Horus Rising: The Horus Heresy, Book 1

A fitting start to this epic tragedy and a fantastic work, pulling together all of the major characters in the rise and fall of Horus, the first and greatest of them all.The pride and vanity of men and their capacity for betrayal know no bounds. Horus was deceived and betrayed by Erebus, and fell, unknowingly and tragically to the doom of billions.Really great work.

I surprisingly, loved this book! I've never really been the type of person to get into something like D&D or table-tops, or anything associated with those types of things. But I do like me a good sci-fi and a well composed book, Dan Abnet accomplishes both and really swelled me into the universe of Warhammer 40k. I read this book late last year and I'm on the 7th book in the series. Of course, not every book has had the same flare as Horus Rising up to this point, but I'm intrigued nonetheless, as a fellow sci-fi author myself to learn about how the authors of this series compose the lore and built the story that is the Horus Heresy and I can't wait to see how it all comes down!

Book can be little tough to read at times. Switches directions often and in the kinda old English writing style. But I enjoy how the author paints a scene either in battle or suspense. Definitely going to continue on with the series

Amazingly written. From characters to foreshadowing. Everything in the book is the perfect beginning to this amazingly tragic story. 10/19

I’m new to this universe, only have read two books of guants ghosts and now this. I very much enjoyed the book.

This is the best book I’ve ever read. Had me hooked the whole way. Highly recommend this absolutely amazing book.

Very enjoyable start to the Horus heresy and you can see the roots of chaos forming. Thank you so much.

As someone new to Warhammer 40,000, I approached Horus Rising with hesitation. Could a novel about genetically engineered super-soldiers in a dystopian future hold my interest? Dan Abnett’s gripping storytelling turned that question into an emphatic yes.The story follows Horus, the Emperor of Mankind’s chosen Warmaster, as he leads the Great Crusade to unify humanity. Told through the eyes of Captain Garviel Loken, the book explores the camaraderie, moral dilemmas, and cracks forming within the Imperium’s seemingly perfect vision.What surprised me most was how personal the narrative felt. Despite the epic battles and vast scope, the characters – especially Horus and Loken – are richly human. Horus is both inspiring and flawed, burdened by immense responsibility, while Loken’s introspection and growing doubts make him a compelling guide through this universe.Abnett’s worldbuilding is immersive yet accessible, striking a balance that welcomes newcomers without overwhelming them. The grim, gothic atmosphere of starships and the philosophical debates surrounding the Emperor’s secular vision add depth to the action. The battles themselves are brutal but purposeful, advancing both the story and the characters’ arcs.Themes of loyalty, faith, and ambition resonate powerfully, making the book more than just military sci-fi. It’s a tale of humanity’s fragility and the cost of idealism.For newcomers, Horus Rising offers a thrilling, approachable entry point into Warhammer 40,000. It’s a story of epic scale grounded in intimate, relatable struggles. By the end, I was captivated and eager to see how the haunting opening line – “I was there the day Horus slew the Emperor” – would unfold.A must-read for anyone who loves stories of ambition, betrayal, and the weight of destiny.