Book Review: The Prince of Nothing

Originally meant to be a trilogy, The Second Apocalypse is now looking to be a trilogy of trilogies. Written by R. Scott Bakker, The Second Apocalypse - and the first of its three trilogies, The Prince of Nothing - can best be described as the world's greatest Nietzschean fantasy work.

Before you all turn around and run away, let me explain. Nietzsche was a famous German philosopher. So famous, in fact, that I probably did not need to say that. In many of his works he references the idea of the ubermensch, translating literally to 'over-man.' An over-man is greater than normal men. So superlative is his ability to overcome obstacles - including other people - that he is not only allowed but compelled to overcome every obstacle he encounters when moving towards his goals.

(If you have yet to read Thus Sprach Zarathustra, you should do so, by the by.)

In many ways, The Prince of Nothing can be viewed as a comparison of - and set of clashes between - several different over-men, each with his own distinct type. Ikurei Conphas, the incredibly gifted, paranoid, and narcisistic military commander; Cnaiur, the savage Scylvendi, with his immense strength and intuition; Achamian - and, to a lesser degree, the other sorcerers in the series - who can change the world simply by speaking; and Kellhus, a member of a secret order of monks, the Dunyain, who have spent two thousand years training - and breeding their membership - to become 'that which comes before.'

The story itself follows the Holy War to Shimeh - a rough historical analogue being the Crusades that targeted Jerusalem. Each of the over-men has his own reason - Achamian, to spy for his order of sorcerers, the Mandate, who fear the coming of the second apocalypse; Conphas, to elevate himself and expand the holdings of the Empire; Kellhus, to bend the Holy War to his will and use it to transport himself safely to Shimeh, there to meet his father; and Cnaiur - tool of Kellhus' father as a child, member of the Scylvendi, defeated early in the series by Conphas - who follows Kellhus to the war, and stays to spite both him and Conphas.

The first book in the trilogy, The Darkness That Comes Before, follows all of the main characters to the Holy War itself, and the remaining two describe its trek to Shimeh, and the transformation that occurs as a result of the clashes between the over-men that are present.

Hopefully I've somewhat convinced you that a philosophy book disguised as a fantasy book wouldn't be terrible to read. I will admit it can get dense at times, but The Prince of Nothing is among my favorite series, and if you have ever enjoyed reading philosophy - and enjoy fantasy, as well - you should really consider picking up the first book.