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Horus Rising
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 29, 2026
Read to understand wtf a Warhammer lover was talking about (and also because HENRY CAVILL! And here’s the thing about that, maybe people will think that’s shallow but isn’t it a widely accepted power of literature to expand the mind by bringing us new perspectives? If we only read our favorite genres and if we only read things we “like,” or worse, if we only read things we agree with, then we do ourselves a grave disservice. Thus, if an extremely beautiful hunk called Henry mf Cavill says he likes Warhammer and girls start reading books that have to do with a game(?) that discusses the morality of imperialism and secularism, then I THINK THAT’S A WHOPPER OF A WIN).
Pros and cons across the board. There were sections of prose that were genuinely beautiful, so much so that I was taken aback because I didn’t expect such care to be taken of the literature. I mean, I know the Warhammer world is deeply developed and complex, but I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that the writer took real care to make the literature about this world feel valuable. See:
Spectral shapes swam high in the upper atmosphere: ships engaging in a swirling mass, charting brief, nonsensical zodiacs with the beams of their battery weapons.
On the other hand… I was disappointed and also deeply NOT surprised to find some incel-ish prose about the two women that appear so briefly they might as well not even matter:
He was almost a metre taller than her, and naked but for a loin cloth. She sighed inwardly at the splendour of his physique.
He eyed her. Small and frail, though possibly beautiful. Loken had very little experience of women. Perhaps they were all frail and beautiful. He knew enough to know that few were as black as her.
(For the record I highlighted this for the sheer resemblance to Ron Burgundy gagging the word Black at his super hot boss in Anchorman 2)
the very masculinity of her chosen garb made her feminine beauty all the more apparent.
(My note under this highlight reads, and I quote: gag gag gag gag gag)
Thematically, I saw two main discussions happening, and I’m not totally sure what to make of them. On the one hand, I’m sure if I read more of the eight trillion books written about this universe I’d have a better understanding of the stance the author is trying to take about secularism and imperialism, but I’m not going to, so that’s that. On the other hand, I’d like the record to show that I don’t think it’s the responsibility of an author to make ANY stance about any THING they choose to write about. I’m actually impressed that imperialism and secularism is even something the author chose to broach. It’s clear the way this universe is structured is a brilliant breeding ground for philosophical thought on these matters in and of itself. It’s honestly even MORE impressive that there’s fairly strong evidence for either side of a debate.
On Imperialism, I think the question at hand is whether it is just or not if unwanted. I’m getting that humans have been scattered across the universe for thousands of years and different cultures of human seem interested in uniting with each other (at least establishing relations with one another), but of course separate cultures don’t always easily assimilate together, especially when both believe they have an obligation to establish what they believe to be objective truth across the universe. The issue of the spider species was also interesting; a planet of non-humans that clearly wasn’t interested in being conquered raises the question of why the imperials even needed to destroy them if they were both non-human (and therefore outside the parameters of their mission) and isolated. The characters seem to be divided on this matter. Very interesting. But of course the much larger question appears at the end with the other society of humans. And the conclusion, quite frankly, feels like a cop out: they go to war over a misunderstanding rather than an ideological disagreement.
On secularism. To be honest, this was thematically weaker for me. The great objective truth the imperials want to spread is that there is no supernature, no spiritualism, and no God. But there’s clear evidence of religious feeling in our main character, the academic mentor, AND our throwaway female who makes a shrine to the Emperor. Okay, so there IS a religion brewing? Still a little lost here, but maybe I’ll understand more when I think on it longer. Or when I (don’t) read the other books. A quote I thought was funny about what I interpreted to be a burgeoning space Jesus:
‘Why have you tasked me with this, father? Why have you forsaken me?’
(Horace speaking, who proclaims himself to be the acting Will of his father, the immortal emperor… ROOIIIGHT ROIGHT ROIGHT. Not to mention come on we’re quoting Jesus directly? ROIGHT ROIGHT ROIGHT.)
Pros and cons across the board. There were sections of prose that were genuinely beautiful, so much so that I was taken aback because I didn’t expect such care to be taken of the literature. I mean, I know the Warhammer world is deeply developed and complex, but I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that the writer took real care to make the literature about this world feel valuable. See:
Spectral shapes swam high in the upper atmosphere: ships engaging in a swirling mass, charting brief, nonsensical zodiacs with the beams of their battery weapons.
On the other hand… I was disappointed and also deeply NOT surprised to find some incel-ish prose about the two women that appear so briefly they might as well not even matter:
He was almost a metre taller than her, and naked but for a loin cloth. She sighed inwardly at the splendour of his physique.
He eyed her. Small and frail, though possibly beautiful. Loken had very little experience of women. Perhaps they were all frail and beautiful. He knew enough to know that few were as black as her.
(For the record I highlighted this for the sheer resemblance to Ron Burgundy gagging the word Black at his super hot boss in Anchorman 2)
the very masculinity of her chosen garb made her feminine beauty all the more apparent.
(My note under this highlight reads, and I quote: gag gag gag gag gag)
Thematically, I saw two main discussions happening, and I’m not totally sure what to make of them. On the one hand, I’m sure if I read more of the eight trillion books written about this universe I’d have a better understanding of the stance the author is trying to take about secularism and imperialism, but I’m not going to, so that’s that. On the other hand, I’d like the record to show that I don’t think it’s the responsibility of an author to make ANY stance about any THING they choose to write about. I’m actually impressed that imperialism and secularism is even something the author chose to broach. It’s clear the way this universe is structured is a brilliant breeding ground for philosophical thought on these matters in and of itself. It’s honestly even MORE impressive that there’s fairly strong evidence for either side of a debate.
On Imperialism, I think the question at hand is whether it is just or not if unwanted. I’m getting that humans have been scattered across the universe for thousands of years and different cultures of human seem interested in uniting with each other (at least establishing relations with one another), but of course separate cultures don’t always easily assimilate together, especially when both believe they have an obligation to establish what they believe to be objective truth across the universe. The issue of the spider species was also interesting; a planet of non-humans that clearly wasn’t interested in being conquered raises the question of why the imperials even needed to destroy them if they were both non-human (and therefore outside the parameters of their mission) and isolated. The characters seem to be divided on this matter. Very interesting. But of course the much larger question appears at the end with the other society of humans. And the conclusion, quite frankly, feels like a cop out: they go to war over a misunderstanding rather than an ideological disagreement.
On secularism. To be honest, this was thematically weaker for me. The great objective truth the imperials want to spread is that there is no supernature, no spiritualism, and no God. But there’s clear evidence of religious feeling in our main character, the academic mentor, AND our throwaway female who makes a shrine to the Emperor. Okay, so there IS a religion brewing? Still a little lost here, but maybe I’ll understand more when I think on it longer. Or when I (don’t) read the other books. A quote I thought was funny about what I interpreted to be a burgeoning space Jesus:
‘Why have you tasked me with this, father? Why have you forsaken me?’
(Horace speaking, who proclaims himself to be the acting Will of his father, the immortal emperor… ROOIIIGHT ROIGHT ROIGHT. Not to mention come on we’re quoting Jesus directly? ROIGHT ROIGHT ROIGHT.)
March 7, 2026
Here are the 5 main takeaways from Horus Rising (The Horus Heresy, Book 1) by Dan Abnett (2006; note: some involve spoilers for character arcs, major reveals, and the book’s pivotal ending):
1. The Imperium at Its Zenith Is Already Cracking Under Its Own Weight: The novel opens during the Great Crusade’s golden age, when the Emperor’s dream of human unification seems unstoppable. Horus Lupercal, Warmaster and most beloved of the Primarchs, leads the Luna Wolves (soon to be Sons of Horus) to victory after victory. Yet Abnett subtly shows the cracks: brutal compliance campaigns that slaughter millions, the suppression of non-Imperial cultures, the growing arrogance of Space Marines, and the uneasy alliance between warriors and iterators (propagandists). The Imperium is portrayed as a glorious but inherently authoritarian project built on conquest and enforced belief.
2. Horus Is a Charismatic, Flawed Hero—Not Yet a Monster: Horus is depicted as genuinely inspiring—brave, strategic, paternal, and deeply loyal to the Emperor and his brothers. Abnett humanizes him through his interactions with Loken, Abaddon, and others, showing a leader burdened by responsibility and quietly questioning the Crusade’s methods. The book’s tragedy lies in how relatable and admirable Horus remains; his later fall will feel all the more devastating because readers first see him at his peak.
3. Garviel Loken Represents the Conscience of the Astartes: As a newly elevated captain of the 10th Company, Loken is the moral center—honest, introspective, and troubled by the slaughter of innocents (especially on Sixty-Three Nineteen, where a false “Emperor” is overthrown). His friendship with the remembrancer (documentarian) Euphrati Keeler and his refusal to join the warrior lodge highlight the tension between blind loyalty and personal integrity. Loken embodies the question: can a Space Marine retain humanity and morality in an age of endless war?
4. The Seeds of Heresy Are Planted Through Subtle Corruption and Manipulation: The pivotal moment occurs during the campaign on Davin, where Horus is mortally wounded by a Chaos-tainted anathame blade. The desperation to save him opens the door to Erebus (Word Bearers chaplain) and the Davinite Serpent Lodge’s dark rituals. What begins as a seemingly innocent attempt to heal the Warmaster introduces Chaos influence—quietly, insidiously—through promises of power and survival. The book shows heresy not as a sudden betrayal but as a slow corruption enabled by pride, fear, and misplaced trust.
5. Faith, Propaganda, and Truth Collide in the Birth of a New Religion: The remembrancers—artists, poets, and historians sent to document the Crusade—begin to see the Emperor not just as a warlord but as a god. Euphrati Keeler’s visions and the growing cult of the Emperor-as-divine figure contrast sharply with the Imperial Truth’s secular, anti-religion stance. This tension foreshadows the schism: the Imperium’s rejection of superstition ironically plants the seeds for worship, while Chaos exploits belief itself as a weapon. The book ends on a note of foreboding unity fracturing into division.
Horus Rising is widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in the Horus Heresy series—intimate, character-driven, and emotionally grounded despite its massive scope. Dan Abnett excels at making the superhuman Astartes feel human, the Warmaster tragic rather than cartoonishly evil, and the fall of the Imperium feel inevitable yet heartbreaking. It sets the tone for the entire 50+ book series: a tale of brotherhood, betrayal, ambition, and the terrible cost of absolute power in a galaxy on the brink of civil war.
1. The Imperium at Its Zenith Is Already Cracking Under Its Own Weight: The novel opens during the Great Crusade’s golden age, when the Emperor’s dream of human unification seems unstoppable. Horus Lupercal, Warmaster and most beloved of the Primarchs, leads the Luna Wolves (soon to be Sons of Horus) to victory after victory. Yet Abnett subtly shows the cracks: brutal compliance campaigns that slaughter millions, the suppression of non-Imperial cultures, the growing arrogance of Space Marines, and the uneasy alliance between warriors and iterators (propagandists). The Imperium is portrayed as a glorious but inherently authoritarian project built on conquest and enforced belief.
2. Horus Is a Charismatic, Flawed Hero—Not Yet a Monster: Horus is depicted as genuinely inspiring—brave, strategic, paternal, and deeply loyal to the Emperor and his brothers. Abnett humanizes him through his interactions with Loken, Abaddon, and others, showing a leader burdened by responsibility and quietly questioning the Crusade’s methods. The book’s tragedy lies in how relatable and admirable Horus remains; his later fall will feel all the more devastating because readers first see him at his peak.
3. Garviel Loken Represents the Conscience of the Astartes: As a newly elevated captain of the 10th Company, Loken is the moral center—honest, introspective, and troubled by the slaughter of innocents (especially on Sixty-Three Nineteen, where a false “Emperor” is overthrown). His friendship with the remembrancer (documentarian) Euphrati Keeler and his refusal to join the warrior lodge highlight the tension between blind loyalty and personal integrity. Loken embodies the question: can a Space Marine retain humanity and morality in an age of endless war?
4. The Seeds of Heresy Are Planted Through Subtle Corruption and Manipulation: The pivotal moment occurs during the campaign on Davin, where Horus is mortally wounded by a Chaos-tainted anathame blade. The desperation to save him opens the door to Erebus (Word Bearers chaplain) and the Davinite Serpent Lodge’s dark rituals. What begins as a seemingly innocent attempt to heal the Warmaster introduces Chaos influence—quietly, insidiously—through promises of power and survival. The book shows heresy not as a sudden betrayal but as a slow corruption enabled by pride, fear, and misplaced trust.
5. Faith, Propaganda, and Truth Collide in the Birth of a New Religion: The remembrancers—artists, poets, and historians sent to document the Crusade—begin to see the Emperor not just as a warlord but as a god. Euphrati Keeler’s visions and the growing cult of the Emperor-as-divine figure contrast sharply with the Imperial Truth’s secular, anti-religion stance. This tension foreshadows the schism: the Imperium’s rejection of superstition ironically plants the seeds for worship, while Chaos exploits belief itself as a weapon. The book ends on a note of foreboding unity fracturing into division.
Horus Rising is widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in the Horus Heresy series—intimate, character-driven, and emotionally grounded despite its massive scope. Dan Abnett excels at making the superhuman Astartes feel human, the Warmaster tragic rather than cartoonishly evil, and the fall of the Imperium feel inevitable yet heartbreaking. It sets the tone for the entire 50+ book series: a tale of brotherhood, betrayal, ambition, and the terrible cost of absolute power in a galaxy on the brink of civil war.
May 21, 2026
This book is literally peak. Every single character is just perfect, and the plot moves at a good pace, especially as the book is mostly setup. Garviel Loken is and always will be my GOAT. Horus is such a good guy, and the mournival's brotherhood is so heart warming to see. It's also heart breaking if you know what's going to happen. Garviel sees the cracks within the legion beginning to form, namely with the existence of the warrior lodges, which he instinctually distrusts
Loken is a lot more passionate than most Astartes characters we see, especially in regards to human characters like Ignace Karkasy or Euphrati Keeler. The human perspectives also elevate this book, as they do in most books. Reading the story from the perspective of Astartes can start to numb you to them, but seeing human perspective and their awe as these gene forged demigods is always a nice refreshing feeling.
Overall, this book is phenomenal and Fuck Erebus.
Loken is a lot more passionate than most Astartes characters we see, especially in regards to human characters like Ignace Karkasy or Euphrati Keeler. The human perspectives also elevate this book, as they do in most books. Reading the story from the perspective of Astartes can start to numb you to them, but seeing human perspective and their awe as these gene forged demigods is always a nice refreshing feeling.
Overall, this book is phenomenal and Fuck Erebus.
March 12, 2026
Having had zero exposure to Warhammer in the past, I've now been illuminated. This book does a brilliant job of setting up what you need to know about the world of Warhammer while not getting bogged down, and still having time for some great character work and action. My only real gripe is with Act 2, the vibes were so good but it felt like it was cut short. I've come to realise I have an issue with time skips in media though so maybe it's just that
February 22, 2026
Horus Heresy by Dan Abnett.
They thought they had peace.
They had fought for The Emperor and had squashed any mystery in the stars.
Or so they thought.
I have read the Gaunt’s series and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I look forward to Horus as it is the beginning of Kaos and creates the world of Gaunt’s Ghosts.
They thought they had peace.
They had fought for The Emperor and had squashed any mystery in the stars.
Or so they thought.
I have read the Gaunt’s series and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I look forward to Horus as it is the beginning of Kaos and creates the world of Gaunt’s Ghosts.
January 26, 2026
An incredible opening to the Horus Heresy and it’s a great introduction into the Warhammer universe. The characters are unique and the shifting perspectives keep you engaged with the plot and immersed in the world of the 41st Millennium.
February 10, 2026
4.5/5
First book in the saga - down. What an amazing start of the adventure. Great writing, great story, loved the worldbuilding and the depth of all characters, even the ones I do not like.
Looking forward to the next one.
First book in the saga - down. What an amazing start of the adventure. Great writing, great story, loved the worldbuilding and the depth of all characters, even the ones I do not like.
Looking forward to the next one.
April 4, 2026
Part 1 is very repetitive and drawn out. It could have been half the length. The lore starts building in part 2 and 3 and gets more interesting as the characters start interacting more. I’ll likely read the next one to continue to learn about Warhammer lore.
January 25, 2026
Fantastic way to start a series. I wouldn’t recommend it as your first dive into the 40K universe but if you go into it knowing some stuff it’s absolutely fantastic.
Lots of Easter eggs, little nudges towards those who know what’s to come. Absolutely amazing.
Lots of Easter eggs, little nudges towards those who know what’s to come. Absolutely amazing.
February 9, 2026
First third was a bit slow, but it set the groundwork which was needed.
March 6, 2026
an amazing book
One of the best books I have ever read. The story is well written and so exciting. Definitely going to read the next book.
One of the best books I have ever read. The story is well written and so exciting. Definitely going to read the next book.
March 23, 2026
Very complex storyline.
April 1, 2026
Great Intro
I liked the emotions and the matter of fact that you feel for the Astartes. It's a great way to dip your toes in the lore and see how it all started to begin.
I liked the emotions and the matter of fact that you feel for the Astartes. It's a great way to dip your toes in the lore and see how it all started to begin.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews