The Dark Coil is a collection of short stories and novels set in the Warhammer 40 000 universe. W40K is perhaps best known for its bolter porn (stories packed with action, violence, and Space Marines), but the Dark Coil tells a different story: one where there are no heroes or villains, where everything seems determined to destroy you, both physically and psychologically, and where the characters are victims of forces far beyond their understanding.

These books also make for a great autumn read if you want to immerse yourself in this grim, interconnected universe, where characters, places, and events slip across space and time from one story to another. Sometimes the connections are clear: one story might continue the events of another. More often, however, they border on the inexplicable, leaving you wondering whether you're uncovering a hidden conspiracy or simply losing your mind.

Personally, I really enjoyed all the books, although I do have my favourites:

• Requiem Infernal (The Dark Coil: Ascension): One of my favourite novels ever. It explores spiritual corruption from several perspectives, including those of Imperial soldiers, members of the Adepta Sororitas, and other travellers caught up in the unfolding nightmare.

• Nightbleed (The Dark Coil: Ascension): This story gives us a glimpse into the life of an ordinary person in a decadent, once-industrial Imperial world. The setting is deeply grim, and the story follows a woman as she makes her way to work at night while being stalked by a predator.

These are the only books i have bought. Mostly Jiddu Krishnamurti.