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  • Horus Rising

  • The Horus Heresy, Book 1
  • Written by: Dan Abnett
  • Narrated by: Toby Longworth
  • Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,175 ratings)

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Horus Rising cover art

Horus Rising

Written by: Dan Abnett
Narrated by: Toby Longworth
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Publisher's Summary

It is the 31st millennium. Under the benevolent leadership of the Immortal Emperor, the Imperium of Man hasstretched out across the galaxy.

It is a golden age of discovery and conquest. But now, on the eve of victory, the Emperor leaves the front lines, entrusting the great crusade to his favourite son, Horus. Promoted to Warmaster, can the idealistic Horus carry out the Emperor's grand plan, or will this promotion sow the seeds of heresy amongst his brothers?

©2006 Games Workshop Limited (P)2014 Games Workshop Limited

What listeners say about Horus Rising

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow

While aware of of the lore I was never familiar with it. I was not expecting it to be delivered with such a rich story. Starting the next book immediately!!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great story and performance

I’m a long-time fan of the Warhammer 40K universe and this was a great book for me. The only criticism I have is that it might be a bit hard to follow at the beginning if you don’t know the universe and what an Astartes is.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Perfect introduction to Warhammer and Horus Heresy

Good: Well detailed story that gives information on the inner working of the Luna Wolf Space Marine Chapter (sons of horus).
Expertly written story with multiple characters with unique personalities.
We can see the beginning of the damage the Crusade and the first glimpse of chaos.

Bad: The only negative that I found is the beginning of the story can be confusing and sometimes the voice of different character can sound a bit too similar and confuse the listener.

All in all, this books takes all its charm over time. The more you move in the chapters the more hook you will get. A must own book!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Insanely epic

It's a lot more compelling than you might assume. There is over the top sci-fi action but also gripping characters, ideas, and story.
The narration is some of the best I've heard and adds a ton of gravitas to the book. The narrator's voice suits the book quite well and has come to define this series for me.

The main characters are a bunch of fascistic conquering space imperials so it's a bunch of anti-heroes taking centre stage, yet the cracks and doubts that appear in their crusade and worldview make it interesting. There is much heavy handed emphasis on honour and glory, but you see how that leads them astray as the book progresses and how it could become their undoing.
It's one of those books that is actually kind of depressing the more you think about it but I couldn't stop listening. The world-building sets up the tragedy and ultra violence of this universe really well. I somehow ended up really liking it and would recommend to anyone who likes this genre, especially if you appreciate a grimdark tone. To my knowledge these books and this story universe is where the term "grimdark" originally came from, so that basically sums up the kind of book it is. For that type of book, it is excellent.

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  • Dam
  • 2020-12-01

Lupercal!!!

Narration was spectacular. This book made my favorite characters in the The Horus Heresy come alive. The tales of blood sworn warriors bound to the Master of Mankind fulfilling his dream, while realizing the true horrors of what they must face.

Definitely the best start to get into 40k / The Horus Heresy. I warn you. There is no coming back once you've translated into the Warp through this book. Be ready for the most amazing and outrageous yet mature and classy space bound lovecraftian military saga of the greatest scale.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A great first book in the series

loved this book, kept me hooked right to the end. The end had a great twist.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic beyond expectations!

Fabulous vocabulary, gripping action scenes, engaging dialogue that demands your attention. Not to be read passively!

This is my first exposure to 40k lore and I’m definitely coming back for more! Bravo!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fascinating and action packed!

My first warhammer book and wad pleasantly surprised! Great story, awesome characters, and the narrator was fabulous, giving each character a different 'voice'.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Lays the Foundation

The narrator does an amazing job. Voice acting is truly an underrated ability.

Horus Rising lays the foundation for the story about to unfold. It outlines our main characters and gives you a short glimpse into who Horus is before he is slowly corrupted by outside forces.

I would call this a prologue to the events about to unfold over the next couple books.

If your looking for a place to start with 40k books I would say get some short stories first and then start this saga. Parts of it can be a bit slow but when the pace picks up its fast and quick.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

That was amazing!

I absolutely loved this book. My favourite character I have to say so far is Torgaddon, hilarious but awesome and caring. Amazing start to the series, can’t wait to listen to the rest

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