Synopses & Reviews
Strikingly original in its conception, ambitious in scope, with characters engrossingly and vividly drawn, the first book in R. Scott Bakker's Prince of Nothing series creates a remarkable world from whole cloth its language and classes of people, its cities, religions, mysteries, taboos, and rituals the kind of all-embracing universe Tolkien and Herbert created unforgettably in
The Lord of the Rings and
Dune.
It's 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. Among them, two men and two women are ensnared by a mysterious traveler, Anasurimbor Kellhus part warrior, part philosopher, part sorcerous, charismatic presence from lands long thought dead.
With this stunning debut, R. Scott Bakker is poised to become one of the next great fantasy writers of his generation. The Darkness That Comes Before proves again that epic fantasy can be intelligent, majestic, and terrifying.
Review
"Exquisitely intelligent and beautifully written, R. Scott Bakker's first novel in The Prince Of Nothing series inspires both confidence and anticipation this is fantasy with muscle and brains, rife with intrigue and admirable depth of character, set in a world laden with history and detail." Steven Erikson, author of Gardens of the Moon
Review
"The Darkness That Comes Before introduces a vast and richly detailed world for lovers of good fantasy. Bakker's imaginative creation is an impressive addition to the genre." John Marco, author of Eyes of God
About the Author
R. Scott Bakker holds a B.A. in English language and literature, an M.A. in theory and criticism, and is currently completing his Ph.D. in philosophy at Vanderbilt University. He lives in London, Ontario.