Simple Instructions for Ordering the Horus Heresy Books

The books in the Horus Heresy series take place in the world of Warhammer 40,000. The Horus Heresy was a war that happened across the whole world 10,000 years before Warhammer 40,000. These books tell the story of it.

Horus Heresy is a huge story with many books, so let’s go through the order of the books one by one.

Order 25 books on the Horus Heresy

The Horus Heresy Book Order is made up of 25 books. We’ll look at them one by one:

1. Rising of Horus

These books start with “Horus Rising.” Horus is the warmaster and a very important character in the story. Horus is a general that the Emperor trusts a lot. The Emperor made Space Marines, soldiers who are stronger than humans, to help him take over the galaxy and bring people together.

They have picked Horus to lead them. But as Horus gets stronger, he starts to question whether the Emperor is telling the truth. This book sets the stage for the whole struggle that comes next.

2. Not Real Gods

Horus starts to turn against the Emperor in “False Gods.” Horus is taken to a temple after being badly hurt in fight and healed by dark powers. He starts to think that the Emperor is a fake god who wants to rule the galaxy because of these powers.

Horus starts to turn into a rebel here, and he starts to get other Space Marine Legions to join his side.

3. The Galaxy in Flames

As Horus’s revolt gathers speed, “Galaxy in Flames” picks up the story. He goes after the good Space Marines on the planet Isstvan III. This fight is very bloody and shows how the Horus Heresy will be marked by betrayal and death. Some important people have to make tough choices, and the galaxy starts to fall apart.

4. The Flight of the Eisenstein

In “The Flight of the Eisenstein,” we follow the story of Captain Garro. He is a loyal Space Marine who discovers Horus’s treachery. Garro escapes from the massacre on Isstvan III and sets off on a desperate journey to warn the Emperor about Horus’s betrayal.

This book shows the bravery and loyalty of those who remain faithful to the Emperor.

5. Fulgrim

“Fulgrim” focuses on another Primarch, Fulgrim, who leads the Emperor’s Children Legion. Fulgrim’s quest for perfection and power leads him down a dark path. He becomes corrupted by the influence of the Chaos Gods. This book delves deep into the theme of corruption and the fall of once-great leaders.

6. Descent of Angels

In “Descent of Angels,” we learn about the origins of the Dark Angels Legion and their Primarch, Lion El’Jonson. This book takes us back in time to show how the Dark Angels were formed and the values they held.

It provides background on one of the loyalist legions and sets up future conflicts within the series.

7. Legion

“Legion” tells the story of the Alpha Legion, led by the twin Primarchs Alpharius and Omegon. This book is full of intrigue and espionage, as the Alpha Legion is known for its secretive and deceptive tactics.

It is a story of manipulation and hidden motives, revealing that not everything in the Horus Heresy is as it seems.

8. Battle for the Abyss

“Battle for the Abyss” features a clash between loyalist and traitor Space Marines in the void of space. The Word Bearers, a traitor legion, plan to attack Ultramar, the homeworld of the Ultramarines.

A small group of loyalists must stop them. This book is action-packed, showcasing epic space battles and the heroism of those who fight against overwhelming odds.

9. The Mechanicum

“Mechanicum” looks at what the tech-priests of Mars did during the Horus Heresy. The Imperium’s war machines are made on Mars, which is also the centre of scientific progress. As Horus’s rebellion grows, the tech-priests have to choose whether to support the Emperor or help the rebels.

This book goes into detail about the Mechanicum’s politics and how it works, showing how faith and science are connected.

10. Stories of Heresy

“Tales of Heresy” is a collection of short stories that look at the Horus Heresy from different angles. These stories give us more information about different people and events. It’s a great way to see things from different points of view and learn how the war has affected many people.

11. Loss of Angels

“Fallen Angels” picks up where “Dark Angels Legion” left off. It’s about how the army is torn inside, and how loyalty and betrayal are at odds with each other. Some Dark Angels are on the Emperor’s side, while others are drawn to Horus’s claims.

This book shows how people have to deal with personal problems and make decisions.

12. A Thousand Sons

The sad story of the Thousand Sons Legion and their leader, Magnus the Red, is told in “A Thousand Sons.” Magnus is an extremely skilled psychic who wants to learn and understand more. But when he uses banned magic, bad things happen.

Magnus’s efforts to warn the Emperor end in the death of his legion, which shows how misunderstandings and strong beliefs can lead to tragedy.

13. The Enemy

In “Nemesis,” a group of killers are sent to kill Horus. The Officio Assassinorum is the Emperor’s secret killer group, and this book is a thriller that goes into their dark world. The killers have their own reasons for doing what they’re doing and have to deal with moral problems as they do it.

14. The first heretic

The Word Bearers Legion and their leader, Lorgar, are at the centre of “The First Heretic.” The Emperor is worshipped as a god by the Word Bearers with all their hearts. They get in trouble with the Emperor for this, so Lorgar turns to the dark gods of Chaos.

This book shows how holy people are and how important it is that the Word Bearers turn against the Imperium.

15. Prospero is on fire

“Prospero Burns” goes along with “A Thousand Sons” and tells the story from the Space Wolves Legion’s point of view. The Thousand Sons’ magic has caused the Space Wolves to be sent to punish them.

This book looks at the same events from a different point of view, bringing out the cultural differences and mutual misunderstandings between the two legions.

16. The Dark Ages

Another book of short stories is “Age of Darkness.” These stories look at what happened after the first betrayals and how Horus’s revolt spread. The galaxy is falling apart, and these stories show how different people and groups are dealing with the chaos.

17. Death of the Outcast

“The Outcast Dead” is about a group of prisoners who got out of the Emperor’s jail. There are strong psykers and former warriors among these prisoners. They have to deal with their own secrets and pasts while going down a dangerous path to freedom. From a different point of view, this book looks at the people who aren’t directly involved in the major conflict.

18. The Loss of Deliverance

The Raven Guard Legion and their leader, Corvus Corax, are shown in “Deliverance Lost.” The Raven Guard has lost a lot of people, so they need to rebuild and fight back against Horus’s troops. As Corax tries to get his legion back to being as strong as it used to be, this book explores themes of power and determination.

19. Don’t be afraid

The Ultramarines Legion and their leader, Roboute Guilliman, are the main characters in “Know No Fear.” The book is about the Battle of Calth, which was a big fight between the Word Bearers and the Ultramarines. This fight is a turning point in the Horus Heresy. It shows how big and bloody the war was. The story shows how great Guilliman was as a leader and at strategy.

20. The First Kings

“The Primarchs” is a group of short stories about different Primarchs. Each story delves into these strong leaders’ personalities and what drives them. It gives us more information about who they are and what they do in the Horus Heresy.

21. Don’t Fear to Walk

“Fear to Tread” is the story of Sanguinius, the leader of the Blood Angels Legion. People know the Blood Angels for being noble and brave. But they also have a dark flaw called the Red Thirst that makes them suffer. This book talks about the fights they had with each other and with Horus’s forces. The main ideas are Sanguinius’s command and his tragic end.

22. Hints of Betrayal

Another book of short stories is called “Shadows of Treachery.” In the Horus Heresy, these stories look at different kinds of deception and treachery. The stories give more information about different characters and events, which makes the general story better.

23: Angel Exterminatus

The Iron Warriors Legion and their leader, Perturabo, are shown in “Angel Exterminatus.” This book shows how Perturabo tried to get power and fame. He is very good at siege fighting. As Perturabo makes his mark on the world, the story shows how complicated loyalty and ambition can be.

24. Betrayer

The World Eaters Legion and their leader, Angron, are at the centre of “Betrayer.” People know the World Eaters for how brutal and crazy they can be when they fight. This book talks about Angron’s sad past and how loyal his troops were to him.

It’s a story of anger and forgiveness that shows how these scary fighters are really people.

25. The Mark of Calth

The Battle of Calth is the theme of the short stories in “Mark of Calth.” These stories show the fight and what happened after it from different points of view. They show how brave the Ultramarines and their friends are and how much they are willing to give up to fight the Word Bearers.

Conclusion

The Horus Heresy series is a vast and epic saga that delves into the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for power. Each book offers a unique perspective on the conflict, providing a rich and immersive experience for readers.

Some Questions

What is the complete Horus Heresy Book Order?

The Horus Heresy series consists of 61 novels, and the complete order can be found in the “Horus Heresy reading order 2024” snippet.

Why is it important to read the Horus Heresy Book Order?

Reading the Horus Heresy book order provides a clearer understanding of the overarching narrative, character development, and the complex political and military strategies at play. The series is structured to follow a chronological progression of events leading up to and during the Horus Heresy.