The Warrior-Prophet

The Prince of Nothing, Book Two

By: R. Scott Bakker

Narrated by: David DeVries

Length: 23 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

Book Two of The Prince of Nothing series finds the Holy War continuing its inexorable march southward. But the suspicion begins to dawn that the real threat comes not from the infidel but from within....

Steering souls through the subtleties of word and expression, Kellhus strives to extend his dominion over the Men of the Tusk. The sorcerer Achamian and his lover, Esmenet, submit entirely, only to have their faith - and their love - tested in unimaginable ways. Meanwhile, the warrior Cnaiur falls ever deeper into madness. Convinced that Kellhus will betray their pact to murder his father, Cnaiur turns to the agents of the Second Apocalypse and strikes an infernal bargain.

The Holy War stands on a knife edge. If all is not to be lost, the great powers of the world will have to choose between their most desperate desires and the end of the world. Between hatred and hope. Between Anasurimbor Kellhus and the second apocalypse.

©2004 R. Scott Bakker (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"[A] daringly unconventional series in the Tolkien mold." ( Publishers Weekly)

beautifully written, and performed to perfection

I loved this book, the prose is absolutely fantastic and the story is amazing. I also have to say that the narrator is just perfect and performed with such gusto that I was mesmerized. Amazing ! Can’t recommend it enough.

A Good follow up to a Phenomenal beginning.

Not quite as good as the first but what middle chapter is? Still a great listen the last 5 hours or so have the action and intensity that I wish more of this book had. But it's building to something. I can't wait to start book 3.

A Heading is Required

The author has all of the best and worst traits of Stephen King or George R R Martin, and takes them to the next level. I would pass this series up in favor of Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series. That said, I don't usually hesitate to put a book series down, but this one is good enough to finish.

Above average

good voicing, interesting take on fantasy, a little too heavy on sex and descrptive metaphors, a little light on female characters who don't exist to have sex. vivid world.

evocative premise

the psychological and philosophical premise of this book is the most interesting thing about it. the author spend some time developing the characters, a lot of time developing them, two-thirds of the book is internal dialogue, way too much internal dialogue.

Solid.

Solid fantasy. Just solid. Long enough to suck me in and leave me wanting book 3.

Even better than the first

This book fixed all the problems I had with The Darkness that Comes Before. The story started strong and barely let up to the end.
The narrator was excellent.

Christians beware

First let me say I am a huge fan of fantasy novels. I have read/listened to all the major series and more besides. There is a general theme of disdain for religion in general running through most of these works. As these religions are primarily made up by the authors this generally doesn't bother me. However in this book, the protagonist is such an obvious parody of Christ I could not finish the book. He sermonizes, forgives sins, changes existing "scripture " and at one point is even "crucified" in a manner. All this while knowingly fooling these people into thinking he is a religious figure and pursuing his own agenda. Combine this with endless internal monologues by various characters and what you get is really an offensive waste of a credit. Quite disappointing because I actually liked the first book.

dark epic fantasy

this is still very much a fantasy version of the crusades but it is really well executed and with a lot of depth and details allowing it to be its own thing. Its interesting to have a protagonist whose motivations may not be aligned with the world's interests or at best may coincidentally save it. the narrator gives the characters distinct voices and is able to deliver fictional historical quotes with believable authority