Black Library has revealed Herald of the Horned Rat, a new Age of Sigmar novel about the Skaven by Robbie MacNiven. It stars the boastful Grey Seer Morrskeet in a race to become the chosen herald of the Great Horned Rat, and it's packed with backstabbing, assassins and one very loud Screaming Bell.
Published November 4, 2026.
Herald of the Horned Rat at a glance
| Title | Herald of the Horned Rat |
| Author | Robbie MacNiven |
| Publisher | Black Library |
| Setting | Warhammer Age of Sigmar |
| Main character | Morrskeet, a Grey Seer |
| Announced | November 4, 2026, on Warhammer Community |
| Release date and price | Not announced yet |
What's the story?
Like any self-respecting Grey Seer, Morrskeet isn't shy about grand claims. Now he's in a contest to be named the herald of the Horned Rat, the Skaven's god. The catch: the winner must be the first to capture the huge Sigmarite fortress of Thunder Crag and raise their Screaming Bell on its highest peak.
Black Library promises a frantic tale of verminous intrigue: Morrskeet and his minions have to outwit rival sorcerers and dodge the hidden blades of Clan Eshin assassins. And along the way he faces an even more terrifying idea: that he might actually be the chosen herald after all.
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Why Skaven fans should be excited
Skaven novels are rare treats, and they're usually the funniest books in Warhammer: everyone is scheming against everyone, nobody can be trusted, and the "heroes" are cowards with big egos. A Grey Seer lead means plenty of warp lightning, betrayal and Skaven politics. Robbie MacNiven has written for Black Library for years, so the Horned Rat is in experienced paws.
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When can you get it?
Black Library hasn't given a release date or price yet. Warhammer Community says devoted Skaven fans will have more than one way to get it, so expect details on editions closer to pre-orders. We'll update this article when the date is announced.
Can't wait? Black Library's earlier Skaven novels are on Amazon, and if you want rats on the table too, the Skaven Spearhead is the easiest way to start an army.
More Skaven chaos: they're also in Warhammer Survivors, out November 10. New to the hobby? See our Warhammer beginner's hub.
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Sources
- Warhammer Community: Black Library: New Skaven novel revealed (November 4, 2026) warhammer-community.com
Written by the WIZY creator
A lifelong gamer and Warhammer painter from Calgary, Canada, and the maker of the Crusade Journal and the WIZY RPG game. I write about games, hardware, Warhammer and crypto in plain English, and I check every fact against its source.
