From the Bookshelf of Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy"…

The Mask of the Sorcerer

Darrell Schweitzer

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What Members Thought

Nov 24, 2021 Joseph rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Is anyone other than Darrell Schweitzer even working in this vein right now? This book (which has been one of my favorites since I grabbed a used British paperback off the shelf at Uncle Hugo's 30-ish years ago; I recognized Schweitzer's name as one of the editors of the then-ongoing Terminus revival of Weird Tales magazine) is very much 1930s weird fantasy, sort of in the vein of Clark Ashton Smith.

This is the autobiography of Sekenre, sorcerer and son of a sorcerer, who grows up in the City of ...more

13 likes · Like · see review

Mar 06, 2016 Richard rated it it was amazing

This is hands down my favorite book. I've read it multiple times. I had the luxury to acquire mine through a mail order book club in the '90's and the cover is much more appealing than the current one. This book clearly defines the difference between Sorcerer and Magician. Both terms get bandied about in fantasy, but Schweitzer nails it on the head. "Sorcery is not magic. Do not confuse the two. Magic comes from the gods, The magician is merely the instrument. Magic passes through him like brea ...more

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Jan 07, 2012 S.E. Lindberg rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed-by-se, weird-fiction

This will appeal to weird fiction readers who are looking for Lovecraftian atmosphere in an adventure novel form. This is not Sword & Sorcery, but will appeal to that same crowd (it is very dark…all sorcery).

This will NOT appeal to readers looking for soap-opera fantasy, young-adult fantasy, or a light read.

The first three Chapters were amongst the most bizarre, inspiring fantasy bits I have ever read. The pace slows after, but by then I was emotional connected to Sekenre’s character. Note, it ...more

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Sep 28, 2016 Derek rated it really liked it

The story defied my expectations at the very beginning, and continued to do so the entire way through. It manages to be both intricate and fever-dream delirious, and pummels the protagonist and the reader mercilessly. This is not an easy book to enjoy but an easy one to admire. I see myself rereading this in order to pull out more meaning and connections not readily apparent now.

It has a cosmic scale--Senkenre's life transcends mere human experience--but it is still more about his real quest of ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

May 09, 2012 Davide rated it it was amazing

Probably one of the most original and touching fantasy novels read in years.
The world is magic and it captures the reader.
The plot is complex and highly satisfactory.
The characters are fascinating.
And the writing is absolutely perfect.
An excellent book, a novel that deserves thehighest praise.

1 like · Like · see review