The Darkness That Comes Before

The Darkness That Comes Before

by
R. Scott Bakker

Synopsis of The Darkness That Comes Before

Strikingly original in its conception, ambitious in scope, with characters engrossingly and vividly drawn, the first Book in R. Scott Bakker's Prince of Nothing Series creates a remarkable world from whole cloth-its language and classes of people, its cities, religions, mysteries, taboos, and rituals-the kind of all-embracing universe Tolkien and Herbert created unforgettably in the epic fantasies The Lord of the Rings and Dune. It's a world scarred by an apocalyptic past, evoking a time both two thousand years past and two thousand years into the future, as untold thousands gather for a crusade. Among them, two men and two women are ensnared by a mysterious traveler, Anas...rimbor Kellhus-part warrior, part philosopher, part sorcerous, charismatic presence-from lands long thought dead. The Darkness That Comes Before is a history of this great holy war, and like all histories, the survivors write its conclusion.

Reviews of The Darkness That Comes Before

77%

...if you are a fan of intense, complex fantasy then this Book is for you. -- Lesley Mazey, The Eternal Night

For readers who enjoy being challenged, or those looking for epic fantasy that explores beyond the typical tropes and themes, it's very much worth seeking out. -- Victoria Strauss, SF Site

In 'The Darkness That Comes Before', R. Scott Bakker has begun something extraordinary. -- Martin Jenner, SFCrowsnest

A stunning first Book, brilliant setting and characterisation, and if this was just a warm-up then the entire Series is going to set a new standard for fantasy writers everywhere. -- Matthew Whitaker, The Alien Online

Bakker proves quite a talent with The Darkness That Comes Before and I'm looking forward to what comes next in the Series. -- James Schellenberg, Challenging Destiny

I heartily recommend this novel and eagerly await the next installment of The Prince of Nothing. -- Rob H. Bedford, sffworld.com

"Intelligent" is a term trotted out so often by publishers that it has become almost worthless - which is hard for the likes of Bakker, whose first novel truly is intelligent, and original, and all those other overused words. -- Jon Courtenay Grimwood, The Guardian

...Bakker has produced a politically complex world full of intrigue and treachery as well as the usual fantasy fare of prophecy and magic. -- Cheryl Morgan, Emerald City

An exceptional Book and an exceptional debut. Here begins a Series of Books that is an answer to why it's important that fantasy be read at all.) -- Inchoatus