'Warhammer 40K' Book Reviews: 'Ahriman: Eternal' & 'Ahriman: Undying'
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While it may one day be joined by other novels in its series, the Ahriman trilogy, followed by the duology up for discussion now, are likely the end of the novel-based narrative for our favorite Thousand Sons sorcerer. Focusing on an entirely new set of foes for Ahriman to face down in his quest to respond to the events of the previous three novels, Ahriman: Eternal and Ahriman: Undying again deliver complex, thoughtful storytelling that dives a little deeper into Ahriman but also explores greater dynamics across the sci-fi Warhammer setting. As a warning upfront, these reviews will have major spoilers for the events described in Ahriman: The Omnibus, so if you intend to read that collection, or at least the first three novels of the Ahriman series, we highly recommend not reading further.
WARNING: This review contains LIGHT spoilers for Ahriman: Eternal and Ahriman: Undying.
After the failure to cast his Second Rubric, Ahriman and his forces are seeking other ways to undo the Rubric’s failure. Dwindled by that failure, and without the same resources as before, Ahriman stumbles onto a strange solution: a device of Necron origin. What follows is a unique narrative weaving together the Necrons, Warp magic users, with a healthy dash of the Harlequins, who foresee disaster if Ahriman acquires the Necron device.
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Many of the plot’s players have changed for this two-book narrative, as besides Ahriman, only a few faces return from the first three novels. Other faces, previously only background characters, are thus pulled up to play larger roles in the narrative, and of course the new characters each provide fascinating perspectives from their respective factions. As always, Necron writing is some of the most interesting in the setting, and what is most unique here is that Ahriman and his fellow sorcerers have no idea what the Necrons are. This might seem strange to some, but it must be remembered that the 40Kgalaxy is vast, and at this time, prior to the formation of the Great Rift, the Necrons are only just beginning to awaken from their long slumber. They have yet to form the Pariah Nexus, or move in large numbers against the Imperium and other threats.
The nature of time is once again key to these stories, but in a way different to its previous representation in the initial trilogy of novels. It also provides just as complex narrative twists as a result of outcomes in Ahriman’s quest shifting in unexpected ways, while also providing chilling or shocking sudden events.
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Uniquely as well, Ahriman: Eternal does not require someone to have read the previous three novels of the series. It begins with an excellent ease-in perspective and summation of past events, before entering the new storyline where Ahrman’s priorities have remained the same yet his available resources have dwindled. Readers of the previous novels will get more out of the various characters carried over from the original trilogy of books, but again, it is not essential reading.
As a pair of novels likely wrapping up Ahriman’s story for the foreseeable future in events before the modern setting of 40K, Eternal and Undying pit the sorcerer against a new cast of enemies, which results in unique outcomes and allows for some fabulous and detailed writing. Shepherded for years at the hardworking hands of John French, we are certain this is not the end of the character’s exploration in the area of novel-based storytelling, but it seems clear to likely be the closing of yet another chapter in the man’s journeys across the galaxy, only filled with war. What a great pair of books to end the story on, for now!
Rating: 9/10
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Source(s): Ahriman: Eternal, Ahriman: Undying
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