The Horus Heresy #1
Horus Heresy Books
Grimdark Archive catalogues 244 Horus Heresy books across 4 multi-book series: novels, novellas and audio dramas, with reader ratings, series reading order, and where to buy each one. The highest-rated is Saturnine by Dan Abnett (4.56 of 5 from 3,443 ratings). See also the best-rated Horus Heresy books. Listening instead? Every title with an Audible recording is on the Warhammer audiobooks page.
Series in Horus Heresy (4)
Where to start with Horus Heresy
The most-read first books of its series, then the most-read standalone novels. Each series link on a book page gives the full reading order.
Series openers
Reader rating · 4.02 of 5 from 4,326 ratings · audiobook 4.71 of 5 from 3,763 ratings4.024.3k
The Siege of Terra #1
Reader rating · 4.13 of 5 from 2,631 ratings · audiobook 4.69 of 5 from 2,007 ratings4.132.6k
The Horus Heresy: Characters #1
Reader rating · 3.45 of 5 from 1,715 ratings · audiobook 4.42 of 5 from 787 ratings3.451.7k
The Horus Heresy: Primarchs #1Most-rated Horus Heresy books (24)
The titles most readers have rated, first; the full list of every book in the setting follows.
Reader rating · 4.26 of 5 from 41,978 ratings · audiobook 4.84 of 5 from 18,440 ratings4.2642k
Reader rating · 4.15 of 5 from 30,196 ratings · audiobook 4.82 of 5 from 12,192 ratings4.1530k
Reader rating · 4.19 of 5 from 25,021 ratings · audiobook 4.85 of 5 from 10,508 ratings4.1925k
Reader rating · 4.13 of 5 from 21,839 ratings · audiobook 4.81 of 5 from 9,778 ratings4.1322k
Reader rating · 4.05 of 5 from 18,054 ratings · audiobook 4.65 of 5 from 7,392 ratings4.0518k
Reader rating · 4.17 of 5 from 14,434 ratings · audiobook 4.71 of 5 from 6,362 ratings4.1714k
Reader rating · 3.63 of 5 from 12,001 ratings · audiobook 4.58 of 5 from 5,664 ratings3.6312k
Reader rating · 4.27 of 5 from 10,726 ratings · audiobook 4.68 of 5 from 4,430 ratings4.2711k
Reader rating · 4.35 of 5 from 10,582 ratings · audiobook 4.8 of 5 from 5,105 ratings4.3511k
Reader rating · 3.88 of 5 from 9,779 ratings · audiobook 4.7 of 5 from 4,726 ratings3.889.8k
Reader rating · 3.42 of 5 from 9,094 ratings · audiobook 4.45 of 5 from 4,090 ratings3.429.1k
Reader rating · 4.11 of 5 from 8,858 ratings · audiobook 4.68 of 5 from 3,699 ratings4.118.9k
Reader rating · 4.3 of 5 from 8,213 ratings · audiobook 4.77 of 5 from 4,086 ratings4.38.2k
Reader rating · 3.76 of 5 from 7,922 ratings · audiobook 4.71 of 5 from 3,471 ratings3.767.9k
Reader rating · 3.8 of 5 from 7,277 ratings · audiobook 4.68 of 5 from 2,390 ratings3.87.3k
Reader rating · 4.4 of 5 from 6,230 ratings · audiobook 4.88 of 5 from 4,396 ratings4.46.2k
Reader rating · 3.72 of 5 from 6,206 ratings · audiobook 4.62 of 5 from 2,542 ratings3.726.2k
Reader rating · 3.86 of 5 from 5,188 ratings · audiobook 4.72 of 5 from 2,489 ratings3.865.2k
Reader rating · 3.96 of 5 from 5,069 ratings · audiobook 4.71 of 5 from 2,541 ratings3.965.1k
Reader rating · 3.73 of 5 from 4,741 ratings · audiobook 4.59 of 5 from 1,698 ratings3.734.7k
Reader rating · 3.74 of 5 from 4,689 ratings · audiobook 4.65 of 5 from 2,007 ratings3.744.7k
Reader rating · 4.08 of 5 from 4,570 ratings · audiobook 4.77 of 5 from 2,363 ratings4.084.6k
Reader rating · 4.22 of 5 from 4,542 ratings · audiobook 4.84 of 5 from 2,458 ratings4.224.5k
Reader rating · 4.02 of 5 from 4,326 ratings · audiobook 4.71 of 5 from 3,763 ratings4.024.3k
50See all best-rated Horus Heresy books→
All 244 Horus Heresy books
- Horus Rising Dan Abnett 4.26
- False Gods Graham McNeill 4.15
- Galaxy in Flames Ben Counter 4.19
- The Flight of the Eisenstein James Swallow 4.13
- Fulgrim Graham McNeill 4.05
- Legion Dan Abnett 4.17
- Descent of Angels Mitchel Scanlon 3.63
- A Thousand Sons Graham McNeill 4.27
- The First Heretic Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.35
- Mechanicum Graham McNeill 3.88
- Battle for the Abyss Ben Counter 3.42
- Prospero Burns Dan Abnett 4.11
- Know No Fear Dan Abnett 4.3
- Fallen Angels Mike Lee 3.76
- Tales of Heresy Dan Abnet 3.8
- Betrayer Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.4
- Nemesis James Swallow 3.72
- Deliverance Lost Gav Thorpe 3.86
- Fear to Tread James Swallow 3.96
- Age of Darkness John French 3.73
- The Outcast Dead Graham McNeill 3.74
- Angel Exterminatus Graham McNeill 4.08
- The Unremembered Empire Dan Abnett 4.22
- The Solar War John French 4.02
- Scars Chris Wraight 4.16
- The Master of Mankind Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.22
- The Lost and the Damned Guy Haley 4.23
- The Primarchs Christian Z. Dunn 3.6
- Saturnine Dan Abnett 4.56
- Vengeful Spirit Graham McNeill 3.91
- Shadows of Treachery Christian Z. Dunn 3.82
- The First Wall Gav Thorpe 3.76
- Vulkan Lives Nick Kyme 3.58
- The End and the Death: Volume I Dan Abnett 4.4
- Mark of Calth John French 3.68
- Praetorian of Dorn John French 4.12
- Pharos Guy Haley 4.01
- Mortis John French 3.55
- Echoes of Eternity Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.54
- Warhawk Chris Wraight 4.3
- Valdor: Birth of the Imperium Chris Wraight 4.13
- The Path of Heaven Chris Wraight 4.11
- The End and the Death: Volume III Dan Abnett 4.48
- The End and the Death: Volume II Dan Abnett 4.22
- Angels of Caliban Gav Thorpe 3.78
- The Damnation of Pythos David Annandale 3.25
- Slaves to Darkness John French 3.91
- Wolfsbane Guy Haley 4.19
- The Buried Dagger James Swallow 4.15
- Garro: Weapon of Fate James Swallow 4.02
- Deathfire Nick Kyme 3.61
- Ruinstorm David Annandale 3.73
- The Crimson King Graham McNeill 3.7
- Legacies of Betrayal Laurie Goulding 3.61
- Roboute Guilliman: Lord of Ultramar David Annandale 3.45
- Alpharius: Head of the Hydra Mike Brooks 4.46
- Corax Gav Thorpe 3.79
- War Without End Aaron Dembski-Bowden 3.64
- Titandeath Guy Haley 3.84
- Eye of Terra Guy Haley 3.7
- Leman Russ: The Great Wolf Chris Wraight 3.94
- Konrad Curze: The Night Haunter Guy Haley 4.23
- The Silent War John French 3.75
- Perturabo: The Hammer of Olympia Guy Haley 4.09
- Old Earth Nick Kyme 3.72
- Tallarn John French 3.74
- Magnus the Red: Master of Prospero Graham McNeill 3.85
- Aurelian Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.14
- Shattered Legions John French 3.7
- Fury of Magnus Graham McNeill 4.19
- Heralds of the Siege Nick Kyme 3.95
- Fulgrim: The Palatine Phoenix Josh Reynolds 3.82
- Lorgar: Bearer of the Word Gav Thorpe 3.76
- The Burden of Loyalty John French 3.71
- Sons of the Selenar Graham McNeill 3.9
- Angron: Slave of Nuceria Ian St. Martin 4.22
- Jaghatai Khan: Warhawk of Chogoris Chris Wraight 4.03
- Ashes of the Imperium Chris Wraight 4.2
- Born of Flame Nick Kyme 3.41
- Sanguinius: The Great Angel Chris Wraight 4.03
- Garro: Knight of Grey James Swallow 3.98
- Lion El'Jonson: Lord of the First David Guymer 3.67
- Vulkan: Lord of Drakes David Annandale 3.55
- Luther: First of the Fallen Gav Thorpe 3.93
- Corax: Lord of Shadows Guy Haley 3.7
- Ferrus Manus: The Gorgon of Medusa David Guymer 3.29
- Dropsite Massacre John French 4.24
- Prince of Crows Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.41
- Mortarion: The Pale King David Annandale 3.93
- Promethean Sun Nick Kyme 3.54
- The Dark King / The Lightning Tower Dan Abnett 3.91
- Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader John French 4.22
- Era of Ruin Dan Abnett 3.94
- Garro: Oath of Moment James Swallow 3.91
- Butcher's Nails Aaron Dembski-Bowden 3.94
- Sons of the Emperor John French 4.1
- Brotherhood of the Storm Chris Wraight 3.96
- Raven's Flight Gav Thorpe 3.84
- Rogal Dorn: The Emperor's Crusader Gav Thorpe 3.72
- The Wolf of Ash and Fire Graham McNeill 3.71
- The Crimson Fist John French 3.89
- The Sigillite Chris Wraight 3.88
- Wolf King Chris Wraight 3.95
- The Reflection Crack'd Graham McNeill 3.66
- Savage Weapons Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.08
- The Long Night Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.3
- Corax: Soulforge Gav Thorpe 3.61
- Macragge's Honour Dan Abnett 3.78
- The Seventh Serpent Graham McNeill 4.11
- The Unburdened David Annandale 3.43
- Scorched Earth Nick Kyme 3.7
- Cybernetica Rob Sanders 3.48
- Eidolon: The Auric Hammer Marc Collins 3.57
- Kryptos Graham McNeill 3.6
- Tallarn: Executioner John French 3.79
- The Honoured Rob Sanders 3.32
- The Kaban Project Graham McNeill 3.78
- The Iron Within Rob Sanders 4.26
- Blood of the Emperor Graham McNeill 3.78
- The Purge Anthony Reynolds 3.86
- Scions of the Emperor David Guymer 3.93
- Templar John French 3.73
- Little Horus Dan Abnett 3.8
- Lord of the Red Sands Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.08
- Honour to the Dead Gav Thorpe 3.65
- The Last Remembrancer John French 3.94
- Angron Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.02
- Blood Games Dan Abnett 4.03
- Censure Nick Kyme 3.76
- The Lion Gav Thorpe 3.65
- The Serpent Beneath Rob Sanders 3.92
- Tallarn: Ironclad John French 3.79
- Grey Angel John French 3.64
- Ravenlord Gav Thorpe 3.65
- Two Metaphysical Blades Chris Wraight 4.23
- Thief of Revelations Graham McNeill 3.56
- Meduson: Ultimate Edition Dan Abnett 3.71
- Cthonia's Reckoning John French 3.4
- Feat of Iron Nick Kyme 3.11
- Strike and Fade Guy Haley 3.48
- Khârn: The Eightfold Path Anthony Reynolds 3.74
- Warmaster John French 3.63
- Wolf Hunt Graham McNeill 3.84
- Veritas Ferrum David Annandale 3.45
- Dreadwing David Guymer 3.48
- Daemonology Chris Wraight 3.71
- Army of One Rob Sanders 3.31
- Forgotten Sons Nick Kyme 3.44
- Rules of Engagement Graham McNeill 3.47
- The Gates of Terra Nick Kyme 3.45
- Child of Night John French 3.61
- Call of the Lion Gav Thorpe 3.15
- Liar's Due James Swallow 3.65
- Hunter's Moon Guy Haley 3.61
- Iron Corpses David Annandale 3.71
- The Dark King Graham McNeill 3.68
- Garro: Vow of Faith James Swallow 4.07
- Riven John French 3.59
- The Lightning Tower Dan Abnett 3.89
- The Binary Succession David Annandale 4.04
- Distant Echoes of Old Night Rob Sanders 3.49
- Howl of the Hearthworld Aaron Dembski-Bowden 3.51
- The Eagle's Talon John French 3.59
- Garro: Shield of Lies James Swallow 4.15
- The Face of Treachery Gav Thorpe 3.62
- Cypher: Guardian of Order Gav Thorpe 3.14
- The Imperial Truth L.J. Goulding 3.72
- Master of the First Gav Thorpe 3.67
- Imperfect Nick Kyme 3.78
- Wolf's Claw Chris Wraight 3.49
- The Divine Word Gav Thorpe 3.55
- Luna Mendax Graham McNeill 3.93
- Chirurgeon Nick Kyme 3.54
- Black Oculus John French 3.19
- The Abyssal Edge Aaron Dembski-Bowden 4.18
- Vorax Matthew Farrer 3.13
- Dark Compliance John French 3.59
- Lupercal's War Dan Abnett 3.86
- Artefacts Nick Kyme 3.54
- Sons of the Forge Nick Kyme 3.48
- The Phoenician Nick Kyme 3.22
- Virtues of the Sons Andy Smillie 3.76
- Ordo Sinister John French 3.84
- Grandfather's Gift Guy Haley 3.84
- Lantern's Light James Swallow 4.19
- Prologue to Nikaea David Annandale 3.63
- Garro: Ashes of Fealty James Swallow 3.76
- Ironfire Rob Sanders 3.49
- Dark Heart Anthony Reynolds 3.59
- Tallarn: Siren John French 3.73
- The Thirteenth Wolf Gav Thorpe 3.46
- Wolf Mother Graham McNeill 3.78
- A Safe and Shadowed Place Guy Haley 3.6
- Sins of the Father Andy Smillie 3.55
- Tallarn: Witness John French 3.4
- Child of Chaos Chris Wraight 4.17
- Ghosts Speak Not & Patience James Swallow 4.01
- Ghost of Nuceria Ian St. Martin 4.07
- Twisted Guy Haley 3.82
- Death and Defiance Nick Kyme 3.61
- The Passing of Angels John French 3.9
- Blackshields: The False War Josh Reynolds 3.83
- Gunsight James Swallow 3.57
- Inheritor Gav Thorpe 3.19
- Blades of the Traitor Guy Haley 3.74
- Raptor Gav Thorpe 3.6
- Zardu Layak: The Crimson Apostle Rich McCormick 3.47
- Blackshield Chris Wraight 3.64
- Children of Sicarus Anthony Reynolds 3.56
- Allegiance Chris Wraight 3.82
- Blackshields: The Red Fief Josh Reynolds 3.99
- Myriad Rob Sanders 3.62
- Restorer Chris Wraight 4.06
- Burden of Duty & Grey Angel James Swallow 3.81
- Sedition's Gate Nick Kyme 3.68
- The Ember Wolves Rob Sanders 3.55
- Mercy of the Dragon Nick Kyme 3.88
- Immortal Duty Nick Kyme 3.49
- Blackshields: The Broken Chain Josh Reynolds 4.07
- The Lightning Hall Graham McNeill 4.03
- Hubris of Monarchia Andy Smillie 3.3
- Heirs of the Emperor John French 4.09
- Echoes of Ruin David Annandale 3.59
- Master of the First / The Long Night Aaron Dembski-Bowden 3.98
- The Razing of Prospero Graham McNeill 4.41
- Garro: Knight Errant James Swallow 4.25
- The Nine Justin D. Hill 3.88
- The Last Phoenix Graham McNeill 4.18
- The Lords of Terra L.J. Goulding 3.95
- Weregeld Gav Thorpe 3.91
- The Scripts: Volume I Christian Z. Dunn 3.91
- The Scripts: Volume II L.J. Goulding 3.73
- Flames of Betrayal James Swallow 4.47
- A Rose Watered With Blood & Other Stories Aaron Dembski-Bowden 3.54
- Raldoron: Revenant Guy Haley 3.0
- Red-Marked Nick Kyme 4.0
- The Heart of the Pharos L.J. Goulding 2.0
- Echoes of Imperium Andy Smillie
- Echoes of Revelation Dan Abnett
- Garro: Legion of One James Swallow
- Garro: Sword of Truth James Swallow
- Illyrium Darius Hinks
- Lucius: The Eternal Blade Graham McNeill
- Nightfane Nick Kyme
Frequently asked questions
How many Horus Heresy books are there?
Grimdark Archive catalogues 244 Horus Heresy books across 4 multi-book series.
Where should I start with Horus Heresy books?
Most readers start with Horus Rising by Dan Abnett, the first book of The Horus Heresy (4.26 of 5 from 41,978 ratings).
What is the highest-rated Horus Heresy book?
Saturnine by Dan Abnett, rated 4.56 of 5 from 3,443 ratings.