The Death Guard 40K novels are unique because of their focus on the theme of decay and corruption. They explore the twisted nature of the Death Guard, who are servants of Nurgle, the Chaos God of decay. This gives a very different feel compared to other 40K novels.
One great Death Guard 40K novel is 'Plague War'. It really delves into the nature of the Death Guard, their grotesque and corrupted ways. It shows their battles and how they spread the plague across the galaxy in a very vivid and disturbing manner.
Well, in Imperial Guard 40k novels, the characters are often complex. They are not just one - dimensional soldiers. They have their own beliefs, fears, and hopes. For instance, in 'Honour Guard', the main characters have to balance their sense of duty with their own moral compasses. They are also shown to be adaptable. Whether they are facing a horde of Orks or a devious Chaos plot, they find ways to survive and fight back. This is seen in many of the novels where the Imperial Guard units use their wits and the limited resources at their disposal to hold their ground against much stronger enemies.
Well, in the realm of Imperial Guard 40k novels, 'Straken' is quite interesting. It focuses on Colonel 'Iron Hand' Straken and his valiant efforts. Then there's 'Double Eagle' which provides a different perspective on the Imperial Guard's air combat units. Also, 'Sabbat Martyr' has elements related to the Imperial Guard within its story of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade.
These novels are very important for the overall Warhammer 40K lore. They bring to life the Imperial Guard, which is a major part of the Imperium's military. Through stories in these novels, we understand the different regiments, their specialties, and their significance. For example, in 'Straken', we learn about the Catachan Jungle Fighters and their unique skills. The novels also show the political and ideological aspects within the Imperial Guard, like loyalty to the Emperor, which is a central theme in the Warhammer 40K universe.
The main theme is often corruption. The Death Guard are chaos-corrupted, and this is shown through their actions and the spread of the plague. Another theme is loyalty, in a twisted way. They are loyal to their chaos gods and to Mortarion.
The Horus Heresy Death Guard novels are great reads. One of the things that stands out is the detailed descriptions of the battles. You can almost smell the stench of the Death Guard's plagues as they spread across the battlefield. These novels also explore the relationships within the legion, like the bond between the marines and their leaders, which is really interesting.
One great 'WH40K Imperial Guard Novel' is 'Gaunt's Ghosts' series. It follows the Tanith First and Only regiment led by Colonel - Commissar Ibram Gaunt. Another is 'The Eisenhorn Trilogy' which, while more focused on the Inquisition, also has significant Imperial Guard elements. And 'Cadian Blood' is also a notable one that shows the struggles and heroism of the Imperial Guard from Cadia.
Survival is another important theme. The Imperial Guard often face overwhelming odds. In novels such as 'The Last Chancers', the characters are constantly fighting for their survival in the most difficult situations. They have to use their wits, skills, and sometimes just pure luck to stay alive while serving the Imperium.
One great 'Warhammer 40k Imperial Guard Fanfiction' is 'The Last Stand of the 13th Platoon'. It really shows the tenacity and sacrifice of the Imperial Guard. The way the characters are developed makes you feel like you're right there in the thick of the battle with them.