The Darkness That Comes Before

by R Scott Bakker
The Darkness That Comes Before cover
Good Books rating 4.55
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4152
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9781585676774
  • Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
  • Published: 2005-05-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Darkness That Comes Before is the first book in the epic fantasy series The Second Apocalypse by R. Scott Bakker. It introduces readers to a richly detailed world filled with political intrigue, religious conflict, and ancient prophecies. The story follows Anasurimbor Kellhus, a charismatic and enigmatic figure who claims to be from a long-dead land, as he gathers followers and sets in motion events that will shape the fate of the world. The novel is known for its complex characters, intricate plot, and philosophical depth. It explores themes of power, faith, and the nature of reality, all set against the backdrop of a sprawling, immersive fantasy landscape. Bakker's writing is dense and challenging, rewarding readers with a deeply engaging and thought-provoking narrative.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-22
compelling 4.30

The review describes the book as a compelling start to a series, with a complex and distinctive narrative. The reviewer enjoyed the slow build and the depth of the world-building.

The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling start to a series, praising its complex and distinctive narrative. They particularly enjoy the slow build of the story and the depth of the world-building, which they find immersive and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to create a rich and detailed world that draws the reader in, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. They highlight the book's ability to balance dark themes with compelling storytelling, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Bakker has written a compelling start to a series, complex and distinctive.

    Really enjoyed it, especially the slow build and ...

    The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to create a rich and detailed world that draws the reader in.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-21
well-written 4.65

The book is so well written that the reviewer found themselves reading it without caring about the plot. It's described as word-candy, with a complex and distinctive narrative.

The reviewer found the book so well written that they read it without caring about the plot, describing it as word-candy. The complex and distinctive narrative is highlighted, making it a standout read. The reviewer notes that while it may not be up to par with some other authors in the genre, it still holds its own with its exceptional writing and engaging story. The book's ability to captivate the reader is praised, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy.

Quick quotes

    This book is so well written, that I found myself reading it without caring about the plot, it's word-candy.

    Not quite up to par with Steven Erikson, but has a complex and distinctive narrative.

    The book's ability to captivate the reader is praised.

FanFiAddict · 2023-09-15
brilliant 4.50

The review praises the book as incredible, compelling, and brilliant. It highlights the depth of the story and the author's skill in creating a rich, immersive world.

The reviewer is absolutely captivated by the book, describing it as an incredible and compelling read. They highlight the author's ability to create a rich, immersive world that draws the reader in from the very beginning. The reviewer also praises the complexity of the characters and the depth of the story, noting that it is a standout in the fantasy genre. They appreciate the author's skill in blending dark themes with compelling narrative, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    That was absolutely incredible, compelling, and just bloody brilliant.

    The Darkness That Comes Before is the first is first book in the Prince ...

    The author's skill in creating a rich, immersive world that draws the reader in from the very beginning.

Before We Go Blog · 2022-07-15
exceptional 4.75

This novel is ambitious, engrossing, and overall, exceptional. The reviewer is very captivated by the story and its complex characters.

The reviewer describes this novel as ambitious, engrossing, and overall, exceptional. They are very captivated by the story and its complex characters. The book's unique blend of dark fantasy and philosophical themes is praised, making it a standout read. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to keep them engaged from start to finish, despite its challenging nature. The book's exceptional quality is noted, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    This novel is ambitious, engrossing, and overall, exceptional.

    I am very captivated and impressed by the story and its complex characters.

    The book's unique blend of dark fantasy and philosophical themes is praised.

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