“The Darkness That Comes Before” by R. Scott Bakker is a remarkable debut novel that has gained significant acclaim in the dark and epic fantasy genres.

The story is set in the world of Eärwa, where two millennia have passed since the First Apocalypse. The enemies of that time, the No-God and the Consult, have long been forgotten by most, but not by the sorcerers of the Mandate School. They dream of the events of the First Apocalypse and sense the coming of a new one.

Meanwhile, a religious leader named Maithanet declares a Holy War against the Fanim people. The Mandate sorcerers fear that the real purpose of this war is to destroy them. Our main characters, including Achamian, a mid-level sorcerer and spy, and Esemenet, a prostitute, become embroiled in the conflict.

Bakker's character work is excellent, with a diverse cast of complex and morally grey characters. Each has their own motives and desires, and their interactions drive the story forward. The worldbuilding is also stellar, with a detailed and immersive world that feels both ancient and real.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. The treatment of female characters may be a turn-off for some readers, as they are often reduced to objects or tools. Additionally, the pace is slow and may not appeal to those who prefer a more action-packed read.

Overall, “The Darkness That Comes Before” is an ambitious and engrossing novel that will appeal to fans of dark and epic fantasy. Despite its flaws, it is a remarkable achievement that leaves the reader eager to see what comes next in the series.

This book, more than any other book, seems to polarize my GR buddies.

I don't know many people who sit on the fence with this book. At one end of the scale, you have "my favourite series, this is amazing", and at the other end, "you'll remember your time having gastro more favourably than this book".

Me, I am going to come down off the fence on the side of the like-sters.

I am not sure where the bad reputation comes from. I have read far far worse than this. I have also read far better. But for a first in the series, I think that it has set a pretty good scene for the next two books.

The world building is okay. It's a pretty generic world, nothing really any different from most fantasy books. It's kind of an old empire style with walled towns, horse travel, deserts, seas, and your standard earth gravity.

The characters are numerous and have difficult to remember and pronounce names. Sometimes I think Bakker just made them weird to add spice to the story. But after reading the entire book, I found a pronunciation guide at the back. Which meant I had to review the way I had a name in my head. The characters themselves are pretty good. There is a lot of familiarity in them. I feel like I have read them before. In previous lives, they might have been in First Law or Mistborn etc. But overall, they are developing along nicely. There are a couple of them that are very good, and I have really enjoyed the interaction between certain people. It seems the more bizarre the character, the better Bakker writes them. Unless the character is female. So far, the female characters amount to nothing. We only have one major-ish female role, and whilst it focuses a lot on her thoughts and feelings, she is about as predictable as me not being able to spell the name of the next tribe we will meet.

There are a lot of factions, tribes, leaders, languages, religions, sources, and none of them are Smith from Jonesville. I think this does cause a lot of problems with some readers as it does take a bit of work putting it all together. I also think that if you have read big epics with many characters and lands, you are probably in a better place to accept that and stick with the story.

Overall, I am pretty happy with what I have read so far. I do feel this is a set up book, and I am expecting a lot more from book two. The potential is certainly there, and I'll be going to book two very soon.

I am going to assert that Scott Bakker's Apocalypse series and Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen are the two greatest modern epic fantasies ever. By modern, I mean post-Tolkien's The Silmarillion. In terms of the scope and depth of worldbuilding and mythology, no other works have come close. What frustrates me is that the fantasy community fails to recognize the sheer brilliance of these two writers who have managed to evolve the genre and reach literary heights.

I know there are plenty of fantasy series that have elevated the genre, such as The Titus Groan books, Gene Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun, the Earthsea trilogy, the Riddlemaster trilogy, the Nine Princes of Amber, the Viriconium series by Harrison, Lud in the Mist by Mirlees, China Melville, Moorcock's stuff, the Thomas Covenant series, the Well Built City trilogy by Ford, and N.K. Jesmin. However, I am not arguing about fantasy in its entirety; I'm specifically discussing epic fantasy.

It's really hard to define what epic fantasy is without sounding like a 14-year-old boy, but if we're being really reductive, I guess it involves battles, empires, intricate mythology, massive worldbuilding, and cool action. Now, there are a few authors who seem to tick these boxes, like Brandon Sanderson, G.R.R. Martin, Brent Weeks, and Peter V Brett.

Let's start with Brandon Sanderson, the heir apparent to Robert Jordon. I have read The Mistborn trilogy and the first two books in the Stormlight Archive. Sanderson has great mythology and well-thought-out magic systems, as well as really cool action. However, it is all surface level. There is no depth to his work. His prose is so basic that anytime he tries to discuss politics, religion, philosophy, or economics, it's embarrassing. When he tries to develop his characters and give them depth, he fails. He has brilliant ideas, but it's all so superficial.

Then there is Brent Weeks' Lightbringer trilogy, which is my guilty pleasure. For me, his Lightbringer series is like a shonen manga. Personally, I feel Weeks is far superior to Sanderson. I enjoy the Lightbringer books, but I am aware of their limitations and flaws. It gets close to what I am trying to define as epic fantasy, but ultimately it is fast food. Peter V Brett, again, superficially ticks the boxes of what I consider epic fantasy but fails as a work of true art.

I guess what separates Bakker and Erikson from the rest is that they have managed to create these epic worlds with so much depth. They have something to say; they want to truly express themselves and not just tick the boxes to appeal to a mass audience. Their prose is on another level compared to the rest.

This was an incredibly impressive debut novel.

The Darkness That Comes Before presents a near-lethal dosage of almost nihilistic, pitch-black, and truly horrifying fantasy. Set in a Middle East/Crusades-like world that was irreparably shattered millennia before the novel commences, it offers a unique and immersive experience.

Condensing the plot into a concise summary would be more effort than I'm willing to undertake. However, I can state that this trilogy delves into a holy war waged by one religion against another with the goal of reclaiming its lost holy sites. Consequently, the majority of the novel's pages are dedicated to establishing the setting, characters, plot framework, and bringing together the numerous factions involved in the holy war.

I must admit that the first approximately 50 pages were extremely enticing, yet they were also incredibly challenging for some reason. I don't believe it's due to any excessive philosophical or linguistic posturing on the author's part; rather, it's simply that he has a distinct style and world of his own.

The crucial word when it comes to this book is undoubtedly factions. The two religions in conflict here are the Inrithi and the Fanim. The trilogy follows the Inrithi perspective, and just like in the real-life Crusades, being united under one religious banner does not guarantee harmony and an end to scheming. If you enjoy intrigue, you'll likely have a great time with this book, as the characters are constantly plotting.

The characters are equally fascinating, mainly due to their basic, fragile humanity. Achamian, a Mandate sorcerer, experiences the dreams of a dead man every night while sleeping and then wakes to fulfill his role as a spy, despite not truly believing in his cause and being more interested in spending time with his on-again, off-again prostitute girlfriend, Esmenet, who has her own share of secrets. Cnaiur urs Skiotha, known as "Most Violent of All Men," endures the intense hatred of his own people and finds solace in his ability to brutally murder anyone who crosses his path or bothers him. And then there's Kellhus...oh, what a character he is. A genius monk trained to shed all normal human preconceptions and thought patterns and return to the titular Darkness That Comes Before, he is a master analyst and a sociopathic manipulator of his fellow men and women. And he's the main character of these books!

As you might have guessed, this novel is rather unpleasant. It can also be quite unforgiving in terms of initial accessibility. There are numerous factions and a wealth of history in the world of the Prince of Nothing, and Bakker introduces them to you relatively quickly while avoiding the (for me) easy approach of clustered info dumps. On the other hand, this book isn't absurdly long like many fantasies, and eventually, Bakker will probably break through your mental barriers, at which point the book becomes highly enjoyable and addicting.

The flavor of these books is extremely unique, almost feeling more like the Old Testament than Middle-earth. The philosophizing was a bit strange at first, but it's essential for understanding the characters' minds, especially Kellhus'. The scenes where he employs his twisted psychological manipulation on a particular character were more thrilling than some of the epic battles, escapes, and adventures I've read in other fantasies.

I recommend at least borrowing this book from a friend or the library and giving it a try. It won't be to everyone's taste, and there will be valid complaints about it. I can see it being a polarizing work. I would never argue with someone who didn't like it, but I loved it (albeit in a somewhat painful way), and the risk-reward ratio isn't that bad when you actually give it a chance. It's bleak, challenging, and filled with suffering in every conceivable way, and its world is populated and driven by men and women who are more concerned with getting through the day than with bettering mankind or performing heroic altruistic deeds. Truly repulsive and terrifying forces lurk in the shadows, and when they appear, you'll probably be profoundly disturbed (which I have no doubt is the author's intention). It's one of the best worst experiences I've ever had!

Majestic, sprawling and surrealistic.

A sweeping epic setting that evokes visions of a post-apocalyptic world. It is brutal and frightening in its misogynistic antipathy, sharing a lot with our world yet also differing significantly.

This is a tale about a holy war, told to incite emotions. It's about mankind's intolerance, whether ideological, racial, or intellectual, against fellow men.

It is also a tale about a unique protagonist, Anasûrimbor Kellhus, an anti-hero who is part warrior, part monk, part philosopher, and part mystic. From a land and people largely forgotten after a cataclysm two millennia past, his quest and chronicles involve wresting order from the jaws of chaos.

There is also a sorcerer, Drusas Achamian, asking why people suffer, trying to understand the coming apocalypse and his role in it.

And a harlot named Esmenet, who dares to reach for the skies, places, peoples, and emotions generally denied her. It is about the darkness that comes before...

The world-building is as the blurb says, "a whole world, culture, languages and maps from whole cloth". It's fresh, unique, and bursting with ideas from a vivid imagination that reads like a fever dream. The prose is poetic, dense, and descriptive. The characters are self-reflective and told in multiple POVs that work seamlessly. Simply put, it's amazing. A book put together with a lot of forethought and hard work.

I highly recommend this for readers who enjoy fantasy with a GrimDark flavor that is unique and in a world unto itself. I leave you with another quote from the book: "To grasp what came before was to know what would come after. And to know what would come after was the beauty that stilled, the hallowed communion of intellect and circumstance—the gift of the Logos."

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Book II review: The Warrior Prophet

This is an absolutely incredible series in every way. I have been on a long search for a series that could remind me of the epic and complex world of Malazan. And lo and behold, this series has truly fit the bill perfectly. The story is rich and engaging, filled with intricate plotlines and a diverse cast of characters. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory, which adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The world-building is also outstanding, with a detailed and immersive setting that draws you in from the very beginning.

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It's like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next. I highly recommend this series to any fan of epic fantasy.

If there is an author who can propose something at the level of Erikson and Martin, this is R. Scott Bakker. From what I had read in the Anglo-Saxon reviews, I hoped and perhaps in part I was convinced of this. I was not disappointed.

However, in the final evaluation, the first volume is not a complete success... because the book is all a great prologue aimed at lining up the factions in play, deeply introducing the characters, their story and the thousand-year history of the world. I found everything fascinating and never boring, but undoubtedly little happens.

This is perhaps the only - substantial - defect of this book; the clear feeling that what the saga has to offer will be enjoyed in the following books. For many readers, who are looking for stories that keep you glued to the page, this will prove to be a perhaps decisive obstacle. Fortunately, the problem does not concern me. I enjoyed the book and I can't wait to continue the cycle: the expectations are sky-high.

Finally, a mature fantasy, they seemed to have disappeared from circulation, I was starting to lose hope, overwhelmed by a wave of YA and those who confuse adult fantasy with violent and out-of-control stories, but lacking in depth.

P.S.: apart from all the words above, the real reason for one star less is that the final climax is not much. Bakker, in the next books I expect better ;)

A great introduction to ‘The Second Apocalypse’ series, this has a lot in common with Malazan. Both are dark, gritty, tragic and epic in scale. However, in my opinion, this one is a lot easier to understand.

Much of this book is dedicated to setting the stage for the big events that are yet to come. But the writing is so excellent that the pages seem to turn by themselves. With a diverse cast of intriguing characters and a story that is full of depth and mystery, you’ll find yourself, just like me, eagerly anticipating the release of book 2.

This series shows great promise and I highly recommend it to all fans of dark and epic fantasy. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned veteran, ‘The Second Apocalypse’ is sure to captivate you with its engaging story and well-developed characters. So don’t miss out on this exciting new series!

DNF at 27%

One of my 2025 goals was to not feel so bad about DNF'ing (Did Not Finish).

I just couldn't bring myself to care about any of the characters in this book. The plot seemed extremely boring to me. I went into reading it with the anticipation that it might be slow-paced, but I have a deep love for political fantasy. After all, this was supposed to be a story about a Second Apocalypse through a Holy War. However, what I found so far was quite disappointing. The only two women mentioned were either a whore or a reviled Duchess/Empress (I can't quite remember). And the most frustrating part was that they seemed to have no power except through their son.

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The first installment in a truly epic fantasy series, this book is deeply influenced by the Crusades and firmly grounded in philosophical discourse and concepts.

It is comparable in size to Jordan's Wheel of Time or Goodkind's rather unappealing Wizard's First Rule, yet it stands out for its quality.

Although it starts off a bit slowly, the world-building is incredibly original and richly detailed. The writing, while not brilliant, is very good and a refreshing change.

There are numerous "main" characters and multiple initial storylines, with the perspective shifting between them. This can be a bit frustrating if you become particularly attached to one character.

However, as the stories progress, they interweave and come together towards a common, colossal end that is only beginning to be understood in this book.

Overall, it is an excellent read that feels almost more like a history than a typical fantasy. It offers a unique and engaging experience for readers who enjoy complex worlds and thought-provoking narratives.

The series shows great promise, and fans of the genre will surely be eager to see where the story goes from here.

This really ruled.

It simply throws you right into the deep end with very little or even no exposition at all. But before you even realize it, you find yourself completely rooting for the Scylvendi guy, who is a fantasy steppe nomad. His mission is a complex one, being 50% about seeking revenge and 50% having elements similar to that of "Brokeback Mountain".

You become so engaged in his story, despite the lack of initial background information. It's as if you are immediately drawn into his world and his struggles.

The way the narrative unfolds keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to see how his mission will turn out and what kind of challenges and obstacles he will face along the way.

It's a captivating and unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.

I never managed to finish this book. In fact, I didn't even make it through the first chapter.

I simply couldn't bring myself to read it. It was as if the author had taken a thesaurus and randomly selected words that would have stumped even Jerome Shostak!

This style of writing made me develop a strong dislike for the author. It gave the impression of arrogance and high-handedness, which really pissed me off.

*shivers*

The overly complex vocabulary seemed to be a deliberate attempt to show off rather than to communicate effectively with the reader. It made the reading experience frustrating and unenjoyable. I found myself constantly getting bogged down in trying to understand the meaning of the words rather than being able to engage with the story or the ideas presented.

I'm not sure if the author was trying to appeal to a specific niche of highly educated readers or if they just didn't understand the importance of clear and accessible writing. Either way, it was a big turn-off for me.