The Darkness That Comes Before, by R. Scott Bakker

[maribou]

This is a beautifully written and completely absorbing fantasy, one of the best series-starters I've ever read. That said, it is also nasty, dark, and full of people you really wouldn't want your kids to spend time around. I sort of see that as a further recommendation rather than a complaint, but consider yourselves warned.
(219/200)