The Darkness That Comes Before

The Prince of Nothing, Book One

By: R. Scott Bakker

Narrated by: David DeVries

Length: 20 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

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 epic fantasies The Lord of the Rings and Dune.

It's a world scarred by an apocalyptic past, evoking a time both 2,000 years past and 2,000 years into the future, as untold thousands gather for a crusade. Among them, two men and two women are ensnared by a mysterious traveler, Anasûrimbor Kellhus - part warrior, part philosopher, part sorcerous, charismatic presence - from lands long thought dead. The Darkness That Comes Before is a history of this great holy war, and like all histories, the survivors write its conclusion.

©2003 R. Scott Bakker (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

An excellent beginning to an amazing series

What made the experience of listening to The Darkness That Comes Before the most enjoyable?

World building in this book was incredible. The characters were set up perfectly, and everything built up to an excellent climax. The narration was perfect, David Devries delivered a great performance that made the book even more enjoyable. his wide voice range, and well timed delivery was really a treat

What other book might you compare The Darkness That Comes Before to and why?

It is almost impossible to compare any other book to The Darkness That Comes Before. Most stories that try to do what this book does, fail miserably. It is truly unique, and that is why i loved it

Which scene was your favorite?

The climax near the end of the book was my favorite. The council of the great and lesser names was very well done, intriguing, and offered much insight into this world. The scene following was even better, with an important revelation that shapes future books, and kept me on the edge of my seat

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No it was not a book i wanted to listen in one sitting. While i truly love this book, it was a slog to get through the first 10 chapters or so. This book was intended as an intro to an epic series, and so it contains much more exposition than interesting action. Regardless, it was so well written, and the concept was so intriguing, that it was well worth the initial difficulties

Great and brutal fantasy.

Any additional comments?

I love this series so far. However, It is not for the feint of heart. It is brutal. Awesome though.

Meh

I give it a 7/10. My biggest complaint is that every character is unlikable, with the exception of Cnaiur.

Horrible Narrator

The narrator made this book so hard to listen to and is so monotone that the book was lackluster as a result. It could have been beautifully done with any sign of life in the narrator other than his obvious breathing. My god i feel like im listening to a history book.

the darkest fantasy world out there!

This book is deliciously dark desperate and gritty. The narrator's terrible but Earwa is one of the best fantasy worlds from a deep lore perspective out there and the story is amazing.

One of my all time favorite fantasy series of all time

This book was off putting at first because you are thrown into a lot of confusing names and places headfirst. Stick with it, the ideas, prose, philosophy, and utter epic scale of this series is amazing.

I believe the first 3 books are the strongest as a whole, things especially pick up around the second book. Looking back I do believe TDTCB ranks near the top. I love how it focuses on “real” feeling human characters that are flawed to the core.

The narrator did a good job, especially voicing Cnaiur

Finally in audiobook!

I have been waiting and waiting for this to finally come out in audiobook. And just in time for summer! Great writing - a bit overwrought, but in a good way - like a blend of MAR Barker and HP Lovecraft and Gene Wolfe.
I got these in book form on a lark when they came out and have gotten most of my family and friends to try it out. In that same spirit, I am writing a review so that someone out there will also give it a try and like it.
If you like Joe Abercrombie, Brent Weeks, or any of the new school reflective fantasy (as in fantasy more reflective of our real world - its what I call it anyway), I suggest you give it a try.

Lots of Characters and intricate language, do yourself a favor and find the printed book's character list and lexicon appendixes online somewhere as a companion to the audio version.

Rough start, solid overall.

David DeVries voice drove me absolutely nuts when I listened for the first fifteen minutes. I gave it a chance because I thought it could shape up to be an excellent story.

I'm glad I gave it a shot because the story and narrator quickly evolved into something great. The story is interesting and mysterious and most of the characters are really well done. The first half of the book is a lot of world building and character introductions, while the last half really gets into the meat of the plot and builds the premise of what is to come.

Right after I hit submit on this review I will be purchasing book 2.

Great book but requires a bookmark in the wiki.

I enjoyed this novel 100% more after researching a few details that were not clearly explained in my opinion. the magic system is complex and interesting and the relations between powerful world leaders are never going, but its a terrible representation of women in general. Not because one is a whore and the other a concubine but because, not surprisingly, you can tell without hesitation that they were written by a man. They think like men and act like men and are motivated by the same things men are. understandable but disapointing.

excellent narration & average editing

DeVries is fantastic. recommend reading first due to perspective changes lost to narrative editing. I'm a huge fan of this dark & deep series. this book sets the stage and characters. buckle up.