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The Dark Storm Conan Chronology #17
The People Of The Black Circle
Robert Ervin Howard (1906-1936) was an American pulp writer of fantasy, horror, historical adventure, boxing, western, and detective fiction. He is well known for having created the character Conan the Cimmerian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond. Voracious reading, along with a natural talent for prose writing and the encouragement of teachers, conspired to create in Howard an interest in becoming a professional writer. One by one he discovered the authors that would influence his later work: Jack London and Rudyard Kipling. It's clear from Howard's earliest writings and the recollections of his friends that he suffered from severe depression from an early age. Friends recall him defending the act of suicide as a valid alternative as early as eighteen years old, while many of his stories and poems have a suicidal gloom and intensity that seem prescient in hindsight, describing such an end not as a tragedy but as a release from hell on earth.
149 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1934
25 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Robert E. Howard
2,982 books2,646 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 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 28, 2020
I think I'm just tired of Conan.
After all, Friz Leiber loved this novella, comparing it to the melodramatic tragedies of that great Elizabethan Kit Marlowe. And even I can still admire the compelling, propulsive prose—goodness, Howard knew how to tell a story!--a prose that pulls you right in and keeps you going. And certainly the narrative is filled with twists and turns, fraught with incident.
Part of it I'm sure isn't Howard's fault, for his writing is a victim of his own posthumous success. I've consumed all the official movie versions, not to mention a pile of stories penned by lesser writers (and a few by very good writers like Leiber too) crammed with stolen Conan ideas. Still, whenever Conan has good reason to kidnap a princess, whenever a handmaid conspires with her two-bit sorcerer/lover, whenever an evil priest transforms himself into a (gasp!) big fat snake, I feel that I have been there before. And whenever an imperious beauty takes delight—although admittedly a conflicted delight--in a playful slap on the ass delivered by The eminent barbarian, I find myself unable to stifle a yawn. I am far too inured to such sword and sorcery sexism to be offended by it, but I can still be disappointed. And bored.
But the man sure knew how to write! And because of that I cannot completely abandon Conan. Instead, I will wait until summer has passed, until the days have begun to shrink, until I have reached the small bitter heart of the Ohio winter. Perhaps then, in that weather of Cimmerian harshness, I may postpone my quest for innovation in narrative, and take comfort again in familiar tales, well-told, by the light of a fire.
May 13, 2020
Great story with all the hallmarks of a top notch Conan adventure. I particularly enjoyed the shadowy evil wizards with their powers of hypnosis and transmutation, and Howard's descriptions of the landscapes through which Conan journeys, with kidnapped princess in tow, to their imposing lair, remote in the high mountains. Oh, and who can forget Conan's magic girdle.
Like many of Howard's Conan stories, it can be difficult to keep track of all the awkwardly named regions, tribes and characters, with multiple layers of deceit added on and frequently shifting alliances. But does that matter? Kingdoms and kings and queens come and go, alliances are forged and broken, yet Conan and his muscles endure!
Like many of Howard's Conan stories, it can be difficult to keep track of all the awkwardly named regions, tribes and characters, with multiple layers of deceit added on and frequently shifting alliances. But does that matter? Kingdoms and kings and queens come and go, alliances are forged and broken, yet Conan and his muscles endure!
November 11, 2022
Conan kidnaps a princess. Definitely a solid and gripping read in a gritty and mesmerizing setting, with a couple of good twists. It features quite a lot of what makes a good Conan story and everything is skillfully executed. The female character of Yasmina is at the very least not just another stereotypical damsel in distress, which is appreciated. But honestly, it all feels very familiar. This story is written really well, but it’s just more of the same.
February 23, 2016
This 1934 story was fast and furious, with all sorts of weird events, wizards, amazing deeds of super strength and plenty of blood and guts. Robert E. Howard wrote many adventure tales featuring Conan The Barbarian. This was a new one for me, and I thought it was cool.
Where else but with Howard could I travel through the Zhaibar Pass in the Himelian mountains, on the way to Afghulistan? The trip begins with the death of a king, some plotting by an evil wizard, and the king's sister (the Devi Yasmina) going off to ask for help to revenge her brother's murder. Conan gets involved because seven of his men have been taken prisoner by the man who is approached for help by the Devi. Conan originally had no intention of kidnapping Yasmini, it just seemed like a good idea at the time. But that very impulse leads to a test of his well-known strength and wits against a different and even more evil evil wizard. Can he manage to do what needs to be done in order to win his battle?
I enjoy Howard's writing, although I suppose plenty of people would say it was too fantastic, too unbelievable, too this, that and the other. I know all of that, but I still think the Conan stories are very exciting and great fun to read. You just have to let yourself go....dare to suspend belief and follow that narrow trail through the Zhaibar Pass to Adventure!
Where else but with Howard could I travel through the Zhaibar Pass in the Himelian mountains, on the way to Afghulistan? The trip begins with the death of a king, some plotting by an evil wizard, and the king's sister (the Devi Yasmina) going off to ask for help to revenge her brother's murder. Conan gets involved because seven of his men have been taken prisoner by the man who is approached for help by the Devi. Conan originally had no intention of kidnapping Yasmini, it just seemed like a good idea at the time. But that very impulse leads to a test of his well-known strength and wits against a different and even more evil evil wizard. Can he manage to do what needs to be done in order to win his battle?
I enjoy Howard's writing, although I suppose plenty of people would say it was too fantastic, too unbelievable, too this, that and the other. I know all of that, but I still think the Conan stories are very exciting and great fun to read. You just have to let yourself go....dare to suspend belief and follow that narrow trail through the Zhaibar Pass to Adventure!
April 3, 2020
I wonder if Howard was scared of snakes.
I think I'm going to set this complete collection aside for a while. I feel like all the stories just kind of blend together. I get no sense of the character of Conan progressing in anyway. He is defined and established, he's the best and strongest and luckiest. The women resist him, but then eventually melt into his steel-like muscles, only to be gone again on the next story as if they had never existed. he's just a static unchanging entity, pure escapist fantasy projection, which is fine, but I need a break.
I think I'm going to set this complete collection aside for a while. I feel like all the stories just kind of blend together. I get no sense of the character of Conan progressing in anyway. He is defined and established, he's the best and strongest and luckiest. The women resist him, but then eventually melt into his steel-like muscles, only to be gone again on the next story as if they had never existed. he's just a static unchanging entity, pure escapist fantasy projection, which is fine, but I need a break.
December 27, 2023
The People of the Black Circle?
More rightly, the Shapeshifting Wizards of the Black Circle ... In the longest tale I've read so far, Conan is beset by multiple adversaries in a wonderfully layered novella. I believe we have an early instance of horcruxes on display - was J.K.Rowling a Conan fan?
Recommended, 5 'Wizarding' Stars
More rightly, the Shapeshifting Wizards of the Black Circle ... In the longest tale I've read so far, Conan is beset by multiple adversaries in a wonderfully layered novella. I believe we have an early instance of horcruxes on display - was J.K.Rowling a Conan fan?
Recommended, 5 'Wizarding' Stars
November 2, 2019
Hill Chieftain Conan heads into the Himalayan Mountains to rescue the Vendhyan queen, as Turanians, Afghulis, and Irakzais are caught in the machinations of demonic sorcerers of the Black Circle. It's a visceral, bloody and blindingly fast fantasy adventure that keeps up a consistent pace. It's an adrenaline rush from beginning to end.
September 23, 2023
Entertaining reading 📘
I read this as part of the Conan: The Barbarian complete collection in 2017
Robert E. Howard is one of my favortite authors. I started reading the Conan paper back novels in the 1960s. I would highly recommended this novel and author to reads of action novels. 2017
I read this as part of the Conan: The Barbarian complete collection in 2017
Robert E. Howard is one of my favortite authors. I started reading the Conan paper back novels in the 1960s. I would highly recommended this novel and author to reads of action novels. 2017
January 28, 2020
This is not one of REH’s more imaginative Conan tales. It feels like you’ve read this one before; however, it clips along nicely at a revved engine rattling pace. Swords, sorcery, ominous-dark sorcerous lair. It has all the right ingredients mixed to the perfect temperature with Howard’s furious writing.
April 18, 2024
Una aventura más larga, en la que no dejan de pasar cosas. Le sienta bien un poco más de longitud al ritmo endiablado de las historias de Conan. La protagonista femenina es más interesante en esta novela que en los relatos anteriores, donde no eran más que cosas con curvas que gritaban asustadas. Bien, bien.
July 14, 2021
Conan seems to be more of a participant in this tale, rather than the protagonist. I have enjoyed his exploits more when he is featured heavily. He is certainly the hero at the end!
This type of Conan story does wonders for building the world around him. We're exposed to varied people groups and vast countrysides. Depictions are thoughtful, colorful, and masterful.
This type of Conan story does wonders for building the world around him. We're exposed to varied people groups and vast countrysides. Depictions are thoughtful, colorful, and masterful.
June 5, 2025
This is definitely the longest Conan short story I've read so far, but my goodness, it was worth it. Absolutely fascinating stuff about dark magic and evil wizards in a way that is far, far, far deeper and more interesting than it was portrayed in previous stories, the change of setting with cultures was also very interesting and fun, the actual locations... Howard truly knows how to COMPLETELY transport you there, it's unreal. And the most satisfying, enjoyable, honestly, 'equal'? Ending, too. It's common for them to end with "And conan is about to bang this lady". But this is defintely my favorite variation of that.
This is up there as one of my top 3 Conan stories, alongside The Tower of the Elephant, and The Phoenix on the Sword.
Very long, and it took me some time, but it absolutely was deeply satisfying.
This is up there as one of my top 3 Conan stories, alongside The Tower of the Elephant, and The Phoenix on the Sword.
Very long, and it took me some time, but it absolutely was deeply satisfying.
May 2, 2024
Erm what to say. Well to start, this is the classic Conan format! Loses points for sexism!
December 30, 2018
Fun, brutish Conan.
September 18, 2019
I have vague memories of the Conan movie(s) from the 80s starring Arnold but beyond those spotty memories, I have had no interaction with the character or stories of Conan. And yet, I felt like I had a pretty decent sense on him just based on his permeation into popular culture. Still, I've always wanted to dive in and read some of the original books about the famed barbarian.
Rather than starting at the beginning, I started with The People of the Black Circle. I found many people claiming it to be one of the best stories written by original author Robert E. Howard so I felt like it was a good place to start. The term "sword and sorcery" as a subgenre was largely created for Howard's work such as the Conan stories. This story has a large focus on the sorcery part.
The first many pages don't feature Conan or any swordplay at all. Rather we are introduced to some evil wizards known as the Black Seers of Yimsha. Supposedly these wizards normally don't interfere with matters of non-wizards but through a series of intrigue and machinations (that we discover later) they assassinate the emperor of Vendhya. The emperor's sister, the Devi Yasmina, becomes the new queen and she vows revenge.
Since no one in her kingdom dare take on the Black Seers, the queen's revenge involves a plan to get the famed warrior Conan to infiltrate the mountains and kill the wizards. She has captured 7 of Conan's chiefs and is holding them hostage with the hopes of convincing Conan to do her dirty work.
After that build up, we finally get our first glimpse of Conan as he sneakily infiltrates the palace and kidnaps the queen, thus turning her ransom plan on its head. As he escapes the army that chases after them, he is driven through an adventurous path of interactions with would-be-allies and would-be-enemies before eventually being confronted by the wizards and deciding to go after them.
The plot is action packed and filled with as many twists and turns as the treacherous mountain passes that Conan journeys across during this adventure. From Conan's kidnapping of Yasmina until the final confrontation with the Black Seers, the stakes are constantly being raised and adrenaline is kept high. Just when our hero seems to be making strides forward, some new obstacle appears to bar his way. The plot largely centers on Conan but takes the occasional detour to give us glimpses of other characters and situations. These transitions felt fluid and natural.
Based on my limited view of Conan, I envisioned him as an uneducated brute just rushing in and swinging weapons with brute strength. Instead, Conan is a well spoken leader who choses his words and his actions wisely. In some cases those words and actions come instinctively but those instincts are based on the experience and wisdom of his character. From what I gathered, Conan is barbarous and uncivilized only in the sense that he lives a more rural existence amid other tribesman rather than in the confines of a palace. At one point in the story Conan remarks on how Yasmina has gained humanity by changing out of the costumes and trappings of her palace life. That sensibility seems to be a commentary on the way society limits our freedoms while claiming to raise us up.
The other characters feel less nuanced and developed. Devi Yasmina receives by far the most development of the other characters. As a female character in an early 20th century story, it's not surprising that she's a secondary character with limited influence or dialog. Perhaps more surprising are the moments where she tries to stand up to Conan. The author presents her as a strong leader of her kingdom though still wallowing in grief for her brother and consumed with the need for revenge. It's unclear what her strength and direction will be as a character once she accomplishes her desire. In spite of her fortitude of character, she takes on the foil of the blushing damsel in distress and Conan willingly steps in as the hero to save her.
This, among other cliches, felt very familiar but I reminded myself that many of these now common techniques were likely very new, fresh and potentially shocking to the original readers of the story. In spite of the feeling of banality of some elements of the story I had a lot of fun racing along on this adventure with Conan.
I found the writing to be fluid and elegant. Howard has a great command of language. The descriptions of the world, the characters and the actions were engrossing. Even though many of the characters felt a bit flat, I found their actions and motivations to be clear and believable. The dialog was solid and fun. I enjoyed the banter between Conan and Yasmina and was again surprised at the wit and intelligence of the barbarian.
My biggest gripe of the story was the ending which I think is largely due to the heightened pacing. Since the tension and stakes just continued to raise from scene to scene, that meant the by the time we reached the climax, we had reached a very high point such that the resolution felt slightly abrupt. Still, I did enjoy the staging and the artistry of the climax and the conclusion. I also enjoyed that even after the main confrontation was over that the author continued the journey and even introduced another mini conflict as a sort of afterthought. That allowed for a final bit of commentary from Conan on the state of the world and the nature of his character.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I found the writing to be very solid and the storytelling thoroughly enjoyable. The world was engrossing and I was pleasantly surprised with Conan as a character. It's a great bit of escapism and while slightly dated in nature it's still an enjoyable way to spend some time. Based on this read, I can see myself seeking out opportunities to read more Conan adventures in the future.
***
3.5 out of 5 stars
Rather than starting at the beginning, I started with The People of the Black Circle. I found many people claiming it to be one of the best stories written by original author Robert E. Howard so I felt like it was a good place to start. The term "sword and sorcery" as a subgenre was largely created for Howard's work such as the Conan stories. This story has a large focus on the sorcery part.
The first many pages don't feature Conan or any swordplay at all. Rather we are introduced to some evil wizards known as the Black Seers of Yimsha. Supposedly these wizards normally don't interfere with matters of non-wizards but through a series of intrigue and machinations (that we discover later) they assassinate the emperor of Vendhya. The emperor's sister, the Devi Yasmina, becomes the new queen and she vows revenge.
Since no one in her kingdom dare take on the Black Seers, the queen's revenge involves a plan to get the famed warrior Conan to infiltrate the mountains and kill the wizards. She has captured 7 of Conan's chiefs and is holding them hostage with the hopes of convincing Conan to do her dirty work.
After that build up, we finally get our first glimpse of Conan as he sneakily infiltrates the palace and kidnaps the queen, thus turning her ransom plan on its head. As he escapes the army that chases after them, he is driven through an adventurous path of interactions with would-be-allies and would-be-enemies before eventually being confronted by the wizards and deciding to go after them.
The plot is action packed and filled with as many twists and turns as the treacherous mountain passes that Conan journeys across during this adventure. From Conan's kidnapping of Yasmina until the final confrontation with the Black Seers, the stakes are constantly being raised and adrenaline is kept high. Just when our hero seems to be making strides forward, some new obstacle appears to bar his way. The plot largely centers on Conan but takes the occasional detour to give us glimpses of other characters and situations. These transitions felt fluid and natural.
Based on my limited view of Conan, I envisioned him as an uneducated brute just rushing in and swinging weapons with brute strength. Instead, Conan is a well spoken leader who choses his words and his actions wisely. In some cases those words and actions come instinctively but those instincts are based on the experience and wisdom of his character. From what I gathered, Conan is barbarous and uncivilized only in the sense that he lives a more rural existence amid other tribesman rather than in the confines of a palace. At one point in the story Conan remarks on how Yasmina has gained humanity by changing out of the costumes and trappings of her palace life. That sensibility seems to be a commentary on the way society limits our freedoms while claiming to raise us up.
The other characters feel less nuanced and developed. Devi Yasmina receives by far the most development of the other characters. As a female character in an early 20th century story, it's not surprising that she's a secondary character with limited influence or dialog. Perhaps more surprising are the moments where she tries to stand up to Conan. The author presents her as a strong leader of her kingdom though still wallowing in grief for her brother and consumed with the need for revenge. It's unclear what her strength and direction will be as a character once she accomplishes her desire. In spite of her fortitude of character, she takes on the foil of the blushing damsel in distress and Conan willingly steps in as the hero to save her.
This, among other cliches, felt very familiar but I reminded myself that many of these now common techniques were likely very new, fresh and potentially shocking to the original readers of the story. In spite of the feeling of banality of some elements of the story I had a lot of fun racing along on this adventure with Conan.
I found the writing to be fluid and elegant. Howard has a great command of language. The descriptions of the world, the characters and the actions were engrossing. Even though many of the characters felt a bit flat, I found their actions and motivations to be clear and believable. The dialog was solid and fun. I enjoyed the banter between Conan and Yasmina and was again surprised at the wit and intelligence of the barbarian.
My biggest gripe of the story was the ending which I think is largely due to the heightened pacing. Since the tension and stakes just continued to raise from scene to scene, that meant the by the time we reached the climax, we had reached a very high point such that the resolution felt slightly abrupt. Still, I did enjoy the staging and the artistry of the climax and the conclusion. I also enjoyed that even after the main confrontation was over that the author continued the journey and even introduced another mini conflict as a sort of afterthought. That allowed for a final bit of commentary from Conan on the state of the world and the nature of his character.
Overall I really enjoyed this read. I found the writing to be very solid and the storytelling thoroughly enjoyable. The world was engrossing and I was pleasantly surprised with Conan as a character. It's a great bit of escapism and while slightly dated in nature it's still an enjoyable way to spend some time. Based on this read, I can see myself seeking out opportunities to read more Conan adventures in the future.
***
3.5 out of 5 stars
January 2, 2020
This is *such* pulp. Conan is as barbaric as his reputation suggests - he splits skulls, leaps yelling into any fray and treats our damsel in distress with the utmost disrespect. It’s all very dated, and all very simple, with no real message other than ‘Warriors are cool’.
But it’s vivid, sincere pulp. Adjectives and adverbs fill the pages endlessly, and weirdly, it works. It’s easy to see that this is a book designed to do little more than to inspire imagination, but it does this with gusto.
That being said, some of the invented nouns are a little ridiculous. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the unironic introduction to the land of ‘Afghulistan’, or the grave warning that in order to prevail against the black seers of Yimsha, Conan must break the crystal orb that contains the four golden pomegranates. It’d be hard to write sillier plot devices for a sword and sorcery parody.
But I expected all this going in, and with that mindset, ended up enjoying the book quite a lot.
But it’s vivid, sincere pulp. Adjectives and adverbs fill the pages endlessly, and weirdly, it works. It’s easy to see that this is a book designed to do little more than to inspire imagination, but it does this with gusto.
That being said, some of the invented nouns are a little ridiculous. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the unironic introduction to the land of ‘Afghulistan’, or the grave warning that in order to prevail against the black seers of Yimsha, Conan must break the crystal orb that contains the four golden pomegranates. It’d be hard to write sillier plot devices for a sword and sorcery parody.
But I expected all this going in, and with that mindset, ended up enjoying the book quite a lot.
February 9, 2017
Best one yet, by far.
October 31, 2016
As leader of a tribe of hillmen, Conan the Cimmerian competes with black sorcerers and foreign agents for possession of a princess whose ransom would enable him to save seven of his subjects from execution.
This is a rousing adventure of shifting loyalties, black magic, and tempestuous barbarian passions, all vividly rendered by Robert E. Howard’s muscular, evocative prose. Of course, all the usual Hyborian tropes are present--wizards turn into snakes, beautiful women swoon in Conan’s powerful arms--but if you are a fan of Howard’s work, none of this detracts from the fun.
This is a rousing adventure of shifting loyalties, black magic, and tempestuous barbarian passions, all vividly rendered by Robert E. Howard’s muscular, evocative prose. Of course, all the usual Hyborian tropes are present--wizards turn into snakes, beautiful women swoon in Conan’s powerful arms--but if you are a fan of Howard’s work, none of this detracts from the fun.
November 25, 2021
The most intricate Conan story yet!
Because of the public domain status of these stories, I never quite know how long/short they're gonna be, so this one kinda took me by surprise. Great fun tho, as Howard bounces all the factions off each other quite well and gives us our most in-depth look at wizards ever (so far).
Kinda love how the damsel of the story ended up in a weird frenemies position with Conan. If only these women ever came back after their one appearance!
Because of the public domain status of these stories, I never quite know how long/short they're gonna be, so this one kinda took me by surprise. Great fun tho, as Howard bounces all the factions off each other quite well and gives us our most in-depth look at wizards ever (so far).
Kinda love how the damsel of the story ended up in a weird frenemies position with Conan. If only these women ever came back after their one appearance!
August 15, 2019
Meh. Not my cup of tea.
May 25, 2024
"Even the arts you call sorcery are governed by cosmic laws. The stars direct these actions, as in other affairs. Not even my masters can alter the stars. Not until the heavens were in proper order could they perform this necromancy." - Khemsa
Feel like I can hearing Blue Öyster Cult's 'Veteran of Psychic Wars' on Mount Yimsha. Globes of Yezud the spider god, horse-of-air, Yimsha Carpet, magic girdle, golden pomegranates, mesmerization: there's a rich enough environment of sorcery and magical items, all of which Conan, for the most part, is leery of, though at least one thing seems to attach to his fighting spirit and emboldens his might. Though the story shifts once two of the main players are taken out, and this isn't one of my top Howard tales, it's still great Howard page-turning prose.
King Bunda Chand of Vendhya in Ghulistan -
Character Reference:
I. Death Strikes A King
II. A Barbarian from the Hills
III. Khemsa Uses Magic
IV. An Encounter in the Pass
V. The Black Stallion
VI. The Mountain of the Black Seers
VII. On to Yimsha
VIII. Yasmina Knows Stark Terror
IX. The Castle of the Wizards
X. Yasmina and Conan
Feel like I can hearing Blue Öyster Cult's 'Veteran of Psychic Wars' on Mount Yimsha. Globes of Yezud the spider god, horse-of-air, Yimsha Carpet, magic girdle, golden pomegranates, mesmerization: there's a rich enough environment of sorcery and magical items, all of which Conan, for the most part, is leery of, though at least one thing seems to attach to his fighting spirit and emboldens his might. Though the story shifts once two of the main players are taken out, and this isn't one of my top Howard tales, it's still great Howard page-turning prose.
King Bunda Chand of Vendhya in Ghulistan -
Character Reference:
I. Death Strikes A King
II. A Barbarian from the Hills
III. Khemsa Uses Magic
IV. An Encounter in the Pass
V. The Black Stallion
VI. The Mountain of the Black Seers
VII. On to Yimsha
VIII. Yasmina Knows Stark Terror
IX. The Castle of the Wizards
X. Yasmina and Conan
April 4, 2018
"The hill-girl glanced at Yasmina over her shoulder, displaying a bold, handsome face, and then continued her cooking. Voices boomed outside; then the door was kicked open, and Conan strode in. He looked more enormous than ever with the morning sunlight behind him, and Yasmina noted some details that had escaped her the night before. His garments were clean and not ragged. The broad Bakhariot girdle that supported his knife in its ornamented scabbard would have matched the robes of a prince, and there was a glint of fine Turanian mail under his shirt.
'Your captive is awake, Conan,' said the Wazuli girl, and he grunted, strode up to the fire and swept the strips of mutton off into a stone dish.
The squatting girl laughed up at him, with some spicy jest, and he grinned wolfishly, and hooking a toe under her haunches, tumbled her sprawling onto the floor. She seemed to derive considerable amusement from this bit of rough horse-play, but Conan paid no more heed to her. Producing a great hunk of bread from somewhere, with a copper jug of wine, he carried the lot to Yasmina, who had risen from her pallet and was regarding him doubtfully.
'Rough fare for a Devi, girl, but our best," he grunted. "It will fill your belly, at least.'
He set the platter on the floor, and she was suddenly aware of a ravenous hunger. Making no comment, she seated herself cross-legged on the floor, and taking the dish in her lap, she began to eat, using her fingers, which were all she had in the way of table utensils. After all, adaptability is one of the tests of true aristocracy. Conan stood looking down at her, his thumbs hooked in his girdle. He never sat cross-legged, after the Eastern fashion.
'Where am I?' she asked abruptly."
'Your captive is awake, Conan,' said the Wazuli girl, and he grunted, strode up to the fire and swept the strips of mutton off into a stone dish.
The squatting girl laughed up at him, with some spicy jest, and he grinned wolfishly, and hooking a toe under her haunches, tumbled her sprawling onto the floor. She seemed to derive considerable amusement from this bit of rough horse-play, but Conan paid no more heed to her. Producing a great hunk of bread from somewhere, with a copper jug of wine, he carried the lot to Yasmina, who had risen from her pallet and was regarding him doubtfully.
'Rough fare for a Devi, girl, but our best," he grunted. "It will fill your belly, at least.'
He set the platter on the floor, and she was suddenly aware of a ravenous hunger. Making no comment, she seated herself cross-legged on the floor, and taking the dish in her lap, she began to eat, using her fingers, which were all she had in the way of table utensils. After all, adaptability is one of the tests of true aristocracy. Conan stood looking down at her, his thumbs hooked in his girdle. He never sat cross-legged, after the Eastern fashion.
'Where am I?' she asked abruptly."
December 22, 2019
Listened to the audio book version nararated by B.J. Harrison. Follow him on his free podcast, "The Classic Tales Podcast".
I listened to this presentation while I was driving to ReaperCon in Denton, TX. It was exactly the inspiration I needed before a fantasy miniature painting convention. I recommend this story as an excellent introduction to Robert E. Howard and his Conan franchise. All the necessary fantasy elements are included; a comely princess in distress, intense combat with depraved mercenaries hired by devious potentates, and a band of nefarious wizards who employ trickery and illusion instead of fighting like men! Will the the savage Conan defeat these villians? I'm sure you know the answer already.
Is Conan a misogynistic anti-hero? Of course he is! Conan is Conan and will never be tamed, managed or tempered by legislation. This book was not written for the 'Me too' generation. Shame on anyone for reading this book and expecting otherwise. It is Conan's savage, uncompromising nature that truly makes him endearing. He keeps his promises and his personal sense of honor throughout the story. Possibly, only in the slightest measure, will he yield to modernist interpretations of manhood, but don't count on it sticking for long. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more about the barbarian of Cimmeria.
I listened to this presentation while I was driving to ReaperCon in Denton, TX. It was exactly the inspiration I needed before a fantasy miniature painting convention. I recommend this story as an excellent introduction to Robert E. Howard and his Conan franchise. All the necessary fantasy elements are included; a comely princess in distress, intense combat with depraved mercenaries hired by devious potentates, and a band of nefarious wizards who employ trickery and illusion instead of fighting like men! Will the the savage Conan defeat these villians? I'm sure you know the answer already.
Is Conan a misogynistic anti-hero? Of course he is! Conan is Conan and will never be tamed, managed or tempered by legislation. This book was not written for the 'Me too' generation. Shame on anyone for reading this book and expecting otherwise. It is Conan's savage, uncompromising nature that truly makes him endearing. He keeps his promises and his personal sense of honor throughout the story. Possibly, only in the slightest measure, will he yield to modernist interpretations of manhood, but don't count on it sticking for long. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more about the barbarian of Cimmeria.
July 5, 2021
As I plow through a collection of Howard's work, i still marvel how he conjured all of this Conan stuff out of his small area of Texas. This is one story where his limited palate left his story wanting.
The tale is the first i've read where Howard went beyond some suggested sorcery to penning existence. Seems to me he does this well. His trouble lies in this being the first where Howard has extensive settings and Howard gets lost. His limited knowledge of structures geological and those built has his description of granite mountain area as "architecture". His limited ability to write settings with a lot of fighting, tribal settings, mystical beings floating about had me seem to be unsure how often all in the stories were floating about. A bit more Zane Gray would've aided him with examples.
The story is involved with a number of levels of groups doing one thing and another. Unfortunately the descriptions of the groups is not distinct except for names of the groups in a jumble of vowels and consonants.
All making the story tough to follow clearly. Howard reached too far.
Bottom line: i don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
The tale is the first i've read where Howard went beyond some suggested sorcery to penning existence. Seems to me he does this well. His trouble lies in this being the first where Howard has extensive settings and Howard gets lost. His limited knowledge of structures geological and those built has his description of granite mountain area as "architecture". His limited ability to write settings with a lot of fighting, tribal settings, mystical beings floating about had me seem to be unsure how often all in the stories were floating about. A bit more Zane Gray would've aided him with examples.
The story is involved with a number of levels of groups doing one thing and another. Unfortunately the descriptions of the groups is not distinct except for names of the groups in a jumble of vowels and consonants.
All making the story tough to follow clearly. Howard reached too far.
Bottom line: i don't recommend this book. 4 out of ten points.
May 25, 2024
Robert E.Howard - Ljudi crnog kruga @zagrebačka naklada
U ovome se romanu Conan odlučuje na potez koji je samo njemu svojstven. Budući da mu kralj Vendhyje zarobljava 7 važnih ratnika, kreće u pohod za njihovo oslobođenje, no, to će morati učiniti uz pregovore!
Pregovara li on ikad? Svi znamo odgovor na to pitanje. Budući da je kralj umro, ostaje nam njegova nasljednica Yasmina. Ona, isto tako, želi osvetu za preranu smrt svoga brata. I sada zna, konačno, kamo svoju 'otrovnu strelicu' usmjeriti. Sigurna je da su smrt prouzročili Crni vidovnjaci s planina Yimsha.
No njezina osveta neće teći glatko tj. onako kako je ona zamislila. Na putu će joj se naći on, zgodan, beskrupulozan, pravi ratnik.
Hoće li posustati od ovog nauma? Mogu li to oboje učiniti?
Hmmm, valja vam uzeti u ruke i pročitati!
#ratnik #rat #vidovnjaci #priceza #conan #volimčitati #grafičkanovela #čitanje #book #books #bookstagram
U ovome se romanu Conan odlučuje na potez koji je samo njemu svojstven. Budući da mu kralj Vendhyje zarobljava 7 važnih ratnika, kreće u pohod za njihovo oslobođenje, no, to će morati učiniti uz pregovore!
Pregovara li on ikad? Svi znamo odgovor na to pitanje. Budući da je kralj umro, ostaje nam njegova nasljednica Yasmina. Ona, isto tako, želi osvetu za preranu smrt svoga brata. I sada zna, konačno, kamo svoju 'otrovnu strelicu' usmjeriti. Sigurna je da su smrt prouzročili Crni vidovnjaci s planina Yimsha.
No njezina osveta neće teći glatko tj. onako kako je ona zamislila. Na putu će joj se naći on, zgodan, beskrupulozan, pravi ratnik.
Hoće li posustati od ovog nauma? Mogu li to oboje učiniti?
Hmmm, valja vam uzeti u ruke i pročitati!
#ratnik #rat #vidovnjaci #priceza #conan #volimčitati #grafičkanovela #čitanje #book #books #bookstagram
September 24, 2020
As I think of how I would write a brief outline for this story, I realize how complicated the plot actually is. There are several twists and turns for such a short work.
This is my first read of Howard's Conan creation, and as others have written, it is difficult to keep track of the name of tribes, foreign names of characters as well as the geography in such a short story. This complexity is compounded by the twists in the plot. I found myself re-reading over a few pages to make sure I had the right character set out in my mind, which I found a little frustrating. I hope as I read more Conan stories, that I become more familiar with Conan universe, tribes and geography. However despite these complexity this was a fun read with interesting concepts and uses of magic. I look forward to reading more stories of Conan.
This is my first read of Howard's Conan creation, and as others have written, it is difficult to keep track of the name of tribes, foreign names of characters as well as the geography in such a short story. This complexity is compounded by the twists in the plot. I found myself re-reading over a few pages to make sure I had the right character set out in my mind, which I found a little frustrating. I hope as I read more Conan stories, that I become more familiar with Conan universe, tribes and geography. However despite these complexity this was a fun read with interesting concepts and uses of magic. I look forward to reading more stories of Conan.
October 24, 2021
I want to start off by saying that this is a GOOD 3 star book.
I feel like it’s hard rating pulp fiction because of the unique spot it occupies. It’s fun and flashy, hammy and harrowing. It’s not high art, but it isn’t trying to be.
The People of the Black Circle is no different. It’s a fun, fast paced ride of a blood lust Barbarian saving an empress from an evil wizard. It doesn’t get anymore cliche, or classic, than that. The writing is pretty decent as well. It’s not Shakespeare, but the characters are clearly defined, filling their roles in a comfortable sort of way. Additionally the world isn’t the medieval fantasy we’re familiar with but a strange pre-history flavor that kept the scenery and customs interesting.
All in all there isn’t a ton to say except that I liked it! Short, sweet, and worth a read.
I feel like it’s hard rating pulp fiction because of the unique spot it occupies. It’s fun and flashy, hammy and harrowing. It’s not high art, but it isn’t trying to be.
The People of the Black Circle is no different. It’s a fun, fast paced ride of a blood lust Barbarian saving an empress from an evil wizard. It doesn’t get anymore cliche, or classic, than that. The writing is pretty decent as well. It’s not Shakespeare, but the characters are clearly defined, filling their roles in a comfortable sort of way. Additionally the world isn’t the medieval fantasy we’re familiar with but a strange pre-history flavor that kept the scenery and customs interesting.
All in all there isn’t a ton to say except that I liked it! Short, sweet, and worth a read.
December 25, 2024
This is the longest Conan story I’ve read yet. Length is a funny thing, too long and the stories drag on, too short and it’s impossible to feel anything that strong for any of the characters, seeing as how you just met them. I haven’t really felt anything too deeply in any of these Conan stories and this one starts pretty much the same. There’s a death and a character sobbing wildly, hurling themselves at the ground and beating the ground in response.
By the end of the book there’s another death that hits a lot better, because it’s had 60 pages to build up to it. Some emotional resonance in a Conan story is a step in the right direction. Coupled with some decent action and a neater sort of magic steeped in mesmerism and hypnotism and this was a fun story. But like all Conan stories, not much more than that.
By the end of the book there’s another death that hits a lot better, because it’s had 60 pages to build up to it. Some emotional resonance in a Conan story is a step in the right direction. Coupled with some decent action and a neater sort of magic steeped in mesmerism and hypnotism and this was a fun story. But like all Conan stories, not much more than that.
January 17, 2018
Could this be the best Conan story?
This is a page-turner from beginning to the very last. It opens with death, and then dips into sorcery, suggests romance, and dishes out amazing chase scenes and barbarian-versus-necromancy battles. It's got everything any good game of, for instance, Dungeons & Dragons has: magic items for spell resistance, spellcasters, shapeshifters, a dungeon crawl, and minor puzzle traps.
It's brilliant, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to run some friends who haven't read this book through this scenario next time we meet for a game.
Conan doesn't enter the book until a chapter or two in, and the story cuts away from him a few times, but the Conan scenes are solid, proper Conan scenes: devil-may-care strength plus profound cynicism.
Perfect.
This is a page-turner from beginning to the very last. It opens with death, and then dips into sorcery, suggests romance, and dishes out amazing chase scenes and barbarian-versus-necromancy battles. It's got everything any good game of, for instance, Dungeons & Dragons has: magic items for spell resistance, spellcasters, shapeshifters, a dungeon crawl, and minor puzzle traps.
It's brilliant, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to run some friends who haven't read this book through this scenario next time we meet for a game.
Conan doesn't enter the book until a chapter or two in, and the story cuts away from him a few times, but the Conan scenes are solid, proper Conan scenes: devil-may-care strength plus profound cynicism.
Perfect.
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