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Black Vulmea's Vengeance
Black Vulmea's Vengeance is a collection of three novelettes. All three are tales of pirates, yet all three are distinctively Howard. Interwoven with the pirate swash and buckle are glimpses of lost dead cities protected in bizarre ways, of devil-haunted caves, and weird revenge.
This volume includes "Swords of the Red Brotherhood", previously unpublished, the longest and best of Howard's non-Conan pirate stories, an exciting departure from the normal pirate yarn.
"The Isle of Pirate's Doom" and "Black Vulmea's Vengeance" fill out this oversized volume.
183 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1976
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110 people want to read
About the author
Robert E. Howard
3,022 books2,673 followersRobert Ervin Howard was an American pulp writer of fantasy, horror, historical adventure, boxing, western, and detective fiction. Howard wrote "over three-hundred stories and seven-hundred poems of raw power and unbridled emotion" and is especially noted for his memorable depictions of "a sombre universe of swashbuckling adventure and darkling horror."
He is well known for having created—in the pages of the legendary Depression-era pulp magazine Weird Tales—the character Conan the Cimmerian, a.k.a. Conan the Barbarian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can only be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Count Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond.
—Wikipedia
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He is well known for having created—in the pages of the legendary Depression-era pulp magazine Weird Tales—the character Conan the Cimmerian, a.k.a. Conan the Barbarian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can only be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Count Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond.
—Wikipedia
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 6, 2021
This is a collection of three pirate novelettes by Howard, only one of which was sold in his lifetime, the title story to Golden Fleece magazine where it appeared in 1938. One of the others also features the same character, Swords of the Red Brotherhood, and the third stars a female pirate, Helen Tavrel, who could have held her place with her spiritual sisters Sonja, Agnes, and Belit. They're fast-paced pulp adventures, with lost temples and stormy seas and treasures and all of the Howard hallmarks. Fun stuff, me hearties!
March 28, 2022
Three really cool pirate novellas. These pirates do not completely match the stereotypical view we have of them from the movies because it was written so long ago. But this actually does wonders for the stories as it makes these pirate stories feel fresh and exciting. Easy recommendation for anyone looking for a good pirate adventure.
November 13, 2024
[Short story read in The Best of Robert E. Howard Volume 2]
A really cool pirate revenge tale. The pirate Black Vulmea tricks an English captain into going to a coast where they are attacked by the natives. You could easily imagine this being a Conan tale.
A really cool pirate revenge tale. The pirate Black Vulmea tricks an English captain into going to a coast where they are attacked by the natives. You could easily imagine this being a Conan tale.
November 21, 2012
"Arrr, me hearties!" is one pirate stereotype that you won't find in this book of three bucaneering tales.
You will, however, find much in the way of the seeking of cursed booty, secret treasure maps, dead men's tales, lost cities, savage tribes-people, villainous Royal Navy captains, treacherous French noblemen and covetous corsairs!
There's actually little time spent ship-board, with most of the action taking place on deserted islands and in dense jungles. The feel is more Indiana Jones than Treasure Island, and, as the stories were written before Disney's adaptation of Stevenson's classic served us up the "hearty" image of piracy, they have a freshness despite their age.
"Black" Terence Vulmea is the hero of the first two stories, Swords of the Red Brotherhood and Black Vulmea's Vengeance. He's cast in Howard's usual mould - a Celtic superman - but he's not simply Conan by another name (despite the fact that Howard adapted the first story into a Conan tale): he's given a distinct (if briefly sketched) background and motivations. I wish Howard had written more than these two stories about his adventures.
The last story, The Isle of Pirates' Doom while written from the viewpoint of a male narrator is more interesting for its female pirate, Helen Tavrel. She could have made a good heroine for a series of Virgin Pirate Queen stories but again, alas, Howard wrote only this one story about her (at least as far as I'm aware). She's beautiful (of course), intelligent and resourceful, and an excellent swordswoman. She seems to be strategically more capable than her male partner, dictating many of their plans, and saves his life more than once (though he does return the favour).
Three excellent examples of escapist fiction by a master of the genre.
You will, however, find much in the way of the seeking of cursed booty, secret treasure maps, dead men's tales, lost cities, savage tribes-people, villainous Royal Navy captains, treacherous French noblemen and covetous corsairs!
There's actually little time spent ship-board, with most of the action taking place on deserted islands and in dense jungles. The feel is more Indiana Jones than Treasure Island, and, as the stories were written before Disney's adaptation of Stevenson's classic served us up the "hearty" image of piracy, they have a freshness despite their age.
"Black" Terence Vulmea is the hero of the first two stories, Swords of the Red Brotherhood and Black Vulmea's Vengeance. He's cast in Howard's usual mould - a Celtic superman - but he's not simply Conan by another name (despite the fact that Howard adapted the first story into a Conan tale): he's given a distinct (if briefly sketched) background and motivations. I wish Howard had written more than these two stories about his adventures.
The last story, The Isle of Pirates' Doom while written from the viewpoint of a male narrator is more interesting for its female pirate, Helen Tavrel. She could have made a good heroine for a series of Virgin Pirate Queen stories but again, alas, Howard wrote only this one story about her (at least as far as I'm aware). She's beautiful (of course), intelligent and resourceful, and an excellent swordswoman. She seems to be strategically more capable than her male partner, dictating many of their plans, and saves his life more than once (though he does return the favour).
Three excellent examples of escapist fiction by a master of the genre.
October 17, 2024
This book contains three pirate tales.
“Swords of the Red Brotherhood” – This tale follows three hostile parties-Harston, Villiers and Count d’Chastillon-searching for lost stolen Inca gold. Into the mix comes Black Vulmea, an Irish pirate. The local natives on the island prove to be formidable foes.
“Black Vulmea’s Vengeance’ – Vulmea is stranded on an island which is visited by a ship captained by John Wentyard, a vicious British officer who burned Vulmea’s village and killed his family when Vulmea was a child.
“The Isle of the Pirate’s Doom’ – In this tale Steve Harmer has survived a shipwreck. He scours the horizon every day for rescue. But the island is reputed to have a temple filled with gems. The first ship he sights lands, and he meets Helen Tavrel and seven other treasure seekers.
This book took several days to read. The stories are flat and there is too much travel and too little action. The first story seems to have been reworked as a Conan story. None sold in Howard’s lifetime. A shame. The last story produced a likeable team in Steve and Helen.
“Swords of the Red Brotherhood” – This tale follows three hostile parties-Harston, Villiers and Count d’Chastillon-searching for lost stolen Inca gold. Into the mix comes Black Vulmea, an Irish pirate. The local natives on the island prove to be formidable foes.
“Black Vulmea’s Vengeance’ – Vulmea is stranded on an island which is visited by a ship captained by John Wentyard, a vicious British officer who burned Vulmea’s village and killed his family when Vulmea was a child.
“The Isle of the Pirate’s Doom’ – In this tale Steve Harmer has survived a shipwreck. He scours the horizon every day for rescue. But the island is reputed to have a temple filled with gems. The first ship he sights lands, and he meets Helen Tavrel and seven other treasure seekers.
This book took several days to read. The stories are flat and there is too much travel and too little action. The first story seems to have been reworked as a Conan story. None sold in Howard’s lifetime. A shame. The last story produced a likeable team in Steve and Helen.
July 1, 2024
REH only wrote a pair of Black Vulmea stories, and he is entirely absent from the third story in this book. I suspect the genre didn't speak to him quite as much as the other ones he wrote in. The first tale, Swords of the Red Brotherhood, I first encountered in the de Camp-altered The Treasure of Tranicos. All said and done, I enjoyed the tales, but there are plenty of better REH tales to read.
March 27, 2015
Ahhh Robert E. Howard. A brilliant writer that's gone on to become a favorite of myself and so many others. Before I delve into my review of Black Vulmea's Vengeance indulge me, if you will, in recounting my first exposure to Mr. Howard's works and characters as it relates in turn to this incredible book. As a child my first exposure to anything remotely related to any of Howard's creations was the film Conan the Destroyer. I know, I know. It was the “inferior” (I enjoyed it in it's own way still) sequel to Conan the barbarian and both films strayed HEAVILY from the source material. That being said, the films faults aside, it served as a gateway for me. As a child I was (and still am) a comic book junkie—working chores and saving allowance to buy up whatever comics (Marvel especially) that I could. Having seen the Conan films and my youthful brain simmering with barbaric adventure I discovered the Marvel published black & white magazine style Savage Sword of Conan the barbarian, learned more of the creator of these incredible characters and became a lifelong fan.
How does any of this relate to Black Vulmea's Vengeance you ask? Well in issue #47 of the above mentioned comic magazine there was a rendition of the story The Treasure of Tranicos (a story Howard fans will also know as The Black Stranger). Upon reading this wonderful book I quickly realized that the opening story within it's pages, Swords of the Red Brotherhood, was in effect the same tale I'd so eagerly devoured as a child in the pages of Savage Sword only this time casting “Black” Terence Vulmea in the role I'd originally read Conan in. Further investigation showed me that Howard had written the tale as both a Conan, and then later(?) as a Black Vulmea tale. Having always loved this particular story and sporting fond childhood memories of it I have to say that in retrospect I prefer the Vulmea version of the tale. It just comes off as a better fit as a whole and I found myself drawn into it more than I was when I'd read the Conan incarnation of the story. All in all while I've read this story many a time over the years it's one I'll always remain fond of—this version especially.
The second tale in the book, Black Vulmea's Vengeance, was for me the best of the three stories included within the pages of this book. A very intense tale that plays off not only the corruption that can be held by those in power but one that also gives us more insight into the character and motivations behind Black Vulmea. We get some brief, but fascinating, background information on our daring pirate and see again (something that was played off a bit in Swords of the Red Brotherhood but not in as much depth) the honor that Vulmea lives by despite the contradictions that might seem to incur with his livelihood. Our pirate, as it turns out, is not a man who will abide the endangerment nor the suffering of women and children. In fact, as it turns out, Vulmea is more so a man of honor than those who serve in the British Navy in this particular tale. All in all I absolutely loved this story and find it a true shame that Howard never had a chance to write more about this excellent character.
The third tale, The Isle of Pirate's Doom, is not one that features Black Vulmea but rather Stephen Harmer and the infinitely intriguing character of Helen Tavrel; a woman that's complex, contradictory and without a doubt one of Howard's most interesting creations thus making it all the sadder that this is the only tale he ever penned for her. Of interesting note (at least to me) is the fact that like Swords of the Red Brotherhood—this tale too I originally read in the pages of Savage Sword of Conan the barbarian though in that version the always enjoyable Valeria was cast in the role held by Helen.
To end my review I have to say that I HIGHLY enjoyed these three pirate tales written as only Howard could write. Enjoyed them so much, in fact, that I've recently ordered a pastiche (written by David C. Smith) by the name of The Witch of the Indies just so I could have a chance to read more of Howard's character Black Vulmea. While pastiches are hit or miss (more often than not miss in comparison to Howard's work) I've heard good things about that particular book. This was my first review on this site though I intend to do many more—including many more reviews on Howard's books.
How does any of this relate to Black Vulmea's Vengeance you ask? Well in issue #47 of the above mentioned comic magazine there was a rendition of the story The Treasure of Tranicos (a story Howard fans will also know as The Black Stranger). Upon reading this wonderful book I quickly realized that the opening story within it's pages, Swords of the Red Brotherhood, was in effect the same tale I'd so eagerly devoured as a child in the pages of Savage Sword only this time casting “Black” Terence Vulmea in the role I'd originally read Conan in. Further investigation showed me that Howard had written the tale as both a Conan, and then later(?) as a Black Vulmea tale. Having always loved this particular story and sporting fond childhood memories of it I have to say that in retrospect I prefer the Vulmea version of the tale. It just comes off as a better fit as a whole and I found myself drawn into it more than I was when I'd read the Conan incarnation of the story. All in all while I've read this story many a time over the years it's one I'll always remain fond of—this version especially.
The second tale in the book, Black Vulmea's Vengeance, was for me the best of the three stories included within the pages of this book. A very intense tale that plays off not only the corruption that can be held by those in power but one that also gives us more insight into the character and motivations behind Black Vulmea. We get some brief, but fascinating, background information on our daring pirate and see again (something that was played off a bit in Swords of the Red Brotherhood but not in as much depth) the honor that Vulmea lives by despite the contradictions that might seem to incur with his livelihood. Our pirate, as it turns out, is not a man who will abide the endangerment nor the suffering of women and children. In fact, as it turns out, Vulmea is more so a man of honor than those who serve in the British Navy in this particular tale. All in all I absolutely loved this story and find it a true shame that Howard never had a chance to write more about this excellent character.
The third tale, The Isle of Pirate's Doom, is not one that features Black Vulmea but rather Stephen Harmer and the infinitely intriguing character of Helen Tavrel; a woman that's complex, contradictory and without a doubt one of Howard's most interesting creations thus making it all the sadder that this is the only tale he ever penned for her. Of interesting note (at least to me) is the fact that like Swords of the Red Brotherhood—this tale too I originally read in the pages of Savage Sword of Conan the barbarian though in that version the always enjoyable Valeria was cast in the role held by Helen.
To end my review I have to say that I HIGHLY enjoyed these three pirate tales written as only Howard could write. Enjoyed them so much, in fact, that I've recently ordered a pastiche (written by David C. Smith) by the name of The Witch of the Indies just so I could have a chance to read more of Howard's character Black Vulmea. While pastiches are hit or miss (more often than not miss in comparison to Howard's work) I've heard good things about that particular book. This was my first review on this site though I intend to do many more—including many more reviews on Howard's books.
May 8, 2020
It's amazing that in Robert Howard's short life he wrote so many stories in such a variety of genres. In "Black Vulmea's Vengeance", it's all about the pirates. These are the sort of pirate mythos that we heard as kids, with mysterious buried treasures stolen from ancient civilizations, and swashbuckling sword fights.
Two of the three tales in this volume feature Black Vulmea, an Irish pirate with a streak of chivalry.
Once again, Howard doesn't disappoint and shows why he remains one of the few writers from the Pulp era that is still remembered.
Two of the three tales in this volume feature Black Vulmea, an Irish pirate with a streak of chivalry.
Once again, Howard doesn't disappoint and shows why he remains one of the few writers from the Pulp era that is still remembered.
August 2, 2012
Not Howard's best, but still a fun & adventurous collection of short stories.
September 16, 2020
Three pirate tales of the Irish buccaneer Black Vulmea. Vulmea is an oddly infamous pirate despite the fact that in three stories he has lost his ship and all his men. He is big, handsome, strangely noble, and a master swordsman. With others he fends off attacks of overwhelming odds by angry natives. Lots of swordplay and treachery as sneaky pirate people lie to each other while searching for hidden booty.
Actually just two of the stories feature Black Vulmea. The third involves the female pirate Helen Tavrel. She is a hellion, master of the rapier, and is involved in treachery with other pirates while searching for hidden booty. Good fun.
Actually just two of the stories feature Black Vulmea. The third involves the female pirate Helen Tavrel. She is a hellion, master of the rapier, and is involved in treachery with other pirates while searching for hidden booty. Good fun.
September 16, 2022
Black Vulmea's Vengeance:
it's ok. to me, it felt rushed. Black vulmea, the irish pirate, always expresses his feelings to everyone. which, i guess it's an irish thing acroding to him. its goofy. but action is at every corner and Howard is a great descripter of that. so this my favorite out of the three.
Swords Of the Red brotherhood:
decent, takes it times. Black Vulmea barely appears until the middle of the story. cool ending.
Isle Of Pirate's Doom:
haven't actually read this. skip around and read some scentences. i don't care for romace story at the moment. i was cringing and groaning like a five year old child being force to eat his veggies.
it's ok. to me, it felt rushed. Black vulmea, the irish pirate, always expresses his feelings to everyone. which, i guess it's an irish thing acroding to him. its goofy. but action is at every corner and Howard is a great descripter of that. so this my favorite out of the three.
Swords Of the Red brotherhood:
decent, takes it times. Black Vulmea barely appears until the middle of the story. cool ending.
Isle Of Pirate's Doom:
haven't actually read this. skip around and read some scentences. i don't care for romace story at the moment. i was cringing and groaning like a five year old child being force to eat his veggies.
October 19, 2022
I thought it was a great story. It was a treat to read a Howard story without Conan or Solomon Kane. I thought it was a fun read. There wasn't a lot of ocean action. But it was a good little read anyway. If you have an hour to burn you could do lots worse!
Read
August 18, 2023Finished the title's short story only.
February 14, 2024
Great story in the Howard repertoire. I've not come across these before, so it was good to relive the first time of reading an REH story. Great nostalgic treat
June 21, 2024
An entertaining tale involving pirates, English sailors and a treasure
April 4, 2021
A good novel focusing on adventures on the high seas. My copy was literally falling apart so it made the reading less pleasant but a good read either way.
November 19, 2014
Robert E. Howard is best known for his Conan Cimmerian and Solomon Kane stories, but he was an astoundingly prolific writer and visited many genres from Westerns to... pirates! Black Vulmea's vengeance & Other Tales of Pirates is a collection of three pirate stories: "Swords of the Red Brotherhood", "Black Vulmea's Vengeance" and "The Isle of Pirates' Doom".
This collection of pirate stories was published in the 70's and is difficult to find these days. Fortunately, the stories themselves are freely available at services such as Project Guthenberg and can be easily enjoyed by us all. They are a must-read for any fan of Robert E. Howard and naturally of pirates and their era.
Full review at:
http://susimetsa.blogspot.fi/2014/11/...
This collection of pirate stories was published in the 70's and is difficult to find these days. Fortunately, the stories themselves are freely available at services such as Project Guthenberg and can be easily enjoyed by us all. They are a must-read for any fan of Robert E. Howard and naturally of pirates and their era.
Full review at:
http://susimetsa.blogspot.fi/2014/11/...
July 24, 2015
This is a set of pirate stories from the author of the Conan books, and Vulmea's is essentially Conan as swashbuckler. The prose is fun and clever at times. Howard has the ability to craft and image and capture a character voice. The pirate, in spite of being a killer and thief, is as polite and platonic as a young man meeting his prom date's retired military dad when it comes to the female captives. He's a code hero. He's the kind of pirate grandma can root for.
He isn't in the last story, which is a sort of silly love story with a virginal pirate wench and an ethical marooned sailor. ...Yeah, this is how you know you're reading fantasy. I enjoyed the book though.
He isn't in the last story, which is a sort of silly love story with a virginal pirate wench and an ethical marooned sailor. ...Yeah, this is how you know you're reading fantasy. I enjoyed the book though.
April 5, 2009
This is a Baronet Publishing edition. Large size soft cover. First edition 1977. Poor quality spine has dried and cracked, and a number of the beginning pages have separated. Edition is intact, cover is worn.
August 5, 2013
Pirates of the Caribbean, over a half-century before the ride or the movies. Howard's characteristic shoot first and keep shooting attitude reigns supreme, and the stories move quickly. Of note to Conan fans is that one of the stories was originally a Conan tale that was rejected and re-written.
January 2, 2009
I have the Zebra edition of this, which doesn't have all the illustrations but has the same stories.
May 10, 2013
Not one of his best but still a short, enjoyable romp.
August 13, 2013
This was a good book and my first read of any of Robert E. Howard's work. The story was good but kinda predictable at parts.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews