There are many main characters. Horus, as I said, is a central figure. The Emperor, of course. Then there are the various primarchs. For example, Sanguinius, the angelic primarch of the Blood Angels. He has his own story arc of loyalty and the struggle against the heresy. Also, Fulgrim of the Emperor's Children. His fall to Chaos is quite a significant part of the narrative. And Guilliman, who later plays a huge role in trying to hold the Imperium together after the heresy.
The Horus Heresy novels have several key plot elements. Firstly, the relationship between the Emperor and his primarchs is central. As Horus was once very close to the Emperor but then turned. The heresy also involves the discovery of Chaos and how it influenced Horus and others. Battles like the Istvaan V massacres were crucial turning points. These events not only changed the balance of power in the Imperium but also had a profound impact on the future of the Warhammer 40k universe. The novels also delve into the different legions' cultures and how they were affected by the heresy, for example, the World Eaters' descent into bloodlust under Khorne's influence.
These novels are crucial. They flesh out the characters and events that led to the state of the Warhammer 40K universe. For example, they show how the traitor legions turned against the Emperor, like Horus's betrayal. This gives context to the ongoing conflict between the Imperium and Chaos in the 40K setting. Also, they explore the different legion cultures, like the Salamanders or the Iron Hands, which helps in understanding the diversity in the 40K universe.
They fill in the gaps. There are many details in the 'Horus Heresy Short Stories' that add to the overall lore. For example, they might explain certain events that led up to the main Horus Heresy conflict. They also provide more backstory for characters that we might only see briefly in the main Warhammer 40,000 narrative.
These novels are really important for the Warhammer 40K lore. They provide in - depth stories about the characters who are part of the Dark Heresy setting. For instance, we get to see how the Inquisitors operate, what their motives are, and how they deal with threats. They also introduce new storylines that can be picked up and developed further in other parts of the Warhammer 40K universe. The novels can even change the way we perceive certain races or factions, as they might show a different side to them that we haven't seen before.
The Horus Heresy series has a rich collection of novels. 'Nemesis' is an interesting one that focuses on a covert operation during the Heresy. 'Unremembered Empire' is important as it shows the actions of Guilliman and his attempts to hold things together. In addition, 'Vulkan Lives' is a novel that delves into the story of Vulkan, one of the Primarchs, during this tumultuous time.
In my opinion, they're great. They provide deep lore and engaging storylines that keep readers hooked. The detailed descriptions and strategic elements add a lot of depth.
'Galaxy in Flames' is also among the best. It shows the full - scale start of the Horus Heresy conflict. The action scenes are intense, and it does a great job of showing how the Imperium is being torn apart by the betrayal. The descriptions of the battles and the chaos that ensues make it a thrilling read for fans of the Horus Heresy universe.
The top 5 could be 'Horus Rising' as it begins the epic story. 'False Gods' that explores Horus' corruption. 'Galaxy in Flames' for the large - scale battles and betrayals. 'Flight of the Eisenstein' that gives us a view from the loyalist side during the chaos. And 'Fulgrim' which is great for understanding the Primarch's downfall. These novels are all crucial in exploring the complex and tragic Horus Heresy.