Horus Heresy Essentials

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**Powerfisting**

So, I've been reading The Horus Heresy Novels non- stop since 8th grade and at the time I bought the first novel, there was a neat little list of all the books in the series in order, but now I don't know what is what anymore. I just finished The First Heretic and all the novels before it in the series except for Prospero Burns. Now, what else is a good read that is important to the larger picture? I used to read every book no matter what, but my reading time is split now and I don't have time to read six novels in three months.

Which books actually move the timeline forward and which ones are non- essential?

**Computron**

Know no Fear - it's about the plan to destroy the Ultramarines
Fear to Tread - it's about the plan to destroy the Blood Angels
Betrayer - Ultramar is sealed off and some important stuff about Angron.
Scars - about the White Scars

The other books are about continuing battles, survivors from Istvaan, backstories etc

**BrianDavion**

unremembered empire is a pretty useful novel in that it ties a lot of independant threads together. It's especially good if you want to know more about Gulliman

**EngulfedObject**

BrianDavion wrote:
unremembered empire is a pretty useful novel in that it ties a lot of independant threads together. It's especially good if you want to know more about Gulliman

I'm interested in reading this one but I'm concerned about how the other Primarchs/legions come off in this novel. Does it portray them properly or is more like the codices where it's super pro whatever faction it happens to be about?

**ImAGeek**

EngulfedObject wrote:
BrianDavion wrote:
unremembered empire is a pretty useful novel in that it ties a lot of independant threads together. It's especially good if you want to know more about Gulliman
I'm interested in reading this one but I'm concerned about how the other Primarchs/legions come off in this novel. Does it portray them properly or is more like the codices where it's super pro whatever faction it happens to be about?

I really liked UE, but the general consensus is that it's not too good. The fact is, there's like 4 Primarchs in it so it avoids the 'super pro Ultramarines' or whatever simply because there's lots of factions in it. Also, Guilliman does look a little suspect in it, even though I like Guilliman and have no question about his loyalty I can see why people would wonder about him.

**jareddm**

I never understood this reasoning. Half the book revolves around how Guilliman is NOT suspect and in fact goes out of his way to let others have power and to have their say. It's the fear that others would perceive what Guilliman is doing is traitorous, but his methods and motive for doing it are entirely selfless.

**ImAGeek**

jareddm wrote:
I never understood this reasoning. Half the book revolves around how Guilliman is NOT suspect and in fact goes out of his way to let others have power and to have their say. It's the fear that others would perceive what Guilliman is doing is traitorous, but his methods and motive for doing it are entirely selfless.

Mm I know. But people seem to think he is making a power grab or whatever. I don't see it.

**EngulfedObject**

Hmm, I'll probably have to give it a try at some point. It's not everyday that you get book that's mainly about primarchs talking politics.

**ImAGeek**

Give it a go, yeah. Best to try these things for yourself, rather than listen to reviews. I liked it

**EngulfedObject**

Yea, I'll check it out! I like the topic already so it'll be worth reading.

**buddha**

UE had the inglorious duty of tying up all the novels from Legion forward. From the DA being seemingly rouge to the still silly Vulkan perpetual thing. Is it a great book? No. It is however essentially a new base-point in the series and essential for moving forward for the novels after.

**jareddm**

buddha wrote:
UE had the inglorious duty of tying up all the novels from Legion forward. From the DA being seemingly rouge to the still silly Vulkan perpetual thing. Is it a great book? No. It is however essentially a new base-point in the series and essential for moving forward for the novels after.

Agreed. I much would've preferred a Thramas Crusade book instead of the four short stories we got. As for Vulkan, I don't mind how it's progressing, I just wish it wasn't dealt with in this book.

**EngulfedObject**

Oh no, please don't tell me this book deals with the perpetual thing, I can't stand that at all

Is it one continuous story or why the hell is Vulcan even involved?

**jareddm**

At this point I'd give it a read regardless. It is an important nexus book.