horus heresy books in order

New Era

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12-10-2024

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Navigating the Chaos: A Guide to the Horus Heresy Books in Order

The Horus Heresy is a sprawling, epic saga in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, telling the story of the galaxy's fall into darkness. With over 50 books and counting, it can be daunting to know where to start. This guide will help you navigate the treacherous path of the Horus Heresy, ensuring you enjoy the series in the intended order, while gaining a deeper understanding of its vast lore.

The Core Series: A Foundation for Chaos

The core series of Horus Heresy books, known as the Horus Heresy Series (often abbreviated as HH), follows a chronological order, providing the overarching narrative of the Horus Heresy. This is the best place to start your journey:

1. Horus Rising by Dan Abnett (2006) - This book introduces us to Horus, the Primarch of the Luna Wolves, and his fateful encounter with the Chaos God, Erebus. The seeds of rebellion are sown, setting the stage for the epic conflict to come.
2. False Gods by Graham McNeill (2007) - We delve deeper into the machinations of Chaos, with Erebus manipulating Horus and the Luna Wolves, turning them against the Emperor.
3. Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter (2008) - The first major battles of the Heresy erupt, as Horus leads his forces against the loyalist legions.
4. Flight of the Eisenstein by James Swallow (2008) - This novel follows the journey of the loyalist flagship, the Eisenstein, as it races to warn the Emperor of the unfolding treachery.
5. Fulgrim by Graham McNeill (2009) - The tragic fall of Fulgrim, Primarch of the Emperor's Children, is explored in this compelling novel.
6. The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2010) - This book delves into the origin story of the Thousand Sons, a Legion corrupted by the powers of Tzeentch.
7. Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett (2011) - A devastating battle between the Thousand Sons and the Space Wolves leads to the fiery destruction of Prospero.
8. Nemesis by James Swallow (2012) - The loyalist forces rally against Horus, leading to a climactic confrontation in the Sol System.
9. The Buried Dagger by Chris Wraight (2013) - This novel focuses on the aftermath of the Heresy, exploring the rise of the Dark Angels and their internal struggles.
10. The Unremembered Empire by Chris Wraight (2015) - The final installment of the core series, exploring the aftermath of the Heresy and the establishment of the Imperium.

Beyond the Core: Expanding the Narrative

While the core series provides the main narrative arc of the Horus Heresy, there are numerous additional books that explore specific events, characters, and factions. Here's a breakdown of some popular options:

Primarch Series:

• The Primarchs: This series focuses on the individual stories of the Primarchs, offering further insight into their personalities, motivations, and legacies.

Other Notable Series:

• Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness: This series provides a more in-depth look at the events of the Horus Heresy, exploring key battles and conflicts.
• Horus Heresy: Legions: These books focus on specific Legions, providing detailed histories and insights into their roles in the Heresy.
• Horus Heresy: Siege of Terra: This series chronicles the epic siege of the Imperial Palace during the final stages of the Heresy.

The Importance of Order

Reading the Horus Heresy books in order is important because the events build upon one another, creating a rich tapestry of lore and interconnected storylines. You'll encounter characters and events that foreshadow later developments, and you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the conflict. Skipping around can lead to confusion and missed connections, diminishing your enjoyment of the series.

Additional Resources

For further assistance navigating the Horus Heresy, several resources can be helpful:

• Lexicanum: This wiki provides comprehensive information on the Warhammer 40,000 universe, including detailed entries on the Horus Heresy.
• The Horus Heresy Wiki: This wiki focuses specifically on the Horus Heresy, offering extensive information on characters, factions, and events.

Final Thoughts:

The Horus Heresy is an immersive and rewarding journey, offering a rich tapestry of lore, complex characters, and epic battles. By reading the books in order, you'll ensure a truly enriching experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricacies and nuances of this monumental conflict.