Robert Rath’s The Infinite and The Divine is a unique and refreshing entry in the Warhammer 40K universe, offering a rare perspective into the minds of the Necrons, one of the setting’s most enigmatic and ancient factions. Rath’s approach diverges from the typical human-centric narratives of Warhammer, giving readers a glimpse into the millennia-long rivalry between two of the Necrons’ most iconic characters: Trazyn the Infinite and Orikan the Diviner. This novel balances humor, gravitas, and a surprisingly deep exploration of Necron culture and immortality.
Plot:
The plot of The Infinite and The Divine revolves around the long-standing feud between Trazyn the Infinite, a Necron Overlord and obsessive collector of relics and historical artifacts, and Orikan the Diviner, a Necron Chronomancer who is able to see and manipulate future timelines. The narrative spans millions of years, jumping through time as the two ancient rivals clash over a powerful artifact known as the Astrarium Mysterios —a device with the potential to unlock immense power, possibly even a way to transcend the soulless existence of the Necrons.
What starts as a petty rivalry over the Mysterios quickly escalates into a bitter vendetta, with each of them trying to outwit, sabotage, and manipulate the other over the course of countless battles and schemes. Their encounters are marked by moments of genuine humor, as Trazyn’s meticulous nature clashes with Orikan’s often grim pragmatism. Rath adeptly intertwines the plot with commentary on the hubris, pettiness, and pride of these immortal beings, which makes their ancient feud feel almost human at times, despite their robotic forms.
Although the book follows a cyclical pattern of rivalry and revenge, the real tension lies in how Rath explores the immortality of the Necrons. With beings who have lived for eons, the book poses existential questions about what it means to be truly immortal in a universe where even gods die. The long spans of time covered in the novel give weight to the slow-moving nature of Necron life, but also make the stakes feel as though they play out on a cosmic scale.
Characters:
The primary focus is, of course, on the two antagonistic protagonists. Trazyn the Infinite is portrayed as eccentric, smug, and fanatically obsessed with his collection, willing to risk anything to acquire new artifacts. His sense of superiority is often undermined by his own flaws, making him a compelling and surprisingly relatable character despite his alien nature. Rath imbues Trazyn with a quirky charm that endears him to the reader, even though his motives are selfish and morally ambiguous.
Orikan the Diviner serves as the perfect counterbalance to Trazyn. While just as arrogant, Orikan’s ambitions are more focused on attaining ultimate power through the manipulation of time and fate. He is serious, scheming, and more than willing to play the long game to achieve his goals. The juxtaposition between the two—Trazyn’s short-sighted, impulsive actions and Orikan’s cold, calculated plotting—creates a dynamic that fuels the book’s tension and humor.
While secondary characters, such as lesser Necron lords, make brief appearances, they are largely overshadowed by the magnetism of Trazyn and Orikan. The depth and subtlety of these two characters give the story its emotional and intellectual core, turning what could have been a simple tale of rivalry into a deeper exploration of character and theme.
Prose:
Rath’s prose is clean, efficient, and often light in tone, which contrasts nicely with the usual grimdark atmosphere of Warhammer 40K. He strikes a balance between humor and gravitas, making the Necrons, typically portrayed as cold, emotionless beings, more relatable without diminishing their sense of ancient grandeur. The dialogue between Trazyn and Orikan, in particular, sparkles with wit and dry humor, enhancing the absurdity of their endless feud.
The pacing is steady, but some readers might find the long stretches of time between action sequences a bit slow-moving. Rath takes his time developing the world and the existential musings of his characters, which could be either a strength or a weakness depending on the reader’s patience for philosophical reflection.
The novel’s vivid descriptions of Necron technology, tomb worlds, and the nature of their immortality create a richly atmospheric backdrop. Rath’s world-building is subtle but effective, providing enough detail to make the Necron civilization feel ancient, advanced, and alien, without overwhelming the reader with technical jargon.
Overall Summary and Verdict:
The Infinite and The Divine is an enjoyable and engaging departure from the usual Warhammer 40K fare, offering an insightful look into the Necrons’ lives and the absurdity of ancient, immortal beings. Robert Rath successfully balances humor, character depth, and a philosophical exploration of immortality while remaining true to the larger Warhammer universe.
While the plot may at times feel repetitive due to the cyclical nature of the rivalry between Trazyn and Orikan, the clever characterization and the surprisingly reflective narrative make up for this. The interplay between the two characters is the heart of the novel, providing humor, drama, and intrigue as their rivalry escalates.
Verdict: The Infinite and The Divine is a well-executed, character-driven novel that offers a refreshing take on the Warhammer 40K universe. Rath’s writing combines wit, subtle world-building, and thematic depth, making it a worthy read for fans of the setting. Though slower-paced than typical 40K novels, those who appreciate character studies and existential reflections wrapped in humor will find this a satisfying and memorable experience.
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