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science fiction
Series · science fiction
Path of the Eldar
The Path of the Eldar series by Gav Thorpe has 3 books and is best read in publication order, starting with Path of the Warrior (2010).
- Books
- 3 books
- First published
- 2010
- Status
- completed
- Last checked
Start here: Path of the Warrior (2010) — then read straight through in publication order.
Reading order
The order the books were released — the default way to read the series.
- Book 1:
Path of the Warrior
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Path of the Warrior - Book 2:
Path of the Seer
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Path of the Seer - Book 3:
Path of the Outcast
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Path of the Outcast
About the Path of the Eldar series
Path of the Eldar is Gav Thorpe's trilogy exploring the Eldar (Aeldari) of Warhammer 40,000 through their central cultural institution: the Path, a lifelong practice of taking up and setting aside single-minded "aspects" of self -- warrior, seer, artisan, outcast -- to avoid the soul-consuming excess that destroyed their ancient empire. Path of the Warrior (2010) follows Korlandril, an artist of Craftworld Alaitoc who is drawn onto the Path of the Warrior and struggles to set the aspect aside again; Path of the Seer (2011) turns to Thirianna, a farseer-in-training grappling with the psychic weight of prophecy; Path of the Outcast (2012) follows a Ranger who has left the Craftworld behind entirely, living outside the structure the other two books take for granted.
Widely regarded as one of Black Library's most thoughtful looks at a non-human 40K faction, the trilogy uses each protagonist's relationship to the Path as a lens on Eldar society's deepest fear -- that unchecked emotion literally birthed a Chaos god and could do so again -- making it as much a character study of self-discipline and identity as a war story. Thorpe drew directly on his years shaping Eldar tabletop lore at Games Workshop, and the trilogy remains a frequently recommended entry point for readers curious about the setting's more alien cultures.
Frequently asked questions
How many books are in Path of the Eldar?
Three: Path of the Warrior (2010), Path of the Seer (2011), and Path of the Outcast (2012).
What order should I read Path of the Eldar in?
Publication order: Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Path of the Outcast. Each follows a different character, so the books can largely stand alone.
What is 'the Path' in this trilogy's title?
It's the Eldar's cultural practice of adopting single-minded life 'aspects' -- warrior, seer, artisan and so on -- one at a time and consciously setting each aside before its intensity consumes them, a defence against the excess that doomed their ancient civilization.
Is Path of the Eldar finished?
Yes, it's a complete trilogy with no further volumes announced under this title.
If you like the Path of the Eldar series
Reading order last verified .