Swords & Sorceries: Tales of Heroic Fantasy Vol 1

Swords & Sorceries: Tales of Heroic Fantasy #1

by David A. Riley, Steve Dilks, Steve Lines

I could do no better than use de Camp’s own words from his intruction to The Spell of Seven in 1965 when he graphically described the genre with this “How would you like to escape to a world of wizards and warlocks, warriors and wenches – a world where gleaming cities raise their shining spires against the stars, sorcerers cast sinister spells from subterranean lairs, baleful spirits stalk through crumbling ruins, primeval monsters crash through jungle thickets, and the fate of kingdoms is balanced on the bloody blades of broadswords brandished by heroes of preternatural might and valour?”If your answer is Yes then this book should be right for you.Today there are new masters of swords and sorcery, some of whom you will find within these pages.

Genres: Sword and Sorcery, Fantasy, Anthologies

222 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2020

About the author

David A. Riley writes horror, fantasy and SF stories. In 1995, along with his wife, Linden, he edited and published a fantasy/SF magazine, Beyond. His first professionally published story was in the 11th Pan Book of Horror in 1970. This was reprinted in 2012 in The Century's Best Horror Fiction edited by John Pelan for Cemetery Dance. He has had numerous stories published by Doubleday, DAW, Corgi, Sphere, Roc, Playboy Paperbacks, Robinsons, etc., and in magazines such as Aboriginal Science Fiction, Dark Discoveries, Fear, Fantasy Tales. His first collection of stories (4 long stories and a novelette) was published by Hazardous Press in 2012, His Own Mad Demons. A Lovecraftian novel, The Return, was published by Blood Bound Books in the States in 2013. A second collection of his stories, all of which were professionally published prior to 2000, The Lurkers in the Abyss & Other Tales of Terror, was launched at the World Fantasy Convention in 2013. His fantasy novel, Goblin Mire, was published by Parallel Universe Publications in 2015. Their Cramped Dark World is his third collection of short stories. With his wife, Linden, he runs a small press called Parallel Universe Publications, which has so far published ten books. His stories have been translated into Italian, German, Spanish and Russian.

Reviews

[Jason Ray Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining anthology of new sword and sorcery with a diverse range of unique tales. The first story, "The Mirror of Torjan Súl," is lyrical and bizarre in the spirit of Clark Ashton Smith. "The Horror from the Stars" features an intriguing sword and sorcery villain, a cosmic horror "body snatcher." "Trolls are Different" is not conventional sword and sorcery but nevertheless a compelling tale about defeating enemies via "poisoned hospitality." "Chain of Command" was excellent; it is humorous and vital sword and sorcery that features a duo who evoke Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. "Disruption of Destiny" was the most self-consciously literary story and reminded me of LeGuin's "Earthsea" short fiction. This one was quite moving. "The City of Silence" is an intriguing sword and sorcery political allegory that features an exiled king and his compassionate and loyal vizier. "Red" was a crime/quest narrative: very eclectic approach to S&S" with an accelerated ending. "The Reconstructed God" is uniquely written from the p.o.v. of a "familiar," a creature who serves a Power, usually a sorcerer; this tale one was quite atmospheric and the fantasy setting was vivid. All in all, an entertaining and fresh new anthology of sword and sorcery! Jim Pitts's cover is really distinctive; moreover, his interior illustrations are delightfully eerie, otherworldly, and evoke that "old school" charm.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always exciting to see new Sword and Sorcery being published!

Parallel Universe Publications is a small press dedicated to publishing first class horror, science fiction, and fantasy books.

One of their newest releases is Swords and Sorceries: Tales of Heroic Fantasy Volume One. Eight tales that certainly fall within the realms of fantasy. Several scratch that Sword and Sorcery itch. A couple feature reoccurring characters from their respective authors. The book boasts a cover and several interior pieces of art by Jim Pitts.

The Mirror of Torjan Sul by Steve Lines

When you are a powerful necromancer of course you will send a lackey to collect items of power for you. Phaol Zamh is just that lackey. Phaol is sent to a dead city to collect a mirror. That's it. But there is a reason that that mirror hasn't been pilfered yet, and why Morphal his master didn't fetch it himself. Will Phaol survive the night?

The Horror from the Stars by Steve Dilks

Bohun returns. Still searching for his abducted wife, Bohun finds himself in an inhospitable city. Everyone is on edge. You see, something fiery landed in the desert and people have been going missing ever since. When Bohun comes face to face with this horror his life will be forever changed.

Trolls are Different by Susan Murrie Macdonald

Foreign soldiers are invading. This typically leads to theft, murder, and rape. But Marana has a bold plan. It will take cooperation from everyone. Can she reason with a battle hardened army?

Chain of Command by Geoff Hart

Freya and Mouse may remind you of a certain adventurous duo. Both are commissioned to recover the Chain of Office of a long dead king. No one counted on the dead having their own plans.

Disruption of Destiny by Gerri Leen

This story reminded me of David Drake's Old Nathan somewhat. Isabel is a woman with a secret. Leopold is a man skilled at war but weary of it. Together they divert a destiny and find a kind of peace.

The City of Silence by Eric Ian Steele

The King Ariston and his loyal Vizier Obadiah find themselves in a city under the heel of tyranny. Silence reigns. To me, it was a parable of lost freedoms.

Red by Chadwick Ginther

Red's brother Needle is missing. Who could have kidnapped her libertine brother? No, really, the list could be quite extensive. She'll scour the underworld of the city to recover him. Fighting a goddess if needs be.

The Reconstructed God by Adrian Cole

A Voidal story. Elfloq is a familiar without a master. Searching for the Voidal he stumbles upon the Key of Keys. Elfloq comes to an arrangement with the merchant Aggrabal. All parties think that they have the upper hand.

A varied collection of stories. Not to be overlooked. Available in paperback and e-book from Amazon. And be sure to keep an eye out for Volume Two out next year with more art by Jim Pitts.

Recommended!

[Jason Waltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole's "The Reconstructed God" closes this anthology with a rather cool find-and-fetch mystery that simply draws to a conclusion and without delivering the character I most wished to re-meet.

Interesting overall set of stories to introduce this now-8 volume set of anthologies. I only consider 4 truly S&S, 2 that border it, and 2 that I've no clue why they're within these pages. "Red" is probably my favorite, with "Chain of Command" to follow.

[Craig Herbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good buffet has something for everyone. Similarly, a good anthology treads the delicate balance of achieving a consistent feel while rewarding the reader with a mix of tales. The balance is achieved here as one would expect from a veteran editor. David Riley has previously expressed his fondness for Lin Carter who almost single-handedly resurrected the fantasy anthology and it's no surprise that this collection of stories seems a worthy successor. Riley also acknowledges his debt to L. Sprague de Camp which sets the tone for the anthology. For anthologising I would say this is a ten-star book, the contents are ten star if you like fantasy of this type. It's well written but it's not serious literature thank goodness. It's for the young at heart and it succeeds admirably in that respect. Some highlights:

In the The Mirror of Torjan Sul by Steve Lines a powerful necromancer sends his dubious apprentice to collect the mirror. It has a plot reminiscent of Jack Vance and convolutes in an interesting manner.

Desert peoples, suspicious meteorites, and the hero, Bohun, a young adventurer from the south, entertain in The Horror from the Stars by Steve Dilks. Bohun is on the hunt for his wife, bought by the evil sultan of Ibn-Shahik. The sultan may have bought a lot more than he bargained for as Bohun is not a happy fellow and will stop at nothing.

I never really got into the Grey Mouser or spoofs but Chain of Command by Geoff Hart is really a marvellous take on Leiber, brilliantly crafted, funny and slick. Suspiciously familiar heroines join with incompetent mages on a quest for the Chain of Office of a long dead king. Doesn’t work out well for most involved. Ten out of ten.

Disruption of Destiny by Gerri Leen had me yawning in the first page and applauding by the last. It starts in an innocuous manner and then takes on a maze of interesting twists. It’s a standout in a very good anthology. Don’t be fooled by the tarot cards and the witch. It is a far deeper and more interesting tale.

Another standout is Red by Chadwick Ginther with its neat female protagonist on the search for her recalcitrant brother in the underground city. Funny at times, exciting at others this was one of the most enjoyable tales.

One of the most cheering aspects of this anthology is ‘Volume 1’ on the front of a striking cover by Jim Pitts, which means there are more to come. Thankfully, there is no boring literature here and no mundane facts. There is action, intrigue, impossible places and unlikely scenarios. In short if you like fantasy you are in the right place. There is also a refreshing hint of the good old days in “Swords & Sorceries: Tales of Heroic Fantasy” spiced up with the approach of a new generation of fantasy writers

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding collection of eight Sword & Sorcery tales. All of them had the right mix of components, with some having greater percentage of action, horror, humour, or depth.
My favourites were~
1. Susan Murrie Macdonald's "Trolls Are Different";
2. Geoff Hart's "Chain of Command (best story of this book, in my opinion);
3. Eric Ian Steele's "The City of Silence";
4. Chadwick Ginther's "Red";
5. Adrian Cole's "The Reconstructed God".
Overall, this would be an excellent addition to the library of any lover of fantasy.
Highly Recommended.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat uneven collection of adventure stories that draw their influences from work outside of the high-fantasy mainstream. Well edited throughout, and lacking the usual typos and ebook issues that can sometimes afflict small press productions.

Trolls are Different, Red, and The Reconstructed God stand out as highlights.

[Adam Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me this was a mixed bag.

There were quite a few of these stories that felt more like high fantasy/D&D adventures than down an dirt swords and sorcery. There was one story that lacked any resemblance to anything sword and sorcery. It was a good story but it lacked action and adventure, what I consider to be the backbone of S&S.

There were a few good tales though just not enough to make me read the next volume immediately.

[Roy Bayfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable high adventure

A fine and delightfully various collection of sword & sorcery tales, deserving of any fan's attention. Nicely edited too - no typos to derail the action.

[Erik Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Nice Collection

A nice collection of Sword and sorcery stories; I was pleasantly surprised when picking this up from KU. Some stories seemed to bend the genre slightly while the always appreciated addition of humor did not go unnoticed.
I will be on the look-out for more!

E

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the diversity of the stories in this collection. It's great to see Sword & Sorcery tales that don't always follow in the vein of Conan or Elric. This variety of stories will surely entertain anyone looking for something more than the usual pastiches.

[Christopher Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight tales of sword and sorcery with a few true gems in the bundle that make for a diverting read.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A set of interesting fantasy stories, some very creative stuff and some basic barbarian with a sword stuff. Entertaining and worth a read if you like light fantasy.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sword and sorcery anthology with short stories that are mostly of above average quality. While they have the grim tone that s & s fans love, they also have a wonderful breath of humor that was delightful. My two favorite stories in this collection were “Trolls are Different” and “Chains of Command”-the first has a sort of grim wit about it that traipses hand in hand with near satire. The second, “Chains of Command” is apparently a sort of tribute tale to Fritz Leiber’s stories, of which I haven’t read, with some play on gender and societal and story expectations. Here Lieber’s heroes are apparently gender swapped: the Grey Mouser becomes a petite protagonist named Mouse that I for one pictured as an Arya Stark with a quite voice that held a slight edge and perhaps a bit of a French accent. Freya as the big straight forward heroine was a wonderful foil. Then there was the statement that Mouse was the barbarian and Freya was the city dweller, which flew parallel to expectations and character depiction-so much wonderful humor! There is a strong undertone of humor that I was more than charmed with, nearly right from the beginning when our two heroes duel and are disappointed in not fighting to first blood even though neither really wanted to originally. The sorcerer side kicks are hilarious too and stand as good props for our heroines. More to note on this story but hard to do so without ruining it for others-let me just state that I would love to read more “Mouse and Freya” stories. Of course, many of the other stories were great to in their own ways. “Disruption of Destiny” ought nearly to be considered literature with all sorts of allegorical aspects, as far as I was concerned. “The City of Silence” was actually more of a traditional S&S pieces, but with plenty of twists and momentum to keep readers interested and wondering what happens next. “Red” had an interesting world and fascinating characters. I felt like this was a story world that one could sink into. Really, none of these were bad-I’d argue that this was probably one of the best S&S collections I’ve read so far. For fans of the genre or even just fantasy in general I’d recommend this anthology.

[James T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword and Sorcery is starting to receive a decent cult/indie revival. There have been some good webzines, Whetstone, Sword & Sorcery Magazine, as well as printed publications, such as DMR, Tales From the Magicians Skull, and Savage Realms Monthly.

Of all the anthologies put out featuring the works of contemporary S&S authors, I think this may be the best I’ve read to date.

There’s plenty of debate about the nature of S&S, but for those in the camp of sheer escapism this volume is for you. It even opens with a wonderful De Camp quote (as much as I’m not fond of the man.) regarding the nature of S&S.

The liner art for the book is wonderful too. I wish there was more.

Every story has a “days of high adventure” feel that just makes you have a better day. Sure a couple were a bit on the weaker side, but everything was at least decent. Most were fabulous, they were just pure charm, pure fun, and most importantly pure adventure.

The Mirror of Torjal Sun and The Reocnstructed God both had a very cheeky quality to them. You can’t help but smile at the mirth and mischief.

Chain of Command is a very fun gender swapped Fahfrd and Gray Mouser style story.

Disruption of Destiny is troubling and sublime, perhaps the most thought provoking story in the book.

The City of Silence was generally pretty good and it was a good use of having the secondary character tell the story.

My favorite was The Horror From the Stars. Steve Dilks has just managed to nail S&S here. It s a must read tale for fans of the genre. I read it’s prequel in Savage Realms Monthly. Bohun is great, I hope we get more of him.

It’s a pity S&S is still niche, this is a micro publisher, and not a lot of people will end up reading this collection. Honestly, it really deserves to be in major book retailers.

[Cal Bowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading through these, they had that feeling of the older, classic style Sword 7 sorcery. all except for the most important aspect. The endings. Every story ended with me going, "Really?" Very abrupt un-earned or un-rewarding ending. Like there was a word count the authors had to hit, and when they did, they dropped the ending without much thought. Not a fan of this, and I tried them all.

[Zastis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars