Warhammer 40,000 Fans Crown “The Lion: Son of the Forest” as Black Library’s Book of the Year

In an unprecedented display of reader engagement, the Warhammer 40,000 community has cast tens of thousands of votes, culminating in the announcement of the Black Library Book of the Year.

This year’s contest, filled with tales of heroism, betrayal, and epic battles, was fiercely competitive, showcasing the best of what Black Library has to offer.

The coveted title of Book of the Year has been awarded to “The Lion: Son of the Forest” by Mike Brooks.

This masterful narrative, which explores the complex figure of Lion El’Jonson, Primarch of the Dark Angels, has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. Brooks’ tale stood out among a strong field, securing the top spot by a narrow margin of 500 votes.

This year’s lineup was nothing short of spectacular, featuring stories that spanned the galaxy-wide conflicts of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Notably, Dan Abnett’s “The End and the Death” series, a pivotal part of the Siege of Terra saga, garnered significant acclaim, with its volumes taking several spots in the top ten. Here’s the Top 10 finalists:

Black Library Top 10 Books of the Year

Celebrating the epitome of Warhammer 40K storytelling, here are the fan-voted masterpieces that topped this year’s chart:

1. “The Lion: Son of the Forest” by Mike Brooks – A tale of the Primarch of the Dark Angels that won the hearts of fans across the universe.
2. “The End and the Death: Volume III” by Dan Abnett – The grand conclusion of the Horus Heresy saga, a breathtaking finale of cosmic proportions.
3. “The End and the Death: Volume II” by Dan Abnett – Sanguinius’s noble confrontation aboard his traitor brother’s flagship.
4. “Ciaphas Cain: The Anthology” by Sandy Mitchell – The anthology brings the legendary hero to life through a series of gripping tales.
5. “Warboss” by Mike Brooks – An exhilarating story of an Ork Warboss’s triumph against a Titan.
6. “The Fall of Cadia” by Robert Rath – An epic depiction of one of the Imperium’s most desperate hours.
7. “The End and the Death: Volume I” by Dan Abnett – The beginning of the end, setting the stage for a climactic siege.
8. “Vainglorious” by Sandy Mitchell – Ciaphas Cain’s humor-filled escapades continue to capture the imagination.
9. “Genefather” by Guy Haley – A dark dive into the ambitions of two of the most complex characters in the 40K universe.
10. “Cypher: Lord of the Fallen” by John French – An enigmatic entry into the darkly woven tapestry of the 40K lore.

“The Lion: Son of the Forest” emerges as a testament to the enduring fascination with the Primarchs and the deep lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Brooks’ narrative not only illuminates the storied past of the First Legion but also offers a fresh perspective on the challenges facing the Imperium in these tumultuous times.

The Year of The Lion

In a remarkable coincidence, the Primarch Lion El’Jonson has not only conquered the literary world but has also been named Warhammer Miniature of the Year 2023.

This dual triumph in both lore and form captures the essence of Warhammer 40,000’s rich storytelling and intricate model craftsmanship, marking a historic year for fans of the Dark Angels’ enigmatic leader.