John French’s Ahriman: Eternal marks the initial chapter of the second Ahriman arc, bringing the ambitious story of the Thousand Sons’ most infamous sorcerer closer to its darkly fascinating conclusion.
The novel continues the themes introduced in Ahriman: Exile and Ahriman: Sorcerer—redemption, obsession, and the relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge—while offering a deeper look at Ahriman’s complex motivations and the cosmic powers that shape his destiny.
Plot
Ahriman: Eternal picks up Ahriman’s quest to undo the catastrophic Rubric that cursed his legion into mindless automatons. No longer content merely to gather knowledge piece by painstaking piece, he has accelerated his plans, driven by an increasingly desperate desire to atone for his past sins. The novel’s opening chapters thrust readers immediately into an atmosphere of foreboding, as Ahriman and his ragged warband scour the galaxy for potent artifacts, secret tomes, and any advantage in a universe rife with danger.
French constructs the story on multiple layers: cosmic showdowns against ancient enemies, tense interactions with fellow Thousand Sons sorcerers, and introspective passages that examine Ahriman’s psychological state. This structure maintains a steady sense of rising tension, culminating in pivotal confrontations that test not just Ahriman’s formidable powers but also his capacity for moral reckoning. While some plot threads can feel labyrinthine due to the novel’s weaving of arcane lore, the overarching drive—Ahriman’s pursuit of redemption through near-impossible feats—keeps the momentum cohesive. Readers who appreciate the dense, intricate tapestry of Chaos and warp sorcery will find much to savor here.
Characters
Unsurprisingly, Ahriman himself dominates the narrative. French has long portrayed him as a tragic anti-hero: intellectually brilliant, spiritually tormented, and burdened by the monumental consequences of his own hubris. In Ahriman: Eternal, these qualities come to the fore. His moral ambiguity reaches new depths, as even those loyal to him begin to wonder if his mission to reverse the Rubric is driven by genuine remorse or a desire to cement his legacy as the greatest sorcerer in the galaxy.
Surrounding Ahriman is a small ensemble of allies and antagonists, each carrying their own scars and motivations. Fellow Thousand Sons, loyal servants, and even the occasional daemon all play roles in shaping Ahriman’s fate. While some supporting characters serve primarily as functional pieces in his grand plan, a few—most notably fellow sorcerers with divergent philosophies—receive enough depth to stand out as meaningful foils. Their interactions with Ahriman underscore the high stakes and betray the tenuous trust that threads through their alliances.
Narrative Feel
John French’s writing style is notably atmospheric, laced with potent imagery of the warp’s unreality and the mind-bending horrors it contains. Battles crackle with surreal intensity, blending telekinetic power, conjured illusions, and desperate close combat. The prose often shifts from action-oriented sequences to deeply introspective moments where Ahriman wrestles with visions of the past and the possible futures that unfold before him.
This duality—grand cosmic conflict paired with internal reflection—defines the novel’s tone. At times, the narrative can feel downright esoteric, particularly in its portrayal of Tzeentchian sorcery and warp manipulation. While this may slow the pace for readers who prefer straightforward action, it effectively immerses the audience in the maddening complexities that define Ahriman’s world. The swirling layers of chaos, regret, and ambition lend Ahriman: Eternal a weighty, almost mystical atmosphere.
Overall Summary and Verdict
In Ahriman: Eternal, John French threads the needle between epic battles and searing introspection, ultimately delivering a deeply personal story about a figure doomed by his own pursuit of forbidden power. The plot’s intricate web of rivalries, warp-craft, and esoteric artifacts provides plenty of intrigue, while the richly drawn portrayal of Ahriman’s tortured psyche remains the emotional and thematic core.
The expanded focus away from the traditional adversaries is a breath of fresh air and brings with it additional depth as the characters cooperate and compete with the Necron and Harlequins.
Verdict: Fans of the previous three Ahriman novels—and those drawn to the darker corners of Warhammer 40K—will find this installment a satisfying and thought-provoking finale. Though the prose can veer into dense territory and the lore may be intimidating for newcomers, the payoff is a richly immersive exploration of ambition, guilt, and the heavy price of seeking salvation within the yawning maw of Chaos. For anyone eager to explore the tragic grandeur of one of the Imperium’s most infamous villains, Ahriman: Eternal is a fitting capstone to the sorcerer’s long journey.
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