What to Know Before You Start
Dan Abnett is one of the most influential voices in modern military science fiction and tie-in literature. Best known for shaping the literary landscape of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, his writing is characterized by its gritty realism, focus on ordinary humans surviving in extraordinary circumstances, and cinematic pacing. Whether you are diving into the war-torn Sabbat Worlds or investigating psychic conspiracies, Abnett's books can generally be read without extensive background knowledge, though following the correct series sequence is essential for the best experience.
Where to Start: The Two Best Entry Points
If you are new to Dan Abnett’s work, choose one of these two recommended entry points based on your preferred genre flavor:
- The Inquisition Saga (Eisenhorn): Perfect for fans of detective noir, conspiracy thrillers, and cosmic horror. Starting with the novel Xenos is widely considered the best overall introduction to Warhammer 40,000 fiction.
- Gaunt's Ghosts: Ideal for fans of classic military fiction. Often described as "Richard Sharpe's Rifles in space," this series follows a single regiment of frontline guardsmen. Start with First and Only.
The Inquisitor Cycle: Eisenhorn, Ravenor, and Bequin
This massive, interconnected saga follows generations of imperial inquisitors and their retinues. The story must be read in series order, as characters and plot lines flow directly from one trilogy to the next.
1. The Eisenhorn Trilogy
Gregor Eisenhorn is an Inquisitor who begins his career as a strict puritan but is forced to make increasingly dark compromises to protect humanity. Read these in order:
- Xenos (2001)
- Malleus (2001)
- Hereticus (2002)
2. The Ravenor Trilogy
This sequel trilogy shifts focus to Gideon Ravenor, Eisenhorn's former student who has become a powerful psychic Inquisitor. Read these in order:
- Ravenor (2004)
- Ravenor Returned (2005)
- Ravenor Rogue (2007)
3. The Bridge: The Magos (2018)
Do not skip this book. The Magos is a collection of essential short stories spanning Eisenhorn's career, coupled with a full-length sequel novel. It serves as a direct bridge resolving threads from the first two trilogies and setting up the Bequin series.
4. The Bequin Trilogy
Told in the first person by Alizebeth Bequin, this series unites characters from both prior trilogies in a mysterious city where nothing is as it seems:
- Pariah (2012)
- Penitent (2021)
- Pandaemonium (forthcoming)
Gaunt's Ghosts and the Sabbat Worlds Crusade
The Gaunt’s Ghosts series follows Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and the Tanith First and Only regiment. The main narrative is divided into four key arcs, best read in publication order:
The Founding
Introduces Gaunt and the displaced survivors of the destroyed world of Tanith as they try to survive their first campaigns.
- First and Only (1999)
- Ghostmaker (2000)
- Necropolis (2000)
The Saint
The regiment participates in high-stakes operations guarding a reincarnation of Saint Sabbat.
- Honour Guard (2001)
- The Guns of Tanith (2002)
- Straight Silver (2002)
- Sabbat Martyr (2003)
The Lost
A darker, high-casualty arc where the regiment is sent on harrowing missions, including deep behind enemy lines.
- Traitor General (2004)
- His Last Command (2005)
- The Armour of Contempt (2006)
- Only in Death (2007)
- The Iron Star (2008 - short story/novella)
The Victory
The final major sequence where the fate of the Sabbat Crusade is decided.
- Blood Pact (2009)
- Salvation's Reach (2011)
- The Warmaster (2018)
- Anarch (2019)
Crusade Prequels & Spin-offs
While the core series is self-contained, Abnett has expanded the Sabbat Crusade with additional works:
- The Vincula Insurgency (2021): A prequel novel set during the early days of the Tanith First. It is best read after finishing the main series, or after the first omnibus.
- Double Eagle (2004): A spin-off novel focusing on the fighter pilots and aerial combat of the Crusade.
- Titanicus (2008): A standalone story depicting colossal god-machines clashing on a forge world within the Sabbat sector.
The Horus Heresy & Siege of Terra
Set 10,000 years before the main Warhammer 40k era, the Horus Heresy is a massive collaborative series. Abnett wrote the opening novel and was selected to write the grand finale. Read his main novels in this sequence:
- Horus Rising (2006) – The book that starts the entire saga.
- Legion (2008) – Introduces the enigmatic Alpha Legion.
- Prospero Burns (2010) – Focuses on the Space Wolves.
- Know No Fear (2012) – Chronicles the pivotal Battle of Calth.
- The Unremembered Empire (2013) – Guilliman attempts to build a backup empire on Macragge.
- Saturnine (2020) – Part of the Siege of Terra subseries.
- The End and the Death (Volumes I, II, and III) (2023–2024) – The massive three-volume final battle of the entire Heresy.
Warhammer Fantasy & Co-Authored Sagas
Abnett has also written extensively for the classic Warhammer Fantasy setting. His most notable fantasy work is the co-authored dark fantasy series The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade, written alongside Mike Lee. This series follows a ruthless Dark Elf possessed by a demon:
- The Daemon's Curse (2005)
- Bloodstorm (2005)
- Reaper of Souls (2006)
- Warpsword (2007)
- Lord of Ruin (2007)
For a standalone fantasy, his novel Riders of the Dead (2003) is highly acclaimed for its gritty depiction of horse-soldiers fighting the forces of Chaos.
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Standalone Sci-Fi
Beyond novels, Abnett is a prominent comic book writer. He co-wrote the 2008 run of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy alongside Andy Lanning, which formed the direct basis for the MCU movies. He has also written highly praised runs for DC's Aquaman (including The Drowning and Crown of Atlantis) and original sci-fi series like 2000 AD's Brink.
For standalone fiction, try:
- Triumff: Her Majesty's Hero (2009): An alternate-history fantasy set in an Elizabethan era where magic works.
- Embedded (2010): A military sci-fi thriller about a journalist who has his mind digitally projected into a frontline soldier's brain.