"Intelligent" is a term trotted out so often by publishers that it has become almost worthless - which is hard for the likes of Bakker, whose [ The Darkness That Comes Before] truly is intelligent, and original, and all those other overused words. The Guardian The Darkness That Comes Before is a strikingly original work, the start of a series to watch. SF Site 'The publisher's hype compares [ The Darkness That Comes Before] to The Lord of the Rings or Frank Herbert's Dune, and gratifyingly the hype is not misplaced. The characters are among the most memorable and well-portrayed I can think of in recent fantasy f George Walkley, Ottakar's (Outland) 'Bakker has created a gourmet feast for hungry fantasy readers, exquisitely prepared, carefully seasoned, and served with pomp and ceremony... The Darkness That Comes Before is truly a satisfying experience.' Kevin J. Anderson, Bestselling author of Horizon Storms 'Exquisitely intelligent and beautifully written, R. Scott Bakker's first novel in The Prince of Nothing series inspires both confidence and anticipation--this is fantasy with muscle and brains, rife with intrigue and admirable depth of character, set in