Clint’s
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(group member since Jul 26, 2017)
Clint’s
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from the Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy" group.
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Damn autocorrect: last sentence should read Oron performs the same act later in the story
One of the many anthologies I am picking at, _The Mighty Warriors_ edited by Robert M. Price, includes the short story “The Shadow of Dia-Sust” by David C. Smith. It is the first Oron story written in a few decades. I have read _Oron_ and the sequel (the title of which escapes me at the moment). I own, but have never read the three prequel Oron stories. I’m not sure where this story fits into the timeline, obviously before _Oron_.
It was enjoyable. Oron has a destiny, something against the standards of S&S as I interpret the definition; however, it has some solid S&S chops. No spoilers, but the ss deals with vengeance (in a horrific manor at tale’s end) and plays with the concept of leadership.
Minor spoiler: Oron at story start is part of a mercenary group. The leader of which prefers to get rid of any which might challenge him in the future. Ironically, if not by choice, Oron performs the same act Latin the story
I would encourage anyone who wants to read David C. Smith (a good decision in any case) to consider _Robert E. Howard: A Literary Biography_. It sits happily upon my shelf next to Mark Finn’s _Blood & Thunder_.
I think tonight I will dive into Tales From the Magicians Skull #4
I like the idea, but I’m too lazy and have too many commitment issues to volunteer.
@Joseph. Amen. The halcyon days of darkness
@Myron I’m pretty sporadic at best about leaving reviews. I enjoyed the book. It’s cover is old school greatness. The stories are all enjoyable, some better than others. I would not call it a good jumping in point for anyone unfamiliar with S&S, as these aren’t the best S&S I’ve read, but for the initiated, this collection is great.
I just finished reading the Conan pastiche. I saved it up until all 12 parts were finished. I started reading them as the comic came out, but 3 to 4 weeks between 3 page entries was too long of a wait for me. However, having all 36 pages available, it was a fun read and well done pastiche. Based upon the strength of it, I look forward to reading more Oden.
Gotrek & Felix: The First Omnibus with its focus on skaven comes to mind.
Renegade Swords. My first DMR book, and based upon the quality so far, not my last.
The Best of Heroic Fantasy Quarterly V 2
Congratulations Stan. I will have to find a copy to read
Sword & Soul would make a great group read
@Skallagrimse, good choice
I have not yet answered my own question because it’s difficult! But here is my shot:1. The Tower of the Elephant, this is such a great S&S story. It has action, cosmic elements. By far my favorite Conan yarn.
2. The Worms of the Earth, perhaps my favorite REH story period. Horror, vengeance and the consequences of vengeance.
3. Pigeons from Hell, atmospheric horror with Howard’s gift of bringing time and location to life.
4. The Mirrors of Tuzun Thune, really brings the brooding figure of Kull forefront.
I would say 1-3 are always on my list of favorite REH takes, 4+ changes daily.
If purists had their way in the late 60’s early 70’s, Marvel comics never would have published their Conan comics. I consider the pastiche produced by Roy Thomas and various artists to include Barry Windsor Smith, John Buscema and Ernie Chan to be some of the most entertaining Conan/REH pastiche.
REH’s use of color: so I spent time trying to find a snazzy quote by Smith, and I know one exists, but the best I could find (paraphrasing): REH writes in Technicolor. It’s true of some of his best writing. Much has been said of his literary style, but not too much has been said of his use of color. It’s not something he always does, but REH will pick a pallet for his stories and using repetition of those colors he “paints” a picture.
He might choose red and gray (and I don’t know if it’s something he intended, most likely he is describing how he sees something in his imagination). He will repeat the use of the colors on his chosen pallet throughout his descriptions. He does it well in “Red Shadows”. Typically, I’ve noticed his chosen pallet consists of one, two at most, colors and perhaps a few variant shades of.
I’m still reading volume 1 of The Best of Robert E Howard Crimson Shadows. Granted, I’m not yet taking volume 2 into account; however, while I (as an REH fan) am enjoying it, I don’t think it would be a good book to hand to an REH newb.
Which got me thinking: narrow it to four stories (yes ignore poetry and letters for now). Four stories that you would hand to someone totally new to REH and say “read these. These are why I am an REH fan”.
Which four stories do you choose and why?
