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{{overly detailed|date=April 2013}}
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{{About|the book series based on the fictional event of the "Warhammer&nbsp;40,000" universe|other related literature|Horus Heresy#Literature{{!}}§&nbsp;Literature (in Horus Heresy)}}
{{About|the book series based on the fictional event of the "Warhammer&nbsp;40,000" universe|other related literature|Horus Heresy#Literature{{!}}§&nbsp;Literature (in Horus Heresy)}}
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|title=The Horus Heresy
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'''''The Horus Heresy''''' is an {{As of|2013|alt=ongoing}}{{Update after|2013|12|31|reason=ongoing?}}&nbsp;[[Book series|series]] of [[science fantasy]] books that contain stories by [[#Authors|various authors]]; the books include [[novel]]s and novel-length compilations of [[novella]]s or [[short story|short stories]]. The series takes place in the fictional [[Horus Heresy]], a galaxy-spanning civil war occurring 10,000&nbsp;years prior to the [[Far future in science fiction and popular culture|far future]] [[Campaign setting|setting]] of [[Games Workshop]]'s ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'' tabletop [[Miniature wargaming|miniatures wargame]]. The war is described as a major contributing factor to the game's [[Dystopia|dystopic]] environment.
The '''''Horus Heresy Novel Series''''' is an {{As of|2013|alt=ongoing}}{{Update after|2013|12|31|reason=ongoing?}}&nbsp;[[Book series|series]] of [[science fantasy]] books that contain stories by [[#Authors|various authors]]; the books include [[novel]]s and novel-length compilations of [[novella]]s or [[short story|short stories]]. The ''Series'' subject matter is the [[Horus Heresy]], a galaxy-spanning civil war occurring 10,000&nbsp;years prior to the [[Far future in science fiction and popular culture|far future]] [[Campaign setting|setting]] of [[Games Workshop]]'s ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'' tabletop [[Miniature wargaming|miniatures wargame]]. The war is described as a major contributing factor to the game's [[Dystopia|dystopic]] environment.


The books are published in [[#media|several media]] by the [[Black Library]], a Games Workshop division, with the first title released in April&nbsp;2006; {{As of|2013|04|lc=y}} the work consisted of 24&nbsp;[[#Titles|published volumes]], with more being planned.
The books are published in [[#media|several media]] by the [[Black Library]], a Games Workshop division, with the first title released in April&nbsp;2006; {{As of|2013|04|lc=y}} the work consisted of 24&nbsp;[[#Titles|published volumes]], with more in the [[#Announced|pipeline]].


''The Horus Heresy'' has developed into a distinct and successful [[product line]] for the Black Library; titles have often appeared in [[bestseller]] lists, and overall the work has received [[#Reviews|critical approval despite reservations]]. It is an established, definitive component of Game Workshop's ''Horus Heresy'' [[Brand#derivative|sub-brand]], and authoritative source material for the entire Warhammer&nbsp;{{sic|hide=y|nolink=y|40,000|expected=40000 ([[MOS:DATE]])}} [[shared universe]] and its continuing development.
The ''Series'' has developed into a distinct and successful [[product line]] for the Black Library; titles [[#Sales|have often appeared]] in [[bestseller]] lists, and overall the work has received [[#Reviews|critical approval despite reservations]]. It is an established, definitive component of Game Workshop's ''Horus Heresy'' [[Brand#derivative|sub-brand]], and authoritative source material for the entire Warhammer&nbsp;{{sic|hide=y|nolink=y|40,000|expected=40000 ([[MOS:DATE]])}} [[shared universe]] and its continuing development.


==Overview==
==Overview==
===Background and environment===
===Background and environment===
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''The Horus Heresy'' is a dark, [[Far future in science fiction and popular culture|far future]] [[military space opera]] with a main [[Ensemble cast|cast]] of hundreds. Its foundation is the [[Horus Heresy]], a cornerstone event of the [[Dystopia|dystopian]] [[science fantasy]] Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe. The [[shared universe]] was originally created in&nbsp;1987 by [[Games Workshop]], parent company of ''The Horus Heresy'' publisher [[Black Library]], as the [[campaign setting]] for the ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'' tabletop [[Miniature wargaming|miniatures wargame]].{{r|dark-origin}} The Horus Heresy was introduced to the setting soon after, as a short but all-encompassing conflict; it is a galaxy-wide civil war named after [[#lupercal|the leader]] of the initiating faction. The war devastates and redefines the [[Imperium (Warhammer 40,000)|{{em|Imperium of Man}}]], the universe's nascent [[galactic empire]].{{r|background}}
The ''Series'' is a dark, [[Far future in science fiction and popular culture|far future]] [[military space opera]] with a main [[Ensemble cast|cast]] of hundreds. Its foundation is the [[Horus Heresy]], a cornerstone event of the [[Dystopia|dystopian]] [[science fantasy]] Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe. The [[shared universe]] was originally created in&nbsp;1987 by [[Games Workshop]], parent company of ''Series'' publisher [[Black Library]], as the [[campaign setting]] for the ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'' tabletop [[Miniature wargaming|miniatures wargame]].{{r|dark-origin}} The Horus Heresy was introduced to the setting soon after, as a short but all-encompassing conflict; it is a galaxy-wide civil war named after [[#lupercal|the leader]] of the initiating faction. The war devastates and redefines the [[Imperium (Warhammer 40,000)|{{em|Imperium of Man}}]], the universe's nascent [[galactic empire]].{{r|background}}


''The Horus Heresy'' takes full advantage of the underlying universe's wide scope, vast scale, and extreme time frames. However it has developed a unique identity and [[Style (fiction)|style]], attributed to the concept's distinct subject matter.{{r|universe|identity}} It expands previous material{{r|audience-pov}} over a {{As of|2013|alt=growing number}}{{Update after|2013|12|31|reason=growing?}} of [[#Titles|titles]] published in a [[#media|variety of media]]. The titles consist of full-length novels, and novel-length [[Anthology|compilations]] of [[novellas]] or [[Short story|short stories]], written by [[#Authors|a number of authors]]. The work is mainly responsible for refashioning the conflict into the [[future history]] of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[Setting (narrative)|narrative setting]], abolishing the Heresy's previous status as the universe's roughly-sketched mythology.{{r|history}}
The ''Series'' takes full advantage of the underlying universe's wide scope, vast scale, and extreme time frames. However it has developed a unique identity and [[Style (fiction)|style]], attributed to the concept's distinct subject matter.{{r|universe|identity}} It expands previous material{{r|audience-pov}} over a {{As of|2013|alt=growing number}}{{Update after|2013|12|31|reason=growing?}} of [[#Titles|titles]] published in a [[#media|variety of media]]. The titles consist of full-length novels, and novel-length [[Anthology|compilations]] of [[novellas]] or [[Short story|short stories]], written by [[#Authors|a number of authors]]. The work is mainly responsible for refashioning the conflict into the [[future history]] of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[Setting (narrative)|narrative setting]], abolishing the Heresy's previous status as the universe's roughly-sketched mythology.{{r|history}}


===Premise===
===Premise===
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The [[Plot (narrative)|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 {{em|Order}} and {{em|Chaos}}.{{r|order-chaos}} They are principally represented in the storyline by the [[#eom|Emperor of Mankind]] and the [[#warp|Chaos Gods]] respectively. The Horus Heresy is presented as a major chapter of their conflict: it is caused by a Chaos plot to foil the Emperor by fomenting rebellion and internecine warfare in the [[#story|expanding Imperium of Man]].{{r|premise}} ''Horus Heresy'' attempts a posture of disinterested observer, while describing the extremes of setting, characters, and actions with [[in-universe]] [[Realism (arts)|realism]].{{r|realism}}
The [[Plot (narrative)|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 {{em|Order}} and {{em|Chaos}}.{{r|order-chaos}} They are principally represented in the storyline by the [[#eom|Emperor of Mankind]] and the [[#warp|Chaos Gods]] respectively. The Horus Heresy is presented as a major chapter of their conflict: it is caused by a Chaos plot to foil the Emperor by fomenting rebellion and internecine warfare in the [[#story|expanding Imperium of Man]].{{r|premise}} The ''Series'' attempts a posture of disinterested observer, while describing the extremes of setting, characters, and actions with [[in-universe]] [[Realism (arts)|realism]].{{r|realism}}


===Character-driven storyline===
===Character-driven storyline===
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Overall, the ''Horus Heresy'' storyline is [[Character (arts)|character]]- rather than event-driven.{{r|char-drive}} The stories employ classic themes of ambition, secrecy, intrigue, [[hubris]], duty, and betrayal as they describe the motives and actions of the [[protagonist]]s, many of whom are literally [[wikt:larger-than-life#Adjective|larger-than-life]]. In multiple [[narrative thread]]s, the stories attempt to make sense of a multitude of interconnected persons and events that take place across great expanses of time and space.{{r|bookmatter}} 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 flaw]]s.{{r|char-traits}}
Overall, the ''Series'' storyline is [[Character (arts)|character]]- rather than event-driven.{{r|char-drive}} The stories employ classic themes of ambition, secrecy, intrigue, [[hubris]], duty, and betrayal as they describe the motives and actions of the [[protagonist]]s, many of whom are literally [[wikt:larger-than-life#Adjective|larger-than-life]]. In multiple [[narrative thread]]s, the stories attempt to make sense of a multitude of interconnected persons and events that take place across great expanses of time and space.{{r|bookmatter}} 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 flaw]]s.{{r|char-traits}}


===Nonlinear narrative===
===Nonlinear narrative===
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The novelisation of the Horus Heresy begins with an [[#trilogy|opening book trilogy]]; following the trilogy, the narrative is not strictly sequential and may be presented in [[Nonlinear narrative|nonlinear fashion]] from book to book.{{r|nonlinear}} The stories may concern events that happen earlier or later than their position in the ''Horus Heresy'' would suggest, or may include time periods already covered in other ''Horus Heresy'' titles. In the latter case of horizontal expansions, the revisited time periods may pertain to original events, or to already-covered events viewed from a different perspective.
The novelisation of the Horus Heresy begins with an [[#trilogy|opening book trilogy]]; following the trilogy, the narrative is not strictly sequential and may be presented in [[Nonlinear narrative|nonlinear fashion]] from book to book.{{r|nonlinear}} The stories may concern events that happen earlier or later than their position in the ''Series'' would suggest, or may include time periods already covered in other ''Series'' titles. In the latter case of horizontal expansions, the revisited time periods may pertain to original events, or to already-covered events viewed from a different perspective.


Most stories are written as [[Narrative mode#omni3|third-person omniscient narratives]].{{r|narrative-pov}} Several include discrete [[subplot]]s; stories may also derive from, or center, on pre-Heresy events, and may take place (partly or entirely) before the conflict begins.{{r|subplot}} The protagonists' limited perspective, the wide scope of the storyline, and the nonlinear story telling, have resulted in gaps within the published narrative, presumably to be filled in as ''The Horus Heresy'' continues.{{r|audience-pov}}
Most stories are written as [[Narrative mode#omni3|third-person omniscient narratives]].{{r|narrative-pov}} Several include discrete [[subplot]]s; stories may also derive from, or center, on pre-Heresy events, and may take place (partly or entirely) before the conflict begins.{{r|subplot}} The protagonists' limited perspective, the wide scope of the storyline, and the nonlinear story telling, have resulted in gaps within the published narrative, presumably to be filled in as the ''Series'' continues.{{r|audience-pov}}


===Timelines===
===Timelines===
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The majority of ''The Horus Heresy'' stories are set around the start of the fictional universe's 31st&nbsp;millennium (or {{dfn|style=font-style:italic;|1=M31|2=31st&nbsp;millennium, in the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 dating system}}{{r|dating}}), more than 10,000&nbsp;years before the {{circa|lk=yes}}&nbsp;41000 ("{{abbr|M41|41st&nbsp;millennium|u}}") time frame employed by most Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 material. The stories routinely cover the conflict's background, with some going back centuries before the war (and the 31st&nbsp;millennium) begins. In narrower scope, the entire conflict (including the Heresy proper and its proximate formative period), is depicted as having lasted less than a decade. With few exceptions, the sequence and dating of Heresy events is implied rather than stated in ''The Horus Heresy'' stories; is indicated in other sources; or is unclear. {{As of|2013|04}}{{Update after|2013|12|31|reason=official timeline?}} there had been no complete, officially published Horus Heresy timeline.{{r|timeline}}
The majority of ''Series'' stories are set around the start of the fictional universe's 31st&nbsp;millennium (or {{dfn|style=font-style:italic;|1=M31|2=31st&nbsp;millennium, in the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 dating system}}{{r|dating}}), more than 10,000&nbsp;years before the {{circa|lk=yes}}&nbsp;41000 ("{{abbr|M41|41st&nbsp;millennium|u}}") time frame employed by most Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 material. The stories routinely cover the conflict's background, with some going back centuries before the war (and the 31st&nbsp;millennium) begins. In narrower scope, the entire conflict (including the Heresy proper and its proximate formative period), is depicted as having lasted less than a decade. With few exceptions, the sequence and dating of Heresy events is implied rather than stated in ''Series'' stories; is indicated in other sources; or is unclear. {{As of|2013|04}}{{Update after|2013|12|31|reason=official timeline?}} there had been no complete, officially published Horus Heresy timeline.{{r|timeline}}


{{anchor|trilogy}}The first title in ''The Horus Heresy'', originally published April&nbsp;2006, is [[#book1|''Horus Rising'']] by [[Dan Abnett]]. It is also the first part in the opening trilogy of novels, a [[story arc]] completed with [[#book3|''Galaxy in Flames'']] by Ben Counter, published October&nbsp;2006. The trilogy presents some of the background and causes of the Heresy, and describes the start of the conflict. The arc's focus is on [[#lupercal|Warmaster Horus]], the principal [[antagonist]], and covers about two years in the overall Heresy timeline; most of this period elapses before the rebellion begins. ''The Horus Heresy'' includes additional story arcs, while stories in compilation volumes act as [[prequel]]s or [[sequel]]s to several of its full-length novels.{{r|pre-seq}}
{{anchor|trilogy}}The first title in the ''Series'', originally published April&nbsp;2006, is [[#book1|''Horus Rising'']] by [[Dan Abnett]]. It is also the first part in the opening trilogy of novels, a [[story arc]] completed with [[#book3|''Galaxy in Flames'']] by Ben Counter, published October&nbsp;2006. The trilogy presents some of the background and causes of the Heresy, and describes the start of the conflict. The arc's focus is on [[#lupercal|Warmaster Horus]], the principal [[antagonist]], and covers about two years in the overall Heresy timeline; most of this period elapses before the rebellion begins. The ''Series'' includes additional story arcs, while stories in compilation volumes act as [[prequel]]s or [[sequel]]s to several of its full-length novels.{{r|pre-seq}}


{{As of|2013}}, the Black Library was keeping to a steady stream of ''The Horus Heresy'' releases, offering several new titles per year; {{As of|2012|12|alt=by the time [[#book24|Book 24]] was published (originally in December&nbsp;2012),}} the titles' many narrative threads occupied more than 10,600&nbsp;pages.{{r|b-physical}} Because of lateral and pre-Heresy expansions in addition to other nonlinear elements, the included stories had only laid out background, and preliminary stages of the conflict. Consequently, the main thrust of the narrative was at about the half-way point of the Heresy's nominal ten&#8209;year duration.{{r|audience-pov}}
{{As of|2013}}, the Black Library was keeping to a steady stream of ''Series'' releases, offering several new titles per year; {{As of|2012|12|alt=by the time [[#book24|Book 24]] was published (originally in December&nbsp;2012),}} the titles' many narrative threads occupied more than 10,600&nbsp;pages.{{r|b-physical}} Because of lateral and pre-Heresy expansions in addition to other nonlinear elements, the included stories had only laid out background, and preliminary stages of the conflict. Consequently, the main thrust of the narrative was at about the half-way point of the Heresy's nominal ten&#8209;year duration.{{r|audience-pov}}


===Positioning===
===Positioning===
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While earlier Horus Heresy products were marketed as game-related [[tie-in]]s, ''The Horus Heresy'' like other Black Library publications is also [[Positioning (marketing)|positioned]] as freestanding [[speculative fiction]]. It has become the publisher's [[core product]], and a definitive [[Canon (fiction)|canon]] element for the Horus Heresy and other aspects of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe. It remains one of the latter's authoritative [[Fluff (fiction)|background]] sources, and is considered a major factor in the transformation of the Horus Heresy and the ancillary environment into [[Product marketing|marketable]] concepts and products.
While earlier Horus Heresy products were marketed as game-related [[tie-in]]s, the ''Series'' like other Black Library publications is also [[Positioning (marketing)|positioned]] as freestanding [[speculative fiction]]. It has become the publisher's [[core product]], and a definitive [[Canon (fiction)|canon]] element for the Horus Heresy and other aspects of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe. It remains one of the latter's authoritative [[Fluff (fiction)|background]] sources, and is considered a major factor in the transformation of the Horus Heresy and the ancillary environment into [[Product marketing|marketable]] concepts and products.


Following industry practice, [[brand]]ing of ''The Horus Heresy'' includes distinct [[book design]] features, see in §&nbsp;[[#creators|Creators and books]]; the same or similar design elements may also be present in other products of the ''Horus Heresy'' sub-brand.{{r|background|position}}
Following industry practice, [[brand]]ing of the ''Series'' includes distinct [[book design]] features, see in §&nbsp;[[#creators|Creators and books]]; the same or similar design elements may also be present in other products of the ''Horus Heresy'' sub-brand.{{r|background|position}}


==={{anchor|creators}}Creators and books<!-- Section linked from within this article -->===
==={{anchor|creators}}Creators and books<!-- Section linked from within this article -->===
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The authors and other [[#Contributors|contributors]] include veterans of the genre, and specifically of Warhammer&nbsp;40,000-related material;{{r|authors}} 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&nbsp;40,000 literature, the authors draw on diverse [[Mythologies]] and Histories, and frequently [[Allusion|allude]] to fictional works or historical fact in their choices of character names, [[persona]]s, and actions.{{r|allusion}} Despite the large number of authors and titles ''The Horus Heresy'' is considered to have generally maintained cohesion and [[Continuity (fiction)|continuity]].{{r|cohesion|b17-con}} ''The Horus Heresy'' creators, including Games Workshop or Black Library [[intellectual property]] staff, reputedly collaborate on its development; the work frequently negotiates the specifications and boundaries of the underlying branded universe, which had already undergone a 19&#8209;year development of its own by the time the first title in ''The Horus Heresy'' was published.{{r|development}}
The authors and other [[#Contributors|contributors]] include veterans of the genre, and specifically of Warhammer&nbsp;40,000-related material;{{r|authors}} 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&nbsp;40,000 literature, the authors draw on diverse [[Mythologies]] and Histories, and frequently [[Allusion|allude]] to fictional works or historical fact in their choices of character names, [[persona]]s, and actions.{{r|allusion}} Despite the large number of authors and titles the ''Series'' is considered to have generally maintained cohesion and [[Continuity (fiction)|continuity]].{{r|cohesion|b17-con}} The ''Series'' creators, including Games Workshop or Black Library [[intellectual property]] staff, reputedly collaborate on its development; the work frequently negotiates the specifications and boundaries of the underlying branded universe, which had already undergone a 19&#8209;year development of its own by the time the first title in the ''Series'' was published.{{r|development}}


Like other Black Library titles, the books' [[front matter]] includes one of several unsigned short "stock" [[preamble]]s that provide a very general background to the stories that follow. In addition, each full-length novel and compilation novella includes a listing of major characters, while reprints or editions of some titles have included a broad Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[chronology]] in [[back matter]].{{r|bookmatter}}
Like other Black Library titles, the books' [[front matter]] includes one of several unsigned short "stock" [[preamble]]s that provide a very general background to the stories that follow. In addition, each full-length novel and compilation novella includes a listing of major characters, while reprints or editions of some titles have included a broad Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[chronology]] in [[back matter]].{{r|bookmatter}}


''The Horus Heresy''{{'}}s distinctive book design, reproduced across different media releases, features consistent layout, [[typeface]]s, and colour schemes. Also, front covers with original, [[Style (visual arts)|similarly-styled]] edge-to-edge full-colour [[cover art]]. A title box superimposed on the art contains the author's name (except in compilation volumes), book title in [[all caps]], and subtitle (or compilation editors' names); the words "The Horus Heresy" appear above the box. As a rule, the books include additional [[Book illustration|illustrations]], typically (though not exclusively) another rendition of the cover.{{r|art}}
The ''Series''{{'}} distinctive book design, reproduced across different media releases, features consistent layout, [[typeface]]s, and colour schemes. Also, front covers with original, [[Style (visual arts)|similarly-styled]] edge-to-edge full-colour [[cover art]]. A title box superimposed on the art contains the author's name (except in compilation volumes), book title in [[all caps]], and subtitle (or compilation editors' names); the words "The Horus Heresy" appear above the box. As a rule, the books include additional [[Book illustration|illustrations]], typically (though not exclusively) another rendition of the cover.{{r|art}}


The titles' audio editions are [[Voice-over|voiced]] by a variety of professional actors.
The titles' audio editions are [[Voice-over|voiced]] by a variety of professional actors.
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==Authors<!-- Section linked from within this article -->==
==Authors<!-- Section linked from within this article -->==
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Also listed are the narrative forms employed by each ''Horus Heresy'' author; where applicable, the number of (multiple) stories authored per form is indicated in parentheses.{{r|lst-note1|lst-note2}}
Also listed are the narrative forms employed by each ''Series'' author; where applicable, the number of (multiple) stories authored per form is indicated in parentheses.{{r|lst-note1|lst-note2}}


* [[Dan Abnett]]{{spnd}} Novel&nbsp;(4), short story&nbsp;(2)
* [[Dan Abnett]]{{spnd}} Novel&nbsp;(4), short story&nbsp;(2)
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==Contributors<!-- Section linked from within this article -->==
==Contributors<!-- Section linked from within this article -->==
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Contributors in ''The Horus Heresy'' include artists, audiobook narrators, and compilation or abridgement editors. Each may have contributed in stories that utilise different forms; where applicable, the number of (multiple) contributions per form{{spnd}} or other pertinent information{{spnd}} is indicated in parentheses.{{r|lst-note1|lst-note2}}
Contributors in the ''Series'' include artists, audiobook narrators, and compilation or abridgement editors. Each may have contributed in stories that utilise different forms; where applicable, the number of (multiple) contributions per form{{spnd}} or other pertinent information{{spnd}} is indicated in parentheses.{{r|lst-note1|lst-note2}}


'''Artists'''
'''Artists'''


* Karl Richardson{{spnd}} Internal illustrations ([[#premium|"premium" editions]])
* Karl Richardson{{spnd}} Internal illustrations ([[#premium|"premium" editions]])
* Neil Roberts{{spnd}} Cover art, front matter illustration; main ''Horus Heresy'' artist (all titles except where [[#References|cited]] otherwise)
* Neil Roberts{{spnd}} Cover art, front matter illustration; main ''Series'' artist (all titles except where [[#References|cited]] otherwise)
* Philip Sibbering{{spnd}} Cover art, front matter illustration
* Philip Sibbering{{spnd}} Cover art, front matter illustration
* Adrian Wood{{spnd}} Front matter map
* Adrian Wood{{spnd}} Front matter map
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===Announced<!-- Section linked from within this article [[Talk:Horus Heresy (novels)]] -->===
===Announced<!-- Section linked from within this article [[Talk:Horus Heresy (novels)]] -->===
<!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: PLEASE SEE PARTIAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RECOMMENDED EDITING PRACTICES AT THE ARTICLE TALK PAGE. PLEASE UPDATE THE DOCUMENTATION TO REFLECT YOUR EDITS IF NEEDED. -->
<!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: PLEASE SEE PARTIAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RECOMMENDED EDITING PRACTICES AT THE ARTICLE TALK PAGE. PLEASE UPDATE THE DOCUMENTATION TO REFLECT YOUR EDITS IF NEEDED. -->
{{As of|2013|04}} official announcement of further additions to the ''Horus Heresy'' was pending.{{r|bl-cs}}
{{As of|2013|04}} official announcement of further additions to the ''Series'' was pending.{{r|bl-cs}}


==Select characters==
==Select characters==
<!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: PLEASE SEE PARTIAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RECOMMENDED EDITING PRACTICES AT THE ARTICLE TALK PAGE. PLEASE UPDATE THE DOCUMENTATION TO REFLECT YOUR EDITS IF NEEDED. -->
<!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: PLEASE SEE PARTIAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RECOMMENDED EDITING PRACTICES AT THE ARTICLE TALK PAGE. PLEASE UPDATE THE DOCUMENTATION TO REFLECT YOUR EDITS IF NEEDED. -->
{{Main|List of Horus Heresy characters}}
{{Main|List of Horus Heresy characters}}
The following, listed alphabetically, are among characters that appear in multiple books or are protagonists of at least one story; the listing includes other characters that are of special significance to ''The Horus Heresy'' storyline.{{r|bookmatter}}
The following, listed alphabetically, are among characters that appear in multiple books or are protagonists of at least one story; the listing includes other characters that are of special significance to the ''Series'' storyline.{{r|bookmatter}}
*{{anchor|abaddon}}Ezekyle Abaddon{{spnd}} First Captain, Luna Wolves Legion of [[Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)|Space Marines]]{{spnd}} In the opening trilogy (Books&nbsp;[[#book1|1–3]]); appears in other books
*{{anchor|abaddon}}Ezekyle Abaddon{{spnd}} First Captain, Luna Wolves Legion of [[Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)|Space Marines]]{{spnd}} In the opening trilogy (Books&nbsp;[[#book1|1–3]]); appears in other books
*{{anchor|ahriman}}Ahzek Ahriman{{spnd}} Senior Corvidae (a [[precognition]] [[cult]]); Chief {{vanchor|Librarian}} (combat [[Magician (fantasy)|warlock]]), Thousand Sons Legion{{spnd}} Books&nbsp;[[#book12|12]] and&nbsp;[[#book15|15]]
*{{anchor|ahriman}}Ahzek Ahriman{{spnd}} Senior Corvidae (a [[precognition]] [[cult]]); Chief {{vanchor|Librarian}} (combat [[Magician (fantasy)|warlock]]), Thousand Sons Legion{{spnd}} Books&nbsp;[[#book12|12]] and&nbsp;[[#book15|15]]
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* Kor Phaeron{{spnd}} First Captain, Word Bearers Legion; Black Cardinal (chief spiritual officer and [[high priest]]), Word Bearers of Chaos Undivided{{spnd}} Books&nbsp;[[#book14|14]] and&nbsp;[[#book19|19]]
* Kor Phaeron{{spnd}} First Captain, Word Bearers Legion; Black Cardinal (chief spiritual officer and [[high priest]]), Word Bearers of Chaos Undivided{{spnd}} Books&nbsp;[[#book14|14]] and&nbsp;[[#book19|19]]
* Alexis Polux{{spnd}} Captain, Imperial Fists Legion; Master of the [[#r-fleet|Retribution Fleet]]{{spnd}} Book&nbsp;[[#book22|22]]
* Alexis Polux{{spnd}} Captain, Imperial Fists Legion; Master of the [[#r-fleet|Retribution Fleet]]{{spnd}} Book&nbsp;[[#book22|22]]
*{{anchor|primarch}}the [[Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)#orig|Primarchs]]{{spnd}} [[Genetic engineering|Biologically]] and [[Psyker|psychically]] engineered progeny of the [[#eom|Emperor]]; Commanders of the Space Marine Legions{{spnd}} One or more (out of 20&nbsp;total) may appear in every book of ''The Horus Heresy''.{{r|bookmatter}} Special mentions:
*{{anchor|primarch}}the [[Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)#orig|Primarchs]]{{spnd}} [[Genetic engineering|Biologically]] and [[Psyker|psychically]] engineered progeny of the [[#eom|Emperor]]; Commanders of the Space Marine Legions{{spnd}} One or more (out of 20&nbsp;total) may appear in every book of the ''Series''.{{r|bookmatter}} Special mentions:
**{{vanchor|Alpharius-Omegon}}{{spnd}} Primarch of the Alpha Legion{{spnd}} Books&nbsp;[[#book7|7]],&nbsp;[[#book18|18]], and&nbsp;[[#book20|20]]
**{{vanchor|Alpharius-Omegon}}{{spnd}} Primarch of the Alpha Legion{{spnd}} Books&nbsp;[[#book7|7]],&nbsp;[[#book18|18]], and&nbsp;[[#book20|20]]
**{{vanchor|Angron}}{{spnd}} Primarch of the World Eaters Legion; daemon of "the Blood God" (the Chaos god [[#Ka'Bandha|Khorne]]){{spnd}} Book&nbsp;[[#book24|24]]; appears in other books
**{{vanchor|Angron}}{{spnd}} Primarch of the World Eaters Legion; daemon of "the Blood God" (the Chaos god [[#Ka'Bandha|Khorne]]){{spnd}} Book&nbsp;[[#book24|24]]; appears in other books
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{{anchor|book1}}'''1. Horus Rising: the seeds of Heresy are sown'''
{{anchor|book1}}'''1. Horus Rising: the seeds of Heresy are sown'''


''Horus Rising'', the first book of ''The Horus Heresy'', starts its [[Real time (media)|real time]] narrative in the early years of the 31st&nbsp;millennium, during {{nowrap|the 203rd Terran year}} of the [[#story|Great Crusade]]. It describes the rise to power of [[#lupercal|Horus Lupercal]], Primarch of the "Luna Wolves" Legion of Space Marines (the 16th&nbsp;Legion of 20&nbsp;formed originally), and the most versatile and favoured "son" of the [[#eom|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 [[#loken|Garviel Loken]], Captain of the Luna Wolves' 10th&nbsp;Company. He becomes a member of the {{em|Mournival}} (an informal advisory body to Horus), and participates in Crusade campaigns against anti-Imperials and [[Extraterrestrials in fiction|aliens]]. The story also hints at tensions in the nascent Imperium, exacerbated by the Emperor's absence and actions{{spnd}} these are common themes in following books.{{r|b1-rev}}
''Horus Rising'', the ''Series'' opener, starts its [[Real time (media)|real time]] narrative in the early years of the 31st&nbsp;millennium, during {{nowrap|the 203rd Terran year}} of the [[#story|Great Crusade]]. It describes the rise to power of [[#lupercal|Horus Lupercal]], Primarch of the "Luna Wolves" Legion of Space Marines (the 16th&nbsp;Legion of 20&nbsp;formed originally), and the most versatile and favoured "son" of the [[#eom|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 [[#loken|Garviel Loken]], Captain of the Luna Wolves' 10th&nbsp;Company. He becomes a member of the {{em|Mournival}} (an informal advisory body to Horus), and participates in Crusade campaigns against anti-Imperials and [[Extraterrestrials in fiction|aliens]]. The story also hints at tensions in the nascent Imperium, exacerbated by the Emperor's absence and actions{{spnd}} these are common themes in following books.{{r|b1-rev}}


{{anchor|book2}}'''2. False Gods: the Heresy takes root'''
{{anchor|book2}}'''2. False Gods: the Heresy takes root'''


{{Redirect|False Gods|the Abrahamic doctrine|False god}}
{{Redirect|False Gods|the Abrahamic doctrine|False god}}
''False Gods'' picks up the tale a few weeks after the conclusion of [[#book1|Book 1]] in ''The Horus Heresy'' timeline, and tells the story of Horus' fall. In a complicated conspiracy implemented by [[#chaos|Chaos]] allies, Horus is [[Mortal wound|mortally wounded]] during a Crusade mission by an alien, Chaos-tainted weapon. In a desperate (and contrary to [[#i-truth|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 into the preeminent power of 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, also present in several other books, involves the growing influence{{spnd}} within Crusade Expeditions and in the wider Imperium{{spnd}} of a forbidden [[Cult (religious practice)|religious cult]], whose members worship the Emperor as god.{{r|b2-rev}}
''False Gods'' picks up the tale a few weeks after the conclusion of [[#book1|Book 1]] in the ''Series'' timeline, and tells the story of Horus' fall. In a complicated conspiracy implemented by [[#chaos|Chaos]] allies, Horus is [[Mortal wound|mortally wounded]] during a Crusade mission by an alien, Chaos-tainted weapon. In a desperate (and contrary to [[#i-truth|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 into the preeminent power of 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, also present in several other books, involves the growing influence{{spnd}} within Crusade Expeditions and in the wider Imperium{{spnd}} of a forbidden [[Cult (religious practice)|religious cult]], whose members worship the Emperor as god.{{r|b2-rev}}


{{anchor|book3}}'''3. Galaxy in Flames: the Heresy revealed'''
{{anchor|book3}}'''3. Galaxy in Flames: the Heresy revealed'''
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{{anchor|book6}}'''6. Descent of Angels: loyalty and honour'''
{{anchor|book6}}'''6. Descent of Angels: loyalty and honour'''


''Descent of Angels'' is a pre-Heresy story that concludes about 50&nbsp;years before the start of that conflict. It introduces the "Dark Angels" Space Marines (the 1st&nbsp;Legion) and their Primarch, [[#jonson|Lion El'Jonson]]. The story is mainly told from the [[Narrative mode|point of view]] of [[#zurias|Zahariel El'Zurias]], a native of {{em|id=caliban|1=Caliban}} (a Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 planet). Caliban is an isolated, low-technology planet that resembles a [[medieval fantasy]] world; the narrative details the [[fantasy]]-like setting, uniquely diverging from ''The Horus Heresy'' norm. Zurias is introduced in the story as an Aspirant of the Order, an organisation of techno-[[barbarian]] [[knight]]s. 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 Space Marine, is accepted as a Dark Angel [[wikt:neophyte#Noun|{{dfn|style=font-style:italic;|1=Neophyte|2=Term for trainee Space Marines in the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe}}]]. A future [[wikt:schism#Noun|schism]] within the Legion is also intimated in this section of the book.{{r|b6-rev}}
''Descent of Angels'' is a pre-Heresy story that concludes about 50&nbsp;years before the start of that conflict. It introduces the "Dark Angels" Space Marines (the 1st&nbsp;Legion) and their Primarch, [[#jonson|Lion El'Jonson]]. The story is mainly told from the [[Narrative mode|point of view]] of [[#zurias|Zahariel El'Zurias]], a native of {{em|id=caliban|1=Caliban}} (a Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 planet). Caliban is an isolated, low-technology planet that resembles a [[medieval fantasy]] world; the narrative details the [[fantasy]]-like setting, uniquely diverging from the ''Series'' norm. Zurias is introduced in the story as an Aspirant of the Order, an organisation of techno-[[barbarian]] [[knight]]s. 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 Space Marine, is accepted as a Dark Angel [[wikt:neophyte#Noun|{{dfn|style=font-style:italic;|1=Neophyte|2=Term for trainee Space Marines in the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe}}]]. A future [[wikt:schism#Noun|schism]] within the Legion is also intimated in this section of the book.{{r|b6-rev}}


{{anchor|book7}}'''7. Legion: secrets and lies'''
{{anchor|book7}}'''7. Legion: secrets and lies'''
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{{anchor|book9}}'''9. Mechanicum: war comes to Mars'''
{{anchor|book9}}'''9. Mechanicum: war comes to Mars'''


''Mechanicum'' is the first book in ''The Horus Heresy'' 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 [[Cult (religious practice)|cultlike]], Terra-allied [[technocracy]] responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of all Imperial military and civilian technology. Planning his imminent [[Military campaign|campaign]] against the Imperium, Horus obtains the secret allegiance of highly placed Mechanicum Adepts, including that of [[#Kelbor-Hal|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 the Emperor. The ensuing war will determine which side in the struggle will receive the Mechanicum's crucial support.{{r|b9-sub|b9-rev}}
''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 [[Cult (religious practice)|cultlike]], Terra-allied [[technocracy]] responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of all Imperial military and civilian technology. Planning his imminent [[Military campaign|campaign]] against the Imperium, Horus obtains the secret allegiance of highly placed Mechanicum Adepts, including that of [[#Kelbor-Hal|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 the Emperor. The ensuing war will determine which side in the struggle will receive the Mechanicum's crucial support.{{r|b9-sub|b9-rev}}


{{anchor|book10}}'''10. Tales of Heresy'''
{{anchor|book10}}'''10. Tales of Heresy'''


''Tales of Heresy'' is a collection of short stories that introduces or expands storyline perspectives and actors such as the {{em|Custodian Guard}} (the [[Praetorian Guard]]-like Imperial Bodyguard) and the {{em|Sisters of Silence}}, a [[Classified information|classified]] Imperial organisation of warrior&#8209;nuns originally introduced in [[#book4|Book 4]]; most stories take place around the time of the Heresy. It includes two stories that take place on Terra, one of which is happening much earlier than the Heresy and adds to the background regarding the [[#i-truth|Imperial Truth]]; another entry in the compilation is a Primarch [[origin story]] wherein [[#Angron|Angron]] (one of the Emperor's "sons") takes command of the {{nowrap|12th Space Marine Legion,}} the "World Eaters". The book contains seven stories by various authors;{{r|b10-toc}} several stories relate to full-length novels in ''The Horus Heresy''.
''Tales of Heresy'' is a collection of short stories that introduces or expands storyline perspectives and actors such as the {{em|Custodian Guard}} (the [[Praetorian Guard]]-like Imperial Bodyguard) and the {{em|Sisters of Silence}}, a [[Classified information|classified]] Imperial organisation of warrior&#8209;nuns originally introduced in [[#book4|Book 4]]; most stories take place around the time of the Heresy. It includes two stories that take place on Terra, one of which is happening much earlier than the Heresy and adds to the background regarding the [[#i-truth|Imperial Truth]]; another entry in the compilation is a Primarch [[origin story]] wherein [[#Angron|Angron]] (one of the Emperor's "sons") takes command of the {{nowrap|12th Space Marine Legion,}} the "World Eaters". The book contains seven stories by various authors;{{r|b10-toc}} several stories relate to full-length novels in the ''Series''.


===Book 11 to Book 20===
===Book 11 to Book 20===
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{{anchor|book12}}'''12. A Thousand Sons: all is dust...'''
{{anchor|book12}}'''12. A Thousand Sons: all is dust...'''


''A Thousand Sons'' is the story of Primarch [[#Magnus|Magnus]] and the "Thousand Sons" Space Marines, the 15th&nbsp;Legion; it mainly takes place before the Heresy begins. Following a reprimand by the [[#eom|Emperor]] for dabbling in [[Magic (paranormal)|sorcery]], Magnus and his Legion secretly continue to study the forbidden subjects. Then, around the time of Horus' corruption ([[#book2|Book 2]]), Magnus learns through sorcery of his brother's impending betrayal. He tries{{spnd}} again through sorcery{{spnd}} to warn the Emperor, believing that the gravity of the news justifies his disobedience. However, he overreaches with his powers and damages the vital and secret project the Emperor is undertaking ([[#book1|Book 1]]), endangering the safety of Terra itself in the process. The Emperor is enraged and orders [[#russ|Leman Russ]], Primarch of the 6th&nbsp;Legion (the "Space Wolves"), to {{em|id=prospero|1=Prospero}}, the Thousand Sons Legion's in&#8209;''The Horus Heresy'' home world. The Space Wolves, accompanied by other Imperial forces, are to bring Magnus and his Legion to Terra to account for themselves.{{r|b12-rev|b12b15-rev}}
''A Thousand Sons'' is the story of Primarch [[#Magnus|Magnus]] and the "Thousand Sons" Space Marines, the 15th&nbsp;Legion; it mainly takes place before the Heresy begins. Following a reprimand by the [[#eom|Emperor]] for dabbling in [[Magic (paranormal)|sorcery]], Magnus and his Legion secretly continue to study the forbidden subjects. Then, around the time of Horus' corruption ([[#book2|Book 2]]), Magnus learns through sorcery of his brother's impending betrayal. He tries{{spnd}} again through sorcery{{spnd}} to warn the Emperor, believing that the gravity of the news justifies his disobedience. However, he overreaches with his powers and damages the vital and secret project the Emperor is undertaking ([[#book1|Book 1]]), endangering the safety of Terra itself in the process. The Emperor is enraged and orders [[#russ|Leman Russ]], Primarch of the 6th&nbsp;Legion (the "Space Wolves"), to {{em|id=prospero|1=Prospero}}, the Thousand Sons Legion's in&#8209;''Series'' home world. The Space Wolves, accompanied by other Imperial forces, are to bring Magnus and his Legion to Terra to account for themselves.{{r|b12-rev|b12b15-rev}}


{{anchor|book13}}'''13. Nemesis: war within the shadows'''
{{anchor|book13}}'''13. Nemesis: war within the shadows'''
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{{anchor|book16}}'''16. Age of Darkness'''
{{anchor|book16}}'''16. Age of Darkness'''


''Age of Darkness'' is a compilation of nine short stories by various authors.{{r|b16-toc}} They take place during the seven&#8209;year period between the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan&nbsp;V ([[#book5|Book 5]]), and the conclusion of Horus' campaign. The stories present various facets of the unfolding conflict, as suspicion, insecurity, and paranoia spread through the galaxy on the wake of the Warmaster's betrayal. Subjects include: [[#guilliman|a Primarch]] prepares for the end of the Imperium; a Traitor [[Psychological warfare|PSYOP]] topples an Imperial planet; an unusual diplomatic contest will decide which side will be chosen by a world on the fence; a non-combatant may be a rebel agent or a herald of unpalatable truths for the Imperium; a Loyalist Space Marine in a Traitor Legion holds his own against his erstwhile brothers. Several of the included stories are linked through continuity; some are also prequels or sequels to stories in other ''Horus Heresy'' books.{{r|pre-seq|b16-rev}}
''Age of Darkness'' is a compilation of nine short stories by various authors.{{r|b16-toc}} They take place during the seven&#8209;year period between the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan&nbsp;V ([[#book5|Book 5]]), and the conclusion of Horus' campaign. The stories present various facets of the unfolding conflict, as suspicion, insecurity, and paranoia spread through the galaxy on the wake of the Warmaster's betrayal. Subjects include: [[#guilliman|a Primarch]] prepares for the end of the Imperium; a Traitor [[Psychological warfare|PSYOP]] topples an Imperial planet; an unusual diplomatic contest will decide which side will be chosen by a world on the fence; a non-combatant may be a rebel agent or a herald of unpalatable truths for the Imperium; a Loyalist Space Marine in a Traitor Legion holds his own against his erstwhile brothers. Several of the included stories are linked through continuity; some are also prequels or sequels to stories in other ''Series'' books.{{r|pre-seq|b16-rev}}


{{anchor|book17}}'''17. The Outcast Dead: the truth lies within'''
{{anchor|book17}}'''17. The Outcast Dead: the truth lies within'''


''The Outcast Dead'' is the first novel-length story in ''The Horus Heresy'' to take place almost entirely on Terra. It covers a relatively short period, starting several months before [[#Magnus|Magnus]]' catastrophic psychic visit at the Imperial Palace ([[#book12|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 ([[#book1|Book 1]]) 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 Loyalist side. The story's main character is [[#zulane|Kai Zulane]], previously a gifted Imperial [[Psyker#apath|{{dfn|style=font-style:italic;|1=astropath|2=Term for long-range telepaths in the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe}}]] attached to the Ultramarines Legion. He unwittingly becomes the keeper of a secret that could decide the victor in the developing galactic civil war. The secret has additional implications regarding the Heresy's conclusion and the future course of the Imperium of Man. "The Outcast Dead" are other protagonists: a small, disparate group of Space Marines suspected as traitors, with whom Zulane falls in during the second half of the book.{{r|b17-con|b17-rev}}
''The Outcast Dead'' is the first novel-length story in the ''Series'' to take place almost entirely on Terra. It covers a relatively short period, starting several months before [[#Magnus|Magnus]]' catastrophic psychic visit at the Imperial Palace ([[#book12|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 ([[#book1|Book 1]]) 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 Loyalist side. The story's main character is [[#zulane|Kai Zulane]], previously a gifted Imperial [[Psyker#apath|{{dfn|style=font-style:italic;|1=astropath|2=Term for long-range telepaths in the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe}}]] attached to the Ultramarines Legion. He unwittingly becomes the keeper of a secret that could decide the victor in the developing galactic civil war. The secret has additional implications regarding the Heresy's conclusion and the future course of the Imperium of Man. "The Outcast Dead" are other protagonists: a small, disparate group of Space Marines suspected as traitors, with whom Zulane falls in during the second half of the book.{{r|b17-con|b17-rev}}


{{anchor|book18}}'''18. Deliverance Lost: ghosts of Terra'''
{{anchor|book18}}'''18. Deliverance Lost: ghosts of Terra'''
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{{anchor|book20}}'''20. The Primarchs'''
{{anchor|book20}}'''20. The Primarchs'''


''The Primarchs'' is a compilation of four novellas by different authors, each story starring one of the [[#primarch|"sons"]] of the Emperor.{{r|b20-toc}} The novellas further [[Characterization#dev|develop]] these characters, who make multiple appearances in ''The Horus Heresy'': following the Dropsite Massacre ([[#book5|Book 5]]), [[#Fulgrim|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, [[#manus|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 [[#book5|the events of Isstvan V]], a suspicious and isolated [[#jonson|Lion El'Jonson]] accepts the newly revealed realities of the [[#warp|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, [[#Alpharius-Omegon|the twinned Primarch]] of the Alpha Legion is involved in a unique [[counterintelligence]] operation that extends the Legion's customary deceptions inwards.{{r|b20-rev}}
''The Primarchs'' is a compilation of four novellas by different authors, each story starring one of the [[#primarch|"sons"]] of the Emperor.{{r|b20-toc}} The novellas further [[Characterization#dev|develop]] these characters, who make multiple appearances in the ''Series'': following the Dropsite Massacre ([[#book5|Book 5]]), [[#Fulgrim|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, [[#manus|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 [[#book5|the events of Isstvan V]], a suspicious and isolated [[#jonson|Lion El'Jonson]] accepts the newly revealed realities of the [[#warp|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, [[#Alpharius-Omegon|the twinned Primarch]] of the Alpha Legion is involved in a unique [[counterintelligence]] operation that extends the Legion's customary deceptions inwards.{{r|b20-rev}}


===Book 21 and above===
===Book 21 and above===
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{{anchor|book22}}'''22. Shadows of Treachery'''
{{anchor|book22}}'''22. Shadows of Treachery'''


''Shadows of Treachery'' is a compilation that collects five short stories previously published in [[Limited edition books|limited editions]], [[art book]]s, or other formats, and also contains two new novellas.{{r|b22-toc}} Most of the stories involve the {{nowrap|7th or 8th Space Marine Legions,}} respectively the Loyalist "Imperial Fists" and Traitor "Night Lords", and their Primarchs [[#dorn|Rogal Dorn]] and [[#curze|Konrad Curze]]. Other Legions and Primarchs are also featured, while one short story takes place on Mars and illuminates an aspect of the [[#book9|Traitor Mechanicum's conspiracy]]. One of the novellas is mainly about an all-out close-quarters space battle, between a Loyalist {{em|id=r-fleet|1=Retribution Fleet}} sent to punish Horus following the events of Isstvan&nbsp;III ([[#book3|Book 3]]) and the Traitor fleet that ambushes it; the other new novella deals with the aftermath of another naval engagement in space that cripples the Night Lords Legion. The narratives of all stories fill gaps in ''The Horus Heresy'' or add further details about the Heresy and its actors; they cover periods that range from several decades before the conflict to around the time frame of [[#book18|Book 18]] (one short story is a prequel to that novel).{{r|b22-rev}}
''Shadows of Treachery'' is a compilation that collects five short stories previously published in [[Limited edition books|limited editions]], [[art book]]s, or other formats, and also contains two new novellas.{{r|b22-toc}} Most of the stories involve the {{nowrap|7th or 8th Space Marine Legions,}} respectively the Loyalist "Imperial Fists" and Traitor "Night Lords", and their Primarchs [[#dorn|Rogal Dorn]] and [[#curze|Konrad Curze]]. Other Legions and Primarchs are also featured, while one short story takes place on Mars and illuminates an aspect of the [[#book9|Traitor Mechanicum's conspiracy]]. One of the novellas is mainly about an all-out close-quarters space battle, between a Loyalist {{em|id=r-fleet|1=Retribution Fleet}} sent to punish Horus following the events of Isstvan&nbsp;III ([[#book3|Book 3]]) and the Traitor fleet that ambushes it; the other new novella deals with the aftermath of another naval engagement in space that cripples the Night Lords Legion. The narratives of all stories fill gaps in the ''Series'' or add further details about the Heresy and its actors; they cover periods that range from several decades before the conflict to around the time frame of [[#book18|Book 18]] (one short story is a prequel to that novel).{{r|b22-rev}}


{{anchor|book23}}'''23. Angel Exterminatus: flesh and iron'''
{{anchor|book23}}'''23. Angel Exterminatus: flesh and iron'''
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{{anchor|book24}}'''24. Betrayer: blood for the Blood God'''
{{anchor|book24}}'''24. Betrayer: blood for the Blood God'''


''Betrayer'' returns ''The Horus Heresy'' to the action in the [[#ultramar|Ultramar theatre]]; it starts around the time the events of [[#book19|Book 19]] begin to unfold. Unlike that story, ''Betrayer'' is presented from the perspective of the rebels, in this case the World Eaters and Word Bearers Legions, and often through the particular viewpoint of [[#Khârn|Khârn]], Captain of the 8th Company of the World Eaters and [[Equerry]] to Primarch [[#Angron|Angron]]. In tenuous and fragile cooperation, the two very different Traitor Legions lay waste to worlds across Ultramar; it is a "Shadow Crusade" meticulously planned by Primarch [[#aurelian|Lorgar]] of the Word Bearers, who deploys [[#abyss|''Abyss'']]-class spaceships. The campaign's [[Strategic goal (military)|strategic goal]] is the destruction or isolation of the powerful Ultramarines Legion, its home star system, and the system's considerable resources; removing Ultramar as a factor in the war is one of Horus' primary objectives. The scheming Primarch of the Word Bearers orchestrates genocide in unprecedented scale, as a way to [[Evocation|summon]] the powers of Chaos. With their help, he hopes to generate an immense interdimensional "storm" that will create an impenetrable veil around Ultramar. As the final piece of his plan, Lorgar engineers the "ascension" into daemonhood of the increasingly unstable Angron: the event is to act as the conduit for the unnatural storm.{{r|b24-rev|b24-sub}}
''Betrayer'' returns the ''Series'' to the action in the [[#ultramar|Ultramar theatre]]; it starts around the time the events of [[#book19|Book 19]] begin to unfold. Unlike that story, ''Betrayer'' is presented from the perspective of the rebels, in this case the World Eaters and Word Bearers Legions, and often through the particular viewpoint of [[#Khârn|Khârn]], Captain of the 8th Company of the World Eaters and [[Equerry]] to Primarch [[#Angron|Angron]]. In tenuous and fragile cooperation, the two very different Traitor Legions lay waste to worlds across Ultramar; it is a "Shadow Crusade" meticulously planned by Primarch [[#aurelian|Lorgar]] of the Word Bearers, who deploys [[#abyss|''Abyss'']]-class spaceships. The campaign's [[Strategic goal (military)|strategic goal]] is the destruction or isolation of the powerful Ultramarines Legion, its home star system, and the system's considerable resources; removing Ultramar as a factor in the war is one of Horus' primary objectives. The scheming Primarch of the Word Bearers orchestrates genocide in unprecedented scale, as a way to [[Evocation|summon]] the powers of Chaos. With their help, he hopes to generate an immense interdimensional "storm" that will create an impenetrable veil around Ultramar. As the final piece of his plan, Lorgar engineers the "ascension" into daemonhood of the increasingly unstable Angron: the event is to act as the conduit for the unnatural storm.{{r|b24-rev|b24-sub}}
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=={{anchor|media}}Media and editions<!-- Section linked from within this article and [[Horus Heresy]] -->==
=={{anchor|media}}Media and editions<!-- Section linked from within this article and [[Horus Heresy]] -->==
<!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: PLEASE SEE PARTIAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RECOMMENDED EDITING PRACTICES AT THE ARTICLE TALK PAGE. PLEASE UPDATE THE DOCUMENTATION TO REFLECT YOUR EDITS IF NEEDED. -->
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''The Horus Heresy'' titles are released in multiple media: in print as [[paperback]]s and [[hardcover]]s (with paperback editions printed in [[Paperback#mmp|mass-market]] and [[Paperback#trp|trade]] formats); as [[e-books]]; and as either [[Abridgement|abridged]] or unabridged [[audiobooks]] and e&#8209;audiobooks (respectively, in [[compact disc]] and [[audio file format|audio file]] formats{{spnd}} the Black Library has partnered with specialist UK company Heavy Entertainment for audio production).
''Series'' titles are released in multiple media: in print as [[paperback]]s and [[hardcover]]s (with paperback editions printed in [[Paperback#mmp|mass-market]] and [[Paperback#trp|trade]] formats); as [[e-books]]; and as either [[Abridgement|abridged]] or unabridged [[audiobooks]] and e&#8209;audiobooks (respectively, in [[compact disc]] and [[audio file format|audio file]] formats{{spnd}} the Black Library has partnered with specialist UK company Heavy Entertainment for audio production).


{{As of|2013|04}}, print editions were generally {{nowrap|between 400 and 500 pages,}} though some [[mass market]] versions have rendered in more; total ''The Horus Heresy'' length in first paperback edition was about {{nowrap|10,600 print pages}} (24&nbsp;titles). Digital editions ranged in size from less than a [[megabyte]] (some e&#8209;book releases) to over a [[gigabyte]] (some e&#8209;audiobook releases); the totals run from a low of about 10&nbsp;MB (for {{nowrap|22 e-book}} titles, in [[EPUB]] format) to a high of about 10&nbsp;GB (for 12&nbsp;unabridged titles, in [[MP3]] format). Durations of audio versions spread from about 6&nbsp;hours for the abridged editions to anywhere between {{nowrap|11 and 19 hours}} for the unabridged editions; the total length of the unabridged edition was about 155&nbsp;hours, divided among 12&nbsp;titles. CD audiobooks were published in packages of 5&nbsp;discs per abridged title; two unabridged titles were available on CD, with the longest packaged in 13&nbsp;discs.{{r|b-physical}}
{{As of|2013|04}}, print editions were generally {{nowrap|between 400 and 500 pages,}} though some [[mass market]] versions have rendered in more; total ''Series'' length in first paperback edition was about {{nowrap|10,600 print pages}} (24&nbsp;titles). Digital editions ranged in size from less than a [[megabyte]] (some e&#8209;book releases) to over a [[gigabyte]] (some e&#8209;audiobook releases); the totals run from a low of about 10&nbsp;MB (for {{nowrap|22 e-book}} titles, in [[EPUB]] format) to a high of about 10&nbsp;GB (for 12&nbsp;unabridged titles, in [[MP3]] format). Durations of audio versions spread from about 6&nbsp;hours for the abridged editions to anywhere between {{nowrap|11 and 19 hours}} for the unabridged editions; the total length of the unabridged edition was about 155&nbsp;hours, divided among 12&nbsp;titles. CD audiobooks were published in packages of 5&nbsp;discs per abridged title; two unabridged titles were available on CD, with the longest packaged in 13&nbsp;discs.{{r|b-physical}}


Outside the UK, ''The Horus Heresy'' titles are published in several countries and languages by Black Library divisions or as [[Edition (book)#Co-edition|co-edition]]s with local associates. {{As of|2013|04}}, other-language renditions lagged the English-language ''The Horus Heresy'' in the number of released titles, and had followed distinct publication schedules and release sequences. Also {{As of|2013|04|lc=y}}, editions in other languages were published in paperback and e&#8209;book formats.
Outside the UK, ''Series'' titles are published in several countries and languages by Black Library divisions or as [[Edition (book)#Co-edition|co-edition]]s with local associates. {{As of|2013|04}}, other-language renditions lagged the English-language ''Series'' in the number of released titles, and had followed distinct publication schedules and release sequences. Also {{As of|2013|04|lc=y}}, editions in other languages were published in paperback and e&#8209;book formats.


Starting November&nbsp;2010, new titles have often been released simultaneously in multiple media; occasionally since then, new titles' digital or audio releases have preceded the print versions, in reverse of previous practice (see table "Published" [[#Titles|above]]). Stories in ''The Horus Heresy'' compilations have also been published individually, as e&#8209;books, and as MP3 or [[CD]] "audio shorts".
Starting November&nbsp;2010, new titles have often been released simultaneously in multiple media; occasionally since then, new titles' digital or audio releases have preceded the print versions, in reverse of previous practice (see table "Published" [[#Titles|above]]). Stories in ''Series'' compilations have also been published individually, as e&#8209;books, and as MP3 or [[CD]] "audio shorts".


''The Horus Heresy' stories have appeared in whole or in part in other Black Library publications, sometimes before the corresponding ''Horus Heresy'' books have become generally available; prepublications have included stand-alone releases of compilation stories.{{r|other-pub}} "Prerelease" copies of ''The Horus Heresy'' volumes have been regularly offered months before official publication, in Games Workshop- and Black Library&#8209;sponsored events such as the various [[Games Day]]s.
''Series'' stories have appeared in whole or in part in other Black Library publications, sometimes before the corresponding ''Series'' books have become generally available; prepublications have included stand-alone releases of compilation stories.{{r|other-pub}} "Prerelease" copies of ''Series'' volumes have been regularly offered months before official publication, in Games Workshop- and Black Library&#8209;sponsored events such as the various [[Games Day]]s.


There have been a number of special editions and [[Product bundling|bundles]] published in a variety of media; bundles have included the "Horus Heresy Collections", which mix editions and media of the same or different titles. In concert with established industry practice, certain special editions are available in limited distribution months before the release of the corresponding regular, or wider-release, versions.
There have been a number of special editions and [[Product bundling|bundles]] published in a variety of media; bundles have included the "Horus Heresy Collections", which mix editions and media of the same or different titles. In concert with established industry practice, certain special editions are available in limited distribution months before the release of the corresponding regular, or wider-release, versions.


The books' cover art has been separately released, in [[poster]] and other formats. ''The Horus Heresy'' bundles and special offers have also contained the separate artwork releases of the included titles.{{r|eds|exclusive}}
The books' cover art has been separately released, in [[poster]] and other formats. ''Series'' bundles and special offers have also contained the separate artwork releases of the included titles.{{r|eds|exclusive}}


==={{anchor|premium}}"Premium" editions<!-- Section linked from within this article -->===
==={{anchor|premium}}"Premium" editions<!-- Section linked from within this article -->===
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English-language ''Horus Heresy'' releases include publishing of the titles in special "premium" editions: "Premium Hardback" (print) and "Enhanced Ebook" (digital). These versions contain additional material and artwork, and are published several months before their general-availability or regular edition counterparts. The first title to appear in "premium" editions, in October&nbsp;2012, was [[#book23|''Angel Exterminatus'']] (Book&nbsp;23). The earlier catalogue of ''The Horus Heresy'' is also republished in these editions, again beginning October&nbsp;2012 with ''The Horus Heresy''-opening [[#trilogy|novel trilogy]].{{r|hh-pe|b1-rev|exclusive}}
English-language ''Series'' releases include publishing of the titles in special "premium" editions: "Premium Hardback" (print) and "Enhanced Ebook" (digital). These versions contain additional material and artwork, and are published several months before their general-availability or regular edition counterparts. The first title to appear in "premium" editions, in October&nbsp;2012, was [[#book23|''Angel Exterminatus'']] (Book&nbsp;23). The earlier catalogue of the ''Series'' is also republished in these editions, again beginning October&nbsp;2012 with the ''Series''-opening [[#trilogy|novel trilogy]].{{r|hh-pe|b1-rev|exclusive}}


===Other special editions (selections)===
===Other special editions (selections)===
<!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: PLEASE SEE PARTIAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RECOMMENDED EDITING PRACTICES AT THE ARTICLE TALK PAGE. PLEASE UPDATE THE DOCUMENTATION TO REFLECT YOUR EDITS IF NEEDED. -->
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*{{anchor|book1-ae}}[[#book1|''Horus Rising'']]{{spnd}} Dan Abnett. "5th Anniversary Edition" to mark the 5&#8209;year publishing history of ''The Horus Heresy''. With {{" '}}titanium blue' foil treatment on the cover" and it includes "an exclusive new introduction by author Dan Abnett"{{r|bl-b1-ae|b1-rev}}{{spnd}} April&nbsp;2011{{r|b1-ae}}
*{{anchor|book1-ae}}[[#book1|''Horus Rising'']]{{spnd}} Dan Abnett. "5th Anniversary Edition" to mark the 5&#8209;year publishing history of the ''Series''. With {{" '}}titanium blue' foil treatment on the cover" and it includes "an exclusive new introduction by author Dan Abnett"{{r|bl-b1-ae|b1-rev}}{{spnd}} April&nbsp;2011{{r|b1-ae}}
* ''Limited Edition Horus Heresy Audio Boxset''{{spnd}} Dan Abnett, Ben Counter, Graham McNeill. Contains the abridged CD&#8209;audio versions of ''The Horus Heresy''{{'}}s opening trilogy narrated by Martyn Ellis. Abridged by Christian Dunn. Includes an exclusive bonus CD containing the short story "Little Horus" by Abnett, from the [[#book16|''Age of Darkness'']] compilation, also read by Ellis. Total duration is about 18&nbsp;hours, contained in 16&nbsp;discs. Edition limited to 2,000&nbsp;copies worldwide{{r|bl-b1-3-as}}{{spnd}} November&nbsp;2011{{r|b1-3-as}}
* ''Limited Edition Horus Heresy Audio Boxset''{{spnd}} Dan Abnett, Ben Counter, Graham McNeill. Contains the abridged CD&#8209;audio versions of the ''Series''{{'}} opening trilogy narrated by Martyn Ellis. Abridged by Christian Dunn. Includes an exclusive bonus CD containing the short story "Little Horus" by Abnett, from the [[#book16|''Age of Darkness'']] compilation, also read by Ellis. Total duration is about 18&nbsp;hours, contained in 16&nbsp;discs. Edition limited to 2,000&nbsp;copies worldwide{{r|bl-b1-3-as}}{{spnd}} November&nbsp;2011{{r|b1-3-as}}
* ''Xmas 2011 Horus Heresy eBundle''{{spnd}} [[#Authors|''The Horus Heresy'' authors]]. E&#8209;book edition of the first 17&nbsp;Books in ''The Horus Heresy''. One of several ''Horus Heresy'' bundles, this was offered as a {{nowrap|"Christmas 2011 Special"}}{{spnd}} November&nbsp;2011{{r|b1-17-eb}}
* ''Xmas 2011 Horus Heresy eBundle''{{spnd}} [[#Authors|''Series'' authors]]. E&#8209;book edition of the first 17&nbsp;Books in the ''Series''. One of several ''Series'' bundles, this was offered as a {{nowrap|"Christmas 2011 Special"}}{{spnd}} November&nbsp;2011{{r|b1-17-eb}}


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Refimprove|date=April 2013}}
<!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: PLEASE SEE PARTIAL DOCUMENTATION WITH RECOMMENDED EDITING PRACTICES AT THE ARTICLE TALK PAGE. PLEASE UPDATE THE DOCUMENTATION TO REFLECT YOUR EDITS IF NEEDED. -->
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{{As of|2013|03}}, ''The Horus Heresy'' as a whole was generally enjoying both popular and critical approval,{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} with corresponding commercial success;{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} favourable sales performance by the publisher has been credited to the ''The Horus Heresy''{{'}}s popularity.{{r|sales-perform}} The considerable Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 fan base{{r|popularity}} embraced the work,{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} and helped propel the product's sales: titles have consistently appeared in UK and US [[science fiction]] charts, have occupied high positions in [[Nielsen BookScan]] genre lists, and since early&nbsp;2010 have often charted in [[The New York Times Bestseller List]] for mass-market paperbacks.{{r|sales-direct}}
{{As of|2013|03}}, the ''Series'' as a whole was generally enjoying both popular and critical approval, with corresponding commercial success; favourable sales performance by the publisher has been credited to the ''Series''{{'}} popularity.{{r|sales-perform}} The considerable Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 fan base{{r|popularity}} embraced the work, and helped propel the product's sales: titles have consistently appeared in UK and US [[science fiction]] charts, have occupied high positions in [[Nielsen BookScan]] genre lists, and since early&nbsp;2010 have often charted in [[The New York Times Bestseller List]] for mass-market paperbacks.{{r|sales-direct}}


'''{{vanchor|Reviews}}'''
'''{{vanchor|Reviews}}'''


''The Horus Heresy'' books have been regularly reviewed; reviewers have often returned to the work to offer appraisals of additional releases.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} Reviews have typically appeared in genre-related media and [[Science fiction fandom|enthusiast]] or specialist websites; non-print and special editions of ''The Horus Heresy'' titles have also been reviewed.{{r|reviews}} Critical reception of individual titles has been mixed, yet the general tone of reviews has been mostly positive. Although ''The Horus Heresy'' overall has been viewed favourably, there have been complaints about its length, the multitude of characters and narrative threads, and the timeline jumps or repetitions caused by the nonlinear storytelling.{{r|crit-balance}}
''Series'' books have been regularly reviewed; reviewers have often returned to the work to offer appraisals of additional releases. Reviews have typically appeared in genre-related media and [[Science fiction fandom|enthusiast]] or specialist websites; non-print and special editions of ''Series'' titles have also been reviewed.{{r|reviews}} Critical reception of individual titles has been mixed, yet the general tone of reviews has been mostly positive. Although the ''Series'' overall has been viewed favourably, there have been complaints about its length, the multitude of characters and narrative threads, and the timeline jumps or repetitions caused by the nonlinear storytelling.{{r|crit-balance}}


Reviewers{{who|date=April 2013}} have commented on constraints that the underlying universe, and storyline continuity, may impose on authors. They have also ventured into perceived differences (in style or substance) among ''The Horus Heresy'' authors, and have compared the handling of different ''Horus Heresy'' stories by the same author.{{r|crit-auth}} In addition, the evolving ''Horus Heresy'' is said to have gradually acquired a backstory and terminology of its own; this has lead reviewers to question the accessibility of individual stories to new or casual readers.{{r|crit-cmnt}}
Reviewers have commented on constraints that the underlying universe, and storyline continuity, may impose on authors. They have also ventured into perceived differences (in style or substance) among ''Series'' authors, and have compared the handling of different ''Series'' stories by the same author.{{r|crit-auth}} In addition, the evolving ''Series'' is said to have gradually acquired a backstory and terminology of its own; this has lead reviewers to question the accessibility of individual stories to new or casual readers.{{r|crit-cmnt}}


'''Fandom'''
'''Fandom'''


With few exceptions,{{who|date=April 2013}} fans of the gaming and [[fiction]] aspects of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe embraced the detailed, canonical exposition of its major myth that ''The Horus Heresy'' represents.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} As the work progressed, they have echoed the praise or complaints of reviewers;{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} in addition, fans have criticised the mounting monetary cost of following Heresy-related literature in general, and ''The Horus Heresy'' in particular.{{r|fan-price}}
With few exceptions, fans of the gaming and [[fiction]] aspects of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe embraced the detailed, canonical exposition of its major myth that the ''Series'' represents. As the work progressed, they have echoed the praise or complaints of reviewers; in addition, fans have criticised the mounting monetary cost of following Heresy-related literature in general, and the ''Series'' in particular.{{r|fan-price}}


As of [[#book23|Book 23]] and {{As of|2013|01|alt=(January&nbsp;2013)}} the overall reaction remained positive.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[fandom]] was engaged in in-depth discussions of ''The Horus Heresy'' books, of the work's impact on the larger fictional universe, and of its possible future direction. ''The Horus Heresy'' was followed in [[social media]] outlets, in wargaming- and science fiction-related [[blogs]], and in [[online discussion]] sites, both those dedicated to Games Workshop products and others of a more general nature.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}} Apart from story and character development, the fans' areas of interest have included the Books' art, the rendering of the stories in different media, and the authors' craftsmanship.{{Citation needed|date=April 2013}}
As of [[#book23|Book 23]] and {{As of|2013|01|alt=(January&nbsp;2013)}} the overall reaction remained positive. Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[fandom]] was engaged in in-depth discussions of ''Series'' books, of the work's impact on the larger fictional universe, and of its possible future direction. The ''Series'' was followed in [[social media]] outlets, in wargaming- and science fiction-related [[blogs]], and in [[online discussion]] sites, both those dedicated to Games Workshop products and others of a more general nature. Apart from story and character development, the fans' areas of interest have included the Books' art, the rendering of the stories in different media, and the authors' craftsmanship.


The discussions have touched less common subjects, such as the product's packaging and the merits of special editions. Comprehensive reviews of individual titles have been persistently posted, while detailed, knowledgeable analyses of ''The Horus Heresy'' as a whole have also appeared; perceived discrepancies, [[plot holes]], continuities (and discontinuities), allusions, and plot hints are readily pointed out and expounded on. In addition, ''Horus Heresy''-related [[fan fiction]] and artwork has appeared on a regular basis, while news or rumours regarding future official releases are closely scrutinised.{{r|fandom|fan-talk}}
The discussions have touched less common subjects, such as the product's packaging and the merits of special editions. Comprehensive reviews of individual titles have been persistently posted, while detailed, knowledgeable analyses of the ''Series'' as a whole have also appeared; perceived discrepancies, [[plot holes]], continuities (and discontinuities), allusions, and plot hints are readily pointed out and expounded on. In addition, ''Series''-related [[fan fiction]] and artwork has appeared on a regular basis, while news or rumours regarding future official releases are closely scrutinised.{{r|fandom|fan-talk}}


'''{{vanchor|Sales}}'''
'''{{vanchor|Sales}}'''


Early in its publishing history, ''The Horus Heresy'' became a sales success in its category.{{clarify|date=April 2013}} [[#book1|''Horus Rising'']] by Dan Abnett, the opening title, set the pace shortly after its release, topping [[Locus (magazine)|''Locus'']] magazine's "Locus Bestsellers: Gaming-Related" list of August&nbsp;2006; {{As of|2012|10|alt=as of [[#book20|Book 20]] (June&nbsp;2012),}} practically{{clarify|date=April 2013}} every title in ''The Horus Heresy'' had achieved the same or similar performance on this chart.{{r|loc-bsl}} ''Horus Rising''{{'}}s January&nbsp;2011 [[#CITEREFAbnett2011a|CD audiobook release]] also appeared in ranked sales lists: the (abridged) edition was number&nbsp;15 in a related chart published by ''[[The Bookseller]]'', covering&nbsp;2011 UK sales up to September.{{r|bs-b1-cd}}
Early in its publishing history, the ''Series'' became a sales success in its category. [[#book1|''Horus Rising'']] by Dan Abnett, the opening title, set the pace shortly after its release, topping [[Locus (magazine)|''Locus'']] magazine's "Locus Bestsellers: Gaming-Related" list of August&nbsp;2006; {{As of|2012|10|alt=as of [[#book20|Book 20]] (June&nbsp;2012),}} practically every title in the ''Series'' had achieved the same or similar performance on this chart.{{r|loc-bsl}} ''Horus Rising''{{'}}s January&nbsp;2011 [[#CITEREFAbnett2011a|CD audiobook release]] also appeared in ranked sales lists: the (abridged) edition was number&nbsp;15 in a related chart published by ''[[The Bookseller]]'', covering&nbsp;2011 UK sales up to September.{{r|bs-b1-cd}}


[[#book7|''Legion'']] by Abnett, and [[#book8|''Battle for the Abyss'']] by Ben Counter, were listed in Nielsen BookScan's list of top&#8209;20 fictional works by small publishers for the year ending on 23&nbsp;August 2008; the books appeared in eighth and sixteenth place respectively.{{r|bs-b7b8}} The next published title, [[#book9|''Mechanicum'']] by Graham McNeill, entered ''The Bookseller''{{'}}s "Top&nbsp;20 Fiction Heatseekers" chart of 5&nbsp;December 2008, shortly after its release, at number&nbsp;10; ''Horus Heresy'' titles have consistently appeared in this list.{{r|bs-b9etc}}
[[#book7|''Legion'']] by Abnett, and [[#book8|''Battle for the Abyss'']] by Ben Counter, were listed in Nielsen BookScan's list of top&#8209;20 fictional works by small publishers for the year ending on 23&nbsp;August 2008; the books appeared in eighth and sixteenth place respectively.{{r|bs-b7b8}} The next published title, [[#book9|''Mechanicum'']] by Graham McNeill, entered ''The Bookseller''{{'}}s "Top&nbsp;20 Fiction Heatseekers" chart of 5&nbsp;December 2008, shortly after its release, at number&nbsp;10; ''Series'' titles have consistently appeared in this list.{{r|bs-b9etc}}


[[#book12|''A Thousand Sons'']] by McNeill was released in February&nbsp;2010 and arrived at number&nbsp;22 on The New York Times Bestseller List, the first ever novel on the Black Library imprint to do so. [[#book13|''Nemesis'']] by James Swallow followed, reaching number&nbsp;26 on the List in August&nbsp;2010. [[#book14|''The First Heretic'']], by Aaron Dembski&#8209;Bowden, reached number&nbsp;28 in the weekly chart in November&nbsp;2010 and stayed on the List for a second week, at number&nbsp;33. Abnett's [[#book15|''Prospero Burns'']] was next, reaching number&nbsp;16 in January&nbsp;2011; this title also topped a science fiction and fantasy book chart published by ''[[The Times]]''&nbsp;(London) in March of the same year.{{r|times-b15}}
[[#book12|''A Thousand Sons'']] by McNeill was released in February&nbsp;2010 and arrived at number&nbsp;22 on The New York Times Bestseller List, the first ever novel on the Black Library imprint to do so. [[#book13|''Nemesis'']] by James Swallow followed, reaching number&nbsp;26 on the List in August&nbsp;2010. [[#book14|''The First Heretic'']], by Aaron Dembski&#8209;Bowden, reached number&nbsp;28 in the weekly chart in November&nbsp;2010 and stayed on the List for a second week, at number&nbsp;33. Abnett's [[#book15|''Prospero Burns'']] was next, reaching number&nbsp;16 in January&nbsp;2011; this title also topped a science fiction and fantasy book chart published by ''[[The Times]]''&nbsp;(London) in March of the same year.{{r|times-b15}}


The compilation [[#book16|''Age of Darkness'']], edited by Christian Dunn, also entered The New York Times Best Sellers List, in May&nbsp;2011, at number&nbsp;31. Book&nbsp;19, [[#book19|''Know No Fear'']], again by Abnett, continued the trend: it appeared at number&nbsp;21 in March&nbsp;2012. It was followed on the List by the next ''Horus Heresy'' title, [[#book20|''The Primarchs'']], a compilation edited by Dunn, which occupied position&nbsp;29 during the week of 17&nbsp;June 2012; in addition, ''The Primarchs'' had placed first in ''[[Publishers Weekly]]''{{'s}} science fiction bestsellers listing for the week of 28&nbsp;May 2012.{{r|pw-b20}} In September&nbsp;2012 [[#book21|''Fear to Tread'']] by Swallow entered The New York Times Best Sellers List at number&nbsp;13, at the time the highest entry on that chart for a ''Horus Heresy'' novel; the book remained on the List the week after (week of 23&nbsp;September), at number&nbsp;33.{{r|nyt-bsl}}
The compilation [[#book16|''Age of Darkness'']], edited by Christian Dunn, also entered The New York Times Best Sellers List, in May&nbsp;2011, at number&nbsp;31. Book&nbsp;19, [[#book19|''Know No Fear'']], again by Abnett, continued the trend: it appeared at number&nbsp;21 in March&nbsp;2012. It was followed on the List by the next ''Series'' title, [[#book20|''The Primarchs'']], a compilation edited by Dunn, which occupied position&nbsp;29 during the week of 17&nbsp;June 2012; in addition, ''The Primarchs'' had placed first in ''[[Publishers Weekly]]''{{'s}} science fiction bestsellers listing for the week of 28&nbsp;May 2012.{{r|pw-b20}} In September&nbsp;2012 [[#book21|''Fear to Tread'']] by Swallow entered The New York Times Best Sellers List at number&nbsp;13, at the time the highest entry on that chart for a ''Series'' novel; the book remained on the List the week after (week of 23&nbsp;September), at number&nbsp;33.{{r|nyt-bsl}}


=={{anchor|related}}Related works<!-- Section linked from within this article -->==
=={{anchor|related}}Related works<!-- Section linked from within this article -->==
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Between the late–1980s [[Horus Heresy#Introduction|introduction of the Horus Heresy]] and the start of this ''Horus Heresy'' publication in&nbsp;2006, Games Workshop and affiliates released {{em|Horus Heresy}}-branded products that expanded the concept's standing as Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 background material.{{r|audience-pov}} The release of such works, which include literature independent of this ''Horus Heresy'', continued {{As of|2013|lc=y}}; the works may relate to it as prequels, sequels, or expansions of its stories.
Between the late–1980s [[Horus Heresy#Introduction|introduction of the Horus Heresy]] and the start of this ''Series'' publication in&nbsp;2006, Games Workshop and affiliates released {{em|Horus Heresy}}-branded products that expanded the concept's standing as Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 background material.{{r|audience-pov}} The release of such works, which include literature independent of this ''Series'', continued {{As of|2013|lc=y}}; the works may relate to it as prequels, sequels, or expansions of its stories.


Pre-''Horus Heresy'' literature and other related works may have been [[Retroactive continuity|superseded or rendered obsolete]], while other similar material may no longer be authoritative even as it remains in Horus Heresy and Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 canons;{{r|development}} still other non-''Horus Heresy'' material has been eventually incorporated into the work.{{r|b22-toc}}
Pre-''Series'' Horus Heresy literature and other related works may have been [[Retroactive continuity|superseded or rendered obsolete]], while other similar material may no longer be authoritative even as it remains in Horus Heresy and Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 canons;{{r|development}} still other non-''Series'' Horus Heresy material has been eventually incorporated into the work.{{r|b22-toc}}


A significant development was the&nbsp;2012 initial release of the ''Horus Heresy'' miniatures wargame expansion, which repositioned the concept as a foreground element within the ''Warhammer&nbsp;40,000'' gaming system{{spnd}} while highlighting the importance of the Horus Heresy to Games Workshop's product lineup and the related universe.{{r|sales-perform}} The expansion is reputedly developed in coordination with the ''Novel Series'', and includes new material and information about the Horus Heresy and the fictional universe; it joins ''The Horus Heresy'' and other works as an authoritative source of Heresy material and Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 background.{{r|hh-mwg}}
A significant development was the&nbsp;2012 initial release of the ''Horus Heresy'' miniatures wargame expansion, which repositioned the concept as a foreground element within the ''Warhammer&nbsp;40,000'' gaming system{{spnd}} while highlighting the importance of the Horus Heresy to Games Workshop's product lineup and the related universe.{{r|sales-perform}} The expansion is reputedly developed in coordination with the ''Novel Series'', and includes new material and information about the Horus Heresy and the fictional universe; it joins the ''Series'' and other works as an authoritative source of Heresy material and Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 background.{{r|hh-mwg}}


The Black Library and Games Workshop have released novels, game rulebooks, and other products not branded or classified as ''Horus Heresy'', yet directly relating to story arcs or events described in ''The Horus Heresy''.
The Black Library and Games Workshop have released novels, game rulebooks, and other products not branded or classified as ''Horus Heresy'', yet directly relating to story arcs or events described in the ''Series''. An example is listed in the [[#botf|section below]].


===Selections<!-- Section linked from within this article -->===
===Selections<!-- Section linked from within this article -->===
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* ''Collected Visions: Iconic Images of the Imperium, Betrayal and War''{{spnd}} Alan Merrett (writer), [[John Blanche]] (conceptual art), Nick Kyme and Matt Ralphs (editors), and many additional contributors. [[Anthology#Omnibus|Omnibus edition]] of the four-volume [[Horus Heresy#abs|''Horus Heresy Art Book Series'']] (2004–06); it outlines the entire Horus Heresy in art and prose. {{As of|2013|02}} it was partially superseded, amended, or expanded by the continuing ''Novel Series'' and the newer ''Rulebook Series'' (see [[#rs-book1|below]]). As of the same month it remained the most comprehensive official roadmap for the complete Heresy storyline{{spnd}} June&nbsp;2007{{r|abs-oe}}
* ''Collected Visions: Iconic Images of the Imperium, Betrayal and War''{{spnd}} Alan Merrett (writer), [[John Blanche]] (conceptual art), Nick Kyme and Matt Ralphs (editors), and many additional contributors. [[Anthology#Omnibus|Omnibus edition]] of the four-volume [[Horus Heresy#abs|''Horus Heresy Art Book Series'']] (2004–06); it outlines the entire Horus Heresy in art and prose. {{As of|2013|02}} it was partially superseded, amended, or expanded by the continuing ''Novel Series'' and the newer ''Rulebook Series'' (see [[#rs-book1|below]]). As of the same month it remained the most comprehensive official roadmap for the complete Heresy storyline{{spnd}} June&nbsp;2007{{r|abs-oe}}
*{{anchor|botf}}''Battle of the Fang''{{spnd}} Chris Wraight. Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 novel in the [[List of Warhammer 40,000 novels#smbs|''Space Marine Battles Series'']]. The story takes place a thousand years after the Horus Heresy, and is a continuation of the arc presented in Books&nbsp;12 ([[#book12|''A Thousand Sons'']]), and&nbsp;15 ([[#book15|''Prospero Burns'']]){{spnd}} June&nbsp;2011{{r|botf}}
*{{anchor|botf}}''Battle of the Fang''{{spnd}} Chris Wraight. Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 novel in the [[List of Warhammer 40,000 novels#smbs|''Space Marine Battles Series'']]. The story takes place a thousand years after the Horus Heresy, and is a continuation of the arc presented in Books&nbsp;12 ([[#book12|''A Thousand Sons'']]), and&nbsp;15 ([[#book15|''Prospero Burns'']]){{spnd}} June&nbsp;2011{{r|botf}}
* ''Aurelian''{{spnd}} Aaron Dembski&#8209;Bowden. Subtitled ''The Eye stares back'', this [[Horus Heresy#Novellas|"Horus Heresy Novella"]] is part of a story arc along with [[#book14|''The First Heretic'']], Book&nbsp;14 in ''The Horus Heresy''{{spnd}} October&nbsp;2011{{r|aur-gld}}
* ''Aurelian''{{spnd}} Aaron Dembski&#8209;Bowden. Subtitled ''The Eye stares back'', this [[Horus Heresy#Novellas|"Horus Heresy Novella"]] is part of a story arc along with [[#book14|''The First Heretic'']], Book&nbsp;14 in the ''Series''{{spnd}} October&nbsp;2011{{r|aur-gld}}
*{{anchor|rs-book1}}''Betrayal''{{spnd}} Alan Bligh (writer), and [[Forge World]] artists and designers. "Volume One" in the ''Horus Heresy Rulebook Series''. This series is part of the stand-alone ''Horus Heresy'' expansion for the ''Warhammer&nbsp;40,000'' game system; the expansion is produced by Games Workshop [[Miniature figure (gaming)|modelling]] subsidiary Forge World. ''Betrayal'' is centered on the events of [[#isstvan|Isstvan&nbsp;III]], also described in ''Galaxy in Flames'', [[#book3|Book 3]] of the ''Novel Series''{{spnd}} September&nbsp;2012{{r|mwg-b1}}
*{{anchor|rs-book1}}''Betrayal''{{spnd}} Alan Bligh (writer), and [[Forge World]] artists and designers. "Volume One" in the ''Horus Heresy Rulebook Series''. This series is part of the stand-alone ''Horus Heresy'' expansion for the ''Warhammer&nbsp;40,000'' game system; the expansion is produced by Games Workshop [[Miniature figure (gaming)|modelling]] subsidiary Forge World. ''Betrayal'' is centered on the events of [[#isstvan|Isstvan&nbsp;III]], also described in ''Galaxy in Flames'', [[#book3|Book 3]] of the ''Novel Series''{{spnd}} September&nbsp;2012{{r|mwg-b1}}


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{{reflist|3|refs=
{{reflist|3|refs=
{{refn|name=eds<!-- Footnote nest -->|{{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Horus Heresy"}}. Books&nbsp;1–22 originally printed as mass-market (mm) paperbacks. For [[#CITEREFMcNeill&#91;2012&#93;_2013a-2|Book 23]] and following, first general-availability print edition is in trade format with fold-out cover. See also {{harvnb|Black Library Facebook Page|2012|loc={{URL|1=https://www.facebook.com/theblacklibrary/posts/397929666948993?comment_id=2921533|2={{interp|post by Black Library, 7 December 2012 at 4:56&nbsp;am}}}}}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-01-04|append=;}} imprints or editions of individual novels may have alternate subtitles{{r|b5-sub|b9-sub}} and may also have variations in punctuation or capitalization of title or subtitle; for examples of compilation stories that have been published individually see: {{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Ebooks: Horus Heresy"}} (includes listing of short story e&#8209;books). {{harvnb|Kyme|2011a}} (downloadable "audio short"). {{harvnb|Abnett et al.|2011}} (audiobook bundle includes a short story extra on separate disc media); {{As of|2013|04|lc=y}} ''The Horus Heresy'' as a whole was not assigned an official series or "set" [[ISBN]], nor an [[ISSN]]. However unique ISBNs may be assigned to the publisher's [[Product bundling|bundle]] offers; publication details of ''Horus Heresy'' titles may not be presented uniformly across publisher communications, such as in the official ''Horus Heresy'' website, and the Black Library webpages listed here; this article refers to UK releases and more generally to English-language editions, except where stated otherwise. For ''Series'' titles published in other languages, see {{URL|1=http://www.worldcat.org/search?q={{urlencode:kw:horus heresy AND -ln:eng AND x0:book AND -mt:juv AND mt:fic|QUERY}}|2=non-English editions}} in libraries ([[Worldcat]] catalog). {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-03-18}}}}
{{refn|name=eds<!-- Footnote nest -->|{{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Horus Heresy"}}. Books&nbsp;1–22 originally printed as mass-market (mm) paperbacks. For [[#CITEREFMcNeill&#91;2012&#93;_2013a-2|Book 23]] and following, first general-availability print edition is in trade format with fold-out cover. See also {{harvnb|Black Library Facebook Page|2012|loc={{URL|1=https://www.facebook.com/theblacklibrary/posts/397929666948993?comment_id=2921533|2={{interp|post by Black Library, 7 December 2012 at 4:56&nbsp;am}}}}}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-01-04|append=;}} imprints or editions of individual novels may have alternate subtitles{{r|b5-sub|b9-sub}} and may also have variations in punctuation or capitalization of title or subtitle; for examples of compilation stories that have been published individually see: {{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Ebooks: Horus Heresy"}} (includes listing of short story e&#8209;books). {{harvnb|Kyme|2011a}} (downloadable "audio short"). {{harvnb|Abnett et al.|2011}} (audiobook bundle includes a short story extra on separate disc media); {{As of|2013|04|lc=y}} the ''Series'' as a whole was not assigned an official series or "set" [[ISBN]], nor an [[ISSN]]. However unique ISBNs may be assigned to the publisher's [[Product bundling|bundle]] offers; publication details of ''Series'' titles may not be presented uniformly across publisher communications, such as in the official ''Series'' website (listed in §&nbsp;[[#external|External links]]), and the Black Library webpages listed here; this article refers to UK releases and more generally to English-language editions, except where stated otherwise. For ''Series'' titles published in other languages, see {{URL|1=http://www.worldcat.org/search?q={{urlencode:kw:horus heresy AND -ln:eng AND x0:book AND -mt:juv AND mt:fic|QUERY}}|2=non-English editions}} in libraries ([[Worldcat]] catalog). {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-03-18}}}}


<ref name=abs-oe>{{harvnb|Merrett|2007}}.</ref>
<ref name=abs-oe>{{harvnb|Merrett|2007}}.</ref>


<ref name=allusion>[[#lupercal|"Horus"]] and elements of the entire Heresy storyline recall the [[Egyptian pantheon|Ancient Egyptian deity]] [[Horus]] and related mythologies. A detail is ''The Horus Heresy'' depiction of the "Eye of Terra/Eye of Horus" {{harv|Abnett|2006|p=114}} which is part of the [[heraldry]] of Warmaster Horus' own Legion, compare with [[Eye of Horus]]; [[#Erebus|"Erebus"]], a [[Chaos (Warhammer)]] ally, is named after [[Erebus]], a [[Chaos (cosmogony)]] entity in [[Greek mythology]]; [[#jonson|"Lion El'Jonson"]] is the Primarch of the "Dark Angels" Legion, alluding to 19th&#8209;century [[England|English]] poet [[Lionel Johnson]] and his poem "{{ws2|The Dark Angel}}"; [[#hawser|"Kasper Hawser"]] refers to [[Kaspar Hauser]], the mysterious 19th&#8209;century [[Germans|German]] youth. In ''The Horus Heresy'', Hawser is also known as "Ahmad Ibn Rustah" {{harv|Abnett|2011b|loc=§&nbsp;"Dramatis Personae"}}, a further allusion: [[Ahmad ibn Rustah]]; see also [[#abaddon|"Abaddon"]] vs. [[Abaddon]]; [[#ahriman|"Ahriman"]] vs. [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]], etc.; for an unofficial, informal listing of many other [[Literary technique|devices]] and [[Trope (literature)|tropes]] reputedly utilised in Horus Heresy literature see {{tvtropes|HorusHeresy|The Horus Heresy}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-12-01}}</ref>
<ref name=allusion>[[#lupercal|"Horus"]] and elements of the entire Heresy storyline recall the [[Egyptian pantheon|Ancient Egyptian deity]] [[Horus]] and related mythologies. A detail is the ''Series'' depiction of the "Eye of Terra/Eye of Horus" {{harv|Abnett|2006|p=114}} which is part of the [[heraldry]] of Warmaster Horus' own Legion, compare with [[Eye of Horus]]; [[#Erebus|"Erebus"]], a [[Chaos (Warhammer)]] ally, is named after [[Erebus]], a [[Chaos (cosmogony)]] entity in [[Greek mythology]]; [[#jonson|"Lion El'Jonson"]] is the Primarch of the "Dark Angels" Legion, alluding to 19th&#8209;century [[England|English]] poet [[Lionel Johnson]] and his poem "{{ws2|The Dark Angel}}"; [[#hawser|"Kasper Hawser"]] refers to [[Kaspar Hauser]], the mysterious 19th&#8209;century [[Germans|German]] youth. In the ''Series'', Hawser is also known as "Ahmad Ibn Rustah" {{harv|Abnett|2011b|loc=§&nbsp;"Dramatis Personae"}}, a further allusion: [[Ahmad ibn Rustah]]; see also [[#abaddon|"Abaddon"]] vs. [[Abaddon]]; [[#ahriman|"Ahriman"]] vs. [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]], etc.; for an unofficial, informal listing of many other [[Literary technique|devices]] and [[Trope (literature)|tropes]] reputedly utilised in Horus Heresy literature see {{tvtropes|HorusHeresy|The Horus Heresy}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-12-01}}</ref>


<ref name=art>{{harvnb|Roberts et al.|2006–2013}}. The books' art may include edition-specific reproductions, such as wraparound and [[dust jacket]] cover art in the "premium hardback" edition, and internal illustrations unique to [[#premium|"premium" editions]] in general; trade paperback versions have "French flap" (fold-out) cover art. See in {{harvnb|Black Library Online|"The Horus Heresy"}} (publisher webpage lists different editions and media); the art is noted in publisher promotions, and is a subject of interest within the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 fan community {{harv|Perrin et al.|2011}}; ''The Horus Heresy'' and other Horus Heresy-related art is often separately previewed by the publisher {{harv|The Black Library Team|2012a}}; see also {{harvtxt|Farley|2010}} for an interview with main ''Horus Heresy'' artist Neil Roberts.</ref>
<ref name=art>{{harvnb|Roberts et al.|2006–2013}}. The books' art may include edition-specific reproductions, such as wraparound and [[dust jacket]] cover art in the "premium hardback" edition, and internal illustrations unique to [[#premium|"premium" editions]] in general; trade paperback versions have "French flap" (fold-out) cover art. See in {{harvnb|Black Library Online|"The Horus Heresy"}} (publisher webpage lists different editions and media); the art is noted in publisher promotions, and is a subject of interest within the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 fan community {{harv|Perrin et al.|2011}}; ''Series'' and other Horus Heresy-related art is often separately previewed by the publisher {{harv|The Black Library Team|2012a}}; see also {{harvtxt|Farley|2010}} for an interview with main ''Series'' artist Neil Roberts.</ref>


<ref name=audience-pov>The audience has a partially [[Narrative mode#omni3|omniscient point-of-view]], since a number of significant events, the general outline, and the ending of the Horus Heresy are known in advance. Story elements have been published by [[Games Workshop]] starting&nbsp;1988 {{harv|Merrett|2007|p=6&nbsp;{{interp|not numbered}}}}; a comprehensive outline, including the conclusion, was published in the four-volume [[Horus Heresy#abs|''Horus Heresy Art Book Series'']] between May&nbsp;2004 and July&nbsp;2006. This ''Horus Heresy'' was republished in a 2007&nbsp;[[Anthology#Omnibus|omnibus edition]], see ''Collected Visions'' (in §&nbsp;[[#Selections|Related works: Selections]]). Also, §&nbsp;{{See section|Horus Heresy|Expansion and continuity}}.</ref>
<ref name=audience-pov>The audience has a partially [[Narrative mode#omni3|omniscient point-of-view]], since a number of significant events, the general outline, and the ending of the Horus Heresy are known in advance. Story elements have been published by [[Games Workshop]] starting&nbsp;1988 {{harv|Merrett|2007|p=6&nbsp;{{interp|not numbered}}}}; a comprehensive outline, including the conclusion, was published in the four-volume [[Horus Heresy#abs|''Horus Heresy Art Book Series'']] between May&nbsp;2004 and July&nbsp;2006. This ''Series'' was republished in a 2007&nbsp;[[Anthology#Omnibus|omnibus edition]], see ''Collected Visions'' (in §&nbsp;[[#Selections|Related works: Selections]]). Also, §&nbsp;{{See section|Horus Heresy|Expansion and continuity}}.</ref>


<ref name=aur-gld>{{harvnb|Dembski-Bowden|2011}}. Originally offered as a "Collectors Edition" web exclusive.</ref>
<ref name=aur-gld>{{harvnb|Dembski-Bowden|2011}}. Originally offered as a "Collectors Edition" web exclusive.</ref>
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<ref name=b16-rev>Review: {{harvnb|Flory|2011}} (positive).</ref>
<ref name=b16-rev>Review: {{harvnb|Flory|2011}} (positive).</ref>


<ref name=b16-toc>"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&#8209;Bowden {{harv|Dunn|2011-1|loc=§&nbsp;"Contents"}}. One story, "The Iron Within", was prepublished in ''Hammer and Bolter'', a Black Library e&#8209;magazine, in February&nbsp;2011 {{harv|Sanders|2011}}; "The Last Remembrancer" was included in the same magazine's May&nbsp;2011 issue, published simultaneously with the ''Horus Heresy'' book {{harv|French|2011}}.</ref>
<ref name=b16-toc>"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&#8209;Bowden {{harv|Dunn|2011-1|loc=§&nbsp;"Contents"}}. One story, "The Iron Within", was prepublished in ''Hammer and Bolter'', a Black Library e&#8209;magazine, in February&nbsp;2011 {{harv|Sanders|2011}}; "The Last Remembrancer" was included in the same magazine's May&nbsp;2011 issue, published simultaneously with the ''Series'' book {{harv|French|2011}}.</ref>


<ref name=b17>{{harvs|nb|last=McNeill|year1=2011c-1|loc1=(e&#8209;audiobook)|year2=2011c-2|loc2=(e&#8209;book)|year3=2011c-3|loc3=([[#mmp|mm]] paperback)}}.</ref>
<ref name=b17>{{harvs|nb|last=McNeill|year1=2011c-1|loc1=(e&#8209;audiobook)|year2=2011c-2|loc2=(e&#8209;book)|year3=2011c-3|loc3=([[#mmp|mm]] paperback)}}.</ref>


<ref name=b17-con>Reputed continuity problems introduced in ''The Horus Heresy'' by story elements in [[#book17|''The Outcast Dead'']] have been the subject of discussion among the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[Fandom|fan community]] {{harv|Antigonos et al.|2011}}; see also {{harvtxt|Dembski-Bowden|2012a|loc=§&nbsp;"Author's Note", p.&nbsp;9}}.</ref>
<ref name=b17-con>Reputed continuity problems introduced in the ''Series'' by story elements in [[#book17|''The Outcast Dead'']] have been the subject of discussion among the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 [[Fandom|fan community]] {{harv|Antigonos et al.|2011}}; see also {{harvtxt|Dembski-Bowden|2012a|loc=§&nbsp;"Author's Note", p.&nbsp;9}}.</ref>


<ref name=b17-rev>Review of the e&#8209;audio edition: {{harvnb|Dean|2011}} (mixed).</ref>
<ref name=b17-rev>Review of the e&#8209;audio edition: {{harvnb|Dean|2011}} (mixed).</ref>
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<ref name=b20-rev>Review: {{harvnb|Dean|2012}} (negative).</ref>
<ref name=b20-rev>Review: {{harvnb|Dean|2012}} (negative).</ref>


<ref name=b20-toc>"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 {{harv|Dunn|2012-3|loc=§&nbsp;"Contents"}}. "Feat of Iron" complements a non-''Horus Heresy'' novella by the same author {{harv|Kyme|2011b}}; "The Lion" was prepublished in digital format, as a ''Hammer and Bolter'' [[Serial (literature)|serial]] {{harv|Thorpe|2012b}}.</ref>
<ref name=b20-toc>"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 {{harv|Dunn|2012-3|loc=§&nbsp;"Contents"}}. "Feat of Iron" complements a non-''Series'' Horus Heresy novella by the same author {{harv|Kyme|2011b}}; "The Lion" was prepublished in digital format, as a ''Hammer and Bolter'' [[Serial (literature)|serial]] {{harv|Thorpe|2012b}}.</ref>


<ref name=b21>{{harvs|nb|last=Swallow|year1=2012a-1|loc1=(e&#8209;audiobook)|year2=2012a-2|loc2=(e&#8209;book)|year3=2012a-3|loc3=([[#mmp|mm]] paperback)}}.</ref>
<ref name=b21>{{harvs|nb|last=Swallow|year1=2012a-1|loc1=(e&#8209;audiobook)|year2=2012a-2|loc2=(e&#8209;book)|year3=2012a-3|loc3=([[#mmp|mm]] paperback)}}.</ref>
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<ref name=b22-rev>Review: {{harvnb|Fergus|2012}} (positive).</ref>
<ref name=b22-rev>Review: {{harvnb|Fergus|2012}} (positive).</ref>


<ref name=b22-toc>Short stories: "The Dark King", "The Kaban Project", and "Death of a Silversmith" by Graham McNeil; "The Lightning Tower" by Dan Abnett; "Raven's Flight" by Gav Thorpe (these stories were previously published; "Raven's Flight", a prequel to [[#book18|Book 18]], is an adaptation of an original [[Horus Heresy#a-drama|"Horus Heresy Audio Drama"]], the first such entry in ''The Horus Heresy''). Novellas: "The Crimson Fist" by John French (prepublished as stand-alone e&#8209;book, see {{harvnb|French|2012}}); "The Prince of Crows", an original story by Aaron Dembski&#8209;Bowden. {{harv|Dunn|Kyme|2012-2|loc=[[edition notice]] {{interp|p.&nbsp;6&nbsp;(not numbered)}}, §&nbsp;"Contents"}}.</ref>
<ref name=b22-toc>Short stories: "The Dark King", "The Kaban Project", and "Death of a Silversmith" by Graham McNeil; "The Lightning Tower" by Dan Abnett; "Raven's Flight" by Gav Thorpe (these stories were previously published; "Raven's Flight", a prequel to [[#book18|Book 18]], is an adaptation of an original [[Horus Heresy#a-drama|"Horus Heresy Audio Drama"]], the first such entry in this ''Series''). Novellas: "The Crimson Fist" by John French (prepublished as stand-alone e&#8209;book, see {{harvnb|French|2012}}); "The Prince of Crows", an original story by Aaron Dembski&#8209;Bowden. {{harv|Dunn|Kyme|2012-2|loc=[[edition notice]] {{interp|p.&nbsp;6&nbsp;(not numbered)}}, §&nbsp;"Contents"}}.</ref>


<ref name=b23>{{harvs|nb|last=McNeill|year1=2012b-3|loc1=(e&#8209;audiobook)|year2=&#91;2012&#93; 2013a-1|loc2=(e&#8209;book)|year3=&#91;2012&#93; 2013a-2|loc3=(trade paperback)}}.</ref>
<ref name=b23>{{harvs|nb|last=McNeill|year1=2012b-3|loc1=(e&#8209;audiobook)|year2=&#91;2012&#93; 2013a-1|loc2=(e&#8209;book)|year3=&#91;2012&#93; 2013a-2|loc3=(trade paperback)}}.</ref>
Line 565: Line 564:
<ref name=b9-sub><!-- Nested footnote -->In some editions, [[#CITEREFMcNeill2009|Book 9]] is subtitled ''Knowledge is power'', see {{worldcat|name=''Mechanicum: <nowiki>[knowledge is power]</nowiki>''|oclc=209718112}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-02-07}}</ref>
<ref name=b9-sub><!-- Nested footnote -->In some editions, [[#CITEREFMcNeill2009|Book 9]] is subtitled ''Knowledge is power'', see {{worldcat|name=''Mechanicum: <nowiki>[knowledge is power]</nowiki>''|oclc=209718112}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2012-02-07}}</ref>


<ref name=background>{{harvs|nb|last=Flory|year1=2007|year2=2011|loc2=¶&nbsp;2}}; {{harvnb|Fortune|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;2}}; {{harvnb|Gronli|2008a|loc=¶&nbsp;2. "{{interp|The ''Horus heresy''}} is a futuristic multi-installment retelling of the epic poem ''Paradise Lost''"}}; {{harvs|nb|last=Horus Heresy Online|year1="The Characters"|year2="The Story"}} (both from the ''Series''{{'}} official website); {{harvnb|Dembski-Bowden|2012a|loc=§&nbsp;"Author's Note", p.&nbsp;9. "{{interp|A}}s more of the Horus Heresy comes to light in the&nbsp;...&nbsp;{{interp|''Series''}}, the lore of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe undergoes subtle shifts in scope."}} (By a Horus Heresy and Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 author).</ref>
<ref name=background>{{harvs|nb|last=Flory|year1=2007|year2=2011|loc2=¶&nbsp;2}}; {{harvnb|Fortune|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;2}}; {{harvnb|Gronli|2008a|loc=¶&nbsp;2. "{{interp|The ''Series''}} is a futuristic multi-installment retelling of the epic poem ''Paradise Lost''"}}; {{harvs|nb|last=Horus Heresy Online|year1="The Characters"|year2="The Story"}} (both from the ''Series''{{'}} official website); {{harvnb|Dembski-Bowden|2012a|loc=§&nbsp;"Author's Note", p.&nbsp;9. "{{interp|A}}s more of the Horus Heresy comes to light in the&nbsp;...&nbsp;{{interp|''Series''}}, the lore of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 universe undergoes subtle shifts in scope."}} (By a Horus Heresy and Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 author).</ref>


<ref name=bl-b1-3-as>{{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Horus Heresy Audio Boxset"}}.</ref>
<ref name=bl-b1-3-as>{{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Horus Heresy Audio Boxset"}}.</ref>
Line 573: Line 572:
<ref name=bl-cs>{{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Coming Soon"}}.</ref>
<ref name=bl-cs>{{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Coming Soon"}}.</ref>


<ref name=bookmatter>{{harvnb|Horus Heresy Novel Series|2006–2013}}; {{harvnb|Horus Heresy Online|"The Characters"}}; §&nbsp;"Timeline"{{spnd}} in reprints or editions of {{harvnb|Counter|2006}} and {{harvnb|Swallow|2007}} ([[back matter]]). Contains brief descriptions of distinct Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 time periods, from its first millennium ("{{abbr|M1|1st&nbsp;millennium|u}}") up to the books' time frame. Unless otherwise specified, all references to print versions of ''The Horus Heresy'' titles apply to UK [[Edition (book)#first|1st edition]] [[Paperback#mmp|mass-market paperback]] ({{abbrw|mm paperback}} herein) as reported by the British National Bibliography project {{harv|BNB|2012}}, or in publisher-related sources such as the webpages included here.</ref>
<ref name=bookmatter>{{harvnb|Horus Heresy Novel Series|2006–2013}}; {{harvnb|Horus Heresy Online|"The Characters"}}; §&nbsp;"Timeline"{{spnd}} in reprints or editions of {{harvnb|Counter|2006}} and {{harvnb|Swallow|2007}} ([[back matter]]). Contains brief descriptions of distinct Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 time periods, from its first millennium ("{{abbr|M1|1st&nbsp;millennium|u}}") up to the books' time frame. Unless otherwise specified, all references to print versions of ''Series'' titles apply to UK [[Edition (book)#first|1st edition]] [[Paperback#mmp|mass-market paperback]] ({{abbrw|mm paperback}} herein) as reported by the British National Bibliography project {{harv|BNB|2012}}, or in publisher-related sources such as the webpages included here.</ref>


<ref name=botf>{{harvnb|Wraight|2011b}}.</ref>
<ref name=botf>{{harvnb|Wraight|2011b}}.</ref>
Line 581: Line 580:
<ref name=bs-b7b8>{{harvnb|Stone|2008|loc=p.&nbsp;S6. "''The Bookseller'' classifies a small publisher as any&nbsp;...&nbsp;{{interp|with}} revenue&nbsp;...&nbsp;{{interp|in the}} last year of {{nowrap|less than 0.3%}} {{interp|of the Total Consumer Market}}&nbsp;...."}}</ref>
<ref name=bs-b7b8>{{harvnb|Stone|2008|loc=p.&nbsp;S6. "''The Bookseller'' classifies a small publisher as any&nbsp;...&nbsp;{{interp|with}} revenue&nbsp;...&nbsp;{{interp|in the}} last year of {{nowrap|less than 0.3%}} {{interp|of the Total Consumer Market}}&nbsp;...."}}</ref>


<ref name=bs-b9etc>{{harvnb|Bookseller|2008}}; {{harvnb|Stone|2009|loc="Titles from Games Workshop's Black Library publishing arm always hover around or in The Bookseller's weekly small publishers charts, and three titles make the&nbsp;2009 Top&nbsp;20."}} {{interp|The titles referred to were all ''Horus Heresy'' Books}}.</ref>
<ref name=bs-b9etc>{{harvnb|Bookseller|2008}}; {{harvnb|Stone|2009|loc="Titles from Games Workshop's Black Library publishing arm always hover around or in The Bookseller's weekly small publishers charts, and three titles make the&nbsp;2009 Top&nbsp;20."}} {{interp|The titles referred to were all ''Series'' Books}}.</ref>


<ref name=chaos>{{harvnb|Merrett|2007|pp=34, 133, 322, 324}}; {{harvnb|McNeill|2010d-1|p=348}}; {{harvnb|Dembski-Bowden|2010-2|pp=187, 191–192}}; {{harvnb|Thorpe|2012a-3|pp=52, 166}}; {{harvnb|Troke et al.|2012|pp=144, 218, 222}}.</ref>
<ref name=chaos>{{harvnb|Merrett|2007|pp=34, 133, 322, 324}}; {{harvnb|McNeill|2010d-1|p=348}}; {{harvnb|Dembski-Bowden|2010-2|pp=187, 191–192}}; {{harvnb|Thorpe|2012a-3|pp=52, 166}}; {{harvnb|Troke et al.|2012|pp=144, 218, 222}}.</ref>


<ref name=char-drive>{{harvnb|Sobel|2010|loc=¶¶&nbsp;5, 6. "{{interp|T}}he characters&nbsp;...&nbsp;are vividly portrayed and&nbsp;...&nbsp;bring something unique&nbsp;...&nbsp;to the storyline. ...&nbsp;{{interp|The ''Horus Heresy''}}&nbsp;...&nbsp;takes characters from very black and white stories of good and evil&nbsp;...&nbsp;and shows you the many shades of grey&nbsp;..."}}. From a review of Book&nbsp;12, [[#book12|''A Thousand Sons'']]. In contrast Book&nbsp;19, [[#book19|''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 {{harv|Fortune|2012|loc=¶¶&nbsp;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"}}.</ref>
<ref name=char-drive>{{harvnb|Sobel|2010|loc=¶¶&nbsp;5, 6. "{{interp|T}}he characters&nbsp;...&nbsp;are vividly portrayed and&nbsp;...&nbsp;bring something unique&nbsp;...&nbsp;to the storyline. ...&nbsp;{{interp|The ''Series''}}&nbsp;...&nbsp;takes characters from very black and white stories of good and evil&nbsp;...&nbsp;and shows you the many shades of grey&nbsp;..."}}. From a review of Book&nbsp;12, [[#book12|''A Thousand Sons'']]. In contrast Book&nbsp;19, [[#book19|''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 {{harv|Fortune|2012|loc=¶¶&nbsp;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"}}.</ref>


<ref name=char-traits>{{harvnb|Rhoads|2011b|loc=¶&nbsp;4. "{{interp|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."}}; {{harvnb|Sobel|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;6. "{{interp|T}}he very human tragedies at the centre of those stories."}}</ref>
<ref name=char-traits>{{harvnb|Rhoads|2011b|loc=¶&nbsp;4. "{{interp|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."}}; {{harvnb|Sobel|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;6. "{{interp|T}}he very human tragedies at the centre of those stories."}}</ref>
Line 593: Line 592:
<ref name=crit-auth>{{harvnb|Bosier|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;3. "{{interp|T}}he sense of majesty and glory is palpable in the hands of the more talented authors"}}; {{harvnb|Gronli|2008b|loc=¶&nbsp;2}}; {{harvnb|Wolff|2011|loc=¶¶&nbsp;1, 2}}.</ref>
<ref name=crit-auth>{{harvnb|Bosier|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;3. "{{interp|T}}he sense of majesty and glory is palpable in the hands of the more talented authors"}}; {{harvnb|Gronli|2008b|loc=¶&nbsp;2}}; {{harvnb|Wolff|2011|loc=¶¶&nbsp;1, 2}}.</ref>


<ref name=crit-balance>Critics' praise: {{harvnb|Flory|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;2. "There have been a few little blips along the way&nbsp;...&nbsp;but on the whole, the 'Horus Heresy' series has consistently demonstrated why it’s the flagship series for the Black Library"}}{{spnd}} and critics' complaint: {{harvnb|Dean|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;1. "Here we go again,&nbsp;...&nbsp;the {{interp|Horus Heresy}} plot has been drawn out like over-stretched chewing gum"}}; {{harvnb|Sobel|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;5. "Certain reviewers have criticised the glut of personalities&nbsp;...&nbsp;and in some cases my experience has resonated with this critique"}}; {{harvnb|Wolff|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;2. "{{interp|T}}he Horus Heresy has had its ups&nbsp;...&nbsp;and downs...."}}; {{harvnb|Flory|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;7. "{{interp|''The Horus Heresy''}}&nbsp;...&nbsp;has already been proven to jump backwards and forwards along its own timeline and certain events&nbsp;...&nbsp;have already been alluded to."}}</ref>
<ref name=crit-balance>Critics' praise: {{harvnb|Flory|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;2. "There have been a few little blips along the way&nbsp;...&nbsp;but on the whole, the 'Horus Heresy' series has consistently demonstrated why it’s the flagship series for the Black Library"}}{{spnd}} and critics' complaint: {{harvnb|Dean|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;1. "Here we go again,&nbsp;...&nbsp;the {{interp|Horus Heresy}} plot has been drawn out like over-stretched chewing gum"}}; {{harvnb|Sobel|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;5. "Certain reviewers have criticised the glut of personalities&nbsp;...&nbsp;and in some cases my experience has resonated with this critique"}}; {{harvnb|Wolff|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;2. "{{interp|T}}he Horus Heresy has had its ups&nbsp;...&nbsp;and downs...."}}; {{harvnb|Flory|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;7. "{{interp|The ''Series''}}&nbsp;...&nbsp;has already been proven to jump backwards and forwards along its own timeline and certain events&nbsp;...&nbsp;have already been alluded to."}}</ref>


<ref name=crit-cmnt>Postulated creative constraints: {{harvtxt|Rhoads|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;1}}; {{harvtxt|Dean|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;4}}; fans vs. casual readers: {{harvtxt|Fortune|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;4}}; {{harvtxt|Rudden|2012|loc=final paragraph}}.</ref>
<ref name=crit-cmnt>Postulated creative constraints: {{harvtxt|Rhoads|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;1}}; {{harvtxt|Dean|2011|loc=¶&nbsp;4}}; fans vs. casual readers: {{harvtxt|Fortune|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;4}}; {{harvtxt|Rudden|2012|loc=final paragraph}}.</ref>
Line 599: Line 598:
<ref name=crusade>{{harvnb|Merrett|2007|pp=9, 12, 15, 46}}; {{harvnb|Abnett|2006|loc=[[preamble]], pp.&nbsp;46–47}}; {{harvnb|Ansell|Priestley|1990|pp=174, 175}}.</ref>
<ref name=crusade>{{harvnb|Merrett|2007|pp=9, 12, 15, 46}}; {{harvnb|Abnett|2006|loc=[[preamble]], pp.&nbsp;46–47}}; {{harvnb|Ansell|Priestley|1990|pp=174, 175}}.</ref>


<ref name=dark-origin>{{harvnb|McNish|2011|loc="{{interp|T}}he dark heart of the series' premise...."}}; {{harvnb|Rudden|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;3. "{{interp|T}}hat nod-and-wink-to-crushing-doom sense the best Heresy novels have"}}; for the concept's origins see §&nbsp;{{See section|Horus Heresy|Introduction}}; for items related to the wider fictional universe, see ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]''.</ref>
<ref name=dark-origin>{{harvnb|McNish|2011|loc="{{interp|T}}he dark heart of the series' premise...."}}; {{harvnb|Rudden|2012|loc=¶&nbsp;3. "{{interp|T}}hat nod-and-wink-to-crushing-doom sense the best Heresy novels have"}}; for the concept's origins see §&nbsp;{{See section|Horus Heresy|Introduction}}; for items related to the wider fictional universe, see ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]''; unless otherwise specified, "''Series''" refers to the "''Horus Heresy Novel Series''" throughout this article.</ref>


<ref name=dating>{{harvnb|Troke et al.|2012|loc=§&nbsp;"The March of Time", p.&nbsp;406}}. Description of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 dating system.</ref>
<ref name=dating>{{harvnb|Troke et al.|2012|loc=§&nbsp;"The March of Time", p.&nbsp;406}}. Description of the Warhammer&nbsp;40,000 dating system.</ref>


<ref name=development>{{harvnb|Rundle|2010|loc={{URL|1=http://www.scifinow.co.uk/interviews/8556/interview-dan-abnett/2/|2=p.&nbsp;2}}}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2013-01-02}} From an interview with ''Horus Heresy'' author Dan Abnett; {{harvnb|Farley|2010}}. Interview with Neil Roberts, ''The Horus Heresy''{{'}}s main artist; {{harvnb|Rhoads|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;1}}. From a reviewer's essay; for a creator's perspective on working within the overall Warhammer environment see {{harvtxt|Baxter|2003}}.</ref>
<ref name=development>{{harvnb|Rundle|2010|loc={{URL|1=http://www.scifinow.co.uk/interviews/8556/interview-dan-abnett/2/|2=p.&nbsp;2}}}}. {{Retrieved|accessdate=2013-01-02}} From an interview with ''Series'' author Dan Abnett; {{harvnb|Farley|2010}}. Interview with Neil Roberts, the ''Series''{{'}} main artist; {{harvnb|Rhoads|2010|loc=¶&nbsp;1}}. From a reviewer's essay; for a creator's perspective on working within the overall Warhammer environment see {{harvtxt|Baxter|2003}}.</ref>


<ref name=evolution>{{harvnb|Troke et al.|2012|pp=163–164}}.</ref>
<ref name=evolution>{{harvnb|Troke et al.|2012|pp=163–164}}.</ref>

Revision as of 14:11, 19 April 2013

This article is about the book series based on the fictional event of the "Warhammer 40,000" universe. For other related literature, see § Literature (in Horus Heresy).
Horus Heresy Novel Series
AuthorsVarious (List of authors)
IllustratorsVarious (List of artists)
Cover artists
  • Neil Roberts
  • Philip Sibbering
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
GenreScience fantasy
PublisherBlack Library
Published2006 (2006)–2013 (ongoing)[needs update]
Media types
No. of books24 (List of books)
Length/size
Series ISBN
  • None
  • [Book 1: 978-1-84416-294-9]
Websitewww.thehorusheresy.com
Notes
Published in additional countries and languages. Length/size values are approximate. See § Media and editions.

The Horus Heresy Novel Series is an ongoing[needs update] series of science fantasy books that contain stories by various authors; the books include novels and novel-length compilations of novellas or short stories. The Series subject matter is the Horus Heresy, a galaxy-spanning civil war occurring 10,000 years prior to the far future setting of Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 tabletop miniatures wargame. The war is described as a major contributing factor to the game's dystopic environment.

The books are published in several media by the Black Library, a Games Workshop division, with the first title released in April 2006; as of April 2013 the work consisted of 24 published volumes, with more in the pipeline.

The Series has developed into a distinct and successful product line for the Black Library; titles have often appeared in bestseller lists, and overall the work has received critical approval despite reservations. It is an established, definitive component of Game Workshop's Horus Heresy sub-brand, and authoritative source material for the entire Warhammer 40,000 shared universe and its continuing development.

Overview

Background and environment

The Series is a dark, far future military space opera with a main cast of hundreds. Its foundation is the Horus Heresy, a cornerstone event of the dystopian science fantasy Warhammer 40,000 universe. The shared universe was originally created in 1987 by Games Workshop, parent company of Series publisher Black Library, as the campaign setting for the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop miniatures wargame.[1] The Horus Heresy was introduced to the setting soon after, as a short but all-encompassing conflict; it is a galaxy-wide civil war named after the leader of the initiating faction. The war devastates and redefines the Imperium of Man, the universe's nascent galactic empire.[2]

The Series takes full advantage of the underlying universe's wide scope, vast scale, and extreme time frames. However it has developed a unique identity and style, attributed to the concept's distinct subject matter.[3][4] It expands previous material[5] over a growing number[needs update] of titles published in a variety of media. The titles consist of full-length novels, and novel-length compilations of novellas or short stories, written by a number of authors. The work is mainly responsible for refashioning the conflict into the future history of the Warhammer 40,000 narrative setting, abolishing the Heresy's previous status as the universe's roughly-sketched mythology.[6]

Premise

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.[7] 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: it is caused by a Chaos plot to foil the Emperor by fomenting rebellion and internecine warfare in the expanding Imperium of Man.[8] The Series attempts a posture of disinterested observer, while describing the extremes of setting, characters, and actions with in-universe realism.[9]

Character-driven storyline

Overall, the Series storyline is character- rather than event-driven.[10] 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.[11] 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.[12]

Nonlinear narrative

The novelisation of the Horus Heresy begins with an opening book trilogy; following the trilogy, the narrative is not strictly sequential and may be presented in nonlinear fashion from book to book.[13] The stories may concern events that happen earlier or later than their position in the Series would suggest, or may include time periods already covered in other Series titles. In the latter case of horizontal expansions, the revisited time periods may pertain to original events, or to already-covered events viewed from a different perspective.

Most stories are written as third-person omniscient narratives.[14] Several include discrete subplots; stories may also derive from, or center, on pre-Heresy events, and may take place (partly or entirely) before the conflict begins.[15] The protagonists' limited perspective, the wide scope of the storyline, and the nonlinear story telling, have resulted in gaps within the published narrative, presumably to be filled in as the Series continues.[5]

Timelines

The majority of Series stories are set around the start of the fictional universe's 31st millennium (or M31[16]), more than 10,000 years before the c. 41000 ("M41") time frame employed by most Warhammer 40,000 material. The stories routinely cover the conflict's background, with some going back centuries before the war (and the 31st millennium) begins. In narrower scope, the entire conflict (including the Heresy proper and its proximate formative period), is depicted as having lasted less than a decade. With few exceptions, the sequence and dating of Heresy events is implied rather than stated in Series stories; is indicated in other sources; or is unclear. As of April 2013[needs update] there had been no complete, officially published Horus Heresy timeline.[17]

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 Galaxy in Flames by Ben Counter, published October 2006. The trilogy presents some of the background and causes of the Heresy, and describes the start of the conflict. The arc's focus is on Warmaster Horus, the principal antagonist, and covers about two years in the overall Heresy timeline; most of this period elapses before the rebellion begins. The Series includes additional story arcs, while stories in compilation volumes act as prequels or sequels to several of its full-length novels.[18]

As of 2013, the Black Library was keeping to a steady stream of Series releases, offering several new titles per year; by the time Book 24 was published (originally in December 2012), the titles' many narrative threads occupied more than 10,600 pages.[19] Because of lateral and pre-Heresy expansions in addition to other nonlinear elements, the included stories had only laid out background, and preliminary stages of the conflict. Consequently, the main thrust of the narrative was at about the half-way point of the Heresy's nominal ten‑year duration.[5]

Positioning

While earlier Horus Heresy products were marketed as game-related tie-ins, the Series like other Black Library publications is also positioned as freestanding speculative fiction. It has become the publisher's core product, and a definitive canon element for the Horus Heresy and other aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It remains one of the latter's authoritative background sources, and is considered a major factor in the transformation of the Horus Heresy and the ancillary environment into marketable concepts and products.

Following industry practice, branding of the Series includes distinct book design features, see in § Creators and books; the same or similar design elements may also be present in other products of the Horus Heresy sub-brand.[2][20]

Creators and books

The authors and other contributors include veterans of the genre, and specifically of Warhammer 40,000-related material;[21] 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.[22] Despite the large number of authors and titles the Series is considered to have generally maintained cohesion and continuity.[23][24] The Series creators, including Games Workshop or Black Library intellectual property staff, reputedly collaborate on its development; the work frequently negotiates the specifications and boundaries of the underlying branded universe, which had already undergone a 19‑year development of its own by the time the first title in the Series was published.[25]

Like other Black Library titles, the books' front matter includes one of several unsigned short "stock" preambles that provide a very general background to the stories that follow. In addition, each full-length novel and compilation novella includes a listing of major characters, while reprints or editions of some titles have included a broad Warhammer 40,000 chronology in back matter.[11]

The Series' distinctive book design, reproduced across different media releases, features consistent layout, typefaces, and colour schemes. Also, front covers with original, similarly-styled edge-to-edge full-colour cover art. A title box superimposed on the art contains the author's name (except in compilation volumes), book title in all caps, and subtitle (or compilation editors' names); the words "The Horus Heresy" appear above the box. As a rule, the books include additional illustrations, typically (though not exclusively) another rendition of the cover.[26]

The titles' audio editions are voiced by a variety of professional actors.

Authors

Also listed are the narrative forms employed by each Series author; where applicable, the number of (multiple) stories authored per form is indicated in parentheses.[27][28]

  • Dan Abnett – Novel (4), short story (2)
  • Ben Counter – Novel (2)
  • Aaron Dembski‑Bowden – Novel (2), novella, short story
  • Matt Farrer – Short story
  • John French – Novella, short story
  • Nick Kyme – Novella, short story
  • Mike Lee – Novel, short story
  • Graham McNeill – Novel (6), novella, short story (6)
  • Anthony Reynolds – Short story
  • Rob Sanders – Novella, short story
  • Mitchell Scanlon – Novel
  • James Swallow – Novel (3), short story (2)
  • Gav Thorpe – Novel, novella, short story (3)
  • Chris Wraight – Short story

Contributors

Contributors in the Series include artists, audiobook narrators, and compilation or abridgement editors. Each may have contributed in stories that utilise different forms; where applicable, the number of (multiple) contributions per form – or other pertinent information – is indicated in parentheses.[27][28]

Artists

  • Karl Richardson – Internal illustrations ("premium" editions)
  • Neil Roberts – Cover art, front matter illustration; main Series artist (all titles except where cited otherwise)
  • Philip Sibbering – Cover art, front matter illustration
  • Adrian Wood – Front matter map

Audiobook narrators

  • Gareth Armstrong – Unabridged novel (4), novella, short story (3)
  • Sean Barrett – Novella
  • Martyn Ellis – Abridged (3) and unabridged (1) novel, short story (3)
  • Jonathan Keeble – Unabridged novel (3), novella, short story (3)
  • David Timpson – Unabridged novel (2), novella

Editors

  • Christian Dunn – Novel abridgement (3); mixed-form compilation, novella compilation, short story compilation
  • Nick Kyme – Mixed-form compilation, short story compilation
  • Lindsey Priestley – Short story compilation

Titles

The following lists pertain to regular or general-availability UK first editions.[27] For special and other editions, and additional information, see § Media and editions.

Published

Book Title Author Release date[29] Length[19] Note[30]
1Horus Rising
The seeds of Heresy are sown		Dan Abnett
  • April 2006 (paperback)
  • November 2010 (e-book)
  • January 2011 (audiobook)
412 pp.[31]
2False Gods
The Heresy takes root		Graham McNeill
  • June 2006 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
  • July 2011 (audiobook)
406 pp.[32]
3Galaxy in Flames
The Heresy revealed		Ben Counter
  • October 2006 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
  • January 2012 (audiobook)
407 pp.[33]
4The Flight of the Eisenstein
The Heresy unfolds		James Swallow
  • March 2007 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
  • December 2012 (audiobook)
407 pp.[34]
5Fulgrim
Visions of treachery		Graham McNeill
  • July 2007 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
  • April 2013 (audiobook)
510 pp.[35]
6Descent of Angels
Loyalty and honour		Mitchel Scanlon
  • October 2007 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
413 pp.[36]
7Legion
Secrets and lies		Dan Abnett
  • March 2008 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
412 pp.[37]
8Battle for the Abyss
My brother, my enemy		Ben Counter
  • August 2008 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
411 pp.[38]
9Mechanicum
War comes to Mars		Graham McNeill
  • December 2008 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
415 pp.[39]
10Tales of Heresy
[Short story compilation]		Nick Kyme and Lindsey Priestley (editors)
  • April 2009 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
412 pp.[40]
11Fallen Angels
Deceit and betrayal		Mike Lee
  • July 2009 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
412 pp.[41]
12A Thousand Sons
All is dust...		Graham McNeill
  • March 2010 (paperback)
  • November 2010 (audiobook, e-book)
558 pp.[42]
13Nemesis
War within the shadows		James Swallow
  • August 2010 (paperback)
  • December 2010 (e-book)
507 pp.[43]
14The First Heretic
Fall to Chaos		Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • November 2010 (e-book, paperback)
502 pp.[44]
15Prospero Burns
The Wolves unleashed		Dan Abnett
  • December 2010 (audiobook, e-book)
  • January 2011 (paperback)
444 pp.[45]
16Age of Darkness
[Short story compilation]		Christian Dunn (editor)
  • May 2011 (audiobook, e-book, paperback)
408 pp.[46]
17The Outcast Dead
The truth lies within		Graham McNeill
  • November 2011 (audiobook, e-book, paperback)
459 pp.[47]
18Deliverance Lost
Ghosts of Terra		Gav Thorpe
  • January 2012 (audiobook, e-book, paperback)
469 pp.[48]
19Know No Fear
The battle of Calth		Dan Abnett
  • February 2012 (audiobook, e-book)
  • March 2012 (paperback)
412 pp.[49]
20The Primarchs
[Novella compilation]		Christian Dunn (editor)
  • May 2012 (audiobook, e-book)
  • June 2012 (paperback)
440 pp.[50]
21Fear to Tread
The Angel falls		James Swallow
  • August 2012 (audiobook, e-book, paperback)
508 pp.[51]
22Shadows of Treachery
[Short story and novella compilation]		Christian Dunn and Nick Kyme (editors)
  • September 2012 (e-book, paperback)
409 pp.[52]
23Angel Exterminatus
Flesh and iron		Graham McNeill
  • November 2012 (audiobook)
  • January 2013 (e-book, paperback)
416 pp.[53]
24Betrayer
Blood for the Blood God		Aaron Dembski-Bowden
  • December 2012 (audiobook)
  • March 2013 (paperback)
416 pp.[54]

Announced

As of April 2013 official announcement of further additions to the Series was pending.[55]

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 story; the listing includes other characters that are of special significance to the Series storyline.[11]

  • Ezekyle Abaddon – First Captain, Luna Wolves Legion of Space Marines – In the opening trilogy (Books 1–3); appears in other books
  • Ahzek Ahriman – Senior Corvidae (a precognition cult); Chief Librarian (combat warlock), Thousand Sons Legion – Books 12 and 15
  • Fabius Bile – Chief Apothecary (medical officer), Emperor's Children Legion – Books 5 and 23; appears in other books
  • Lysimachus Cestus – Captain and Fleet Commander, Ultramarines Legion – Book 8
  • Zahariel El'Zurias – Knight Supplicant of the Order (an organisation of knights); Librarian-in-training, Dark Angels Legion – Books 6 and 11
  • 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; [[[Skald|skjald]]] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help) (oral historian), Space Wolves Legion – Book 15
  • Ingethel – Emissary of the Primordial Truth; "the Ascended", daemon of Chaos Undivided – Book 14
  • Ka'Bandha – Bloodthirster (Greater Daemon of Khorne, a Chaos god) – Book 21
  • Euphrati Keeler – Imagist (photographer); Remembrancer, 63rd Crusade Expedition; Evangelist of the Lectitio Divinitatus (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), Officio Assassinorum – Book 13
  • Khârn – Captain, World Eaters Legion; Equerry to the Legion's Primarch – Book 24; appears in other books
  • Kroeger – Lieutenant; later Warsmith (senior officer), Iron Warriors Legion – Book 23
  • 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; Master of Assassins; First Lord of the Council (governing body of the Imperium) – Books 4 and 13; appears in other books
  • Meros – Line Apothecary (combat medic), Blood Angels Legion; "the Red Angel" – Book 21
  • 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
  • Alexis Polux – Captain, Imperial Fists Legion; Master of the Retribution Fleet – Book 22
  • 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.[11] Special mentions:
    • Alpharius-Omegon – Primarch of the Alpha Legion – Books 7, 18, and 20
    • Angron – Primarch of the World Eaters Legion; daemon of "the Blood God" (the Chaos god Khorne) – Book 24; appears in other books
    • Lorgar Aurelian – Primarch of the Word Bearers Legion; "Chosen of the Pantheon" of Chaos – Books 12, 14 and 24; appears in other books
    • Corvus Corax – Primarch of the Raven Guard Legion – Book 18; appears in other books
    • Konrad Curze – Primarch of the Night Lords Legion – Book 22; appears in other books
    • Rogal Dorn – Primarch of the Imperial Fists Legion – Books 4 and 22; appears in other books
    • Lion El'Jonson – Commander of the Order; Primarch of the Dark Angels Legion – Books 6, 11, and 20
    • Fulgrim – Primarch of the Emperor's Children Legion – Books 5, 20, and 23; appears in other books
    • Roboute Guilliman – Ruler of Ultramar (a frontier star system); Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion – Book 19
    • Magnus ("the Red") – Primarch of the Thousand Sons Legion – Books 12 and 15; appears in other books
    • Ferrus Manus – Primarch of the Iron Hands Legion – Books 5 and 20
    • Perturabo – Primarch of the Iron Warriors Legion – Book 23; appears in other books
    • Leman Russ – Primarch of the Space Wolves Legion – Books 12 and 15
    • Sanguinius – Primarch of the Blood Angels Legion – Book 21; appears in other books
  • Jago Sevatarion ("Sevatar") – First Captain, Night Lords Legion – Book 22
  • 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; host of Raum, a Chaos daemon; "the Crimson Lord", commander of a Word Bearers elite unit – Books 14 and 24
  • Meer Erv Tawren – Magos of Analyticae (high-ranking information technology specialist), Mechanicum of planet Calth – Book 19
  • The Cabal – Secret, non-Imperial anti-Chaos organization – Books 7 and 18. Special mention:
    • John Grammaticus – Human operative – Book 7
  • Eldrad Ulthran – Senior Farseer (divination/sorcery adept and policy advisor) of the alien Eldar – Book 5
  • Constantin Valdor – Captain‑General, Commander of the Custodian Guard (Imperial Bodyguard) – 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 (telepathic communications conduit), Ultramarines Legion – Book 17

Synopsis

Story setting

Early in the 31st millennium, 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 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 superhuman of unknown origin who is said to be almost 40,000 years old when the Crusade starts.[56]

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.[57] 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.[58]

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; 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.[59][60][5]

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 the early years of the 31st millennium, during the 203rd Terran year of the Great Crusade. It describes the rise to power of Horus Lupercal, Primarch of the "Luna Wolves" Legion of Space Marines (the 16th Legion of 20 formed originally), and the most versatile and favoured "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 tensions in the nascent Imperium, exacerbated by the Emperor's absence and actions – these are common themes in following books.[61]

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 into the preeminent power of 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, also 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.[62]

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 soon engender 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.[63]

4. The Flight of the Eisenstein: the Heresy unfolds

The Flight of the Eisenstein follows the Eisenstein, a space frigate of the "Death Guard" or 14th Legion, commanded by Battle‑Captain Nathaniel Garro of the 7th Company – one of the few Commanders in the Traitor Legions that remain 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 the others on board 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.[64]

5. Fulgrim: visions of treachery

Fulgrim centers on the eponymous Primarch of the 3rd Legion, the "Emperor's Children", as both the flamboyant, perfectionist Commander and his Space Marines become corrupted by Chaos 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" Space Marines (the 10th 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 known as the Dropsite Massacre. The battle fully reveals the scale and ferocity of the rebellion.[65]

6. Descent of Angels: loyalty and honour

Descent of Angels is a pre-Heresy story that concludes about 50 years before the start of that conflict. It introduces the "Dark Angels" Space Marines (the 1st Legion) 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). Caliban is an isolated, low-technology planet that resembles a medieval fantasy world; the narrative details the fantasy-like setting, uniquely diverging from the Series norm. Zurias 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 Space Marine, is accepted as a Dark Angel Neophyte. A future schism within the Legion is also intimated in this section of the book.[66]

7. Legion: secrets and lies

Legion features the "Alpha" Legion of Space Marines, the 20th and last to be formed. It is the most secretive, subtle, and inscrutable of all Legions; its deepest secret is the binary nature of its Primarch, who comprises the twins Alpharius and Omegon. The book also highlights the Imperium's mainstream military force, the Imperial Army, featuring several male and female officers and their units. Another important factor in the novel is The Cabal, a mysterious, ancient interspecies organisation opposed to Chaos – one of the main characters is a human Cabal operative, John Grammaticus. The story takes place over roughly a 6‑month period, about two years before the Heresy starts; it describes the events that eventually lead Alpharius‑Omegon 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 13th Legion, the "Ultramarines" (Book 19 and 24). 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 cultlike, 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 the Emperor. The ensuing war will determine which side in the struggle will receive the Mechanicum's crucial support.[67][68]

10. Tales of Heresy

Tales of Heresy is a collection of short stories that introduces or expands storyline perspectives and actors such as the Custodian Guard (the Praetorian Guard-like Imperial Bodyguard) and the Sisters of Silence, a classified Imperial organisation of warrior‑nuns originally introduced in Book 4; most stories take place around the time of the Heresy. It includes two stories that take place on Terra, one of which is happening much earlier than the Heresy and adds to the background regarding the Imperial Truth; another entry in the compilation is a Primarch origin story wherein Angron (one of the Emperor's "sons") takes command of the 12th Space Marine Legion, the "World Eaters". The book contains seven stories by various authors;[69] several stories relate to full-length novels in the Series.

Book 11 to Book 20

11. Fallen Angels: deceit and betrayal

Fallen Angels continues the Dark Angels tale begun in Book 6, Descent of Angels. The novel starts around the time of Book 6's conclusion, about 50 years before the Heresy, but forwards to just about the time of the Heresy's beginning in the opening chapters. It 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, the Dark Angels Legion home world. 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 and the "Thousand Sons" Space Marines, the 15th Legion; it mainly takes place before the Heresy begins. Following a reprimand by the Emperor for dabbling in sorcery, Magnus and his Legion secretly continue to study the forbidden subjects. Then, 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, he 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 Leman Russ, Primarch of the 6th Legion (the "Space Wolves"), to Prospero, the Thousand Sons Legion's in‑Series home world. The Space Wolves, accompanied by other Imperial forces, are to bring Magnus and his Legion to Terra to account for themselves.[70][71]

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" consisting of operatives from all of the Officio's disciplines, and led by 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.[72]

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 rebellion 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 largely told from the point of view of Argel Tal, a Captain of the Word Bearers, who becomes commander of a Chaos-possessed elite Legion unit. It 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).[73]

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. The story begins more than a century before the Space Wolves-led mission to Prospero, and the concurrent start of the Heresy. It 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 or [[[Skald|skjald]]] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help) of the 3rd Company of the Space Wolves Legion. On the surface it is his story; the important understory concerns the long-term machinations of Chaos, whose aim is the destruction of both Space Wolves and Thousand Sons. 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. While this confrontation is taking place, Horus' previously covert rebellion becomes visible (Book 3). The novel also adds background to Horus' fall and to the planning of the Heresy campaign by Chaos and its forces.[71]

16. Age of Darkness

Age of Darkness is a compilation of nine short stories by various authors.[74] They take place during the seven‑year period between the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan V (Book 5), and the conclusion of Horus' campaign. The stories present various facets of the unfolding conflict, as suspicion, insecurity, and paranoia spread through the galaxy on the wake of the Warmaster's betrayal. Subjects include: a Primarch prepares for the end of the Imperium; a Traitor PSYOP topples an Imperial planet; an unusual diplomatic contest will decide which side will be chosen by a world on the fence; a non-combatant may be a rebel agent or a herald of unpalatable truths for the Imperium; a Loyalist Space Marine in a Traitor Legion holds his own against his erstwhile brothers. Several of the included stories are linked through continuity; some are also prequels or sequels to stories in other Series books.[18][75]

17. The Outcast Dead: the truth lies within

The Outcast Dead is the first novel-length story in the Series to take place almost 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 (Book 1) 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 Loyalist side. The story's main character is Kai Zulane, previously a gifted Imperial astropath attached to the Ultramarines Legion. He unwittingly becomes the keeper of a secret that could decide the victor in the developing galactic civil war. The secret has additional implications regarding the Heresy's conclusion and the future course of the Imperium of Man. "The Outcast Dead" are other protagonists: a small, disparate group of Space Marines suspected as traitors, with whom Zulane falls in during the second half of the book.[24][76]

18. Deliverance Lost: ghosts of Terra

Deliverance Lost is mainly concerned with the actions of Primarch Corvus Corax and his Space Marine Command, the 19th Legion or "Raven Guard", during the year following the Dropsite Massacre (Book 5). However, operatives and the Primarch of the Alpha Legion 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 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 world 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 Ultramar system 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 narrative 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. The rebel mission has aims beyond just delivering a crippling blow to the Ultramarines Legion 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 and allegiance, 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.[77]

20. The Primarchs

The Primarchs is a compilation of four novellas by different authors, each story starring one of the "sons" of the Emperor.[78] 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 the events of Isstvan V, a suspicious 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 twinned Primarch of the Alpha Legion is involved in a unique counterintelligence operation that extends the Legion's customary deceptions inwards.[79]

Book 21 and above

21. Fear to Tread: the Angel falls

Fear to Tread describes an operation by the forces of Chaos that is supposed to turn Primarch Sanguinius and the 9th Space Marine Legion, the "Blood Angels", to their cause. To succeed, Chaos plans to take advantage of a genetic flaw in Sanguinius' and the Legion's DNA. As the Heresy is getting under way, the outwardly still loyal Warmaster orders the entire 9th Legion and their unsuspecting Primarch to a remote star system. There they find themselves isolated and ambushed, fighting a new kind of war – against Chaos entities and daemons – designed to trigger the Legion's flaw. The plan almost succeeds; yet conflicting agendas among anti-Imperial protagonists, as well as the fortitude and unorthodox tactics of quick-to-adapt Blood Angels, narrowly result in Loyalist victory. In the meantime Horus' rebellion erupts openly and the Loyalists suffer catastrophic losses in the Dropsite Massacre (Book 5). Sanguinius and his Legion, now fully aware of the great betrayal and the reality of Chaos, race to the defense of Terra and the Emperor while buffeted by unprecedented navigational difficulties; it is hinted that these are related to the action in the Ultramar system (Book 19 and 24).[80]

22. Shadows of Treachery

Shadows of Treachery is a compilation that collects five short stories previously published in limited editions, art books, or other formats, and also contains two new novellas.[81] Most of the stories involve the 7th or 8th Space Marine Legions, respectively the Loyalist "Imperial Fists" and Traitor "Night Lords", and their Primarchs Rogal Dorn and Konrad Curze. Other Legions and Primarchs are also featured, while one short story takes place on Mars and illuminates an aspect of the Traitor Mechanicum's conspiracy. One of the novellas is mainly about an all-out close-quarters space battle, between a Loyalist Retribution Fleet sent to punish Horus following the events of Isstvan III (Book 3) and the Traitor fleet that ambushes it; the other new novella deals with the aftermath of another naval engagement in space that cripples the Night Lords Legion. The narratives of all stories fill gaps in the Series or add further details about the Heresy and its actors; they cover periods that range from several decades before the conflict to around the time frame of Book 18 (one short story is a prequel to that novel).[82]

23. Angel Exterminatus: flesh and iron

Angel Exterminatus covers a Traitor operation in uncharted and dangerous galactic space, that may purportedly decide the war in favour of the rebels. The story provides further glimpses of disparate motivations and conflicting objectives among traitor factions as the Heresy campaign continues. It is taking place some time after the Dropsite Massacre (Book 5), shortly following the events described by two novellas (Books 20 and 22).[83] Featured are the 4th Legion of Space Marines, the "Iron Warriors", renowned siege masters of the Great Crusade, and their Primarch Perturabo. However the core plot is set in motion by Fulgrim and the Emperor's Children, who share the spotlight. The embittered Iron Warriors have aligned with Horus out of frustration with the ignominious and unheralded role assigned them by the Imperium; before the story begins, they lash out in unforgivable genocide. In the story, they are invited to the freelance operation (which is unknown to the Warmaster) by Fulgrim and his Legion, who have their own agenda. The operation's true goal is kept secret from Perturabo and his Space Marines, who come to realise that not all fellow rebels can be trusted. A side thread involves Fabius Bile, the chief medical officer of the Emperor's Children, and the Traitors' top geneticist; he is on a no-holds-barred quest to exceed the Emperor's genetic achievements.

24. Betrayer: blood for the Blood God

Betrayer returns the Series to the action in the Ultramar theatre; it starts around the time the events of Book 19 begin to unfold. Unlike that story, Betrayer is presented from the perspective of the rebels, in this case the World Eaters and Word Bearers Legions, and often through the particular viewpoint of Khârn, Captain of the 8th Company of the World Eaters and Equerry to Primarch Angron. In tenuous and fragile cooperation, the two very different Traitor Legions lay waste to worlds across Ultramar; it is a "Shadow Crusade" meticulously planned by Primarch Lorgar of the Word Bearers, who deploys Abyss-class spaceships. The campaign's strategic goal is the destruction or isolation of the powerful Ultramarines Legion, its home star system, and the system's considerable resources; removing Ultramar as a factor in the war is one of Horus' primary objectives. The scheming Primarch of the Word Bearers orchestrates genocide in unprecedented scale, as a way to summon the powers of Chaos. With their help, he hopes to generate an immense interdimensional "storm" that will create an impenetrable veil around Ultramar. As the final piece of his plan, Lorgar engineers the "ascension" into daemonhood of the increasingly unstable Angron: the event is to act as the conduit for the unnatural storm.[84][85]

Media and editions

Series titles are released in multiple media: in print as paperbacks and hardcovers (with paperback editions printed in mass-market and trade formats); as e-books; and as either abridged or unabridged audiobooks and e‑audiobooks (respectively, in compact disc and audio file formats – the Black Library has partnered with specialist UK company Heavy Entertainment for audio production).

As of April 2013, print editions were generally between 400 and 500 pages, though some mass market versions have rendered in more; total Series length in first paperback edition was about 10,600 print pages (24 titles). Digital editions ranged in size from less than a megabyte (some e‑book releases) to over a gigabyte (some e‑audiobook releases); the totals run from a low of about 10 MB (for 22 e-book titles, in EPUB format) to a high of about 10 GB (for 12 unabridged titles, in MP3 format). Durations of audio versions spread from about 6 hours for the abridged editions to anywhere between 11 and 19 hours for the unabridged editions; the total length of the unabridged edition was about 155 hours, divided among 12 titles. CD audiobooks were published in packages of 5 discs per abridged title; two unabridged titles were available on CD, with the longest packaged in 13 discs.[19]

Outside the UK, Series titles are published in several countries and languages by Black Library divisions or as co-editions with local associates. As of April 2013, other-language renditions lagged the English-language Series in the number of released titles, and had followed distinct publication schedules and release sequences. Also as of April 2013, editions in other languages were published in paperback and e‑book formats.

Starting November 2010, new titles have often been released simultaneously in multiple media; occasionally since then, new titles' digital or audio releases have preceded the print versions, in reverse of previous practice (see table "Published" above). Stories in Series compilations have also been published individually, as e‑books, and as MP3 or CD "audio shorts".

Series stories have appeared in whole or in part in other Black Library publications, sometimes before the corresponding Series books have become generally available; prepublications have included stand-alone releases of compilation stories.[86] "Prerelease" copies of Series volumes have been regularly offered months before official publication, in Games Workshop- and Black Library‑sponsored events such as the various Games Days.

There have been a number of special editions and bundles published in a variety of media; bundles have included the "Horus Heresy Collections", which mix editions and media of the same or different titles. In concert with established industry practice, certain special editions are available in limited distribution months before the release of the corresponding regular, or wider-release, versions.

The books' cover art has been separately released, in poster and other formats. Series bundles and special offers have also contained the separate artwork releases of the included titles.[87][88]

"Premium" editions

English-language Series releases include publishing of the titles in special "premium" editions: "Premium Hardback" (print) and "Enhanced Ebook" (digital). These versions contain additional material and artwork, and are published several months before their general-availability or regular edition counterparts. The first title to appear in "premium" editions, in October 2012, was Angel Exterminatus (Book 23). The earlier catalogue of the Series is also republished in these editions, again beginning October 2012 with the Series-opening novel trilogy.[89][61][88]

Other special editions (selections)

  • Horus Rising – Dan Abnett. "5th Anniversary Edition" to mark the 5‑year publishing history of the Series. With "'titanium blue' foil treatment on the cover" and it includes "an exclusive new introduction by author Dan Abnett"[90][61] – April 2011[91]
  • Limited Edition Horus Heresy Audio Boxset – Dan Abnett, Ben Counter, Graham McNeill. Contains the abridged CD‑audio versions of the Series' opening trilogy narrated by Martyn Ellis. Abridged by Christian Dunn. Includes an exclusive bonus CD containing the short story "Little Horus" by Abnett, from the Age of Darkness compilation, also read by Ellis. Total duration is about 18 hours, contained in 16 discs. Edition limited to 2,000 copies worldwide[92] – November 2011[93]
  • Xmas 2011 Horus Heresy eBundle – Series authors. E‑book edition of the first 17 Books in the Series. One of several Series bundles, this was offered as a "Christmas 2011 Special" – November 2011[94]

Reception

As of March 2013, the Series as a whole was generally enjoying both popular and critical approval, with corresponding commercial success; favourable sales performance by the publisher has been credited to the Series' popularity.[95] The considerable Warhammer 40,000 fan base[96] embraced the work, and helped propel the product's sales: titles have consistently appeared in UK and US science fiction charts, have occupied high positions in Nielsen BookScan genre lists, and since early 2010 have often charted in The New York Times Bestseller List for mass-market paperbacks.[97]

Reviews

Series books have been regularly reviewed; reviewers have often returned to the work to offer appraisals of additional releases. Reviews have typically appeared in genre-related media and enthusiast or specialist websites; non-print and special editions of Series titles have also been reviewed.[98] Critical reception of individual titles has been mixed, yet the general tone of reviews has been mostly positive. Although the Series overall has been viewed favourably, there have been complaints about its length, the multitude of characters and narrative threads, and the timeline jumps or repetitions caused by the nonlinear storytelling.[99]

Reviewers have commented on constraints that the underlying universe, and storyline continuity, may impose on authors. They have also ventured into perceived differences (in style or substance) among Series authors, and have compared the handling of different Series stories by the same author.[100] In addition, the evolving Series is said to have gradually acquired a backstory and terminology of its own; this has lead reviewers to question the accessibility of individual stories to new or casual readers.[101]

Fandom

With few exceptions, fans of the gaming and fiction aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 universe embraced the detailed, canonical exposition of its major myth that the Series represents. As the work progressed, they have echoed the praise or complaints of reviewers; in addition, fans have criticised the mounting monetary cost of following Heresy-related literature in general, and the Series in particular.[102]

As of Book 23 and (January 2013) the overall reaction remained positive. Warhammer 40,000 fandom was engaged in in-depth discussions of Series books, of the work's impact on the larger fictional universe, and of its possible future direction. The Series was followed in social media outlets, in wargaming- and science fiction-related blogs, and in online discussion sites, both those dedicated to Games Workshop products and others of a more general nature. Apart from story and character development, the fans' areas of interest have included the Books' art, the rendering of the stories in different media, and the authors' craftsmanship.

The discussions have touched less common subjects, such as the product's packaging and the merits of special editions. Comprehensive reviews of individual titles have been persistently posted, while detailed, knowledgeable analyses of the Series as a whole have also appeared; perceived discrepancies, plot holes, continuities (and discontinuities), allusions, and plot hints are readily pointed out and expounded on. In addition, Series-related fan fiction and artwork has appeared on a regular basis, while news or rumours regarding future official releases are closely scrutinised.[103][104]

Sales

Early in its publishing history, the Series became a sales success in its category. Horus Rising by Dan Abnett, the opening title, set the pace shortly after its release, topping Locus magazine's "Locus Bestsellers: Gaming-Related" list of August 2006; as of Book 20 (June 2012), practically every title in the Series had achieved the same or similar performance on this chart.[105] Horus Rising's January 2011 CD audiobook release also appeared in ranked sales lists: the (abridged) edition was number 15 in a related chart published by The Bookseller, covering 2011 UK sales up to September.[106]

Legion by Abnett, and Battle for the Abyss by Ben Counter, were listed in Nielsen BookScan's list of top‑20 fictional works by small publishers for the year ending on 23 August 2008; the books appeared in eighth and sixteenth place respectively.[107] The next published title, Mechanicum by Graham McNeill, entered The Bookseller's "Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers" chart of 5 December 2008, shortly after its release, at number 10; Series titles have consistently appeared in this list.[108]

A Thousand Sons by McNeill was released in February 2010 and arrived at number 22 on The New York Times Bestseller List, the first ever novel on the Black Library imprint to do so. Nemesis by James Swallow followed, reaching number 26 on the List in August 2010. The First Heretic, by Aaron Dembski‑Bowden, reached number 28 in the weekly chart in November 2010 and stayed on the List for a second week, at number 33. Abnett's Prospero Burns was next, reaching number 16 in January 2011; this title also topped a science fiction and fantasy book chart published by The Times (London) in March of the same year.[109]

The compilation Age of Darkness, edited by Christian Dunn, also entered The New York Times Best Sellers List, in May 2011, at number 31. Book 19, Know No Fear, again by Abnett, continued the trend: it appeared at number 21 in March 2012. It was followed on the List by the next Series title, The Primarchs, a compilation edited by Dunn, which occupied position 29 during the week of 17 June 2012; in addition, The Primarchs had placed first in Publishers Weekly's science fiction bestsellers listing for the week of 28 May 2012.[110] In September 2012 Fear to Tread by Swallow entered The New York Times Best Sellers List at number 13, at the time the highest entry on that chart for a Series novel; the book remained on the List the week after (week of 23 September), at number 33.[111]

Between the late–1980s introduction of the Horus Heresy and the start of this Series publication 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 this Series, continued as of 2013; the works may relate to it as prequels, sequels, or expansions of its stories.

Pre-Series Horus Heresy literature and other related works may have been superseded or rendered obsolete, while other similar material may no longer be authoritative even as it remains in Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 canons;[25] still other non-Series Horus Heresy material has been eventually incorporated into the work.[81]

A significant development was the 2012 initial release of the Horus Heresy miniatures wargame expansion, which repositioned the concept as a foreground element within the Warhammer 40,000 gaming system – while highlighting the importance of the Horus Heresy to Games Workshop's product lineup and the related universe.[95] The expansion is reputedly developed in coordination with the Novel Series, and includes new material and information about the Horus Heresy and the fictional universe; it joins the Series and other works as an authoritative source of Heresy material and Warhammer 40,000 background.[112]

The Black Library and Games Workshop have released novels, game rulebooks, and other products not branded or classified as Horus Heresy, yet directly relating to story arcs or events described in the Series. An example is listed in the section below.

Selections

  • Collected Visions: Iconic Images of the Imperium, Betrayal and War – Alan Merrett (writer), John Blanche (conceptual art), Nick Kyme and Matt Ralphs (editors), and many additional contributors. Omnibus edition of the four-volume Horus Heresy Art Book Series (2004–06); it outlines the entire Horus Heresy in art and prose. As of February 2013 it was partially superseded, amended, or expanded by the continuing Novel Series and the newer Rulebook Series (see below). As of the same month it remained the most comprehensive official roadmap for the complete Heresy storyline – June 2007[113]
  • Battle of the Fang – Chris Wraight. Warhammer 40,000 novel in the Space Marine Battles Series. The story takes place a thousand years after the Horus Heresy, and is a continuation of the arc presented in Books 12 (A Thousand Sons), and 15 (Prospero Burns) – June 2011[114]
  • Aurelian – Aaron Dembski‑Bowden. Subtitled The Eye stares back, this "Horus Heresy Novella" is part of a story arc along with The First Heretic, Book 14 in the Series – October 2011[115]
  • Betrayal – Alan Bligh (writer), and Forge World artists and designers. "Volume One" in the Horus Heresy Rulebook Series. This series is part of the stand-alone Horus Heresy expansion for the Warhammer 40,000 game system; the expansion is produced by Games Workshop modelling subsidiary Forge World. Betrayal is centered on the events of Isstvan III, also described in Galaxy in Flames, Book 3 of the Novel Series – September 2012[116]

Notes

  1. ^ McNish 2011, "[T]he dark heart of the series' premise...."; Rudden 2012, ¶ 3. "[T]hat nod-and-wink-to-crushing-doom sense the best Heresy novels have"; for the concept's origins see § Horus Heresy § Introduction; for items related to the wider fictional universe, see Warhammer 40,000; unless otherwise specified, "Series" refers to the "Horus Heresy Novel Series" throughout this article.
  2. ^ a b Flory 2007, 2011, ¶ 2; 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", "The Story" (both from the Series' official website); Dembski-Bowden 2012a, § "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. ^ NT (Neil Tringham) 2012, § "Frame". "[N]arrative frames can be strikingly detailed and evocative, as in the extensive universe constructed to support Warhammer 40,000 ..."
  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"; however, see Rudden (2012, final paragraph). According to this reviewer, individual titles may be progressively less accessible to readers who come late to the Series.
  5. ^ a b c d e The audience has a partially omniscient point-of-view, since a number of significant events, the general outline, and the ending of the Horus Heresy 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 republished in a 2007 omnibus edition, see Collected Visions (in § Related works: Selections). Also, § Horus Heresy § Expansion and continuity.
  6. ^ Flory 2007, "'The Horus Heresy' ... has been a well known part of the Warhammer canon for a number of years. ... [The Series is] detailing exactly what happened."; Sobel 2010, ¶ 6. "[B]ringing to life ... characters that have long occupied the role of legends in the Warhammer 40,000 mythos"; Rudden 2012, ¶ 4. "[T]his is the start, this is how things were meant to be."
  7. ^ Porush 1991; Stableford 2006, p. 80, col. 1. Retrieved 2012-12-09. "Order and Chaos are frequently substituted for Good and Evil in the conceptual frameworks of twentieth‑century commodified fantasy, ..."; however see Baxter (2003), "The nature of 'Chaos' confused us all, I think. ... '"Chaos" and "evil" are not synonymous' .... [T]he GW [Games Workshop] designers had an ambition to do the Chaos concept justice ..." (the author was briefly associated with Games Workshop, pre-Series); also see Fantasy tropes and conventions.
  8. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 9, 27, 34, 54, 109, 324; McNeill 2006, p. 246; Abnett & 2012a-3, preamble.
  9. ^ 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 ..."; Rhoads 2011b, ¶ 9. "The thematic tone is pitch perfect."; the Horus Heresy became fully established as a concept upon its inclusion as background of wargames whose alignment is a matter of player choice (Johnson 1988, §§ "The Horus Heresy" p. 9, "Standard Game Scenarios" pp. 29–30). See also § "Description" in Adeptus Titanicus at BoardGameGeek. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
  10. ^ 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").
  11. ^ a b c d Horus Heresy Novel Series 2006–2013; 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. Unless otherwise specified, all references to print versions of Series titles apply to UK 1st edition mass-market paperback (Template:Abbrw herein) as reported by the British National Bibliography project (BNB 2012), or in publisher-related sources such as the webpages included here.
  12. ^ 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."
  13. ^ 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."
  14. ^ One short story (Wraight 2011a), mixes first-person-limited and third-person narrative threads; French 2012, a novella, does the same; another short story is written entirely in first person: McNeill, Graham (2012a) [originally published 2011]. "Death of a Silversmith". In Dunn, Kyme & 2012-2 (ed.). pp. 269–284. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |separator= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link)
  15. ^ Wolff (2009, p. 1, 2011, ¶ 4).
  16. ^ Troke et al. 2012, § "The March of Time", p. 406. Description of the Warhammer 40,000 dating system.
  17. ^ See related footnote under § Horus Heresy § Notes; Horus Heresy Online & "The Story", ¶ 1; 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) Short story that takes place centuries before the Heresy begins.
  18. ^ 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 that 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).
  19. ^ a b c Mass-market paperback approx. 17 cm × 10 cm (6.7 in × 3.9 in); trade paperback approx. 23 cm × 15 cm (9.1 in × 5.9 in). Sources: Amazon UK; British National Bibliography (BNB 2012); digital media size range reflects decompressed readable/listenable formats. "Enhanced e‑book" editions not included in the indicated values (such versions may be substantially larger). Range values are extrapolated approximations, see Black Library Online & FAQ, "What size are the files?"); for audio edition information, see individual title listings under Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy".
  20. ^ The Black Library had briefly expanded into Horus Heresy merchandising, a project that was abandoned in favor of the core product (Black Library Online & "Frequently Asked Questions", at the publisher's website); the Horus Heresy tabletop miniatures wargame, introduced 2012, builds on the success of the Series (see § Related works); however as of April 2013 www.thehorusheresy.com, a website published by Games Workshop that concentrates on the Series, had last been updated January 2011 and covered the Series only up to Book 15, Prospero Burns; Royle et al. 1999, § "Design as a Key Factor in Branding" pp. 6–9.
  21. ^ Rhoads 2011b, ¶ 1; Black Library Online & "Authors".
  22. ^ "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 Terra/Eye of Horus" (Abnett 2006, p. 114) which is part of the heraldry of Warmaster Horus' own Legion, compare with Eye of Horus; "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 "Ahmad Ibn Rustah" (Abnett 2011b, § "Dramatis Personae"), a further allusion: Ahmad ibn Rustah; see also "Abaddon" vs. Abaddon; "Ahriman" vs. Ahriman, etc.; for an unofficial, informal listing of many other devices and tropes reputedly utilised in Horus Heresy literature see Template:Tvtropes. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
  23. ^ 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." [Note information regarding the number of authors in the preceding quote has been superseded. See also Template:Tvtropes. Retrieved 2012-03-16].
  24. ^ 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 (2012a, § "Author's Note", p. 9).
  25. ^ a b Rundle 2010, p. 2. Retrieved 2013-01-02. From an interview with Series author Dan Abnett; Farley 2010. Interview with Neil Roberts, the Series' main artist; Rhoads 2010, ¶ 1. From a reviewer's essay; for a creator's perspective on working within the overall Warhammer environment see Baxter (2003).
  26. ^ Roberts et al. 2006–2013. The books' art may include edition-specific reproductions, such as wraparound and dust jacket cover art in the "premium hardback" edition, and internal illustrations unique to "premium" editions in general; trade paperback versions have "French flap" (fold-out) cover art. See in Black Library Online & "The Horus Heresy" (publisher webpage lists different editions and media); the art is noted in publisher promotions, and is a subject of interest within the Warhammer 40,000 fan community (Perrin et al. 2011); Series and other Horus Heresy-related art is often separately previewed by the publisher (The Black Library Team 2012a); see also Farley (2010) for an interview with main Series artist Neil Roberts.
  27. ^ a b c As of Book 24 (originally published December 2012); for more information, see cited works under § References.
  28. ^ a b For novella and short story information, see relevant footnote(s) at the synopsis of the containing title (the compilations are indicated in the "Published" titles table).
  29. ^ "Paperback" may refer to either mass-market (mm) or trade paperback; "audiobook" may refer to either disc or audio file format (e‑audiobook) release. Sources: official Series website (in § External links); Black Library website (Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy"); British National Bibliography (BNB 2012).
  30. ^ See comment under § References.
  31. ^ Abnett 2006, (mm paperbackTooltip mass-market paperback), 2010a, (e‑book), 2011a, (audiobook).
  32. ^ McNeill 2006, (mm paperback), 2010a, (e‑book), 2011b-1, (audiobook), 2011b-2, (e‑audiobook).
  33. ^ Counter 2006, (mm paperback), 2010a, (e‑book), 2012, (audiobook).
  34. ^ Swallow 2007, (mm paperback), 2010a, (e‑book), 2012b, (e‑audiobook).
  35. ^ McNeill 2007, (mm paperback), 2010b, (e‑book), 2013b, (e‑audiobook).
  36. ^ Scanlon 2007, (mm paperback), 2010, (e‑book).
  37. ^ Abnett 2008, (mm paperback), 2010b, (e‑book).
  38. ^ Counter 2008, (mm paperback), 2010b, (e‑book).
  39. ^ McNeill 2008, (mm paperback), 2010c, (e‑book).
  40. ^ Kyme & Priestley 2009, (mm paperback), 2010, (e‑book).
  41. ^ Lee 2009, (mm paperback), 2010, (e‑book).
  42. ^ McNeill 2010d-1, (mm paperback), 2010d-2, (e‑audiobook), 2010d-3, (e‑book).
  43. ^ Swallow 2010b-1, (mm paperback), 2010b-2, (e‑book).
  44. ^ Dembski-Bowden 2010-1, (e‑book), 2010-2, (mm paperback).
  45. ^ Abnett 2010c-1, (e‑audiobook), 2010c-2, (e‑book), 2011b, (mm paperback).
  46. ^ Dunn 2011-1, (e‑audiobook), 2011-2, (e‑book), 2011-3, (mm paperback).
  47. ^ McNeill 2011c-1, (e‑audiobook), 2011c-2, (e‑book), 2011c-3, (mm paperback).
  48. ^ Thorpe 2012a-1, (e‑audiobook), 2012a-2, (e‑book), 2012a-3, (mm paperback).
  49. ^ Abnett 2012a-1, (e‑audiobook), 2012a-2, (e‑book), 2012a-3, (mm paperback).
  50. ^ Dunn 2012-1, (e‑audiobook), 2012-2, (e‑book), 2012-3, (mm paperback).
  51. ^ Swallow 2012a-1, (e‑audiobook), 2012a-2, (e‑book), 2012a-3, (mm paperback).
  52. ^ Dunn & Kyme 2012-1, (e‑book), 2012-2, (mm paperback).
  53. ^ McNeill 2012b-3, (e‑audiobook), [2012] 2013a-1, (e‑book), [2012] 2013a-2, (trade paperback).
  54. ^ Dembski-Bowden 2012b, (e‑audiobook), [2012] 2013, (trade paperback).
  55. ^ Black Library Online & "Coming Soon".
  56. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 9, 12, 15, 46; Abnett 2006, preamble, pp. 46–47; Ansell & Priestley 1990, pp. 174, 175.
  57. ^ Abnett 2006, pp. 59–63; Kyme & Priestley 2009, p. 160; McNeill 2009.
  58. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 34, 133, 322, 324; McNeill & 2010d-1, p. 348; Dembski-Bowden & 2010-2, pp. 187, 191–192; Thorpe & 2012a-3, pp. 52, 166; Troke et al. 2012, pp. 144, 218, 222.
  59. ^ Troke et al. 2012, pp. 163–164.
  60. ^ Thorpe & 2012a-3, preamble.
  61. ^ a b c Review of Horus Rising "5th Anniversary Edition": Rhoads 2011b; and of the "Premium Hardback Edition": Scholes 2013. (Both positive).
  62. ^ Review: Gronli 2008a (mixed).
  63. ^ Brief review of the abridged CD-audio edition: Internet Bookwatch 2012 (positive).
  64. ^ Review: Rhoads 2012 (mostly positive).
  65. ^ 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; the subtitle Visions of treachery is also the title of Book 3 in the Horus Heresy Art Book Series.
  66. ^ Review: Wolff 2009 (neutral).
  67. ^ 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.
  68. ^ Review: Wolff 2011 (positive).
  69. ^ "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").
  70. ^ Review: EIW 2010 (mostly positive).
  71. ^ a b Combined review of A Thousand Sons and Prospero Burns CD-audio editions: Fortune n.d. (positive).
  72. ^ Review: Gronli 2010 (mixed).
  73. ^ Review: Rudden 2012 (positive).
  74. ^ "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 prepublished 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).
  75. ^ Review: Flory 2011 (positive).
  76. ^ Review of the e‑audio edition: Dean 2011 (mixed).
  77. ^ Review: Fortune 2012 (positive).
  78. ^ "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"). "Feat of Iron" complements a non-Series Horus Heresy novella by the same author (Kyme 2011b); "The Lion" was prepublished in digital format, as a Hammer and Bolter serial (Thorpe 2012b).
  79. ^ Review: Dean 2012 (negative).
  80. ^ Review: Sharps 2012 (positive).
  81. ^ a b Short stories: "The Dark King", "The Kaban Project", and "Death of a Silversmith" by Graham McNeil; "The Lightning Tower" by Dan Abnett; "Raven's Flight" by Gav Thorpe (these stories were previously published; "Raven's Flight", a prequel to Book 18, is an adaptation of an original "Horus Heresy Audio Drama", the first such entry in this Series). Novellas: "The Crimson Fist" by John French (prepublished as stand-alone e‑book, see French 2012); "The Prince of Crows", an original story by Aaron Dembski‑Bowden. (Dunn, Kyme & 2012-2, edition notice [p. 6 (not numbered)], § "Contents").
  82. ^ Review: Fergus 2012 (positive).
  83. ^ "The Reflection Crack'd" by Graham McNeil (Dunn & 2012-3, pp. 11–110), and "The Crimson Fist" by John French (Dunn, Kyme & 2012-2, pp. 11–123).
  84. ^ Review of the "Premium Hardback" edition: Sharps 2013 (positive).
  85. ^ The subtitle Blood for the Blood God is also the title of an unrelated 2008 Warhammer Fantasy novel. See Blood for the blood god in libraries (WorldCat catalog). Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  86. ^ 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 from February to April 2012; French 2012. Novella from the Shadows of Treachery compilation prepublished as an e‑book in July 2012.
  87. ^ Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy". Books 1–22 originally printed as mass-market (mm) paperbacks. For Book 23 and following, first general-availability print edition is in trade format with fold-out cover. See also Black Library Facebook Page 2012, [post by Black Library, 7 December 2012 at 4:56 am]. Retrieved 2012-01-04; imprints or editions of individual novels may have alternate subtitles[65][67] and may also have variations in punctuation or capitalization of title or subtitle; for examples of compilation stories that have been published individually see: Black Library Online & "Ebooks: Horus Heresy" (includes listing of short story e‑books). Kyme 2011a (downloadable "audio short"). Abnett et al. 2011 (audiobook bundle includes a short story extra on separate disc media); as of April 2013 the Series as a whole was not assigned an official series or "set" ISBN, nor an ISSN. However unique ISBNs may be assigned to the publisher's bundle offers; publication details of Series titles may not be presented uniformly across publisher communications, such as in the official Series website (listed in § External links), and the Black Library webpages listed here; this article refers to UK releases and more generally to English-language editions, except where stated otherwise. For Series titles published in other languages, see non-English editions in libraries (Worldcat catalog). Retrieved 2012-03-18.
  88. ^ a b As of April 2013[needs update], all digital media editions, the books' art, and the majority of special editions and bundles were offered exclusively through the publisher's online or physical outlets (Black Library Online & FAQ); this included the "Horus Heresy Collections" (Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy Collections"), and the titles' "Premium Hardback Edition" (The Black Library Team 2012b; "premium" editions are offered at a substantially higher price compared to regular versions, see Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy" for price information); Todd 2013, ¶ 2. "[T]he traditional publishing model of 'hardback followed by paperback edition much later ....'"
  89. ^ Book 23 "premium" editions: McNeill 2012b-1, (hardcover), 2012b-2, (e‑book). Book 1 republished in same: Abnett [2006] 2012b-1, (hardcover), [2010] 2012b-2, (e‑book).
  90. ^ The Black Library Team 2011 (publisher webpage).
  91. ^ Abnett & [2006] 2011c.
  92. ^ Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy Audio Boxset".
  93. ^ Abnett et al. 2011.
  94. ^ Series authors 2011 [estimated total size approx. 14 megabytes (mobi file format)]. Limited-time offer expired 2012, see Template:WebCite [Archive of a snapshot of the same page by the Wayback Machine (beta version)]. Retrieved 2012-12-31.
  95. ^ a b Stone 2011a, "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."; Kirby et al. 2012, p. 3.
  96. ^ Reid 2004, "Warhammer and Warhammer 4000 [sic] are internationally popular properties of Games Workshop ..."; Ahmed 2012.
  97. ^ Direct sales by the publisher or affiliates may not be reflected in rankings reported by the cited sources, or in sales data supplied by information providers.
  98. ^ Select reviews: Blogcritics & "Horus Heresy Articles" (multiple books, mixed); Dean 2012 (review of Book 20, negative); Flory 2007 (Series overview as of Book 4, positive); Gronli 2008b (overview as of Book 9, mixed); Series review essays can be found at Rhoads (2010, 2011a); reviewers have specifically commented on the books' cover art (Gronli 2008a, ¶ 4; Rhoads 2011b, ¶ 1. "[L]avish cover art ..."); reviews have included media- or format-specific commentary (Fortune n.d., ¶ 3; Scholes 2013, ¶ 4); additional reviews footnoted at individual book summaries (see "Book [...]" sub-sections under § Synopsis). Except where stated otherwise, cited reviews reference general-availability paperback editions.
  99. ^ 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 2011, ¶ 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...."; Flory 2012, ¶ 7. "[The Series] ... has already been proven to jump backwards and forwards along its own timeline and certain events ... have already been alluded to."
  100. ^ 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.
  101. ^ Postulated creative constraints: Rhoads (2010, ¶ 1); Dean (2011, ¶ 4); fans vs. casual readers: Fortune (2012, ¶ 4); Rudden (2012, final paragraph).
  102. ^ Black Library Facebook Page 2012. Includes several comments from fans of the Series regarding the publisher's pricing practices.
  103. ^ An apparent minority among fans has considered the Series publication as unnecessary tampering with the universe's legends, or has disagreed with the shifting of the focus to an earlier period, see reader comments at Brent (Brent Aleman) 2013; elsewhere, see Connor MacLeod et al. (2012) for a fan-authored, detailed analysis of Series titles, and Perrin et al. (2011) for a discussion of its art; by using published details and minutiae, fans have created unofficial works that fill gaps in Series coverage, such as a partial "Horus Heresy timeline" (isilvra 2011). The related discussion includes comments on continuity, as does Antigonos et al. 2011; Heresy-related fan fiction has been judged in unofficial competitions by Series authors or editors, and winners have been collected in short story compilations released as public domain works through sponsoring fansites (Goulding 2009); an ongoing (as of March 2013) discussion of future Series releases was at Masshuu et al. (2010).
  104. ^ Series authors have been known to participate in related online community discussions as in Antigonos et al. 2011, (author Aaron Dembski-Bowden, also referred to as "A-D-B" in the discussion, uses the screenname "Dead.Blue.Clown" therein); a Black Library staff editor has used such a forum to provide original information about the Series or its subject, see in Marcoos et al. (2013, [post:] "LaurieGoulding Posted: Jan 24 2013, 12:32 PM", "Here you go, straight from the horse's mouth: ...") Laurie Goulding ("LaurieGoulding"), a Black Library editor, has been involved in Warhammer 40,000 backstory work.
  105. ^ Locus Online & "Locus Bestsellers". [For listings of other Series titles, search Locus Online's "Weekly Bestsellers" archive pages. Charts lag data collection by 3 months].
  106. ^ Stone 2011b, § "Top 20 audiobooks fiction". Two related works from the Horus Heresy audio drama series Garro appeared in the same list: the Legion of One CD (Garro vol. 1) was in the top position; the CD for volume 2, Oath of Moment was at number 9.
  107. ^ Stone 2008, p. S6. "The Bookseller classifies a small publisher as any ... [with] revenue ... [in the] last year of less than 0.3% [of the Total Consumer Market] ...."
  108. ^ Bookseller 2008; Stone 2009, "Titles from Games Workshop's Black Library publishing arm always hover around or in The Bookseller's weekly small publishers charts, and three titles make the 2009 Top 20." [The titles referred to were all Series Books].
  109. ^ Eureka 2011, "[Ranking by] [s]ales, January 2011 Source: Nielsen.com".
  110. ^ Publishers Weekly 2012, § "Top 10 Science Fiction", p. 18.
  111. ^ At the New York Times Bestseller List (New York Times & "Best Sellers"):
     • A Thousand Sons 14 March 2010
     • Nemesis 15 August 2010
     • The First Heretic 14 November 2010
    21 November 2010
     • Prospero Burns 16 January 2011
     • Age of Darkness 15 May 2011
     • Know No Fear 18 March 2012
     • The Primarchs 17 June 2012
     • Fear to Tread 16 September 2012
    23 September 2012

    Retrieved 2012-11-27 (all web links).

  112. ^ Bickham 2012 (from a Games Workshop monthly publication).
  113. ^ Merrett 2007.
  114. ^ Wraight 2011b.
  115. ^ Dembski-Bowden 2011. Originally offered as a "Collectors Edition" web exclusive.
  116. ^ Bligh 2012.

References

References may include multiple versions of cited works, published in alternate formats or media: these versions appear consecutively, are separated by a double semicolon (;;), and are listed by full date of release in ascending order (displayed date may be truncated); where applicable they are sub-listed by media type, in alphabetical order. In such references, information common to listed versions may appear in a single instance only.
Where "originally published" appears in entries for standalone or self-contained works (including compilations), it refers to the work's first release in the indicated media type.
Audio sources are listed by author(s).

  • The Horus Heresy – Official website, may be inactive as of April 2013; includes some non-Series Horus Heresy material
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