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;Creators and books
;Creators and books
The [[#authorlist|authors]] and other [[#contriblist|contributors]] include veterans of the genre, and specifically of Warhammer{{spaces}}40,000-related material; 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{{spaces}}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.<ref name=allusion/>
The [[#authorlist|authors]] and other [[#contriblist|contributors]] include veterans of the genre, and specifically of Warhammer{{spaces}}40,000-related material;<ref name=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{{spaces}}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.<ref name=allusion/>


Like other Black Library titles, text-based editions include one of several "stock" unsigned single-page [[preamble]]s that provide a very general background to the stories that follow. In addition, each full-length novel includes a listing of major characters in its [[front matter]].<ref name=frontmatter/> All books in the Series feature original [[cover art]], and one or more [[Book illustration|illustrations]].
Like other Black Library titles, text-based editions include one of several "stock" unsigned single-page [[preamble]]s that provide a very general background to the stories that follow. In addition, each full-length novel includes a listing of major characters in its [[front matter]].<ref name=frontmatter/> All books in the Series feature original [[cover art]], and one or more [[Book illustration|illustrations]].
Line 249: Line 249:
<ref name=mix-pov>At least one short story {{harv|Wraight|2011a}}, mixes [[First-person narrative|first-person-limited]] and [[third-person narrative|third-person]] narrative threads.</ref>
<ref name=mix-pov>At least one short story {{harv|Wraight|2011a}}, mixes [[First-person narrative|first-person-limited]] and [[third-person narrative|third-person]] narrative threads.</ref>

<ref name=authors>{{harvnb|Black Library Online|"Authors"}}.</ref>

<ref name=pre-seq>{{cite book|ref=harv|year=2011a|last=McNeill|first=Graham|authorlink=Graham McNeill|contribution=Rules of Engagement|editor={{harvnb|Dunn|2011}}|pages=9&ndash;63|postscript=}} (although published before Book 19, [[#book19|{{italic|Know no Fear}}]], it mainly deals with the novel's aftermath); {{cite book|ref=harv|year=2011a|last=Wraight|first=Chris|contribution=Rebirth|editor={{harvnb|Dunn|2011}}|pages=203&ndash;246|postscript=}} (sequel to [[#book15|{{italic|Prospero Burns}}]]); {{cite book|ref=harv|year=2011|last=Thorpe|first=Gav|contribution=The Face of Treachery|editor={{harvnb|Dunn|2011}}|pages=247&ndash;276|postscript=}} (prequel to [[#book18|{{italic|Deliverance Lost}}]])</ref>
<ref name=pre-seq>{{cite book|ref=harv|year=2011a|last=McNeill|first=Graham|authorlink=Graham McNeill|contribution=Rules of Engagement|editor={{harvnb|Dunn|2011}}|pages=9&ndash;63|postscript=}} (although published before Book 19, [[#book19|{{italic|Know no Fear}}]], it mainly deals with the novel's aftermath); {{cite book|ref=harv|year=2011a|last=Wraight|first=Chris|contribution=Rebirth|editor={{harvnb|Dunn|2011}}|pages=203&ndash;246|postscript=}} (sequel to [[#book15|{{italic|Prospero Burns}}]]); {{cite book|ref=harv|year=2011|last=Thorpe|first=Gav|contribution=The Face of Treachery|editor={{harvnb|Dunn|2011}}|pages=247&ndash;276|postscript=}} (prequel to [[#book18|{{italic|Deliverance Lost}}]])</ref>
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* {{cite book|ref={{harvid|Abnett et al.|2011}}|year=2011|last1=Abnett|first1=Dan|authorlink1=Dan Abnett|last2=Counter|first2=Ben|last3=McNeill|first3=Graham|authorlink3=Graham McNeill|title=The Horus Heresy audio boxset|others=Read by Martyn Ellis|format=CD|type=audiobook|edition=abridged, limited|series=Horus Heresy Novel Series|volume=1&ndash;3|publisher=[[Black Library]]|location=Nottingham, UK|isbn=978-1-84970-218-8}}
* {{cite book|ref={{harvid|Abnett et al.|2011}}|year=2011|last1=Abnett|first1=Dan|authorlink1=Dan Abnett|last2=Counter|first2=Ben|last3=McNeill|first3=Graham|authorlink3=Graham McNeill|title=The Horus Heresy audio boxset|others=Read by Martyn Ellis|format=CD|type=audiobook|edition=abridged, limited|series=Horus Heresy Novel Series|volume=1&ndash;3|publisher=[[Black Library]]|location=Nottingham, UK|isbn=978-1-84970-218-8}}

* {{cite web|ref={{harvid|Black Library Online|"Authors"}}|url=http://www.blacklibrary.com/Authors|title=Authors|work=blacklibrary.com|publisher=[[Games Workshop]]|location=Nottingham, UK|accessdate=2012-03-10}}
* {{cite newspaper|ref={{harvid|New York Times|"Best Sellers"}}|date=Sunday|format=weekly feature|url=http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/mass-market-paperback/list.html|title=Best Sellers|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|at=&sect; "Books"|issn=0362-4331|accessdate=2011-05-22}}
* {{cite newspaper|ref={{harvid|New York Times|"Best Sellers"}}|date=Sunday|format=weekly feature|url=http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/mass-market-paperback/list.html|title=Best Sellers|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|at=&sect; "Books"|issn=0362-4331|accessdate=2011-05-22}}

Revision as of 20:52, 10 March 2012

This article is about the series of novels based on the fictional event. For other related literature, see Literature (in Horus Heresy).
Horus Heresy Novel Series
AuthorVarious
IllustratorVarious
Cover artistNeil Roberts, Philip Sibbering
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
GenreScience fiction novel
PublisherBlack Library
Published2006–2012 (ongoing)[needs update]
Media typeAudio (audiobook), digital (e-book), print (paperback)
No. of books19 (List of books)

The Template:Bold is an ongoing series of science fiction books written by various authors and published by the Black Library starting in 2006. The stories are set during the Horus Heresy, a galaxy-spanning civil war occurring 10,000 years prior to the setting of Games Workshop's tabletop miniatures wargame, and a major contributing factor to the dystopic setting of the game.

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ==

Premise

The Series is a dark, far future science-fiction opera with a main cast of hundreds. Its foundation is the Horus Heresy, a cornerstone event in the Warhammer 40,000 fictional universe created by Games Workshop as the setting for its tabletop wargames. The Horus Heresy is a civil war that devastates and defines the so-called , the universe's nascent galactic empire; the short but all-encompassing conflict takes place during the early 31st millennium AD in the Warhammer 40,000 timeline. The Series takes full advantage of the underlying universe's wide scope, vast scale, and extreme time frames.

The Series expands previous material[1] over a growing number of books, consisting of full-length novels and short story compilations.[2][needs update] It has become the definitive canon element for the Horus Heresy and other aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and is one of the latter's major background factors.

The plot shares with other Black Library and Games Workshop material an underlying philosophical premise often encountered in the genre, namely the postulated interplay of primordial opposites Order and Chaos. They are principally represented in the storyline by the Emperor of Mankind and the Chaos Gods respectively; the Horus Heresy is presented as a major chapter of their conflict.[3] The Series attempts a posture of disinterested observer, while describing the extremes of setting, characters, and actions with in-universe realism.[4]

Character-driven storyline

Overall, the Series storyline is character- rather than event-driven.[5] 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.[6] 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.

Non-linear narrative

After an opening trilogy, the novelization is not strictly sequential and the storyline may be presented in a non-linear fashion from book to book;[7] the stories may concern events that happen earlier than their position in the Series would suggest, or may include time periods already covered in other books of the Series. The revisited time periods may pertain to either original events or to already-covered events viewed from a different perspective; in general, the stories are written as third-person omniscient narratives.[8] In addition, several stories contain discrete subplots. The protagonists' limited perspective, the wide scope of the storyline, and the non-linear story telling, have resulted in gaps within the published narrative, presumably to be filled in as the Series continues.

Timeline

The scene-setting opening trilogy of books presents some of the background and causes of the Heresy, and describes the start of the conflict; its focus is on Warmaster Horus, the principal antagonist. There are additional story arcs later on in the Series, and some of the short stories included in compilations act as prequels or sequels of full-length novels.[9] As of February 2012 the books' many narrative threads had only covered background and early stages in the Heresy timeline.[1]

Creators and books

The authors and other contributors include veterans of the genre, and specifically of Warhammer 40,000-related material;[10] 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.[11]

Like other Black Library titles, text-based editions include one of several "stock" unsigned single-page preambles that provide a very general background to the stories that follow. In addition, each full-length novel includes a listing of major characters in its front matter.[6] All books in the Series feature original cover art, and one or more illustrations.

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256.  Section linked from this article & Horus Heresy==

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

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256.  Section linked from this article==

Artists
  • Neil Roberts (cover art, illustration)
  • Philip Sibbering (cover art, illustration)
  • Adrian Wood (illustration)
Audiobook narrators
Compilation editors
  • Christian Dunn
  • Nick Kyme
  • Lindsey Priestley

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256.  Section linked from this article== The following list, current as of February 2012, contains original editions in the regular Series. For other editions, see Media and editions.

===This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ===

  1. – Dan Abnett– April 2006 (print); November 2010 (e-book); January 2011 (audio)[12]
  2. – Graham McNeill– June 2006 (print); December 2010 (e-book); July 2011 (audio)[13]
  3. – Ben Counter– October 2006 (print); December 2010 (e-book); January 2012 (audio)[14]
  4. – James Swallow– March 2007 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[15]
  5. – Graham McNeill– July 2007 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[16]
  6. – Mitchel Scanlon– October 2007 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[17]
  7. – Dan Abnett– March 2008 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[18]
  8. – Ben Counter– August 2008 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[19]
  9. – Graham McNeill– December 2008 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[20]
  10. – Short story compilation. Nick Kyme & Lindsey Priestley, editors– April 2009 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[21]
  11. – Mike Lee– July 2009 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[22]
  12. – Graham McNeill– March 2010 (print); November 2010 (audio, e-book)[23]
  13. – James Swallow– August 2010 (print); December 2010 (e-book)[24]
  14. – Aaron Dembski-Bowden– November 2010 (e-book, print)[25]
  15. – Dan Abnett– December 2010 (audio, e-book); January 2011 (print)[26]
  16. – Short story compilation. Christian Dunn, editor– May 2011 (audio, e-book, print)[27]
  17. – Graham McNeill– November 2011 (audio, e-book, print)[28]
  18. – Gav Thorpe– January 2012 (audio, e-book, print)[29]
  19. – Dan Abnett– February 2012 (audio, e-book); March 2012 (print)[30]

===This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ===

  • – Novella compilation. Christian Dunn, editor– June 2012[31][needs update]
  • – James Swallow– September 2012[32][needs update]
  • – Short story and novella compilation. Christian Dunn & Nick Kyme, editors– October 2012[33][needs update]

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ==

Main article: List of Horus Heresy characters

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

  • Ezekyle Abaddon– First Captain, Luna Wolves Legion of Space Marines– In the opening trilogy (books 1–3); also appears in other books
  • Ahzek Ahriman– Senior Corvidus (prognostic); Chief Librarian (combat warlock), Thousand Sons Legion– Books 12 and 15
  • The Cabal– Secret, non-Imperial anti-Chaos organization– Books 7 and 18. Special mention:
    • John Grammaticus– Human operative– Book 7
  • The Emperor of Mankind– Founder and Head of the Imperium of Man; initiator of the Great Crusade; the "Anathema" of Chaos – Appears in several books, including books 9, 12 and 14
  • Erebus– First Chaplain (discipline, ideology, and morale officer), Word Bearers Legion; Dark Apostle, Word Bearers of Chaos Undivided– A major character in several books, including books 2, 14 and 19
  • Nathaniel Garro– Captain, Death Guard Legion– Book 4
  • Kasper Hawser– Terran (Earth-born) academic and conservator (historian); Space Wolves Legion Remembrancer (civilian chronicler)– Book 15
  • Ingethel– Viator of the Primordial Truth; daemon of Chaos Undivided– Book 14
  • Kelbor-Hal– Fabricator General of Mars– Books 8 and 9
  • Garviel Loken– Captain, Luna Wolves Legion– In the opening trilogy (books 1–3)
  • Horus Lupercal– Primarch of the Luna Wolves Legion; Warmaster of the Imperium of Man; rebel-in-chief– Appears in several books, including the opening trilogy (books 1–3)
  • Malcador ("the Sigillite")– Regent of Terra; First Lord of the Council– Book 13; appears in several other books
  • Branne Nev– Captain, Raven Guard Legion– Books 16 and 18
  • Kor Phaeron– First Captain, Word Bearers Legion; Keeper of the Faith (an old, purged religion); Black Cardinal, Word Bearers of Chaos Undivided; character-zero of the Heresy– Books 14 and 19
  • The Primarchs– Biologically- and psychically engineered progeny of the Emperor; Commanders of the Space Marine Legions– One or more (out of 20 total) may appear in every book of the Series.[6] Special mentions:
    • Alpharius-Omegon– Primarch of the Alpha Legion– Books 7 and 18
    • Lorgar Aurelian– Primarch of the Word Bearers Legion; "Chosen of the Pantheon" of Chaos– Books 12 and 14; appears in several other books
    • Corvus Corax– Primarch of the Raven Guard Legion– Book 18
    • Fulgrim– Primarch of the Emperor's Children Legion– Book 5; appears in several other books
    • Roboute Guilliman– Ruler of Ultramar (a frontier star system); Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion– Book 19
    • Lion El'Jonson– Commander of the Order (an organization of knights); Primarch of the Dark Angels Legion– Books 6 and 11
    • Magnus the Red ("the Crimson King")– Primarch of the Thousand Sons Legion– Books 12 and 15; appears in several other books
  • Kyril Sindermann– Primary Iterator (spokesperson and propagandist) of the Imperial Truth; Luna Wolves Legion Remembrancer– Books 1 and 2
  • Argel Tal– Captain, Word Bearers Legion– Book 14
  • Meer Erv Tawren– Magos of Analyticae (high ranking information technology specialist), planet Calth Mechanicum– Book 19
  • Constantin Valdor– Captain-General, Chief Custodian of the Emperor– Books 10 and 13
  • Remus Ventanus– Captain, Ultramarines Legion– Book 19
  • Kai Zulane– Imperial astropath, Ultramarines Legion Choir (astropathic conclave)– Book 17
  • Zahariel El'Zurias– Knight Supplicant of the Order; Librarian-in-training, Dark Angels Legion– Books 6 and 11

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. == ===This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. === Early in the 31st millennium AD, the Milky Way is in the throes of the Great Crusade. Originating from Terra (Earth), it is an interstellar crusade that claims the galaxy as the rightful domain of humankind, and aims to reunite the multitude of scattered human space colonies under an "Imperium of Man." The Crusade fields huge fleets and vast armies; at its forefront, led by the Primarchs, are the Legions of Space Marines– transhuman super-warriors numbering in the millions. Over the course of two Terran centuries, the Crusade has reached star systems more than 50,000 light years away from its original staging point in the Sol (Solar) System, has assimilated millions of worlds into the Imperium, and has given Humanity a dominant position among the galaxy's species. Its grand mastermind is the Emperor of Mankind, a mysterious, immortal superhuman of unknown origin who is almost 40,000 years old when the Crusade starts.[34]

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.[35][36] However, he is also the most powerful human psychic, and overall, one of the most formidable 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, there 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.[37]

Humankind's future biological and psychic evolution includes the natural development of widespread Warp or 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, humanity may yet avoid the Chaos-induced psychic corrosion and social entropy that would lead to its eventual annihilation. The transition of Humanity 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.[1][38]

===This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ===

1. Horus Rising{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the seeds of Heresy are sown

describes the rise to power of Horus Lupercal, Primarch of the Luna Wolves Legion, and the most versatile and favored "son" of the Emperor. The Emperor has appointed him Warmaster (overall commander of the Imperial military) and left him in charge of the Great Crusade; he then returned 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, who becomes a member of the Mournival (an advisory body to Horus), and follows his involvement in campaigns against anti-Imperials and aliens as the Crusade's third century begins. The story also hints at existing tensions in the nascent Imperium, exacerbated by the Emperor's absence and actions– these are common themes in following books.

2. False Gods{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the Heresy takes root
"False Gods" redirects here. For the Abrahamic doctrine, see False god.

tells the story of Horus' fall. In a complicated conspiracy implemented by Chaos allies, Horus is wounded on the moon of the planet Davin by an alien, Chaos-tainted weapon. In a desperate effort by his lieutenants to see him healed, Horus is taken to a temple on Davin. However, the temple is secretly 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. The events of describe the point at which Horus sets in motion the entire Heresy, an event that brings fundamental change to the fictional universe.

3. Galaxy in Flames{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the Heresy revealed

outlines the corrupted Warmaster's descent into madness, which results in a galaxy where brother wlll fight brother. The novel details the first open move of the Heresy: the culling of the remaining Loyalists from the ranks of "Traitor" Legions and other rebel forces, an event that takes place mostly on and around the planet Isstvan III. While Loyalist vessels sustain traitorous fire in the surrounding space, on the planet's surface elements of the Imperial Army and of the Luna Wolves, World Eaters, Emperor's Children, and Death Guard Legions defiantly oppose the rebels.

4. Flight of the Eisenstein{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the Heresy unfolds

follows the , a space frigate of the Death Guard Legion commanded by Battle-Captain Nathaniel Garro of the 7th Company– one of the few Commanders in the Traitor Legions that remained loyal to the Emperor. The story describes 's escape from Isstvan III (see above) and its perilous voyage across the galaxy as it attempts to reach Terra and warn the Emperor of the developing rebellion.

5. Fulgrim{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} visions of treachery

centers on the eponymous Primarch of the Emperor's Children Legion, as both the flamboyant Commander and his Space Marines fall into corruption shortly after Horus meets the same fate. They eventually become the "Chosen" of Slaanesh, a god of Chaos. Primarch Ferrus Manus and his Iron Hands Legion also play a prominent role in the novel, and the pivotal Battle of Isstvan V (the so-called ) is described in passing.[39]

6. Descent of Angels{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} loyalty and honour

is a pre-Heresy story that introduces the Dark Angels Legion and their Primarch, Lion El'Jonson. It is told from the point of view of planet Caliban native Zahariel El'Zurias, originally 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 Lion El'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– the story ends about 50 years before the start of the Heresy. In the story's second half, Zurias, selected as candidate Dark Angel, is accepted as a Neophyte Space Marine. A future schism within the Legion is intimated in this section of the book.

7. Legion{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} secrets and lies

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

8. Battle for the Abyss{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} my brother, my enemy

is concerned with the lead-up to the Battle of Calth (Book 19), fought between Primarch Roboute Guilliman's Ultramarines Legion and the rebel Word Bearers Legion. The Word Bearers plan to use an immense warship, the , to spearhead their attack; one of the initial targets is the planet Calth in Ultramar, the Ultramarines' home star system. The Loyalist protagonists must pursue the ship and prevent it from reaching Macragge, Ultramar's capital world and site of their main base. If the Ultramarines fail, the Loyalist side could suffer a blow from which it may never recover.

9. Mechanicum{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} war comes to Mars

is the first book in the Series that does not focus on Primarchs or Space Marines. Instead, it is about the civil war on Mars, as Traitor and Loyalist forces fight to determine which side in the struggle will receive the support of the Mechanicum, the Mars-based 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 who plot, and eventually carry out, a in order to eliminate those on Mars who are loyal to the Emperor.[40][41]

10. Tales of Heresy

is a collection of short stories, most of them set around the Heresy time-period, which introduce new perspectives and characters. However, it includes a story that provides a much earlier and wider background to the storyline,[36] as well as other stories that relate to Series novels. The book contains seven stories by various authors.

===This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ===

11. Fallen Angels{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} deceit and betrayal

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

12. A Thousand Sons{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} all is dust...

is the story of Primarch Magnus the Red and the Thousand Sons Legion of Space Marines, mainly taking place before the Heresy starts. Following a reprimand by the Emperor for dabbling in sorcery, Magnus and his Legion secretly continue to study the forbidden subjects. Magnus learns through sorcery of his brother Horus' impending betrayal and tries, again through sorcery, to warn the Emperor, believing that the gravity of the news would justify his disobedience. However, Magnus overreaches with his powers and damages the vital and secret project the Emperor was undertaking (Book 1), endangering the safety of Terra itself in the process. The Emperor is enraged and orders Primarch Leman Russ and his Space Wolves Legion, accompanied by other Imperial forces, to the planet Prospero, the Thousand Sons Legion's home world. They are to bring Magnus and his Legion to Terra to account for themselves.

13. Nemesis{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} war within the shadows

is set about two years after the events on Isstvan V described in Book 5, . It deals with a plan by a secret Imperial organisation, the Officio Assassinorum, to eliminate Horus using an Execution Force drawn from all the "clades" (specialist assassin schools) that make up the Officio. There have been several previous unsuccessful attempts against Horus' life; 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), in an audacious scheme to kill the Emperor.

14. The First Heretic{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} fall to Chaos

details the fall to Chaos of Primarch Lorgar and the 17th Space Marine Legion, the Word Bearers. The story is told largely from the point of view of Argel Tal, a Captain of the Word Bearers, and spans about 50 years, starting 43 years before the events on Isstvan V (Book 5) and as related in Book 8, leading up to the time when the Word Bearers are on their way to assault Calth (Book 19). Following the humiliating censure of Lorgar and the 17th Legion by the Emperor himself for introducing religious worship, the Primarch is swayed by two of his most trusted lieutenants, who were already in secret allegiance with Chaos; eventually both Primarch and Legion covertly embrace the Primordial Truth, decades before Horus' corruption.

15. Prospero Burns{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the Wolves unleashed

is part of the story arc of Book 12, however it follows a different (but related) timeline. It begins more than a century before the Space Wolves-led mission to Prospero and the start of the Heresy. The story is presented from the point of view of Kasper Hawser, formerly a noted Terran academic, who becomes the Oral Historian () of the 3rd Company of the Space Wolves Legion. On the surface it is his story; the important subplot concerns the long-term machinations of Chaos to destroy both the Space Wolves and the Thousand Sons by pitting one against the other. The book also gives some important background on Horus' fall to Chaos, thus providing a more coherent view of the Heresy and of its planning by the Chaos forces.

16. Age of Darkness

is a compilation of nine short stories by various authors, which provide additional background for the Horus Heresy. The stories take place during the seven-year period between the Dropsite Massacre on Isstvan V (Book 5) and the start of the campaign against Terra by the Traitor forces. "The age of knowledge and enlightenment has ended. The Age of Darkness has begun."[42][43]

17. The Outcast Dead{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the truth lies within

is the first novel-length story in the Series to take place entirely on Terra. It covers a relatively short period, from just before the Dropsite Massacre (Book 5), to shortly after Magnus' catastrophic psychic visit at the Imperial Palace (Book 12), an event that is central to the story. The main character is Kai Zulane, previously a gifted astropath attached to the Ultramarine starship . He unwittingly becomes the keeper of a secret that could decide the victor in the developing galactic civil war. The "outcast dead" are characters in the story: a small, disparate group of Space Marines suspected as traitors, with whom Zulane falls in during the second half of the book. In the end, the secret kept by Zulane is revealed to the one person it is actually intended for, and provides an explanation for the post-Heresy stagnation of the Imperium of Man.[44]

18. Deliverance Lost{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} ghosts of Terra

is mainly concerned with the actions of Primarch Corvus Corax and his command, the 19th Space Marines Legion (known as the Raven Guard), during the year following the Dropsite Massacre (Book 5). However, operatives and the Primarch of the Alpha Legion (Book 7) play a prominent role. The novel also provides some 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. It starts about 3 months after the Dropsite Massacre, with the unexpected rescue of Corax and the remnants of his Legion (at less than 5% strength, due to their casualties in that battle). Apparently arriving at Terra a few months after the events described in had taken place, Corax convinces the Emperor to impart to him the necessary knowledge and material to accelerate the rebuilding of his Legion, including top-secret gene-stock. The second part of the novel describes the effort to reconstitute the Raven Guard, undertaken on Deliverance, its home planet, and the pursuit of opposite objectives by the Alpha Legion. The novel also features a reappearance of the Cabal (Book 7), and of other well-known characters.

19. Know no Fear{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the battle of Calth

documents the rebels' surprise assault on Calth, an ascendant Ultramarine world. It is planned and lead by the Traitor Word Bearers Legion, now fully committed to the spread of the Primordial Truth. The story starts close to where the timelines of Book 8 and Book 14 converge (in their respective conclusions), with the invasion force en route to, or near the planet. The tactical objective is to destroy the unshakably Loyalist Ultramarines Legion, the largest of all. The strategic objective is to utilize the malignant, destructive energies unleashed by the war to generate so-called (immense navigational and communication vortices), in order to isolate and confuse Loyalist forces– effectively neutralizing them for the remainder of the Heresy campaign. Another, fundamental objective of the Word Bearers is to offer up the treachery, the indiscriminate slaughter, and finally the ravaged planet, to their new gods of Chaos Undivided. The story tracks the Calth campaign from its opening covert phases, and the actions of several characters. It is total, bloody war with ritualistic undertones, scorched earth tactics, decisive use of technology, and the considerable involvement of Chaos; the treachery and its implications forever change the Loyalists' view of reality.[45]

[20]. The Primarchs

[Book 20 (tentative). To be published June 2012. Novella compilation].[46][needs update]

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[21]. Fear to Tread{{subst
dtag|nowiki|:}} the Angel falls

[Book 21 (tentative). To be published September 2012].[46][needs update]

[22]. Shadows of Treachery

[Book 22 (tentative). To be published October 2012. Short story and novella compilation].[46][needs update]

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256.  Section linked from this article== The Series is published in several countries, and most of its titles have been released in multiple media: in print (mass market paperback), as e-books, and as either abridged or unabridged audiobooks (in disc- or downloadable media).[47] Additionally, there have been a number of special editions and bundles, published in a variety of media. The books' cover art has been separately released, in poster and other formats.[47][48]

===This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ===

  • – Dan Abnett– April 2011. "5th Anniversary Edition" to mark the 5-year publishing history of the Horus Heresy Novel Series.[49] "With titanium-blue foiling and a specially commissioned introduction from author Dan Abnett."[50]
  • – Dan Abnett, Ben Counter, Graham McNeill– November 2011. Contains the abridged audio versions of the Series' opening trilogy (, , ) narrated by Martyn Ellis.[51] Includes an "exclusive bonus CD" with the story by Abnett, from the compilation. Edition limited to 2,000 copies worldwide.[52]
  • – Series authors– November 2011. E-book edition of the first 17 books in the Series ( to ). One of several bundles offered, this was a "Christmas 2011 Special."[53]

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. == , by Dan Abnett, and , by Ben Counter, were listed in Nielsen BookScan's list of top-20 fictional works by small publishers (defined as a publisher whose sales made up less than 0.3% of the Total Consumer Market during the previous year) for the year ending on 23 August 2008, appearing in eighth and sixteenth place respectively.[54] , by Graham McNeill, entered "Top 20 Fiction Heatseekers" chart of 5 December 2008, shortly after its release, at number 10.[55]

was released in February 2010, and swiftly rose to the top of the British science fiction charts. It also arrived at number 22 on the New York Times Bestseller List,[56] the first ever novel on the Black Library imprint to do so. followed, reaching number 26 on the New York Times Bestseller List in August 2010.[57] reached number 28 in November 2010, and stayed in the chart for a second week, reaching number 33.[58] reached number 16.[59]

Series books have been regularly reviewed, typically in genre-related media.[60] Critical reception of different books and stories has been mixed, yet the general tone of reviews has been positive; although the Series overall has been viewed favorably,[61] there have been complaints about its length and about the multitude of characters and narrative threads.[62]

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256.  Includes nested references==

  1. ^ a b c The audience has a partially omniscient point-of-view, since a number of significant events, the general outline, and the ending of the story are known in advance. Story elements have been published by Games Workshop starting 1988 (Merrett 2007, p. 6 [not numbered]); a comprehensive outline, including the conclusion, was published in the four-volume "Horus Heresy Art Book Series" between May 2004 and July 2006; this Series was rereleased in 2007 in an "Omnibus" compilation edition (Merrett 2007). See also Horus Heresy § Expansion and continuity.
  2. ^ As of February 2012 a novella compilation had been announced, .
  3. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 9, 27, 34, 54, 109, 324; Abnett 2012, preamble.
  4. ^ Johnson 1988, "The Imperium: § The Horus Heresy". The concept of the Horus Heresy originated as background for this and other role-playing wargames whose alignment is a matter of player choice. Also see Adeptus Titanicus at BoardGameGeek. Retrieved 2012-02-29.
  5. ^ Book 19, , is written around the event timeline. Though it develops several characters, it assumes more of a bird's-eye view to the action.
  6. ^ a b c Horus Heresy Novel Series & 2006–2012.
  7. ^ Wolff 2009, "[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."
  8. ^ At least one short story (Wraight 2011a), mixes first-person-limited and third-person narrative threads.
  9. ^ McNeill, Graham (2011a). "Rules of Engagement". In Dunn 2011 (ed.). pp. 9–63. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link) (although published before Book 19, , it mainly deals with the novel's aftermath); Wraight, Chris (2011a). "Rebirth". In Dunn 2011 (ed.). pp. 203–246. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link) (sequel to ); Thorpe, Gav (2011). "The Face of Treachery". In Dunn 2011 (ed.). pp. 247–276. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link) (prequel to )
  10. ^ Black Library Online & "Authors".
  11. ^ In the Series, "Erebus", a Chaos (Warhammer) ally, is named after Erebus, a Chaos (cosmogony) entity in Greek mythology; "Lion El'Jonson" is the Primarch of the "Dark Angels" Legion, alluding to 19th-century English poet Lionel Johnson and his poem "The Dark Angel"; "Kasper Hawser" refers to Kaspar Hauser, the mysterious 19th-century German youth (in the Series, Hawser is also known as "Ahman Ibn Rustah," a further allusion: Ahmad ibn Rustah); see also "Abaddon" vs. Abaddon; "Ahriman" vs. Ahriman, etc.
  12. ^ Abnett 2006.
  13. ^ McNeill 2006.
  14. ^ Counter 2006.
  15. ^ Swallow 2007.
  16. ^ McNeill 2007.
  17. ^ Scanlon 2007.
  18. ^ Abnett 2008.
  19. ^ Counter 2008.
  20. ^ McNeill 2008.
  21. ^ Kyme & Priestley 2009.
  22. ^ Lee 2009.
  23. ^ McNeill 2010.
  24. ^ Swallow 2010.
  25. ^ Dembski-Bowden 2010.
  26. ^ Abnett 2010.
  27. ^ Dunn 2011.
  28. ^ McNeill 2011b.
  29. ^ Thorpe 2012.
  30. ^ Abnett 2012.
  31. ^ Dunn 2012.
  32. ^ Swallow 2012.
  33. ^ Dunn & Kyme 2012.
  34. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 9, 12, 15; Abnett 2006, preamble.
  35. ^ Abnett 2006, pp. 59–63; Kyme & Priestley 2009, p. 160.
  36. ^ a b 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)
  37. ^ Merrett 2007, pp. 34, 322, 324; McNeill 2010, p. 348; Dembski-Bowden 2010, pp. 187, 191–192; Thorpe 2012, pp. 52, 166.
  38. ^ Thorpe 2012, preamble.
  39. ^ a b In some editions, Book 5 is subtitled ; see in libraries (WorldCat catalog). Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  40. ^ a b In some editions, Book 9 is subtitled , see in libraries (WorldCat catalog). Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  41. ^ Review: Wolff 2011 (positive).
  42. ^ Dunn 2011, preamble.
  43. ^ Review: Flory 2011 (positive). This compilation's stories have also been published individually, as e-books (Black Library Online & "Ebooks: Horus Heresy").
  44. ^ Review: Dean & (n/d) (mixed).
  45. ^ Review: Fortune 2012 (positive).
  46. ^ a b c Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy: Coming Soon".
  47. ^ a b Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy". Different English-language imprints or editions of individual novels may have alternate subtitles.[39][40] Releases in English may also have variations in punctuation or capitalization of title or subtitle. Publication dates reflect original availability of the cited editions only.
  48. ^ Abnett 2011b.
  49. ^ Black Library Online & "Horus Rising Anniversary Edition".
  50. ^ Abnett et al. 2011.
  51. ^ Black Library Online & "Horus Heresy Audio Boxset".
  52. ^ Series authors 2011.
  53. ^ Stone 2008.
  54. ^ Bookseller 2008.
  55. ^ New York Times & "Best Sellers", 14 March 2010. Retrieved 2011-05-22.
  56. ^ New York Times & "Best Sellers", 15 August 2010. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  57. ^ New York Times & "Best Sellers", 14 November 2010; New York Times & "Best Sellers", 21 November 2010. Retrieved 2012-02-09. (All links).
  58. ^ New York Times & "Best Sellers", 16 January 2011. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  59. ^ Select reviews: Blogcritics & "Horus Heresy Articles" (multiple books, mixed); Dean & (n/d) (mixed); Flory 2011 (compilation review, positive); Fortune 2012 (positive); Guss & "Horus Heresy" (multiple books, mostly positive); Wolff 2011 (positive).
  60. ^ Flory 2011, "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."
  61. ^ Wolff 2011, "[T]he Horus Heresy has had its ups ... and downs...."; Dean & (n/d), " Here we go again,... the [Horus Heresy] plot has been drawn out like over-stretched chewing gum."

==This template is currently non-functional due to T39256. ==

  • Abnett, Dan (2011b) [2006]. Horus rising: the seeds of heresy are sown (print). Horus Heresy Novel Series. Vol. 1 (anniversary reprint ed.). Nottingham, UK: Black Library. ISBN 978-1-84970-111-2. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |authormask= ignored (|author-mask= suggested) (help)
  • Counter, Ben (2008). Battle for the Abyss: my brother, my enemy (print). Horus Heresy Novel Series. Vol. 8. Nottingham, UK: Black Library. ISBN 978-1-84416-657-2. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |authormask= ignored (|author-mask= suggested) (help); (e-book). 2010. ISBN 978-0-85787-033-9. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  • Dunn, Christian, ed. (2012). The Primarchs (print). Horus Heresy Novel Series. Nottingham, UK: Black Library. ISBN 978-1-84970-207-2. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |authormask= ignored (|author-mask= suggested) (help)
  • Dunn, Christian; Kyme, Nick, eds. (2012). Shadows of treachery (print). Horus Heresy Novel Series. Nottingham, UK: Black Library. ISBN 978-1-84970-346-8. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |lastauthoramp= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help)
  • Guss, Samuel (n/d). "Horus Heresy" (blog). Exploring Uncertainty. Samuel J. Guss. Retrieved 2012-03-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • Kyme, Nick; Priestley, Lindsey, eds. (2009). Tales of heresy (print). Horus Heresy Novel Series. Vol. 10. Nottingham, UK: Black Library. ISBN 978-1-84416-683-1. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |lastauthoramp= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help); (e-book). 2010. ISBN 978-0-85787-038-4. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  • Merrett, Alan (2007). Kyme, Nick; Ralphs, Matt (eds.). The Horus Heresy: collected visions (print). Horus Heresy Art Books. Vol. 1–4. Games Workshop design & art staff; Graham McNeill; Sabertooth Games art staff (omnibus ed.). Nottingham, UK: Black Library. ISBN 978-1-84416-424-0. {{cite book}}: |format= requires |url= (help); Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |lastauthoramp= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help)
  • Stone, Phillip (26 September 2008). "Packing a punch: independent publishers are riding out a tough market well, with a number of them outstripping market growth". The Bookseller (5351): SS6–7. ISSN 0006-7539. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Wraight, Chris (2011b). Battle of the Fang (print). Space Marines Battles Novels. Nottingham, UK: Black Library. ISBN 978-1-84970-046-7. {{cite book}}: |format= requires |url= (help); Invalid |ref=harv (help)

Template:Warhammer 40,000 Novels

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