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** Alpharius-Omegon{{spnd}} Primarch of the Alpha Legion{{spnd}} Books [[#book7|7]], [[#book18|18]], and [[#book20|20]]
** Alpharius-Omegon{{spnd}} Primarch of the Alpha Legion{{spnd}} Books [[#book7|7]], [[#book18|18]], and [[#book20|20]]
** Lorgar Aurelian{{spnd}} Primarch of the Word Bearers Legion; "Chosen of the Pantheon" of Chaos{{spnd}} Books [[#book12|12]] and [[#book14|14]]; appears in several other books
** Lorgar Aurelian{{spnd}} Primarch of the Word Bearers Legion; "Chosen of the Pantheon" of Chaos{{spnd}} Books [[#book12|12]] and [[#book14|14]]; appears in several other books
** Corvus Corax{{spnd}} Primarch of the Raven Guard Legion{{spnd}} Book [[#books|18]]; appears in other books
** Corvus Corax{{spnd}} Primarch of the Raven Guard Legion{{spnd}} Book [[#book|18]]; appears in other books
** Fulgrim{{spnd}} Primarch of the Emperor's Children Legion{{spnd}} Books [[#book5|5]] and [[#book20|20]]; appears in several other books
** Fulgrim{{spnd}} Primarch of the Emperor's Children Legion{{spnd}} Books [[#book5|5]] and [[#book20|20]]; appears in several other books
** Roboute Guilliman{{spnd}} Ruler of Ultramar (a frontier Imperial [[star system]]); Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion{{spnd}} Book [[#book19|19]]
** Roboute Guilliman{{spnd}} Ruler of Ultramar (a frontier Imperial [[star system]]); Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion{{spnd}} Book [[#book19|19]]

Revision as of 14:21, 31 May 2012

This article is about the series of novels based on the fictional event. For other related literature, see Literature (in Horus Heresy).
Horus Heresy Novel Series
AuthorVarious
IllustratorVarious
Cover artistNeil Roberts; Philip Sibbering
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
GenreScience fiction
PublisherBlack Library
Published2006–2012 (ongoing)[needs update]
Media typeAudio (audiobook); digital (e-audiobook, e-book); print (paperback)
No. of books20 (List of books)
Websitewww.thehorusheresy.com

The Horus Heresy Novel Series is an ongoing[needs update] series of science fiction books containing stories written by various authors and published by the Black Library, a Games Workshop division, starting in 2006. The Series subject matter is the Horus Heresy, a galaxy-spanning civil war occurring 10,000 years prior to the setting of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 tabletop miniatures wargame, and a major contributing factor to the dystopic setting of the game.

The Series has developed into a distinct and successful product line for the Black Library, and overall, has received critical approval despite reservations. It is the established, definitive component of Game Workshop's Horus Heresy sub brand, and authoritative source material for the entire Warhammer 40,000 fictional universe and its continuing development.

Overview

Premise

The Series is a dark, far future science-fiction opera with a main cast of hundreds. Its foundation is the Horus Heresy, a cornerstone event in the Warhammer 40,000 universe; the fictional universe was originally created by Black Library parent company Games Workshop as the setting for its related tabletop miniatures wargame.[1] The Horus Heresy is a short but all-encompassing conflict – a civil war that devastates and defines the so-called Imperium of Man, the universe's nascent galactic empire.[2] While the Series takes full advantage of the underlying universe's wide scope, vast scale, and extreme time frames, it has developed a distinct identity and "feel," attributed to the concept's unique subject matter.[3][4]

The Series expands previous material[5] over a growing number[needs update] of titles, consisting of full-length novels and compilations of novellas or short stories. It has become the definitive canon element for the Horus Heresy and other aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and is one of the latter's major background factors.[2]

The plot shares with other Black Library and Games Workshop material an underlying philosophical premise often encountered in the genre, namely the postulated interplay of primordial opposites Order and Chaos. They are principally represented in the storyline by the Emperor of Mankind and the Chaos Gods respectively; the Horus Heresy is presented as a major chapter of their conflict.[6] The Series attempts a posture of disinterested observer, while describing the extremes of setting, characters, and actions with in-universe realism.[7]

Character-driven storyline

Overall, the Series storyline is character- rather than event-driven.[8] The stories employ classic themes of ambition, secrecy, intrigue, hubris, duty, and betrayal as they describe the motives and actions of the protagonists, many of whom are literally larger-than-life. In multiple narrative threads, the stories attempt to make sense of a multitude of interconnected persons and events that take place across great expanses of time and space.[9] In keeping with the character-based narrative, information about the bigger picture of the Heresy and its underlying premise is usually, though not exclusively, conveyed through characters' actions and thoughts; they are hampered by hidden motivations, shadowy or unknown opponents, incomplete knowledge, and their character flaws.[10]

Non-linear narrative

After an opening book trilogy the novelization is not strictly sequential, and the storyline may be presented in non-linear fashion from book to book;[3] the stories may concern events that happen earlier than their position in the Series would suggest, or may include time periods already covered in other Series books. The revisited time periods may pertain to either original events or to already-covered events viewed from a different perspective – in general, the stories are written as third-person omniscient narratives.[11] Several stories contain discrete subplots; stories may also center on related pre-Heresy events, or take place before the Heresy period.[12][13] The protagonists' limited perspective, the wide scope of the storyline, and the non-linear story telling, have resulted in gaps within the published narrative, presumably to be filled in as the Series continues.

Timeline

The Series stories are generally set during the c. 30,000 AD Horus Heresy period of the fictional universe, ten millennia prior to the c. 40,000 AD time frame employed by most Warhammer 40,000 material. The entire Heresy conflict is depicted as lasting less than a decade.[14]

The first title in the Series, originally published April 2006, is Horus Rising by Dan Abnett. It is also the first part in the opening trilogy of novels – a story arc completed with Book 3 in October 2006 – that presents some of the background and causes of the Heresy, and describes the start of the conflict. The trilogy's focus is on Warmaster Horus, the principal antagonist, and covers about two years in the Series timeline, however most of this period elapses before the actual conflict starts. There are additional story arcs later on in the Series, and some of the stories included in compilations act as prequels or sequels to full-length Series novels.[15]

As of 2012 the Black Library was keeping to a steady stream of releases, offering several new titles per year; because of the non-linear storyline, by Book 20, published May 2012, the titles' many narrative threads had only covered background and early stages in the Heresy timeline.[5]

Creators and books

The authors and other contributors include veterans of the genre, and specifically of Warhammer 40,000-related material;[16] most have been regular Black Library or Games Workshop associates, and some have been involved in the Heresy concept since its creation. As is the case with other Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 literature, the authors draw on diverse Mythologies and Histories, and frequently allude to fictional works or historical fact in their choices of character names, personas, and actions.[17] Despite the large number of authors and titles the Series is considered to have generally maintained cohesion and continuity.[18][19]

Like other Black Library titles, the books' text-based editions include one of several "stock" unsigned single-page preambles that provide a very general background to the stories that follow. In addition, each full-length novel includes a listing of major characters in its front matter, while reprints or editions of some books have included a broad in-universe chronology in back pages.[9] All books in the Series feature original cover art, and one or more illustrations; each title's art is reproduced across its different media releases.[20]

Authors

  • Dan Abnett (novel, short story)
  • Ben Counter (novel)
  • Aaron Dembski-Bowden (novel, short story)
  • Matt Farrer (short story)
  • John French (short story)
  • Nick Kyme (novella, short story)
  • Mike Lee (novel, short story)
  • Graham McNeill (novel, novella, short story)
  • Anthony Reynolds (short story)
  • Rob Sanders (novella, short story)
  • Mitchell Scanlon (novel)
  • James Swallow (novel, short story)
  • Gav Thorpe (novel, novella, short story)
  • Chris Wraight (short story)

Contributors

Artists
  • Neil Roberts (cover art, illustration – main Series artist)
  • Philip Sibbering (cover art, illustration)
  • Adrian Wood (illustration)
Audiobook narrators
  • Gareth Armstrong (unabridged novel, novella)
  • Sean Barrett (novella)
  • Martyn Ellis (abridged & unabridged novel, short story)
  • Jonathan Keeble (unabridged novel, novella, short story)
  • David Timpson (novella)
Compilation editors
  • Christian Dunn (novella, short story)
  • Nick Kyme (short story)
  • Lindsey Priestley (short story)

Titles

The following list, current as of May 2012, pertains to original UK editions in the regular Series. For other editions, see Media and editions.

Published

  1. Horus Rising – Dan Abnett – April 2006 (print); November 2010 (e-book); January 2011 (audio)[21]
  2. False Gods – Graham McNeill – June 2006 (print); December 2010 (e-book); July 2011 (audio)[22]
  3. Galaxy in Flames – Ben Counter – October 2006 (print); December 2010 (e-book); January 2012 (audio)[23]
  4. The Flight of the Eisenstein – James Swallow – March 2007 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[24]
  5. Fulgrim – Graham McNeill – July 2007 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[25]
  6. Descent of Angels – Mitchel Scanlon – October 2007 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[26]
  7. Legion – Dan Abnett – March 2008 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[27]
  8. Battle for the Abyss – Ben Counter – August 2008 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[28]
  9. Mechanicum – Graham McNeill – December 2008 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[29]
  10. Tales of Heresy – Short story compilation. Nick Kyme & Lindsey Priestley, editors – April 2009 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[30]
  11. Fallen Angels – Mike Lee – July 2009 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[31]
  12. A Thousand Sons – Graham McNeill – March 2010 (print); November 2010 (audio, e-book)[32]
  13. Nemesis – James Swallow – August 2010 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[33]
  14. The First Heretic – Aaron Dembski-Bowden – November 2010 (e-book, print)[34]
  15. Prospero Burns – Dan Abnett – December 2010 (audio, e-book); January 2011 (print)[13]
  16. Age of Darkness – Short story compilation. Christian Dunn, editor – May 2011 (audio, e-book, print)[35]
  17. The Outcast Dead – Graham McNeill – November 2011 (audio, e-book, print)[36]
  18. Deliverance Lost – Gav Thorpe – January 2012 (audio, e-book, print)[37]
  19. Know No Fear – Dan Abnett – February 2012 (audio, e-book); March 2012 (print)[38]
  20. The Primarchs – Novella compilation. Christian Dunn, editor – May 2012 (audio, e-book); June 2012 (print)[39]

Announced

Select characters

Main article: List of Horus Heresy characters

The following, listed alphabetically, are among characters that appear in multiple books or are protagonists of at least one novel; the listing includes other characters that are of special significance to the Series storyline.

  • Ezekyle Abaddon – First Captain, Luna Wolves Legion of Space Marines – In the opening trilogy (Books 1–3); also appears in other books
  • Ahzek Ahriman – Senior Corvidae (a precognition cult); Chief Librarian (combat warlock), Thousand Sons Legion – Books 12 and 15
  • The Cabal – Secret, non-Imperial anti-Chaos organization – Books 7 and 18. Special mention:
    • John Grammaticus – Human operative – Book 7
  • Lysimachus Cestus – Captain and Fleet Commander, Ultramarines Legion – Book 8
  • The Emperor of Mankind – Founder and Head of the Imperium of Man; initiator of the Great Crusade; "the Anathema" of Chaos – Appears in several books, including Books 9, 12 and 14
  • Erebus – First Chaplain (discipline, ideology, and morale officer), Word Bearers Legion; Dark Apostle ("Chaplain"-equivalent rank), Word Bearers of Chaos Undivided – A major character in several books, including Books 2, 14 and 19
  • Nathaniel Garro – Captain, Death Guard Legion – Books 3 and 4
  • Kasper Hawser – Terran (Earth-born) academic and Conservator (historian); Remembrancer (embedded civilian Crusade chronicler), 40th Expedition of the Great Crusade; skjald (oral historian), Space Wolves Legion – Book 15
  • Ingethel – Emmissary of the Primordial Truth; daemon of Chaos Undivided – Book 14
  • Euphrati Keeler – Imagist (photographer); Remembrancer, 63rd Crusade Expedition; Evangelist of the [Lectitio Divinitatus] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help) (a clandestine Emperor-worshipping cult); "the New Saint" – Books 1 through 4
  • Kelbor-Hal – Fabricator General of Mars – Books 8 and 9
  • Eristede Kell – Assassin-at-Marque (Imperial assassin under special licence) – Book 13
  • Garviel Loken – Captain, Luna Wolves Legion – In the opening trilogy (Books 1–3)
  • Horus Lupercal – Primarch of the Luna Wolves Legion; Warmaster of the Imperium of Man; rebel-in-chief – Appears in several books, including the opening trilogy (Books 1–3)
  • Malcador ("the Sigillite") – Regent of Terra; First Lord of the Council – Books 4 and 13; appears in several other books
  • Branne Nev – Captain, Raven Guard Legion – Books 16 and 18
  • Kor Phaeron – First Captain, Word Bearers Legion; Black Cardinal (chief spiritual officer and high priest), Word Bearers of Chaos Undivided – Books 14 and 19
  • The Primarchs – Biologically- and psychically engineered progeny of the Emperor; Commanders of the Space Marine Legions – One or more (out of 20 total) may appear in every book of the Series.[9] Special mentions:
    • Alpharius-Omegon – Primarch of the Alpha Legion – Books 7, 18, and 20
    • Lorgar Aurelian – Primarch of the Word Bearers Legion; "Chosen of the Pantheon" of Chaos – Books 12 and 14; appears in several other books
    • Corvus Corax – Primarch of the Raven Guard Legion – Book 18; appears in other books
    • Fulgrim – Primarch of the Emperor's Children Legion – Books 5 and 20; appears in several other books
    • Roboute Guilliman – Ruler of Ultramar (a frontier Imperial star system); Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion – Book 19
    • Lion El'Jonson – Commander of the Order (an organization of knights); Primarch of the Dark Angels Legion – Books 6, 11, and 20
    • Magnus the Red ("the Crimson King") – Primarch of the Thousand Sons Legion – Books 12 and 15; appears in several other books
    • Ferrus Manus – Primarch of the Iron Hands Legion – Books 5 and 20
  • Kyril Sindermann – Primary Iterator (spokesperson and propagandist) of the Imperial Truth; Remembrancer, 63rd Crusade Expedition; "the Saint's Apostle" – Books 1 through 4
  • Argel Tal – Captain, Word Bearers Legion – Book 14
  • Meer Erv Tawren – Magos of Analyticae (high ranking information technology specialist), planet Calth Mechanicum – Book 19
  • Eldrad Ulthran – Senior Eldar Farseer (divination/sorcery adept and policy advisor) – Book 5
  • Constantin Valdor – Captain-General, Chief Custodian of the Emperor – Books 10 and 13; appears in other books
  • Remus Ventanus – Captain, Ultramarines Legion – Books 16 and 19
  • Othere Wyrdmake – Rune Priest ("Librarian"-equivalent rank), Space Wolves Legion – Books 12 and 15
  • Zadkiel – Fleet Captain, Word Bearers of Chaos Undivided; Master of the Furious Abyss – Book 8
  • Kai Zulane – Imperial astropath, Ultramarines Legion Choir (astropathic conclave) – Book 17
  • Zahariel El'Zurias – Knight Supplicant of the Order; Librarian-in-training, Dark Angels Legion – Books 6 and 11

Synopsis

Story setting

Early in the 31st millennium AD, the Milky Way is in the throes of the Great Crusade. Originating from Terra (Earth), it is an interstellar crusade that claims the galaxy as the rightful domain of Humankind, and aims to reunite the multitude of scattered human space colonies under an "Imperium of Man." Organised in numerous Expeditions, the Crusade fields huge fleets and vast armies; at its forefront, led by the Primarchs, are the Legions of Space Marines – transhuman super-warriors numbering in the millions. Over the course of two Terran centuries, the Crusade has reached star systems more than 50,000 light years away from its original staging point in the Sol (Solar) System, has assimilated millions of worlds into the Imperium, and has given Humankind a dominant position among the galaxy's species. Its grand mastermind is the "Emperor of Mankind," a mysterious, immortal superhuman of unknown origin who is said to be almost 40,000 years old when the Crusade starts.[42]

The Emperor, founder and head of the Imperium, is a being of literally towering charisma, prowess, conviction, and ability. He has declared an atheistic worldview – the Imperial Truth – based on science, reason, and human primacy.[43] However, he is also the most powerful human (or humanlike) psyker, and overall, one of the most formidable psychics in the galaxy; the Imperial Truth is at best a misrepresentation. The Emperor knows that in the Warp, the dark matter/dark energy-like parallel dimension that is the domain of thought, emotion, and consciousness, exist sentient vortices of concentrated, harmful energy. These malign immaterial entities forever seek to breach the material universe and subjugate or consume all life within it. They are the basis of many human and alien religions, and are known (by the few humans aware of their existence) collectively as Chaos, the Primordial Truth, or the Primordial Annihilator.[44]

Humankind's continuing biological and psycho-spiritual evolution includes the gradual development of widespread Warp-related psychic abilities that will make the species far more susceptible to Chaotic influence;[45] united under the Imperium of Man, shielded in the unbelief of Imperial Truth, and judiciously steered by the Emperor and his inner circle, the human race may yet avoid the Chaos-induced psychic corrosion and social entropy that would lead to its eventual annihilation. The transition of Humankind to a spiritually conscious species that is self-determining, and free of taint, may thus be accomplished. Chaos is aware of the Emperor's objectives; it has plans of its own to thwart them.[5][46]

Book 1 to Book 10

1. Horus Rising: the seeds of Heresy are sown

Horus Rising, the Series opener, starts its real time narrative in early 31st millennium AD, during the 203rd Terran year of the Great Crusade. It describes the rise to power of Horus Lupercal, Primarch of the Luna Wolves Legion, and the most versatile and favored "son" of the Emperor. The Emperor has recently appointed him Warmaster (overall commander of Imperial military forces) and has left him in charge of the Crusade; he then returns to Terra, where in relative isolation is undertaking a secret project that even Horus is not privy to. Much of the focus of this novel is on Garviel Loken, Captain of the Luna Wolves' 10th Company. He becomes a member of the Mournival (an informal advisory body to Horus), and participates in Crusade campaigns against anti-Imperials and aliens. The story also hints at existing tensions in the nascent Imperium, exacerbated by the Emperor's absence and actions – these are common themes in following books.[47]

2. False Gods: the Heresy takes root
"False Gods" redirects here. For the Abrahamic doctrine, see False god.

False Gods picks up the tale a few weeks after the conclusion of Book 1 in the Series timeline, and tells the story of Horus' fall. In a complicated conspiracy implemented by Chaos allies, Horus is mortally wounded during a Crusade mission by an alien, Chaos-tainted weapon. In a desperate (and contrary to Imperial doctrine) action by his lieutenants to ensure his survival, he is taken to a temple that has a reputation for healing. However, the temple is actually in service to Chaos and both Horus' wound and its supposed healing makes him susceptible to Chaos' influence. He ultimately turns against his "father," the Emperor, and sets in motion the entire Heresy. This novel further highlights the institutional and personal tensions that accompany the Imperium's maturity as the preeminent power in the galaxy; they include rifts among Primarchs and among (and within) Legions. The tensions, and characters' flaws, are repeatedly and successfully manipulated by Chaos in this and following volumes. A parallel storyline, present in several other books, involves the growing influence – within Crusade Expeditions and in the wider Imperium – of a forbidden religious cult, whose members worship the Emperor as god.[48]

3. Galaxy in Flames: the Heresy revealed

Galaxy in Flames continues the Heresy story, starting timewise shortly after the end of False Gods. It outlines the corrupted Warmaster's descent into madness, which will result in a brutal galaxy-wide civil war that abruptly ends the Great Crusade and subverts its objectives and ideals. Horus continues his secret planning of the rebellion in earnest, seeking (and finding) allies among the Primarchs, their Legions, and the Imperium's other organisations and personalities. The novel details the first open move of the Heresy, the culling of remaining Loyalists from the ranks of "Traitor" Legions and other rebel forces. This mainly takes place in the (fictional) Isstvan star system, specifically on and around the planet Isstvan III; Loyalist vessels come under treacherous rebel fire in the surrounding space, while on the planet's surface pro-Emperor elements of several rebel Space Marine Legions and Imperial Army units defiantly oppose the traitors.

4. Flight of the Eisenstein: the Heresy unfolds

Flight of the Eisenstein follows the Eisenstein, a space frigate of the Death Guard Legion commanded by Battle-Captain Nathaniel Garro of the 7th Company – one of the few Commanders in the Traitor Legions that remained loyal to the Emperor. The story describes Eisenstein's escape from Isstvan III (see Galaxy in Flames above) and its perilous voyage across the galaxy as it attempts to reach Terra and raise the alarm over the developing rebellion. Garro and his fellow escapees onboard the vessel face suspicion and incredulity from Imperial authorities; apart from the inconceivable news of Horus' betrayal, the situation is complicated by the fact that many of the travellers on the Eisenstein now openly proclaim their heretical belief in the Emperor's divinity.

5. Fulgrim: visions of treachery

Fulgrim centers on the eponymous Primarch of the Emperor's Children Legion, as both the flamboyant, perfectionist Commander and his Space Marines fall into Chaotic corruption around the time Horus meets the same fate (Book 2). As a result, a warning about Horus' imminent betrayal and the disaster that may follow – delivered by the alien Eldar to Fulgrim and his staff – goes unheeded. The Emperor's Children eventually become the "Chosen" of Slaanesh, a god of Chaos, while Fulgrim is slowly and unwittingly drawn into grotesque communion. Primarch Ferrus Manus and his Iron Hands Legion also play a prominent role in the novel, and several other Primarchs and Legions make appearances. Described in passing is the pivotal Battle of Isstvan V (an Isstvan system planet), also called the Dropsite Massacre. The battle fully reveals the scale and ferocity of the rebellion.[49]

6. Descent of Angels: loyalty and honour

Descent of Angels is a pre-Heresy story that concludes about 50 years before the start of the conflict. It introduces the Dark Angels Legion of Space Marines, and their Primarch, Lion El'Jonson. The story is mainly told from the point of view of Zahariel El'Zurias, a native of Caliban (a Warhammer 40,000 planet); he is introduced in the story as an Aspirant of the Order, an organisation of techno-barbarian knights. The first half of the novel is set on Caliban and covers the final battles of the Order under the leadership of Jonson, the future Primarch. The book's second half describes Caliban's unification with the Imperium of Man as well as the actions of the Dark Angels during the early years of the Great Crusade. In this part of the story, Zurias, selected as candidate Dark Angel, is accepted as a Neophyte Space Marine; also, a future schism within the Legion is intimated in this section of the book.

7. Legion: secrets and lies

Legion features the Alpha Legion, the 20th and last to be formed Space Marine Legion, known as the most secretive, subtle, and inscrutable of them all. It also features the Imperial Army and the Cabal, a mysterious, ancient interspecies organization opposed to Chaos (one of the main characters is a human Cabal operative, John Grammaticus). The story takes place around two years before the Heresy starts, over roughly a 6-month period; it describes the events that eventually lead Alpharius-Omegon, the Legion's Primarch, to support Horus.

8. Battle for the Abyss: my brother, my enemy

Battle for the Abyss is concerned with the lead-up to the rebels' invasion of Ultramar, the in-universe remote home star system of the unshakably Loyalist Ultramarines Legion (Book 19). Early in the Heresy, the Traitor Word Bearers Legion is tasked with organising and leading the invasion; they plan to use an immense, secretly commissioned warship, the Furious Abyss, to spearhead the surprise attack. The vessel, commanded by Fleet Captain Zadkiel, launches from shipyards near Jupiter around the time of the events on Isstvan III (Book 3), and sets course for Macragge, Ultramar's capital world. Leading the cast of Loyalist protagonists is Cestus, Fleet Commander and Captain of the 7th Company of the Ultramarines. They become aware of the powerful capital ship's true purpose, and engage in long pursuit; they will seek to prevent the Furius Abyss from participating in the invasion and from reaching Macragge.

9. Mechanicum: war comes to Mars

Mechanicum is the first book in the Series not to focus on Primarchs or Space Marines. Instead, it is about the civil war on Mars, which takes place around the time of the start of the wider Heresy conflict. The planet is the seat of the Mechanicum, a Terra-allied technocracy responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of all Imperial military and civilian technology. Planning his imminent campaign against the Imperium, Horus obtains the secret allegiance of highly placed Mechanicum Adepts, including that of Kelbor-Hal, Fabricator General of Mars and the technocracy's leader. They plot, and eventually carry out, a coup d'état in order to eliminate those on Mars who are loyal to the alliance with Terra and to the Emperor. The ensuing war will determine which side in the struggle will receive the Mechanicum's crucial support.[50][51]

10. Tales of Heresy

Tales of Heresy is a collection of short stories, most of them set around the Heresy time-period, which introduce new perspectives and characters. It includes two stories that take place on Terra,[52] one of which is happening much earlier than the Heresy and expands the background concerning the Imperial Truth; other stories relate to full-length novels in the Series. The book contains seven stories by various authors.[53]

Book 11 to Book 20

11. Fallen Angels: deceit and betrayal

Fallen Angels continues the Dark Angels tale begun in Descent of Angels, beginning about 50 years before the Heresy but forwarding, early in the novel, to just about the time the Heresy starts. The novel tells two stories: one concerns the effort of Primarch Lion El'Jonson and a small group of Dark Angels to deny a forge world (a planet devoted to manufacturing, especially of weapons) to Horus' forces; the other is the story of Luther (Lion El'Jonson's second), Zahariel El'Zurias (by now a full Space Marine), and a Dark Angels contingent sent back to Caliban. They get involved in the fight against a growing insurgency that seeks to free the planet from under the Imperium's thumb.

12. A Thousand Sons: all is dust...

A Thousand Sons is the story of Primarch Magnus the Red and the Thousand Sons Space Marines, the 15th Legion; it mainly takes place before the Heresy starts. Following a reprimand by the Emperor for dabbling in sorcery, Magnus and his Legion secretly continue to study the forbidden subjects. Around the time of Horus' corruption (Book 2), Magnus learns through sorcery of his brother's impending betrayal. He tries – again through sorcery – to warn the Emperor, believing that the gravity of the news justifies his disobedience. However, Magnus overreaches with his powers and damages the vital and secret project the Emperor is undertaking (Book 1), endangering the safety of Terra itself in the process. The Emperor is enraged and orders Primarch Leman Russ and his Space Wolves Legion accompanied by other Imperial forces to Prospero (in the Series, the Thousand Sons Legion home world). They are to bring Magnus and his Legion to Terra to account for themselves. In the Series timeline, while this action is being undertaken, the still covert rebellion will become visible.[54]

13. Nemesis: war within the shadows

Nemesis is set about two years after the events on Isstvan V described in Book 5, Fulgrim. It is a look at the war behind the war: the covert operations undertaken by the opposing sides in order to influence the visible conflict. Specifically, it deals with a plan by a secret Imperial organisation, the Officio Assassinorum, to eliminate Horus; an execution force made up of assassins from all of the Officio's "disciplines," lead by experienced assassin and top-rated sniper Eristede Kell, is tasked with the mission. There have been several previous unsuccessful attempts against Horus' life, and this gives a high-ranking officer of the Traitor Word Bearers Legion the idea to field a nemesis weapon of his own: a highly specialised assassin, who is to be used in an audacious scheme to kill the Emperor.

14. The First Heretic: fall to Chaos

The First Heretic details the fall to Chaos of Primarch Lorgar and the 17th Space Marine Legion, the Word Bearers. Decades before the start of the Heresy campaign they become heretics relative to the Imperial Truth by introducing religious worship. This results in public and humiliating censure of Lorgar and the entire assembled Legion, by the Emperor himself. The despairing Lorgar is subsequently swayed by two of his most trusted lieutenants, who are in secret allegiance with Chaos; eventually both Primarch and Legion covertly embrace (and promote) the Primordial Truth, many years before Horus' corruption. The story is told largely from the point of view of Argel Tal, a Captain of the Word Bearers, and spans several decades, starting 43 years before the events on Isstvan V (Book 5) and concluding around the time the Word Bearers are on their way to assault Calth (Book 19).

15. Prospero Burns: the Wolves unleashed

Prospero Burns is part of the story arc of Book 12, however it follows a different (but related) timeline. It begins more than a century before the Space Wolves-led mission to Prospero, and the start of the Heresy. The story is presented from the point of view of Kasper Hawser, formerly a noted Terran academic who becomes a Crusade Remembrancer, and then the Oral Historian ("skjald") of the 3rd Company of the Space Wolves Legion. On the surface it is his story; the important subplot concerns the long-term machinations of Chaos, whose aim is the destruction of both Space Wolves and Thousand Sons. Among other tactics, Chaos attempts to exploit the weaknesses of the Primarchs and their Legions in order to pit them against each other; the ultimate result is the confrontation on Prospero. The novel also adds background to the fall of Horus and the planning of the Heresy campaign by Chaos and its forces.

16. Age of Darkness

Age of Darkness is a compilation of nine short stories by various authors, which provide additional background for the Horus Heresy.[55] They take place during the seven-year period between the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan V (Book 5) and the start of the campaign against Terra by the Traitor forces: "The age of knowledge and enlightenment has ended. The Age of Darkness has begun."[56] Several of the included stories are prequels or sequels to full-length Series novels.[15]

17. The Outcast Dead: the truth lies within

The Outcast Dead is the first novel-length story in the Series to take place entirely on Terra. It covers a relatively short period, starting several months before Magnus' catastrophic psychic visit at the Imperial Palace (Book 12), and concluding several months after this event. The unauthorised visit is central to the story; apart from damaging the Emperor's top secret project and the planet's defense, it massively disrupts Terra's long-range communications infrastructure. The ensuing isolation and confusion cause indecision and delays for the Imperium. The story's main character is Kai Zulane, previously a gifted astropath attached to the Ultramarine starship Argo. He unwittingly becomes the keeper of a secret that could decide the victor in the developing galactic civil war. The "Outcast Dead" are characters in the story: a small, disparate group of Space Marines suspected as traitors, with whom Zulane falls in during the second half of the book. In the end, the secret kept by Zulane is revealed to the one person it is actually intended for, and has implications for the Heresy's conclusion and the future course of the Imperium of Man.[57][19]

18. Deliverance Lost: ghosts of Terra

Deliverance Lost is mainly concerned with the actions of Primarch Corvus Corax and his command, the 19th Space Marine Legion (known as the Raven Guard), during the year following the Dropsite Massacre (Book 5). However, operatives and the Primarch of the Alpha Legion (Book 7) play a prominent role. The story starts about 3 months after the Dropsite Massacre, with the unexpected rescue of Corax and the remnants of his Legion (at less than 5% strength, due to their casualties in that battle). Arriving at Terra a few months after the events described in The Outcast Dead take place, Corax convinces the Emperor to impart to him the knowledge and material that may accelerate the rebuilding of his Legion. The second part of the novel describes the effort to reconstitute the Raven Guard, undertaken on Deliverance (its home planet in Warhammer 40,000 fiction), and the pursuit of opposite objectives by the Alpha Legion. The novel features the reappearance of the Cabal (Book 7), and of other well-known characters; it also adds information about the developing strategies and subterfuge applied by the opposing sides, including reasons for Horus' timetable and for the Emperor's actions during the initial stages of the Heresy.

19. Know No Fear: the battle of Calth

Know No Fear documents the rebels' surprise assault on Calth, an ascendant Ultramarine world. It is planned and led by the Traitor Word Bearers Legion, now fully and openly committed to the spread of the Primordial Truth. The story starts close to where the timelines of Book 8 and Book 14 converge (in their respective conclusions), with the invasion force en route to, or near the planet – this is taking place shortly before the Isstvan III events described in Galaxy in Flames. The rebel mission has aims beyond just delivering a crippling blow to the Ultramarines and their home system; its objectives may affect the entire Heresy campaign. The story tracks the Calth assault from its opening covert phases, and the actions of several characters. Unaware of the developing rebellion and the Word Bearers' true role, Primarch Roboute Guilliman and his Ultramarines are unprepared for the underhand invasion: it is total, bloody war, with ritualistic undertones, scorched earth tactics, decisive use of technology, and the considerable involvement of Chaos; the inconceivable treachery and its implications forever change the Loyalists' view of reality.[58]

20. The Primarchs

The Primarchs is a compilation of four novellas by different authors, each story starring one of the "sons" of the Emperor.[59] The novellas further develop these characters, who make multiple appearances in the Series. Following the Dropsite Massacre (Book 5), Fulgrim, perversely empowered by his own corruption, reveals his true nature and future plans to top officers of his compromised Legion; during a Great Crusade campaign against the enigmatic Eldar, Ferrus Manus, already beset by unsettling dreams, is subjected by alien sorcerers to stark, portendous visions and warnings about his future and role in the soon to be revealed Heresy; with Horus' rebellion in full swing after Isstvan V, a mistrustful and isolated Lion El'Jonson accepts the newly revealed realities of the Warp and decides on an independent course of action for the Dark Angels in the unfolding conflict; around the same time, and plotting a typically indecipherable course in the expanding war, the Primarch of the Alpha Legion is involved in a unique counter-intelligence operation that extends the Legion's customary deceptions inwards.

Book 21 and above

[21]. Fear to Tread: the Angel falls

[Book 21 (tentative). To be published September 2012].[60][needs update]

[22]. Shadows of Treachery

[Book 22 (tentative). To be published October 2012. Short story and novella compilation].[60][needs update]

Media and editions

The Series is published in several countries and languages, and most of its titles have been released in multiple media: in print (mass market paperback); as e-books; and as either abridged or unabridged audiobooks and e-audiobooks (in disc and downloadable media). Stories included in the Series compilations have been published individually as e-books, and also in audio formats ("audio shorts" in audio file format or CD). All audio editions of Series titles are voiced by a variety of professional actors, see Audiobook narrators.[61]

There have been a number of special editions and bundles, published in a variety of media; Series stories have also appeared, in whole or in part, in other Black Library publications, sometimes before publication of the corresponding Series books.[62] The books' cover art has been separately released, in poster and other formats.[61]

Select special editions

  • Horus Rising – Dan Abnett – April 2011. "5th Anniversary Edition" to mark the 5-year publishing history of the Horus Heresy Novel Series.[63] "With titanium-blue foiling and a specially commissioned introduction from author Dan Abnett."[64][47]
  • Limited Edition Horus Heresy Audio Boxset – Dan Abnett, Ben Counter, Graham McNeill – November 2011. Contains the abridged audio versions of the Series' opening trilogy (Horus Rising, False Gods, Galaxy in Flames) narrated by Martyn Ellis.[65] Includes an exclusive bonus audio CD containing the short story "Little Horus" by Abnett, from the Age of Darkness compilation. Edition limited to 2,000 copies worldwide.[66]
  • Xmas 2011 Horus Heresy eBundle – Series authors – November 2011. E-book edition of the first 17 books in the Series (Horus Rising to The Outcast Dead). One of several Series bundles, this was offered as a "Christmas 2011 Special."[67]

Reception

As of May 2012, the Series as a whole was generally enjoying both popular and critical approval, with corresponding commercial success; the publisher's favourable sales performance has been credited to the Series' popularity.[68] Titles have appeared at high positions in the UK Nielsen BookScan lists, and since early 2010 have often charted in The New York Times Bestseller List.

Legion, by Dan Abnett, and Battle for the Abyss, by Ben Counter, were listed in Nielsen BookScan's list of top-20 fictional works by small publishers (defined as a publisher whose sales made up less than 0.3% of the Total Consumer Market during the previous year) for the year ending on 23 August 2008, appearing in eighth and sixteenth place respectively.[69] Mechanicum, by Graham McNeill, entered The Bookseller's "Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers" chart of 5 December 2008, shortly after its release, at number 10.[70]

A Thousand Sons was released in February 2010, and swiftly rose to the top of the British science fiction charts. It also arrived at number 22 on "The New York Times Bestseller List," the first ever novel on the Black Library imprint to do so. Nemesis followed, reaching number 26 on the List in August 2010. The First Heretic reached number 28 in November 2010, and stayed in the chart for a second week, at number 33. Prospero Burns reached number 16. The compilation Age of Darkness also entered the List, in May 2011, at number 31. Book 19, Know No Fear, continued the trend: it appeared in The New York Times Best Sellers List at number 21 in March 2012.[71]

Series books have been regularly reviewed; reviews have typically appeared in genre-related media and enthusiast or specialist websites.[72] Critical reception of individual titles has been mixed, with reviewers occasionally commenting on perceived differences (in style or substance) among authors, and in the handling of individual stories by the same author;[73] yet the general tone of reviews has been positive. Although the Series overall has been viewed favorably, there have been complaints about its length and about the multitude of characters and narrative threads.[74]

Between the late–1980s introduction of the Horus Heresy and the start of Novel Series releases in 2006, Games Workshop and affiliates released Horus Heresy-branded products that expanded the concept's standing as Warhammer 40,000 background material.[5] The release of such works, which include literature independent of the Novel Series, continued as of 2012; they may relate to the Series as prequels, sequels, or expansions of its stories. The Black Library and Games Workshop have also released novels, game rulebooks, and other products that while not branded or classified as Horus Heresy, are directly related to the story arcs or events described in the Novel Series.

Selections

Notes

  1. ^ See Horus Heresy § Introduction. For items related to the wider fictional universe, see Warhammer 40,000 spin-offs.
  2. ^ a b Flory 2007; Fortune 2012, ¶ 2; Gronli 2008a, ¶ 2. "[The Series] is a futuristic multi-installment retelling of the epic poem Paradise Lost"; Horus Heresy Online & "The Characters", Horus Heresy Online & "The Story" (from the Series' official website); Dembski-Bowden 2012, "Author's Note", p. 9. "[A]s more of the Horus Heresy comes to light in the ... [Series], the lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe undergoes subtle shifts in scope." (By a Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 author).
  3. ^ a b Wolff 2009, p. 1. "[The Series does] not adhere to a rigorously linear storyline between volumes. The vastness of the Warhammer 40K [40,000] universe ... offers more opportunities to non-traditional storytelling. In addition, it is easier to drag out a series when it is not the standard linear storyline."
  4. ^ Bosier 2010, ¶ 6. "[T]he feel of the Horus Heresy books is entirely different than those of ... [other Warhammer 40,000] books because the subject matter is inherently different"; Flory 2007, "[The books] require little or no background knowledge to fully appreciate."
  5. ^ a b c d The audience has a partially omniscient point-of-view, since a number of significant events, the general outline, and the ending of the story are known in advance. Story elements have been published by Games Workshop starting 1988 (Merrett 2007, p. 6 [not numbered]); a comprehensive outline, including the conclusion, was published in the four-volume "Horus Heresy Art Book Series" between May 2004 and July 2006; this Series was rereleased in 2007 in an "Omnibus" compilation edition (Merrett 2007). See also Horus Heresy § Expansion and continuity.
  6. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 9, 27, 34, 54, 109, 324; Abnett & 2012-3, preamble.
  7. ^ Gronli 2008b, ¶ 4. "[T]he books came across as more hard hitting than some of the video games that have been released .... The action was a lot more hectic. The characters were more realistic. There also happened to be a lot more honesty in the books ...". The concept of the Horus Heresy became fully established as a background element in wargames whose alignment is a matter of player choice (Johnson 1988, "The Imperium: § The Horus Heresy"). See also § "Description" in Adeptus Titanicus at BoardGameGeek; Rhoads 2011b, ¶ 9. "The thematic tone is pitch perfect."
  8. ^ Sobel 2010, ¶¶ 5, 6. "[T]he characters ... are vividly portrayed and ... bring something unique ... to the storyline.... [The Series] ... takes characters from very black and white stories of good and evil ... and shows you the many shades of grey ...". From a review of Book 12, A Thousand Sons. In contrast Book 19, Know No Fear, is written around the event timeline. Though it develops several characters, it assumes more of a bird's-eye view to the action (Fortune 2012, ¶¶ 2–3. "Several of these novels focus on the motivations and reasons behind a galaxy spanning war, whereas others simply deliver cracking tales of warfare. Know No Fear sits in the latter category").
  9. ^ a b c Horus Heresy Novel Series 2006–2012; Horus Heresy Online & "The Characters"; § "Timeline" – in reprints or editions of Counter 2006 and Swallow 2007 (back matter). Contains brief descriptions of distinct Warhammer 40,000 time periods, from its first millennium ("M1") up to the books' time frame.
  10. ^ Rhoads 2011b, ¶ 4. "[T]he central story of the Heresy is a very human one. It is a tragedy, one caused by such everyday emotions as jealousy and pride."; Sobel 2010, ¶ 6. "[T]he very human tragedies at the centre of those stories."
  11. ^ At least one short story (Wraight 2011a), mixes first-person-limited and third-person narrative threads.
  12. ^ Wolff 2011, ¶ 4.
  13. ^ a b Abnett & 2010c-1.
  14. ^ Horus Heresy Online & "The Story", ¶ 1.
  15. ^ a b McNeill, Graham (2011a). "Rules of Engagement". In Dunn & 2011-3 (ed.). pp. 9–63. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link) (although published before Book 19, Know No Fear, it mainly deals with the novel's aftermath); Wraight, Chris (2011a). "Rebirth". In Dunn & 2011-3 (ed.). pp. 203–246. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link) (sequel to Prospero Burns); Thorpe, Gav (2011). "The Face of Treachery". In Dunn & 2011-3 (ed.). pp. 247–276. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link) (prequel to Deliverance Lost)
  16. ^ Rhoads 2011b, ¶ 1; Black Library Online & "Authors".
  17. ^ "Horus", and elements of the entire Heresy storyline, recall the Ancient Egyptian deity Horus and related mythologies – a detail is the Series depiction of the "Eye of Horus" (see Eye of Horus) which becomes part of the heraldry of Warmaster Horus' own Legion; "Erebus", a Chaos (Warhammer) ally, is named after Erebus, a Chaos (cosmogony) entity in Greek mythology; "Lion El'Jonson" is the Primarch of the "Dark Angels" Legion, alluding to 19th-century English poet Lionel Johnson and his poem "The Dark Angel"; "Kasper Hawser" refers to Kaspar Hauser, the mysterious 19th-century German youth (in the Series, Hawser is also known as "Ahman Ibn Rustah," a further allusion: Ahmad ibn Rustah); see also "Abaddon" vs. Abaddon; "Ahriman" vs. Ahriman, etc.
  18. ^ Flory 2007; Rhoads 2011a, ¶ 2; TV Tropes & "Horus Heresy", "Depending on the Writer – Impressively averted for a series that so far has had seven different authors." (See Template:Tvtropes).
  19. ^ a b Reputed continuity problems introduced in the Series by story elements in The Outcast Dead have been the subject of discussion among the Warhammer 40,000 fan community (Antigonos et al. 2011); see also Dembski-Bowden 2012, "Author's Note", p. 9.
  20. ^ Roberts et al. 2006–2012; the publisher often separately previews the books' art, apparently a subject of interest within the Warhammer 40,000 fan community (Perrin et al. 2011; see The Black Library Team 2012 for a publisher preview of Series artwork).
  21. ^ Abnett 2006.
  22. ^ McNeill 2006.
  23. ^ Counter 2006.
  24. ^ Swallow 2007.
  25. ^ McNeill 2007.
  26. ^ Scanlon 2007.
  27. ^ Abnett 2008.
  28. ^ Counter 2008.
  29. ^ McNeill 2008.
  30. ^ Kyme & Priestley 2009.
  31. ^ Lee 2009.
  32. ^ McNeill & 2010d-1.
  33. ^ Swallow & 2010b-1.
  34. ^ Dembski-Bowden & 2010-1.
  35. ^ Dunn & 2011-1.
  36. ^ McNeill & 2011c-1.
  37. ^ Thorpe & 2012a-1.
  38. ^ Abnett & 2012-1.
  39. ^ Dunn & 2012-1.
  40. ^ Swallow 2012.
  41. ^ Dunn & Kyme 2012.
  42. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 9, 12, 15; Abnett 2006, preamble.
  43. ^ Abnett 2006, pp. 59–63; Kyme & Priestley 2009, p. 160; McNeill 2009.
  44. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 34, 322, 324; McNeill & 2010d-1, p. 348; Dembski-Bowden & 2010-2, pp. 187, 191–192; Thorpe & 2012a-3, pp. 52, 166.
  45. ^ Games Workshop Design Staff 2008, p. 112.
  46. ^ Thorpe & 2012a-3, preamble.
  47. ^ a b Review of the "5th Anniversary Edition": Rhoads 2011b (positive).
  48. ^ Review: Gronli 2008a (mixed).
  49. ^ a b In some editions, Book 5 is subtitled The last phoenix, see Fulgrim: the last phoenix in libraries (WorldCat catalog). Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  50. ^ a b In some editions, Book 9 is subtitled Knowledge is power, see Mechanicum: [knowledge is power] in libraries (WorldCat catalog). Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  51. ^ Review: Wolff 2011 (positive).
  52. ^ Abnett, Dan (2009). "Blood Games". In Kyme & Priestley 2009 (ed.). pp. 9–59. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link); McNeill, Graham (2009). "The Last Church". In Kyme & Priestley 2009 (ed.). pp. 323–373. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link)
  53. ^ "Blood Games" by Dan Abnett; "Wolf at the Door" by Mike Lee; "Scions of the Storm" by Anthony Reynolds; "The Voice" by James Swallow; "Call of the Lion" by Gav Thorpe; "The Last Church" by Graham McNeill; and "After Desh’ea" by Matt Farrer (Kyme & Priestley 2009, § "Contents").
  54. ^ Review: Sobel 2010 (positive).
  55. ^ "Rules of Engagement" by Graham McNeill; "Liar's Due" by James Swallow; "Forgotten Sons" by Nick Kyme; "The Last Remembrancer" by John French; "Rebirth" by Chris Wraight; "The Face of Treachery" by Gav Thorpe; "Little Horus" by Dan Abnett; "The Iron Within" by Rob Sanders; and "Savage Weapons" by Aaron Dembski-Bowden (Dunn & 2011-1, § "Contents"). One story, "The Iron Within," was pre-published in Hammer and Bolter, a Black Library e-magazine, in February 2011 (Sanders 2011); "The Last Remembrancer" was included in the same magazine's May 2011 issue, published simultaneously with the Series book (French 2011).
  56. ^ Dunn & 2011-3, preamble, back cover. Review: Flory 2011 (positive).
  57. ^ Review: Dean & (n/d) (mixed).
  58. ^ Review: Fortune 2012 (positive).
  59. ^ "The Reflection Crack'd" by Graham McNeill; "Feat of Iron" by Nick Kyme; "The Lion" by Gav Thorpe; and "The Serpent Beneath" by Rob Sanders (Dunn & 2012-3, § "Contents"). Each story includes a list of characters in its own front matter. "Feat of Iron" complements a non-Series Horus Heresy novella by the same author (Kyme 2011b); "The Lion" was pre-published in digital format, as a Hammer and Bolter serial (Thorpe 2012b).
  60. ^ a b Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy: Coming Soon".
  61. ^ a b Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy" (publisher webpage lists different editions and media). English-language imprints or editions of individual novels may have alternate subtitles;[49][50] releases in English may also have variations in punctuation or capitalization of title or subtitle. Compilation stories published individually: Black Library Online & "Ebooks: Horus Heresy" (publisher webpage also lists short story e-books); Kyme 2011a (downloadable "audio short" e-audiobook); Abnett et al. 2011 (bundle includes a short story extra, on separate disc media). Series books have been published in French, German, and Spanish language, see Non-English editions in libraries (Worldcat catalog). Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  62. ^ Examples: French 2011. Short story from the Age of Darkness compilation which was simultaneously published (in text and audio) in Black Library's Hammer and Bolter e-magazine; Thorpe 2012b. A novella republished in The Primarchs compilation. It was serialized in Hammer and Bolter between February and April 2012.
  63. ^ Abnett 2011c.
  64. ^ Black Library Online & "Horus Rising Anniversary Edition".
  65. ^ Abnett et al. 2011.
  66. ^ Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy Audio Boxset".
  67. ^ Series authors 2011.
  68. ^ Stone 2011, "Special [mention] also go[es] to ... Black Library (thanks to the popularity of its Horus Heresy series) for growing [its] sales in a tough market."
  69. ^ Stone 2008.
  70. ^ Bookseller 2008.
  71. ^ At the New York Times Bestseller List (New York Times & "Best Sellers"):
  72. ^ Select reviews: Blogcritics & "Horus Heresy Articles" (multiple books, mixed); Dean & (n/d) (mixed); Flory 2007 (Series overview as of Book 4, positive); Fortune 2012 (positive); Gronli 2008b (Series overview as of Book 9, mixed); Wolff 2011 (positive); reviewers have specifically commented on the books' cover art: Gronli 2008a, ¶ 4; Rhoads 2011b, ¶ 1. "[L]avish cover art ...".
  73. ^ Bosier 2010, ¶ 3. "[T]he sense of majesty and glory is palpable in the hands of the more talented authors"; Gronli 2008b, ¶ 2; Wolff 2011, ¶¶ 1, 2.
  74. ^ Critics' praise: Flory 2011, ¶ 2. "There have been a few little blips along the way ... but on the whole, the 'Horus Heresy' series has consistently demonstrated why it’s the flagship series for the Black Library" – and critics' complaint: Dean & (n/d), ¶ 1. "Here we go again,... the [Horus Heresy] plot has been drawn out like over-stretched chewing gum"; Sobel 2010, ¶ 5. "Certain reviewers have criticised the glut of personalities ... and in some cases my experience has resonated with this critique"; Wolff 2011, ¶ 2. "[T]he Horus Heresy has had its ups ... and downs...."
  75. ^ McNeill & Abnett 2007. Released on the occasion of Games Workshop's "Games Day 2007".
  76. ^ Wraight 2011b.
  77. ^ Dembski-Bowden 2011. Originally offered as a "Collectors Edition" web exclusive.

References

  • The Horus Heresy – Official website concentrating on the Novel Series (includes some non-Series Horus Heresy material)

Template:Warhammer 40,000 Novels

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