It can be intimidating to get into a new franchise, especially when it comes to Warhammer 40,000. There is the tabletop hobby for one, and then there are the many books and novel series in the franchise. Picking just one to start with can be difficult, but a decent first novel to use to get into the franchise is definitely Dan Abnett’s Brothers of the Snake.
Brothers of the Snake is a novel that focuses on the Space Marine chapter known as the Iron Snakes, and their unique culture is a great introduction to how Space Marines work. Both the good aspects such as their loyalty and camaraderie and the bad, such as arrogance and occasional infighting. We get to see aspects of the chapter’s culture derived from their homeworld and how they induct new members, as well as how they test for guilt or innocence.
What makes Brothers of the Snake a great introductory novel is Abnett’s writing, as there is a reason that he is considered one of the best 40K writers currently. Through the eyes of Priad, a brother of the chapter, we are shown the vastness of the 40K universe. From battles with the Orks, to fights against Dark Eldar and Chaos, most of the major factions get a chance to shine in this book.
It also helps that the Iron Snakes are not a typical chapter due to their unique structure of dividing into one hundred squads of ten marines, rather than the typical Space marine division into ten companies of one hundred marines. This unique structure allows readers to get to know the individual characters more and appreciate a chapter that stands out compared to many others in the lore. Priad’s rise in his chapter and interactions with the other battle-brothers are shown in excellent detail and readers will come to truly identify with their struggles.
Brothers of the Snake is not a single linear novel, but a collection of several different missions that the squad known as Damocles squad undertakes, with an overarching narrative running through them. The stories take place across different time periods, with some taking place months after the previous one, and some taking place years later. Abnett’s mastery of words makes it that each story stands out, but readers will want to go back to see the little details they missed before.
Warhammer 40K is known for its dark nature (it did come up with the term Grimdark after all), and Brothers of the Snake has plenty of dark moments as well, but also some lighter ones. There is some very funny writing within the book, and some of the jokes help to humanize the characters more and highlight some of the absurdities. These moments are spread out and occur at just the right instance where readers need that moment of levity.
Brothers of the Snake is also a standalone book, so readers will not need to be worried about entering into a massive multi-book narrative like the Horus Heresy series. Just take the time to relax and enjoy the book and well-written characters, and it will be a good time. This is the best way to experience Warhammer 40 000 for newcomers.
You can find the book here.