The Darkness that Comes Before

The Darkness that Comes Before" plunges readers into the war-torn continent of Eärwa, a land still reeling from the scars of the First Apocalypse. This monumental opening to R. Scott Bakker's "The Prince of Nothing" series introduces a world of intricate political maneuvering, brutal warfare, and deep philosophical quandaries. The narrative coalesces around the enigmatic figure of Anasûrimbor Kellhus, a stranger from the fabled ruins of Ishual, who arrives bearing an intellect honed by ancient, esoteric disciplines and a chilling capacity for manipulation. Claiming lineage to a forgotten dynasty and promising a path to rewrite history, Kellhus begins to draw an unlikely cast of characters into his orbit. Among them are Drusas Achamian, a cynical sorcerer-spy burdened by dark secrets; Cnaiür, a brutal Scylvendi barbarian chief grappling with honor and vengeance; and Esmenet, a resourceful prostitute whose life takes an unexpected turn. As a new Holy War looms, orchestrated by the zealous Aspect-Emperor, Kellhus's true intentions remain shrouded in mystery, yet his presence irrevocably alters the destiny of empires and individuals. Bakker crafts a dark, challenging epic that redefines the conventions of fantasy, exploring themes of free will, predestination, and the terrifying nature of power.