Eldar Prophecy

Warhammer 40,000

by C.S. Goto

Isolated and alone, the eldar craftworld Kaelor floats through the dark reaches of space. Exacting vengeance on those who brought low his ancestors, a youthful eldar warrior wreaks destruction across the craftworld but can the prophecy that drives him be trusted, or are darker forces at work?

Genres: Science Fiction, 40k, Fiction

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 27, 2007

About the author

Cassern Sebastian Goto (born 1970) is an author primarily notable for his novels and short stories set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. He got his start with several short stories published in Inferno! magazine and his first novel, a novelation of Dawn of War, appeared in 2004. Born in Ireland, he now lives on the Pacific coast of California.

Reviews

[Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not the *worst* book I've ever read.

A tiresome book gleefully describing something that appears to be going to have something bad happen to it have something bad happen to it. But with out any play on the prophesy thing, or exploring the notion of the inevitability of fate.

Frankly the writing was a bit naive.

I no longer own a copy but I did, in the end, feel a real affection to it as I used one of its pages to light my gas heater.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you've ever liked the fiction based around the Eldar in Warhammer 40K, you should avoid this book.

[Graham Oliver · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like pulp!

[Anita · Rating 1 out of 5]

So not eldar... also myriad useless informations butchering the whole story all along

[cosmic_truthseeker · Rating 2 out of 5]

For starters, even though my knowledge remains fairly surface level, I can confidently say that this is *not* a book you should pick up if you want to learn more about the Eldar/Aeldari and their culture, as it very intentionally sets out to be something different. It's a Craftworld that has isolated itself from all others and, in so doing, has lost touch with Aeldari society.

Ultimately, that leads this book to feel like a generic fantasy novel wrapped in Aeldari colours, which could have been good, nonetheless, but unfortunately I found the story slow without any endearing characters to make it tolerable. It took at least half of the book for any of them to really establish their own identity, and by then I was struggling to care.

Still, I stuck with it, hoping for at least some good action or a resolution that would make everything fall into place. Alas, the action was very much glossed over, the resolution felt rushed, the revelations were lacklustre, and I continued to not care about the characters.

There was no emotional weight, no attachment, and this world's isolation meant any disaster that may befall them is ultimately inconsequential for the wider Warhammer 40K universe. The latter wouldn't be a point against the story were it not for the aforementioned lack of meaning to anything else. Only a few times did I think "oh, interesting", but those moments quickly faded due to the blandness of their surroundings.

I really can't recommend this one. A big disappointment.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

First 40K book I've read, thoroughly enjoyed it. Did a good job of world building. Supposedly doesn't jive with established lore but being new to 40K, it wasn't a detriment to me.

Recommended for: 40K first timers, sci-fi fans who don't mind some heavy violence, ELVES IN SPAAAAAAACE...

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of of epic plot twists from the outset, three-dimensional characters from the start, unbridled heroics from the outset and epic world building from the very beginning! :D

[J.G. Cully · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a particular fan of C S Goto, but this book is something of a stand out exception for me.

For warhammer 40K fans it offers an interesting glimpse not only into the world of an Eldar Craftworld, but one with a twist of isolationism. One of my friends commented that the details from this book would make a fantastic background for a Eldar Craftworld Necromunda campaign, such is the detail that the author produces. It even has a Language Appendix at the back of the book!

It is the story of a lonely craftworld with little to no contact with the outer 40k universe. As a result, the alien Eldar on this world-ship have fragmented into an almost feudal society, with only the Aspect Warrior staying neutral as various factions vay for power. The story has some stand out twists and the characters are put in danger at unexpected times.

This is a really good read for any 40K player, particularly those who collect an Eldar army. I warn you; it will give you ideas!

[Alexander Draganov · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Eldar Prophecy" is a very interesting and very bold "Warhammer 40K" novel - in fact, a too bold for his own good. It creates a dramatic atmosphere of a decadent world of a decadent and once glory civilization and mixes it with strange mythology and unbelievable scenes of carnage. As I love the Eldar, I enjoyed the novel and for me it was very interesting. However, I can say that it way too weird for its own good and sometimes it simply looks like a mess. Similar in tone and idea, but infinitely better as realization and style is "Path of the Warrior", another Eldar novel by Gav Thorpe. Still, I have already read it and so I am happy that I read "Eldar Prophecy" too. I'd very much like, however, a novel in which the Eldar fight their dark cousins.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saga of the Eldar craftworld Kaelor, adrift since The Fall.

A cautionary tale on the consequences of decadence.

The brother/sister protagonists are reminiscent of Dune.

And the Eldar bear more than a passing resemblance to AD&D 2nd Edition Drow.

Many plot threads are unresolved, setting up a series of sequels.

Appendix on the history of the Eldar.