R. Scott Bakker

1 universe Last reviewed 2026-08-11

R. Scott Bakker is a Canadian author of fantasy and science fiction, born February 2, 1967, in Simcoe, Ontario. In addition to his fiction career, he identifies as a philosopher, and his academic training in philosophy of mind informs the intellectual ambition of his novels. Bakker is best known for The Second Apocalypse, a large-scale dark fantasy project conceived in three parts: The Prince of Nothing trilogy (2004–2006), which follows the manipulative philosopher-monk Anasûrimbor Kellhus during a holy war; the sequel series The Aspect-Emperor (2009–2017); and a planned concluding volume, The No-God, which remains unpublished. His fiction is noted for its dense philosophical underpinnings, morally ambiguous characters, and unflinching engagement with themes of manipulation, belief, and violence. Beyond fantasy, Bakker has written science fiction thrillers exploring neuroscience and free will, including Neuropath (2008), a near-future novel about a serial killer whose neurological expertise allows him to manipulate the human brain, and Disciple of the Dog (2010), featuring a private investigator with an unusual memory condition. Bakker's work has attracted a dedicated readership within epic fantasy circles for its willingness to combine grimdark tone with rigorous philosophical inquiry into consciousness and morality.

Universe(s)

Books

• The Darkness That Comes Before (2003) · The Second Apocalypse Core Canon
• The Warrior-Prophet (2004) · The Second Apocalypse Core Canon
• The Thousandfold Thought (2006) · The Second Apocalypse Core Canon
• The Judging Eye (2009) · The Second Apocalypse Core Canon
• The White-Luck Warrior (2011) · The Second Apocalypse Core Canon
• The Great Ordeal (2016) · The Second Apocalypse Core Canon
• The Unholy Consult (2017) · The Second Apocalypse Core Canon

Aggregate across all universes

• Total Core Canon books across all universes: 7 books
• Award recognitions across all universes: 0 (None recorded)

← All authors