The Darkness that Comes Before

by R. Scott Bakker

The Prince of Nothing, Book1

Eärwa is 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, two men and two women are ensnared by a mysterious traveler, Anasûrimbor 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.

• Absolute must read.

• Story

• As a holy war brews in the Three Seas, a wide cast of characters from barbarians to sorcerers and emperors to sex-workers all get pulled into an intoxicating plot of political intrigue, mystery and violence. 

• Unreal, there is an amazing balance of personal struggles with world-spanning conflicts. The atmosphere is unmistakable, the philosophy sound without being forced, and the writing fantastic.

• Characters

• Exceptionally deep, with thorough personal histories and complex emotions that are clearly expressed. Mr. Bakker knows his characters.

• While I don't think I like any of the characters, they are so plausible, unique and compelling that I can't help but be pulled in.

• Kellhus is one of the best characters I've ever read and he makes me wonder what kind of intellect or insight Mr.Bakker possesses to write him so well.

• Worldbuilding

• Unique, with a Mediterranean/Pharaonic inspired world with rich cultural histories. Not enough monsters or cool mounts for my liking however.

• I got the greatest impression of the 'atmosphere' of the world than in any book I've read, feeling the grandeur of imperial chambers or the horrors of a military rout.

• There is a rigorous underpinning of philosophy behind each culture which adds to the world feeling real.

• Prose

• Exceptional. One of the best I've read, with a great balance of poetry and pragmatic storytelling.

• While exceptional, there is A LOT of internal dialogue and reflection, which does slow the story down in places.

• The philosophy is a strong point of this book, bleeding through the world and characters, and might be the best example I've come across of fiction making me reflect on reality. This book has changed how I see the world, for real.

• And also

• This book is DARK. Yes some gruesome violence and horrid depravity, but also  the overall tone of the book is heavy. The vortex the characters find themselves pulled into is grim as fuck.