Why you should read The Second Apolcalypse by R Scott Bakker (non spoiler) 

Am at the my second reading. Discover new things i missed at my first read.

Great video! I'm re-reading The Prince of Nothing now, and I'm freaking *loving* it! Fully agreed about the incredible world-building and character studies! R. Scott Bakker has become my favorite author, hands-down.

Great video! I agree with everything you said on why people should read the series. It was also really interesting to hear your thoughts of the representation of women in the series since this is the biggest critique against Bakker. When I first read the series I was put off by how he used Serwë to further the plot in the early books while never really developing her as a person, but I never understood why critics were so quick to dismiss Esmenet as a character when she is so multifaceted and interesting. A lot of Bakker's most nuanced character work comes through her. Also, Mimara and Serwa where some of my favorite characters in Aspect-Emperor; though it did take me to The Great Ordeal and The Unholy Consult to enjoy the latter. I grew up reading Clive Barker in my teens and one of the things I really enjoyed about this series was the fusion of fantasy and horror. Barker is the only author that really nailed that for me prior to reading this series. Bakker's writing style also gave me Homeric and Old Testament biblical vibes that made it feel like it was a rediscovery from an archaic portion of the collective unconscious.

My favourite series of all time :) started before Judging Eye was out, I’m due a re-read of the last two books soon

Sweet Sejenus what a lovely video. Rereading Bakker is a mind blowing experience. The moment you start the two prologues knowing what follows and how it ends makes your hair rise. He is my favourite author and series, by so far, that I feel obsessed. I just want to share how I feel he really made me a more thoughtful person. Some people judge on his characters but these are real people. Their actions and thoughts made me realise personal mistakes. Reading them made me question how I treat people and especially women. He also added a bleak but intricate little filter I often enjoy viewing through it what happens around me and discussing in that context with friends who have read the books. I really cant wait to join you people for my third reread

I decided to give the series a try based on your review of Darkness that Comes Before, despite hearing quite a lot of complaints namely the portrayal of women and the excessive violence. It's the best Fantasy series I ever read. Not even close. I can understand why a series with such dense prose, lots of philosophy, characters personifying the very worst of Mankind and a series that overall doesn't follow the too familiar archetypes we see in Fantasy is certain to failure in capturing a huge fanbase. But still, I think the series should have a lot more recognition.

Funny history note: one of the organizers of the "Sad Puppies" movement loved The Darkness That Comes Before, but for exactly the wrong reasons.

Spread the word!

I think the most important part is that it is philosophical fantasy. Not in the sense of waxing poetic, but rather than it is an allegory for philosophical debates. Bakker could have written an academic paper, but instead created a world and stories to illustrate his thoughts (quite well at that too). There aren't many works like this. Quick review of the history of fantasy: Tolkien was modernizing older European mythology and literature, both of which had this poetic (but not really philosophical) attitude that gives it depth. Later fantasy copies Tolkien, but drops this aspect and focuses on the superficial, like worldbuilding, magic systems, and character development. So modern fantasy has become boring for me. But Bakker brings back that sense of depth for me. It reminds me of epics from other traditions, like the Mahabharata: an apocalyptic battle with magic weapons on both sides, and the Bhagavad Gita inserted into the middle of it all, literally the cornerstone of Hindu philosophy just spoken like it was dialogue in the story.

This is a highly anticipated series for me

PREACH! Bakker is a god. My friend and I have each read the series through about 4 times. I read dozens of books a year and always come back to Bakker to have my breath taken away.

Very nice video. I need to read the series. I don't know if I I will read this year but definitely next year

Excellent video Zara!! I starting my reread next month with a few people and I can't wait to experience this madness again through a different,more mature lens.

Great video, Zara. Already I can say that Bakker is one of the most _complete_ fantasy writers I've read. Excellent prose, a great story, a well realised world, amazing characters, and he has something to say, but even more to ask. He's really kinda nailed everything. He's no Rebecca Yarros, but he's still pretty good.

Thank you lovely lady for giving me five more books 📚 to read and also just letting you know that I am halfway through your friends book 📕 with just over four hours left to read but you can let her know that at the moment it’s a six star book 📕 i absolutely love it and I would be already finished ✅ if I didn’t have cataracts in each eye causing big problems for me prayers and blessings for you and your family love your Aussie family friend John ❤❤❤

I've been debating whether or not I should read this series. On the one hand, I've heard that Bakker is a very talented author and that his world is very well-thought out and unique. On the other hand, I've heard that this series is tonally pitch black. I usually don't mind dark, edgy entertainment, but I am pretty squeamish when it comes to certain things like sexual violence, which I've heard this series has in abundance.

My favorite fantasy series! I've read it several times, picking up new things every time. For re-readers (who have read all seven books previously), I recommend "The History of Earwa" by Adam Whitehead. Found on his blog via google search. He compiled and sequenced much of the supplementary material/appendices found at the back of the books and history/worldbuilding that is mentioned in the text of the novels into a 150-page pdf. I like to read through at least the first few parts, which detail what is known about the events taking place prior to the start of The Darkness That Comes Before, when I begin a re-read. I think it is a good resource to check out if it's been awhile since the last read though. He also included some of the related artwork by Jason Deem in the document.

Y'know how some people ask what Fantasy world you'd visit given the chance? Yeah well Earwa is on the no-go list Fantastic video Zara. Sign me up for that re-read!

On White Luck warrior now and I agree with all your praise, it's so amazing. I won't be reading anything else till I finish it. Bakker's prose is second only to Tolkien IMO. I'll keep an eye out for your rereading schedule too. I know I'm just scratching the surface on this first read and can't wait to go deeper next time. For now I'm just on the edge of my seat for what will happen to these characters and this world.

great stuff - keep plugging this guy. after reading the silmarillion as a teen i couldn't read any fantasy author other than Tolkien. the only one who has come close since is Bakker - his naming conventions in particular are terrific and so evovative - something that ruins many a fantasy novel. thanks to your reviews i've started the quadrilogy (i read the trilogy years ago) and have just finished the judging eye, which is perhaps my favourite so far. who knows what's going on? - the smokey descent into bakker's unconscious is the thrill itself. (on the ligotti front, i can't recommend his "teatro grottesco" collection highly enough - it really rewires the brain - "gas station carnivals" and "severini" in particular - enjoy, if you ever get around to it.)

You know, even though this is an extremely glowing review that gives me quite a bit of fomo, I also think it established that this may just not be my cup of tea. I tend to enjoy less dense reads that I can just casually relax with, and it sounds like that is not what this series is. That said, given how much you love it, I think I may end up giving it a try one day when I am feeling in a daring mood haha. Excellent review, Zara!

I had no idea about these books, but truth to be told, after watching so many of your reviews I can confidently trust your recommendations. Thus, I have just wishlisted this one in Audible. Dark Fantasy? Philosophy? Actually good female characters? Can't wait to read it!

I really need to continue this series!

I will reread as well at some point but parts of my brain havent recovered and once you start tbe series you just cant read anything else. Regarding the portrayal of women, it is rough but Esmenet is just amazing. I would argue Bakker hates how women are treated as well and shows just how awful humanity can be.

Definitely looking forward to a reread. I'm interested to see where I land on the series for the second round. It's at least my second favorite series of all time.

Slowly making my way through the Unholy Consult 😮 Its been phenomenal so far

Rare case of a woman not being horrified by Bakker's books ! Lol

Excellent book series

I already started rereading them lol. But excellent video. I hope the in depth one comes sooner than later. I'll also make more of an effort to watch your other conent. I've been way behind on my book tube subs. Sorry.

As much as I love baked goods, I'm not sure that Bakker would be good for my tastes. But you're at least keeping me on the fence!

I'm actually reading The Darkness that Comes Before right now (am about 70% in). 😂 It's good to hear your thoughts on why you loved it and I can definitely see why those elements stand out to you!

Video idea top 5 fantasy/scifi books for bakker fands! + 5 obscure recommendations (cuz many ppl know the "usual suspects")

Its really hard to find a copy of white luck warrior , these books are hard to find

Great video, Zara. I own the first book in this series and have been wanting to read it for a while, but I am also burnt out by fantasy since I've been reading it nonstop for a couple years. However, this video has made me consider reading in 2023. The series being grimdark doesn't bother me, as my favorite work in fiction is Berserk.

Zara you have to read Thomas ligotti, his writing will blow your mind

I would highly recommend the first three books too! Some truly memorable moments and I'm genuinely curious to see whether it could be adapted to the screen. I made it through the next two books and had to stop.

NGL as much as I try to keep my amount of series in progress as small as possible (especially for Fantasy), its awfully tempting to through in a re-read of at least Prince of Nothing right now (and I'm already fighting the re-read ASOIAF urge)

Slog of slogs!

Like you The Second Apocalypse is my favorite series, ever. I do feel the treatment of women in this series is very misogynistic. The reason I feel this way is because all women in this series only have power that is in relation to the men to which they are attached.; and other reasons that are more obvious (no spoilers). The only exception, and it is a weak one, is Mimara. Other than that, there is no woman in this series has her own power or authority. I don't think the author is misogynistic; it just makes sense given the world he has created. That's how things are for many women both historically and present day. He is not shying away from the reality of women in certain times and cultures. Nothing wrong with that.

Where did you study Philosohpy? I studied it at LSE and really didn't like it. Too social Sciency for me.