In the conclusion of Prince of Nothing, R. Scott Bakker firmly establishes himself as one of my favorite authors, marking a remarkable comeback.

I previously stated in my reviews that I didn't enjoy this upon the initial reading. However, rereading the first two books and finally finishing the third for the first time was an experience that I can only characterize as intense.

I won't discuss the story as it's impossible to do so without spoiling the final book of a trilogy. If you've come this far, you're aware of what's at stake and what to expect from the explosive climax of the Holy War.

Bakker's writing positions him in an extremely exclusive group of fantasy authors who have achieved a level of literary excellence. The way he writes constructs an unrivaled maze of immersion that you lose yourself in while reading. I would best describe this as a blend of Lord of the Rings, Dune, and Malazan. Epic fantasy that delves deep into philosophy and high concept fiction. The themes are masterfully executed, not just pretentious word salad but deeply profound and sophisticated concepts that deal with the intricacies of the human psyche, or the influence and perils of religious fervor and fanaticism.

The philosophy and musings on characters' thoughts, which can sometimes占据 an entire chapter, are even more weighty than in the previous books, demanding a great deal of patience and at times becoming exhausting. This isn't an especially long book, but it is challenging. My only concern, which deducts half a star, is the meandering pacing in the first half.

The vast, almost oppressively dense atmosphere and world-building are truly among the best in fantasy. Terms like dark or grimdark don't even begin to do justice to these books. Bakker hits all the marks of brutality, cruelty, abuse, hopelessness, and despair. This makes other "grimdark" books seem like YA in comparison.

The Second Apocalypse continues after this trilogy with the Aspect Emperor series, and from what I've heard, they are even more intense and even darker, which I can scarcely begin to imagine.

Super messy both literally and figuratively, but in the best possible way.

Right from the start of the book, it becomes painfully evident that Bakker had no chance of arriving at a successful conclusion with this third installment in the trilogy. However, I'm deriving so much pleasure from the story and the characters that the fact that he had to follow it up with a second series isn't a major concern.

Discussing the plot would be highly spoilery, so I'll refrain from doing that. Nevertheless, it definitely flaunted all the psycho-philosophical-sexual soap opera elements that one has come (lol) to anticipate from Bakker. And the massive climax (lol) at the end of the book was truly staggering.

It's great stuff!

Overall, despite its messiness, the book has its own charm and keeps the reader engaged throughout. The unique blend of different themes and the unexpected twists and turns make it a captivating read.

Even though the trilogy didn't end as neatly as one might have hoped, the journey has been well worth it, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the second series has in store.

I've now read this book twice. The second time around, I found myself enjoying it to a much greater extent than before. However, I do concur with the views of several other readers here on GR that the ending seems rather rushed. It's quite rare for me to say this about modern SF/Fantasy, but in this case, the novel could truly have benefited from an additional 50 - 100 pages of narrative.

The third entry in Bakker's series didn't quite reach the same level of excellence as the first two. Nevertheless, the appendices alone are, in my opinion, more than worth the price of the book.

Hopefully, the projected sequels, namely The Great Ordeal and The Horns of Golgotterath, will manage to recapture the quality that was present in the initial books of the series. This would be a welcome development for fans like myself who have been eagerly anticipating the continuation of this engaging and imaginative story.

I look forward to seeing how Bakker builds upon the foundation he has laid and whether he can once again transport readers into his rich and detailed fictional world.

Speechless. Utterly, incorrigibly fucking speechless! I am at a loss for words to describe the intensity of my emotions at this moment. It's as if my mind has gone blank, unable to form coherent thoughts or expressions. The situation before me is so overwhelming that it has left me completely dumbfounded. I stand here, mouth agape, eyes wide, and a sense of disbelief washing over me. There are no words in the English language that can truly capture the magnitude of my speechlessness. It's a feeling that defies description, a state of being where all communication seems futile. I can only hope that through my silence, others will somehow understand the depth of my astonishment and the profound impact this has had on me.

Another brilliant book, and a satisfying conclusion to one of the best trilogies I've ever read.

Bakker's excellent writing and deeply philosophical themes continue throughout this final book. His prose is engaging and vivid, painting a rich and detailed world that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked until the very end.

The book starts out slowly, carefully setting the stage for the events that will culminate in the epic climax. Just like the previous books, it gradually ramps up the stakes and the intensity, building to a thrilling conclusion that will leave readers breathless.

I know the most contentious part about this book will be the ending. Some readers are going to hate it, but I thought it wrapped up the trilogy nicely. It was not a traditional happy ending, but it felt right for the story and the characters.

Another criticism I could see readers having would be the many unanswered questions. However, I felt that these mysteries added to the depth and realism of the world. It made it feel more like our own world, where there are always things we don't understand.

Overall, I highly recommend this trilogy to anyone who loves dark, unforgiving, and deeply thought-provoking epic fantasy. It is a unique and unforgettable journey that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

This review pertains to all three volumes of Bakker's 'The Prince of Nothing' series.

First and foremost, I must express my profound admiration for what Bakker has accomplished here. It brings to mind something Guy Kay once said when questioned about why he wrote The Fionavar Tapestry - about desiring to prove that there was still vitality in the old tropes of high fantasy, as devised by Tolkien, and that novel things could be done with them rather than mere mindless imitation. I firmly believe Bakker has triumphed admirably in this regard (whereas the actual creation of something truly novel by Guy Kay, at least in Fionavar, is arguable).

From the elucidation of the Elves' immortality and a truly captivating extrapolation of what that would signify for a contingent being, to the portrayal of evil so utterly revolting and terrifying that it makes Melkor and Sauron seem like Sunday school teachers, this series truly把玩 the traditional high fantasy motifs in ways that I found extremely captivating. Coupled with a magic system founded on principles from the epistemology of different schools of philosophy and a cast of characters whose flaws render them almost excruciatingly real to the reader, one would anticipate having a smash hit on one's hands. However, that doesn't appear to have been the case, and I think I understand why.

In essence, the books and the world they present are so unapologetically dark that I believe few readers have the fortitude to follow Bakker where he wishes to lead them. The most redeeming character in the series, the downtrodden wizard Drusus Achamian, is ultimately a loser who seems only to be a relative good-guy because he is too feckless to effectively pursue his own interests. Anasûrimbor Kellhus, the character who would be the titular hero of the series as written by anyone else, is more akin to a natural force than a man, and the utter emptiness of his moral core is so alarming that it makes him both more and less human than any other character in the novel. Cnaiür urs Skiötha, another incredibly well-drawn and fascinating character, is also so driven by his damaged nature that while what he is capable of is impressive, it is certainly not something the reader is likely to identify with. Bakker clearly has a point to make in his story about human nature and even the nature of reality, but it is certainly not a point that is likely to be well-received by too many readers unless they prefer their world view seasoned with a generous helping of nihilism. One begins to wonder, as we learn more about this world and the slumbering great evil that is apparently on the horizon, why anyone would bother attempting to save such a thoroughly flawed universe anyway. Despite all of this, though, the world as Bakker depicts it is an incredibly vivid and interesting one. The hints of 'what has gone before' that are dropped in the story add real texture to this place, and the mysteries that remain unanswered are as tantalizing as those for which we do receive some explanation. It is truly fascinating to see how someone using similar tropes and building blocks as Tolkien could have constructed something so completely different and yet still so compelling.

The story itself chronicles the rise of a great crusade among warring nations against the backdrop of the ascent to power of an ancient force of evil that most of the world no longer even believes in. Behind and within this backdrop are interwoven the tales of the three main characters (Achaimian, Kellhus, and Cnaiur) as they each pursue their own goals and are inexorably led to one another. The climax of the series could be regarded as something of an anti-climax, for while each of the characters has, in a sense, discovered what they were seeking and embarked upon a new path, the much larger movements of the story (both the crusade and the rise of the sleeping evil) are left unresolved for another series to pick up on. Bakker has now released two books in this continuation of the larger story, but many readers may find it frustrating that so much of what could be considered the overarching plot of the novels is left completely hanging by the end of volume three.

Overall, I was conflicted by this series. On the one hand, I think Bakker did a praiseworthy job in constructing a world that truly did new things with the high fantasy genre, and I was always intrigued by each new mystery he uncovered; on the other hand, I ended up feeling as if I needed a shower after reading these books. The evil in it is presented so convincingly, and the very nature of the world he created is so bleak, that I simply do not relish the idea of visiting the place again. Add to that the fact that the term \\"sympathetic character\\" doesn't seem to be in Bakker's vocabulary, and you are left with a series that is definitely tailored to the tastes of the minority... but then again, perhaps that's a good thing.

Alright, I finally made it through! Book three was probably the weakest of the three for me, but definitely not bad at all. I know a lot of people rate this one really poorly, even call it terrible, but I can't agree with that. Sure, it was a bit slower, more philosophical, and structured differently with some new POVs and all that. But to me, that doesn't make it bad.

I actually loved Akka's storyline and his character development—it was fantastic. His journey throughout the book was engaging and full of depth. The way he evolved and grew was truly remarkable. And that mic drop ending was soooo good. It left me on the edge of my seat, eager to see what would happen next.

If I didn't already know that this series doesn't end with this trilogy, I might've been disappointed by the ending. But knowing there's more to come, I'm fine with it and really excited to see where things go next. I'm looking forward to seeing how the story will continue to unfold and how the characters will further develop.

Though for now, I think I'll take a short break, recharge with something a bit more lighthearted, and then dive back in. I need to give my mind a rest before delving back into this exciting and complex world.

This series is truly life changing.

It has had such a profound impact on me that it has, in a sense, ruined other books.

I consider myself lucky because I am easily pleased with books.

Otherwise, there would have been a plethora of negative ratings for every other book.

The way this series has captured my imagination and emotions is simply remarkable.

It has set a new standard for what I expect from a good book.

Every time I pick up a new book now, I can't help but compare it to this series.

Most often, the other books fall short in one way or another.

This series has become a benchmark for me, and I will always look back on it with great fondness and appreciation.

It has truly changed the way I view and experience literature.

I am grateful to have discovered this series and to have had my life changed by it.

Tears of the Gods, if I could rate this a twenty out of ten, I most certainly would. Holy moly! What an epic conclusion to one of the best trilogies I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm overjoyed to know there are another four books set in this world.

The Thousandfold Thought is the third installment in The Prince of Nothing trilogy. It's absolutely brilliant stuff. These books just keep getting better and better as the story progresses.

R. Scott Bakker handles this with great professionalism rather than gratuity. The prose is immersive, dark, and beautiful. The intellectually stimulating plots and characters will leave readers in awe.

The actual depth of this world is truly outstanding. The pronunciation of places, cities, and character names is amazing.

If you love fantasy, blood-drenched battles, religious warfare, magic, and philosophical dialogue throughout the series, then this is for you, my fellow book lovers.

There are countless characters that you'll love and despise. You'll be truly horrified when you see the dark depths that those in power can sink to and the horrors they can inflict on their fellow humans.

Expect plenty of twists and turns, with numerous revelations that lead to even more questions as the Holy War finally reaches its final destination, Shimeh, and Kellhus finally gets to face his father, Moenghus.

The Thousandfold Thought continues with the Warrior Prophet Kellhus' ascension to the leadership of the Holy War. Splits, betrayals, and skinwalker infiltrations continue to plague the Holy War as they march to obliterate the heathens.

Kellhus has become the undisputed leader of the Holy War, but he's also staked his claim among the Sorcerors of Earwa with the help of Achamian, as well as attaining a position of even greater importance and significance, leaving all his followers in awe and falling to their knees.

Dark, grim, beautifully written, this series is simply impossible to put down. I can't recommend it highly enough. Check it out. You won't regret it.....

I feel like I have just completed an arduous journey of reading the Bible.

This accomplishment feels truly huge and significant to me.

The Bible is such a profound and complex text that it has left me with a plethora of thoughts and emotions swirling around in my mind.

I know that I need time to carefully sort through and organize these thoughts.

It's not something that can be done hastily.

I want to truly understand the teachings and messages within the Bible and how they apply to my life.

This will require deep reflection and perhaps even some research.

I'm excited to embark on this process of putting my thoughts together and seeing how this newfound understanding will shape my perspective and actions.

It's a journey that I'm looking forward to with anticipation and a sense of wonder.

A great final book for this trilogy where we witness the final battle between Kellhus' army and the Consult. It is the weakest of the three books, but what saves it are the very well-drawn three main characters (Acharian, Esmenet, and Cianur). In this book, the parts about Kellhus were harder for me to read, but I understood everything in that impactful final that has left me with a great desire to continue with this saga.

Bakker has created a very original world that is described very well in these books, but it also opens the door for you to know more information about the enigmatic Inchoroi (a race of treacherous alien creatures) and the history of the First Apocalypse, a kind of Silmarillion that is revealed through the visions of one of the characters in the book and that is frankly exciting. This must be one of the best books that mixes Tolkienian epic fantasy with Grim Dark. I will come back for more Bakker.

My disappointment with this series is truly immense!

After reading such an awesome and captivating book one, it is simply难以置信 that books 2 and 3 could be this bad.

The first book had me completely hooked, with its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thrilling twists. It set the bar extremely high, and I had such high expectations for the subsequent installments.

However, to my great dismay, books 2 and 3 failed to live up to those expectations. The storylines felt rushed and disjointed, the characters lacked depth and development, and the overall quality of the writing seemed to have taken a nosedive.

I was left feeling let down and frustrated, wondering what had gone wrong. It's a real shame, as this series had so much potential, but unfortunately, it seems to have fallen short in so many ways.