Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a new way for fans to dive deeper into the Diablo universe with The Lost Horadrim, an official prequel novel tied to the upcoming Diablo IV expansion, Lord of Hatred. The book is set to release on April 21, 2026, just a week before the expansion launches on April 28. At 272 pages, it explores events that take place between Diablo III: Reaper of Souls and Diablo IV, filling in important gaps and expanding on characters and locations that will play a major role in the next chapter of the series Diablo 4 Items.
The story follows a younger version of Lorath Nahr, long before players meet him as the weary Horadrim scholar in Diablo IV. Alongside the angel Tyrael and fellow Horadrim Donan, Lorath sets out to investigate the disappearance of several Horadrim on the remote island of Skovos. This place is steeped in legend, known as the birthplace of the first Nephalem children of Lilith and Inarius. Now ruled by the Askari Amazons, Skovos appears to have escaped the devastation of the Reaping, but that illusion doesn't last long. Beneath the surface, dangerous forces stir, including the Drowned horrors that threaten both the island and the wider world. To survive, Lorath is forced into an uneasy alliance with Adreona, the Amazon leader who will later become queen by the time Lord of Hatred unfolds.
The novel directly sets the stage for the expansion's main storyline. In Lord of Hatred, Mephisto escapes captivity through Neyrelle and spreads his corruption toward Skovos, pushing Sanctuary closer to another catastrophe. Events in the book take place nearly 50 years earlier, showing how the first cracks begin to form long before Mephisto's full return. Lorath's journey helps explain his role in the expansion, while Adreona's character hints at deeper personal ties and shared history that carry emotional weight into the game's narrative.
Matthew J. Kirby, who previously worked on Diablo lore projects like the Book of Lorath, returns to write the novel. Known for award-winning fantasy and historical fiction, Kirby brings a grounded, character-driven approach that fits Diablo's dark tone well. Published by Penguin Random House, the book aims to capture Sanctuary's bleak atmosphere while giving readers a more personal look at its heroes and the cost of fighting Hell's influence.
Fans will be able to choose how they experience the story. The Lost Horadrim will be available in hardcover for $30, as an ebook for $15, and as an audiobook priced between $15 and $22, depending on the platform. Pre-orders are already open through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with audiobook versions offered on services such as Audible, Apple Books, and Spotify.
All of this leads directly into Lord of Hatred, which concludes Diablo IV's Age of Hatred saga. The expansion introduces Skovos as a full playable region, along with new enemies, dungeons, and story content centered on Mephisto and his followers. It also brings major gameplay changes, including skill tree updates, deeper endgame systems, new progression options, and long-requested features like loot filtering and expanded crafting.
With the novel releasing just days before the expansion, The Lost Horadrim feels timed perfectly for players who want more context before stepping into Skovos themselves diablo 4 gear for sale. It's a reminder that in Diablo's world, the past is never truly buried, and every victory against Hell is built on sacrifices made long before the next battle begins.
