Warhammer 40k Horus Heresy: Reading Order
Wondering how to read the Horus Heresy? Start with the essential trilogy: Horus Rising, False Gods, and Galaxy in Flames. From there, follow the publication order. The series maintains a single main narrative arc, even though the authors rotate.
A complete overview of other books from the Black Library world can be found in our separate blog post, where you'll also find Gaunt's Ghosts and Eisenhorn. Here, we focus solely on the Horus Heresy: its reading order and key titles. 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
The Horus Heresy is a series about a 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. It continues with English editions and the Siege of Terra sub-series.
Recommended Reading Order
Stick to the numbering—the volumes follow each other, 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 Horus's character before everything goes wrong.
- 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 fully ignites.
Continue in order after the trilogy. It's worth noting that the quality and pacing of the volumes vary. If one disappoints you, the next one often returns to fan-favorite characters. Among readers, Mechanicum (Book 9, outside the main primarch arc) is considered one of the most valuable. Similarly popular is A Thousand Sons (Book 15), which covers the fall of the Thousand Sons legion.
Other Warhammer 40,000 Books
The Horus Heresy isn't the only gateway into 40k. If you're looking for a different vibe than the primarchs, try the Warhammer 40,000 – Ragnar series. It follows a young Space Marine from the Space Wolves chapter, with a smaller scale than the Horus Heresy. The first book is Space Wolf – more action-packed and accessible than the sprawling schemes of the Horus Heresy.
Our blog 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 the 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.
You can find a detailed description of the world, history, and all factions in a separate blog post. Here, we'll briefly cover what's 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 legions of primarchs who sided with them during the Horus Heresy.
- Aeldari – An ancient, technologically advanced race on the brink of extinction, at war with both its 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 from an ancient empire, waking up from millions of years of slumber to reclaim their power.
Find merch and miniatures for the saga in the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy category. A selection is also available here:
FAQ
What is the reading order for the 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 reading the Horus Heresy?
No. The Horus Heresy takes place ten thousand years earlier and serves as a standalone entry point 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 the Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000?
The 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. Browse the full Warhammer 40,000 range in the main category.