THE DARKNESS THAT COMES BEFORE / R. Scott Bakker / Book Review / Brian Lee Durfee (spoiler free)

Wherein our hero Durfee reviews The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker #RScottBakker #TheDarknessThatComesBefore

[UncleMonk]

I am so glad to see someone giving these books and author the credit he deserves for this series…It is such an overlooked and underrated fantasy series and absolutely recommend it for fans of Malazan and Dune…It was recommended to me many years ago because I was a fan of both series and Brian is spot on with the comparisons to Malazan and Dune and fans of those series will enjoy reading this series as well…Brian is also accurate in its depth and complexity and you do need to be in the right mindset to read these books but it is going to be so worth it…
I wish the author would have written more and hopefully someday he will…Brian if you can get any information about any new books or an update on R.Scott Bakker’s status fans like I would appreciate it greatly…Thank You for bringing this author and these books back to the forefront as many newer fantasy fans need to know about and give these books a read…Love the Channel…
Keep up the good works…👍🏻

[grimbroom]

This is my favorite fantasy series by a wide margin. It's so good.

[andrewhanson]

The Second Apocalypse is my favorite series of all time glad to see you reviewing it

[eduardobenassi]

The Aspect Emperor made me cry at times, the ending is phenomenal, had to take a little break after that one. Truly unique, memorable work by Bakker 👏👏👏

[qwertyovan]

Thanks for making this video. There is so much to say about the series it’s unbelievable. And this is just book one.

[RedViper]

My favourite series. I like how you pointed the way he chooses words and names. He has an uncanny way in making his sentences and dialogues so impactful. It often feels like reading some holy scriptures.
I also love what he tries to achieve while you read the whole seven books. He makes very brave and uncompromising choices leading to a story unparalleled in bleakness and epicness at the same time. An existential, apocalyptical, homeric tragedy

[civoreb]

You have ventured into the darkness. No turning back now Brian

[christpower]

I enjoyed your review. This is a series that has intrigued me. I have not read it. But it has intrigued me and I think it may be on deck for my next read. It does seem very compelling and complex. It also seemed rather intimidating in regards to its complexity. However, my reading comprehension level has improved significantly over the last few years. And I think I’m ready for this. With that said, come on now, no book is a 10 out of 10.

[dustintbrproblems]

I really love the Prince of Nothing trilogy, but I still haven't gone on to reading the rest of The Second Apocalypse. Really need to rectify that.

[GuardianKnightoftheRealm]

Thanks for the review! I am all the more excited to get into these books!

Would love to see an updated version of your top fantasy books too!

[captainaomaruvomexekutivko]

That's an amazing book! It's in my Top 5 for sure

[Heathennation]

I have this Trilogy in my library that was bought for me during Christmas so I was checking out some reviews on it it'll be read sooner or later at the moment, I'm reading The Forgetting Moon by none other than you and it dark, gritty and in my opinion stands with best writing out there, I can see you're different influences throughout the book, always love fantasy that uses other sub-genres in their books I'm on Chapter 33 getting closer to the end now I'm just waiting for the other two books in the series to come in the mail just wanted to let you know man that you have written a fine piece of fantasy fiction that Rivals even some of the classics can't wait to read the other two books and see what you come up with next I'm still somewhat new to your channel but I'm watching keep up the good content and the great writing

[alexiskiri]

"Thick and dense" the prose, the magic. I will go out and buy these books on this video alone.

[nightmarishcompositions]

Imo, this is one of the only fantasy series where the prose was just as gripping as the story, rather than being flowery for the sake of flowery. Every sentence was packed with meaning and contemplation, creating a haunting atmosphere of dread and anticipation with complex characters to guide the twisty narrative. It felt like a masterfully crafted psychological horror thriller set in a gritty fascinating world. Absolutely love it and wish it would get more attention. I feel the same way about the Manifest Delusions series by Michael Fletcher.

[maggythestray]

Thank you for this review! Waited so long for this one and now I need to buy it :D I think I will love this book.
Also got another question.. Have you read something by Katherine Kerr? Can you also review them?:3

[jcwoodman]

Loved this series! Beautifully Tragic & Epic! Grim Dark on roids😏

[StElna]

I've been reading these over the last 3 months. I'll be reading the 3rd next month. Unfortunately I'm not loving them. The start was great, but since then, I like only bits and pieces. I really like the world and some of the characters. I just don't like his writing style.
Definitely getting some Dune vibes throughout. btw, Dune is phenomenal.

[BookishChas]

Man Brian, this review really makes me want to read this soon.

[EricMcLuen]

So just finished this a few days ago. Really liked it but Bakker really likes his umlauts and carets a little too much for my taste.
I wouldn't compare the setting to Dune as it is essentially the Crusades with the factions and several of the event. Much like in Cook's Instrumentalitie of the Night. Just replace Rome, Muslims and Contantinople and several of the events describes happened.
He also likes playing with language which is fun. The prophet is named Inri and a battle at Mangedda, for example.
But you have magic, demons and my Dune vibe was you basically have a Bene Gesserit school.
This series also has a reputation of being exceptionally grimdark. Maybe later as I just didn't see it here although this book was mainly a lot of political intrigue set up.
That being said, very excited to read on and see where it goes.

[Mexicana]

Your reviews are fantastic! Thank you. How are you doing with your eyesight?