Savage Realms Monthly, January 2021

Savage Realms Monthly #1

by William Miller (Editor), Willard Black, Steve Dilks

Quench Your Thirst for Savage Sword and Sorcery Action Adventure!

The masters of sword and sorcery fiction might be dead but just because Robert E. Howard is no longer penning Conan tales doesn't mean you have to go without your fix of axe wielding barbarians, lusty wenches and evil wizards! Literary Rebel is proud to bring you a whole new crop of monthly fantasy fiction by talented new authors. In this first issue: savages kidnap virgins for sacrifice, a slave escapes his bonds only to fall victim to royal machinations, treasure seekers find more than they bargained for, and a sword wielding maiden does battle with a serpent lord.

"The first issue does not disappoint!"

"Hack and slash goodness."

"Harkens back to the days of the pulp masters..."

Fans of Robert E. Howard, Lin Carter, Clark Ashton Smith, and Karl Edward Wagner will love this new fantasy fiction adventure magazine.

Genres: Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Anthologies, Pulp, Short Stories, Dark Fantasy, Adventure

110 pages, Paperback

First published January 25, 2021

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I read this solely for The Festival of the Bull by Steve Dilks, whose Gunthar series I've become a fan of. The story is well written, with some outstanding action and battle sequences, particularly one where the protagonist battles a leopard with his bare hands. Though largely expected, the denouement also contains a satisfying turnabout. Yet, the story didn't really manage to sink any lasting hooks into me.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with most things in this stage in my life I seem to be late to the party about everything. With eight releases to date and another on the way, I have certainly fallen behind and unjustly overlooked this periodical.

I initially became aware of this magazine when William Miller put out an announcement for submissions. As it does, time went by, and I forgot all about it. That is until Steve Dilks posted on social media that he had a story in this new magazine and that it was now available.

I prefer to purchase paper books, primarily because I feel like you never really own digital books. But when Dilks announced the release of this magazine there wasn't a paperback version as of yet, so I purchased the kindle edition. With my epic TBR pile, and the fact that this was digital, it didn't take a place of precedence on my shelf or my mind.

Another friend, David Malaski, rekindled my interest in the series with his unfailing enthusiasm for all things sword and sorcery. With glee he announces each time a new issue is released. This man is a true fan!

This premier issue features four authors: Willard Black, Steve Dilks, David Sims, and Kell Myers. Each story is followed by a brief interview except Willard Black; evidently, he doesn't do interviews.

The first story is God of the Mountain by Willard Black. It features a barbarian who is employed to recover a lost daughter from the tribal Keshites who wish to sacrifice her to their volcano god. A seemingly endless army of Keshites stand in Redgar's way to safety; all the while the volcano erupts destroying everything. Willard certainly has the knack for traditional S&S.

I did have one question after reading this story though. To reach the volcano, Redgar hires a ferry to cross a river into Keshite lands. If the Keshites are so dangerous, who uses the ferry? Is it lucrative to be a ferryman to a hostile land?

The second story is Festival of the Bull by Steve Dilks. I initially read this as a short, single story for kindle called Bohun Warrior of Damzullah. Festival of the Bull is a revision Warrior of Damzullah with more content. Bohun is a stranger in a strange land. He seeks to return to his wife's side and free her from bondage. A timely intervention earns Bohun the attentions of a bored noblewoman. But hell has no fury like a woman scorned.

Over the years I've watched Mr. Dilks grow as a writer. Each new tale surpasses the one before. I eagerly anticipate his forthcoming Bohun collection.

The third story is Tombs of Orthun-rah by David Sims. A group of deserters go treasure hunting in a nearby ruin. Old forgotten ruins, sealed rooms, and skeletal remains are ingredients for potential disaster. Something within the ruins wants to live again; hunting each of the party in turn. Although, unknown to all is the hungry things lurking in the dark.

Something to note about Tombs of Orthun-rah, as the characters become separated the story alternates between them with no noticeable mark or notation. This can be jarring and confusing, at least at first.

The fourth and last story is Serpent Lord of Bryson Metals by Kell Myers. This was a break from the traditional S&S in the first three stories. In Serpent Lord of Bryson Metals the reptilian Krun have taken over our near future. Kara Black and others like her are fighting to remain free. The Krun are after a powerful Mesopotamian relic, but they are no match what they find guarding it. Kara finds herself caught between both the Krun and an ancient demon.

Many small publishers are picking up the gauntlet and publishing S&S of varying length and quality. Many of these publishers only take submissions during certain times of the year, some hardly at all. Savage Realms appears to keep the door open year-round. So, any aspiring wordsmiths should cobble together their best effort and send it over to them. They can be reached online through the literary rebel website. Support small press.

[Jason Ray Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun publication. The four stories included are unpretentious, exciting, and well written with vivid characters and swift-paced plots. "God of the Mountain" by Willard Black is a classic (and conventional) S&S tale that features a nefarious conspiracy, a giant volcano, and a powerful and clever barbarian warrior. Steve Dilks' "Festival of the Bull" brings to mind the *Imaro* stories by Charles Saunders, but Bohun, the protagonist, is less tragically pensive and altruistic than Imaro and more in the spirit of a mirthful, rakish warrior (although Bohun is married and searching for his wife). David Sims' "The Tomb of Orthun-Rah" has an old school fantasy roleplaying atmosphere. A group of adventurers encounter diabolical sorcery in a dead wizard's shadowy tomb. Finally, Kell Myers, "Serpent Lord of Bryson Metals" is weird in a Vancean sense: set in a post-apocalyptic America after magic returns, it's a great contrast to the other more conventional S&S tales (don't share with your kids--lots of sailor talk). Each story includes an interview with the author and those are intriguing.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am happy this exists. Savage Realms is one more attempt to keep the torch lit for those of us that pine for the sword & sorcery genre. So despite some of my criticisms of the stories in the inaugural issue, I am glad I gave my two dollars and ninety-nine cents, and I will continue to do so in hope that the magazine grows stronger. If you are a fan of S&S, you should too.

I support Savage Realms mission: publish S&S, and, perhaps by simple coincidence, give fledgling authors a chance. Exposure is important. Like, very important. I am thrilled at the, so far, minor renaissance of one of my treasured genres.

So please, give this magazine a chance. Buy it. Read it. Give it a short review on Goodreads and Amazon. Spread the word anyway you can. Do the same for Whetstone and Tales from the Magician’s Skull. If there is another magazine that publishes S&S, write me. Tell me about it. Post on social media about it. Do it. Please.

“God of the Mountain” by Willard Black. Honestly, this one was a bit too traditional for me. Good, not great and shortly after reading it, the details drifted from my mind. 2 stars.

“Festival of the Bull” by Steve Dilks. Dilks is the only author in this issue I have encountered prior. His character Bohun struck me as a tribute to Charles Saunder’s Imaro. A tribute, but not pastiche. Dilks knows the genre well and pens a fast paced story. 3 stars.

“Tombs of Orthun-rah” by David Sims. This felt like a write up of a Friday night D&D group. POVs shifted and made for a somewhat convoluted read. The twist was not that surprising. 2 stars.

“Serpent Lord of Bryson Metals” by Kell Myers started strong. It is by far the least traditional S&S story in the issue. I guess you could call it Apocalyptic S&S? Also, Myers doesn’t spoon feed the reader. The mystery of The Crash is left dangling. It is not explained what happened, or why magic is fact and not fantasy. However, it makes three guffaws that brought it down for me:

1. Joe the Hermit suddenly changes into Jeff Bridges as The Dude
2. There is a reference to Odin’s nut sack and the Age of Technology that just made me say, what?
3. The ending is sudden and is an attempt to make the reader want to read more. It was too weak of a “telling instead of showing” attempt.

No, the stories did not wow me, but I’m glad Savage Realms exists. I will purchase and give issue 2 a read.

EDIT: since I have issues 2 & 3 and it’s been so long since reading this issue, I gave this a second read.

[Jason Waltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Spectacular opening issue. I'd thought I'd read this one, turns out I started with #2. My sincere bad, as this set of 4 stories is superb. 4 takes on S&S that deliver. I think all the stories are great, but I must give the nod to Dilks and Sims for my favorites.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncomplicated stories told well. Nothing here is game changing or surprising and the authors are out to nail the fundamentals.

David Sims bears watching. "The Tomb of Orthun-Rah" features a group of barely-cooperating misfits on misadventure within a Tomb of Horrors. While the outcome is never in doubt, watching Tarmish the sort-of-leader operate is greatly entertaining, especially as details of his background come to light and work within the story.

All the stories feel like the start of series, each ending with a 'to be continued' feel, and I am on board with following where they go.

[Andrew Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 - Book 2 - Book 3 - Book 4 - Book 5 - Book 6


No mercy. All savagery.

GOD OF THE MOUNTAIN by Willard Black - In Ashuria, the Hathorian (barbarian) Redgar is tasked by the Rhajian Ivashek to retrieve his daughter, Natali, from the Keshite pagans before they sacrifice her to the Unmaktu volcano deity, Okah-ha. After a night of enslavement, blood runs free, lava erupts, and servants of Moloch will seek out their enemy, the Keepers of the Scared Fire from Tanthus. Redgar is formidable but even by his own thoughts, he's been as bad as those he destroys. Maybe a future installment can have he and Natali as cohorts, he growing into the unlikely protector of her and her a formidable acolyte in her studies.

THE FESTIVAL OF THE BULL by Steve Dilks - Bohun of Damzullah, sold into slavery by his own people who are at war with each other, has escaped and now is set on finding his enslaved lover, Dana. Much time is spent letting the reader know that this dark-skinned warrior is not a slave and will never again be a slave though he was just enslaved. It's a targeted message that ironically uses a well-connected light-skinned political type woman (Lady Elissa) to advance Bohun's freedom only to enslave him again for her entertainment, while the whole story pays little attention to the other slaves present unless their skin tone is darker. Irony. The story was simply a vehicle to showcase the superiority of one over all the others. I cheer for Buhun as the author's protagonist but I feel disconnected from him as presented, and even more disconnected from the type of people he has encountered since they all seem to fit in the same compartment.

THE TOMB OF ORTHUN-RAH by David Sims - Patan's garrisoned force, camped at an abandoned fort all summer awaiting an unlikely pirate invasion, sees 5 mercenaries desert into the deadly wilderness in search of a supposed treasure. Slumrat siblings Alia and Aric hold no allegiance to each other nor the group. Dwarf Micah is whiney and critical. Tarmesh is a large barbarian hillman with no mercy, supposedly. Natan, is the scout who first witnessed the temple (and possible treasure). Contrastingly, one character has an old friend in the darkness while also using fire to cleanse darkness. Our "hero" is merciless but he knows the danger that lurks better than the rest. This is a good tale of a diverse group of fighters encountering a mysterious force in a deadly and macabre atmosphere.

SERPENT LORD OF BRYSON METALS by Kell Myers - Capt. Kara Black, Special Ops, of East Tennessee. The United States has been attacked by the Krun Empire to glorify their pantheon of war gods. A mix of ancient alien-like races, of magical demons, of new technology, and an apocalyptic Florida, it's a little chaotic to try to get a handle on what is going on and why. But this also plays into the short stories of sword & sorcery, where a degree of the myth and culture are revealed while the mystery of most is running rampant in our mind. Kara is a strong female that at no point is presented as being above males. I can wonder if everybody in her Spec Ops crew isn't as efficient as she. I would look forward to more stories that may reveal such a crew, and to see more U.S. soldiers' gumption to fight and survive. I would also suggest finding the author's blog and reading his interview here (in case a reader skips such portions).

[James T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Realms Monthly is a new magazine in the growing indie Sword and Sorcery movement. I enjoyed the debut issue. Given it’s reasonable price, and quality stories, I will have to get it each month!

I think the editor’s preferences are a bit more “HEAVY METAL” than contemporary magazine’s like Tales from the Magician’s Skull. That’s in no way meant to throw shade, just an observation on the the different feels of each magazine. (Note I’ve only read one issue of each so far.)

I’ll discuss each of the four stories below.

God of the Mountain by Willard Black - This one feels very 1970s S&S comic book. Very heavy metal album cover. It’s a fairly a standard fair but still very fun.

The Festival of the Bull by Steve Dilks - This one is fantastic and worth buying the issue for alone. It’s just got these lines that slap and put a giant smile on your face. It’s got a deeper sociopolitical message, however it’s a good story first, and the subtext is there only if you want to delve into it. Instead of being overbearing, like most contemporary fiction. Absolutely adored this tale.

The Tomb of Orthun - Rah by David Sims - Some soldiers go on a treasure an hunt and of course that goes horribly wrong! It reminds me a lot of many contemporary stories that appeared in DMR’s anthologies, or Whetstone. It’s very S&S but also has this DnD quality to it? Hard to put a finger on how exactly describe it. Overall, I liked it.

Serpent Lords of Bryson Metals by Kell Myers - I really appreciate that this story did sword and sorcery in a post-apocalyptic USA. It’s always good to use the style in a setting outside of antediluvian Earth. I adored the setting, and that the author was going for something different, however the writing and dialogue had a very edgy style to it, which for my personal preference I’m not into. That being said, massive props for thinking outside the box.

Also note each author gets an interview after their story. This collection is very lovingly made. Check it out.

[Matt Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start.

As a big fan of sword and sorcery fiction, I was immediately intrigued to learn of this new magazine, and I'll certainly be keeping an eye on it in the future. Some entries were stronger than others, while others played it a bit safe as thinly disguised Howard pastiches for my taste (I love Robert E Howard, but when reading newer practitioners of the genre he created, I much prefer to read stories that keep all the core elements one loves about it, while pushing the envelope in exciting new directions, exploring imaginative new possibilities of what the genre can be). Still, not an entry in the bunch that didn't succeed as fast-paced escapist entertainment, and I look forward to more.

[XX · Rating 3 out of 5]

S&S is a formulaic genre, but as with any genre it's what you do with the formula that makes a story resonate. While all competently written, the chosen stories often had disappointingly pedestrian language and lacked a certain sense of epic wonder for lack of more evocative prose. Personally, I think the authors were focused very much on picturing each of their stories like a short action movie- which can work, but the words have to support the action when creating a scene and sense of drama and suspense. Light intrigue and a few telegraphable twists can't do all the heavy lifting.

I noticed that in the biography section, many of the authors mentioned liking S&S in the 70s and 80s, or that Conan was their favorite hero. I think part of the disappointment for me here was that it came through in all the wrong ways in the stories - lots of Conan-alikes with no allegiances and no parents and not much going on in their pretty beefy heads, and the troupe of trope characters that come along with that.

The problem isn't with tropes, it's with what a writer does with it (or doesn't) that makes a reader invest in them. Despite the modernity, I felt like this was less "New takes on old tropes" and more "Old takes on old tropes".

The last story has a female hero and a more inventive setting than "Neo-Hyborean" (not that there's anything innately wrong with that, actually) but an arching theme across almost every story I found was the inability to root for, be particularly attached to, or generally care about any of the characters. I had to remember their names mostly by what they were (i.e, a dwarf, a sorcerer, a lich, a lady) more than by who they were, hence my comment about action movies. In an action movie we get a lot of information about a character and can become attached to them through a lot of nonverbal actions such as pose, expression and gait, not to mention their clothes, as well as visual and atmospheric aspects that don't always translate into a good action story, if that story does not take the time to weave those aspects into scene in other ways.

Also, in action movies, even if we don't relate to the characters, it's fun to watch the dwarf get stabbed, or a wizard casting an epic spell. Stories need to support this in the writing! There was a story with a sorcerer in it and I never found out what their spells really even "seemed" like, if that makes sense. No colors, no sensory aspect to the writing, just perfunctory "and he got blasted by the sorcerer's next spell" kind of writing. Describe things to me!

Also, if you're going to roll with the action-y side of things- make it fun! Tonally I felt like many of the stories took themselves too seriously (although it works fairly well in the opening story), with the exception of the last story which was written with a few irreverent and interesting touches that made it more engaging.

3 stars for the technically competent writing and technically competent recycling of tropes but....eh. My sense of awe was not whelmed, and all the derring-do left little room for anything else. I've seen 30~40 year-old S&S B-movies that provided about the same level of entertainment, forgettability and flavor. I find those often fun to watch once (even or especially when they're tropey), and I found these stories fun to read once, but did any single story have me thinking or wondering or feeling some kind of way after it was over? Will I think about any of the stories I read when I lie in bed tonight? I don't really feel that way. And regardless of any literary genre or subgenre, I think that is the mark of a mediocre story.

(Will I read the next issue of this though? Yes, quite possibly. You never know what treasure you may find if you don't go looking, and anthologies are often a wonderful format for a genre showcase)

[DAVID F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Really enjoyed each story. Please keep them coming! A lot of great action and interesting settings. Highly recommend this book

[Joel Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good collection. Three out of four of these stories are winners in the barbaric fiction arena. That's a great ratio.

[Dale Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's always room for another venue for stories that tell the adventures of heroes and villains...love found and lost...and great treasures and mysteries to move the world.

Welcome to SAVAGE REALMS MONTHLY. Presumably derived from Willard Black's 2018 book SAVAGE REALMS, a LitRPG Adventure that drops players into virtual reality world with all the fun and excitement that entails, the monthly title "appears" to be a collection of tales of Sword & Sorcery. I say presumably because, after all, these adventures COULD be set in various virtual worlds.

Having said that, the stories come off as straight S&S with different flavors...different tropes...and a lot of the fun for the readers.

This first entry contains 4 stories:

GOD OF THE MOUNTAIN by Willard Black - A barbarian mercenary takes gold to retrieve a captured daughter. But nothing is as it appears. The first of the Redgar and Natali continuing series if stories.

THE FESTIVAL OF THE BULL by Steve Dilks - An escaped "slave" saves a life...a life that threatens to destroy what freedom he has.

THE TOMB OF ORTHUN-RAH by David Sims - A search for hidden treasure brings deadly creatures and an evil betrayal.

SERPENT LORD OF BRYSON METALS by Kell Myers - A war in a future time compels a soldier to protect an ancient artifact and its keeper.

A nice collection of stories and a fun launch for this new magazine.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short anthology of Sword & Sorcery tales told by contemporary, new talents. In my opinion all of the included tales put a new spin on the genre, thus the 4 star rating, as it is exciting to see an old genre that was on fumes being reignited. The first tale ‘God of the Mountain’ is a fast paced somewhat stereotypical S&S piece with some nice twists and turns with some wonderful larger than life iconography and setting that gives this tale the chefs kiss. The next tale, ‘Festival of the Bull’ is noteworthy in that the hero is non-traditional, being of likely direct African descent. This is exciting as it opens the doorway for all sorts of expansions of the genre. The story itself is strong with sufficient symbology that high lights rather than hides the racial tension, which seemed a good tool of discourse. The hero has escaped slavery and has found his way to a Roman like empire wherein wealthy aristocrats do as they please oblivious to the lives they ruin. The back ground theme of slavery and finding one’s place and destiny in the world is complementary and channels S&S effectively. There are also some nice twists to the tale that to me were delightful as they turned the narrative on its head at least once. ‘The Tomb of Orthun-Rah’ seemed reminiscent of a TTRPG setting melded with S&S which is another interesting spin on the genre, as fantasy and S&S while similar in general have competing frame works and premises built in, so it was a question on which genre would win out and when. I fully believe a lot more could be done with this concept. Finally,’Serpent Lord of Bryson Metals’ was a post apocalyptic piece that was note worthy in that the hero was a heroine-something that at least I haven’t encountered in this genre before. It once more opens the door to many new worlds full of tales of Sword & Sorcery and while perhaps a touch too metal for my tastes at times was interesting in big character and setting-seemed like the opening salvo on a larger work perhaps? In general, here’s hoping this anthology novelette series continues, as I think I more than has its place and I’d love to read more like these.

[Michael Sigler · Rating 3 out of 5]

"God of the Mountain" by Willard Black 4/5
"The Festival of the Bull" by Steve Dilks 4/5
"The Tomb of Orthun-Rah" by David Sims 3/5
"Serpent Lord of Bryson Metals" by Kell Myers 1/5

[Victor H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

These guys know what they are doing. Do you like exciting (and occasionally brutal) short fiction packed with Swords & Sorcery adventure? Then you'll love this!

I'm a huge fan of Willard Black, who contributed to this issue. He's so good at pacing that every one of his short stories packs about as many cool ideas as a full-length novel, yet they never feel rushed. Just ordered the next book in the series because his work is in that one, too.

The print versions of this series are slim paperbacks with three to four stories per book, so they won't get "lost" amongst all the spineless magazines on your bookshelf.

Highly recommended.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Dilks' story The Festival Of The Bull was the best out of the four. I'm excited to read more stories that feature Bohun. Kell Myers' story The Serpent Lord Of Bryson Metals was pretty good. There's a lot of potential for a longer story there.

The Tomb Of Orthun-Rah by David Sims was ok, but I think this kind of story needs to be longer for the twist at the end to be effective.

The God Of The Mountain by Willard Black was ok too. Fun, but ok.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good first issue of Sword & Sorcery Fiction. I liked the first three stories very much (especially "The Festival of the Bull"). The last story fell a bit flat for me, unfortunately. I am very much looking forward to the next installment.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Sword and Sorcery

Brand new authors, telling brand new stories in the Sword and Sorcery genre, giving a stepping stone for more to come. Also, the last story takes place in a believable future Florida, and I love it.

[Nigel Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

savage realms

Four great but short stories with interviews with three of the authors, this magazine book 1 is something I loved reading and will be buying the next monthly issues, if you love sword and sorcery this is for you .

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four excellent stories three of them demand continually follow up.

[Erick Mertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange, Savage Tales Worthy Of Your Time

I really enjoyed these stories. Each was tight, well crafted, and full of action. I’m really looking forward to the next issue.

[Jim Andrew Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling pulp just like they used to make!

This first issue of Savage Realms is fantastic. All the stories are reminiscent of Robert E. Howard’s work, and they’re all good. I am glad this magazine exists and it’s great to read it included in my Kindle Unlimited subscription. I look forward to reading new issues every month!

The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I had to take off a star for the abundance of spelling and grammatical mistakes in each story. The editor should pay more attention to proofreading before going to print. Regardless, it’s still an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok start

This debut issue features four stories. The first is very Conan-esque. It wasn't bad, but followed the usual tropes. The second tale was the best of the four, featuring a more original character I long to read about again.

The third tale was a little more fantasy oriented, with a Dwarf and a sorcerer. The last story went the post apocalypse route. It was ok, but the setting was interesting in that it was our world.

This is an ok start, and hopefully future issues will produce more interesting stories for fans of sword & sorcery

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd probably score the stories between three and four stars, but since I have the brilliant audio edition (my ears like to read a LOT more than my eyes, it turns out) I got the pleasure of listening to the ever-enthusiastic Moose Matson reading this collection.

We need more short story S&S collections on audible. They are out there, I just need to acquire them.

In any case, I was riveted by the stories and give a lot of credit to how they were read. Hence the 5 star. Check it out!

[Murphies_law · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 17 %. A worse version of Conan. The hero who is supposed to rescue a woman from cultists watches them gang rape a bunch of women and waits for them to sleep after the deed.. While the scenario more realistic than Conan, who would have saved the women before something bad happens, the scene is horrible.

After rescuing one! woman from the cultists the hero irrealitically has the gang raped woman run the whole day which she does without problem... At this point i stopped reading..

[Gary Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Stories

This book is a collection of three short stories and a couple of interviews with the different authors. The stories are left open, so that the author can return to them, and although this at times can leave the reader "hanging" it also means that the characters can return in further adventures.

I would recommend this to others that enjoy short stories, sword and sorcery, and those that enjoy a quick read.

[Michael Sorbello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Realms Monthly is a fun series of snappy sword and sorcery tales written in the thunderous, cutthroat style of the classics like Conan, Fafhrd, Kane and Elric. It's nice to read between long epic fantasy sagas that can take several weeks to read. These anthologies can easily be read in a single sitting. Good old fashioned fun.

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

Opens rather inauspiciously, “God of the Mountain” is very trope heavy, and suffers from some modern phrasing that really throws me out. The hero has a giant, comic book sword, and the action is poorly choreographed. The prose is ok, beside the aforementioned modernisms, but the story itself is very generic and cliche-ridden.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stories this time, and all of them quite good, especially the first three. Burly barbarians fighting monsters and evil sorcerers, saving maidens, etc. Gore and heads a-rolling. I am noticing a trend in these stories of more and more D&D-inspired groups traveling together instead of lone warriors with rippling muscles.