My review on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qt8VaWvAxRs

4.5

Overall, I am truly impressed by the beauty of the prose. Bakker's writing style has a certain lyrical quality that is both captivating and engaging. It never comes across as overly flowery or pretentious. At the beginning, I was a bit concerned that it might feel dense, especially with all the names and factions being introduced. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I found that it didn't feel like an info dump at all.

The political intrigue in this book is, in my opinion, executed flawlessly. I am extremely curious to see how it will develop in the subsequent books. The way we are presented with different perspectives and forced to make connections is truly satisfying. Chapter 17, in particular, stands out as my favorite example of this. It is some of the best political intrigue I have ever read.

The character work is also fantastic. I have a special affinity for Achamian, Esmenet, Conphas, Kellhus, and Proyas. Each character is well-developed and has their own unique personality and motives.

The setting of this book is one of the darkest I have ever encountered, and I love it. The grim nature of the world affects everyone, regardless of gender or social status. It creates a sense of realism and adds depth to the story.

I don't usually tab books, but I couldn't help myself with this one. I marked several passages that dealt with philosophical aspects, which I found truly fascinating. I also really enjoyed the parallels to the Crusades, which added an interesting historical dimension to the story.

Finally, I am glad that I read this book at a slow pace, taking 1-2 chapters per day. As someone who has never read Erikson or this type of writing before, it allowed me to fully appreciate and get used to Bakker's writing style. I will likely take a similar approach when I pick up TWP and would highly recommend doing the same.

I am planning to do a more in-depth review of this book on my channel, where I will explore the characters and philosophy in greater detail. Stay tuned!

This book, which I was extremely hesitant to start reading at first, has truly and fundamentally transformed my perspective on fantasy. In fact, it has even changed my overall outlook on reading.

This remarkable story skillfully combines my three most beloved genres: fantasy, history, and horror. It weaves them together into what I can only describe as an incredibly underrated, masterfully crafted novel.

The story holds nothing back and shows no mercy. The world in which it takes place feels astonishingly real. The decisions made by the characters carry significant weight and have far-reaching consequences.

Seriously, Scott R. Bakker is criminally underrated. This trilogy, and the larger series to which it belongs, is criminally underrated. More people simply must read and appreciate his books. We should not let such literary gems go unnoticed and unappreciated. It is time for the world to recognize the brilliance of Scott R. Bakker's work.

4.5 - 4.75

This is now my absolute favorite first book of any series. Bakker is truly a genius when it comes to writing. His prose is simply beautiful, flowing like a gentle river and captivating the reader from the very first page. The way he crafts his characters is nothing short of wonderful. He shows us each of the points of view from the perspective of others, which allows us to understand the characters on a much deeper level. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion and discovering something new and interesting with each turn.

The world building in this book is among the best I've ever seen. And I'm only in the first book! The world feels completely unique and different from anything I've ever read before. It has an incredible amount of depth to it, and we've barely scratched the surface. There are so many mysteries and secrets waiting to be uncovered, and I can't wait to explore more of this fascinating world. Another aspect that I really enjoyed was the politicking. It was some of the best I've seen across all media. The complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles added an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

This book is a tier above grim dark. While there are elements of darkness and despair, it goes beyond that. It's a story that delves into the human psyche and explores the consequences of our actions. With authors like Abercrombie, there is still some light in the darkness, but in this book, it's just bleak. It's a harsh and unforgiving world, but that's what makes it so compelling. I can't wait to continue this series. I have a feeling that it will be among the best things I will ever read.

Dark, powerful, and an excellent beginning to what I hope (and kind of expect) will be an excellent series.

The combination of philosophy and fantasy in this work allows for a remarkable breakthrough into a new dimension of both. It enables a much deeper immersion into the book compared to any traditional fantasy novel.

Although Achamian is the protagonist of the novel, one cannot help but be drawn to many of the other characters. For instance, Esmenet shows tremendous wisdom yet is helpless due to her circumstances, made literally helpless by the sex scene with the stranger. Cnaiur is directed, honorable, and cunning. The third trait he learned mostly from Kellhus's father, whom he has sworn to kill. He is presented as a brilliant mastermind but makes the decision to follow Kellhus because of his desire for vengeance, a thirst that should inevitably lead to his downfall.

When it comes to Kellhus, it becomes evident that he is the center of the series after Cnaiur calls him "The Prince of Nothing". Heartless and calculative, Kellhus is, in many ways, a sorcerer over human minds, a neuromancer, able to control with a simple word or facial expression. Although we sometimes become disgusted by his carefree manipulation of others, it makes us think about how, combined with Cnaiur's obsessive revenge, our emotions, no matter how big or small, control us. They whisper into us, drive us, prodding here and there so that we don't know who is really in command. Kellhus is the Prince of Nothing, the Prince of Darkness, the Prince of Everything.

Yes, it was only OK.

In my opinion, the story unfolds at a glacial pace, the characters are dull and uninteresting, and the spelling of their names is rather shoddy.

The main aspect that irked me was the female characters, or rather the dearth of them. And the few that do exist are all prostitutes. Seriously! The first one actually works as a prostitute and dreams of becoming a spy, which is kind of okay. The second one was sold into sex slavery and loathes her life, still somewhat believable. But when the grandmother Empress also turns out to be a whore, give me a break!

I wish I could say that I will read the second book. I do have a curiosity to know what transpires in the end, but I simply didn't form a sufficient connection with any of the characters to desire to read the remainder of the story from their viewpoints.

Perhaps someday in the future, I might change my mind and pick up the second book. But for now, I'm not overly enthusiastic about it.

«This is the story of a great and tragic holy war, of the powerful factions that tried to possess it and pervert it, and of a son in search of his father. And, as in all stories, we are the survivors, the ones who will write its conclusion.»

Two thousand years have passed since the Apocalypse. Now, the Shriah of the Thousand Temples has declared the Holy War to wrest the Holy City of the Last Prophet from the hands of its infidel inhabitants.

A sorcerer, a concubine, and a warrior are captured by a mysterious traveler and fall under his yoke, while what begins as a war of men against men threatens to become the first battle of the Second Apocalypse.

This novel is one of those novels that are impossible to review. Like a Malaz book, but on steroids.

It cannot be compared to anything due to its complexity, enormous plot, and backstory.

Not only that, in the review you will see that there are many praises and it has only one "but" which is too big in this case.

The entire world is new, unique, and cruel, and you will not find another story like this. But the author's style got to me. His touches of digressions, thoughts, philosophy, and the very abundant religion sometimes took me out of the story.

Something happens and maybe it won't come back to it until two pages later of thoughts or other things.

In this case, it got to me. I didn't have the patience or the desire. In my opinion, it has a Steven Erikson style but on steroids that extends, to my taste, too much.

It took me out of the story several times, and little by little I lost interest. And yet, everything else I really liked, total grimdark, a pretty good magic system.

But the author's style, if it had been a bit more measured to my taste, would have been a 5⭐️.

Malaz is my favorite saga, being the densest and most complex but also epic and fascinating there is. This one had all the ingredients. But it exceeded me. I couldn't.

There were moments that it was torture to follow.

Or maybe it wasn't the right time, anything is possible.

A magic system so complex, difficult to explain, and a bit strange, basically based on abstractions. Powerful sorcerers can create lines and curves from energy, weak sorcerers must do so.

From conjuring the head of a dragon to burn an entire army to many other things.

As I said, everything in the book is a delight of ideas. Plus, with a fucked-up and gray tone.

Anasûrimbor Kellhus, an anti-hero who is part warrior, part monk, part philosopher, and part mystic of a land and a people who had been largely forgotten by the rest of the world.

The world-building is a very complete world, as cruel, raw, and misogynistic as it is. With its cultures, languages, and maps.

The prose so poetic, dense, too much for my taste, descriptive, and a lot of use of hyperbole.

Self-reflective characters and everything is told through multiple points of view that somehow works.

Everything has a brutal elaboration, except for the prose and some details that, well, it's very cruel. Something that surprised me. Total grimdark. It leaves a mark and that I liked.

But the prose, that prose, won the battle..✍️

There are very few books that are as ambitious as R. Scott Bakker's "The Darkness That Comes Before".

Most authors would never dare to attempt to create such a vast world with a deeply encompassing and crucial intellectual history, and diverse races that have different philosophical viewpoints and ways of perceiving the world.

This novel, although ostensibly a fantasy, is so extraordinarily well-conceived and executed that it feels more like a historical recollection of a lost world.

In fact, Bakker freely uses real Western civilization history and philosophy (with some elements of Middle Eastern thought) and remodels it specifically for his world.

The result is an absolutely brilliant fantasy novel that elevates the entire genre to a new height.

First, I must admit to having a bias towards Bakker's novel.

I studied philosophy both as an undergraduate and graduate student, so there is much here that I recognize and appreciate from my studies.

Let's just say that the complexity of Bakker's work is suitable for my kind of academic geek, someone who is deeply intrigued by the "why" of things, events, and history.

One who may be interested in Bakker's concept of the darkness that comes before and what events stem from that state of pre-rationality.

The novel is divided into parts, each following a different character and setting the stage for the second volume in the trilogy.

Drusas Achamian is a Mandate sorcerer, haunted by the terrible and bloody dreams of his long-dead predecessor.

It is the Mandate school's mission to combat the mysterious Consult, an organization whose existence has not been witnessed in decades.

Achamian is ordered to uncover information about the plans of Maithanet, the Shriah of The Thousand Temples, the major religion of the region.

Maithanet has recently announced the formation of a Holy War to reclaim the holy land of Shimeh.

What Achamian discovers is a mystery that could potentially be at the core of this newly declared Holy War.

Cnaiur is a Scylvendi barbarian, a survivor of the massive military defeat of his people at the hands of the martial prodigy, Ikurei Conphas.

Soon, he meets Anasurimbor Kellhus, the son of Anasurimbor Moenghus, a man who, in the past, led Cnaiur to commit terrible acts against his father that still torment his soul.

Cnaiur and Kellhus journey to Momemn to join the forces gathering for the Holy War, both with the intention of finding Anasurimbor Moenghus.

Bakker writes with a depth of characterization that is astonishing.

His characters are as complete intellectually, emotionally, and philosophically as one could possibly imagine.

The world-building is incredible, as each region and race has its own history, reasoning, and stance towards the events that unfold throughout the novel.

It is rather overwhelming and requires a great deal of effort from the reader, but in the end, the effort pays off with a truly amazing fantasy experience.

It should be noted that the majority of the novel is focused on setting the scene for the rest of the trilogy, to immerse the reader in this exquisitely imagined world.

This setting up is, in a sense, the darkness that comes before, a pre-history that will be essential to fully understand what follows in the next two volumes.

If R. Scott Bakker's "The Darkness That Comes Before" is any indication, what follows may be the greatest fantasy trilogy ever.

Last Word:

An amazing experience that will vie for one of the greatest fantasy novels ever released.

Bakker creates an incredible world and populates it with characters of such reality and intellectual history as to be staggeringly fascinating.

This is absolutely must-read fantasy literature.

This book is truly awesome, yet it has a very dark undertone that pervades throughout.

It is filled to the brim with intrigue, with layer upon layer of plots within plots that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

I absolutely loved this book and am eagerly looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy.

However, it's important to note that this book is definitely not for everybody.

It has a certain darkness and complexity that may not appeal to all readers.

So, if you're someone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of the macabre, then this book is definitely worth checking out.

But if you prefer lighter fare or are sensitive to darker themes, then you may want to pass on this one.

Either way, it's a book that will leave a lasting impression and is sure to spark discussion among readers.

Full video review here: https://youtu.be/tl1knojM_-8

Wow, this book is truly remarkable. It is quite possibly everything one could hope for in the realm of fantasy. It beautifully combines the elements of Dune and Lord of the Rings, all set against the unforgiving backdrop of the real world history of The Crusades.

It's important to note that this book isn't for everyone. Its darkness is palpable and it never shies away from that aspect. However, the history and lore of this world are so immersive that they will dominate your every waking thought.

The beginning of this book is truly amazing. It features one of the best prologues I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It immediately grabs your attention and draws you into this rich and complex world.

If you're a fan of dark fantasy and are interested in exploring a world that combines elements of classic works with real world history, then this book is definitely worth checking out.

I haven't been so addicted to a book since I first delved into the Malazan series. Post-Erikson distaste hit me hard. I tried WOT, Gwynne's series, Mistborn, The Dragonbone Chair, and others. None could compare to the quality that Malazan embodied. Until now.

The Darkness That Comes Before is a truly excellent book. If I had money, I would buy the second one on Kindle right now. I can't wait to see where this goes.

Fantasy is kind of a strange genre that seems to attract and foster amateurish writing. People tend to praise certain authors for world building when it seems little more than a sprinkling of bits of lore on a generic map. Bakker, like Erikson, has created a world that seems alive and inhabited. It is a world with real history. It is a world that, though built with the bones of our own world, grew to become something different and fascinating and still strangely recognizable. His characters and institutions and events are so vivid, yet they also bring our world into sharp focus. This is fiction at its best.

Like Malazan, this book has received a lot of hatred for its seeming impenetrability. I'll admit that the first chapter was almost incomprehensible to me, but I don't expect to understand everything initially, and I think Bakker actually managed the exposition quite neatly. You understand this world through immersion, by being shown, and not told. There was a particularly shocking moment in Malice, by John Gwynne, that brought this into the light. After the first or second chapter, there was literally a backstory chapter. It was shoddily framed as in-universe writing, but really, it struck me as somewhat pathetic. Part of the joy of a fantasy series is learning as you go, and this feeble attempt at explanation robbed me of that.

Bakker, in contrast, did everything correctly. Information about the world is revealed mostly through exploratory, realistic dialogue. There's also an extraordinary subversion here. Kellhus, my favorite character, is an outsider with little knowledge of this world. I feared that this was going to be nothing more than a way to introduce more expository world building through an ignorant character, like how other fantasy series will use sheltered, child characters. However, Cnaiür distrusts Kellhus and doesn't tell him anything, and Kellhus is so intelligent that he infers most of the necessary information himself. Bakker could have taken the easy way out and didn't.

Kellhus is just a brilliant piece of writing all around. He strikes me as a kind of dark Buddhist, someone who is completely enlightened and dispassionate with only a care for their mission. When completely free from attachment, it seems obvious that everything would immediately become instrumental, subservient only to whatever purpose you've assigned yourself. Bakker brings this character to uncomfortable vividity. Every phrase he utters or look he gives had me suspicious. It imbued every Kellhus scene with an immanent weight.

I could go on, but if you want to delve into fantasy and don't want to waste your time, book 1 of the Second Apocalypse is a great place to start. It offers a rich and complex world, well-developed characters, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, pick it up and get lost in the pages of this amazing book.

This is the first book in quite a while that has truly given me those classic epic fantasy vibes. The kind of vibes that make you think “what the fuck is going on right now?”. The learning curve is extremely steep, and as an audiobook listener, the wiki was really helpful. By the way, why aren't PDF glossaries, appendices, and maps the standard these days when buying audiobooks? It seems like a missed opportunity.

Anyway, this is a really juicy world to sink your teeth into and become completely immersed in. I was mildly concerned that the reputation of this book being “philosophical” would translate to pretentious, but it really didn't (at least in my personal experience). The story is engaging and full of interesting ideas.

However, what keeps this from being a 5-star read for me is the characters and the conclusion of the book. The characters were a little boring at first, but over time I did become somewhat interested in them. Still, I wasn't overly invested in what happened to them. And the conclusion felt a bit abrupt and unsatisfying. It left me with a sense of incompleteness.

That being said, I am excited for the next book and where this series is going. I'm curious to see how the story will develop and if the characters will become more fully realized. P.S. to anyone interested, please check the trigger warnings beforehand. The book is definitely on the darker side of the spectrum, and I hear that the later books get far worse in that regard.

This isn't an easy book.

Don't pick it up on a whim, thinking you want a lighthearted read for the weekend.

This is Bakker's first novel, and he drops the reader straight into a confusing world without much explanation.

He then proceeds to fill it with philosophy and religion to the point where the first half is truly a struggle.

However, it gets better after a while, and once the main players click into place, it turns into an enjoyable read.

The story is told from multiple points of view, all of whom are on different sides of an epic religious war.

All the characters are grey; no one is good. In fact, I'd say most of them are anything but good.

Don't be put off by being unable to pronounce any names. Either consult the glossary or make up your own pronunciation, otherwise your head will explode by page 3.

My girlfriend, while I was reading this, asked: "Are you enjoying it?"

I replied: "I'm not sure what's going on."

She then asked: "But is it good?"

I said: "I have no idea."

She continued: "Why exactly are you reading this?"

I answered: "Because I'm stubborn."

In the end, in my opinion, the struggle paid off, and I can't wait to dive into the second book and find out more about this world.

It's a complex and engaging story that requires patience and an open mind, but it's well worth the effort.