3.79
Part of "The Prince of Nothing" series
"The Darkness That Comes Before" by R. Scott Bakker is a dark and intricate fantasy novel that explores themes of fate, power, and the nature of good and evil. The first book in Bakker's "Prince of Nothing" series, it introduces readers to a richly detailed world inspired by ancient and medieval history. The story follows several characters, including the warrior-prophet Drusas Achamian, who is haunted by visions of the end of the world; the brilliant and ruthless nobleman Anasurimbor Kellhus; and the conflicted and powerful sorceress Esmenet. As these characters' lives intersect and diverge, they become embroiled in a vast conspiracy that threatens to consume the world. Bakker's writing is dense and intellectual, with a philosophical bent that will appeal to fans of writers like Gene Wolfe and China Miéville. The author's knowledge of history, theology, and philosophy is evident on every page, and he uses this knowledge to create a complex and nuanced world that feels both familiar and utterly alien. One of the most striking aspects of "The Darkness That Comes Before" is its exploration of the nature of fate and free will. The characters are constantly grappling with the idea that their actions may be predestined, and that they may be nothing more than pawns in a larger cosmic game. This theme is woven throughout the novel, adding a layer of depth and complexity that will keep readers engaged until the very end. Overall, "The Darkness That Comes Before" is a masterful work of dark fantasy that will appeal to fans of complex world-building, intricate plotting, and philosophical musings. While it may not be a book for everyone, those who are willing to invest the time and energy will be richly rewarded with a reading experience that is both challenging and deeply satisfying...
R. Scott Bakker
The Prince of Nothing series
If you enjoyed 'The Darkness That Comes Before', you might want to continue with the rest of the series. The second book, 'The Warrior-Prophet', and the third book, 'The Thousandfold Thought', follow the same characters and continue the epic story set in a rich and complex fantasy world.
Learn MoreSteven Erikson
The Malazan Book of the Fallen series
This series is a great choice if you're looking for a dense, intricate fantasy world with a large cast of characters and multiple interweaving storylines. The writing style and tone are similar to Bakker's, and the series is known for its deep exploration of themes such as war, religion, and power.
Learn MoreJoe Abercrombie
The First Law series
This series is a great choice if you're looking for a dark, gritty fantasy with complex characters and a focus on political intrigue and warfare. The writing style is similar to Bakker's, and the series is known for its brutal, uncompromising depiction of violence and its exploration of themes such as morality and power.
Learn MoreBrandon Sanderson
The Stormlight Archive series
This series is a great choice if you're looking for a epic fantasy with a large cast of characters, multiple interweaving storylines, and a rich, detailed world. The writing style is different from Bakker's but the series is known for its complex magic system and its exploration of themes such as morality, leadership and sacrifice.
Learn MoreMark Lawrence
The Broken Empire series
This series is a great choice if you're looking for a dark, gritty fantasy with a morally ambiguous protagonist and a focus on political intrigue and warfare. The writing style is similar to Bakker's, and the series is known for its brutal, uncompromising depiction of violence and its exploration of themes such as morality and power.
Learn MorePatrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle series
This series is a great choice if you're looking for a fantasy with a strong focus on character development and world-building. The writing style is different from Bakker's but the series is known for its intricate plot, its exploration of themes such as storytelling, memory and identity.
Learn MoreScott Lynch
The Gentlemen Bastards series
This series is a great choice if you're looking for a fantasy with a focus on heist, thievery and adventure. The writing style is different from Bakker's but the series is known for its witty dialogue, its complex characters and its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty and betrayal.
Learn MoreScott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora
This standalone book is a great choice if you're looking for a fantasy with a focus on heist, thievery and adventure. The writing style is different from Bakker's but the book is known for its witty dialogue, its complex characters and its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty and betrayal.
Learn MoreSeth Dickinson
The Traitor Baru Cormorant
This standalone book is a great choice if you're looking for a fantasy with a focus on political intrigue, warfare and colonialism. The writing style is different from Bakker's but the book is known for its intricate plot, its complex characters and its exploration of themes such as identity, power and resistance.
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