2006 novel
written by R. Scott Bakker
(previous)
In the last two months, I've had the pleasure and horror of witnessing a year and a half in the life of Bakker's rich and twisted world. The clash of armies. The death of friends. The execution of enemies. The changing of beliefs. The manipulation of masses. The sorcery of concepts. Blood. Hope. Love. Rape. Famine. Faith. Pestilence.
War.
The reshaping of a world.
It ends here.
It begins here.
I really don't know what else to say. Never before has a work of literature grabbed me by the balls and dragged me through such dungeons and fields of pleasure and torment. I have seen things in this novel which shall never be forgotten. Made friends and enemies that shall last a lifetime. Literally every emotion I know myself to be capable of has been dragged out, caressed, trod upon, and shot back into my soul.
Read these books.
Now.
(purchase)
(wikipedia)
April 11, 2008
The Prince of Nothing #2: The Warrior-Prophet
2004 novel
written by R. Scott Bakker
(previous)
(next)
The Holy War marches on.
Once again, I find my pathetic reviewing skills put to the test as I try to sum up this, the second in a truly astonishing trilogy of books.
Bakker, through the intimate relations of characters and the broader sweeps of armies, paints a true image of Holy War as the invading army plows through city after city, committing the very atrocities they accuse their enemies of. But not without sacrifice. Skirmishes, in-fighting, disease, and an epic trek through deserts chip at their numbers until this once unconquerable force finds itself holed up in a sacked city, enemies surrounding the walls, slowly starving them to the point of eating books and clothing.
And, amongst its varied soldiers, a new hero begins to rise. Anasurimbor Kellhus, trained from birth to read and manipulate those around him, works his way to the head of the Holy War and assumes the title of Warrior-Prophet. It's fascinating to see an army march into battle in the name of an old Prophet, only to find their attention drawn to a seemingly new savior within. Of course, as is so often the case, those in power fear his increased following and conspire against him.
That's the broad plot of this novel. Once again, there's oh so much more. So many twists and turns and loves and hates and bonds and battles ... so much depth and complexity to this grand masterpiece.
And magic! Only glimpsed in volume one, the world of the supernatural finally makes its presence felt as sorcerous schools take their sides in war and inhuman creatures, capable of manipulating their appearance, infiltrate the armies' ranks. Though the origins of such beings and powers are still shrouded in mystery, Bakker incorporates them into his world in a believable, intelligent fashion. And, let me tell you, there is an unforgettable battle between sorcerers near the middle that leaves in its wake destruction worthy of a Katsuhiro Otomo film.
These books must be read. It's as simple as that.
(purchase)
(wikipedia)
written by R. Scott Bakker
(previous)
(next)
The Holy War marches on.
Once again, I find my pathetic reviewing skills put to the test as I try to sum up this, the second in a truly astonishing trilogy of books.
Bakker, through the intimate relations of characters and the broader sweeps of armies, paints a true image of Holy War as the invading army plows through city after city, committing the very atrocities they accuse their enemies of. But not without sacrifice. Skirmishes, in-fighting, disease, and an epic trek through deserts chip at their numbers until this once unconquerable force finds itself holed up in a sacked city, enemies surrounding the walls, slowly starving them to the point of eating books and clothing.
And, amongst its varied soldiers, a new hero begins to rise. Anasurimbor Kellhus, trained from birth to read and manipulate those around him, works his way to the head of the Holy War and assumes the title of Warrior-Prophet. It's fascinating to see an army march into battle in the name of an old Prophet, only to find their attention drawn to a seemingly new savior within. Of course, as is so often the case, those in power fear his increased following and conspire against him.
That's the broad plot of this novel. Once again, there's oh so much more. So many twists and turns and loves and hates and bonds and battles ... so much depth and complexity to this grand masterpiece.
And magic! Only glimpsed in volume one, the world of the supernatural finally makes its presence felt as sorcerous schools take their sides in war and inhuman creatures, capable of manipulating their appearance, infiltrate the armies' ranks. Though the origins of such beings and powers are still shrouded in mystery, Bakker incorporates them into his world in a believable, intelligent fashion. And, let me tell you, there is an unforgettable battle between sorcerers near the middle that leaves in its wake destruction worthy of a Katsuhiro Otomo film.
These books must be read. It's as simple as that.
(purchase)
(wikipedia)
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