Horus Heresy: Book Order and Where to Start
What is the best order to read Horus Heresy? Start with the essential trilogy: Horus Rising, False Gods, and Galaxy in Flames. From there, follow the publication order. The series follows one main narrative arc, even though the authors rotate.
A complete overview of other Black Library books can be found in our separate article, including Gaunt's Ghosts and Eisenhorn. Here, we focus solely on Horus Heresy: its order and key volumes. We'll also cover what else in the 40k universe is worth your attention.
How to read Warhammer books? And where to start?
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Non-fiction journalism 10. 9. 2025 Karel Krajča 6 minWhat is the Horus Heresy
Horus Heresy is a series about the civil war within the human Imperium. It takes place roughly ten thousand years before the era of Warhammer 40,000. Horus, the Emperor's favorite son and commander of the Space Marines, turns against his father. Half of the Primarchs and their legions join Chaos, while the other half remain loyal.
The saga spans dozens of volumes. Various authors tell the story from the perspectives of different legions and characters. In Czech, the first 19 volumes of the main series have been published so far. The story continues with English editions and the Siege of Terra sub-series.
Recommended Reading Order
Stick to the numbering—the volumes are sequential, so read them in order. Three books form the unofficial "foundation" that you should read before the rest:
- Horus Rising (Book 1) – An introduction to the Great Crusade and the character of Horus before his fall.
- False Gods (Book 2) – The turning point where Horus first turns against the Imperium.
- Galaxy in Flames (Book 3) – The climax of the first trilogy, where the betrayal ignites fully.
Continue in order after the trilogy. Keep in mind that the quality and pacing of the volumes vary. If one disappoints you, the next often returns to fan-favorite characters. Among readers, Mechanicum (Book 9, outside the main Primarch arc) is highly regarded. Similarly popular is A Thousand Sons (Book 15), which covers the fall of the Thousand Sons legion.
Other Warhammer 40,000 Books
Horus Heresy isn't the only gateway into 40k. If you want a different vibe than the Primarchs, try the Warhammer 40,000 – Ragnar series. It follows a young Space Marine from the Space Wolves chapter, on a smaller scale than Horus Heresy. The first book is Space Wolf – more action-packed and accessible than the sprawling schemes of the Horus Heresy.
Our article on how to read Warhammer books covers Gaunt's Ghosts, Eisenhorn, and other major series in detail. Check it out if you're hooked on Horus Heresy and looking for what to read next.
About the Warhammer 40,000 Universe
Warhammer 40,000 is set in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium. The human Imperium wages war on all fronts simultaneously. The undead Emperor sits on the Golden Throne. His mind has held the Imperium together since Horus nearly killed him.
A detailed description of the world, history, and all factions can be found in a separate article. Here is just a brief summary of what is important for the Horus Heresy.
The World and Factions of Warhammer
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Non-fiction journalism 10. 9. 2025 Karel Krajča 8 minMain Factions
- Imperium of Man – The greatest power in the galaxy, held together by faith in the Emperor and the endless armies of the Astra Militarum and Space Marines.
- Chaos – Four gods (Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch, Slaanesh) and the Primarch legions that sided with them during the Horus Heresy.
- Aeldari – An ancient, technologically advanced race on the brink of extinction, at war with both their past and future.
- Orks – A brutal and surprisingly inventive race that fights simply because they enjoy it.
- Tyranids – A galactic insectoid swarm that devours entire planets and has no interest in negotiation.
- Necrons – Robotic undead of an ancient empire, waking up from millions of years of sleep to reclaim their power.
Merch and miniatures for the saga can be found in the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy category. A selection is also available here:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reading order for Horus Heresy?
Follow the publication number. Start with the trilogy Horus Rising, False Gods, Galaxy in Flames, and continue in order.
How many Horus Heresy books are available in Czech?
The first 19 volumes of the main series have been published in Czech. The saga continues with English editions and the Siege of Terra sub-series.
Do I need to know Warhammer 40,000 before starting Horus Heresy?
No. Horus Heresy takes place ten thousand years earlier and works as a standalone entry into the entire universe.
Which Horus Heresy book should I read first?
Horus Rising, the first book in the series. It introduces Horus and the Great Crusade before the betrayal.
What is the difference between Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000?
Horus Heresy is a civil war set ten thousand years in the past. Warhammer 40,000 describes the current state of the galaxy, shaped by the consequences of that war.
You can find the entire Horus Heresy book series in one overview, including the availability of all volumes. You can browse the full Warhammer 40,000 range in the main category.