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Malus Darkblade Books in Order

7 Books
2005 – 2009 Published
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How to Read the Malus Darkblade Saga

If you are looking to dive into the grimdark depths of Warhammer Fantasy, there is no protagonist quite as deliciously wicked as Malus Darkblade. A highborn Dark Elf (Druchii) from the frozen wastes of Naggaroth, Malus is defined by his boundless ambition, ruthless cunning, and a very literal inner demon: the daemon Tz'arkan, who possesses his soul. The core saga, co-authored by legendary Warhammer writer Dan Abnett and game designer Mike Lee, remains a standout classic of dark fantasy.

To get the most out of Malus's journey, we recommend reading the series in chronological order. This matches the publication order of the main novels but ensures you place the prequel short stories and the End Times conclusion in the correct slots.

Recommended Reading Order

  • The Blood Price (Prequel Short Story): This story takes place before the main novels, establishing Malus's family dynamics, his cruelty, and the cutthroat nature of Druchii society. (Collected in The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade Volume One).
  • The Daemon's Curse (2005 - Novel #1): Malus seeks a hidden treasure, only to end up possessed by the daemon Tz'arkan. He is given one year to find five legendary artifacts or forfeit his soul forever.
  • Bloodstorm (2005 - Novel #2): The quest continues as Malus braves the dangerous seas and deadly traps of Naggaroth, pursuing the second artifact while keeping his daemon at bay.
  • Reaper of Souls (2006 - Novel #3): Family betrayal takes center stage as Malus searches for the third artifact, returning to the treacherous politics of his home city, Hag Graef.
  • Warpsword (2007 - Novel #4): Malus hunts for the powerful Warpsword of Khaine, fighting both external enemies and the increasing influence of the daemon inside him.
  • Lord of Ruin (2007 - Novel #5): The explosive finale to the original five-book quest. Malus faces his sister and the forces of the Witch King in a desperate bid to free his soul.
  • Bloodwalker (Short Story): Written by C.L. Werner, this standalone story takes place after the main events of the original quintet, showing Malus attempting a daring escape after a betrayal. (Collected in The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade Volume Two).
  • Deathblade: A Tale of Malus Darkblade (2015 - Novel #6): Written by C.L. Werner, this novel serves as the ultimate conclusion to Malus's story, set during the apocalyptic Warhammer: The End Times event.

Publication Order and Omnibus Collections

For readers who prefer to buy physical books or digital bundles, the Malus Darkblade stories are commonly collected into two omnibus volumes. These are a highly practical way to read the series:

  • The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade: Volume One (2008): Collects the prequel short story The Blood Price and the first three novels: The Daemon's Curse, Bloodstorm, and Reaper of Souls.
  • The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade: Volume Two (2009): Collects the final two novels of the core series, Warpsword and Lord of Ruin, along with the short story Bloodwalker.

The Original Comic Strips: Where Malus Began

Long before Malus Darkblade starred in prose novels, he was the anti-hero of a highly popular comic strip serialized in Warhammer Monthly magazine starting in 1998. Created by Dan Abnett and artist Kev Hopgood, the comics run across four major story arcs, which were later collected into graphic novels:

  • Darkblade: Reign of Blood
  • Darkblade: World of Blood
  • Darkblade: Throne of Blood

Comic vs. Novel Continuity: The first five prose novels are a significantly expanded retelling of the first comic book arc (Tz'arkan's quest). However, the later comic arcs—which detail Malus's efforts to rule Hag Graef and his campaign against the High Elves of Ulthuan—were never adapted into prose novels. If you want to see the full scope of Malus's adventures as originally conceived, seeking out these graphic novels is a must.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you plunge into Naggaroth, there are a few things to keep in mind about the series' tone and continuity:

  • An Unapologetic Anti-Hero: Malus is not a misunderstood hero with a heart of gold. He is a genuine villain—selfish, manipulative, and cruel. The joy of the series comes from watching him use his wit and resilience to outsmart characters who are even worse than he is.
  • Dan Abnett and Mike Lee's Partnership: Dan Abnett structured the core outline and Malus's personality, while Mike Lee took the lead on the rich world-building and prose writing. This collaboration is why the world of the Druchii feels so detailed and alive.
  • The End Times Transition: When the original Warhammer Fantasy setting was brought to an end by Games Workshop, the story of Malus Darkblade was wrapped up in the novel Deathblade by C.L. Werner. Because it was written by a different author and serves as a tie-in to a massive setting-wide event, some fans note a slight shift in tone, but it remains the official conclusion to his life.
  • Total War: Warhammer II: If you are coming to the books after playing as Malus Darkblade in the Total War video games, you will find all his iconic elements—his mount Spite, his sarcasm, and his demonic possession mechanics—powerfully fleshed out in these pages.

Frequently Asked

QCan I read the Malus Darkblade books as standalones?

No, it is highly recommended to read them in order. The first five novels form a continuous story arc tracking Malus's quest for five specific artifacts, with each book building directly on the events of the last.

QWhere should I start reading Malus Darkblade?

You should start with the prequel short story The Blood Price (found in the first omnibus) or the first novel, The Daemon's Curse.

QWho wrote the Malus Darkblade books?

The core five novels were co-authored by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee. The final End Times novel, Deathblade, and the short story Bloodwalker were written by C.L. Werner.

QIs Deathblade part of the core series?

Yes, but with caveats. Deathblade is the official conclusion to Malus's story, but it was written years later by C.L. Werner as part of the Warhammer: The End Times event, rather than the original Abnett/Lee run.

QWhat is the relationship between the comics and the novels?

The novels are a detailed prose retelling of the first comic book arc. The subsequent comic arcs, detailing Malus's rise to power, were never adapted into prose novels.