Black Library Weekly: Dawn of the Planet of the Apps

It's an odd reality we're living in right now with the Black Library, isn't it? Still no solid sign of a Black Library Celebration this year- despite several mentions by Games Workshop that it's coming soon- and yet we've been getting all sorts of reveals including four of them this week alone!

Look, I love the Celebration as much as the next reader, but if waiting a little longer to get it means enjoying all sorts of new goodies and teasers in the meantime, then I've got more patience than a hospital₁.

I'm not sure what this all means for the Celebration, which appears to be launching later in the year than the traditional mid-February date this time. In the meantime, though, there's plenty to get excited about.

Here's what was unveiled this week, and while they have no ETA they shouldn't be too far off.

Image credit: Games Workshop

Last November, Robert Rath's The Infinite and the Divine overtook Dan Abnett's iconic Horus Rising to become the new #1 on the Top Book shelf at Warhammer World₂. It was hardly surprising, given the great popularity the book has continued to enjoy since its 2020 release. And you would not believe how much copies of 2024's Special Edition go for in the secondary market- generally starting at around four times the original retail price.

This makes it an excellent candidate for the popular Illustrated and Annotated Editions series, and I couldn't be happier with the choice. If you're new to the Black Library and haven't seen these before, it's a reprint of the original novel with added content consisting of illustrations and author's notes. The notes come in the form of annotations throughout the story, giving the author the chance to talk about different story decisions, thoughts they had while writing, and anything else that pops into their head that they'd like to share.

Rath is only the third author to be given the opportunity, after Dan Abnett and Chris Wraight- putting him in truly select company indeed!

Image credit: Games Workshop

The last time we saw author Denny Flowers, he had made the jump over from the Human world into the Ork one. As 2024's Outgunned transitioned into last year's Grotsnik: Da Mad Dok, clearly Flowers found a vein of creative inspiration that he wasn't finished mining with one book. As a result, we'll be treated to a new Ghazghkull Thraka story that sees new Blood Axe warboss Slitta da Stabba caught between a waaagh! and a hard place when Thraka chooses a Blood Axe world as the stage for a grand showdown with the Black Templars.

Image credit: Games Workshop

I'm over the moon about this one just because the Savlar Chem Dogs are one of those fascinating "lower tier" Astra Militarum regiments that scrap for whatever column inches aren't already claimed by the Cadians, Catachans, or Krieg.

While it seems to share a few thematic story beats with the upcoming Death Rider- both books feature quirky Guard units as seen through the eyes of a Commissar- the DNA of this one has a lot more in common with Gav Thorpe's Last Chancers or Nathan Long's Blackhearts in being Warhammer versions of The Dirty Dozen.

It's the first novel for Callum Davis, whose Black Library journey kicked off in 2020 with a couple of shorts for the Psychic Awakening campaign books₃.

Image credit: Games Workshop

Finally, we get our next Age of Sigmar anthology following 2024's On the Shoulders of Giants and Other Stories. A collection of short stories and White Dwarf serials featuring Grombrindal, The Legend of the White Dwarf will feature stories from Adrian Southin (Path of Grief, Da Stink of Defeat), David Guymer (Realmslayer, Kragnos: Avatar of Destruction), and more.

Naturally we don't have any indication just yet about when we can expect to see these available for order, but it shouldn't be too much longer.

Lost and Found

What's really interesting about all of these new reveals is that this is usually the kind of stuff that gets unveiled for the Black Library Celebration. In fact, up until last week there was a lot of uncertainty about whether or not there would even be a Celebration this year.

Tucked away at the bottom of the Black Library reveals piece on Warhammer Community was this little nugget:

Just around the corner? I'll take it. And with all these reveals, I'm really excited about what else might be coming down the pipe for the Black Library.

Now no company is good at everything, and corporate communications and expectation management continue to be areas where Games Workshop has opportunity for improvement. This brings us to another area where the Black Library fanbase has been anxiously trying to read the tea leaves: the Store Anniversary Celebration.

Image credit: Games Workshop

Celebrate Good Times

If you're one of the fortunate ones that happen to live within driving distance of a Warhammer store as I am, you know that every year there's a Store Anniversary Celebration that lets you pick up extra goodies you won't get anywhere else.

Typically this involves a couple of Commemorative Series miniatures, goodies like metal dice and neoprene playmats, and- since 2020- a hardcover Black Library anthology.

Last year's offerings were teased in a Warhammer Community piece that went up at the end of 2024, and offered us our first look at The Light of the Emperor and Other Stories, as well as minis Biosigns Terminated (40K) and Estenna of Brighthall (Age of Sigmar). And just to be clear, you're really only buying the cover as all stories within the anthology are ones previously printed elsewhere.

Longtime readers may remember that last year I showed up to my local Warhammer store two hours before open to ensure I could nab a copy. While that might have been a little too early (it took 45 minutes for the next person to join the queue) it proved a wise move as the store only had four copies for sale, all claimed before the store opened its doors₄.

This year, the Store Anniversary Celebration hype article had it all.

Commemorative Series miniatures? Check!
Neoprene playmats? Yup!
Metal dice? Confirmed!
Other goodies? Indeed!
Black Library anthology? Err....

Make that, the hype article almost had it all. Concerningly, there was no mention of any anthology. While I'd be the first to admit that fandoms (like ours) tend to be susceptible to obsessing over the smaller details and jumping to conclusions, in fairness the zero-communication shuttering of the 2025 Advent Calendar short story subscription had an unsettling effect upon the Black Library enthusiast community. If one thing we were looking forward to could just quietly disappear, why couldn't something else?

There's that expectations management thing again...

This past weekend reports surfaced that- worries to the contrary- there was indeed a Store Celebration Anthology! Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Cannibal's Gate and Other Stories.

Image credit: Games Workshop

Thanks to Black Library Nutters Facebook Group member Roy Cowing, who picked his copy up this week, we also know what treasures are contained within.

Cannibal Gate: The Road of the Hollow King, by John French. Originally released as part of the eShorts subscription for 2024's Black Library Celebration, French's Cado Ezechiar tale makes it to print for the first time.

The Beast of Grey Gardens, by David Guymer. A Gotrek tale, like Cannibal Gate this was originally part of the 2024 digital Black Library Celebration subscription.

The Nine, by Justin D. Hill. Hill, who is perhaps best known for his Minka Lesk work (Shadow of the Eighth, Hell's Last), pens a Horus Heresy story here about the struggle for power within the Dark Mechanicum. This was originally released as part of 2023's Advent Calendar subscription.

The Long Promise, by Mike Brooks.

The Price of Morkai, by Marc Collins.

Taking both of these together, the 40K offerings for Cannibal Gate are a little less flashy. That's no mark off of Brooks or Collins, terrific wordsmiths both, but rather because unlike the first three stories these both have already seen print. Indeed, while originally from 2023's Advent subscription The Long Promise was the "cover story" in last year's Black Library Celebration paperback anthology. That said, it's not a bad choice since Akurra's featured in the upcoming Ghost Legion.

The Price of Morkai- also an Advent 2023 release- has seen print twice. First in last year's excellent Blood of the Imperium anthology (review), it was given another lease on life as bonus content in the Special Edition of Krakenblood just this past November.

I'd intended to dive into a "pocket history" here with the Store Anniversary anthologies from previous years, similar to what I'd previously done with Gaunt's Ghosts, but in an inspired bit of serendipity I had something a little more exciting land in my inbox.

Image credit: Games Workshop

Sharing a Six-Pack with... Denny Flowers!

Sharing a Six-Pack is our occasional featurette here where we ask Black Library authors for a half-dozen book recommendations.

This week we've got one of the folks of the hour, Denny Flowers, author of the recent Grotsnik: Da Mad Dok and whose upcoming Ghazghkull Thraka: Warlord of Warlords was one of this week's revealed titles.

Three Black Library Books He’d Recommend…

Image credit: Games Workshop

Skavenslayer, by William King. "Skavenslayer was the first Warhammer book I read (in fact I think it might predate the Black Library imprint) and is the novel that convince me to start a Skaven army. Though Gotrek and Felix are great characters, it’s the Skaven that shine for me. Grey Seer Thanquol is the quintessential skaven, a devious coward who could no doubt conquer the Old World if not for his tendency to self-sabotage, and addiction to warpstone snuff. Paranoid that his underlings might outdo him he betrays each of them to the titular heroes, and in doing so ensuring his own carefully concocted scheme will fail. Each of the Great Clans gets some spotlight without the plot ever feeling contrived, and manages to be funny, sentimental and horrific in turn. Its classic, timeless Warhammer."

(Fun fact: this isn't the first time Skavenslayer has been cited in a Six-Pack. It also appeared in the selections from Evan Dicken (Children of Teclis, Shade of Khaine) and John Reynolds (Neferata, Skavens Pestilens). Little surprise, then, that it was inducted into our Black Library Readers' Hall of Fame!)

Infinite and the Divine. Credit: Games Workshop

The Infinite and the Divine, by Robert Rath. "The Infinite and the Divine is the story of a bitter feud between a museum curator and astrologist that extends over millennia thanks to their robotic, undead nature. The book offers a witty and at times tragic insight into the pseudo-lives of two seeming immortals who nevertheless cannot be sure if they are merely copies of long dead biological creatures.

"Civilisations are forged and burned in the crucible of their conflict, and their temporal tricks and underhand schemes nearly result in the permanent eradication of both. But despite their mutual loathing they develop an odd kinship; their antagonism provides meaning in a cold and uncaring galaxy, staving off the madness that both fear. Personal yet epic in scope, The Infinite and the Divine entirely lives up to its well-deserved hype."

Image credit: Games Workshop

Ghazghkull Thraka: Prophet of the Waaagh! by Nate Crowley. "An oral account of his ascent dictated by the treacherous little runt Makari, Prophet of the Waaagh! is a fascinating insight into the greatest ork of all time and a wider treatise on the unique ork mind and spirit. Orks are an integral part of Warhammer, providing a bit of levity to balance the grimdarkness of it all. Except they are much more than that. There is tragedy in their decline from their apex as Krork, and their genetic and even spiritual predisposition to war begs the question do they even have free will? Not that most orks care, being content with krumpin’ ‘eads. But not the Grand Warlord."

Two Non-Black Library Books He’d Recommend…

Image credit: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder. "A Norwegian novel that has been translated into over fifty languages, Sophie’s World begins innocuously enough with its titular protagonist receiving a correspondence course in Philosophy, as well as a postcard addressed to someone called Hilde Møller Knag. Sophie soon meets her teacher, Alberto Knox, who provides an abridged but comprehensive introduction to the history of philosophy, assisted by a seeming ability to reshape reality in accordance with the needs of his course. But whilst he lectures on everything from Socrates to Sartre, Sophie’s world becomes increasingly strange, revolving around the mysterious Hilde and populated by impossible characters.

Part coming of age novel, part philosophy course, it’s one of those books that expands the mind and leaves a permanent impression on the reader. I’m loathed to say more for fear of giving too much away, but if you have an interest in philosophy it’s a fantastic introduction, as well as a fascinating story in its own right."

Image credit: Abacus

The Crow Road by Iain Banks. "The Crow Road is probably my favourite novel of all time. It follows Prentice McHoan’s journey through early adulthood, as he investigates his uncle Rory’s disappearance eight years prior and make sense of the papers he left behind, which were intended to form a book known as The Crow Road. Though the title is a reference to death, Prentice’s story is about the challenges of life, including love, family, sex and the search for meaning.

"At times uproariously funny and utterly heartbreaking, the book is told in a non-linear fashion that rewards multiple readings. It is a book that taught me that you cannot know the impact you have on someone’s life, the difference between and adolescent and adult love, and how even in a secular universe we all have stardust in our veins. Less explicit and dark than some of Banks other stories, it is ultimately a hopeful book that grants solace in the bleakest moments."

Image credit: Games Workshop

And Finally, One of His Own Books He’d Recommend…

"Outgunned is the story of Kile Simlex, a propagandist specialising in crafting biopics of the Imperium’s greatest heroes. Talented but naïve, Simlex only sees the true face of war when he volunteers to make a pict starring Flight Commander Lucile von Shard, the galaxy’s greatest fighter ace. But Simlex is a victim of his own propaganda. Orks are nothing like the primitive simpletons portrayed in propaganda reels, and the ruling classes are almost as rotten as their decaying vineyards.

Worse still, Lucille von Shard is an alcoholic misanthrope who holds him and virtually everything else in contempt. But through her, Simlex gains a glimpse into how the Imperium forges its heroes, and how lies are its most potent weapon. It’s a book that is personal to me for all sorts of reason I won’t bother the reader with, but if you were to read one book by me I would recommend this one. And then read the sequel. :) "

Terrific stuff, thanks Denny!

Image credit: Games Workshop

One App to Rule Them All

The upcoming book reveals wasn't even the most seismic news that Games Workshop delivered this week, as they also unveiled some major changes to how many of us consume Black Library content.

Here's the essentials:

BlackLibrary.com will be going away on 31 August, and there will not be a replacement website. The Blick Library Audio app will be sunsetting at the same time.
Instead, Games Workshop will be releasing an app that will carry the digital versions of Black Library books, allowing access through an inbuilt eReader and MP3 player.
Current BlackLibrary.com account holders are being urged to link their accounts now, in advance of the rollout.
The app launches on 18 March, and using the app in the first month of rollout will grant you a bonus of eight previously-released books across 40K, Horus Heresy, Age of Sigmar, and Warhammer Fantasy.
Importantly, the Black Library app will be its own ecosystem. There will be no integration with outside files or Black Library content sellers (such as Amazon, Audible, etc). "You can still purchase Black Library eBooks and Audiobooks through alternative vendors to use with your preferred eReader," according to the FAQ.
Most of your pre-existing BlackLibrary.com content will carry over to the new app- but not necessarily all of it. It's a bit of a corner case, but if you've purchased some older content that tis no longer supported by the Black Library, those won't carry over to the app. Games Workshop recommends you download those before the website goes away.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Black Library community had concerns, including...

Those in the Venn overlap of "prefer using a dedicated eReader device" and "prefer buying from Black Library directly rather than from places like Amazon" were disappointed that they'd be forced to purchase content from non-Black Library sources if they wished to keep using their preferred device. (Some eReaders are really nice to read on, so I get it.)
Some are concerned that not being able to "own" copies of what they buy through the app means that oneday their content may disappear. This ties into the longstanding "own versus license" DRM debate we see frequently brought up with the video game consumer community.
Some expressed concern about the future potential for the introduction of a 'subscription model' for content access.

While this is still an unfolding situation, my early take is that this seems like the answer to a question I didn't really see anyone asking. It's fair to say the community hasn't been thrilled with the website and audio app, and indeed I decamped for Audible a few months ago and have never looked back₅.

As a consumer of a certain age, I'm perhaps least pleased with the removal of the Black Library website. Removing that entirely just seems odd, though I can imagine it's one less thing for Games Workshop to have to worry about maintaining. I don't consume digital books, though here and there I've bought them for very specific tasks (for example, if I'm mining a book for an RPG scenario conversion, it's extremely helpful to be able to use CTRL+F to hunt for specific references or sequences).

The biggest impact that would see me reaching for the torch and pitchfork would be if they pulled audiobooks from Audible, but that doesn't seem to be at all what's happening here. Still, as the community continues to respond to this it's worth keeping an eye on.

What do you think?

Minis with my books. Image credit: Jay Kirkman[/caption]

Last Week's Survey

Last week I asked how much of your miniature buying happens as a result of your enjoyment of the Black Library, and I have to admit I was a little surprised at the results!

Screenshot

As it turns out, I'm a lot less of a unicorn than I'd thought, with over a third of you having spent a hundred bucks or more on minis due you your love of the stories. In the parlance of the Magic: the Gathering community, we'd call those "Vorthos" purchases.

Now in fairness, this is Warhammer- it won't take much to get above that threshold. Still, it's great to see more folks using the miniatures to decorate their library. To me, they're part of the very essence of Warhammer and always improve a display. If you're part of the 38% that hasn't dipped your toes in yet but thinking about it, note that a lot of the entry-level kits are push-fit rather than glue-on. It's a very easy onramp to a fun part of the hobby!

Image credit: Games Workshop

ICYMI

Big congratulations to Dan Abnett and C. L. Werner, who each saw one of their books enter the Black Library Readers' Hall of Fame this past weekend. Make sure to stop by and cast your votes for the books from the first half of 2005, too, as our long-standing project continues to work its way through the entire history of the Black Library!

Those wanting more contemporary fare can also check out my review of Rob Young's recent Ultramarines novel, Master of Rites!

Over at WARCOM, the Pages from the Black Books download series continues with a look at the Blood Angels.

Then around the webway, friend of the column Mira Manga had ">a reaction video around the anticipated shuttering of the Black Library website, while the fellas at The Fluffenhammer Podcast returned with another in-depth review of the Warhammer Monthly comic magazine. This week they're looking at issues #21 and #22. Prepare to face the Inquisition!

Meanwhile, Jen and Keri of the WH40K Blook Club dropped their latest review: Robbie MacNiven's Vagabond Squadon. "Sometimes a book comes along that hits all the right notes at all the right times," they note. I'll drink to that₆!

Finally, Arbiter Ian and Mira Manga ">dove into Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Betrayer, a tale of the Horus Heresy.

Plenty to enjoy this week!

Image credit: Catalyst Games

Quick Hits

Cubicle 7 Games has a new tabletop game coming out soon, Day of Ascension. A social deduction game along the lines of Werewolf and The Resistance, you don't have to have read the eponymous book by Adrian Tchaikovsky- but it sure couldn't hurt.
Maria Haskins (The Jagged Edge) has a new short story, Piglet Delivers, published in Apex Magazine's issue #152. It's obvious from the opening line, "Piglet was still hungover when he got to Pooh’s house" that this isn't quite the Hundred-Acre Wood you may remember, so enjoy the read!
Nicholas Kaufmann (A Child Foretold) participated in Eldritch Winter: An Afternoon of Horrors, a multi-author reading event yesterday on Twitch. "Thanks Jay, but I don't have a time machine," you might say, but worry not, it's been archived!
Gareth Hanrahan (Castle of the Exile, Grit in the Wheels) gave -xMbl_RPw">an interview about the art and science of GM'ing with Game Master Laboratory. DM's welcome too!
Russell Zimmerman (Seven Ships, Resounding) recently appeared with fellow Battletech writer Bryan Young on the Second Circuit podcast to talk about storycrafting with in IP-tie in property. You may recall that Zimmerman and Young were co-winners of the Goonhammer Book Award for (non-Warhammer) IP fiction, so this should prove a fascinating dialogue for many!
Finally, moving from the written word to ones spoken (and unspoken), Russell Zimmerman also ">appeared on Lomender's Lodge to talk about modern masculinity and keeping your partner happy.

Image credit: Games Workshop

Coming Attractions

Here’s a list of the known upcoming releases from the Black Library based on the available preorder information we have. As always, take all of this with a grain of salt unless it’s Games Workshop-confirmed.

This section will be updated weekly in this column. Any titles that are announced but without a date will be added once a date is assigned it, and anything highlighted in green is something just added (or updated) this week. Books that are underlined are previously unpublished titles.

Upcoming but Undated

Chem Dog, by Callum Davis
Ghazghkull Thraka: Warlord of Warlords, by Denny Flowers
Grombrindal: The Legend of the White Dwarf, by various
The Infinite and the Divine: Illustrated and Annotated Edition, by Robert Rath

Current PODs in Production

Era of Ruin, by various (POD Special Edition, window end 12/24)
Anarch, by Dan Abnett (POD hardcover, window end 1/12)
Blood Pact, by Dan Abnett (POD hardcover, window end 1/12)
Salvation's Reach, by Dan Abnett (POD hardcover, window end 1/12)
The Warmaster, by Dan Abnett (POD hardcover, window end 1/12)

Upcoming in 2026

Death Rider, by Rhuairidh James (hardcover, 2/28)
Ghost Legion, by Mike Brooks (hardcover, Special Edition, 2/28)
Huron Blackheart: Master of the Maelstrom, by Mike Brooks (paperback, 2/28)
The Green Tide, by various (paperback 4/7)
Carcharodons: Void Exile, by Robbie MacNiven (paperback, 4/7) (review)
Carnage Unending, by various (paperback, 4/21)
Legends of the Waaagh!, by various (paperback, 5/19)
Yarrick: The Omnibus, by David Annandale (paperback, 5/19)
Horus Rising, by Dan Abnett (paperback, 6/2)
Tomb World, by Jonathan Beer (paperback, 6/30)
The Remnant Blade, by Mike Vincent (paperback, 6/30)
Voidscarred, by Mike Brooks (paperback, 6/30)
Krakenblood, by Marc Collins (paperback, 7/14)
Vagabond Squadron, by Robbie MacNiven (paperback, 7/14)
Starseer's Ruin, by Adrian Tchaikovsky (paperback, 7/14)
Siege of Terra: Flames of Betrayal, by James Swallow (paperback, 7/28)
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: The Ultimate Guide (hardcover, 8/4)
Archmagos, by Guy Haley (paperback, 8/11)

Footnotes

Verbal puns always look weird in written form, don't they?
I remembered that this picture existed but it took me half an hour to track down where I'd seen it. Please enjoy responsibly.
The Collector's Editions of the sourcebooks contained some bonus short stories, which were also published on WARCOM. For example, here's Callum's story The Piercing Eyes. Enjoy!
For the avoidance of doubt, it was four books for four different buyers. Nobody tried to secure more than one copy, and I'm not sure it would have been allowed. I'd have found any attempt to be quite unneighborly.
I didn't love the Black Library Audio app, but in fairness my move to Audible was predicated almost entirely on financial considerations, not function/accessibility ones. Audible has sales, Black Library doesn't.
Actually no, I won't. It's Lent. But the sentiment's there.

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