jsiterlet5 's review for:

The Warrior Prophet by R. Scott Bakker
4.75
Well if you're reading this book, it probably means you liked the first book in the series, so I will base my review  from that. 

First off, I think it improves on the first book in every way:
  • We get a more detailed view of the history that got us here.
  • The character interactions are deeper and more subtle.
  • The action is very well written and compelling.
  • The plot thickens and moves at a strong pace.
  • The word "whore" is used 90% less!

It can still be difficult to read, but if you put the time in, it is very much worth it. 

I think one of the things that makes this book stand out from other fantasy novels is how well it is written. This is not a YA series and that is refreshing for this genre. While not quite to the level of something like Lolita, it has that same kind of vibe: every sentence feels hand-crafted and deliberate, with some beautiful analogies and imagery. Very rarely is there fluff / filler in this book. Each page is rich with meaningful prose. 

I also really like how the perspective continually alternates throughout the book. One view is from our main characters' perspectives and how they are adapting to the Holy War's march. The other view is much more zoomed out and describes the march on a grand scale, and it truly feels like you are following and suffering with this great host of men, women, and children of various castes. I found both perspectives riveting. 

It is very hard to put the book down during the last 20%. It always feels so organic and the characters feel like they are making real, flawed decisions. It is consistent. There are no last-minute saves or dumb plot holes. 

I can nitpick a few things, which is why it doesn't get a 5. The naming conventions are still somewhat maddening, although you get used to it. It's a shame these names / places aren't easier to pronounce. And during some of the battles, tons of those names are thrown at us, like we are supposed to remember everyone, which is nigh impossible. And some of the violence / graphicness of it seems a little extreme and unnecessary. We get it, some of the bad guys are VERY bad and gross... but it can come across as a bit juvenile. 

Can't wait for book three!