Review: The Black Abbot of Puthuum by Clark Ashton Smith

The Black Abbot of Puthuum by Clark Ashton Smith

This is the first story by Clark Ashton Smith that I have read in which there were good guys to cheer for—good guys—not nice guys. The heroes reminded me considerably of Conan the Barbarian. They’re mercenaries and thieves, but they also have a definite moral code and it does not involve letting evil spirits get away with beautiful women. As one would expect from Smith, the tone is vividly dark, but what I found most refreshing about it was that my enjoyment came from caring about the two heroes and wanting them to survive—not from wondering what horrific death Smith had in store for them. This is a very fine adventure tale brought to glorious life by the talents of narrator, William L. Hahn who has picked and collected these classic Clark Ashton Smith tales for modern audiences. I’m looking forward to the next one.