Complete Horus Heresy Reading Order: 100+ Warhammer Books in Order

By T.L. BransonFantasy

The Horus Heresy is a massive era in the Warhammer universe—packed with novels, short stories, and audio dramas from dozens of writers. If you’re trying to figure out a Horus Heresy reading order, the good news is there isn’t one “correct” way to do it—just smarter starting points depending on what you want out of the series.

This guide shows you where to begin, which books are essential, and where the extra stories fit if you want to go deeper (or you’re planning a re-read).

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Newest Horus Heresy Books

Horus Heresy Reading Order

The Original Horus Heresy Books

This is the recommended starting point for any Horus Heresy reading order: read the first five books in publication order. Even though they’re written by different authors, the first three work as an opening trilogy, and books four and five widen the lens and fill in the context you’ll need for what comes next.

These novels drop you into the uneasy calm after the Great Crusade—until Horus, the Emperor’s favored son, falls to Chaos and fractures the Imperium. What follows is the spark that ignites the civil war that defines the era.

When you’re ready to jump forward in the timeline, check out my Warhammer 40k Books in Order list.

  1. Horus Rising by Dan Abnett (2006)
  2. False Gods by Graham McNeill (2006)
  3. Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter (2006)
  4. The Flight of the Eisenstein by James Swallow (2007)
  5. Fulgrim by Graham McNeill (2007)
  6. Descent of Angels by Mitchel Scanlon (2007)
  7. Legion by Dan Abnett (2008)
  8. Battle for the Abyss by Ben Counter (2008)
  9. Mechanicum by Graham McNeill (2008)
  10. Tales of Heresy by Various Authors (2009)
  11. Fallen Angels by Mike Lee (2009)
  12. A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill (2010)
  13. Nemesis by James Swallow (2010)
  14. The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2010)
  15. Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett (2010)
  16. Age of Darkness by Various Authors (2011) [Anthology]
  17. The Outcast Dead by Graham McNeill (2011)
  18. Deliverance Lost by Gav Thorpe (2011)
  19. Know No Fear by Dan Abnett (2012)
  20. The Primarchs by Various Authors (2012) [Anthology]
  21. Fear to Tread by James Swallow (2012)
  22. Shadows of Treachery by Various Authors (2012) [Anthology]
  23. Angel Exterminatus by Graham McNeill (2013)
  24. Betrayer by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2013)
  25. Mark of Calth by Various Authors (2017) [Anthology]
  26. Vulkan Lives by Nick Kyme (2013)
  27. The Unremembered Empire by Dan Abnett (2013)
  28. Scars by Chris Wraight (2014)
  29. Vengeful Spirit by Graham McNeill (2014)
  30. The Damnation of Pythos by David Annandale (2014)
  31. Legacies of Betrayal (2015) by Various Authors [Anthology]
  32. Deathfire by Nick Kyme (2015)
  33. War Without End by Various Authors (2016) [Anthology]
  34. Pharos by Guy Haley (2016)
  35. Eye of Terra by Various Authors (2017) [Anthology]
  36. The Path of Heaven by Chris Wraight (2016)
  37. The Silent War by Various Authors (2016) [Anthology]
  38. Angels of Caliban by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  39. Praetorian of Dorn by John French (2017)
  40. Corax by Gav Thorpe (2017) [Anthology]
  41. The Master of Mankind by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2017)
  42. Garro: Weapons of Fate by James Swallow (2017) [Anthology]
  43. Shattered Legions by Various Authors (2017) [Anthology]
  44. The Crimson King by Graham McNeill (2017)
  45. Tallarn by John French (2017) [Anthology]
  46. Ruinstorm by David Annandale (2017)
  47. Old Earth by Nick Kyme (2017)
  48. The Burden of Loyalty by Various Authors (2018) [Anthology]
  49. Wolfsbane by Guy Haley (2018)
  50. Born of Flame by Nick Kyme (2018) [Anthology]
  51. Slaves to Darkness by John French (2018)
  52. Heralds of the Siege by Various Authors (2018) [Anthology]
  53. Titandeath by Guy Haley (2018)
  54. The Buried Dagger by James Swallow (2019)

Siege Of Terra Books

The 2019 publication of The Buried Dagger marked a turning point for the Horus Heresy. It was the end of the original series, but by no means the end of the road. The Siege of Terra is a reboot and rebrand of the series that continues the story that began in 2006 with Horus Rising.

These next books in the recommended Horus Heresy reading order take place during the Battle of Terra and are described as the final act to the overall Horus Heresy story, marking the conclusion. The Siege of Terra books should be read in order of publication.

  1. The Solar War by John French (2019)
  2. The Lost and the Damned by Guy Haley (2019)
  3. The First Wall by Gav Thorpe (2020)
  4. The Sons of Selenar by Graham McNeill (2020) [Novella]
  5. Saturnine by Dan Abnett (2020)
  6. Fury of Magnus by Graham McNeill (2021) [Novella]
  7. Mortis by John French (2021)
  8. Warhawk by Chris Wraight (2021)
  9. Echoes of Eternity by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2022)
  10. Garro: Knight of Grey by James Swallow (2023) [Novella]
  11. The End and The Death Vol. 1 by Dan Abnett (2023)
  12. The End and The Death Vol. 2 by Dan Abnett (2023)
  13. The End and The Death Vol. 3 by Dan Abnett (2024)
  14. Era Of Ruin by Dan Abnett & Others (June 21, 2025)
  15. The Shattered and the Soulless by Graham McNeill (January 27, 2026)
  16. Flames of Betrayal by James Swallow (July 28, 2026)

Siege of Terra Prequels

There is also a selection of short stories and novellas that are specifically prequels to the Siege of Terra books. You may choose to read these in an order of your choosing to focus on a particular moment, character, or author, but we’ve included these additional titles in order of publication.

  1. Restorer by Chris Wraight (2017)
  2. Duty Waits by Guy Haley (2017)
  3. Magisterium by Chris Wraight (2017)
  4. Now Peals Midnight by John French (2017)
  5. Dreams of Unity by Nick Kyme (2017)
  6. The Board is Set by Gav Thorpe (2017)
  7. Old Wounds, New Scars by Graham McNeill (2018)
  8. The Last Council by L.J. Goulding (2018)
  9. A Rose Watered with Blood by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2018)
  10. Bringer of Sorrow by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2019)

The Scouring (Post-Horus Heresy Era)

  1. Ashes of the Imperium by Charles Wraight (December 5, 2025)

The Primarchs Books

Next are the Primarchs books, which can be read at any point in the Horus Heresy reading order after the first five books in the original series.

There are 18 known Primarchs who were genetically-engineered by the Emperor of Mankind and are the genetic forbearers of the Space Marine Legions. The Primarchs are larger, stronger, faster, and more intelligent than the average human. As well, each has their own speciality that allows them to fulfill their duty to the Emperor.

If you enjoy character exploration and development, then you will greatly enjoy these books. Each one dives into the story of one of the Primarchs.

  1. Roboute Guilliman: Lord of Ultramar by David Annandale (2016)
  2. Leman Russ: The Great Wolf by Chris Wraight (2016)
  3. Magnus the Red: Master of Prospero by Graham McNeill (2017)
  4. Perturabo: The Hammer of Olympia by Guy Haley (2017)
  5. Lorgar: Bearer of the Word by Gav Thorpe (2017)
  6. Fulgrim: The Palatine Phoenix by Josh Reynolds (2017)
  7. Ferrus Manus: The Gorgon of Medusa by David Guymer (2018)
  8. Jaghatai Khan: Warhawk of Chogoris by Chris Wraight (2018)
  9. Vulkan: Lord of Drakes by David Annandale (2018)
  10. Sons of the Emperor by Various Authors (2018) [Anthology]
  11. Corax: Lord of Shadows by Guy Haley (2018)
  12. Angron: Slave of Nuceria by Ian St. Martin (2019)
  13. Scions of the Emperor by Various Authors (2019) [Anthology]
  14. Konrad Curze: The Night Haunter by Guy Haley (2019)
  15. Lion El’Jonson: Lord of the First by David Guymer (2020)
  16. Alpharius: Head of the Hydra by Mike Brooks (2021)
  17. Blood of the Emperor by Various Authors (2021) [Anthology]
  18. Mortarion: The Pale King by David Annandale (2022)
  19. Rogal Dorn: The Emperor’s Crusader by Gav Thorpe (2022)
  20. Sanguinius: The Great Angel by Chris Wraight (2022)

The Primarchs Short Stories

Following which, there have been numerous short stories concerning the Primarchs as well. These are quick reads to sink your teeth into that will be enjoyable for those who love character exploration and shorter reads.

  1. Grandfather’s Gift by Guy Haley (2017)
  2. The Atonement of Fire by David Annandale (2018)
  3. A Lesson in Iron by David Guymer (2017)
  4. Ghost of Nuceria by Ian St. Martin (2019)
  5. The Passing of Angels by John French (2019)
  6. The Abyssal Edge by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2019)
  7. Mercy of the Dragon by Nick Kyme (2019)
  8. The Will of the Legion by Andy Clark (2020)
  9. Ember of Extinction by Brandon Easton (2020)

Horus Heresy Characters Books

On that same note of character exploration and development are the Horus Heresy Characters novels. These are very similar to the Primarchs books, but focus on other important characters within the series.

  1. Valdor: Birth of the Imperium by Chris Wraight (2019)
  2. Luther: First of the Fallen by Gav Thorpe (2021)
  3. Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader by John French (2022)
  4. Eidolon: The Auric Hammer by Marc Collins (Expected: October 22, 2024)

Supplemental Horus Heresy Stories

The Horus Heresy reading order above focused primarily on the full-length novels. The exception to this was including the shorter Siege of Terra and Primarchs stories. That is because those two subseries are smaller in scope than the larger Horus Heresy, but that does not mean there are not more supplemental Horus Heresy stories to enjoy.

Below you will find everything else that falls within the Horus Heresy era. There are short stories and novellas that feature more character and plot progression, and there are also audio dramas and collections.

Horus Heresy Novellas

Our list of these supplemental stories to the Horus Heresy reading order begins with the novellas. The subject matter and main characters of the novellas vary as often as the authors, but each story reveals a little bit more about this era.

If you have read the previous full-length books, then you can confidently and comfortably begin reading these novellas in the order you choose. This will give you the freedom to read more from one particular author or following a particular character. Alternatively, if you want to make sure you don’t miss a single moment, you can read these stories in publication order.

  1. Promethean Sun by Nick Kyme (2011)
  2. Aurelian by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2011)
  3. Brotherhood of the Storm by Chris Wraight (2012)
  4. The Reflection Crack’d by Graham McNeill (2012)
  5. Feat of Iron by Nick Kyme (2012)
  6. The Lion by Gav Thorpe (2012)
  7. The Serpent Beneath by Rob Sanders (2012)
  8. Corax: Soulforge by Gav Thorpe (2013)
  9. Scorched Earth by Nick Kyme (2013)
  10. Tallarn: Executioner by John French (2013)
  11. Prince of Crows by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2014)
  12. The Crimson Fist by John French (2014)
  13. The Purge by Anthony Reynolds (2014)
  14. Ravenlord by Gav Thorpe (2014)
  15. The Seventh Serpent by Graham McNeill (2014)
  16. Tallarn: Ironclad by John French (2015)
  17. Cybernetica by Rob Sanders (2015)
  18. Wolf King by Chris Wraight (2015)
  19. The Honoured by Rob Sanders (2015)
  20. The Unburdened by David Annandale (2015)
  21. Garro: Vow of Faith by James Swallow (2015)
  22. Sons of the Forge by Nick Kyme (2016)
  23. Dreadwing by David Guymer (2018)
  24. Spear of Ultramar by David Annandale (2018)

Horus Heresy Collections

Furthermore, there have also been a number of collections published that are separate from the official numbered anthologies. Some have since gone out of print, but links to second-hand copies have been included whenever possible.

  1. Angron by Various Authors (2013)
  2. The Imperial Truth by Various Authors (2013)
  3. Visions of Heresy by Alan Merrett (2013) [Anthology]
  4. Sedition’s Gate by Various Authors (2014)
  5. Echoes of Ruin by Various Authors (2014)
  6. Death and Defiance by Various Authors (2014)
  7. Blades of the Traitor by Various Authors (2015)
  8. Meduson by Various Authors (2015)
  9. Betrayal at Calth by Various Authors (2015)
  10. Echoes of Imperium by Various Authors (2016)
  11. Virtues of the Sons/Sins of the Father by Andy Smillie (2016)
  12. Echoes of Revelation by Various Authors (2017)

Horus Heresy Short Stories

While we’ve already dove into the Primarchs short stories, there are also a whole slew of short stories available that take place within the larger Horus Heresy era.

  1. Blood Games by Dan Abnett (2009)
  2. Wolf at the Door by Mike Lee (2009)
  3. Scions of the Storm by Anthony Reynolds (2009)
  4. The Voice by James Swallow (2009)
  5. Call of the Lion by Gav Thorpe (2009)
  6. The Last Church by Graham McNeill (2009)
  7. After Desh’ea by Matthew Farrer (2009)
  8. Rules of Engagement by Graham McNeill (2011)
  9. Liar’s Due by James Swallow (2011)
  10. Forgotten Sons by Nick Kyme (2011)
  11. The Last Remembrancer by John French (2011)
  12. Rebirth by Chris Wraight (2011)
  13. The Face of Treachery by Gav Thorpe (2011)
  14. Little Horus by Dan Abnett (2011)
  15. The Iron Within by Rob Sanders (2011)
  16. Savage Weapons by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2011)
  17. Army of One by Rob Sanders (2012)
  18. Kryptos by Graham McNeill (2012)
  19. Distant Echoes of Old Night by Rob Sanders (2012)
  20. Lost Sons by James Swallow (2012)
  21. Death of a Silversmith by Graham McNeill (2012)
  22. The Divine Word by Gav Thorpe (2012)
  23. The Kaban Project by Graham McNeill (2013)
  24. The Gates of Terra by Nick Kyme (2013)
  25. Lord of the Red Sands by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2013)
  26. Serpent by John French (2013)
  27. Luna Mendax by Graham McNeill (2013)
  28. Riven by John French (2013)
  29. Bjorn: Lone Wolf by Chris Wraight (2013)
  30. The Wolf of Ash and Fire by Graham McNeill (2014)
  31. Heart of the Conqueror by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2014)
  32. Child of Night by John French (2014)
  33. The Devine Adoratrice by Graham McNeill (2014)
  34. Daemonology by Chris Wraight (2014)
  35. Sins of the Father by Andy Smillie (2014)
  36. The Final Compliance of Sixty-Three Fourteen by Guy Haley (2014)
  37. Vorax by Matthew Farrer (2014)
  38. The Value of Fear by Gav Thorpe (2014)
  39. Brotherhood of the Moon by Chris Wraight (2014)
  40. Virtues of the Sons by Andy Smillie (2015)
  41. Imperfect by Nick Kyme (2015)
  42. Howl of the Hearthworld by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2015)
  43. A Safe and Shadowed Place by Guy Haley (2015)
  44. Gunsight by James Swallow (2015)
  45. Black Oculus by John French (2015)
  46. Wolf Mother by Graham McNeill (2015)
  47. Twisted by Guy Haley (2015)
  48. Chirurgeon by Nick Kyme (2015)
  49. Tallarn: Witness by John French (2015)
  50. Ironfire by Rob Sanders (2015)
  51. Hands of the Emperor by Rob Sanders (2015)
  52. By the Lion’s Command by Gav Thorpe (2015)
  53. All That Remains by James Swallow (2015)
  54. The Phoenician by Nick Kyme (2015)
  55. Artefacts by Nick Kyme (2015)
  56. Ghosts Speak Not & Patience by James Swallow (2016)
  57. Tallarn: Siren by John French (2016)
  58. Inheritor by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  59. Blackshield by Chris Wraight (2016)
  60. Myriad by Rob Sanders (2016)
  61. Into Exhile by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2016)
  62. The Grey Raven by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  63. The Painted Count by Guy Haley (2016)
  64. Exocytosis by James Swallow (2016)
  65. The Last Son of Prospero by Chris Wraight (2016)
  66. Ordo Sinister by John French (2017)
  67. The Ember Wolves by Rob Sanders (2017)
  68. The Laurel of Defiance by Guy Haley (2017)
  69. Immortal Duty by Nick Kyme (2017)
  70. Champion of Oaths by John French (2017)
  71. Child of Chaos by Chris Wraight (2017)
  72. Massacre by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2018)
  73. Two Metaphysical Blades by Chris Wraight (2018)
  74. Prologue To Nikaea by David Annandale (2018)
  75. Abyssal by David Annandale (2018)
  76. Lantern’s Light by James Swallow (2019)
  77. The Serpent’s Dance by Mike Brooks (2020)
  78. The Lightning Hall by Graham McNeill (2020)
  79. Eater of Dreams by Marc Collins (2021)
  80. Bloodhowl by Chris Forrester (2021)
  81. Amor Fati by Michael F. Haspil (2021)

Horus Heresy Omnibus Editions

However, if you like your stories already collected, there are a few omnibus editions from various authors that have been published by the Black Library. These editions are coveted and limited runs, but links to second-hand copies have been included when possible.

  1. Crusade’s End by Various Authors (2016)
  2. The Razing of Prospero by Various Authors (2016)
  3. The Last Phoenix by Various Authors (2016)

The Primarchs Audio Dramas

In addition to the full-length novels and short stories listed above, there are also a handful of Primarchs stories that are exclusively available as audio dramas. The dramas are listed in order of publication below.

  1. Perturabo: Stone and Iron by Robbie MacNiven (2017)
  2. Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium by L.J. Goulding (2017)
  3. Konrad Curze: A Lesson in Darkness by Ian St. Martin (2017)
  4. The Lords of Terra by Various Authors (2018)
  5. Illyrium by Darius Hinks (2019)
  6. The Revelation of the Word by David Annandale (2019)
  7. Morningstar by Graham McNeill (2019)

Even More Audio Dramas

While our previous list of audiobooks focused on the Primarchs, the below list of audio dramas take place during various other moments during the Horus Heresy.

These are perfect if you’re someone who enjoys consuming your literature through audio format. However, some of the scripts from these dramas have also been collected into scriptbooks or individual ebooks, which we have included as well.

  1. The Dark King by Graham McNeill (2007)
  2. The Lightning Tower by Dan Abnett (2007)
  3. Raven’s Flight by Gav Thorpe (2010)
  4. Garro: Legion of One by James Swallow (2011)
  5. Butcher’s Nails by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2012)
  6. Grey Angel by John French (2012)
  7. Burden of Duty by James Swallow (2012)
  8. Garro: Sword of Truth by James Swallow (2012)
  9. Warmaster by John French (2012)
  10. Strike and Fade by Guy Haley (2012)
  11. Veritas Ferrum by David Annandale (2012)
  12. The Sigillite by Chris Wraight (2013)
  13. Honour to the Dead by Gav Thorpe (2013)
  14. Wolf Hunt by Graham McNeill (2013)
  15. Censure by Nick Kyme (2013)
  16. Thief of Revelations by Graham McNeill (2013)
  17. Kharn: The Eightfold Path by Anthony Reynolds (2013)
  18. Lucius: The Eternal Blade by Graham McNeill (2013)
  19. Cypher: Guardian of Order by Gav Thorpe (2013)
  20. Hunter’s Moon by Guy Haley (2014)
  21. Wolf’s Claw by Chris Wraight (2014)
  22. Templar by John French (2014)
  23. Garro: Shield of Lies by James Swallow (2014)
  24. Master of the First by Gav Thorpe (2014)
  25. The Long Night by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2014)
  26. Strategem by Nick Kyme (2014)
  27. The Herald of Sanguinius by Andy Smillie (2014)
  28. The Watcher by C Z Dunn (2014)
  29. The Eagle’s Talon by John French (2015)
  30. Iron Corpses by David Annandale (2015)
  31. Garro: Ashes of Fealty by James Swallow (2017)
  32. Garro: Burden of Duty by James Swallow (2017)
  33. Garro: Oath of Moment by James Swallow (2017)
  34. Raptor by Gav Thorpe (2015)
  35. Grey Talon by Chris Wraight (2016)
  36. Red-Marked by Nick Kyme (2016)
  37. The Either by Graham McNeill (2016)
  38. The Heart of the Pharos by L.J. Goulding (2016)
  39. The Thirteenth Wolf by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  40. Children of Sicarus by Anthony Reynolds (2016)
  41. Perpetual by Dan Abnett (2016)
  42. The Soul, Severed by Chris Wraight (2016)
  43. Valerius by Gav Thorpe (2016)
  44. The Binary Succession by David Annandale (2017)
  45. Dark Compliance by John French (2017
  46. Blackshields: The False War by Josh Reynolds (2017)
  47. Blackshields: The Red Fief by Josh Reynolds (2018)
  48. Hubris of Monarchia by Andy Smillie (2018)
  49. Nightfane by Nick Kyme (2018)
  50. Blackshields: The Broken Chain by Josh Reynolds (2019)

Horus Heresy Reading Order – Other Books

Finally, if you’re a massive Warhammer fan and want to collect every Horus Heresy book that you can, there are a few more you can search out. The books listed below are either artbooks or scriptbooks, and would make a wonderful addition to any fan’s collection.

  1. Collected Visions (2007)
  2. Horus Heresy: The Scripts: Volume I by Various Authors (2012)
  3. Horus Heresy: The Scripts: Volume II by Various Authors (2014)
  4. Visions of Heresy by Various Authors (2018)

About The Horus Heresy

The Horus Heresy is the foundation for much of the Warhammer 40,000 canon. It’s a dark, military space opera rooted in dystopian sci-fi—but if you like grimdark fantasy, the tone will feel right at home.

It’s also a sprawling saga told across mainline novels, era-specific subseries (like the lead-in to the Siege of Terra), Primarch-focused books, and a mountain of short fiction and audio dramas. With so much material available, it can feel overwhelming—especially since the Heresy is the prequel era that sets the stage for Warhammer 40k.

Most of these stories take place in the 31st millennium and revolve around the Imperium’s civil war: Horus’s fall, Chaos gaining its foothold, and the fracture that reshapes the galaxy. It’s the turning point that explains why the far-future Warhammer setting is as bleak, paranoid, and violent as it is.

The good news: you don’t have to read everything to enjoy it. Once you understand the key players and the tone, you can follow the threads that interest you most—by faction, characters, authors, or specific eras—without feeling like you’re “doing it wrong.”

Looking for more books in order?

If you want more science fiction authors and reading-order guides like this one, start with my Science Fiction Books in Order index.

7 thoughts on “Complete Horus Heresy Reading Order: 100+ Warhammer Books in Order”

    1. I’ve followed your list all the way to The End and the Death Volume ll, which I’m in the cup of completing over the next day or two.
      Thank you so much for compiling such a thorough and excellent guide!

      “Iron is forever.
      From Iron cometh Strength.
      From Strength cometh Will.
      From Will cometh Faith.
      From Faith cometh Honour.
      From Honour cometh Iron.”

      Reply

  3. Woah! I’m just beginning my Warhammer 40k journey (having recently discovered it for the very first time), and I had no idea it was THIS gargantuan! A friend shared this post and it’s really well-written and no doubt helpful too. Thanks!

    Reply

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