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

Looking for a complete Horus Heresy reading order? We’ve got you covered.

The Horus Heresy is a series of novels written by different authors set in the Warhammer 40K universe. We’ll help you read all the Horus Heresy books in order without missing any installments.

You can also use these lists as an easy way to remember the sequence of events if you only want to re-read certain books.

But before we dive into the Horus Heresy reading order, let’s explain a little bit about this world first.

Recent & Upcoming Horus Heresy Releases

Rogal Dorn: The Emperor’s Crusader by Gav Thorpe (October 11, 2022)
Sanguinius: The Great Angel by Chris Wraight (December 6, 2022)
Garro: Knight of Grey by James Swallow (January 31, 2023)
The End and The Death by Dan Abnett (February 25, 2023)

The Horus Heresy Books in Chronological Order

The Horus Heresy is a series of science fiction novels set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Here I will describe where you should start reading if you want to follow the Horus Heresy reading order from beginning to end. Find out more about the first 25 books below!

If you’d like to read out of order and start with the best the series has to offer, check out our list of the Best Warhammer 40k Books.

Horus Rising by Dan Abnett (2006)
False Gods by Graham McNeill (2006)
Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter (2006)
The Flight of the Eisenstein by James Swallow (2007)
Fulgrim by Graham McNeill (2007)
Descent of Angels by Mitchel Scanlon (2007)
Legion by Dan Abnett (2000)
Battle for the Abyss by Ben Counter (2008)
Mechanicum by Graham McNeill (2008)
Tales of Heresy by Various Authors (2009)
Fallen Angels by Mike Lee (2009)
A Thousand Sons by Graham McNeill (2010)
Nemesis by James Swallow (2010)
The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2010)
Prospero Burns by Dan Abnett (2010)
Age of Darkness by Various Authors (2011) [Anthology]
The Outcast Dead by Graham McNeill (2011)
Deliverance Lost by Gav Thorpe (2011)
Know No Fear by Dan Abnett (2012)
The Primarchs by Various Authors (2012) [Anthology]
Fear to Tread by James Swallow (2012)
Shadows of Treachery by Various Authors (2012) [Anthology]
Angel Exterminatus by Graham McNeill (2013)
Betrayer by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2013)
Mark of Calth by Various Authors (2017) [Anthology]
Vulkan Lives by Nick Kyme (2013)
The Unremembered Empire by Dan Abnett (2013)
Scars by Chris Wraight (2014)
Vengeful Spirit by Graham McNeill (2014)
The Damnation of Pythos by David Annandale (2014)
Legacies of Betrayal (2015) by Various Authors [Anthology]
Deathfire by Nick Kyme (2015)
War Without End by Various Authors (2016) [Anthology]
Pharos by Guy Haley (2016)
Eye of Terra by Various Authors (2017) [Anthology]
The Path of Heaven by Chris Wraight (2016)
The Silent War by Various Authors (2016) [Anthology]
Angels of Caliban by Gav Thorpe (2016)
Praetorian of Dorn by John French (2017)
Corax by Gav Thorpe (2017) [Anthology]
The Master of Mankind by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2017)
Garro: Weapons of Fate by James Swallow (2017) [Anthology]
Shattered Legions by Various Authors (2017) [Anthology]
The Crimson King by Graham McNeill (2017)
Tallarn by John French (2017) [Anthology]
Ruinstorm by David Annandale (2017)
Old Earth by Nick Kyme (2017)
The Burden of Loyalty by Various Authors (2018) [Anthology]
Wolfsbane by Guy Haley (2018)
Born of Flame by Nick Kyme (2018) [Anthology]
Slaves to Darkness by John French (2018)
Heralds of the Siege by Various Authors (2018) [Anthology]
Titandeath by Guy Haley (2018)
The Buried Dagger by James Swallow (2019)

The Horus Heresy Reading Order – Siege Of Terra Books

Following the completion of the 54th book in the Horus Heresy reading order, the main series concluded. The Siege of Terra books began in its place and is the series to pay attention to going forward.

The Solar War by John French (2019)
The Lost and the Damned by Guy Haley (2019)
The First Wall by Gav Thorpe (2020)
The Sons of Selenar by Graham McNeill (2020) [Novella]
Saturnine by Dan Abnett (2020)
Fury of Magnus by Graham McNeill (2021) [Novella]
Mortis by John French (2021)
Warhawk by Chris Wraight (2021)
Echoes of Eternity by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2022)
Garro: Knight of Grey by James Swallow (2023) [Novella]
The End and The Death by Dan Abnett (2023)

The Horus Heresy Reading Order – Siege of Terra Prequels

There is also a selection of short stories and novellas that are specifically prequels to the Siege of Terra books. Here we’ve included those additional titles in order of publication.

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

The Horus Heresy Reading Order – The Primarchs Novels

The Primarchs books can be read whenever in the Horus Heresy reading order, but we recommend reading the first 5 main novels listed above before beginning any of the standalones. These novels will each cover a different Primarch before the arrival of the Horus Heresy.

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.

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

The Horus Heresy Reading Order – The Primarchs Short Stories

Now maybe you’ve managed to read all of the above novels about the Primarchs and are still eager for more. Or you might be looking for shorter content to sink your teeth into. Either way, there is a collection of Primarchs short stories for you to read.

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

The Primarchs Audio Dramas

There are also a handful of Primarchs stories that are exclusively available as audio dramas. Here are those audiobooks in order of publication.

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

Horus Heresy Characters Novels

There are a few more novels that deal with one specific character, which we’ve included below, including one upcoming release.

Valdor: Birth of the Imperium by Chris Wraight (2019)
Luther: First of the Fallen by Gav Thorpe (2021)
Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader by John French (2022)

Horus Heresy Reading Order – Novellas

But if you’re looking for even more Horus Heresy content that’s a bit shorter, here is a list of all the official novellas.

Promethean Sun by Nick Kyme (2011)
Aurelian by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2011)
Brotherhood of the Storm by Chris Wraight (2012)
The Reflection Crack’d by Graham McNeill (2012)
Feat of Iron by Nick Kyme (2012)
The Lion by Gav Thorpe (2012)
The Serpent Beneath by Rob Sanders (2012)
Corax: Soulforge by Gav Thorpe (2013)
Scorched Earth by Nick Kyme (2013)
Tallarn: Executioner by John French (2013)
Prince of Crows by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2014)
The Crimson Fist by John French (2014)
The Purge by Anthony Reynolds (2014)
Ravenlord by Gav Thorpe (2014)
The Seventh Serpent by Graham McNeill (2014)
Tallarn: Ironclad by John French (2015)
Cybernetica by Rob Sanders (2015)
Wolf King by Chris Wraight (2015)
The Honoured by Rob Sanders (2015)
The Unburdened by David Annandale (2015)
Garro: Vow of Faith by James Swallow (2015)
Sons of the Forge by Nick Kyme (2016)
Dreadwing by David Guymer (2018)
Spear of Ultramar by David Annandale (2018)

Horus Heresy Collections

There have also been a number of collections published that are separate from the official numbered anthologies. Here are those collections in order of publication.

Angron by Various Authors (2013)
The Imperial Truth by Various Authors (2013)
Visions of Heresy by Alan Merrett (2013) [Anthology]
Sedition’s Gate by Various Authors (2014)
Echoes of Ruin by Various Authors (2014)
Death and Defiance by Various Authors (2014)
Blades of the Traitor by Various Authors (2015)
Meduson by Various Authors (2015)
Betrayal at Calth by Various Authors (2015)
Echoes of Imperium by Various Authors (2016)
Virtues of the Sons/Sins of the Father by Andy Smillie (2016)
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 during Horus Heresy. Here we’ve listed those short stories in order of publication.

Blood Games by Dan Abnett (2009)
Wolf at the Door by Mike Lee (2009)
Scions of the Storm by Anthony Reynolds (2009)
The Voice by James Swallow (2009)
Call of the Lion by Gav Thorpe (2009)
The Last Church by Graham McNeill (2009)
After Desh’ea by Matthew Farrer (2009)
Rules of Engagement by Graham McNeill (2011)
Liar’s Due by James Swallow (2011)
Forgotten Sons by Nick Kyme (2011)
The Last Remembrancer by John French (2011)
Rebirth by Chris Wraight (2011)
The Face of Treachery by Gav Thorpe (2011)
Little Horus by Dan Abnett (2011)
The Iron Within by Rob Sanders (2011)
Savage Weapons by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2011)
Army of One by Rob Sanders (2012)
Kryptos by Graham McNeill (2012)
Distant Echoes of Old Night by Rob Sanders (2012)
Lost Sons by James Swallow (2012)
Death of a Silversmith by Graham McNeill (2012)
The Divine Word by Gav Thorpe (2012)
The Kaban Project by Graham McNeill (2013)
The Gates of Terra by Nick Kyme (2013)
Lord of the Red Sands by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2013)
Serpent by John French (2013)
Luna Mendax by Graham McNeill (2013)
Riven by John French (2013)
Bjorn: Lone Wolf by Christ Wraight (2013)
The Wolf of Ash and Fire by Graham McNeill (2014)
Heart of the Conqueror by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2014)
Child of Night by John French (2014)
The Devine Adoratrice by Graham McNeill (2014)
Daemonology by Chris Wraight (2014)
Sins of the Father by Andy Smillie (2014)
The Final Compliance of Sixty-Three Fourteen by Guy Haley (2014)
Vorax by Matthew Farrer (2014)
The Value of Fear by Gav Thorpe (2014)
Brotherhood of the Moon by Chris Wraight (2014)
Virtues of the Sons by Andy Smillie (2015)
Imperfect by Nick Kyme (2015)
Howl of the Hearthworld by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2015)
A Safe and Shadowed Place by Guy Haley (2015)
Gunsight by James Swallow (2015)
Black Oculus by John French (2015)
Wolf Mother by Graham McNeill (2015)
Twisted by Guy Haley (2015)
Chirurgeon by Nick Kyme (2015)
Tallarn: Witness by John French (2015)
Ironfire by Rob Sanders (2015)
Hands of the Emperor by Rob Sanders (2015)
By the Lion’s Command by Gav Thorpe (2015)
All That Remains by James Swallow (2015)
The Phoenician by Nick Kyme (2015)
Artefacts by Nick Kyme (2015)
Ghosts Speak Not & Patience by James Swallow (2016)
Tallarn: Siren by John French (2016)
Inheritor by Gav Thorpe (2016)
Blackshield by Chris Wraight (2016)
Myriad by Rob Sanders (2016)
Into Exhile by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2016)
The Grey Raven by Gav Thorpe (2016)
The Painted Count by Guy Haley (2016)
Exocytosis by James Swallow (2016)
The Last Son of Prospero by Chris Wraight (2016)
Ordo Sinister by John French (2017)
The Ember Wolves by Rob Sanders (2017)
The Laurel of Defiance by Guy Haley (2017)
Immortal Duty by Nick Kyme (2017)
Champion of Oaths by John French (2017)
Child of Chaos by Chris Wraight (2017)
Massacre by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2018)
Two Metaphysical Blades by Chris Wraight (2018)
Prologue To Nikaea by David Annandale (2018)
Abyssal by David Annandale (2018)
Lantern’s Light by James Swallow (2019)
The Serpent’s Dance by Mike Brooks (2020)
The Lightning Hall by Graham McNeill (2020)
Eater of Dreams by Marc Collins (2021)
Bloodhowl by Chris Forrester (2021)
Amor Fati by Michael F. Haspil (2021)

Horus Heresy Omnibus Editions

If you like your stories already collected, there are a few omnibus editions from various authors that have been published by the Black Library.

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

Even More Audio Dramas

While our previous list of audiobooks focused on the Primarchs, the below list of audio dramas take place during Horus Heresy. These are perfect if you’re someone who enjoys consuming your literature through audio format. Although, some of the scripts from these dramas have also been collected into scriptbooks we have listed further down, or individual ebooks.

The Dark King by Graham McNeill (2007)
The Lightning Tower by Dan Abnett (2007)
Raven’s Flight by Gav Thorpe (2010)
Garro: Legion of One by James Swallow (2011)
Butcher’s Nails by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2012)
Grey Angel by John French (2012)
Burden of Duty by James Swallow (2012)
Garro: Sword of Truth by James Swallow (2012)
Warmaster by John French (2012)
Strike and Fade by Guy Haley (2012)
Veritas Ferrum by David Annandale (2012)
The Sigillite by Chris Wraight (2013)
Honour to the Dead by Gav Thorpe (2013)
Wolf Hunt by Graham McNeill (2013)
Censure by Nick Kyme (2013)
Thief of Revelations by Graham McNeill (2013)
Kharn: The Eightfold Path by Anthony Reynolds (2013)
Lucius: The Eternal Blade by Graham McNeill (2013)
Cypher: Guardian of Order by Gav Thorpe (2013)
Hunter’s Moon by Guy Haley (2014)
Wolf’s Claw by Chris Wraight (2014)
Templar by John French (2014)
Garro: Shield of Lies by James Swallow (2014)
Master of the First by Gav Thorpe (2014)
The Long Night by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2014)
Strategem by Nick Kyme (2014)
The Herald of Sanguinius by Andy Smillie (2014)
The Watcher by C Z Dunn (2014)
The Eagle’s Talon by John French (2015)
Iron Corpses by David Annandale (2015)
Garro: Ashes of Fealty by James Swallow (2017)
Garro: Burden of Duty by James Swallow (2017)
Garro: Oath of Moment by James Swallow (2017)
Raptor by Gav Thorpe (2015)
Grey Talon by Chris Wraight (2016)
Red-Marked by Nick Kyme (2016)
The Either by Graham McNeill (2016)
The Heart of the Pharos by L.J. Goulding (2016)
The Thirteenth Wolf by Gav Thorpe (2016)
Children of Sicarus by Anthony Reynolds (2016)
Perpetual by Dan Abnett (2016)
The Soul, Severed by Chris Wraight (2016)
Valerius by Gav Thorpe (2016)
The Binary Succession by David Annandale (2017)
Dark Compliance by John French (2017
Blackshields: The False War by Josh Reynolds (2017)
Blackshields: The Red Fief by Josh Reynolds (2018)
Hubris of Monarchia by Andy Smillie (2018)
Nightfane by Nick Kyme (2018)
Blackshields: The Broken Chain by Josh Reynolds (2019)

Horus Heresy Reading Order – Other Books

If you’re a massive Warhammer 40K fan and want to collect all you can about the Horus Heresy books, there are also a few other books you can collect. The books listed below are either artbooks or scriptbooks, and would make a wonderful addition to any fan’s collection.

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

About The Horus Heresy

The Horus Heresy serves as the foundation for much of the Warhammer 40,000 universe canon. It is a dark, futuristic military space opera that falls within the genre of dystopian science fiction, but fans of grimdark fantasy will be sure to enjoy this series as well.

But there is a lot to cover, for there are 54 books set within the original main series, an additional 18 set within the Siege of Terra era, and 17 full-length novels all about the Primarchs. And that’s not to mention more than 100 short stories, novellas, and audio dramas.

The original series began in 2006 with Dan Abnett’s publication of Horus Rising. It then ended with Buried Dagger by James Swallow. But the conclusion of the series isn’t really the end, because it rebranded as The Horus Heresy: Siege of Terra.

So where to begin?

The main series itself is quite large and can be intimidating, but it’s not necessary to read all of the books in the main series before you’re able to pick and choose which story most intrigues you next. That’s because the publication order of the books does not tell the story of the Horus Heresy chronologically, but it is rather a telling of this era from multiple perspectives.

It is most important to read the first five books to obtain a relatively good overview of the series. The first three books, although written by different authors, act as an introductory trilogy to the series.

If you’re already familiar with the Warhammer 40k lore, Horus Heresy is set about 10,000 standard years before the 41^st millennium. It details the war between the Imperium’s founder and leader, the Emperor of Man, and the Warmaster Horus in a treacherous Chaos plot.

Summary of the Horus Heresy Reading Order

Below is a summary of the first 25 books in the Horus Heresy reading order for the main series. These summaries will let you have a glimpse into what you are about to read.

1. Horus Rising

After thousands of years of expansion and conquest, the Imperium of Man is at its height. His dream for humanity nearly accomplished, the Emperor hands over the reins of power to his Warmaster, Horus, and heads back to Terra. But is Horus strong enough to control his fellow commanders and continue the Emperor’s grand design?

2. False Gods

The human Imperium stands at its height of glory. Thousands of worlds have been brought to heel by the conquering armies of mankind. At the peak of his powers, Warmaster Horus wields absolute control – but can even he resist the corrupting whispers of Chaos?

3. Galaxy in Flames

Having recovered from his grievous injuries, Warmaster Horus leads the triumphant Imperial forces against the rebel world of Isstvan III. Though the rebels are swiftly crushed, Horus’s treachery is finally revealed when the planet is razed by virus bombs and Space Marines turn on their battle-brothers in the most bitter struggle imaginable.

4. The Flight of the Eisenstein

Having witnessed the events on Istvaan III, Deathguard Captain Garro seizes a ship and heads to Terra to warn the Emperor of Horus’s treachery. But the fleeing Eisenstein is damaged by enemy fire, and becomes stranded in the warp. Can Garro and his men survive the depredations of Chaos and get his warning to Terra in time?

5. Fulgrim

It is the 31st millennium, and humanity is at the peak of its powers. As the Great Crusade, led by Warmaster Horus, continues to conquer the galaxy, Fulgrim, Primarch of the Emperor’s Children, leads his warriors into battle against a vile alien foe.

From the blood of this campaign are sown the seeds that will lead this proud Legion to treachery, taking them down the darkest of paths of corruption. Leading up to the carnage of the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan V, this is the tale of Fulgrim’s tragic fall from grace.

Descent of Angels Warhammer Books in Order

6. Descent of Angels

This is the next novel in the ground-breaking, bestselling series that tells the story of the Horus Heresy – the civil war that nearly tore the human Imperium apart, ten thousand years ago.

This novel explores the early history of the Dark Angels Legion and their Primarch Lion El’Johnson. When news of Horus’s treachery reaches Caliban, the loyalties of this proud and mysterious Legion are tested to the limit, with tragic consequences.

7. Legion

A Great War is coming, and it will engulf the Imperium of Man. The Space Marines of the Alpha Legion are the last and most secretive of all the Astartes brotherhoods. They arrive on a heathen world to support the Imperial Army in a pacification campaign against strange and uncanny forces.

But what drives the Alpha Legion? Can they be trusted, and what side will they choose when the Great War begins? Loyalties are put to the test, and the cunning schemes of an alien intelligence revealed, as the fate of mankind hangs in the balance.

8. Battle for the Abyss

Now that news of Horus’s treachery is in the open, a time of testing has come. Some Legions have already declared their allegiance to the Warmaster, while the loyalty of others lies firmly with the Emperor.

As Horus deploys his forces, loyalist Astartes learns that a massive Wordbearers fleet is heading to Ultramar, home of the Ultramarines. Unless they can intercept the fleet, and destroy the mighty battleship that has been sent to reinforce it, the Ultramarines may suffer a blow from which they will never recover.

9. Mechanicum

As the flames of treachery spread throughout the Imperium, Horus plots to subvert or destroy all those who would stand against him.

On Mars, home world of the Mechanicum priesthood, the great manufactory-cities have long produced much of the weaponry required for the expeditionary fleets across the galaxy. Thus, making the world invaluable to whoever controls it in the coming war.

Now, the Warmaster’s agents begin to stoke the fires of rebellion, turning the loyalist forges and the mighty Titan Legions against one another. And, with whispers spreading of an ancient terror lurking beneath the Red Planet’s surface, the Dark Mechanicum rises…

10. Tales of Heresy

When Horus the Warmaster rebelled against the Emperor, the ensuing civil war nearly destroyed the Imperium. War raged across galaxy, pitting Astartes against their battle-brothers in a struggle where death was the only victor.

This is an anthology featuring short stories from the Horus Heresy era, including Dan Abnett, Graham McNeill, James Swallow, Mike Lee, and more.

11. Fallen Angels

As news of Horus’s treachery spreads, the Great Crusade grinds to a halt as the Primarchs and their Legions decide where their loyalty lies – with the Emperor, or the rebel Warmaster Horus. In this sequel to Descent of Angels, the Dark Angels too face a time of testing, both in the stars, and on their home world: Caliban.

Arriving in the Gehinnom system, Lion El’Jonson and a force of Dark Angels set about subjugating the system’s core worlds which are key to the Warmaster’s plans to overthrow the Emperor.

Meanwhile, on Caliban, Luther and the rest of the Legion feel abandoned by their Primarch. Civil war erupts as the planet strives to break from Imperial rule, and the Dark Angels are thrown into a deadly conflict where all that they know and trust is thrown into doubt.

12. A Thousand Sons

Censured at the Council of Nikea for his flagrant use of sorcery, Magnus the Red and his Thousand Sons Legion retreat to their homeworld of Prospero to continue their use of the arcane arts in secret. But when the ill-fated Primarch foresees the treachery of Warmaster Horus and warns the Emperor with the very powers he was forbidden to use, the Master of Mankind dispatches fellow Primarch Leman Russ to attack Prospero itself.

But Magnus has seen more than the betrayal of Horus and the witnessed revelations will change the fate of his fallen Legion, and its Primarch, forever.

13. Nemesis

After the horrors of Istvaan V, Horus declares outright war against the Imperium. In the shadows of the Emperor’s Palace, powerful figures convene. Their plan is to send a team of assassins to execute the arch-traitor Horus and end the war for the galaxy of mankind before it’s even begun.

But what they cannot know is that another assassin is abroad already, with his sights firmly set on killing the Emperor.

14. The First Heretic

Amidst the galaxy-wide war of the Great Crusade, the Emperor castigates the Word Bearers for their worship. Distraught at this judgement, Lorgar and his Legion seek another path while devastating world after world, venting their fury and fervour on the battlefield. Their search for a new purpose leads them to the edge of the material universe, where they meet ancient forces far more powerful than they could have imagined.

Having set out to illuminate the Imperium, the corruption of Chaos takes hold and their path to damnation begins. But unbeknownst to the Word Bearers, their quest for truth contains the very roots of heresy…

15. Prospero Burns

The Emperor is enraged. Primarch Magnus the Red of the Thousand Sons Legion has made a terrible mistake that endangers the very safety of Terra. With no other choice, the Emperor charges Leman Russ, Primarch of the Space Wolves, with the apprehension of his brother from the Thousand Sons’ home world of Prospero.

This planet of sorcerers will not be easy to overcome, but Russ and his Space Wolves are not easily deterred. With wrath in his heart, Russ is determined to bring Magnus to justice and bring about the fall of Prospero.

Age of Darkness Warhammer Books in Order

16. Age of Darkness

After the betrayal at Isstvan, Horus begins his campaign against the Emperor, a galaxy-wide war that can lead only to Terra. But the road to the final confrontation between father and son is a long one – seven years filled with secrecy and silence, plans and foundations being formed across distant stars.

As the light begins to shine on the darkest years of Horus Heresy’s history, revelations that will shake the Imperium will be revealed. Age of Darkness is a new chapter in the epic Horus Heresy story and includes stories by some of the Black Library’s most well-known authors, such as Dan Abnett and Graham McNeill.

The Outcast Dead Horus Heresy Reading Order

17. The Outcast Dead

The galaxy is burning. The Emperor’s loyal Primarchs prepare to do battle with Warmaster Horus and his turncoat Legions on the black sand of Isstvan. Such dark times herald new and yet more terrible things still to come, and when Astropath Kai Zulane unwittingly learns a secret that threatens to tip the balance of the war, he is forced to flee for his life.

Alongside a mysterious band of renegades, he plunges into the deadly underworld of Terra itself, hunted like a criminal by those he once trusted. In the face of betrayal, Kai must decide where his own loyalties lie and whether some truths should be buried forever.

18. Deliverance Lost

As the Horus Heresy divides the Imperium, Corax and his few remaining Raven Guard escape the massacre at Isstvan V. Tending to their wounds, the bloodied Space Marines endeavour to replenish their numbers and return to the fray, taking the fight to the traitor Warmaster.

Distraught at the crippling blow dealt to his Legion, Corax returns to Terra to seek the aid of his father – the Emperor of Mankind. Granted access to ancient secrets, Corax begins to rebuild the Raven Guard, planning his revenge against his treacherous brother Primarchs.

But not all his remaining warriors are who they appear to be… The mysterious Alpha Legion have infiltrated the survivors and plan to destroy the Raven Guard before they can rebuild and threaten Horus’s plans.

19. Know No Fear

Unaware of the wider Heresy and following the Warmaster’s increasingly cryptic orders, Roboute Guilliman returns to Ultramar to muster his Legion for war against the orks massing in the Veridian system. Without warning, their supposed allies in the Word Bearers Legion launch a devastating invasion of Calth, scattering the Ultramarines fleet and slaughtering all who stand in their way.

This confirms the worst scenario Guilliman can imagine. Lorgar means to settle their bitter rivalry once and for all. As the traitors summon foul daemonic hosts and all the forces of Chaos, the Ultramarines are drawn into a grim and deadly struggle in which neither side can prevail.

When war comes to Calth and set the planet aflame, the Ultramarines face annihilation against a foe who will use any means to settle their bitter grudge.

20. The Primarchs

Created in the Emperor’s own image, the Primarchs had long thought themselves to be princes of the universe and masters of their own destiny. They led the Space Marine Legions in glorious conquest of the galaxy, and no enemy of the Imperium could stand against them. However, even amongst this legendary brotherhood, the seeds of dissent had been sown long before the treacherous Warmaster Horus declared his grand heresy.

Gathered within this anthology are four novellas focusing on some of the mightiest warriors and leaders that mankind has ever known. Fulgrim, Lion El’Jonson, Ferrus Manus and the twin primarchs Alpharius and Omegon. All about the roles that they may have yet to play in a war which threatens to change the face of the Imperium forever.

21. Fear to Tread

Since the earliest days of the Great Crusade, Sanguinius – angelic primarch of the IXth Legion – was ever among the closest and most loyal of Horus’s brothers. But the Blood Angels have long kept their true nature hidden from the rest of the Imperium. When the Warmaster hints that the key to their salvation may lie in the ruins of a conquered world, the sons of Sanguinius race to claim it.

Now, as the revelation of their betrayal dawns and the traitors’ hand is revealed, the Blood Angels must face all the warp-spawned armies of Chaos. As well their own personal daemons, upon the blasted plains of Signus Prime…

Shadows of Treachery Horus Heresy Book Order

22. Shadows of Treachery

From the battlefields of Phall and Isstvan, to the haunted shadows of Terra itself – the greatest war in the history of mankind rages on. While the traitor Legions continue their campaign of terror across the galaxy, preparations are made for the defence of the Imperial Palace. And the final, inevitable reckoning that must yet come between Horus and the Emperor…

This anthology spans the entire Horus Heresy, with short stories from Dan Abnett, Graham McNeill and Gav Thorpe, as well as two brand new novella-length tales.

23. Angel Exterminatus

Perturabo: Master of siegecraft, and executioner of Olympia. Long has he lived in the shadow of his more favoured Primarch brothers, frustrated by the mundane and ignominious duties which regularly fall to his Legion. When Fulgrim offers him the chance to lead an expedition in search of an ancient and destructive xenos weapon, the Iron Warriors and the Emperor’s Children unite and venture deep into the heart of the great warp-rift known only as “the Eye.”

Pursued by a ragged band of survivors from Isstvan V and the revenants of a dead eldar world, they must work quickly if they are to unleash the devastating power of the Angel Exterminatus.

24. Betrayer

The Shadow Crusade has begun. While the Ultramarines reel from Kor Phaeron’s surprise attack on Calth, Lorgar, and the rest of the Word Bearers strike deep into the realm of Ultramar.

Their unlikely allies, Angron and the World Eaters, continue to ravage each new system they come across. Upon the garrison planet of Armatura, this relentless savagery may finally prove to be their undoing. Worlds will burn, Legions will clash and a Primarch will fall.

25. Mark of Calth

The Heresy reached Calth without warning. In just a few hours of betrayal and bloodshed, the proud warriors of the XIIIth Legion – Guilliman’s own Ultramarines – were laid low by the treachery of their erstwhile brothers of the XVIIth.

Now, as the planet is scoured by solar flares from the wounded Veridian star, the survivors must take the fight to the remaining Word Bearers and their foul allies. Or else they will face damnation in the gloomy shelters beneath the planet’s surface. The battle for Calth is far from over.

Final Thoughts on The Horus Heresy Reading Order

If you’re a fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and want to immerse yourself in one of its most popular events, take some time to explore the Horus Heresy reading order.

I’d recommend you start with some of Warhammer’s best authors: Dan Abnett, Aaron Dembski-Bowden, and Chris Wraight.

I hope that following these books from beginning to end will help make your immersion into the Horus Heresy all the more enjoyable!

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