“Ahriman: Sorcerer” by John French is the second book in the Ahriman trilogy, set in the grimdark Warhammer 40K universe. The novel continues the tale of Ahriman, the infamous sorcerer of the Thousand Sons Legion, as he grapples with his past, seeks redemption, and pursues ultimate power. French’s mastery of character development, plot intricacies, and atmospheric prose makes this novel a compelling read for fans of Warhammer 40K and dark science fiction.
The plot of “Ahriman: Sorcerer” picks up where the first book, “Ahriman: Exile,” left off. Ahriman, still reeling from his failures and haunted by his past, seeks to restore his power and undo the Rubric, a catastrophic spell he cast that unintentionally cursed his legion, turning many of his brothers into mindless automata. Determined to rectify his mistakes, Ahriman embarks on a perilous quest across the galaxy, delving into the darkest corners of the warp and the mysteries of ancient sorcery.
The story takes readers through a series of interconnected events and adventures. Ahriman forms a fragile alliance with several other powerful sorcerers, each with their own motivations and ambitions. Together, they travel to the desolate wastelands of the Eye of Terror, a region of space warped by Chaos, where they seek out forbidden knowledge and powerful artifacts that might help reverse the Rubric’s effects.
One significant plot thread involves Ahriman’s attempt to gain access to the Athenaeum of Kallimakus (a name that may be familiar to those who have read the Horus Heresy Series) This is the most interesting part of the book, as the middle sections tend to drag a bit.
The novel also explores the broader implications of Ahriman’s quest, delving into the intricate politics of the Chaos Space Marines and the ever-shifting alliances within the Eye of Terror. As Ahriman delves deeper into his dark pursuits, he attracts the attention of powerful entities, both mortal and daemonic, each with their own stakes in his success or failure.
Throughout the book, the stakes continually rise as Ahriman and his allies face mounting opposition from both within and outside their ranks. Betrayals and power struggles test the limits of their loyalty and resolve, culminating in a dramatic and action-packed climax that sets the stage for the trilogy’s final installment.
John French excels at creating multi-dimensional characters, and “Ahriman: Sorcerer” is no exception. Ahriman himself is a deeply flawed and tragic figure, driven by a desire for redemption and a thirst for knowledge. His internal struggles and moral ambiguities are explored in depth, making him a compelling and relatable protagonist. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with characters such as Ignis, an ambitious sorcerer with his own agenda, and Astraeos, a loyal follower grappling with his faith in Ahriman. Each character adds depth to the story, their interactions and conflicts enriching the narrative. French’s portrayal of these characters adds emotional weight to the plot and enhances the overall reading experience.
French’s prose is evocative and atmospheric, capturing the dark and foreboding tone of the Warhammer 40K universe. His descriptive language brings the settings to life, from the desolate wastelands of the Eye of Terror to the labyrinthine corridors of ancient starships. The action scenes are intense and vividly described, immersing readers in the chaos and brutality of battle. French’s writing is both poetic and precise, balancing detailed world-building with fast-paced action. However, some readers might find the prose dense at times, with the complexity of the language occasionally slowing down the narrative’s momentum.
“Ahriman: Sorcerer” is a captivating and intricate continuation of Ahriman’s journey, showcasing John French’s skill in storytelling, character development, and world-building. The plot is engaging and filled with unexpected twists, keeping readers hooked until the very end. While the middle sections of the book can drag on tediously, they do set up some pay offs later on in the novel. The characters are well-rounded and deeply explored, adding emotional depth to the narrative. While the prose can be dense, it effectively conveys the dark and immersive atmosphere of the Warhammer 40K universe.
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