The Ravenor series is a trilogy of Warhammer 40k novels by Dan Abnett, following Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor and his team as they investigate a dangerous xenos narcotic. It’s a direct sequel to the Eisenhorn trilogy and a key part of Abnett’s Inquisitor saga.
What the series is
The Ravenor series is a trilogy of novels by Dan Abnett, set in the Warhammer 40k universe. It follows Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor, a former pupil of Gregor Eisenhorn, and his team of operatives.
The first three books are Ravenor, Ravenor Returned, and Ravenor Rogue. They were published between 2005 and 2007, with an omnibus edition in 2009 that also includes the short stories Thorn Wishes Talon and Playing Patience.
The story and main character
Gideon Ravenor was crippled in the Thracian Primaris atrocity. He’s now confined to a suspensor chair, but his mind and psychic powers are as strong as ever.
With his retinue of warriors and assassins, Ravenor travels the Helican subsector investigating the illicit trade in xenos-tainted narcotics. What starts as a drug investigation uncovers a conspiracy reaching the Governor’s office.
Books in the series
The series has three main novels and two short stories that fit between them. The omnibus collects all five in one volume.
| Title | Type | Published |
|---|---|---|
| Ravenor | Novel | 2005 |
| Thorn Wishes Talon | Short story | 2011 |
| Ravenor Returned | Novel | 2005 |
| Playing Patience | Short story | 2011 |
| Ravenor Rogue | Novel | 2007 |
| Ravenor: The Omnibus | Collection | 2009 |
How it connects to other lore
The Ravenor series is a sequel to Abnett’s Eisenhorn trilogy, which follows Ravenor’s mentor, Gregor Eisenhorn. Reading Eisenhorn first gives context to Ravenor’s past and his relationship with Eisenhorn.
After Ravenor, the story continues in the Bequin trilogy (Pariah and Penitent), which ties both series together. There’s also an audio drama, Thorn and Talon, featuring Ravenor and Eisenhorn in three short adventures.
Key facts
- The Ravenor series is written by Dan Abnett.
- It follows Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor, a former pupil of Gregor Eisenhorn.
- The three main novels are Ravenor, Ravenor Returned, and Ravenor Rogue.
- An omnibus edition collects the novels and two short stories.
- The series is a sequel to the Eisenhorn trilogy and leads into the Bequin trilogy.
FAQ
Do I need to read Eisenhorn before Ravenor?
It’s not strictly required, but it helps. Ravenor is a direct sequel to the Eisenhorn trilogy, and you’ll understand Ravenor’s background and motivations better if you read Eisenhorn first.
How many books are in the Ravenor series?
There are three main novels and two short stories. The omnibus collects all of them.
Who is Gideon Ravenor?
Gideon Ravenor is an Inquisitor of the Ordo Xenos. He was crippled in the Thracian Primaris atrocity and now operates from a suspensor chair, using his powerful psychic abilities to fight for the Imperium.