Bakker is a breath of fresh air in a genre where good authors are hard to come by. He doesn't drag things out. He is to the point and you know what is happening. He starts the third book so different from the norm, in that he doesn't spend the first 100 pages retelling everything as though you hadn't read the first two books. Best of all, he is a fantasy author who can actually finish his series in three books, rather than 10 or 12.
This his third book is amazing. Bakker writes with such grace that you want to keep reading late into the night, and the storyline is not predictable, it doesn't follow a scripted set of rules. The storyline follows a very succinct path, one that is complex and yet simple to follow. Bakker seems to have thought of everything, which leads to an altogether well rounded book. The last quarter of the book, particularly, is fast paced and well structured. We get to see the full might of the Scarlet Spires and the Cishaurim, a quick glance at the Saik, and of course of Achaimian and the Gnosis. This is perhaps something that sets apart Bakker from other fantasy authors. His "magic" is more real and powerful because he doesn't cheapen it by trying to explain it too much and, for the most part, doesn't use it too often (with the exception, of course, at the end, where it is inevitable). The battle at Shimeh is detailed and told amazingly, leaving over the feeling of a real battle, reminiscent of the crusades of course (Shimeh/Jerusalem, Swords/Christians vs. Scimitars/Muslims). Combine the sorcery with the battle and you have a finale to a book that is memorable.
Finally, all the storylines are wound up and completed, yet still Bakker was able to leave enough wiggle room to venture into a new series with the same world. Bakker, to me, has eclipsed Martin and Williams with this his final book of the trilogy. I would definitely recommend Bakker to everyone, no matter their genre preference. If you are looking for a great fantasy author, Bakker is your man.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2006
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2006
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2008
Top reviews from other countries
Debdip Chakraborty
R. Scott Bakker take a bow!
Reviewed in India on October 18, 2018Kindle Customer
An unsatisfying end to a complex story
Reviewed in Australia on August 11, 2023
