The Novella Series is a set of paperback collections from Black Library, each gathering several short novels into one volume. They’re a quick way to sample different factions, authors, and corners of the Warhammer 40,000 universe without committing to a full-length novel.
What the novella series actually is
Black Library publishes novellas as standalone paperbacks, and the Novella Series bundles a batch of them together. The first collection (Series 2) gathered ten stories, while Series 3 slimmed down to five. Each book is short enough to finish in a sitting or two, but long enough to tell a complete story.
The series isn’t one continuous narrative. It’s a sampler platter: different authors, different factions, different settings. You get Space Marines, Necrons, Sisters of Battle, even a Warhammer Horror tale, all under one cover.
- Series 2: ten novellas, including Iron Resolve, Severed, and The Colonel’s Monograph.
- Series 3: five novellas, including Prisoners of Waaagh! and Traitor by Deed.
- Each novella is a self-contained story, so you can read them in any order.
- Stories span Warhammer 40,000, Necromunda, and even Warhammer Horror.
Why it matters to fans
It’s the easiest way to explore the grimdark without a huge time investment. If you’ve ever wanted to try a new author or faction but didn’t want to start a twelve-book series, this is your on-ramp.
The collections also mix in corners of the lore that don’t always get full novels. You’ll find Necromunda underhive tales, Blackstone Fortress explorers, and even a Kharadron Overlords story from the Mortal Realms. That variety is the point.
- Low commitment: each novella is short and complete.
- Variety: different factions, genres, and authors in one volume.
- Good for discovering new favourites before diving into longer series.
Series 2 contents
Series 2 is the bigger of the two collections, with ten novellas. It ranges from an Adepta Sororitas and Inquisition team-up to a Primaris Space Marine chapter in action, plus a Warhammer Horror story by Graham McNeill.
| Title | Author |
|---|---|
| Iron Resolve | Mark Clapham |
| Wreck and Ruin | Danie Ware |
| Isha’s Lament | Thomas Parrott |
| Severed | Nate Crowley |
| Lords of the Storm | Edoardo Albert |
| Code of the Skies | Graeme Lyon |
| The Measure of Iron | Jamie Crissali |
| Thieves’ Paradise | Nick Horth |
| Low Lives | Denny Flowers |
| The Colonel’s Monograph | Graham McNeill |
Series 3 contents
Series 3 is leaner, with five novellas. It includes an ork captivity tale, a Primaris chapter facing a blood cult, and a Necromunda story about breaking chains. One entry, Bonereapers, is actually a Warhammer Fantasy story, so it sits a bit apart from the 40k tales.
| Title | Author |
|---|---|
| Prisoners of Waaagh! | Justin Woolley |
| Traitor by Deed | Ben Counter |
| The Rose in Anger | Danie Ware |
| Bonereapers | David Guymer |
| Spark of Revolution | Gary Kloster |
How it connects to the wider lore
The novellas tie into ongoing Black Library series and factions. Severed, for example, follows a Necron character, while Traitor by Deed features the Soul Drinkers, a chapter with a troubled past. These stories often fill gaps or introduce characters who appear elsewhere.
If you’re following a specific faction, check the novella list. You might find a side story that expands on what you already know.
- Some novellas link to existing series (Soul Drinkers, Necromunda, Blackstone Fortress).
- Others stand alone, offering a quick taste of a faction or setting.
Key facts
- The Novella Series are Black Library collections of short novels, not one continuous story.
- Series 2 contains ten novellas; Series 3 contains five.
- Stories cover Warhammer 40,000, Necromunda, Warhammer Horror, and even Warhammer Fantasy.
- Each novella is self-contained and can be read in any order.
- Authors include Graham McNeill, Nate Crowley, Danie Ware, and Ben Counter.
FAQ
Do I need to read the Novella Series in order?
No. Each novella is a standalone story, so you can jump in anywhere. The collections themselves aren’t numbered in a way that matters for continuity.
Are the Novella Series books all Warhammer 40,000?
Mostly, but not entirely. Series 2 includes a Warhammer Horror story, and Series 3 has one Warhammer Fantasy tale (Bonereapers). The rest are 40k or Necromunda.
Where can I buy the Novella Series?
They were published by Black Library as paperbacks. Availability varies, so check Black Library’s site or second-hand retailers.