I had this book recommended to me as a great entry point into the lore and world of Warhammer 40k, and it was everything that was promised. The book arrived in pristine condition, and was an absolute pleasure to read. Definitely recommend for anyone who is seeking to learn more about the lore that is the foundation of the table top wargame Warhammer 40k.

I enjoyed this book. It covered a lot of territory. Good explanations throughout and great descriptions! Looking forward to the rest of the series!

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.

I'd like to give this a three and half but will settle for a four since that isn't possible. It's not all that unique or special and the pacing can feel a bit off at times but it is still an engrossing read. It is a solid, pulpy, fun. There is nothing here that will make you think(or really stick with you) but it is entertaining and the prose is fairly smooth. I know that may not sound like much but out of a solid number of 40k books, this is one that always had me excited to be able to jump back in. I also think it's a nice entry point for people new to the universe. On the flip side, there are aspects to enjoy if you already know the lore. I can't speak for the entire series here but this is still enjoyable without having to go through 50+ books.

I had no idea what to expect and found myself being pulled in deeper and deeper with each page! What a great read. I cannot wait to read the next book!

4 AND 1/2 STARS This is my first experience reading anything in the Warhammer 40K universe. I've heard and seen so many great things about this universe, I decided to give it a try and start with book one of the Horus Heresy story line. With 53 additional novels to this series, this was a daunting task. Luckily, I had already read author Dan Abnett's comic book titles and his amazing futuristic science fiction military novel, Embedded, and knew he was a real talent at writing and world-building, and Horus Rising is no exception. This book is an outstanding read, covering not only the smaller, more personal stories involving the characters, but Abnett branches out to include massive battles, technology, mythology, history of the Emperor's Great Crusade, and a boatload more - which was one of my worries - that I would become lost and confused in this massive world. But Abnett was skilled enough in his writing and clarity to not let that happen. I loved the smaller, intimate scenes with characters and then jumping to epic battles and grand ceremonies without a hitch. My only complaint is that this book was clearly too short and could have easily been double the page count. But I guess that is what the rest of the series is for. There are about a dozen other writers throughout the Horus Heresy series. I understand that Dan Abnett is one of the better authors, so while I probably won't read all the books, I plan on reading the books that Abnett wrote. From what I'm told, other top writers in the series include Graham McNeill, Chris Wraight, James Swallow, and Aaron Dembski-Bowden. So I'll try and read them, as well. If you're up for something truly epic, violent, and sometimes downright frightening, this is the place to start.