Horus Rising: The Horus Heresy, Book 1

In the vast expanse of science fiction literature, few works stand as tall and as influential as *Horus Rising* by Dan Abnett. This novel, the opening salvo in the epic *Horus Heresy* series, is nothing short of a masterpiece, deserving of every one of its five stars. From the moment readers dive into the pages of *Horus Rising*, they are transported to a universe teetering on the brink of cataclysmic conflict. Set in the grim darkness of the far future, the novel introduces us to the sprawling empire of the Imperium of Man, ruled by the enigmatic God-Emperor and beset by threats from within and without. At the heart of the story lies the primarch Horus, beloved by his brothers and revered by his legion of Space Marines. As Warmaster of the Imperium, Horus is tasked with leading humanity's crusade to conquer the galaxy in the name of the Emperor. But as tensions simmer and betrayals brew, Horus finds himself torn between loyalty to his father and the seeds of rebellion sown by dark forces. One of the greatest strengths of *Horus Rising* is its rich and immersive world-building. Abnett effortlessly brings to life a universe brimming with detail, from the war-torn battlefields of distant planets to the labyrinthine corridors of the Imperial Palace. Every aspect of the setting feels meticulously crafted and authentic, drawing readers deeper into the story with each turn of the page. But perhaps the true triumph of *Horus Rising* lies in its characters. From the noble warriors of the Adeptus Astartes to the scheming politicians of the Imperium, each character is rendered with depth, complexity, and nuance. Horus himself is a particularly compelling figure, a hero torn between duty and ambition, grappling with the weight of his destiny and the whispers of darkness that threaten to consume him. Abnett's prose is equally impressive, combining visceral action with introspective moments of reflection to create a narrative that is as gripping as it is thought-provoking. The dialogue crackles with wit and tension, driving the plot forward at a relentless pace while also providing insight into the minds of the characters. In conclusion, *Horus Rising* is a tour de force of science fiction storytelling that deserves its place among the genre's greatest works. With its epic scope, richly drawn characters, and masterful prose, it is a novel that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have turned the final page. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe or simply someone looking for a gripping tale of heroism and betrayal, *Horus Rising* is not to be missed.

This is a great start to an amazing series based on the Warhammer universe. The character development is very engaging, and the world settings are rich and emersive, giving a very enjoyable juxtaposition to reality, allowing the reader to completely engage with the story. This is a violent setting and may not be suitable for readers under the age of seventeen. There are no explicit scenes and no foul language, though. Instead, the author develops the story using classical literary writing techniques that are a breath of fresh air in this age of pop fiction. I would strongly recommend this book, and I look forward to continuing this epic adventure.

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.

Was solid throughout, had to get used to the character skipping but it wasn’t much of a hurdle. Definitely reading the next one

Moved fast and didn't linger to long on the boring parts! Great for a newb!! If you want to understand the fall of horus.

Good book and seller for the serries.

i read this.... For the emperor!

Everything is alright except how the book was packed the glue sticked to the book and now I have to get it off somehow

My boyfriend loves it and it arrived in good condition!

Om man gillar Warhammer är detta ett måste!