Path of the Eldar (Book Review)

Read this article in full on http://thefoundingfields.com/

The one thing to truly keep in mind when reading Path of the Seer is this: Same story, different perspective. Rather than serving as a sequel to Path of the Warrior the book is instead set in the same timeframe, with the second of our merry trio of space elves, Thirianna, learning the ways of the seer. Interlinked at a number of distinct points with the last novel, we see her growth as a character and another facet of eldar existence through her eyes.

Thirianna herself is the biggest step up from the first of the trilogy for two distinct reasons. Unlike Korlandril, she is not so prone to overly emotional outbursts and petty selfishness which makes her hard to support. Furthermore, we see through her eyes a more unique aspect of the race: their precognition. The Path of the Warrior emphasised upon their history and age as a civilisation, while this one chiefly emphasises upon the future. Seeing how their kind view the interconnected web of events and potential futures, altering them to their advantage both on the battlefield and ensure their continued survival.

Above all the details of how the eldar view the future, cast their minds afar from their bodies and how it is utilised are ultimately its greatest strength. Broken up throughout the book, many of these experiences are used to flesh out the eldar one moment at a time. Slowly building up Thirianna’s abilities and displaying how their power is used in a myriad of different ways. Starting with shaping events on the battlefield itself, then exploring the webway beyond the craftworld before finally seeing glimpses of possible futures.

There is clearly a great amount more thought put into the evolution of Thirianna’s skills and her master's teachings, as it feels as if she has forced herself to accomplish far more and had her abilities genuinely grow. This is also helped by the note that the eldar do still craft new weapons of war, runes and items rather than relying purely upon relics; an eyebrow raising detail Path of the Warrior ignored.