Title: The Warrior Prophet
Author: R. Scott Bakker
First published June 18, 2004
624 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781585677283 (ISBN10: 1585677280)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
“The Prince of Nothing” series continues in “The Warrior Prophet,” where the Holy War marches on towards the south. But, a new threat arises from within the Men of the Tusk, making the war more complicated than ever.
As Kellhus manipulates souls with his language and expressions, Achamian and Esmenet submit, only to face unimaginable tests of faith and love. Meanwhile, Cnaiur’s madness deepens, and he makes a deal with the agents of the Second Apocalypse, believing that Kellhus will betray their pact to murder his father.
The fate of the world lies in the hands of the great powers, and they must choose between their desperate desires and the end of the world. Experience the gripping and intense battle between hope and hatred, Anasurimbor Kellhus, and the second apocalypse in this second installment of the “Prince of Nothing” series.
About the Author
Meet R. Scott Bakker, a novelist famous for his epic series, The Second Apocalypse.
Bakker first began developing the series in college in the 1980s, with plans for a trilogy: The Prince of Nothing and two other books. However, when Bakker started writing in the early 2000s, he realized he needed to expand his vision to include all the characters, themes, and ideas he wanted to explore.
His plan then shifted to two trilogies, and there is a possibility of a third.
The first series, published between 2003 and 2006, tells the story of a Holy War launched by the Inrithi kingdoms against the Fanim of the south. It follows the rise of Ansurimbor Kellhus, who becomes a powerful and influential figure.
The series unveils the Consult, a force united by their worship of the legendary No-God, who seeks to bring destruction to the mortal world.
The second series, a sequel trilogy, takes place 20 years later. Kellhus leads the Inrithi kingdoms in directly confronting the Consult.
The first book in this new series is set to be published in 2009.
While working on The Prince of Nothing series, Bakker’s wife challenged him to write a thriller. He produced a science fiction thriller about a serial killer who can influence the human mind, which eventually became Neuropath, published in 2008.
Inspired, he wrote a second thriller, Disciple of the Dog, in 2009.
Editoral Review
The Warrior Prophet by R. Scott Bakker is a riveting addition to the fantasy genre.
Bakker is a renowned Canadian author, known for his previous works such as The Darkness that Comes Before and The Thousandfold Thought. The Warrior Prophet was first published on June 18, 2004, and has since garnered a cult following for its complex characters, intricate plot, and profound themes.
Set in a fictional world called Eärwa, The Warrior Prophet tells the story of a holy war that ensues after the prophet Maithanet unites the warring factions of the world to fight against the Fanim, an opposing faith. The main character of the book is a sorcerer named Drusas Achamian who is hired by Maithanet to spy on the Fanim.
However, Drusas’ mission becomes more complicated when he meets a powerful warrior named Anasurimbor Kellhus, who claims to be the son of God. Bakker’s prose is evocative and filled with vivid imagery that immerses the reader in the world of Eärwa.
The characters, especially Drusas and Kellhus, are well-developed and have their own unique motivations, fears, and desires. The plot is intricately woven and filled with political intrigue, religious fervor, and philosophical musings.
The themes of the book are profound and thought-provoking, touching on the nature of faith, power, and destiny. One of the strengths of The Warrior Prophet is Bakker’s world-building.
Eärwa is a world that is rich in history, culture, and geography, and Bakker weaves all these elements together seamlessly. The magic system in the book is also well-defined and adds to the overall ambiance of the story.
Another strength is the way Bakker tackles complex philosophical ideas through his characters’ actions and dialogue. Bakker is not afraid to delve into difficult questions and offers no easy answers.
However, the book is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel slow at times, and the plot may be confusing for readers who are not familiar with the fantasy genre.
Additionally, the book is not for the faint of heart. The violence and sexual content can be graphic and may turn off some readers.
Overall, The Warrior Prophet is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre. Bakker’s writing is exquisite, and the themes and ideas presented in the book will leave readers thinking long after they finish reading it.
The book is not perfect, but its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with complex characters and profound themes.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give The Warrior Prophet an 8.5.
