Notes from Underground, White Nights, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, and Selections from The House of the Dead

by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Notes from Underground, White Nights, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, and Selections from The House of the Dead cover
Good Books rating 4.58
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  • ID: 5423
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
librarything.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
brilliant 4.80

The Darkness That Comes Before is a richly detailed fantasy novel with a complex world, intriguing characters, and a compelling plot. The book's excellent prose and worldbuilding make it a standout in the genre, and the reviewer highly recommends it to fantasy readers.

The Darkness That Comes Before is a masterfully crafted fantasy novel that immerses readers in a detailed and dark historical world. The book features a full cast of intriguing characters, each with their own unique storylines and sub-plots that keep readers engaged. The prose is beautifully written, and the worldbuilding is sublime, making it one of the most detailed fantasy books the reviewer has ever read. The plot revolves around a holy war and the reawakening of an ancient evil, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the story. The reviewer highly recommends this book to fantasy readers and believes it is a remarkable start to a series.

Quick quotes

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

    This book is, without a doubt, one of the most detailed fantasy books I have ever read and has an incredibly rich world with dozens of religious factions and rivalries.

    I implore you beautiful fantasy readers to check this out. You will not regret it, I very, very highly recommend.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
profound 4.50

The reviewer finds Dostoevsky's writing profound and thought-provoking, particularly in his exploration of human psychology and existential themes. The collection offers a deep dive into the author's unique perspective on life and society.

Dostoevsky's work in this collection is a masterclass in delving into the human psyche. The stories are not just narratives but profound explorations of what it means to be human. They challenge the reader to think deeply about their own existence and the world around them. The themes of alienation, redemption, and the search for meaning are woven intricately into each tale, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy philosophical literature. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of Dostoevsky's characters, which add layers to the stories and make them resonate long after reading. The collection is a testament to Dostoevsky's genius and his ability to capture the essence of human experience.

Quick quotes

    Dostoevsky's writing is a profound exploration of human psychology.

    The stories are not just narratives but profound explorations of what it means to be human.

    The themes of alienation, redemption, and the search for meaning are woven intricately into each tale.

books.google.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
brilliant 4.50

The book is a profound exploration of human psychology and existentialism, with the first story, 'Notes from Underground,' being particularly compelling. The other stories, while insightful, may not resonate as deeply with all readers.

The collection offers a deep dive into the mind of a tormented individual in 'Notes from Underground,' which is both brilliant and harrowing. The other stories, 'White Nights' and 'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man,' provide additional layers of philosophical thought, though they might not be as impactful for everyone. The selections from 'The House of the Dead' add a gritty realism that contrasts with the more abstract musings of the other stories. Overall, the book is a must-read for those interested in existentialism and the human condition, but it may not be as universally appealing as some of Dostoevsky's other works.

Quick quotes

    The protagonist's introspection is both brilliant and unsettling

    The other stories offer a different perspective on human nature

    The selections from 'The House of the Dead' provide a stark contrast to the more philosophical narratives.

scribd.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
brilliant 4.50

The Prince of Nothing trilogy is a dark and brutal epic fantasy series that blends philosophical musings with intense action and political intrigue. The reviewer praises Bakker's prose style and the series' depth, comparing it to Frank Herbert's Dune. Despite its grim tone, the series is compelling and thought-provoking, with characters that are complex and well-developed.

The Prince of Nothing trilogy is a significant work in modern fantasy, known for its dark and brutal portrayal of a world at war. The series follows the Holy War in the continent of Earwa, with a focus on characters like Ansurimbor Kellhus, a master manipulator, and Drusas Achamian, a member of the Mandate. The reviewer highlights Bakker's superb prose style, which is both easy to follow and packed with information that rewards careful reading. The philosophical elements, influenced by Nietzsche, add depth to the story, though they may slow down the pace for some readers. The trilogy is divided into three books: The Darkness That Comes Before, The Warrior-Prophet, and The Thousandfold Thought. Each book builds on the previous one, with the final book leaving some storylines open for future installments. The reviewer highly recommends the series, placing it among the best fantasy novels of the last decade.

Quick quotes

    The Prince of Nothing is a somewhat pitless series. Like George RR Martin, Bakker has no qualms about killing major characters or showing the ugly, horrific side of war.

    Bakker has a superb prose style, easy to follow yet packed with information that rewards careful reading and re-reading.

    The Prince of Nothing is a major, key work of modern fantasy that deserves to be read by all with an interest in the genre.

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