R. Scott Bakker’s The Darkness That Comes Before: Epic Fantasy

The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker: Quick Answer

• Genre: Grimdark Epic Fantasy
• Complexity: High; dense prose, philosophical undertones, and intricate world-building.
• Target Audience: Readers seeking challenging, mature fantasy with a focus on philosophical themes and a bleak outlook.

Who This Is For

• Readers who appreciate dense, philosophical, and often bleak explorations of human nature and belief systems within a fantasy setting.
• Individuals looking for a departure from traditional heroic fantasy, offering a more nuanced and morally ambiguous narrative.

What to Check First

• Tolerance for Grimdark Themes: The narrative is unapologetically dark, featuring violence, moral ambiguity, and a generally pessimistic worldview.
• Patience for Pacing and Prose: Bakker’s writing style is deliberate and intricate, requiring sustained attention. Expect a slower burn rather than rapid plot progression.
• Interest in Philosophical Depth: The novel delves into complex themes such as the nature of consciousness, religion, and the mechanics of history, which are central to the plot.
• Desire for World-Building: The world is meticulously crafted, but details are often revealed gradually, demanding engagement from the reader.

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

• Audible Audiobook
• R. Scott Bakker (Author) - David DeVries (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 06/26/2012 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

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Step-by-Step Plan for Engaging with The Darkness That Comes Before

1. Establish Context: Begin by reading the introductory material, which sets the stage for the novel’s unique world and its foundational conflicts.

• Action: Read the prologue and any author’s notes carefully.
• Look for: Clues about the historical backdrop, the major factions, and the overarching metaphysical framework.
• Mistake: Skipping the prologue, which contains crucial thematic and narrative groundwork.

2. Identify Key Factions and Characters: Familiarize yourself with the primary groups and their motivations, particularly the Holy War and the Consult.

• Action: Note the distinguishing characteristics and allegiances of the main characters and organizations.
• Look for: The initial drivers of conflict and the underlying tensions between groups.
• Mistake: Treating all characters and factions as interchangeable; their specific roles are vital.

3. Track Philosophical Underpinnings: Pay close attention to the discussions and internal monologues that explore the novel’s core philosophical concepts.

• Action: Highlight or make notes on passages discussing belief, nihilism, the Logos, and the nature of God.
• Look for: How these abstract ideas influence character actions and plot developments.
• Mistake: Ignoring the philosophical discussions, as they are integral to understanding the narrative’s purpose.

4. Analyze the Narrative Structure: Understand that the story is told through multiple perspectives and timelines, which can be disorienting if not approached deliberately.

• Action: Be mindful of shifts in perspective and time; consider how each viewpoint contributes to the larger picture.
• Look for: Recurring motifs or events that gain new meaning when viewed from different angles.
• Mistake: Expecting a linear, straightforward plot progression; embrace the fragmented nature of the storytelling.

5. Assess Character Morality: Recognize that characters operate within a morally gray spectrum, often making decisions that are justifiable within their worldview but horrific from an external perspective.

• Action: Evaluate character actions based on their stated beliefs and the context of their world, rather than anachronistic moral standards.
• Look for: The internal logic that drives seemingly cruel or pragmatic decisions.
• Mistake: Judging characters solely by modern ethical standards, which misses the point of Bakker’s exploration of different moral frameworks.

6. Engage with Thematic Development: Connect the plot events, character arcs, and philosophical discussions to the overarching themes of the novel.

• Action: Consider how the narrative explores ideas of destiny, free will, the impact of belief, and the cyclical nature of violence.
• Look for: How the conclusion of the novel reinforces or complicates the initial thematic premises.
• Mistake: Focusing solely on plot mechanics without appreciating the deeper thematic resonance.

The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker: A Deeper Dive

R. Scott Bakker’s The Darkness That Comes Before is not a typical entry into the epic fantasy genre. It is a foundational text in what has become known as grimdark fantasy, characterized by its unflinching portrayal of violence, moral ambiguity, and a profound sense of cosmic pessimism. The novel eschews straightforward heroism for complex characters wrestling with existential questions and operating within a world where belief systems, rather than swords, are the primary engines of conflict.

The narrative unfolds across multiple perspectives, primarily focusing on the impending Holy War instigated by the Mandate of Heaven against the non-human Scylvendi, and the clandestine machinations of the Consult, a shadowy organization with its own ancient agenda. Central to the plot are figures like Kellhus, a sorcerer-priest whose charisma and philosophical pronouncements drive much of the action; Esmenet, a slave girl whose journey intersects with Kellhus’s rise; and Achamian, a sorcerer and scholar whose pursuit of knowledge leads him to uncover terrifying truths about the world’s past and future.

Thematic Depth and Philosophical Rigor

One of the defining strengths of The Darkness That Comes Before is its intellectual density. Bakker engages directly with philosophical concepts, particularly those related to epistemology, the nature of consciousness, and the existential void. The novel posits a world where the very nature of God and reality is a subject of active, often violent, debate. This is not background lore; it is the engine of the plot.

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This quote, representative of the novel’s philosophical bent, highlights the interconnectedness of perception, consciousness, and divinity that Bakker explores. The characters’ actions are often dictated by their interpretations of these profound questions, leading to immense suffering and catastrophic events. This focus on the mechanics of belief and its societal impact is a hallmark of Bakker’s writing, making The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker a uniquely challenging work.

Common Mistakes When Reading The Darkness That Comes Before

• Mistake: Expecting a traditional hero’s journey.
• Why it matters: The protagonists are often morally compromised, and their victories are frequently Pyrrhic, leading to disillusionment if one expects clear-cut good versus evil narratives.
• Fix: Approach the characters with an understanding of their complex motivations and the bleak reality of their world. Focus on their internal struggles and the consequences of their choices.

• Mistake: Underestimating the philosophical complexity.
• Why it matters: The novel’s thematic elements are not mere window dressing; they are integral to the plot and character development. Ignoring them leads to a superficial understanding.
• Fix: Engage with the philosophical discussions. Consider how concepts like nihilism, the Logos, and the nature of belief shape the characters’ actions and the unfolding events.

• Mistake: Becoming discouraged by the dense prose and slow pacing.
• Why it matters: Bakker’s writing style is intricate and deliberate, requiring sustained focus. Rushing through it can lead to missed details and a diminished appreciation for the world-building.
• Fix: Read at a deliberate pace. Re-read passages if necessary. The reward for this investment is a richly detailed and thought-provoking narrative.

• Mistake: Dismissing the violence as gratuitous.
• Why it matters: The violence in the novel is often a direct consequence of the characters’ beliefs and the philosophical conflicts they are engaged in. It serves a thematic purpose.
• Fix: Analyze the context of the violence. Consider how it reflects the characters’ worldviews and the brutal realities of their struggle for meaning and power.

Expert Tips for Navigating The Darkness That Comes Before

• Tip 1: Embrace the Ambiguity.
• Actionable Step: Do not seek definitive answers to the novel’s philosophical questions within the text itself; rather, focus on how the characters grapple with these questions and the consequences of their chosen paths.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Trying to force a clear moral alignment onto characters or seeking a simple resolution to the complex existential dilemmas presented.

• Tip 2: Contextualize the Holy War.
• Actionable Step: Understand that the Holy War is not merely a military conflict but a manifestation of deeply entrenched ideological and theological differences, driven by the concept of the Logos.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Viewing the war solely through the lens of political or military strategy, thereby missing its profound philosophical and religious dimensions.

• Tip 3: Prepare for a Commitment.
• Actionable Step: Set aside dedicated reading time and be prepared for a narrative that requires significant mental engagement. The payoff is a deeply rewarding, albeit challenging, reading experience.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Attempting to read The Darkness That Comes Before casually or in short bursts, which can lead to confusion and a failure to appreciate its intricate structure and thematic depth.

Decision Criteria for The Darkness That Comes Before

When considering whether The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker is the right choice, one key decision criterion is your tolerance for narrative ambiguity and philosophical depth. If you prioritize clear-cut plots, straightforward morality, and rapid pacing, this novel may not be suitable. However, if you are drawn to complex characters grappling with existential questions, a meticulously crafted world that challenges conventional fantasy tropes, and a narrative that rewards deep engagement and contemplation, then this book offers a profound and unique reading experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is The Darkness That Comes Before a standalone novel?

A: No, it is the first book in Bakker’s Prince of Nothing series. While it establishes the world

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