The First Heretic- book review

Amidst the galaxy-wide war of the Great Crusade, the Emperor castigates the Word Bearers for their worship. Distraught at this judgement, Lorgar and his Legion seek another path while devastating world after world, venting their fury and fervour on the battlefield. Their search for a new purpose leads them to the edge of the material universe, where they meet ancient forces far more powerful than they could have imagined. Having set out to illuminate the Imperium, the corruption of Chaos takes hold and their path to damnation begins. Unbeknownst to the Word Bearers, their quest for truth contains the very roots of heresy…

The First Heretic by Aaron Dembski-Bowden


Lets start by saying that I loved this book. It really got into mankinds first introduction with the powers of Chaos, and it's supposed fall from grace that leads to rebellion. In fact after reading this book, you have to wonder, if Horus had won (sorry for the spoiler) would mankind of ascended. Is the way of the Chaos gods the greatest path for mankind?
 
Even asking those questions means that the book was well written. I read the book in only 5 days. I imagine writing the book, it was very difficult to engage these concepts well enough, that would allow a primarch to go choose this route. The author not only handled them well, it drove the book and kept me deeply engaged.

Given who the Word Bearers are, it was inevitable that they were going to go this route. What I find disconcerting about mankinds current spot in the 40k universe, is that they now worship the Emperor. If this had been allowed from the beginning, could the Heresy of been avoided? The Word Bearers were the chapter of unquestioning faith and loyalty, how could they fall?

If you only read Dan Abnett's books, I highly suggest you expand the horizon. I had always looked at the Horus Heresy about power. I was wrong. Read this book. Good writing, great story, well delivered.