A Few More Sites On warhammer eldar

warhammer_games — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:36:59 +0000

This book marks M. Goto’s sixth foray into the grim universe of Warhammer 40,000 (W40K), having also penned the Dawn of War trilogy and the “Warrior” books. Here he tells the tale of the Eldar Kaelor Craftworld, the Warp Spider Aspect Warrior brothers Scilti and Naois, the young Seer Ela and her aged Farseer mentor Ahearn. A host of lesser characters, from warlords to Aspect Temple Exarchs to dispossessed warriors, form a pantheon of supporting characters, touching almost every aspect of Craftworld life.

The work had enormous potential to shine a light on one of the most fascinating races of the 40K universe, and provide interesting viewpoints on a fictional culture; it fell short. The vast array of characters, while providing impressive scope, is very difficult to track and remember. Eldar terms abound where regular words would cause far less confusion, and they are of dubious origin, such as “Dharknys” for darkness (night) and “Laetnys” for lightness (day). Similarly, M. Goto creates a Craftworld that flies in the face of much of the established Eldar background. They are complete slaves to their passions, always teetering on the edge of corruption. They feel much more like Dark Eldar than the more noble, path-conscious ancients of established canon.

All this might be forgivable if the plot compensated for other failings, but sadly it also takes a back seat. The characters are flimsy stereotypes, and plot devices are applied with the subtlety of a hammer. The “rule of cool” usurps common sense when armies give up fortified defensive positions to fight on an open plain, when characters are spared from certain death for no other reason than to advance the plot, and when only the Exarchs of each Aspect Temple arrive at a battle with no warriors in support. The final reveal of the plot will come as no surprise and feels more like “showing off” than resolution.

In summary: though it aspires to grand scope, anyone more than passingly familiar with the 40K background or appreciative of the finer points of the writer’s craft might want to look at other Black Library offerings.

Warhammer HC (2008 Boom Studios) #2-1ST NM
US $50.00

Buy it now | Add to watch list

Warhammer Crown of Destruction Limited Hardcover $50
US $24.99

Buy it now | Add to watch list

Warhammer Slayer of the King Sword
US $29.00

Buy it now | Add to watch list

Warhammer HC (2008 Boom Studios) #1-1ST VF
US $40.00

Buy it now | Add to watch list

Eldar Rangers Warhammer 40K

USD $25.50

40k Figures | Warhammer 40k » Subtlety

A Few More Sites On warhammer eldar