has carved out a unique niche by providing essential out-of-universe context—analyzing how the fiction, tabletop rules, and real-world history of Games Workshop have evolved over the last forty years. From his deep-dive "Retrospective" series to the collaborative "Warhammer Book Club," Ian’s work is defined by its meticulous research and its bridge between the hobby’s "Oldhammer" roots and the modern era.
Image credit: Jordan Sorcery
Jordan Sorcery
Jordan Sorcery is a Warhammer historian who makes documentary videos on YouTube about the development history of Games Workshop’s games and interviews the folks who made them.His GW Book Club project to read the original Warhammer GW Books & Boxtree publications in release order is almost complete, but he has picked up many Black Library novels before and since, taking particular delight in fantasy stories that feature halflings! As an avid Warhammer fan since the 90s Jordan has enjoyed every aspect of the hobby for decades, although painting models is still his greatest challenge!
Now, onto the books!
The Envelope Please
While the first half of the year gave us a slew of new inductees, 2006's "back nine" only managed to produce one. Little surprise, though, as to which one it was.
Jordan Sorcery: "Galaxy in Flames marks the end of the beginning - part three of a trilogy that at one time was intended to stand alone, but which instead became the opening salvo of the near-60 book barrage that was the Horus Heresy. Though Ben Counter’s installment is not necessarily the strongest part of the larger Heresy, nor even the trilogy itself, it still deserves its place in the Black Library Hall of Fame. Not only does it land the Warmaster's betrayal, tie together numerous plots and character arcs from the previous two books, and dramatically seal the fate of the much loved Garviel Loken (sort-of), but it also manages to open enough doors for subsequent entries in the series to neatly follow through."
AJ, The Paladin Journal: "Galaxy in Flames is about as perfect of an ending as I could’ve hoped for in the opening trilogy of the series. While events for the trilogy were at a breakneck pace and we covered a lot of events in short order, Ben Counter nevertheless stuck the landing with this book and put a throughline on many of the important stories leading up to this point.
"As someone who got into the hobby through the books before I ever delved into the tabletop and who was fascinated by the older HH lore, the events of Istvaan III massacre have always been at the top of the mind, and to see them realized in such a visceral manner was very satisfactory. The importance of the novel is not on a technical level, but on the emotional reward for the reader. Ben had me hooked start to finish and the fact the events herein lead to the Dropsite Massacre, the most seminal event of the Heresy, was just icing on the cake."
The Ballot: The Class of 2007
A fateful year, 2007 saw the Necromunda and Blood Bowl lines come to an end- at least for a time. Meanwhile, the juggernaut that was the Horus Heresy had only just left the station. Here are all the novels of 2007 submitted for your worthy consideration.
Warhammer 40,000
Image credit: Games WorkshopBook: Brothers of the Snake, by Dan Abnett
Synopsis: "Best-selling author Dan Abnett turns his hand to the mighty Space Marines! The war-torn far-future is laid bare as Brothers of the Snake follows the exploits of the Iron Snakes Space Marines as they battle against the enemies of mankind. First appearing in the pages of Inferno! magazine, the Iron Snakes Space Marines quickly gathered a loyal following and now they wage war in a full-blown adventure, battling aliens and heretics as they defend the Imperium."
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Chapter War, by Ben Counter
Synopsis: "Declared excommunicate from the Adeptus Astartes many years ago, and led by the heroic Sarpedon, the Soul Drinkers are desperate to restore themselves back into the good graces of the Imperium. When the planet of Vanqualis comes under attack from orks, the Soul Drinkers answer, Sarpedon seeing a chance to prove their loyalty.
"But factions within the Chapter are moving against the brave leader, eager to tread a different path, one that will lead to Chaos. Matters are complicated further when the Howling Griffons Chapter arrives on Vanqualis, too, and Sarpedon finds he has enemies on three fronts. Survival, the fate of Vanqualis and the Chapter itself are all at stake."
Note: Book four in the Soul Drinkers series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Dark Apostle, by Anthony Reynolds
Synopsis: "Driven on by dark visions, Dark Apostle Jarulek of the Word Bearers Chaos Space Marine legion and his force lay waste to the imperial planet of Tanakreg. After brutally enslaving the population, they set them to work building a monstrous tower. But what is the Word Bearers' vile purpose, and can they achieve it before the Imperial forces arrive to reclaim the planet?"
Note: Book one in the Word Bearers series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Desert Raiders, by Lucien Soulban
Synopsis: "When an Imperial listening station receives an enigmatic call for help from a far-flung planet, a regiment of Tallarn Desert Raiders is sent to investigate. Pretty soon, the Imperial Guard find themselves locked in a desperate running battle with wave upon wave of Tyranids. Is there any way they can ever triumph against such numberless alien hordes?"
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Duty Calls, by Sandy Mitchell
Synopsis: "On Periremunda the populace are rioting. With local forces unable to contain the widespread civil disorder, Commissar Cain and his regiment of Valhallans are called in to help. However, it seems there is more to the rebellion than first appeared and Cain suspects sinister forces at work behind the scenes. When the commissar is reunited with Inquisitor Amberley Vail it seems his fears are realised. In this the fifth book in the popular Ciaphas Cain series our hero is thrown into a deadly conspiracy that even he might not be able to emerge from alive."
Note: Book five in the Ciaphas Cain series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Eldar Prophecy, by C. S. Goto
Synopsis: "Isolated and alone, the eldar craftworld Kaelor floats through the dark reaches of space. Exacting vengeance on those who brought low his ancestors, a youthful eldar warrior wreaks destruction across the craftworld but can the prophecy that drives him be trusted, or are darker forces at work?"
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Only in Death, by Dan Abnett
Synopsis: "The Sabbat Worlds Crusade has reached the fortress-world of Jago, and the Tanith First are given a vital – and dangerous – mission to defend a key pass against the enemy, garrisoned in an ancient mansion, the Hinzerhaus. Strange things are happening there. There are voices on the wind and people are disappearing. With enemy outside and ghosts within, Colonel-Commissar Gaunt and his men must face their fears – for only in death does duty end."
Note: Book eleven in the Gaunt's Ghosts series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Ravenor Rogue, by Dan Abnett
Synopsis: "Inquisitor Ravenor continues his persecution of the arch-heretic Zygmunt Molotch – a hunt that has, for him, now become an obsession. In direct contravention of Inquisition orders, Ravenor and his team go rogue, in relentless pursuit of their quarry. Thrown through time and space, pitted against enemies of limitless power and cunning, just how much will Ravenor and his team have to sacrifice to save the day?"
Note: Book three of the Ravenor series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Rebel Winter, by Steve Parker
Synopsis: "Captain Sebastev of the Vostroyan Firstborn has risen through the ranks, much to the chagrin of some of his fellow officers. His mettle is truly put to the test during a posting on the ice-encrusted battlefields of Danik's World, fighting against a fierce rebellion. Caught between rebels and hordes of orks, Sebastev's company is tasked with holding the line, while the rest of the Vostroyan army makes a tactical retreat.
"But the withdrawal goes horribly wrong, and Sebastev and his men are cut off and stranded behind enemy lines. Worse still, when new orders come in, the captain must not only try to ensure the survival of his company but escort a traitor back to Vostroyan high command or all efforts in the war thus far will have been for nothing!"
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Sons of Fenris, by Lee Lightner
Synopsis: "When reports reach Terra of a Chaos incursion on Hyades, Ragnar Blackmane and his Wolfblade brothers are sent to investigate. But once there, they find that all is not what it seems. The Dark Angels, ancient rivals of the Space Wolves, are present and eager to allow old feuds to come to the fore. When both Chapters call in reinforcements, the situation quickly escalates out of control – and there is still the threat of renegades and traitors waiting for them…"
Note: Book five of the Space Wolf series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Star of Damocles, by Andy Hoare
Synopsis: "Rogue trader patriarch Lucian Gerrit and his family get swept up in an Imperial Crusade to track down and exterminate the alien tau. Having crossed the desolate area of space known as the Damocles Gulf, the fleet arrives on the borders of the tau empire. Can Gerrit's resourcefulness save the day when the Imperial forces find themselves outnumbered and outgunned, thousands of light years from home?"
Note: Book two of the Rogue Trader series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]
The Horus Heresy
Image credit: Games WorkshopBook: Descent of Angels, by Mitchel Scanlon
Synopsis: "The planet of Caliban exists much as it has for thousands of years – the knightly orders protect the common people, fighting back the beasts that lurk in the depths of the seemingly endless forests. Young Zahariel and Nemiel aspire to join the greatest of the orders, led by the example of mighty Lion El'Jonson and his vision of a peaceful and unified world. But the coming of the Imperium brings new concerns and a new destiny for the Lion as part of the Great Crusade, and the sons of Caliban must decide if they will follow him to glory among the stars."
Note: Book six of the Horus Heresy.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: The Flight of the Eisenstein, by James Swallow
Synopsis: "Having witnessed the terrible massacre of Imperial forces on Isstvan III, Death Guard Captain Garro seizes a ship and sets a course for Terra to warn the Emperor of Horus's treachery. But when the fleeing Eisenstein is damaged by enemy fire, it becomes stranded in the warp - the realm of the Dark Powers. Can Garro and his men survive the depredations of Chaos and get his warning to the Emperor before Horus's plans reach fruition?"
Note: Book four of the Horus Heresy.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Fulgrim, by Graham McNeill
Synopsis: "Under the command of the newly appointed Warmaster Horus, the Great Crusade continues. Fulgrim, Primarch of the Emperor's Children, leads his warriors into battle against a vile alien foe, unaware of the darker forces that have already set their sights upon the Imperium of Man. Loyalties are tested, and every murderous whim indulged as the Emperor's Children take their first steps down the road to true corruption - a road that will ultimately lead them to the killing fields of Isstvan V..."
Note: Book five of the Horus Heresy.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]
Necromunda
Image credit: Games WorkshopBook: Lasgun Wedding, by Will McDermott
Synopsis: "It's survival of the fittest on the towering industrial hive world of Necromunda, where brutal gangs fight for supremacy in the nightmare Underhive and decadent nobles play power games in the higher echelons of the Spire. Kal Jerico, suave bounty hunter, is drawn into a deadly game of his own when the ruler of Necromunda falls dead and he is coerced into taking his place! Assassins vying for Kal's blood and power mad nobles are the least of Kal's worries as, still adjusting to life as Lord of the Spire, he has to get married!"
Note: Book three of the Kal Jerico series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]
Warhammer Fantasy
Image credit: Games WorkshopBook: Defenders of Ulthuan, by Graham McNeill
Synopsis: "The high elves have long been the protectors of the Warhammer World, and their homeland of Ulthuan is known for the powerful magic that surrounds it. At the heart of Ulthuan lies a magical vortex, and the mages who created it remain trapped in a space out of time, endlessly working the spell that keeps the world from becoming a seething Realm of Chaos. When Ulthuan comes under attack from the forces of Chaos and dark elves led by the Witch King and the hag sorceress, Morathi, the high elves must hold firm or face disastrous consequences. In Defenders of Ulthuan Graham McNeill tells the epic tale of the struggle between good and evil."
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: The Enemy Within, by Richard Lee Byers
Synopsis: "The practice of magic is strictly controlled in the Empire, and rogue mages are ruthlessly hunted down by the witch hunters. An Imperial wizard is blackmailed into infiltrating a vile Chaos cult - if doesn't, he will be denounced as a heretic. Can he complete his assignment without being corrupted, and can he trust his tormentor to honour his part of the bargain?"
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Hour of the Daemon, by Aaron Rosenberg
Synopsis: "Alaric and Dietz have one last chance to track down the daemon and destroy it before it materialises and lays waste to the civilised world. This time, their journey takes them into the dark heart of the Grey Mountains, where they must face a savage horde of beastmen and their mutated ruler. Even with the help of their allies, the wood elves, how can our heroes ever hope to triumph against such impossible odds?"
Note: Book three of the Daemon Gates series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Lord of Ruin, by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee
Synopsis: "In the world of Warhammer, no race is as cruel and treacherous as the dark elves, and no member of this race is more infamous than Malus Darkblade. Now that he has retrieved the five missing artefacts, Darkblade must return them to the daemon before the year is up. But can Tz'arkan be trusted to honour his part of the bargain or will he try to trick Darkblade one last time?"
Note: Book five in the Malus Darkblade series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Manslayer, by Nathan Long
Synopsis: "Reunited with their old friend, the insane dwarf engineer Malakai Makaisson, Gotrek and Felix travel once again on his mighty airship The Spirit of Grungni as they head north to join in the war against the vast hordes of Chaos that threaten the lands of men. But when a series of suspicious accidents threaten to end their journey prematurely – and permanently – it becomes clear that saboteurs are at work. Gotrek and Felix must work quickly to find the culprits before it's too late."
Note: Book nine in the Gotrek & Felix series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: A Murder in Marienburg, by David Bishop
Synopsis: "Marienburg is the greatest port of the Old World, a melting pot of different cultures and races. When he is made a captain of the watch, ex Imperial army officer Kurt Schnell soon finds his promotion is a poison chalice. His watch station is in the worst part of town, his men are scum, strange creatures prowl the streets at night - what more could possibly go wrong?"
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Night of the Daemon, by Aaron Rosenberg
Synopsis: "After their adventures in Day of the Daemon, Alaric and Dietz head south to the Border Princes, the wild, lawless land south of the Empire. Narrowly escaping the clutches of a liche lord, their quest leads them to a citadel full of Chaos cultists. Against such impossible odds, how can our heroes and their new ally get in to defeat the daemon this time?"
Note: Book two of the Daemon Gates series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Palace of the Plague Lord, by C. L. Werner
Synopsis: "After the murder of his tribe at the hands of a rival tribe of warriors, the fierce Norse warrior, Einarr, finds himself the sole survivor. Seeking revenge for his people and respite from guilt he sets off on a perilous quest deep into the Chaos Wastes, a land of magic and madness that lies far to the north of the world. Hideous monsters, ravenous daemons, even the landscape itself threaten him every step of the journey. What price must a mortal pay to steal the treasure of a god, and will he be able to achieve his ultimate aim, a second chance for his people?"
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Retribution, by Steven Savile
Synopsis: "The people of the Empire believe the curse of the dreaded Vampire Counts is ended. Yet the plague of the undead persists in the form of Mannfred von Carstein, who has returned from the Lands of the Dead to exact his vengeance on the Empire and bathe it in the blood of war. Divided by internecine conflict, the rulers of the Empire must put aside their differences and unite to battle this threat from the new lord of Sylvania, or the land of men will be lost forever."
Note: Book three in the von Carstein series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]Book: Warpsword, by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee
Synopsis: "A member of the dark elf race, Darkblade's reputation as a warrior is beyond compare and his cruelty is legendary - even by the standards of the dark elves. Having been possessed by the foul daemon Tz'arkan, Malus undertakes a perilous quest to regain five magical artefacts that will free his soul or damn him forever!"
Note: Book four in the Malus Darkblade series.
Image credit: Games Workshop[/caption]
Blood Bowl
Image credit: Games WorkshopBook: Rumble in the Jungle, by Matt Forbeck
Synopsis: "After winning the Spike! Magazine tournament final, the Hackers set sail for the fabulous land of Lustria to seek new challenges. In the hot, steamy jungles, Dunk and his friends have to fight off zombies, pygmy halflings, lizardmen and more ? and that's before they face off against the Amazon team in the Tobazco Bowl!"
Note: Book four in the Blood Bowl series.
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The Banner of Glory
Here are all of the members of the Black Library Readers' Hall of Fame.
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