Horus Rising

by Dan Abnett
Horus Rising cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 9823
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-03
  • ISBN: 9781849707442
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Published: 2014-08-26
  • Reviews: 3

Under the Emperor's benevolent rule, the Imperium of Man has expanded across the galaxy. As victory nears, the Emperor entrusts the Great Crusade to his most favored son, Horus, promoting him to Warmaster. Horus, idealistic and loyal, seeks to fulfill his father's grand design, unaware that seeds of heresy and rebellion have been sown among his brothers. /n/n The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of leadership, set against the backdrop of a sprawling galactic empire. It is the first in the bestselling Horus Heresy series, offering a blend of political intrigue and epic sci-fi action.

Reviews
Adventures with Peps · 2025-02-02
good 3.50

The book is described as a realistic combat adventure, steering clear of over-the-top action. It is appreciated for its grounded approach to storytelling within the Warhammer 40K universe.

This review emphasizes the realistic and grounded nature of Horus Rising, which sets it apart from other books in the genre that might rely on flashy, over-the-top battles. The combat scenes are portrayed in a more straightforward and believable manner, which adds to the overall authenticity of the story. This approach is praised for making the narrative more engaging and relatable. The reviewer appreciates the effort to keep the story grounded, which allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their experiences. The book is seen as a refreshing take on the Warhammer 40K universe, offering a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the conflicts and adventures within it.

Quick quotes

    There is no crazy movie style battles in this book, it's a more straightforward realistic combat adventure.

    The book is praised for its grounded approach to storytelling.

    This approach is praised for making the narrative more engaging and relatable.

Bits and Pieces · 2020-05-13
great 4.25

The book is commended for its masterful job of balancing key aspects and ensuring a smooth narrative flow. The downtime between major events is well-handled, adding depth to the story.

This review highlights the skillful balancing act that Dan Abnett achieves in Horus Rising, ensuring that the narrative flows smoothly without any part feeling cumbersome. The downtime between major events is particularly well-handled, providing moments of reflection and character development that enrich the overall story. This balance is crucial in maintaining the reader's engagement and making the book a compelling read from start to finish. The reviewer appreciates the attention to detail in these quieter moments, which add layers of depth and complexity to the characters and their journeys. The book is seen as a well-crafted piece of storytelling that effectively combines action and introspection.

Quick quotes

    Dan Abnett does a masterful job of entwining those key aspects and ensures that neither side drags on or feel cumbersome.

    Each bit of downtime is well-handled, adding depth to the story.

    The narrative flows smoothly without any part feeling cumbersome.

Grimdark Magazine · 2020-02-27
great 4.00

The book is praised for its serious treatment of the Warhammer 40K setting, with well-developed characters and effective foreshadowing. The conflicts within the story are highlighted as particularly engaging.

This review highlights the strength of Horus Rising in its commitment to the Warhammer 40K universe, treating it with a level of seriousness that enhances the reading experience. The characters are noted for their depth and development, making them compelling throughout the narrative. The foreshadowing is particularly well-executed, adding layers of intrigue and tension. The conflicts presented are not just surface-level battles but are deeply rooted in the characters and their motivations, making them more engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, the review suggests that this book is a standout in the series, offering a rich and immersive experience for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Horus Rising is a strong book for treating the Warhammer 40K setting seriously with good characters, foreshadowing, and conflicts.

    The characters are well-developed and compelling.

    The foreshadowing adds layers of intrigue and tension.

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