The Great Ordeal - (Aspect-Emperor) by R Scott Bakker (Paperback)

About the Book

"As Fanim war-drums beat just outside the city, the Empress Anasãurimbor Esmenet searches frantically throughout the palace for her missing son Kelmomas. Meanwhile untold leagues away, Esmenet's husband's Great Ordeal continues its epic crusade ever northward...."--Front jacket flap.

Book Synopsis

With The Great Ordeal, R. Scott Bakker presents the penultimate volume of The Aspect-Emperor, a series that stands with the finest in the genre for its grandiose scope, rich detail, and thrilling story.

As the Fanim war-drums echo ominously outside the city walls, Empress Anasurimbor Esmenet is consumed by a frantic search for her missing son, Kelmomas.

Meanwhile, her husband's Great Ordeal marches relentlessly northward, facing dwindling supplies and the harrowing decision to consume the flesh of fallen Sranc--a choice with unforeseen consequences.

Far to the north, the wizard Achamian grapples with the fear that his long and arduous journey may end in futility, no closer to the truth he seeks. As the epic saga unfolds, Bakker's richly imagined universe of violence, sorcery, and philosophical depth reaches new heights, setting a new standard for the fantasy genre

The Aspect-Emperor series follows Bakker's Prince of Nothing saga, returning to the same world twenty years later. The Great Ordeal follows The Judging Eye and The White-Luck Warrior, and delivers the first half of the conclusion to this epic story.

Returning to Bakker's richly imagined universe of myth, violence, and sorcery, The Aspect-Emperor continues to set the bar for the fantasy genre, reaching new heights of intricacy and meaning.

The Aspect-Emperor Series:

• The Judging Eye
• The White-Luck Warrior
• The Great Ordeal
• The Unholy Consult

Review Quotes

The Great Ordeal is a stunning addition to the series, go and buy it as soon as it is available. Seethes with intelligence, action and revelation and is a worthwhile continuation of the smartest epic fantasy of our generation.

Terrifying and astonishing. Here is world-building on the grand scale it should achieve. Here are emotions and stakes driven to a pitch that will squeeze every reader breathless.--Ian C. Esslemont, author of Dancer's Lament

The worldbuilding is once again top notch. Bakker's richly detailed narrative creates an imagery that virtually leaps off the page. The Middle Eastern setting of the western Three Seas remains a welcome change from the usual generic medieval environments found in most fantasy sagas... Indeed, Bakker's creations remain head and shoulder above all other SFF settings on the market today... A compelling read that sets the stage for everything Bakker fans have been hoping for for so many years!