While not as well written as the first two in this series, this one still delivers a real emotional punch from the shocking aspect of the story itself. Horus has now declared war on the galaxy and the god-like Emperor himself, and the reader is subjected to the angst of seeing many, good, loyal characters betrayed and destroyed by Horus' treachery. This one also sets up the coming conflict between those loyal to the Emperor and those who wish a universal rule by a godless people led by Horus. Funny how these science fiction stories can parallel today's events philosophically....