[Tyriks]

I have never read any 40k book outside of the rules, but I do enjoy the bits of fluff (and occasionally will read up on events on the wikia). I'm tempted to read a novel, but having read nothing, I'm not sure where to start, really. I'd prefer something about the Black Templars but I'm open to options if something is really a must-read. Any suggestions?

 

[alt-f4]

I've only (except for 3 isolated books) read the Horus Heresy so far, and would advise "The First Heretic" for you to start.

 

[darkreever]

I'd prefer something about the Black Templars but I'm open to options if something is really a must-read. Any suggestions?

If you can find them, Crusade and Conquest for Armageddon are two good Black Templar books. Helsreach is also another one, theres also the Helbrecht centered eshort Dishonoured, the ebook The Eternal Crusader (space battles during the third war for Armageddon), and then the audio The Glorious Tomb.

 

[Khorne's Fist]

I'd prefer something about the Black Templars but I'm open to options

Helsreach is excellent, and would prove a good entry to the 40k universe, and SMs.

 

[DelvarusThePitFighter]

Visions of Heresy is a good way to get your basic HH knowledge of the fluff up to speed (plus a huge compilation of stunning artwork), before jumping into HH novels - there is an order however you by no means have to begin from the start tbh I started several books in and then really just read what I liked the look of.

 

[Tyriks]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll be looking for some of those!

 

[Iron Circle]

For black templars and starting WH40k fiction in general, you could try this comic book series called "The Damnation Crusade". The twist in the end is very well done and I doubt anyone saw it coming.

 

[Angel of Blood]

I have never read any 40k book outside of the rules, but I do enjoy the bits of fluff (and occasionally will read up on events on the wikia). I'm tempted to read a novel, but having read nothing, I'm not sure where to start, really. I'd prefer something about the Black Templars but I'm open to options if something is really a must-read. Any suggestions?

I've only (except for 3 isolated books) read the Horus Heresy so far, and would advise "The First Heretic" for you to start.

I always advise to read the Heresy series on release order. Start with Horus Rising and go from there. It just works better that way imo, and a lot of later books will reference earlier books events or characters which will be lost on you if you don't go in release order.

I would highly recommend Gaunts Ghosts if you want a big series with great characters and Imperial Guard action. Eisenhorn if you want some Inquisition, no bolter porn and an actual look into what life is like in the Imperium for worlds not at war. The Night Lords series is fantastic of you want to read something following traitor marines. Helsreach as others have said is a solid choice too.