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R. Scott Bakker

The Darkness That Comes Before: The Prince of Nothing, Book One

by R. Scott Bakker (Author) Format: Paperback

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Book 1 of 3: The Prince of Nothing

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A mysterious traveler emerges from a forgotten land as nations prepare for a holy war in this acclaimed opening novel of R. Scott Bakker’s Prince of Nothing trilogy.

Combining vast worldbuilding, political intrigue, and philosophical depth across the sprawling realm of Eärwa, The Darkness That Comes Before is ideal for readers who enjoy Dune, The Lord of the Rings, and other ambitious works of epic fantasy. "An impressive, challenging debut." ― Publishers Weekly (starred review)

For centuries, humanity has believed the horrors of the First Apocalypse were buried in the distant past. But as armies gather, rival faiths clash, and powerful rulers pursue their own ambitions, ancient forces begin to stir once more. Beneath the turmoil of a world on the brink, a long-forgotten threat is returning.

Into this conflict steps Anasûrimbor Kellhus, a brilliant warrior-philosopher from a hidden society long thought lost. As his influence spreads across the Three Seas, allies, enemies, sorcerers, and kings alike find themselves drawn into a struggle that could determine the fate of civilization itself.

Dark, intelligent, and unforgettable, The Darkness That Comes Before is the beginning of one of fantasy's most ambitious and thought-provoking series, perfect for readers who enjoy epic fantasy, complex characters, political intrigue, military conflict, and richly imagined worlds.

It is the history of a great holy war, and like all histories, the survivors write its conclusion.

The Prince of Nothing Series
The Darkness That Comes Before
The Warrior Prophet
The Thousandfold Thought

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Book 1 of 3

The Prince of Nothing
Print length

608 pages
Language

English
Publisher

The Overlook Press
Publication date

September 2, 2008
Dimensions

5.38 x 2 x 8 inches
ISBN-10

1590201183
ISBN-13

978-1590201183

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

R. Scott Bakker is a student of literature, history, philosophy, and ancient languages. His books include the Prince of Nothing trilogy: The Darkness that Comes Before, The Warrior Prophet, and The Thousandfold Thought. The Aspect-Emperor series is a sequel series that includes The Judging Eye, The White-Luck Warrior, The Great Ordeal, and The Unholy Consult. He lives in London, Ontario.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Overlook Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 2, 2008
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 608 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1590201183
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1590201183
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.38 x 2 x 8 inches
Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Prince of Nothing
Best Sellers Rank: #28,296 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #272 in Military Fantasy (Books)
- #606 in Epic Fantasy (Books)
- #608 in War Fiction (Books)
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(2,788)

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R. Scott Bakker

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My books are the sum of four decades spent wandering fantastic worlds and philosophical worldviews. In an age where algorithms sort everything, I belong nowhere. Some days I write in a three-piece suit, and others, in my underwear.

These are the characters closest to my heart, those trapped between warring tribes. I despise easy answers. I write of ancient wars and long-dead philosophers, extinct races and poets whose words crack walls as readily as hearts. I mourn the worlds I once believed in, and I fear the planet we have become. The themes in my books teeter on the radical edge of the most pressing issues of our day. Among other venues, my philosophical critiques have been featured on CBC Ideas and in The Journal of Consciousness Studies.

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