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The Lords of Dûs #1
The Lure of the Basilisk
The overman named Garth sought immortal fame. The oracle told him to serve the Forgotten King to get that fame. But this King sent Garth after a basilisk whose gaze could turn men to stone. What sane use could anyone have for a monster like that?
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1980
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486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 2, 2022
3,5 estrellas en realidad.
Novela de fantasía de Lawrence Watt-Evans, un autor poco conocido en el Mundo Hispano debido a las escasas traducciones de sus obras al español.
Ésta, "La Tentación del Basilisco", fue su primera novela publicada y la verdad es que dentro del mundo de la fantasía no destaca mucho. De hecho es bastante irregular, sin llegar a ser mala... pero veamos de qué trata.
La trama nos cuenta acerca de Garth, un sobrehombre, que busca inmortalizar su nombre, por lo que se pondrá bajo las órdenes del Rey olvidado, el que le encomendará la peligrosa misión de capturar a un basilisco vivo y llevárselo de regreso, lo que implicará de camino unas cuantas batallas y poco más... Y es que la novela no tiene realmente ninguna gran sorpresa, es prácticamente un viaje de ida y vuelta con algunas pocas batallas de por medio, las que en ningún momento logran engancharte del todo, aunque tampoco aburren, salvo tal vez el inicio y algunos intermedios dónde el autor nos cuenta con más detalles del que quisiéramos algunos aspectos mundanos de la travesía con escaso peso o relevancia en el producto final.
Cosa aparte es el tema del basilisco, tal vez lo más interesante y a la vez decepcionante de la novela... Y es que esperaba un poco más del autor, imaginándome que inventaría algún ingenioso método para atrapar a la criatura sumado a algún tipo de batalla que lograra darle ese tono épico, común de la literatura fantástica, pero no. Soluciona todo de una forma que se le ocurriría hasta el escritor más mediocre... ¡Magia! Todo, salvo la parte final tal vez, se soluciona con magia.
Aún así, como he dicho antes, la novela logró mantenerme más menos interesado, pues igual me hacía preguntarme cómo terminaría el asunto... y debo decir que despues de todo no ha sido de una mala manera, el basilisco en la resolución es prácticamente inutil, pero el autor al menos nos entrega un mensaje esperanzador para nuestro héroe y sus aspiraciones para con los reinos humanos. Algo que sin lugar a dudas podría darle mucho más renombre y prestigio que el que el sobrehombre esperaba alcanzar realizando hazañas heroicas, lo que en mi caso personal me pareció bastante acertado y me hizo darle sus 3,5 estrellas (antes de llegar a aquellas páginas me sentía inclinado a darle menos).
En fin, una novela que no destaca, pero tampoco aburre y que al menos su autor logra dotar de cierta originalidad al cambiar a un caballero por un sobrehombre, a un corcel de montura por una especie de felino gigante y a un dragón por un basilisco.
¡Solo para fans acérrimos de la fantasía, de lo contrario estoy casi seguro que te aburrirá!
*Nota: esta novela cuenta con tres secuelas (la siguiente "Los siete altares" traducida al español y las ultimas dos, "La espada de Bheleu" y "El libro del silencio" solo en idioma original inglés). Aunque, como he dicho, ésta primera parte no me ha aparecido mala, dudo qué me animé en algún momento a leer las continuaciones.
Novela de fantasía de Lawrence Watt-Evans, un autor poco conocido en el Mundo Hispano debido a las escasas traducciones de sus obras al español.
Ésta, "La Tentación del Basilisco", fue su primera novela publicada y la verdad es que dentro del mundo de la fantasía no destaca mucho. De hecho es bastante irregular, sin llegar a ser mala... pero veamos de qué trata.
La trama nos cuenta acerca de Garth, un sobrehombre, que busca inmortalizar su nombre, por lo que se pondrá bajo las órdenes del Rey olvidado, el que le encomendará la peligrosa misión de capturar a un basilisco vivo y llevárselo de regreso, lo que implicará de camino unas cuantas batallas y poco más... Y es que la novela no tiene realmente ninguna gran sorpresa, es prácticamente un viaje de ida y vuelta con algunas pocas batallas de por medio, las que en ningún momento logran engancharte del todo, aunque tampoco aburren, salvo tal vez el inicio y algunos intermedios dónde el autor nos cuenta con más detalles del que quisiéramos algunos aspectos mundanos de la travesía con escaso peso o relevancia en el producto final.
Cosa aparte es el tema del basilisco, tal vez lo más interesante y a la vez decepcionante de la novela... Y es que esperaba un poco más del autor, imaginándome que inventaría algún ingenioso método para atrapar a la criatura sumado a algún tipo de batalla que lograra darle ese tono épico, común de la literatura fantástica, pero no. Soluciona todo de una forma que se le ocurriría hasta el escritor más mediocre... ¡Magia! Todo, salvo la parte final tal vez, se soluciona con magia.
Aún así, como he dicho antes, la novela logró mantenerme más menos interesado, pues igual me hacía preguntarme cómo terminaría el asunto... y debo decir que despues de todo no ha sido de una mala manera, el basilisco en la resolución es prácticamente inutil, pero el autor al menos nos entrega un mensaje esperanzador para nuestro héroe y sus aspiraciones para con los reinos humanos. Algo que sin lugar a dudas podría darle mucho más renombre y prestigio que el que el sobrehombre esperaba alcanzar realizando hazañas heroicas, lo que en mi caso personal me pareció bastante acertado y me hizo darle sus 3,5 estrellas (antes de llegar a aquellas páginas me sentía inclinado a darle menos).
En fin, una novela que no destaca, pero tampoco aburre y que al menos su autor logra dotar de cierta originalidad al cambiar a un caballero por un sobrehombre, a un corcel de montura por una especie de felino gigante y a un dragón por un basilisco.
¡Solo para fans acérrimos de la fantasía, de lo contrario estoy casi seguro que te aburrirá!
*Nota: esta novela cuenta con tres secuelas (la siguiente "Los siete altares" traducida al español y las ultimas dos, "La espada de Bheleu" y "El libro del silencio" solo en idioma original inglés). Aunque, como he dicho, ésta primera parte no me ha aparecido mala, dudo qué me animé en algún momento a leer las continuaciones.
July 28, 2012
I was in grade school when I met Lawrence Watt-Evans at a book fair at the public library in Frankfort, KY, around 1982. He spent several minutes talking to me and providing encouragement that stoked the creative fire building within a boy of 11. He signed and gave me a copy of "The Lure of the Basilisk" and I went home and read it cover to cover in a just a few days. I still recollect what a nice guy he was and how I was so pumped to have met my first REAL author, bragging to my geek friends (who shared my love of All-Things-Tolkien and Marvel superheroes) and showing off his autograph. If Watt-Evans were to read this today, he might get a kick out of the fact that Mickey Mantle was also at the same book fair promoting his autobiography and although I shook Mantle's hand and probably muttered something like "nice to meet you, sir" it was Watt-Evans who was the highlight of my day.
My signed copy of "The Lure of the Basilisk" had long since vanished, but if you had asked me to rate this book when I was 11, it would have certainly received five stars. Now that I'm in my forties, I can honestly say it was probably a three-star read. I still think Garth the Overman was a fairly cool departure from the standard fantasy fare at the time and on the cutting edge of the anti-hero movement of the mid to latter '80s, and it was actually quite a mature read for a boy of my age at the time. Novel aside, however, I give two thumbs up and five stars to Watt-Evans for being the class act that he was and apparently still is.
(Go FB friend him: http://www.facebook.com/wattevans)
--
*I also regret not having spent a few more minutes talking to Mr. Mantle. I know most adult hands seem big to a growing boy, but Mantle's hands were HUGE and felt like baseball leather, no joke.
My signed copy of "The Lure of the Basilisk" had long since vanished, but if you had asked me to rate this book when I was 11, it would have certainly received five stars. Now that I'm in my forties, I can honestly say it was probably a three-star read. I still think Garth the Overman was a fairly cool departure from the standard fantasy fare at the time and on the cutting edge of the anti-hero movement of the mid to latter '80s, and it was actually quite a mature read for a boy of my age at the time. Novel aside, however, I give two thumbs up and five stars to Watt-Evans for being the class act that he was and apparently still is.
(Go FB friend him: http://www.facebook.com/wattevans)
--
*I also regret not having spent a few more minutes talking to Mr. Mantle. I know most adult hands seem big to a growing boy, but Mantle's hands were HUGE and felt like baseball leather, no joke.
December 29, 2012
After receiving the fourth book in this series as a gift; reading up on the series; and ordering the rest, I sat on the series for a year before picking it up for a fun, end-of-year read; to my pleasant surprise, Watt-Evans spins a quest story that is fun and unique. The protagonist, Garth, is not a human, nor does he act like one; in fact, he doesn't understand the way humans react to stressful events (y'know, like dying and stuff), and this wrinkle adds interesting conflicts to the story. As for the quest, Watt-Evans devotes considerable time to its actual fulfillment, and places Garth in mundane situations that require the same kind of fortitude that mortal combat demands.
As is usual for the genre, Watt-Evans gives a little and poses a fistful of questions at the same time that, I assume, he will answer in future books. As I am on Winter break and happy to read a fun diversion, I am keen to continue.
As is usual for the genre, Watt-Evans gives a little and poses a fistful of questions at the same time that, I assume, he will answer in future books. As I am on Winter break and happy to read a fun diversion, I am keen to continue.
March 29, 2013
The Lure of Basilisk is an enjoyable and somewhat atypical fantasy story. It's a quick read, and quite addictive: strangely for me, the strength of it isn't in characters, but just in the fact that it was a little different to the usual fare and I'm curious as to where it goes from here. I want to know who the Forgotten King is, and where he stands on the scales of good and evil, and whether that matters. I'm not so intrigued by Garth -- he's a good character, he's not human and he doesn't act human, but there's not much mystery about him.
I can't remember if I found copies of these books somewhere: I'll have to go digging. I don't want to forget about this and not read the rest of the series.
I can't remember if I found copies of these books somewhere: I'll have to go digging. I don't want to forget about this and not read the rest of the series.
July 12, 2012
This was a fun blast from the past to read. Nice simple fantasy with hints of Robert W. Chambers and H.P. Lovecraft inspired horror.
No modern humanist pretentions. No vaginal fantasy elements.
Such a refreshing read.
No modern humanist pretentions. No vaginal fantasy elements.
Such a refreshing read.
August 3, 2020
I thought this was a serviceable fantasy tale, though by no means a standout. I don't feel inclined to press on with the other books in this series.
This novel has something of the high fantasy feel of an earlier era, but suffers in comparison to Vance, Moorcock and other household names.
There was also a lot of competition around when this was published. Feist and Donaldson for instance, wrote more compelling and satisfying storylines around this time.
Alas, the stuff that would dominate the entire next generation ( Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, etc) was waiting in the wings to mow down anything less than the very best that had come before.
It appears I've reviewed a book by talking about authors I'd rather read. By all means give it a try, but if you're anything like me you'll find the lure of the Basilisk to be fleeting.
This novel has something of the high fantasy feel of an earlier era, but suffers in comparison to Vance, Moorcock and other household names.
There was also a lot of competition around when this was published. Feist and Donaldson for instance, wrote more compelling and satisfying storylines around this time.
Alas, the stuff that would dominate the entire next generation ( Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, etc) was waiting in the wings to mow down anything less than the very best that had come before.
It appears I've reviewed a book by talking about authors I'd rather read. By all means give it a try, but if you're anything like me you'll find the lure of the Basilisk to be fleeting.
May 7, 2021
3.75 stars
Overall I really enjoyed this early 80s Swords and Sorcery adventure... I’ve had it on my bookshelf since I was a teenage in the 80s! The first half dragged a bit and was a slightly disappointing ... but the second half zipped by and was brilliant!
I think I’d started it before years ago and got bored but perseverance paid off big time. I like the ambiguity of Gath, the main protagonist. He is a fairly complex character searching for meaning and purpose. A sort of midlife crises in a Prince. He hates killing but seems to stumble into it with out trying, yet full of honour and principles (of a sort), resourcefulness and compassion (of a sort).
It’s unusual to have a non human main character and that adds to this books charm. I’ve dived straight into the next book and am loving it from the get go!
Overall I really enjoyed this early 80s Swords and Sorcery adventure... I’ve had it on my bookshelf since I was a teenage in the 80s! The first half dragged a bit and was a slightly disappointing ... but the second half zipped by and was brilliant!
I think I’d started it before years ago and got bored but perseverance paid off big time. I like the ambiguity of Gath, the main protagonist. He is a fairly complex character searching for meaning and purpose. A sort of midlife crises in a Prince. He hates killing but seems to stumble into it with out trying, yet full of honour and principles (of a sort), resourcefulness and compassion (of a sort).
It’s unusual to have a non human main character and that adds to this books charm. I’ve dived straight into the next book and am loving it from the get go!
July 23, 2022
I think I am a sucker for this style of pulpy fantasy: a small cast of characters, with a plot revolving around a single protagonist on a lone quest driven by less than laudable motivations, and even better a non-human who actually acts like a non-human. I like that Garth is both competent and flawed, and that he makes mistakes but perseveres. The world is fantastical and harsh, and its denizens are treacherous. Throw in the panther-like warbeast and I'm hooked. This book is just plain fun, and it makes me want to go back and re-read some of the Moorcock books. For some reason I never completed this series back when I originally read it, but I plan to do so now.
July 11, 2012
I remember reading this book back in 1980, the end of my first year of high school. I remember it well because I loved the book and it was back when D&D was huge but before TSR came out with all or the monster books. Many dungeon masters used this book to prove the powers of the basilisk. I didn't even know what one was until I read the book. I didn't know that there were more books in the series. Now I'm going to have to find time to read those as well.
October 14, 2014
I am seldom surprised reading a story, so it is very nice to "figure out" what should happen next and something else occur. What great characters and the opportunity to look through the eyes of another back at the human race and discover anew our weirdness. This was an awesome stand alone story, but it makes me want to read the next in the series even more.
March 8, 2012
Great fantasy with interesting characters.
January 21, 2026
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the fantasy genre was a bubbling cauldron of influences. Most notably: Robert E. Howard's Conan stories, Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion series, Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Combined with Dungeons and Dragons exploding in popularity, Lawrence Watt-Evans was able to cobble together his own take on high adventure with a non-human character better known as an overman.
His debut novel, “Lure of the Basilisk,” certainly captured my imagination, and my friends easily integrated the new race into our campaigns, penalizing the race’s strength with lower intelligence and charisma (which isn’t really true, but we had to balance them somehow. Recently, I revisited the debut novel as a matter of nostalgia.
What I found, of course, is that it is very much a product of its time — a hodgepodge of these circulating ideas with Garth at it’s center. He is a towering humanoid creature created in ancient times as a superior race. Overmen are stronger, longer-lived, and more honorable than humans, but they are viewed with suspicion and disdain by the "lesser" folk of the south.
Garth is no noble savior. He is driven by a straightforward, almost pragmatic ambition: he wants his name to live on in legend, to achieve immortal fame. An oracle directs him to serve the mysterious Forgotten King, a hooded, enigmatic figure who lingers in a dingy tavern in the border town of Skelleth. The King offers Garth a path to glory, but first demands a seemingly suicidal task, telling Garth to travel to the distant city of Mormoreth and capture a basilisk. A basilisk is a legendary serpent whose gaze turns living things to stone. Along the way, he clashes with bandits, wizards, and nobles. And in the process, demonstrates he is competent and resourceful in completing a classic quest.
This simplicity is both the book's greatest strength and its clearest limitation. Watt-Evans's prose is clean and serviceable rather than lyrical. Descriptions are functional. Dialogue is direct and sometimes wryly humorous. The world building is light, but somehow enough. And the story itself is sparse by modern comparison.
Yet, for all its derivativeness, Garth makes the case that he is an entertaining and refreshing protagonist. And the story clearly smacks of being influenced by the D&D, mirroring the problem-solving spirit of the early role-playing games. So, while it probably wouldn’t have stood out had it been released today, this short straightforward quest ultimately feels like light reading and that is perfectly fine. For readers who grew up with those old paperbacks and module adventures, its the kind of story you pick up for fun and its fund enough that even though it wasn’t great, you find yourself already planning to continue the series later this year. At least, that’s my take on looking up something that some might now consider akin to fantasy lore.
His debut novel, “Lure of the Basilisk,” certainly captured my imagination, and my friends easily integrated the new race into our campaigns, penalizing the race’s strength with lower intelligence and charisma (which isn’t really true, but we had to balance them somehow. Recently, I revisited the debut novel as a matter of nostalgia.
What I found, of course, is that it is very much a product of its time — a hodgepodge of these circulating ideas with Garth at it’s center. He is a towering humanoid creature created in ancient times as a superior race. Overmen are stronger, longer-lived, and more honorable than humans, but they are viewed with suspicion and disdain by the "lesser" folk of the south.
Garth is no noble savior. He is driven by a straightforward, almost pragmatic ambition: he wants his name to live on in legend, to achieve immortal fame. An oracle directs him to serve the mysterious Forgotten King, a hooded, enigmatic figure who lingers in a dingy tavern in the border town of Skelleth. The King offers Garth a path to glory, but first demands a seemingly suicidal task, telling Garth to travel to the distant city of Mormoreth and capture a basilisk. A basilisk is a legendary serpent whose gaze turns living things to stone. Along the way, he clashes with bandits, wizards, and nobles. And in the process, demonstrates he is competent and resourceful in completing a classic quest.
This simplicity is both the book's greatest strength and its clearest limitation. Watt-Evans's prose is clean and serviceable rather than lyrical. Descriptions are functional. Dialogue is direct and sometimes wryly humorous. The world building is light, but somehow enough. And the story itself is sparse by modern comparison.
Yet, for all its derivativeness, Garth makes the case that he is an entertaining and refreshing protagonist. And the story clearly smacks of being influenced by the D&D, mirroring the problem-solving spirit of the early role-playing games. So, while it probably wouldn’t have stood out had it been released today, this short straightforward quest ultimately feels like light reading and that is perfectly fine. For readers who grew up with those old paperbacks and module adventures, its the kind of story you pick up for fun and its fund enough that even though it wasn’t great, you find yourself already planning to continue the series later this year. At least, that’s my take on looking up something that some might now consider akin to fantasy lore.
August 23, 2017
I mostly picked this up because the back of the cover jacket sounded intriguing, and when I flipped to the front of the jacket I found the imagery - particularly the large panther-like mount - appealing. The opening introduction to Garth may not have been the strongest, but as he made his way into Skelleth I found myself growing to like the overman, and that persisted and grew by the time that we were fully inside of Shang's city hunting after the Basilisk.
Garth's own humanization, or perhaps fleshing out as a character would be more apropos, as he returned with the Basilisk in tow was gratifying. I enjoyed his reasoning for things and his reactions, and especially that he lacked any oaths to swear upon when greatly incensed, as he himself laments upon at least two occasions.
I liked most of the rest of the novel, including the Baron's excuse for his behavior and his reasoning for desiring the Basilisk toward the end. The Forgotten King proved entertaining and offered a glimpse of great power that I hope we explore further in the sequel, and it was also very satisfying that Garth was able to rebind himself to being remembered not out of infamy, but for some measure of good, as I saw that particular glaring flaw the moment he asked for it at the beginning of the novel.
Looking forward to the next novel, which I also bought when I bought this one.
Garth's own humanization, or perhaps fleshing out as a character would be more apropos, as he returned with the Basilisk in tow was gratifying. I enjoyed his reasoning for things and his reactions, and especially that he lacked any oaths to swear upon when greatly incensed, as he himself laments upon at least two occasions.
I liked most of the rest of the novel, including the Baron's excuse for his behavior and his reasoning for desiring the Basilisk toward the end. The Forgotten King proved entertaining and offered a glimpse of great power that I hope we explore further in the sequel, and it was also very satisfying that Garth was able to rebind himself to being remembered not out of infamy, but for some measure of good, as I saw that particular glaring flaw the moment he asked for it at the beginning of the novel.
Looking forward to the next novel, which I also bought when I bought this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2020
The Lure of the Basilisk was the first book written by Lawrence Watt-Evans, and it shows. I haven’t read any of his other books for comparison, but the writing in this one is pretty simplistic. We follow Garth as he sets out with a goal to have his name remembered for generations. Following standard fantasy tropes, an oracle sends him to find the Lost King, who is a strange hooded man in the corner of the bar. The Lost King sends Garth on an errand, which takes place over the majority of the book. The pacing was also a little strange at times as pages were taken up here and there detailing some mundane tasks that really didn’t impact the plot. Also, certain conflicts seemed to be wrapped up a little too neatly with a deus ex machina.
That said, I did appreciate the use of the third person limited point of view that really helped me to see Garth’s viewpoint. Mental health was briefly touched on, which was a surprise in a novel like this. What do you do when your leader gives you orders that you don’t agree with? Something interesting to think about. Overall, the story wasn’t amazing, but it was interesting enough for me to want to continue the series.
For more: https://medium.com/@shanejorr/shanes-...
That said, I did appreciate the use of the third person limited point of view that really helped me to see Garth’s viewpoint. Mental health was briefly touched on, which was a surprise in a novel like this. What do you do when your leader gives you orders that you don’t agree with? Something interesting to think about. Overall, the story wasn’t amazing, but it was interesting enough for me to want to continue the series.
For more: https://medium.com/@shanejorr/shanes-...
September 12, 2024
As someone who has also read Robert E Howard's Conan series and a slew of horror novels, this is very reminiscent of Conan if it were more dark fantasy. Garth, the main protagonist, is much like an oversized ape like Conan if Conan were slightly more clumsy and unable to understand human facial expressions. There are wizards in this story that vaguely remind me of characters from HP Lovecraft with hints at some greater cosmic web of gods controlling the strings that web the globe the tale is set inside of. Very well written and aside from the gore, perhaps younger person friendly as it lacks any sex scenes that typically come with these kinds of books. Highly recommend if you like Conan at all.
December 14, 2017
Out of nowhere!! Where did this author come from?
Awesome novel should be movie and video games immediatly!
His own pantheon and creatures.
original !
Love it!
I wish he wrote the other 3 with more imagination and had many spinoffs liek robert E Howard had conan!
Had a slight theseus greek myth feel!
Loved it!
wish he wrote many many more and people made new novels in his universe! like steve perry n john maddox roberts wrote conan novels!
glen cook, michael moorcock, jack vance, ae van vogt are other titans.
Enjoy them all!
Awesome novel should be movie and video games immediatly!
His own pantheon and creatures.
original !
Love it!
I wish he wrote the other 3 with more imagination and had many spinoffs liek robert E Howard had conan!
Had a slight theseus greek myth feel!
Loved it!
wish he wrote many many more and people made new novels in his universe! like steve perry n john maddox roberts wrote conan novels!
glen cook, michael moorcock, jack vance, ae van vogt are other titans.
Enjoy them all!
May 25, 2019
...then this happened, then that happened...with no backstory or resolution of purpose; so many scenes spent in the dark, feeling around in a large crypt, leaving me feeling confused as to the space; strange creature and a wizard who seem to move around with no personal motivation, a main character who is not supposed to be able to experience emotion, but when things go wrong, he sure wishes he could react like a human. What?! LOL.
Well, the action was constant, so that held my attention, but overall, this book was a disappointment.
Well, the action was constant, so that held my attention, but overall, this book was a disappointment.
October 3, 2018
Been a long time since I read anything by Lawrence Watt-Evans and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed what I had read. This was no different. He has a knack for writing something just a bit different than the usual swords and sorcery and often times a sense of humor that suits me. This was one of the first things he wrote so it was interesting to compare with later titles. Look forward to the others in the series and more of his works as well.
January 26, 2021
I always like Watt-Evans books, they're such simple fantasy stories but he throws in so many little puzzles and twists to make things seem original. Something that seems like just a "kill the monster" story from the back cover evolves into discussion of evil and working out what to do actually do with the best.
January 18, 2020
I picked this up at a used book store probably because I liked the cover. I enjoyed reading this fantasy tale because it was different and not what I expected. The hero was different. You didn't know what to expect at each twist and turn. Fun read!
December 5, 2020
Outstanding!! Should be made into Tv and or Movie. Mutant created overman goes on quest so that he may be remembered. Ah the hubris. Monsters, sorcerers, invisible assassins, Ancient kings who serve dark gods, and a battle cat. How can you go wrong!?
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October 23, 2025The overman named Garth sought immortal fame. The oracle told him to serve the Forgotten King to get that fame. But this King sent Garth after a basilisk whose gaze could turn men to stone. What sane use could anyone have for a monster like that?
December 9, 2017
wow really awesome
very dnd
very dnd
November 10, 2021
I'm certain I read this a LONG time ago. It's a good read. Didn't find it a real page turner - maybe because I had read it already?
January 9, 2024
I enjoyed it.
July 8, 2025
Fun quick fantasy book with an unrelatable protagonist on a straightforward quest. I enjoyed it, will read the sequels when I want a fantasy book I don't need to think hard about.
October 28, 2025
Read this many years ago, and reread it recently.
Standard Swords and Sorcery.
Quite well written, and has stood up to the test of time.
Standard Swords and Sorcery.
Quite well written, and has stood up to the test of time.
December 19, 2024
I think the great thing about this book is that it's short, some parts seem repetitive, but overall it's a good sword and sorcery book (the protagonist is also good).
May 24, 2021
Originally read when it was first published back in the 80's. The author was still figuring out his voice, and it remains a fun read. The ebook from Wildside Press includes some new background information on the creation of the series (well, it was new in 2001), which I found interesting.
September 12, 2016
Very palladium rpg or D&D.
Cool ideas, a bit dying earth with wizards creating a race? superscience? sorcery?
Great in that the individual has goals and seeks them.
Wish evans wrote more, or did he and I haven't checked?
Tales of the Dying Earth by Jack Vance U 50x66 Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review Sep 11, 2016 · edit i
Tales of the Dying Earth
by Jack Vance
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2012
Arguably the best book ever written. Endlessly re reable. A classic that should be used in schools instead of drivel like Jayne Eyre and other goblin shit. Combines humor, vast worldbuilding, and wit with amazing plots and endless creativity. Did I menion it inspired the entire role playing game industry? starting with dungeons and dragons? Jack Vance is arguably the greatest author ever, with only Robert E Howard himself, AE Van Vogt, and Michael Moorcock at his very best with Erlic 1-6 Corum 1-3 and Hawkmoon 1-3 to contend. SO much better than Heinlein Azimov Card Vinge and others who are bandied about as good. Eric frank russel the great explosion, hogan with voyage to yesteryear, cook with black company 1-3, silver spike and lawrence watt evan with lords of dus bring a little of the magic feel you get from Vance. If only he had written more in the early period. Even Vanc'e later dying earth stuff is nowhere near the VAst Vast worldbuilding power of the originals. Just mind blowing. And you never hear of it. I believe this is because of socialist education and democrats. Vance in hsi space operas envisions a lightly regualted hotel and resort universe with conniving bureaucrats. This must bug pissy lefty librarians. Well now you know despite the coverup!! enjoy!
I think any public library system without a full collection of AE van Vogt, Robert E Howard, and JAck Vance should be all fired. They should also at least have the Moorcocks listed previously. and for you noobs yes get Tom baker the 4th doctor who videos. They along with 1982 the thing, alien 2, and the first 3 star wars will complete a basic good scifi collection.
Cool ideas, a bit dying earth with wizards creating a race? superscience? sorcery?
Great in that the individual has goals and seeks them.
Wish evans wrote more, or did he and I haven't checked?
Tales of the Dying Earth by Jack Vance U 50x66 Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review Sep 11, 2016 · edit i
Tales of the Dying Earth
by Jack Vance
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2012
Arguably the best book ever written. Endlessly re reable. A classic that should be used in schools instead of drivel like Jayne Eyre and other goblin shit. Combines humor, vast worldbuilding, and wit with amazing plots and endless creativity. Did I menion it inspired the entire role playing game industry? starting with dungeons and dragons? Jack Vance is arguably the greatest author ever, with only Robert E Howard himself, AE Van Vogt, and Michael Moorcock at his very best with Erlic 1-6 Corum 1-3 and Hawkmoon 1-3 to contend. SO much better than Heinlein Azimov Card Vinge and others who are bandied about as good. Eric frank russel the great explosion, hogan with voyage to yesteryear, cook with black company 1-3, silver spike and lawrence watt evan with lords of dus bring a little of the magic feel you get from Vance. If only he had written more in the early period. Even Vanc'e later dying earth stuff is nowhere near the VAst Vast worldbuilding power of the originals. Just mind blowing. And you never hear of it. I believe this is because of socialist education and democrats. Vance in hsi space operas envisions a lightly regualted hotel and resort universe with conniving bureaucrats. This must bug pissy lefty librarians. Well now you know despite the coverup!! enjoy!
I think any public library system without a full collection of AE van Vogt, Robert E Howard, and JAck Vance should be all fired. They should also at least have the Moorcocks listed previously. and for you noobs yes get Tom baker the 4th doctor who videos. They along with 1982 the thing, alien 2, and the first 3 star wars will complete a basic good scifi collection.
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