Eldar Prophecy

This is a very interesting book, and it has unusually visionary ambitions for a Black Library title. I read these books from time to time, and this one really drew me in as something different. The depiction of the eldar is majestic and touching, and the tone is elegantly elegaic. Set many millennia before the 'present day' of WH40K, Eldar Prophecy establishes a mythology for the eldar of Kaelor, of the kind we have never before seen in BL fiction. In some ways, it's difficult to review this book as a Black Library title, since it seems to transcend the boundaries of 'tie-in' fiction. I really think that any readers of sci-fi (and especially of space opera) will find this book interesting and enjoyable. In fact, perhaps non-BL readers will actually like it more? Like much (but not all) of Goto's stuff, this is not the book for you if you're just looking for pulp and violence (although there's some of that too!). But if you're excited about the eldar, alien species or just want something new in the BL-world, or if you want something that is carefully paced and intricately crafted, then this is definitely for you. Not high literature, but certainly a cut above the usual pulp stuff.

In general, I like Goto's writing. I have enjoyed several of his books before. Eldar Prophecy is special; it stands out from his other books and from the rest of the BL collection. The reason is this: it stands on its own as a sci-fi novel, without needing the support of background 40K knowledge. Goto has drawn an elaborate and sophisticated picture of the eldar in this novel, complete with a long an detailed appendix that makes the book self-sufficient. Even if you know nothing about 40K, you will find this an elegant and fascinating sci-fi novel about an alien civilization. If you are already familar with 40K, you will find that Goto brings order to the confusing eldar background and brings craftworld Kaelor to life. The characters in this book are well-developed and nuanced. The eldar are haughty, sly, overly emotional, struggling with their own natures and their ancient demons - they are alien without being incomprehensible. There is an epic tone to the narrative that makes Eldar Prophecy read like a classical cycle, a snippet of a grand folklore. Of course, all of this means that it is not an easy read, and many 40K fans will find it hard, I think, especially if they're really looking for simple blood and war. Here there is intrigue and a detailed plot that requires some concentration. If you want something grand, immersive and unusual from the Black Library, then this is for you.

I find it hard to decide how much I liked this novel. Imagine the movie Titanic ending right after the scenes with the ship breaking up and sinking and it's likely to be the same feeling as this book presents. The last two chapters feel rushed and leaves alot to be desired, but the tale before that is spectacular and more often than not; quite engrossing. Hopefully, knowing ahead of time that it might be a bit too open-ended, you won't feel as disappointed as I did. In terms of language, storytelling and imagery this is truly a spectacular journey through the conflicts and political intrigues saturating the craftworld of Kaelor. Paragraphs shift focus freely in first person view and thus the thoughts and views of the different main actors in the story. At first I found this confusing because I'm used to books following one or two people and their train of thoughts in each chapter, but once I got used to it I really appreciated the alternative approaches this give to each scene. Like real people, the main characters aren't plain good or bad guys, but somewhere inbetween, some more flawed than others and all driven by their own motives and experiences. While still alien to us with their eldar ways and racial traits, this makes them belivable. Seeing events unfold from different perspectives gives you the chance to make up your own mind on who's "right" and "wrong", and what's actually going on. It also promotes reading it again with another understanding of the plot. Mind, the plot synopsis at the back cover really doesn't do it justice. To me it was confusing and I was under impression the story would be a thriller, a hunt for a sort of serial killer. It should have read something like: "The eldar craftworld Kaelor floats isolated through the dark reaches of space. With its population torn and polarized by the great House Wars of the past and their Aspect Temples withdrawn to the outer reaches of their world, Kaelor's end of days is near. A prophecy has been set in motion, but is it still time to unite the factions and avert disaster?" At the end of the book there is a glossary appendix, thankfully. I'm not sure if I'd recommand going through it in detail ahead of the book because some of the terms are purposfully explained later in the story, but I would suggest skimming through any unfamilar word or expression just to be on board, as I'm sure even old Eldar players might find some things unfamilar at Kaelor as opposed to the craftworlds who've not been alone for so long. Overall I'm happy with having this in my shelf, but the end begs a sequal and I hope it will come so the tale gets a proper conclusion. Not to mention the fact that I'd love to see more of the kaelor eldar and other Aspect Warriors than the Dire Avengers and Warp Spiders.