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The Dark Storm Conan Chronology #25
Jewels of Gwahlur: By Robert Ervin Howard - Illustrated
"Jewels of Gwahlur" is one of the original short stories starring the fictional sword and sorcery hero Conan the Cimmerian, written by American author Robert E. Howard.
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1935
About the author
Robert E. Howard
3,050 books2,693 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 47 reviews
November 11, 2022
Not a bad Conan story about a treasure hunt in an ancient lost city with another damsel in distress. It’s a bit chaotic, but definitely enjoyable. Just a shame there are some words used that could be seen as a bit racist, which is a sign of the times this story was written in.
December 9, 2020
a fairly good effort overall, featuring Howard's more mature prose and pacing and developing the Conan character in a manner not dissimilar to that of a spaghetti western protagonist
July 25, 2020
This one just seemed kind of dull and lack-luster. Maybe it was my mood, or maybe it was the ramped-up racism, or maybe it was that this just seemed like yet another in a stream of the same-old-same-old. In any case, I'm really only continuing to read these because I want to be able to check it off a list.
March 30, 2020
Plot after plot, twist after turn, this story's about as exciting as any other Conan story, albeit even a little more prejudiced than most others, from modern standpoint.
February 6, 2026
Conan the Cimmerian climbs a perilous ridge to a hidden cave where he finds a mummified body and a scroll of parchment, then peers over the rim to see the ancient city of Alkmeenon where a fabled treasure trove of dead kings rests. Most precious among that loot are the Teeth of Gwahlur, jewels so valuable entire armies and kingdoms could be bought with them.
A competing band of foreign soldiers and one of local oracle worshippers are also in the area so Conan's treasure hunt has a touch of urgency and potential fisticuffs to it.
A short treasure hunt and ancient ruins exploration adventure, "Jewels of Gwahlur" (1935) is the fifteenth tale in the "Conan: Reaver, Mercenary, Conqueror, King, Cimmerian: The Collected Adventures of the World's Greatest Barbarian" collection published by Castenea.
Verdict: Essential for Conan fans because of his dealings with the woman Muriela, which are fairly comical, and because he's just kind of awesome, but the plot, action, suspenseful moments and twists in this episode are subpar.
Jeff's Rating: 2 / 5 (Okay)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
A competing band of foreign soldiers and one of local oracle worshippers are also in the area so Conan's treasure hunt has a touch of urgency and potential fisticuffs to it.
A short treasure hunt and ancient ruins exploration adventure, "Jewels of Gwahlur" (1935) is the fifteenth tale in the "Conan: Reaver, Mercenary, Conqueror, King, Cimmerian: The Collected Adventures of the World's Greatest Barbarian" collection published by Castenea.
Verdict: Essential for Conan fans because of his dealings with the woman Muriela, which are fairly comical, and because he's just kind of awesome, but the plot, action, suspenseful moments and twists in this episode are subpar.
Jeff's Rating: 2 / 5 (Okay)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
January 11, 2022
Treasure-hunting Conan becomes involved in a struggle among four factions to gain possession of a set of valuable jewels in a lost city. This is not prime Robert E. Howard, but it is still a better read than most of his compatriots in the pulp game could produce. It’s a bit of a mess with a sloppy plot that mashes up slave girls and oracles, ape men and armies. It is interesting to note that, despite the usual emphasis on Conan’s superhuman physical prowess, Howard takes time to highlight the Cimmerian’s intellectual capabilities as a master of language.
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November 23, 2018
Excelent Story 💕💕💕
December 7, 2023
This story by Howard, was first published in March,1935, in an issue of Weird Tales. Howard's original title for the story was 'The Servants of Bit-Yakin'. The Del Rey (a 3 volume set) edition of 'The Conquering Sword of Conan ' keeps Howard's original title. Read by the reader as 'The Jewels of Gwahlur' or 'Servants of Bit-Yakin', the story is a gem & worthy of 4 stars in my opinion.
February 4, 2026
Probably one of my favorite Conan stories Ive read yet. While it starts more or less as any Conan story does, him arriving in a new land to enrich himself, it turns into an almost Whodunnit mid heist. Howard also manages to do it in 4 chapters. This story also shows Conan isnt just a dumb brute, with his accumulated knowledge of ancient languages. Then of course theres the girl who hes forced to choose between her or the treasure he worked so hard for.
April 1, 2020
Driven solely by a thief's desire to get his musclebound mitts upon the fabled Teeth of Gwahlur, priceless jewels wrenched from 'the king of darkness, in the birth of the world,' Conan makes an audacious play to ingratiate himself with those who hold the secret to their whereabouts.
He soon finds himself outflanked by competitors with more political clout, rivals with their own agendas and help from the inside. Still, when have the odds against a venture ever mattered to Conan?
The Jewels of Gwahlur contains plenty of intrigue, a fuller mythology than usual and a more working-class damsel in distress than Conan usually knocks about with. For all that it's only a middling edition to the series.
The main problem is that Conan always seems to be one step behind the action, larking about in deserted corridors and underground pools when he should be cleaving skulls and demolishing demons.
Conan phoned this one in.
He soon finds himself outflanked by competitors with more political clout, rivals with their own agendas and help from the inside. Still, when have the odds against a venture ever mattered to Conan?
The Jewels of Gwahlur contains plenty of intrigue, a fuller mythology than usual and a more working-class damsel in distress than Conan usually knocks about with. For all that it's only a middling edition to the series.
The main problem is that Conan always seems to be one step behind the action, larking about in deserted corridors and underground pools when he should be cleaving skulls and demolishing demons.
Conan phoned this one in.
January 18, 2018
Do you like Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, and National Treasure? You'll LOVE the Jewels of Gwalhur. It starts out with Conan as a treasure hunter, and then throws you headfirst into deception, conniving, and power plays that'll keep you second guessing nearly every character.
Such a good story.
And once again, the parallels between this, Lovecraft, D&D, and everything, is tantalizing. If you're a gamer, you won't be able to get through this tale without the urgent need to play in this world, in this temple.
Brilliant. A fantastic Conan story.
Such a good story.
And once again, the parallels between this, Lovecraft, D&D, and everything, is tantalizing. If you're a gamer, you won't be able to get through this tale without the urgent need to play in this world, in this temple.
Brilliant. A fantastic Conan story.
May 7, 2016
Just a little snack of a book, but quite entertaining, a fast-paced adventure with Egyptian-type gods, priceless jewels, and a manly hero to swan around fighting and rescuing a buxom beauty.
July 10, 2009
It's hard to give Howard's original Conan stories less than five stars.
July 13, 2021
Seems to me this was one of Howard's easier books to write. He just rolled a Maguffin out towards the horizon and came up with a story of Conan chasing it. Sure starts easy involving climbing and meandering about looking for something or other. Then the girl gets dropped in and Conan is distracted from his mission. There's a bit of folderol of Conan acting like Perry Mason and it all ends as most Conan stories do.
I'm filing through these tales and still struck by Howard's inventiveness of another world with beings, sounding much like humans, in other-wordly structures. Would love to have seen what Howard might've produced if he'd lived another 30 years.
Still puzzled by the faddish mis-understanding of Howard's work as others write of "racism" and the like. Howard writes of somewhere, some-when else. Current faddish American name-calling being bandied about can not apply. Seems folks aren't reading Conan as Howard intended.
As usual Howard just doesn't know how to write of structures. At one point he writes of Conan being in a "bowl-like" area, but never explains that further or have Conan involved with scaling inclines, or the reverse, involving a bowl-like shape.
I rank this of one of the lesser tales I've read so-far.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 5 out of 5 points.
I'm filing through these tales and still struck by Howard's inventiveness of another world with beings, sounding much like humans, in other-wordly structures. Would love to have seen what Howard might've produced if he'd lived another 30 years.
Still puzzled by the faddish mis-understanding of Howard's work as others write of "racism" and the like. Howard writes of somewhere, some-when else. Current faddish American name-calling being bandied about can not apply. Seems folks aren't reading Conan as Howard intended.
As usual Howard just doesn't know how to write of structures. At one point he writes of Conan being in a "bowl-like" area, but never explains that further or have Conan involved with scaling inclines, or the reverse, involving a bowl-like shape.
I rank this of one of the lesser tales I've read so-far.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 5 out of 5 points.
September 11, 2020
The story of this writing of Conan is somewhat lazy plot-wise and felt like a scrambling of writing to just release Conan content for Weird Tales, then comes the representation of black people from the view of Howard himself in the worst way possible.
"The torches of the priests had vanished from the great hall outside – but one priest was still in the palace: Gwarunga. His wicked features were convulsed with fury, and he grasped the terrified Muriela by the throat, choking her efforts to scream and plead, shaking her brutally.
"Traitress!" Between his thick red lips his voice hissed like a cobra. "What game are you playing? Did not Zargheba tell you what to say? Aye, Thutmekri told me! Are you betraying your master, or is he betraying his friends through you? Slut! I'll twist off your false head—but first I'll—"
A widening of his captive's lovely eyes as she stared over his shoulder warned the huge black."
"The torches of the priests had vanished from the great hall outside – but one priest was still in the palace: Gwarunga. His wicked features were convulsed with fury, and he grasped the terrified Muriela by the throat, choking her efforts to scream and plead, shaking her brutally.
"Traitress!" Between his thick red lips his voice hissed like a cobra. "What game are you playing? Did not Zargheba tell you what to say? Aye, Thutmekri told me! Are you betraying your master, or is he betraying his friends through you? Slut! I'll twist off your false head—but first I'll—"
A widening of his captive's lovely eyes as she stared over his shoulder warned the huge black."
September 5, 2025
Conan ventures into the mysterious land of Keshan in search of the legendary Jewels of Gwahlur, said to be hidden in a long-abandoned temple. Posing as a prophet, he navigates a web of superstition, political intrigue, and ancient secrets. The temple holds more than treasure—it harbours eerie legends and unexpected dangers. As rival treasure hunters and local factions close in, Conan must rely on his cunning as much as his strength.
Jewels of Gwahlur is a masterfully paced tale that blends mystery, adventure, and suspense in classic Howard fashion. The setting is richly atmospheric, with the ancient temple and its haunting lore adding depth and tension throughout. Conan’s cleverness shines as much as his swordplay, making this a standout among his adventures. The plot twists near the end are genuinely surprising and elevate the story from a simple treasure hunt to a thrilling, layered narrative.
Jewels of Gwahlur is a masterfully paced tale that blends mystery, adventure, and suspense in classic Howard fashion. The setting is richly atmospheric, with the ancient temple and its haunting lore adding depth and tension throughout. Conan’s cleverness shines as much as his swordplay, making this a standout among his adventures. The plot twists near the end are genuinely surprising and elevate the story from a simple treasure hunt to a thrilling, layered narrative.
March 7, 2023
I listened to Altrusian Grace Media's audiobook version of this story. I found the "immersive" elements to be excessive but there was evident care put into the production and it was a fun listen overall.
Whilst it is easy to get swept up in Howard's wonderful storytelling the flow is broken and poisoned far too often with unsavoury racial shorthand and other racist elements.
It is always wonderful to see common and mundanely heroic sidekicks to Conan in these stories since they bring a level of engagement that no other aspects of power fantasy can. Muriela was great (in spite of the text's fascination with her bodily form).
March 25, 2023
Jewels of gwahlur
Another fantasy adventure Conan the Barbarian yarn by Robert E. Howard.
Short story
The Teeth of Gwahlur are legendary jewels, kept in an abandoned city. Conan, following legends of this treasure, has travelled to the lost city in an effort to obtain the jewels. That is the simple plot. The expanded plot has Conan involved in a struggle among four factions to gain possession of a set of valuable jewels, where supernatural gives way to intrigue, slave girls, oracles, and ape men.
Another fantasy adventure Conan the Barbarian yarn by Robert E. Howard.
Short story
The Teeth of Gwahlur are legendary jewels, kept in an abandoned city. Conan, following legends of this treasure, has travelled to the lost city in an effort to obtain the jewels. That is the simple plot. The expanded plot has Conan involved in a struggle among four factions to gain possession of a set of valuable jewels, where supernatural gives way to intrigue, slave girls, oracles, and ape men.
May 10, 2020
Conan seeks the (in)famous treasure of Keshia; the jewels of Gwahlur aka the Teeth of Gwahlur. In this exciting, epic action story one shall find death lurking in the shadows, blood, not so much sword fighting and thrilling moments where the Cimmerian protagonist struggles through stealth most of the times to overcome unseen, terrible foes and cunning human worshipers of ancient deities. One of Howard's classic tales of one of his well known heroes.
May 28, 2024
«Сокровища Гвалура» На этот раз Конан охотится за сокровищами. Для этого он попадает проникает в таинственную страну, в древней столице которой спрятаны «зубы гвалура» - таинственные сокровища. Вместе с танцовщицей Мегеей он пытается перехитрить других охотников за сокровищами и победить полуобезьян-полулюдей, охраняющих сокровища.
Истории о Конане очень кинематографичны, просто удивительно как еще не сняли сериал или мультфильм по его приключениям.
Истории о Конане очень кинематографичны, просто удивительно как еще не сняли сериал или мультфильм по его приключениям.
May 24, 2017
The first story was quite entertaining. The second in this book was annoying, as it was just getting interesting when it halted, an incomplete work. What is the point of including an incomplete work in a fine special volume. Regardless, this was set to receive 3 stars, but for the very nice paintings and illustrations throughout.
August 28, 2025
I really did not know what to expect from a Conan book, but this wasn’t it. I looked it up afterwards and saw this was rated in the bottom 3 of all of Howard’s Conan books. If I knew that before hand I would have started elsewhere where. Not to much to say other than that I will give Conan another shot, but this one was not for me.
September 23, 2023
Entertaining reading 📘
I read this as part of the Conan: The Barbarian complete collection in 2018
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. 2018
I read this as part of the Conan: The Barbarian complete collection in 2018
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. 2018
March 25, 2024
Conan goes on a somewhat formulaic and uninspired lustful looting expedition. A warning to the woke: the “N” word is used (negro) and
Black
isn’t capitalized, italicize, and in boldface.
May 2, 2024
Otra aventura de longitud media, rápida y bien elaborada. Es entretenida y tiene un buen final. El personaje femenino es el estándar de las otras historias, un poco insulso y extremadamente dependiente de la figura de Conan. Pero esto ya es marca de la casa, para bien o para mal...
December 9, 2024
Thew counter at 11.
This is a very excellent short story because the solution to the mystery is presented at the beginning without context. Everything falls into place as the reader discovers the truth of Alkmeenon alongside the Cimmerian. A lot of court intrigue on this one as well.
This is a very excellent short story because the solution to the mystery is presented at the beginning without context. Everything falls into place as the reader discovers the truth of Alkmeenon alongside the Cimmerian. A lot of court intrigue on this one as well.
February 21, 2025
For context: this is a Conan short-story.
It was great seeing Conan being outmatched for once. Him having to use stealth, deception, teamwork and smarts to get himself out of a situation was a breath of fresh air!
It was great seeing Conan being outmatched for once. Him having to use stealth, deception, teamwork and smarts to get himself out of a situation was a breath of fresh air!
June 3, 2017
A traiditional adventrue tale with Conan thrown in as the Allan Quatermain role. Treasure, damsel in distress, and fighting your way to freedom. Still, did not feel like a real Conan story.
January 15, 2020
Never thought I would read a Conan related book. Found the Audio version, and thought I would give it a go. Started a little slow with a lot of scenery descriptions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews