The Desert of Souls (The Chronicles of Sword and Sand #1) in Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy"

Nov 28, 2012 S.E. Lindberg rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: epic-fantasy, sword-sorcery-group-authors, reviewed-by-se

”I have seldom met a man who so feared taking up a pen.” – So speaks a fortune teller to the hero Asim in “The Desert of Souls”

H.A. Jones is a Writer and Swordsman: If Howard A. Jones had any fear of taking up a pen to write, I am glad he overcame it. He has long held a passion for action fiction and throughout his career has re-introduced readers to Harold Lamb, moderated Sword and Sorcery websites, and edited the Dark Fantasy magazine Blackgate. With Desert of Souls he demonstrates his abilit ...more

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Sep 06, 2020 Jason Ray Carney rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sword-and-sorcery, arabian-nights, historical-fantasy

This is such a compelling sword and sorcery novel. I first read Jones' sword and sorcery tale, "The Second Death of Hanuvar" (*From the Magician's Skull #3*), loved it, and so was eager to read one of his novels. So, my expectations were high to begin with. And they were transcended. Why?The characters, Asim and Dabir, are so satisfying and unique as sword and sorcery protagonists. Dabir is a scholar: objective, detached, and meticulous in comportment; Asim is a warrior: he acts agressively, int This is such a compelling sword and sorcery novel. I first read Jones' sword and sorcery tale, "The Second Death of Hanuvar" (*From the Magician's Skull #3*), loved it, and so was eager to read one of his novels. So, my expectations were high to begin with. And they were transcended. Why?The characters, Asim and Dabir, are so satisfying and unique as sword and sorcery protagonists. Dabir is a scholar: objective, detached, and meticulous in comportment; Asim is a warrior: he acts agressively, intuitively, and without guile, and is as deadly in swift swordplay as a viper. But here's the source of their distinctiveness: both characters are duty-bound to their master and the Caliphate, and, higher still, to an unyielding system of ethical values: honor, friendship, and compassion (a surprising set for s&s heroes, you might wonder). Indeed, unlike the profligate Conan, the moody Elric, or the villainous Kane, Dabir and Asim are selfless and self-effacing. But, despite this, they are undoubtedly part of the s&s tradition and even personify its dual dynamics. (1) Sorcery: Dabir studies ancient lore and sorcerous cosmology, but he is no Elric; (2) Sword: Asim is a warrior who acts without overthinking, but he is no Clonan. Even more, the plot does not allow these characters to easily hew to their principles like knights. Without spoiling the plot, let is suffice to say that Jones provides intriguing moral/ethical crucibles for his heroic protagonists to navigate, in addition to supernatural s&s enemies like undead lions, spectral cities, giant serpents, and flame-throwing sorcerers. The setting is vivid and immersive, and informed by an obvious love of Islamic and Arabic mythology and literature, and, important for me, it is rendered with an economy of language without arresting the thrust of the plot; the narrative moves forward with momentum and the establishment of setting, culture, and atmosphere doesn't slow things down. If long political deliberations in council chambers are your thing, this novel might not be for you. Finally, the prose is precise and skillfully modulates to theme. In opening scenes, in the fair weather among pleasure gardens and chirping birds--when the characters are yet to engage in adventure--the prose and dialog is restrained and crystal clear; but when the action starts, the prose changes, becomes lyrical and blade sharp, almost as if mirroring the dynamism of the battles. In one memorable scene of the ultra-bizzare and the "extra-dimensional," Jones achieves a kind of fever dream-like effect of unreality. If my descriptions give the impression that this is an over-artful/overwrought novel, let me conclude by assuring you... it is not: to the contrary, it is an enthralling and joyful tale of mystery, daring, wonder, and adventure. ...more

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Aug 16, 2022 Michael rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction-fantasy, fiction

This is a highly enjoyable desert-based sword&sorcery novel. I loved it. Set in a sort of "Arabian nights" 8th century Baghdad, the story is told from the point of view of a warrior who ends up on a crazy quest to stop a mad wizard from destroying the Caliphate. Great magic that is not overdone; fun monsters, and highly likable characters. I got some great ideas for my D&D game! Looking forward to the next one. ...more

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