First and Only

First and Only introduces Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt and his regiment of Tanith First-and-Only soldiers in the grim far future of Warhammer 40,000. The Tanith are scout-specialists from a destroyed world, fighting as part of a massive Imperial crusade across the Sabbat Worlds against the forces of Chaos. The novel follows Gaunt's regiment through a military campaign where they face both enemy forces and political intrigue within their own Imperial command structure. Combat operations and covert missions interweave with flashbacks to Gaunt's past and the events that shaped both him and his unique regiment of soldiers. The story establishes the core elements that define the series: military action, complex characters, and the bonds between soldiers fighting impossible odds. Traditional military science fiction combines with gothic elements and dark future warfare in the distinctive Warhammer 40,000 setting. The novel explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and what it means to fight for a home that no longer exists. It sets up larger questions about the nature of duty and honor in a universe where individual soldiers are mere tools of an vast, uncaring Empire.

Readers appreciate how First and Only introduces the Tanith First regiment and establishes core characters like Gaunt, Corbec, and Larkin. The military tactics, battle sequences, and gritty warfare details receive frequent mention in positive reviews. Readers highlight the book's focus on common soldiers rather than superhuman Space Marines, with many noting it provides an accessible entry point to Warhammer 40K fiction. Multiple reviews praise the character development and camaraderie between soldiers. Common criticisms include a slow opening section, occasional pacing issues, and some underdeveloped side characters. Several readers mention the book takes time to find its rhythm. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.15/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (300+ ratings) "An excellent military sci-fi that happens to be set in the 40K universe" - Common reader sentiment across platforms "The first third drags but the payoff is worth it" - Recurring review note

Storm of Iron by Graham McNeill The perspective of determined Imperial Guard soldiers facing overwhelming Chaos forces mirrors the desperate battles in First and Only.

Brothers of the Snake by Dan Abnett Space Marines conduct methodical military operations through interconnected missions in a format similar to Gaunt's early campaign structure.

Fifteen Hours by Mitchel Scanlon New Imperial Guard recruits face the brutal reality of warfare in a ground-level perspective that echoes the experiences of Gaunt's rookies.

Double Eagle by Dan Abnett The military focus shifts to aerial combat in the same Sabbat Worlds setting as First and Only.

Fire Caste by Peter Fehervari Imperial Guard forces navigate a complex military campaign while dealing with internal politics and questionable leadership decisions.

🔥 The Tanith First-and-Only were nicknamed "Gaunt's Ghosts" due to their exceptional stealth abilities and the fact they were the only survivors of their destroyed world. 📚 Dan Abnett has written over 40 novels for the Warhammer 40,000 universe and has sold more than 2.2 million copies worldwide. ⚔️ The Sabbat Worlds Crusade, the setting for this novel, spans over 100 inhabited worlds and was inspired by historical military campaigns of World War II. 🎮 Before writing Warhammer 40,000 novels, Abnett worked extensively in comics, writing for both Marvel and DC, including runs on Legion of Super-Heroes and Guardians of the Galaxy. 🌲 The Tanith soldiers' unique military culture is based on their homeworld's forest environment, with their traditional straight-silver knives and camo-cloaks being integral to their identity.