Horus Heresy Book Order

Interested in reading the Horus Heresy series? It’s pretty lengthy, so it can certainly be hard to know which order to read it in, but I’m here to help!

In this guide, I’m going to be providing you with the correct reading order of the Horus Heresy series, as well as some information about it. Just keep on reading to discover!

About Horus Heresy

Before I get into the book order, I first want to take a moment to talk you through a little about what you can expect to get from this series.

The Horus Heresy is essentially described as being a science fantasy series that situates itself around two mighty armies set 30,000 years into the future and the mythology of the Warhammer 40,000.

Here is a breakdown of the most common themes that can be found within this lengthy series:

• Betrayal
• Familial ties
• War and loss
• Power and control

Horus Heresy Book Order

Horus Rising

The first book in the series, Horus Rising is set in the 31st millennium, where the Immortal Emperor has led man on a journey across the galaxy. When he suddenly leaves the front lines, it is up to his son, Horus, to take over.

Pros

• The setup creates mystery and intrigue.

Cons

• Confusing character name

False Gods

Horus has taken over and is battling the jealousy of his brother Primarchs. He also needs to battle his inner daemon who is tempting him to turn to chaos…can he resist?

Pros

• Good story continuation.

Cons

• Certain parts of the plot are confusing for some readers.

Galaxy In Flames

Horus has recovered from his injuries and leads the imperial forces to victory. However, the planet is soon attacked by virus bombs, leading Horus and his army to engage in one of the most vicious wars imaginable.

Pros

• Thrilling setting.

Cons

• Lacks depth in certain areas.

Flight Of The Eisenstein

In Flight of the Eisenstein, Garro and his men are required to survive the temptations of Chaos so that they can warn the emperor before Horus’ evil plans become a reality.

Pros

• Good story continuation

Cons

• Some feel the writing is obnoxious.

Fulgrim

Loyalties are tested in this fifth installment when the Emperor’s children begin their first steps down the journey of corruption that will lead them to Isstvan V.

Pros

• A page-turner and very gripping.

Cons

• Some find it too descriptive in places.

Descent Of Angel

Zahariel and Nemiel wish to join the knightly orders that keep the people of the planet Caliban safe.

But, with the coming of Imperium bringing new worries for the future, will the sons of Caliban rise up as fighters of the Great Crusade?

Pros

• Awesome set-up.

Cons

• Confusing character names once again.

Legion

The great war is coming, causing unlikely alliances to form. As tensions brew, concerns turn to the Alpha Legion. Who are they, and can they be trusted?

Pros

• Detailed information about the Warhammer 40,000.

Cons

• Too many characters.

Battle For The Abyss

Now that everyone knows about Horus’ treachery, a new dawn is on the horizon.

Among the betrayal, word spreads that a Wordbearers fleet is heading to Ultramar. Can it be stopped in time before they get there?

Pros

• Lots of interesting new characters.

Cons

• Some readers feel the plot has holes.

Mechanicum

The Warmarter’s agents are searching for a rebellion to rise up so that the Titan Legions can turn on each other, and with rumors spreading of an ancient terror – will the Dark Mechanicus rise up?

Pros

• Great insight into Warhammer 40,000.

Cons

• Some readers feel the plot has inconsistencies.

Tales Of Heresy

After Hours rebelled against the Emperor, a civil war ensued which nearly killed the entire Imperium. In this installment, the early days of Heresy are explored.

Pros

• Great use of suspense and tension.
• Backstory into Heresy through short stories.

Cons

• In order to understand, you’ll need an excellent memory of the previous storyline!

Fallen Angels

The Dark Angels are facing a time of great challenge, with Luther and Caliban thrust into exile.

There’s also talk of an ancient evil under the red planet, who many suspect is soon going to rise above the surface of Caliban. Will the First Legion be thrust into a deadly fight?

Pros

• Shines a light on plot points previously left unanswered.

Cons

• Certain parts are hard to follow.

A Thousand Sons

Magnus the Red has been called to the Council of Nikea for his flagrant use of sorcery, and so decides to retreat to his home planet in order to continue practicing his arcane arts in secret.

Pros

• Well-written and thrilling.

Cons

• Some feel the writing lacks attention to detail.

Nemesis

Due to the horrors of Istvaan V, Horus has declared a deadly war like no other against the Imperium.

Will the powerful figures within the Emperor’s palace be able to figure out a plan?

Pros

• Excellent storytelling.

Cons

• Hard to get into.

The First Heretic

In The First Heretic, the corruption of Chaos has begun to take hold, and the awful path to damnation has begun.

Still, unbeknownst to the Word Bearers, their very quest for the truth will lead them to the roots of heresy that can help them find the answers they seek.

Pros

• Great change of pace.
• Lots of backstory into the Warhammer 40,000

Cons

• Unanswered plot points for some readers.

Prospero Burns

The planet of Sorcerers is determined to not succumb to Russ and his Space Wolves. However, with Chaos in his heart, Russ is determined to help bring Magnus the Red to justice and achieve the fall of Prospero.

Pros

• Lots of purposefully used characters that drive the plot forward.

Cons

• Certain parts of the plot don’t add to the storyline.

Age Of Darkness

Due to the betrayal of Isstvan, Horus is now ready to begin his campaign against the Emperor and unleash Chaos to bring on the age of darkness…

Pros

• Great pace and storytelling.

Cons

• Some find certain parts far-fetched.

The Outcast Dead

With the galaxy burning and Chaos taking over, the Emperor has only one hope left: his loyal primarchs. Will they be brave enough to do battle with the Warmaster Horus to help stop Chaos once and for all?

Pros

• Provides more backstory.

Cons

• Some feel certain areas are poorly written.

Deliverance Lost

Horus has divided the Imperium, but Corax and his Raven Guard have managed to escape the awful massacre at Isstvan.

More determined than ever, the group are prepared to return to the fray and take on the fight of the Warmaster.

Pros

• Full of excitement!

Cons

• Certain parts might be confusing due to plot changes.

Know No Fear

Unaware of the traitor Horus, Roboute Gulliman returns to Ultramar. But, when he discovers the treachery of Horus, he steps up to muster his Legion ready for war against Horus and the Veridian system!

Pros

• Fast-moving and thrilling!

Cons

• Subtle plot changes can make it hard to follow.

The Primarchs

The Primarchs have long thought of themselves to be princes of the universe, as they were created in the Emperor’s own image.

In this installment, you’ll find out more about who the primarchs are, as well as their place in the war against the Warmaster.

Pros

• Excellent storytelling.

Cons

• Certain parts can feel a little far-fetched.

Fear To Tread

Sanguiniuis is an angel and one of the most loyal of Horus’ brothers. But, the Blood Angels have a secret that they have been keeping hidden even from the Warmaster himself – their true nature.

When the Warmaster hints that their salvation lies in the ruins of a conquered world, Sanguiniuis races to discover it before all is lost.

Pros

• Excellent storyline – you’ll be hooked!

Cons

• Some readers feel certain parts are a little silly.

Shadows Of Treachery

In Shadows of Treachery, the war unfolds from the battlefields of Phall all the way to the haunted shadows of Terra. Will the traitor legions finally be able to be defeated?

Pros

• Develops the looming war a little more.

Cons

• Similar to other installments, you’ll need to memorize previous entries.

Angel Exterminatus

Fulgrim and Perturabo form an allegiance to find an ancient xenos weapon.

But, when they are pursued by angry survivors from Isstvan V, they’ll have to work quickly if they are going to be able to find the weapon and unleash the power of Angel Exterminatus.

Pros

• Lots of new characters.

Cons

• Some feel that certain characters don’t add to the main storyline.

Betrayer

In Betrayer, the dark secrets of Murdoc’s violent past might be the only hope they have. Can they find the Tibran witch, Devana?

Pros

• Great suspense and is full of tension!

Cons

• Some feel that certain characters take away from the plot.

Mark Of Calth

The dark Shadow Crusade has finally started, and the Ultramarines are planning to attack Calth. Can an unlikely partnership be formed to save the world?

Pros

• Provides insight into the Warhammer 40,000

Cons

• You’ll need to memorize previous entries.

Vulkan Lives

In the search for their fallen primarch, the survivors are hopeless. But, little do they know that Vulkan is alive and well. Can they save him?

Pros

• Fast-paced and a real page turner!

Cons

• Some feel that this is one of the worst-paced installments.

The Unremembered Empire

Centered out on the Eastern Fringe, the realm of Ultramar now stands alone.

After weathering the storm of Calth and the Shadow Crusade – the ultramarines’ primarch Roboute is not drawing loyalist forces to Macragge to prepare a new future.

Pros

• The awesome backstory of the unremembered empire.

Cons

• Similar to other installments, you’re going to be able to recall previous entries.

Scars

The White Scars of Jaghatai Khan are elusive and mysterious. They’re known for their pride, fighting ability, and loyalty…but where do their allegiances lie?

Pros

• Well-paced and has great use of attention to detail.

Cons

• Some readers found the plot hard to follow in some places.

Vengeful Spirit

Horus has dragged the Space Marine Legions into a bloody conflict, but what was the reason that Horus waged such a war on a well-defended planet? You’ll find the answers and more in this book.

Pros

• Good use of tension.

Cons

• Some characters do not add to the plot.

The Damnation Of Pythos

With the aftermath of the Dropsite Massacre at Isstvan V, Raven Guard, and the Salamanders need to come together and regroup to fend off attacks from the Warmaster.

Pros

• Full of excitement.

Cons

• A little repetitive.

Legacies Of Betrayal

In this anthology, you’ll learn all about the tales of the champions that are brave enough to venture onto the many fields of battle as per their masters’ command.

Pros

• Thrilling and page-turning!
• A nice break from the main storyline.

Cons

• Confusing plot points.

Deathfire

The Vulkan is currently lying in state underneath the Fortress of Hera, but still, most of his sons seem to believe that he is still dead.

Under this impression, Artellus Numeon encourages the other Salamanders to leave the Imperium Secundus and return to the world of Nocturne, but he is struggling with an inner conflict of his own…

Pros

• Fans will enjoy the long-awaited war scenes.

Cons

• Some feel there are unanswered plot points.

War Without End

The Great Crusade is seemingly far in the past since the Emperor’s fall from power, and with Horus’ rebellion in full swing, it seems as though the galaxy will never know the peace that they once knew ever again.

Pros

• Lots of returning characters.

Cons

• Formulaic in parts.

Pharos

In Pharos, the noble Emperor Sanguinius is ruling from Macragge, while the Imperium Secundus stands as the last beacon of hope.

Will the Warmaster and his legions continue to destroy the rest of the galaxy?

Pros

• Intricate and well-written.

Cons

• Again, some readers find certain parts repetitive.

Eye Of Terra

Once long ago, the title of Warmaster came with the label of peace, pride, and unity – but not anymore.

Now that Horus is hellbent on ravaging the galaxy, many begin to wonder what led Horus to give into chaos.

In Eye of Terra, you’ll come to learn about the bitterness that can lead even the most loyal and good of people to turn bad.

Pros

• Great pacing adds lots of tension.

Cons

• Lacks detail in certain parts.

The Path Of Heaven

Four years on since primarch Jaghatai Khan, the Legion’s spirit is completely broken by the evil of the relentless war that keeps raging on.

Will the Stormseers be able to find a direct route to Terra in order to participate in the epic battle?

Pros

• Good story continuation.

Cons

• Formulaic.

The Silent War

In The Silent War, a very different type of war is brewing in the shadow of the apocalyptic battle that’s surely looming on the horizon.

Still, despite its subtlety, this hidden war holds the key to victory over Chaos and Horus. Can it be brought to light?

Pros

• Well-paced.

Cons

• Lacks suspense in some places.

Angels Of Caliban

The Dark Angels have spread themselves across a hundred systems and the primarch Lion El’Jonson stands as Lord Protector of Ultramar.

However, his true motives are known to only a few, while old rivalries of the old world are threatening to destroy the legion from the inside out.

Pros

• Suspenseful and well-paced.

Cons

• Some feel certain elements are repetitive.

Praetorian Of Dorn

The Solar System has sadly come under attack for the very first time since the war began, and now the defenses that were once thought to be indestructible seem useless. Who will be able to protect Dorn?

Pros

• Plenty of suspense.

Cons

• Some feel this plot deviates somewhat.

Corax

Another anthology, Corax covers all of Gav Thorpe’s tales of the Raven Guard within Horus Heresy. It’s a must-read for those wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the Horus Heresy universe.

Pros

• Plenty of backstory.

Cons

• Some feel that there isn’t enough action.

The Master Of Mankind

In The Master of Mankind, while the rebellion of Horus continues ripping the galaxy apart, there is a very different kind of war bubbling underneath the surface of the Imperial palace…

Pros

• Fast-paced and exciting.

Cons

• Some areas of the tale lack depth.

Garro

When everyone thought that all hope was lost, out of the shadows of the Silent War the brave warrior of Legiones Astartes bows before the Regent of Terra.

Determined to defeat Horus’ rebellion, the Battle-Captain Garro becomes the Agentia Primus of Malcador of the Sigillite.

Pros

• Plenty of action

Cons

• Some characters are hard to follow.

Shattered Legions

With the war raging on, the Iron Hands are seeking revenge for the murder of their primarch Ferrus Manus…

Pros

• A real page turner.

Cons

• Confusing plot at some points.

The Crimson King

After Prospero, Magnus the Red fled to the unnamed Planet of the Sorcerers. However, if he wants to be crowned once again as the Crimson King, he’ll need to muster the courage to return to the scenes once again.

Pros

• Hard to put down!

Cons

• Some parts are a little too descriptive.

Tallarn

The Warmaster’s campaign of winning dominion of the entirety of the galaxy continues on, and now his generals are seeking out new battlefields to win…will Chaos ever be stopped?

Pros

• Fascinating backstory.

Cons

• Some parts are a little slow.

Ruinstorm

Terra has not yet fallen, although it seems that it could at any moment. To prevent Terra from being overturned by the Warmaster’s treacherous will, can the primarchs of the Triumvirate get there in time?

Pros

• The plot is thrilling and exciting.

Cons

• Some readers find certain parts rushed.

Old Earth

The story is beginning to come to a close. In this installment, the primarch Vulkan has been reborn and is ready to gather his most trusted sons for the final battle and his final journey.

Pros

• Engaging to follow.

Cons

• Takes a while to get into.

The Burden Of Loyalty

With the threat of war slowly but surely on the horizon, those who are still loyal to the throne are struggling to survive.

Now, with the threat of the Warmaster’s fleet – will the allegiances of the people change?

Pros

• A change of pace makes for great reading.

Cons

• Some parts are confusing.

Wolfsbane

Finally, the time has come for Leman Russ, the primarch of the Space Wolves, to go ahead and complete his vow to stop Warmaster Horus before he is able to break through the Segmentum Solar.

Pros

• Tense thanks to the thrilling seat-up.

Cons

• Some parts are hard to follow.

Born Of Flame

In Born of Flame, you’ll learn all about the story of the Salamanders, a group of people who believe in the sanctity of human life as well as in self-sacrifice.

Pros

• Interesting change of pace.

Cons

• You’ll need to memorize previous entries.

Slaves To Darkness

Even though the end seems near, there is still much unknown. In Slaves to Darkness, the hosts of the Warmaster need to come together, for now at least.

Will they be able to come together and put a stop to Chaos, for good?

Pros

• Paced very well.

Cons

• Some readers feel this installment lacked emotional depth.

Heralds Of The Siege

Warmaster Horus has risen to victory in his quest to reach Terra with his fleet and overthrow his father. Can he do it?

Pros

• Tensions bubble to the surface!

Cons

• You’ll need a good memory of other installments.

Titandeath

Horus has defeated all of the enemies that came before, but there is still one obstacle in the way of achieving his dream – he’ll need to find a way around the Beta Garmon system…

Pros

• Great use of storytelling and attention to detail.

Cons

• Some feel this could have been paced better.

The Buried Dagger

In this final installment, it’s time for the Death Guard to begin their final battle! Can Chaos and Horus be overcome and finally return the galaxy to a state of peace?

Pros

• Long awaited series conclusion.

Cons

• Some readers aren’t fans of the ending!

Final Thoughts

You’ve reached the end of the guide! The Horus Heresy is certainly a lengthy series, but if you’re a fan of science fantasy then you’re sure to love delving deep into this exciting world.

I hope that I have been able to clear up any confusion you might have had surrounding the order, and happy reading!

Frequently Asked Questions