The Horus Heresy Reading Order: A Beginner's Guide

The Horus Heresy reading order, a daunting task for even the most seasoned fans of Warhammer 40,000. Spanning over 50 novels, novellas, short stories, audio dramas, and spin-offs, it's no wonder many are left scratching their heads, wondering where to start. In this article, we'll break down the essentials, providing a beginner-friendly guide on how to navigate this complex and epic tale.

The Setting

The Horus Heresy takes place 10,000 years before the events of Warhammer 40,000, in a grim, dark universe filled with Space Marines, Lunar Wolves, fascists, suspicion, manipulation, and betrayal. The series begins with Horus Rising, where the Emperor of Mankind retires and places his son Horus (genetically engineered) in charge as Warmaster.

The Story

As the Golden Age utopia descends into darkness, humanity teeters on the brink of extinction during a galaxy-spanning civil war. This monumental series is not for the faint of heart, delving into themes of war, honor, loyalty, and betrayal that span across the galaxy.

Consuming Heresy Material

One of the biggest challenges fans face when diving into the Horus Hersey is deciding how to consume the material. Fortunately, the series offers a variety of mediums, including novels, novellas, short stories, audio dramas, and spin-offs. Each has its pros and cons, which we'll explore in this article.

The Essential Reading Order

In Part 2 of our discussion, we'll run through the first 30 books, creating a list of 'must-reads' while discussing the merits of all others. This essential reading order will provide a solid foundation for new fans, helping them navigate the complex world of Horus Heresy.

The Horus Heresy reading order may seem overwhelming at first, but with this guide, you'll be well on your way to embarking on an epic adventure filled with Space Marines, Lunar Wolves, and galaxy-spanning battles. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just starting out, the Horus Heresy has something for everyone.

Must-Reads

For those new to the series, we recommend starting with:

1. Horus Rising

2. False Gods

3. Galaxy in Flames

4. The Flight of the Fallen

5. Legion

These five books provide a solid foundation for understanding the core storyline and characters of the Horus Heresy. From there, you can explore the various mediums and stories that make up this epic tale.

Additional Resources

For further reading and exploration, we recommend:

* The Warhammer 40,000 Wiki

* The Horus Heresy Lexicanum

* The official Games Workshop website

By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned fan of the Horus Heresy. So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready for an epic adventure that will leave you breathless.

The horus heresy reading order