Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

How do?

So I've fallen out of love with the Horus Heresy novels. Too many chapbooks, then they change in size format. Narrative squirrelled away all over the shop. Ain't got the time nor inclincation to go back to the beginning and start it all over, either.

But the individual pre-Heresy Primarch novels may be of interest. But can anyone tell me if they're any good? Do they have proper endings, or are they set up as feeders into the Heresy?

I've read the Lorgar one, which was ok, the Perturabo one, which was better, and the Russ one which was brilliant!

Lorgar's is set during the faith wars on Cholchis and his upbringing and tutelage under Kor Phaeron.

Perturabo's is set during his discovery on Olympia and the uprising that he had to quash as well as during the Crusade and we meet a few familiar faces.

The Russ one is after the Heresy and is a story being told by the Russ to a new initiate about Dulan.

I guess they don't have proper endings as their stories are till to be told.

The Perturabo one is easily the best so far. It gives a real insight into why he is the way he is.He is one of the few traitors to have both
a. A sympathetic reason for turning against the Imperium
B. Being 100% in the wrong, this wasn't the emperors screw up, but his own.

He's sympathetic because you can see that he genuinely feels agrieved by the way others treat him and his role in the crusade. However he is simply wracked with trust issues and sees malign motivations in everyone around him. By the time he realises that he was wrong, it's too late. I loved the path of discovery into his downfall. It contrasts nicely with the primarchs who either:
seem to be completely the fault of the emperor:
Magnus, Lorgar
Could never have been considered loyal in the first place:
Angron, Curze
Magic did it:
Horus, Mortarion, Fulgrim.

The Magnus novel is pretty cool too, gives a good sign of the seeds that blossom into the hubris that fell him in A Thousand Sons.
The only one so far that I would steer clear of is Guilliman, because it's just Ultras fighting waves of orks and is boring.

Oh yeah, I read the Magnus one as well. I think that somes up how good I thought it was

The Perturabo book is terrible. Unnecessary subplot that could have been used to give more focus on Pert, poor characterization, and absolutely no new information or insight into him.

Magnus book is better, and a decent enough read at paperback price.

They have all been good so far until thier own ways, adding background in some cases where it was sorely needed (lorgar and peturabo) so we can at least try to understand the motivations of certain primarchs, the favourite of mine so far has to be primarchs guiliman, it seems to have been written in conjunction with dark imperium to make sure his character is consistent (to a degree), it was interesting to read how Naive he was.

@Formosa what background did it add for Perturabo? As far as I could see (bearing in mind that, with an 11k+ IWs army, I've probably paid more attention to their novels in the series than most other legions) it didn't do anything other than mildly flesh out details of things we already knew. If it had focused on his interactions with other primarchs, and how he felt slighted by them, that would have been more interesting. I honestly felt like I got a newer insight into him in the Magnus book than I did in his own.

I've only read the Magnus book, which I thought was quite good, and amusingly enough feels like as much of a must-read for Iron Warriors fans as Thousand Sons fans with how much cool stuff there is for Perturabo and his sons in that book.

 Arachnofiend wrote:
I've only read the Magnus book, which I thought was quite good, and amusingly enough feels like as much of a must-read for Iron Warriors fans as Thousand Sons fans with how much cool stuff there is for Perturabo and his sons in that book.

yeah some of the primarch books are definate musts for fans of other primarchs simply because of how they interact. Lemen Russ: The Great Wolf is ESSENTIAL reading for Dark Angels and Space Wolves BOTH IMHO.

I’ve only read the Perterabo book. The Danioch/Hrud half of the book is difficult to bear, but the Perty half is awesome. It has a really strong ending too, which made wading through the Hrud chapters worth it

 JamesY wrote:
@Formosa what background did it add for Perturabo? As far as I could see (bearing in mind that, with an 11k+ IWs army, I've probably paid more attention to their novels in the series than most other legions) it didn't do anything other than mildly flesh out details of things we already knew. If it had focused on his interactions with other primarchs, and how he felt slighted by them, that would have been more interesting. I honestly felt like I got a newer insight into him in the Magnus book than I did in his own.

It follows Peturabo from when he was a "child" how he interacted with his father and events that shaped his character, it also shows his very human mental breakdown and this goes a long way to explain his actions as the heresy goes on.

@formosa I'd say that was more of a fleshing out of what was already known, rather than adding anything new. I was very disappointed with the book, as I really didn't feel that it added anything that wasn't already covered in the heresy series already (or even just angel exterminatus really.)

 JamesY wrote:
@formosa I'd say that was more of a fleshing out of what was already known, rather than adding anything new. I was very disappointed with the book, as I really didn't feel that it added anything that wasn't already covered in the heresy series already (or even just angel exterminatus really.)

since the heresy series dropped we have never had this much info on Peturabos life prior to the emp finding him, even the index astartes barely touched on it, prior to this he seems like a "petulent" child throwing a tantrum, now I see him as a broken man trying to do the best he can with the choices he has made.

 Formosa wrote:

 JamesY wrote:
@formosa I'd say that was more of a fleshing out of what was already known, rather than adding anything new. I was very disappointed with the book, as I really didn't feel that it added anything that wasn't already covered in the heresy series already (or even just angel exterminatus really.)

since the heresy series dropped we have never had this much info on Peturabos life prior to the emp finding him, even the index astartes barely touched on it, prior to this he seems like a "petulent" child throwing a tantrum, now I see him as a broken man trying to do the best he can with the choices he has made.

I agree. We already know what the Primarchs will do. Knowing why and how is what most of the HH books are about. Demanding more actions, more protaganism; to me seems like requesting more bolter porn. I want to know their thoughts and feelings while they committed the important acts and betrayals. Not more heroic slaughters of xenos.

Each book conveys a sense of it's Primarchs true nature, capturing all of their of their traits and showing them in various lights. After reading each one I would say I had a good understanding of each Primarch's motivations and why they eventually turned traitor or stayed loyal. All of the books take place pre-heresy with Perturabo and Lorgar being the only ones to delve into their youths. But in the end each story is meant to convey who each Primarch was when the Heresy began. I have only read the first 3 HH novels but I have thoroughly enjoyed all of The Primarchs series thus far.

How about the Ferrus Manus one? Is that worth the read?

I've only read the Perturabo book, as I'm a Guy Haley fan and an Iron Warriors fan. To me it seemed like a book that did a job, but was not particularly inspired. I don't feel like it was a waste of my time or money, but I don't think it was great like I think Angel Exterminatus was.

Something I'd like more detail on is the time in between the murder of Olympia and the start of Angel Exterminatus. I've read the Crimson Fist short story that details Phall, but I'm thinking more of the meeting between Horus and Perturabo post-Olympia. Seems like that's important, but probably not enough to deserve it's own book. Is it already in a book that I'm not aware of?

 SolidOakie wrote:
I’ve only read the Perterabo book. The Danioch/Hrud half of the book is difficult to bear, but the Perty half is awesome. It has a really strong ending too, which made wading through the Hrud chapters worth it

I actually enjoyed the Hrud parts far better than the growing up on Olympia parts. I thought the Hrud were interesting and to me did a better job of explaining Perturabo's turning against the Emperor than the betrayal of Olympia.


I didn't know that Perturabo was in the Magnus book. I'll have to check that out. Also I'm going to pick up the Guilliman book because I like Orks and bolter porn. (Side note - wasn't Guilliman originally killed by an Ork after the Heresy and then they retconned it to Fulgrimm? I thought I remembered that but now I can't find it and maybe I'm just crazy.)

The Russ book is excellent and well worth a read as it expands on the story of the duel between Russ and the Lion. It also really cements Chris Wraight (who is an absolutely delightful person by the way) as THE best Space Wolves writer. I wholly recommend reading Wolf King as well if you haven't already as both books really humanize Russ and really develop him into a very interesting and likable character (given that they're the first books to properly focus on him).

 SickSix wrote:
How about the Ferrus Manus one? Is that worth the read?

Yes, but it's an odd book - but all the recently-published Iron Hands books seem a bit odd.

 Dakka Flakka Flame wrote:
I've only read the Perturabo book, as I'm a Guy Haley fan and an Iron Warriors fan. To me it seemed like a book that did a job, but was not particularly inspired. I don't feel like it was a waste of my time or money, but I don't think it was great like I think Angel Exterminatus was.

Something I'd like more detail on is the time in between the murder of Olympia and the start of Angel Exterminatus. I've read the Crimson Fist short story that details Phall, but I'm thinking more of the meeting between Horus and Perturabo post-Olympia. Seems like that's important, but probably not enough to deserve it's own book. Is it already in a book that I'm not aware of?

 SolidOakie wrote:
I’ve only read the Perterabo book. The Danioch/Hrud half of the book is difficult to bear, but the Perty half is awesome. It has a really strong ending too, which made wading through the Hrud chapters worth it

I actually enjoyed the Hrud parts far better than the growing up on Olympia parts. I thought the Hrud were interesting and to me did a better job of explaining Perturabo's turning against the Emperor than the betrayal of Olympia.


I didn't know that Perturabo was in the Magnus book. I'll have to check that out. Also I'm going to pick up the Guilliman book because I like Orks and bolter porn. (Side note - wasn't Guilliman originally killed by an Ork after the Heresy and then they retconned it to Fulgrimm? I thought I remembered that but now I can't find it and maybe I'm just crazy.)

It shows an optimistic and fairly outgoing iron warriors legion... let that sink in.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Glasdir wrote:
The Russ book is excellent and well worth a read as it expands on the story of the duel between Russ and the Lion. It also really cements Chris Wraight (who is an absolutely delightful person by the way) as THE best Space Wolves writer. I wholly recommend reading Wolf King as well if you haven't already as both books really humanize Russ and really develop him into a very interesting and likable character (given that they're the first books to properly focus on him).

There is a certain Person on this forum who thinks that’s author hates the wolves and is heavily biased against them... seriously

Last and only time i read about Perturabo in Angels Exterminatus was several years ago. 2012 or 2013 I believe. It wasn't a notable book, not one that stood out. But it was definitely well written, it was insightful, and heartfelt. but again, not very notable. Sort of like Perturabo himself. As others have said, Angels Exterminatus is a good read for people who love 40k lore.

 Formosa wrote:

 Glasdir wrote:
The Russ book is excellent and well worth a read as it expands on the story of the duel between Russ and the Lion. It also really cements Chris Wraight (who is an absolutely delightful person by the way) as THE best Space Wolves writer. I wholly recommend reading Wolf King as well if you haven't already as both books really humanize Russ and really develop him into a very interesting and likable character (given that they're the first books to properly focus on him).

There is a certain Person on this forum who thinks that’s author hates the wolves and is heavily biased against them... seriously

That's so wrong it's funny, has said person actually read the same books that everyone else is reading? , Chris Wraight is by far and away the best space wolves writer, he's a really nice guy to boot, I met him last year at warhammer fest after missing him the year before and I can honestly say that meeting him and Dan Abnett (for a second time) was the highlight of my trip that year. It was so nice to chat with him about his books and actually be thanked for reading and enjoying them, I must admit I felt rather honoured. That is far and away the best thing about warhammer fest though, getting to meet and chat with the staff as they're generally just as huge fans as the fans.

 Glasdir wrote:

 Formosa wrote:

 Glasdir wrote:
The Russ book is excellent and well worth a read as it expands on the story of the duel between Russ and the Lion. It also really cements Chris Wraight (who is an absolutely delightful person by the way) as THE best Space Wolves writer. I wholly recommend reading Wolf King as well if you haven't already as both books really humanize Russ and really develop him into a very interesting and likable character (given that they're the first books to properly focus on him).

There is a certain Person on this forum who thinks that’s author hates the wolves and is heavily biased against them... seriously

That's so wrong it's funny, has said person actually read the same books that everyone else is reading? , Chris Wraight is by far and away the best space wolves writer, he's a really nice guy to boot, I met him last year at warhammer fest after missing him the year before and I can honestly say that meeting him and Dan Abnett (for a second time) was the highlight of my trip that year. It was so nice to chat with him about his books and actually be thanked for reading and enjoying them, I must admit I felt rather honoured. That is far and away the best thing about warhammer fest though, getting to meet and chat with the staff as they're generally just as huge fans as the fans.

“In the Leman Russ book, Leman Russ admitted that he got beat by the lion. I don't want this to turn into a pissing contest. If you are being totally fair, you'd have to say Russ and the Lion are completely evenly matched. They fought for weeks completely even matched and then the sucker punched ended it. I wish writers would take their ego's out of the writing. and I'm a world eaters player so 'I' am not biased here.”

It gets so much worse from there

definatly agree CW's a fantastic space wolves writer. fantastic writer over all really, I've not read a book of his I've disliked.

I'm in the process of reading Magnus. I bought the limited edition because I have a problem with shiny things, but I was a bit perturbed at the amount of errors I've found in it... most notably the sentence "this volcano is going explode". I mean I'm no English-ologist, but I'm pretty sure that sentence doesn't make sense...

That aside, I am really enjoying the book. I recommend it.

beast_gts wrote:

 SickSix wrote:
How about the Ferrus Manus one? Is that worth the read?

Yes, but it's an odd book - but all the recently-published Iron Hands books seem a bit odd.

What makes it an odd book? I don't care about spoilers but obviously use tags for other people's sake.

 anticitizen013 wrote:
I'm in the process of reading Magnus. I bought the limited edition because I have a problem with shiny things, but I was a bit perturbed at the amount of errors I've found in it... most notably the sentence "this volcano is going explode". I mean I'm no English-ologist, but I'm pretty sure that sentence doesn't make sense...

That aside, I am really enjoying the book. I recommend it.

Think they meant erupt lol

 Formosa wrote:

 anticitizen013 wrote:
I'm in the process of reading Magnus. I bought the limited edition because I have a problem with shiny things, but I was a bit perturbed at the amount of errors I've found in it... most notably the sentence "this volcano is going explode". I mean I'm no English-ologist, but I'm pretty sure that sentence doesn't make sense...

That aside, I am really enjoying the book. I recommend it.

Think they meant erupt lol

Nuh uh, he meant exploded. "This volcano is going exploded."

 LumenPraebeo wrote:

 Formosa wrote:

 anticitizen013 wrote:
I'm in the process of reading Magnus. I bought the limited edition because I have a problem with shiny things, but I was a bit perturbed at the amount of errors I've found in it... most notably the sentence "this volcano is going explode". I mean I'm no English-ologist, but I'm pretty sure that sentence doesn't make sense...

That aside, I am really enjoying the book. I recommend it.

Think they meant erupt lol

Nuh uh, he meanted exploded. "This volcano is going exploded."

I imagine they meant "going to explode"

Slayer-Fan123 wrote:

beast_gts wrote:

 SickSix wrote:
How about the Ferrus Manus one? Is that worth the read?

Yes, but it's an odd book - but all the recently-published Iron Hands books seem a bit odd.

What makes it an odd book? I don't care about spoilers but obviously use tags for other people's sake.

From what I remember it didn't have much Ferrus Manus in, and just as much Emperor's Children as Iron Hands (but I do need to go back and re-read it).