The Darkness That Comes Before

Starred review from May 24, 2004
Canadian author Bakker's impressive, challenging debut, the first of a trilogy, should please those weary of formulaic epic fantasy. Bakker's utterly foreign world, Eärwa, is as complex as that of Tolkien, to whom he is, arguably, a worthier successor than such established names as David Eddings and Stephen Donaldson. Bakker creates an extraordinary cast of nationalities and races involved in an enormous holy war set off by an unseen prophet, Maithanet. (Appendices help keep the history and personalities straight.) He casually drops for half the story an increasingly important character, Anasûrimbor Kellhus (aka "the Prince of Nothing"), who finally returns without a breath of exposition. The amiable and wise sorcerer spy Drusas Achamian binds the myriad narrative threads together. Drusas's love for Esmenet, a too-experienced prostitute, provides some tenderness amid the abundant slaughter. In the book's most harrowing scene, which fans of gentler fantasy will find too graphic, Esmenet is raped by a creature who, despite its human appearance, is likely demonic. If this ambitious novel lacks the beauty of Tolkien as well as the sense of pure evil that suffused Middle-earth with genuine terror, its willingness to take chances and avoid the usual genre clichés should win many discriminating readers. Agent, Ralph M. Vicinanza. (June 15)

Forecast:
Blurbs from Steven Erikson, John Marco and Kevin J. Anderson, plus good press for the 2003 Canadian edition, will help bring attention to a deserving book that's going to sell largely through word of mouth.

Starred review from April 15, 2004
Long ago, an apocalyptic Holy War brought down kingdoms and nearly destroyed the three great schools of sorcery. Against a background of political and religious upheaval and talk of a new Holy War, a sorcerer of the Mandate School, a monk with royal blood, a barbarian chieftain, a prostitute wise beyond her years, and a young concubine find themselves drawn together by the rising threat of the return of the No-God and the destruction of their world. Bakker's series debut departs from the standard medieval world of most fantasy epics by introducing a realm that borrows from Middle Eastern cultures and features a rich background story highlighting an ongoing conflict between religion and magic as well as good and evil. Highly recommended for fantasy collections.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.