Nov-Series Discussion-Prince of Nothing
- Thread starter rune
- Start date
Brys
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2005
- Messages
- 813
I'll guess I'll start off the discussion then. I think it's one of the top 3 epic fantasy series being written at the moment, and Bakker has shown a tendency to improve from the first book to the second.
The Darkness that Comes Before was a very good introduction to Earwa and the story - the worldbuilding flowed in seamlessly with the plot, the characters (particularly Kellhus, Cnaiur and Xerius) were well constructed and very believable. To add to this, I can't think of any epic fantasy writer at the moment that is such a good stylist - his prose is excellent, lyrical but without being difficult to read. One thing I found particularly refreshing about the series was that there weren't many characters you could identify with - even Achamian isn't perfect. The beginning of the DtCB was very intriguing, but it soon slowed down, and the limited focus on Kellhus had an adverse effect on the novel. It was necessary, because it was an introductory and worldbuilding novel, but it meant that it wasn't quite as good as it could have been. After a while, it picked up pace, especially with the Holy War, and Bakker was not afraid of providing shocking scenes.
The Warrior Prophet: I thought this was a significant improvement on the first novel - it was more tightly written, more focused and explored themes better. It extended the characterisation of the first and made the world a lot more believable.
But first things first - one thing I found very useful was the "What comes before" section at the beginning of the novel - in a continuous series like this (ie ones that don't conclude after each book) it is incredibly useful. As for the story - I liked that there was a greater focus on Kellhus, and some characters, eg Esmenet, which seemed pretty much "good" characters in the first have a number of their flaws revealed. Bakker's also created a truly ambiguous novel, and it works on a number of levels, though the crusades and religion being a major theme throughout. Needless to say, I can't wait for the Thousandfold Thought.
The Darkness that Comes Before was a very good introduction to Earwa and the story - the worldbuilding flowed in seamlessly with the plot, the characters (particularly Kellhus, Cnaiur and Xerius) were well constructed and very believable. To add to this, I can't think of any epic fantasy writer at the moment that is such a good stylist - his prose is excellent, lyrical but without being difficult to read. One thing I found particularly refreshing about the series was that there weren't many characters you could identify with - even Achamian isn't perfect. The beginning of the DtCB was very intriguing, but it soon slowed down, and the limited focus on Kellhus had an adverse effect on the novel. It was necessary, because it was an introductory and worldbuilding novel, but it meant that it wasn't quite as good as it could have been. After a while, it picked up pace, especially with the Holy War, and Bakker was not afraid of providing shocking scenes.
The Warrior Prophet: I thought this was a significant improvement on the first novel - it was more tightly written, more focused and explored themes better. It extended the characterisation of the first and made the world a lot more believable.
But first things first - one thing I found very useful was the "What comes before" section at the beginning of the novel - in a continuous series like this (ie ones that don't conclude after each book) it is incredibly useful. As for the story - I liked that there was a greater focus on Kellhus, and some characters, eg Esmenet, which seemed pretty much "good" characters in the first have a number of their flaws revealed. Bakker's also created a truly ambiguous novel, and it works on a number of levels, though the crusades and religion being a major theme throughout. Needless to say, I can't wait for the Thousandfold Thought.
Brys
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2005
- Messages
- 813
That's mainly because, as with most fantasy epic series, the first book was an introductory book. I didn't feel that so much, but I know what you mean. The second book moves quite a lot faster and is a lot more focused.
I wonder why no one else seems to be discussing this series. Lots of people here have read it, so I thought there'd be quite a bit of discussion.
I wonder why no one else seems to be discussing this series. Lots of people here have read it, so I thought there'd be quite a bit of discussion.
Locksmith
I also mend shoes
I've just finished reading the second book. I must say that I haven't found them the easiest going of any books I've read. I think this is the combination of a couple of factors: first, I find it very difficult to find empathy with the characters, they all seem to lack a certain humanity (I find this interesting, but it doesn't make the books readable). Secondly, having initially dismissed the character and faction glossary, I keep getting confused as to who's who and who's on what side. However this may just be me not paying sufficient attention. Thirdly, like Rune, I was rather disappointed that little actually happened in the first book.
Despite both of these limitations, I obviously found the world, the pursuit of holy war and the magic of the first book interesting enough to buy the second. I think Bakker has taken a good deal of care in his world-building (it took 15 years to develop the first book) and it pays dividends in the complexity of the various factions and societies (when you can remember which is which). I like the fact that "good" and "evil" are not clear-cut and characters are complex in their motivations and actions.
The series has begun to heat up in terms of action and, dare I say it, excitement, towards the end of the second book, which I think bodes well for the Thousandfold Night. Definitely a series for those with the patience to plough through a few hundred pages before getting to the action.
Despite both of these limitations, I obviously found the world, the pursuit of holy war and the magic of the first book interesting enough to buy the second. I think Bakker has taken a good deal of care in his world-building (it took 15 years to develop the first book) and it pays dividends in the complexity of the various factions and societies (when you can remember which is which). I like the fact that "good" and "evil" are not clear-cut and characters are complex in their motivations and actions.
The series has begun to heat up in terms of action and, dare I say it, excitement, towards the end of the second book, which I think bodes well for the Thousandfold Night. Definitely a series for those with the patience to plough through a few hundred pages before getting to the action.
I found Warrior Prophet an easier read than Darkness that comes Before,its one of the best series around at the moment.Unlike most people I find Kellhus sets my teeth on edge he has unhealthy hold over people,he's such a believable character he gives me the creeps.
| Thread starter | Similar threads | Forum | Replies | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Series Discussions | Book Discussion | 4 | |
|
|
Series Discussion-The Last Rune | Book Discussion | 5 | |
|
|
Series Discussion - Chronicles of Amber | Book Discussion | 3 | |
|
|
Dec-Fantasy Series Discussion-Banned and The Bannished | Book Discussion | 4 | |
|
|
Oct-Series Discussion-The Fionavar Tapestry | Book Discussion | 8 |