Horus Heresy Books in Order: Complete Warhammer 40,000 Reading Order
The Horus Heresy is one of the largest and most ambitious science-fiction sagas ever published. Set roughly 10,000 years before the main Warhammer 40,000 timeline, it tells the story of Warmaster Horus Lupercal’s rebellion against the Emperor of Mankind and the civil war that tears the Imperium apart.
What begins as a relatively straightforward trilogy—Horus Rising, False Gods, and Galaxy in Flames—eventually becomes a sprawling multi-author saga involving Space Marine Legions, Primarchs, the Mechanicum, Imperial institutions, Chaos, the Ruinous Powers, and countless human characters.
The original Horus Heresy series contains 54 numbered volumes, published from 2006 through 2019. Importantly, not all 54 are conventional novels: several are anthologies or collections of novellas and short stories.
After Book 54, the story moves into The Horus Heresy: Siege of Terra, the final stage of the rebellion. The Siege consists of eight principal novel releases, with The End and the Death published as three separate volumes, making 10 published volumes in the complete reading sequence.
For a first-time reader, publication/series order is the safest approach. The opening three books should definitely be read consecutively, while the later numbered books tell many parallel stories and can sometimes feel less linear.
How Many Horus Heresy Books Are There?
The answer depends on what you count.
The original Horus Heresy series
There are 54 numbered books in the original main series:
- Books 1–54
- Published from 2006 to 2019
- A mixture of novels, novellas, and short-story anthologies
- Ends with The Buried Dagger
Siege of Terra
The story then continues with the separate Siege of Terra sequence.
There are eight main Siege novels, but The End and the Death was divided into three volumes:
- The Solar War
- The Lost and the Damned
- The First Wall
- Saturnine
- Mortis
- Warhawk
- Echoes of Eternity
- The End and the Death: Volume I
- The End and the Death: Volume II
- The End and the Death: Volume III
There are also several Siege novellas that sit alongside the main sequence.
The broader post-Heresy story
After the Siege, Games Workshop launched The Scouring, which explores the aftermath of the Heresy. The first published book in that new series is Chris Wraight’s Ashes of the Imperium (2025).
So for a reader asking for the complete Horus Heresy story, the most useful route is:
54 Horus Heresy books → Siege of Terra → The Scouring
Horus Heresy Books in Order
1. Horus Rising — Dan Abnett (2006)
Horus Rising introduces the Great Crusade at the height of the Imperium’s expansion.
The story primarily follows Garviel Loken, a Luna Wolf who becomes increasingly close to Horus Lupercal, the newly appointed Warmaster.
The novel establishes Horus, Loken, Abaddon, Erebus, the Luna Wolves, and the wider Imperial military machine before the rebellion begins.
It is the essential starting point for the entire saga.
Horus Heresy: Book 1
2. False Gods — Graham McNeill (2006)
Horus is wounded during the campaign on Davin, and his closest warriors desperately search for a way to save him.
Erebus of the Word Bearers manipulates the situation, allowing Chaos to gain access to the Warmaster.
Horus emerges from the experience fundamentally changed, setting the rebellion in motion.
Horus Heresy: Book 2
3. Galaxy in Flames — Ben Counter (2006)
The Warmaster’s betrayal becomes undeniable.
Horus and his allied Primarchs turn against their loyalist brothers and send loyal elements of the Legions to Isstvan III, where they attempt to destroy them with virus bombs.
The surviving loyalists fight desperately against impossible odds.
This is the conclusion of the opening trilogy and the point where the Horus Heresy becomes an actual civil war.
Horus Heresy: Book 3
4. The Flight of the Eisenstein — James Swallow (2007)
Death Guard Captain Nathaniel Garro discovers Horus’s betrayal and attempts to escape Isstvan III aboard the Eisenstein.
His mission is crucial: warn the Emperor and Terra that Horus has turned against the Imperium.
The novel introduces the Death Guard’s perspective and the early influence of Nurgle.
Horus Heresy: Book 4
5. Fulgrim — Graham McNeill (2007)
The Emperor’s Children Primarch Fulgrim and his Legion gradually fall under the influence of Chaos.
The novel culminates in the infamous Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan V, where the Salamanders, Iron Hands, and Raven Guard are devastated by their supposed allies.
Fulgrim’s confrontation with Ferrus Manus becomes one of the defining moments of the entire Heresy.
Horus Heresy: Book 5
6. Descent of Angels — Mitchel Scanlon (2007)
This novel shifts attention to Caliban and the origins of the Dark Angels.
It explores Lion El’Jonson and his complicated relationship with Luther before and during the early stages of the Heresy.
Horus Heresy: Book 6
7. Legion — Dan Abnett (2008)
Legion introduces the Alpha Legion in one of the saga’s most secretive and morally complicated stories.
The Legion encounters the mysterious Cabal, an alliance of alien species claiming to understand the future of the galaxy.
The novel also introduces John Grammaticus and the concept of Perpetuals.
Horus Heresy: Book 7
8. Battle for the Abyss — Ben Counter (2008)
A mixed group of Space Marines from several Legions races to stop a massive Word Bearers warship.
The novel is a relatively self-contained military adventure and is often regarded as one of the more optional entries for readers following the core narrative.
Horus Heresy: Book 8
9. Mechanicum — Graham McNeill (2008)
The rebellion reaches Mars.
The Mechanicum fractures into loyalist and traitor factions after Fabricator-General Kelbor-Hal embraces Horus’s cause.
The novel is particularly important for understanding the relationship between the Imperium and Mars.
Horus Heresy: Book 9
10. Tales of Heresy — Various Authors (2009)
Tales of Heresy is an anthology rather than a conventional novel.
It contains several short stories exploring different characters and events, including the important World Eaters story “After Desh’ea.”
Horus Heresy: Book 10
11. Fallen Angels — Mike Lee (2009)
The Dark Angels struggle with the consequences of Horus’s rebellion while their Primarch Lion El’Jonson continues fighting across the galaxy.
Meanwhile, Luther’s resentment grows on Caliban.
The book develops one of the Heresy’s longest-running internal conflicts.
Horus Heresy: Book 11
12. A Thousand Sons — Graham McNeill (2010)
Magnus the Red and the Thousand Sons take center stage.
The novel explores their psychic powers, Magnus’s attempts to protect his Legion, and the disastrous chain of events that leads to the destruction of Prospero.
Horus Heresy: Book 12
13. Nemesis — James Swallow (2010)
The Imperium assembles an elite team of assassins with a seemingly impossible mission: kill Horus.
The novel provides a different perspective on the war by focusing on the Imperium’s secretive assassins rather than Space Marine Legions.
Horus Heresy: Book 13
14. The First Heretic — Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2010)
This is one of the most important books for understanding the Word Bearers and the origins of the Heresy.
Lorgar’s religious devotion to the Emperor is rejected, pushing him toward forbidden knowledge and eventually Chaos.
The novel explores events decades before the Heresy as well as the catastrophe at Isstvan V.
Horus Heresy: Book 14
15. Prospero Burns — Dan Abnett (2010)
The Space Wolves are ordered to confront Magnus and the Thousand Sons.
Told largely through the perspective of a human observer, the novel explores the culture of the Space Wolves and the events surrounding the Burning of Prospero.
Horus Heresy: Book 15
16. Age of Darkness — Various Authors (2011)
Another anthology of short fiction.
Among its notable stories are “Little Horus,” “The Iron Within,” “Savage Weapons,” and “Face of Treachery.”
Horus Heresy: Book 16
17. The Outcast Dead — Graham McNeill (2011)
The story moves to Terra, where disgraced warriors and surviving Thunder Warriors become involved in a dangerous conspiracy beneath the Imperial Palace.
It provides an unusual look at Terra during the early Heresy.
Horus Heresy: Book 17
18. Deliverance Lost — Gav Thorpe (2012)
The Raven Guard attempt to recover after the devastating Dropsite Massacre.
Corvus Corax seeks the Emperor’s genetic secrets in an effort to rebuild his shattered Legion, but the Alpha Legion has its own plans.
Horus Heresy: Book 18
19. Know No Fear — Dan Abnett (2012)
The Word Bearers launch a devastating surprise attack against the Ultramarines at Calth.
Know No Fear is one of the saga’s most acclaimed military novels and is central to the Ultramarines and Word Bearers storylines.
Horus Heresy: Book 19
20. The Primarchs — Various Authors (2012)
This anthology contains four novellas focused on individual Primarchs.
It includes stories concerning Fulgrim, Lion El’Jonson, and the Alpha Legion, among others.
Horus Heresy: Book 20
21. Fear to Tread — James Swallow (2012)
Sanguinius and the Blood Angels face a devastating threat as Chaos seeks to exploit the Legion’s weaknesses.
The novel explores Sanguinius’s visions, the Red Thirst, and the Blood Angels’ struggle against corruption.
Horus Heresy: Book 21
22. Shadows of Treachery — Various Authors (2012)
This anthology collects several important short stories, including material involving the Imperial Fists, Raven Guard, and Night Lords.
It is particularly useful for readers following the shattered loyalist Legions after Isstvan V.
Horus Heresy: Book 22
23. Angel Exterminatus — Graham McNeill (2012)
Fulgrim and Perturabo embark on a dangerous expedition into the Eye of Terror.
Their objective involves an ancient Eldar weapon, while loyalist survivors attempt to interfere.
The novel deepens the relationship between Fulgrim and Perturabo.
Horus Heresy: Book 23
24. Betrayer — Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2012)
Lorgar and Angron lead a brutal campaign against Ultramar.
The novel focuses heavily on the relationship between Khârn and Argel Tal while exploring Angron’s transformation.
Horus Heresy: Book 24
25. Mark of Calth — Various Authors (2013)
This anthology continues the conflict between the Ultramarines and Word Bearers following the Battle of Calth.
Its stories explore the underground war and the survivors left behind.
Horus Heresy: Book 25
26. Vulkan Lives — Nick Kyme (2013)
Vulkan survives Isstvan V but is captured by his brother Konrad Curze.
The Salamanders Primarch’s unusual nature becomes increasingly important as the novel explores imprisonment, torture, and survival.
Horus Heresy: Book 26
27. The Unremembered Empire — Dan Abnett (2013)
Roboute Guilliman attempts to preserve what remains of the Imperium by creating Imperium Secundus.
Sanguinius and Lion El’Jonson become involved in this temporary alliance.
The novel brings several loyalist Primarch storylines together.
Horus Heresy: Book 27
28. Scars — Chris Wraight (2014)
Jaghatai Khan and the White Scars must decide where their loyalty lies.
The Alpha Legion and the Space Wolves become involved in events that force the White Scars to make a definitive choice.
Horus Heresy: Book 28
29. Vengeful Spirit — Graham McNeill (2014)
Horus attacks the world of Molech in search of extraordinary power.
At the same time, Garviel Loken takes part in a dangerous mission involving Horus’s flagship.
The novel provides important insight into Horus’s growing power.
Horus Heresy: Book 29
30. The Damnation of Pythos — David Annandale (2014)
Survivors of Isstvan V attempt to establish themselves on a dangerous world.
Their struggle becomes increasingly horrific as they encounter forces beyond the ordinary threats of the battlefield.
Horus Heresy: Book 30
31. Legacies of Betrayal — Various Authors (2015)
This anthology collects stories concerning several major Heresy characters and Legions.
It is particularly useful for readers interested in characters who will eventually become important figures in the wider Warhammer 40,000 setting.
Horus Heresy: Book 31
32. Deathfire — Nick Kyme (2015)
The Salamanders return to Nocturne with Vulkan’s body.
His sons attempt to restore their Primarch while dealing with dangers connected to their Legion’s ancient traditions.
Horus Heresy: Book 32
33. War Without End — Various Authors (2016)
Another anthology containing stories from different points in the Heresy.
It expands several Legion storylines and includes important material involving the Emperor’s Children and Horus’s inner circle.
Horus Heresy: Book 33
34. Pharos — Guy Haley (2016)
The mysterious Pharos device becomes central to the story of Imperium Secundus.
The Night Lords attack, while the consequences of the Pharos’s operation extend far beyond the immediate conflict.
Horus Heresy: Book 34
35. Eye of Terra — Various Authors (2016)
This anthology contains stories involving characters across the wider Heresy.
One particularly important story is “Aurelian,” which follows Lorgar’s journey into the Eye of Terror.
Horus Heresy: Book 35
36. The Path of Heaven — Chris Wraight (2016)
The White Scars fight their way through the Warp as they attempt to reach Terra.
The novel is a major step in the Legion’s journey toward the Siege.
Horus Heresy: Book 36
37. The Silent War — Various Authors (2016)
This anthology focuses heavily on Malcador’s agents and the secret war being fought behind the main battlefronts.
It includes important stories involving Garviel Loken and the Dark Angels.
Horus Heresy: Book 37
38. Angels of Caliban — Gav Thorpe (2016)
The Dark Angels become entangled with Konrad Curze and the Night Lords.
Lion El’Jonson’s determination to capture Curze threatens the fragile political structure of Imperium Secundus.
Horus Heresy: Book 38
39. Praetorian of Dorn — John French (2017)
Rogal Dorn prepares the Imperial defenses while the Alpha Legion launches one of its most ambitious operations.
The novel begins moving the wider narrative toward Terra and the coming Siege.
Horus Heresy: Book 39
40. Corax — Gav Thorpe (2017)
Corax is a collection of stories and novellas focused on Corvus Corax and the Raven Guard.
It explores the Primarch’s response to the destruction of his Legion and his efforts to strike back at Horus.
Horus Heresy: Book 40
41. The Master of Mankind — Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2017)
One of the most important Terra-focused novels, The Master of Mankind explores the Emperor’s secret work beneath the Imperial Palace.
The Adeptus Custodes and other Imperial forces fight against a massive daemonic invasion.
Horus Heresy: Book 41
42. Garro: Weapon of Fate — James Swallow (2017)
Originally developed from a series of audio dramas, Garro: Weapon of Fate collects Nathaniel Garro’s covert missions for Malcador.
It also connects to several earlier events in the Heresy.
Horus Heresy: Book 42
43. Shattered Legions — Various Authors (2017)
This anthology follows the survivors of Isstvan V.
Shadrak Meduson becomes one of the central figures as the shattered loyalist Legions wage a guerrilla war against Horus.
Horus Heresy: Book 43
44. The Crimson King — Graham McNeill (2017)
Magnus’s spirit has been fractured following the Burning of Prospero.
The Thousand Sons search for the pieces of their Primarch’s soul while dealing with the consequences of their allegiance to Chaos.
Horus Heresy: Book 44
45. Tallarn — John French (2018)
The Iron Warriors destroy much of Tallarn with a virus attack, leaving behind one of the largest tank battles of the Heresy.
Perturabo’s personal motivations make the campaign particularly important.
Horus Heresy: Book 45
46. Ruinstorm — David Annandale (2018)
The Primarchs of Imperium Secundus realize that the Emperor is still alive and attempt to break through the Ruinstorm to reach Terra.
The novel brings the Imperium Secundus storyline toward its conclusion.
Horus Heresy: Book 46
47. Old Earth — Nick Kyme (2018)
Vulkan and the Salamanders face a difficult choice as the war moves toward Terra.
The novel connects the Salamanders’ storyline to the approaching Siege.
Horus Heresy: Book 47
48. The Burden of Loyalty — Various Authors (2018)
This anthology collects stories about loyalty, betrayal, and the increasingly desperate state of the Imperium.
It includes important material involving the Space Wolves and the Martian political crisis.
Horus Heresy: Book 48
49. Wolfsbane — Guy Haley (2018)
Leman Russ refuses to remain behind while the Warmaster advances toward Terra.
The Space Wolves Primarch launches a dangerous attempt to strike directly at Horus.
Horus Heresy: Book 49
50. Born of Flame — Nick Kyme (2018)
This collection focuses on Vulkan and the Salamanders.
Its novellas and short stories expand the Legion’s history and provide additional context for the Salamanders’ later storyline.
Horus Heresy: Book 50
51. Slaves to Darkness — John French (2019)
The traitor forces gather at Ullanor in preparation for the final assault.
Horus struggles with his own condition, while Lorgar, Perturabo, Angron, and the other traitor Primarchs compete for influence.
This is one of the most important pre-Siege novels.
Horus Heresy: Book 51
52. Heralds of the Siege — Various Authors (2019)
This anthology serves as a bridge toward the Siege of Terra.
Its stories show the final preparations and warnings as Horus’s forces approach the Sol System.
Horus Heresy: Book 52
53. Titandeath — Guy Haley (2019)
The massive Titan battle in the Garmon cluster becomes the final major obstacle before the traitors reach the Sol System.
Sanguinius attempts to coordinate the forces opposing Horus.
Horus Heresy: Book 53
54. The Buried Dagger — James Swallow (2019)
The Buried Dagger brings the original Horus Heresy series to its endpoint.
The Death Guard fleet becomes trapped in the Warp and suffers a devastating transformation as Mortarion and Typhus move toward Nurgle.
The book effectively hands the story over to the Siege of Terra.
Horus Heresy: Book 54
Siege of Terra Books in Order
The Siege of Terra is technically a separate series, but you should read it immediately after The Buried Dagger. It depicts Horus’s final assault on Terra and the Emperor’s last stand. Black Library describes the Siege as the climax of the Horus Heresy.
1. The Solar War — John French (2020)
The traitor fleet enters the Solar System.
Rogal Dorn commands the Imperial defenses while Horus’s forces attempt to break through the system’s outer defenses.
Siege of Terra: Book 1
2. The Lost and the Damned — Guy Haley (2020)
The traitor armies reach Terra and begin their massive ground assault.
The Imperial Palace’s defenses come under enormous pressure as Mortarion, Angron, and their forces attack.
Siege of Terra: Book 2
3. The First Wall — Gav Thorpe (2020)
The fighting reaches the outer defenses of the Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Fists attempt to hold the Lion’s Gate spaceport while the traitors seek to establish a foothold for their Titan Legions.
Siege of Terra: Book 3
4. Saturnine — Dan Abnett (2022)
The siege intensifies around the massive defenses of the Imperial Palace.
Horus’s forces develop a dangerous plan to exploit a weakness in the Saturnine wall.
Siege of Terra: Book 4
5. Mortis — John French (2023)
The traitors gain control of Lion’s Gate spaceport and deploy their Titans onto Terra.
The loyalists respond with their remaining Titan Legions, producing one of the largest engine battles of the Siege.
Siege of Terra: Book 5
6. Warhawk — Chris Wraight (2023)
Jaghatai Khan and the White Scars refuse to remain passive behind the Palace’s defenses.
The novel focuses heavily on the Khan and his final confrontation with Mortarion.
Siege of Terra: Book 6
7. Echoes of Eternity — Aaron Dembski-Bowden (2023)
The traitors penetrate deeper into the Imperial Palace.
The Blood Angels and Imperial Fists are pushed toward collapse while Sanguinius prepares for his confrontation with Horus.
Siege of Terra: Book 7
8. The End and the Death: Volume I — Dan Abnett (2023)
The final battle begins.
The defenses of Terra are collapsing, reality itself is becoming unstable, and the Emperor prepares to leave the Golden Throne and confront Horus.
Siege of Terra: Book 8
9. The End and the Death: Volume II — Dan Abnett (2023)
The final confrontation draws closer.
The Emperor’s forces fight their way through an increasingly corrupted Terra while Sanguinius approaches his destined encounter with Horus.
Siege of Terra: Book 9
10. The End and the Death: Volume III — Dan Abnett (2024)
The final battle between the Emperor and Horus takes place aboard the Vengeful Spirit.
The death of Sanguinius and the confrontation between father and son bring the central narrative of the Horus Heresy to its conclusion. Games Workshop described this volume as the final chapter of the Heresy saga.
Siege of Terra: Book 10
Siege of Terra Novellas
Several novellas sit alongside the main Siege novels.
For a complete reading experience, they can be added to the sequence:
- Sons of the Selenar — Graham McNeill
- Fury of Magnus — Graham McNeill
- Garro: Knight of Grey — James Swallow
These are not replacements for the main Siege novels. They provide additional perspectives and character arcs within the larger Siege narrative.
For most first-time readers, the main 10-volume Siege sequence is sufficient; add the novellas if you want a more comprehensive experience.
Complete Horus Heresy Reading Order
If you want one straightforward list, follow this sequence:
The 54 Horus Heresy books
- Horus Rising — Dan Abnett
- False Gods — Graham McNeill
- Galaxy in Flames — Ben Counter
- The Flight of the Eisenstein — James Swallow
- Fulgrim — Graham McNeill
- Descent of Angels — Mitchel Scanlon
- Legion — Dan Abnett
- Battle for the Abyss — Ben Counter
- Mechanicum — Graham McNeill
- Tales of Heresy — Various
- Fallen Angels — Mike Lee
- A Thousand Sons — Graham McNeill
- Nemesis — James Swallow
- The First Heretic — Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- Prospero Burns — Dan Abnett
- Age of Darkness — Various
- The Outcast Dead — Graham McNeill
- Deliverance Lost — Gav Thorpe
- Know No Fear — Dan Abnett
- The Primarchs — Various
- Fear to Tread — James Swallow
- Shadows of Treachery — Various
- Angel Exterminatus — Graham McNeill
- Betrayer — Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- Mark of Calth — Various
- Vulkan Lives — Nick Kyme
- The Unremembered Empire — Dan Abnett
- Scars — Chris Wraight
- Vengeful Spirit — Graham McNeill
- The Damnation of Pythos — David Annandale
- Legacies of Betrayal — Various
- Deathfire — Nick Kyme
- War Without End — Various
- Pharos — Guy Haley
- Eye of Terra — Various
- The Path of Heaven — Chris Wraight
- The Silent War — Various
- Angels of Caliban — Gav Thorpe
- Praetorian of Dorn — John French
- Corax — Gav Thorpe
- The Master of Mankind — Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- Garro: Weapon of Fate — James Swallow
- Shattered Legions — Various
- The Crimson King — Graham McNeill
- Tallarn — John French
- Ruinstorm — David Annandale
- Old Earth — Nick Kyme
- The Burden of Loyalty — Various
- Wolfsbane — Guy Haley
- Born of Flame — Nick Kyme
- Slaves to Darkness — John French
- Heralds of the Siege — Various
- Titandeath — Guy Haley
- The Buried Dagger — James Swallow
This is the established numbered order of the original Horus Heresy series.
Then read Siege of Terra
- The Solar War — John French
- The Lost and the Damned — Guy Haley
- The First Wall — Gav Thorpe
- Saturnine — Dan Abnett
- Mortis — John French
- Warhawk — Chris Wraight
- Echoes of Eternity — Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- The End and the Death: Volume I — Dan Abnett
- The End and the Death: Volume II — Dan Abnett
- The End and the Death: Volume III — Dan Abnett
The 55–64 numbering above is a convenient continuous reading sequence, not a continuation of the original official Horus Heresy numbering. The Siege of Terra is a separate series.
Do You Need to Read All 54 Horus Heresy Books?
No.
This is one of the most important things to understand before starting the series.
The first three books form a tightly connected opening trilogy. After that, the narrative becomes much more sprawling, with different Legions and characters receiving their own storylines.
Several numbered entries are anthologies rather than conventional novels, and some novels are relatively self-contained.
That means there is a difference between:
- Complete reading order: all 54 books
- Core reading order: the most important novels
- Legion-specific reading order: follow one Legion’s story
- Siege-focused order: reach Terra as efficiently as possible
The numbered publication order remains the safest choice if your goal is to experience the entire saga.
The Essential Horus Heresy Books
If 54 books feels overwhelming, you do not necessarily need to read every anthology.
A commonly recommended core route includes:
- Horus Rising
- False Gods
- Galaxy in Flames
- The Flight of the Eisenstein
- Fulgrim
- A Thousand Sons
- Prospero Burns
- The First Heretic
- Know No Fear
- Betrayer
- The Unremembered Empire
- Scars
- Vengeful Spirit
- The Path of Heaven
- The Master of Mankind
- Ruinstorm
- Wolfsbane
- Slaves to Darkness
- The Buried Dagger
Then continue with the Siege of Terra books.
This is not the complete saga, but it preserves many of the major narrative pillars leading toward Terra. The full numbered order remains preferable if you want every major storyline.
The Best Horus Heresy Books for Beginners
If you’re completely new to Warhammer 40,000, these are particularly useful starting points.
Horus Rising
This is the obvious starting point because it introduces the Great Crusade, Horus, Loken, the Space Marines, and the central conflict before everything collapses.
The First Heretic
Choose this if you’re especially interested in Chaos, Lorgar, the Word Bearers, and how the spiritual roots of the rebellion developed.
Know No Fear
This is an excellent choice if you want a fast-paced military story centered on the Ultramarines and Word Bearers.
Betrayer
This is ideal for readers interested in Angron, Khârn, Lorgar, and the World Eaters.
Scars
Choose this if the White Scars, Jaghatai Khan, and the question of loyalty appeal to you.
The Master of Mankind
This is one of the strongest choices if you are particularly interested in the Emperor, Terra, the Custodes, and the deeper metaphysics of the setting.
Do You Need to Read Warhammer 40,000 Before the Horus Heresy?
No.
You can start with Horus Rising without having read other Warhammer 40,000 novels.
However, some familiarity with the wider 40K universe can make the Heresy more rewarding because you already understand the eventual fate of the Imperium.
In particular, the series becomes more powerful when you understand that the glorious Great Crusade described early in the story is destined to become the foundation of the dystopian Imperium seen 10,000 years later.
Is Horus Heresy the Same as Warhammer 40K?
No.
The Horus Heresy is a historical era within the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
The main 40K setting takes place approximately 10,000 years after the Heresy.
The Heresy therefore functions as a massive prequel: it explains how the Imperium became the broken civilization readers encounter in the later Warhammer 40,000 setting.
What Comes After The Buried Dagger?
After The Buried Dagger, read The Siege of Terra.
The transition is:
The Buried Dagger → The Solar War → The Lost and the Damned → The First Wall → Saturnine → Mortis → Warhawk → Echoes of Eternity → The End and the Death I → II → III
The Siege depicts the final confrontation between Horus and the Emperor and brings the central Heresy storyline to its conclusion.
What Comes After The End and the Death?
The next major storyline is The Scouring, which explores the aftermath of the Horus Heresy.
The first published book is:
Ashes of the Imperium — Chris Wraight (2025)
The novel takes place after the Siege of Terra, with the Imperium devastated and the surviving loyalist Primarchs struggling over what should happen next.
Horus is dead, the traitor forces are fleeing, and the surviving leaders of the Imperium are already beginning to disagree over the future.
Ashes of the Imperium therefore serves as the opening point for the next historical era after the Heresy.
Horus Heresy vs. Siege of Terra: What’s the Difference?
| Series | Books | Main Story |
| The Horus Heresy | 54 | Horus’s rebellion and the civil war |
| Siege of Terra | 10 published volumes | Horus’s final assault on Terra |
| The Scouring | Began with 1 book | Aftermath of the Heresy |
The most important distinction is that The Siege of Terra is a separate series, even though it is the direct conclusion to the Horus Heresy narrative.
Are the Horus Heresy Books in Chronological Order?
Not exactly.
The numbered sequence is primarily a publication/series reading order, not a strict chronological timeline.
Some books deliberately take place before events described in earlier volumes, while others overlap the same battles from different perspectives.
For example, Descent of Angels reaches back before the Heresy, while The First Heretic contains events that occur decades before the main rebellion.
This is why trying to rearrange all 54 books into strict in-universe chronological order is generally less useful for a first-time reader.
Best approach: follow the numbered publication order.
Horus Heresy Books in Order by Major Story Arc
The enormous series becomes easier to understand when divided into broad stages.
The Fall of Horus
- Horus Rising
- False Gods
- Galaxy in Flames
The Early Heresy
- The Flight of the Eisenstein
- Fulgrim
- Descent of Angels
- Legion
- Mechanicum
The Expanding Civil War
- A Thousand Sons
- The First Heretic
- Prospero Burns
- Deliverance Lost
- Know No Fear
- Fear to Tread
- Betrayer
The Shattered Imperium
- The Unremembered Empire
- Scars
- Vengeful Spirit
- The Damnation of Pythos
- Pharos
- The Path of Heaven
- Angels of Caliban
The Road to Terra
- Praetorian of Dorn
- The Master of Mankind
- The Crimson King
- Tallarn
- Ruinstorm
- Old Earth
- Wolfsbane
- Slaves to Darkness
- Titandeath
- The Buried Dagger
The Siege
- The Solar War
- The Lost and the Damned
- The First Wall
- Saturnine
- Mortis
- Warhawk
- Echoes of Eternity
- The End and the Death I–III
This structure is useful when deciding which Legion or storyline to follow without losing sight of the overall war.
Horus Heresy Books in Order: FAQs
What is the first Horus Heresy book?
The first book is Horus Rising by Dan Abnett, published in 2006. It introduces Horus Lupercal, Garviel Loken, the Great Crusade, and the setting immediately before the rebellion.
What is the correct Horus Heresy reading order?
For a first read, follow the 54 numbered Horus Heresy books in order, beginning with Horus Rising and ending with The Buried Dagger. Then continue directly into the Siege of Terra books.
How many original Horus Heresy books are there?
There are 54 numbered books in the original Horus Heresy series. Some are full novels, while others are anthologies containing novellas and short stories.
How many Siege of Terra books are there?
There are eight principal Siege novels, but The End and the Death is divided into three separately published volumes. Therefore, the main reading sequence contains 10 published Siege volumes.
What book comes after The Buried Dagger?
The Solar War by John French is the first Siege of Terra book and should be read immediately after The Buried Dagger.
What is the final Horus Heresy book?
The final volume of the central Heresy/Siege narrative is The End and the Death: Volume III by Dan Abnett, published in 2024.
Do I have to read all 54 Horus Heresy books?
No. You can follow an abbreviated core reading path, although reading all 54 gives you the fullest understanding of the Legions, Primarchs, characters, and parallel campaigns.
Are all Horus Heresy books novels?
No. Several numbered entries are anthologies or collections of short stories and novellas. Examples include Tales of Heresy, Age of Darkness, The Primarchs, Shadows of Treachery, Mark of Calth, and The Silent War.
Should I read Horus Heresy in publication order or chronological order?
For your first read, publication order is recommended. The story deliberately jumps backward and forward in time, and publication order preserves the way major revelations and character arcs were originally presented.
What is the best Horus Heresy book to start with?
Horus Rising is the best starting point because it was designed as the opening of the saga and introduces the setting before Horus’s fall.
Can I skip Battle for the Abyss?
You can. It is one of the more self-contained books and is frequently considered optional for readers following the main plot.
Is The Siege of Terra part of the Horus Heresy?
It is a separate series, but narratively it is the direct finale of the Horus Heresy. You should treat it as the continuation of the main story after The Buried Dagger.
What comes after the Siege of Terra?
The next major series is The Scouring, which began with Chris Wraight’s Ashes of the Imperium in 2025. It explores the political and military aftermath of the Heresy.
Final Horus Heresy Reading Order
For the simplest possible answer, read:
Horus Heresy
- Horus Rising
- False Gods
- Galaxy in Flames
- The Flight of the Eisenstein
- Fulgrim
- Descent of Angels
- Legion
- Battle for the Abyss
- Mechanicum
- Tales of Heresy
- Fallen Angels
- A Thousand Sons
- Nemesis
- The First Heretic
- Prospero Burns
- Age of Darkness
- The Outcast Dead
- Deliverance Lost
- Know No Fear
- The Primarchs
- Fear to Tread
- Shadows of Treachery
- Angel Exterminatus
- Betrayer
- Mark of Calth
- Vulkan Lives
- The Unremembered Empire
- Scars
- Vengeful Spirit
- The Damnation of Pythos
- Legacies of Betrayal
- Deathfire
- War Without End
- Pharos
- Eye of Terra
- The Path of Heaven
- The Silent War
- Angels of Caliban
- Praetorian of Dorn
- Corax
- The Master of Mankind
- Garro: Weapon of Fate
- Shattered Legions
- The Crimson King
- Tallarn
- Ruinstorm
- Old Earth
- The Burden of Loyalty
- Wolfsbane
- Born of Flame
- Slaves to Darkness
- Heralds of the Siege
- Titandeath
- The Buried Dagger
Then continue with Siege of Terra:
- The Solar War
- The Lost and the Damned
- The First Wall
- Saturnine
- Mortis
- Warhawk
- Echoes of Eternity
- The End and the Death: Volume I
- The End and the Death: Volume II
- The End and the Death: Volume III
After that, move into The Scouring, beginning with Ashes of the Imperium.
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