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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Darkness That Comes Before summary
R. Scott Bakker
Brief summary
The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker is a gripping fantasy novel set in a richly detailed world. It delves into the intricacies of power, religion, and the human psyche, taking readers on a thrilling and thought-provoking journey.
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The Darkness That Comes Before
Summary of key ideas
Unveiling the Complexities of Power and Destiny
In The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker, we are introduced to a world on the brink of a holy war. The story begins with the arrival of Anasûrimbor Kellhus, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who possesses an uncanny ability to read and manipulate people's thoughts and emotions. Kellhus is on a mission to find his long-lost father, a man who is rumored to be a powerful sorcerer.
Simultaneously, we are introduced to Drusas Achamian, a sorcerer and historian who is haunted by the memories of a devastating event known as the First Apocalypse. Achamian is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a new religious movement led by the enigmatic Maithanet, who claims to be the Shriah, the spiritual leader of the Inrithi people.
Interweaving of Political Intrigues and Religious Machinations
As the narrative unfolds, we witness the intricate political and religious machinations that drive the impending holy war. The Inrithi, a religious faction, are preparing to launch a crusade against the Fanim, their long-standing enemies. However, the motivations behind this war are not purely religious. Instead, they are entangled with power struggles, territorial ambitions, and the manipulation of religious fervor for political gain.
Amidst this backdrop, Kellhus, who has ingratiated himself into the highest echelons of Inrithi society, begins to unravel the true nature of his father's legacy. He discovers that his father was a member of an ancient, near-mythical race known as the Dunyain, who possess superhuman intellect and are driven by a singular purpose: to achieve absolute power and control over their destiny.
The Struggle for Power and the Unveiling of Ancient Secrets
As the holy war commences, we witness the brutal realities of conflict and the toll it takes on both the soldiers and the civilians caught in its wake. The narrative also delves deeper into the enigmatic Dunyain and their philosophy, which revolves around the concept of the 'Logos' - a form of absolute truth and control over one's destiny.
Meanwhile, Achamian, driven by his personal quest for truth, uncovers a shocking revelation about the origins of the holy war. He learns that the Consult, a group of immortal sorcerers who were responsible for the First Apocalypse, are manipulating the conflict to further their own insidious agenda.
The Inevitable Collision of Destiny and Free Will
As the first installment of The Prince of Nothing trilogy draws to a close, we are left with a world teetering on the brink of chaos. The destinies of our main characters - Kellhus, Achamian, and the various political and religious leaders - are set on a collision course, driven by their conflicting desires for power, truth, and survival.
In conclusion, The Darkness That Comes Before is a complex and thought-provoking epic fantasy that delves deep into the intricacies of power, destiny, and the human condition. Bakker's richly detailed world-building, morally ambiguous characters, and philosophical underpinnings make for a compelling and challenging read, setting the stage for an epic struggle that will continue to unfold in the subsequent books of the series.
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What is The Darkness That Comes Before about?
The Darkness That Comes Before is a gripping fantasy novel that delves into the complexities of power, religion, and destiny. Set in a world on the brink of war, it follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate political intrigue and ancient prophecies. With rich world-building and thought-provoking themes, this book will captivate fans of epic fantasy.
The Darkness That Comes Before Review
The Darkness That Comes Before (2004) delves into a world of political intrigue, sorcery, and mysterious prophecies. Here's what makes this book worth your time:
- It explores complex characters with conflicting motives who navigate a morally gray world, challenging readers to question traditional heroes and villains.
- With its deep world-building and intricate plot, the book immerses readers in a richly detailed and compellingly dark fantasy realm.
- The novel's exploration of philosophical and psychological themes adds depth and intrigue, ensuring a thought-provoking and captivating read that is far from dull.
Who should read The Darkness That Comes Before?
- Readers who enjoy complex, thought-provoking fantasy worlds
- Those interested in exploring themes of philosophy, religion, and the nature of reality
- Fans of epic storytelling and intricate political intrigue
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The Darkness That Comes Before FAQs
What is the main message of The Darkness That Comes Before?
The main message of The Darkness That Comes Before explores the complexities of power, destiny, and the human condition.
How long does it take to read The Darkness That Comes Before?
The estimated reading time for The Darkness That Comes Before is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Darkness That Comes Before a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Darkness That Comes Before is worth reading for its intricate world-building and philosophical depth.
Who is the author of The Darkness That Comes Before?
The author of The Darkness That Comes Before is R. Scott Bakker.
What to read after The Darkness That Comes Before?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Darkness That Comes Before, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
- Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
- Season of Mists by Neil Gaiman
- King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
- Weaveworld by Clive Barker
- Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff
- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
- Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
- Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
- Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie