"The Darkness That Comes Before" is the first book in the Prince of Nothing series by R. Scott Bakker. Set in a richly detailed fantasy world, it follows the journey of Anasûrimbor Kellhus, a mysterious figure with extraordinary abilities, as he seeks to fulfill a prophecy. The story explores themes of power, belief, and the nature of reality. The narrative intertwines the lives of various characters, including Drusas Achamian, a sorcerer haunted by his past, and Esmenet, a woman caught in the turmoil of war and politics. As their paths converge, the book delves into the complexities of human motivations and the impending conflict that looms over the world.