Black Library did the yearly thing, and they asked fans to vote. So, thousands of people piled in with picks for Book of the Year.
Additionally, the votes were pretty spread out at first. However, the top five tightened up fast. Then, there was a clear, almost unanimous winner sitting at the top.
10th to 6th Place: Necrons, Blades, and Post Siege Chaos
In 10th place is Tomb World by Jonathan D Beer. It follows Necron praetorian Khemet trying to regain lost honour. Additionally, it is set against the backdrop of his dynasty awakening, which is peak Necron vibes.
The article then pairs two titles together in the next chunk. The Remnant Blade by Mike Vincent and Grotsnik: Da Mad Dok by Denny Flowers both focus on characters who are handy with blades. Additionally, both are comfortable wading into blood and guts. However, the text stresses they do it for very different reasons, which is a fun contrast.
Fulgrim: The Perfect Son by Jude Reed also makes the list. It features Fulgrim pushing his sons to meet impossible standards. Additionally, the article says the results are predictably chaotic. So, it sounds like the usual Primarch perfection spiral.
Sixth and fifth place are tied to the Horus Heresy. More specifically, they sit in the aftermath of the Siege of Terra. In Era of Ruin, characters scramble to make sense of what just happened. Then, in Ashes of the Imperium by Chris Wraight, they fight to rebuild a better future. Additionally, the article jokes there are no spoilers. However, it also doubts anyone will succeed, given how the 41st Millennium turns out.
Next up is Archmagos by Guy Haley. The article frames it as Belisarius Cawl going on yet another quest. Additionally, the stated goal is proving his intellectual superiority again. So, if you enjoy Cawl being Cawl, it sounds like exactly that.
Then it calls out a huge fan favourite moment. Dan Abnett is continuing the story of Bree Jagdea after a twenty year gap. That book is Interceptor City. Additionally, it is described as white knuckle, which fits Abnett action. It is also explicitly a follow up to Double Eagle, which is treated as a classic.
2nd Place: Mike Brooks Does Aeldari Again With Voidscarred
Mike Brooks shows up near the top again. The article reminds readers he won in 2024 with The Lion: Son of the Forest. Additionally, it says he took third place in 2025 with Lelith Hesperax: Queen of Knives. Now, he lands back in contention with Voidscarred. It is described as another deep dive into Aeldari culture. So, it sounds like the book that makes you like space elves more than you planned.
1st Place Winner: Dropsite Massacre Takes the Crown
The winner is John French’s Dropsite Massacre. Additionally, the article calls it earth shattering and Legion shattering. It frames the book as a return to one of the pivotal events of the Horus Heresy. Moreover, it promises a fresh and in depth look at one of the bloodiest betrayals in the setting. So, it is sold as an unmissable retelling of the Dropsite Massacre, which is about as iconic and miserable as Warhammer gets.
Summary
The 2025 vote ended with a clear champion. So, Dropsite Massacre took the top spot in a near unanimous finish. Additionally, the rest of the list shows fans still love Heresy era fallout, big character stories, and sharp faction focused dives. The article closes by saying Book of the Year is wrapped up. However, it also teases 2026 releases already. It name drops Apostle by David Annandale, Death Rider by Rhuairidh James, and First Marshal by Evan Dicken. Finally, it tells you to stay tuned to Warhammer Community for more news.
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