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

The Horus Heresy covers an era within the Warhammer universe that has an abundance of novels, short stories, audio dramas, and more written by various authors. Some of the most popular Warhammer authors include Dan Abnett, Aaron Dembski-Bowden, and Chris Wraight, but there are dozens more. So, with such a vast world there is no wrong Horus Heresy reading order, but there are strong recommendations on where to begin.

This guide will walk you through just that. We’ll explain where you should begin, the books that are considered critical readings, and then explain how the plethora of extras slot into the extensive timeline. Our lists will also be a great resource if you’re preparing for a re-read.

Then, if you’re interested in learning more about what comes after this era, you can check out our list of the Best Warhammer 40k Books.

Recent & Upcoming Horus Heresy Releases

The End and The Death Vol. 2 by Dan Abnett (November 7, 2023)
The End and The Death Vol. 3 by Dan Abnett (January 30, 2024)
Eidolon: The Auric Hammer by Marc Collins (Expected: October 22, 2024)

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 world as well.

However, there is a lot to cover. That’s because 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 other books, short stories, novellas, and audio dramas.

There has been a significant increase in the popularity of Warhammer in recent years, which means there are many new fans entering the fray for the first time. The sheer number of stories available can be overwhelming, especially when you take into consideration that the Horus Heresy is the precursor to Warhammer 40k.

The majority of the Horus Heresy stories take place in the 31st millennium. The books, novellas, and short stories we’re about to dive into detail the conflict that took place between the Imperium’s founder and leader, the Emperor of Man, and the Warmaster Horus. These are the stories of the first trickles of Chaos infiltrating Horus and the darkness which descended.

Thankfully, it is not necessary to read all the books in the main series to fully grasp the plot, tone, and intention of the Horus Heresy. That’s because this series tells the story of this era from multiple perspectives.

Once you have a solid understanding of the world and its key players, then you’ll be able to explore the universe at your will and leisure. You can explore the factions, the characters, or a favorite author which interests you the most.

Horus Heresy Reading Order

The Original Horus Heresy Books

This is the recommended beginning to any Horus Heresy reading order and it is most important to begin by reading the first five books in order of publication. While the books are written by different authors, the first three books act as an introductory trilogy to the series. The next two books then fill in more of the gaps and provide more context.

The Horus Heresy books will introduce you to a galaxy in the aftermath of the Great Crusade as the Emperor celebrates his victory, but such tenuous peace never lasts. The Emperor’s most loyal soldier, Horus, is tempted by the Chaos gods and defects. His defection shatters the compliance left in the wake of war and a new battle begins.

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)

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.

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 Vol. 1 by Dan Abnett (2023)
The End and The Death Vol. 2 by Dan Abnett (2023)
The End and The Death Vol. 3 by Dan Abnett (2024)

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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)

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.

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)
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.

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

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.

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 within the larger Horus Heresy era.

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

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.

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

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)

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.

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

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.

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)

Summary of the Horus Heresy Reading Order

As we’ve already said, the best place to begin the Horus Heresy reading order is with the original series. At the very least the first arc which unfolds within the first five books should be read in order. This will give you the necessary understanding and context for which everything else is built upon.

Within the original 54 Horus Heresy books there are multiple arcs following different characters. Below you will find the summaries to the first ten titles which includes nine novels and one short story collection.

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.

Final thoughts on the Horus Heresy Reading Order

Beginning to read the Horus Heresy books can be overwhelming to say the least. There are more than 90 full-length novels and hundreds more stories in various forms. However, the beauty of such an expansive universe is that once you’ve established the foundation for yourself, there are galaxies to explore at your leisure.

After you’ve read the first five books in the original series, that foundation has begun to be built around you. It is best to then read the other full-length novels, so you will have a solid understanding of the key players and moments within the Horus Heresy.

Following the publication order means you will avoid spoilers as you learn more about this universe. Then, as you become more comfortable and identify your favorite characters, authors, and battles, you can find the supplemental stories to enhance your Warhammer reading journey even more.