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Robert Jordan's Conan Novels #3
Conan the Unconquered
Book by Jordan, Robert
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
21 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
Robert Jordan
681 books17.2k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney, Jr., under which he was best known as the author of the bestselling The Wheel of Time fantasy series. He also wrote under the names Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly.
Jordan was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He served two tours in Vietnam (from 1968 to 1970) with the United States Army as a helicopter gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" and bronze oak leaf cluster, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses with palm. After returning from Vietnam he attended The Citadel where he received an undergraduate degree in physics. After graduating he was employed by the United States Navy as a nuclear engineer. He began writing in 1977. He was a history buff and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, poker, chess, pool, and pipe collecting.
He described himself as a "High Church" Episcopalian and received communion more than once a week. He lived with his wife Harriet McDougal, who works as a book editor (currently with Tor Books; she was also Jordan's editor) in a house built in 1797.
Responding to queries on the similarity of some of the concepts in his Wheel of Time books with Freemasonry concepts, Jordan admitted that he was a Freemason. However, "like his father and grandfather," he preferred not to advertise, possibly because of the negative propaganda against Freemasonry. In his own words, "no man in this country should feel in danger because of his beliefs."
On March 23, 2006, Jordan disclosed in a statement that he had been diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, and that with treatment, his median life expectancy was four years, though he said he intended to beat the statistics. He later posted on his Dragonmount blog to encourage his fans not to worry about him and that he intended to have a long and fully creative life.
He began chemotherapy treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in early April 2006. Jordan was enrolled in a study using the drug Revlimid just approved for multiple myeloma but not yet tested on primary amyloidosis.
Jordan died at approximately 2:45 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2007, and a funeral service was held for him on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Jordan was cremated and his ashes buried in the churchyard of St. James Church in Goose Creek, outside Charleston.
Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney, Jr., under which he was best known as the author of the bestselling The Wheel of Time fantasy series. He also wrote under the names Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly.
Jordan was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He served two tours in Vietnam (from 1968 to 1970) with the United States Army as a helicopter gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" and bronze oak leaf cluster, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses with palm. After returning from Vietnam he attended The Citadel where he received an undergraduate degree in physics. After graduating he was employed by the United States Navy as a nuclear engineer. He began writing in 1977. He was a history buff and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, poker, chess, pool, and pipe collecting.
He described himself as a "High Church" Episcopalian and received communion more than once a week. He lived with his wife Harriet McDougal, who works as a book editor (currently with Tor Books; she was also Jordan's editor) in a house built in 1797.
Responding to queries on the similarity of some of the concepts in his Wheel of Time books with Freemasonry concepts, Jordan admitted that he was a Freemason. However, "like his father and grandfather," he preferred not to advertise, possibly because of the negative propaganda against Freemasonry. In his own words, "no man in this country should feel in danger because of his beliefs."
On March 23, 2006, Jordan disclosed in a statement that he had been diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, and that with treatment, his median life expectancy was four years, though he said he intended to beat the statistics. He later posted on his Dragonmount blog to encourage his fans not to worry about him and that he intended to have a long and fully creative life.
He began chemotherapy treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in early April 2006. Jordan was enrolled in a study using the drug Revlimid just approved for multiple myeloma but not yet tested on primary amyloidosis.
Jordan died at approximately 2:45 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2007, and a funeral service was held for him on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Jordan was cremated and his ashes buried in the churchyard of St. James Church in Goose Creek, outside Charleston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 17, 2023
Pues ha sido una lectura algo irregular con tramos de gran ritmo y otros que no.
Aquí, como en el tomo anterior, no sigue el orden cronológico y Conan es mas joven de cuando si se seguía el orden, aquí es todavía bastante joven, veintitantos.
Sinopsis: En Aghrapur, la ciudad más poderosa y corrupta del mar de Vilayet, Conan se ve mezclado en las intrigas de una voluptuosa mujer aficionada a jugar con los hombres más poderosos de la nación, y en las abominables brujerías de un nigromante que quiere extraer del Caos primordial el poder supremo.
Valoración: 6.5/10
A por el siguiente!!
Aquí, como en el tomo anterior, no sigue el orden cronológico y Conan es mas joven de cuando si se seguía el orden, aquí es todavía bastante joven, veintitantos.
Sinopsis: En Aghrapur, la ciudad más poderosa y corrupta del mar de Vilayet, Conan se ve mezclado en las intrigas de una voluptuosa mujer aficionada a jugar con los hombres más poderosos de la nación, y en las abominables brujerías de un nigromante que quiere extraer del Caos primordial el poder supremo.
Valoración: 6.5/10
A por el siguiente!!
March 5, 2023
This is a fun Conan romp, as Jordan continued flexing his muscles and honing his skills before he started turning The Wheel. It reads with the exuberance of Howard (perhaps an over-exuberant Howard), as Conan faces an evil sorcerer who commands an army of the living dead. He has some fun companions who exchange some amusing, witty quips, and it has a bit more that the traditionally required dose of sex and violence for an '80s Swords'n'Sorcery epic.
February 18, 2013
If you’re not averse to prose so purple you can name a band after it, a lot of “ravishing of wenches”, the casual cleaving of skulls and assorted “mutterings and cursings” there is much to be enjoyed about this novel. I especially loved the “gangrenous” monster.
I’m going to go out on a severed limb here and give this four stars. Noooo, it’s not a good novel by any definition of the word, except perhaps if “rowdiness” or “excess” forms part of the equation. However, it sure brings back memories of the heyday of pulp fiction. Robert Jordan writes Conan like Robert E. Howard did. Only more so.
The supporting cast deserves a mention, notably Sharak and Akeba. Their bantering amused me no end. I’m easy to please, no doubt, but if you are a Conan fan and you’ve already devoured the Robert E. Howard catalog, you can do far worse than giving Robert Jordan’s adaptations a try.
I’m going to go out on a severed limb here and give this four stars. Noooo, it’s not a good novel by any definition of the word, except perhaps if “rowdiness” or “excess” forms part of the equation. However, it sure brings back memories of the heyday of pulp fiction. Robert Jordan writes Conan like Robert E. Howard did. Only more so.
The supporting cast deserves a mention, notably Sharak and Akeba. Their bantering amused me no end. I’m easy to please, no doubt, but if you are a Conan fan and you’ve already devoured the Robert E. Howard catalog, you can do far worse than giving Robert Jordan’s adaptations a try.
September 16, 2023
In the author's third book about our dear barbarian hero, we find again the classic pattern of personal gain seeking that is interrupted by more altruistic pursuits because as much as he wants to look cruel and selfish, he has a more sensitive side that drives him into good deeds, especially if they are related to helping some unhappy female beings. So he embarks on an adventure against hostile warriors and magical powers that have the ability to subdue the whole world. From then on, I imagine it's not a spoiler to say that this story ends with Conan once again free and penniless.
All this is done in a book where the author has clearly found his rhythm and without difficulty creates interesting stories, using all the cliches in a more creative way. It contains a particularly fascinating story, with a multi-stage journey that each presents itself with a separate danger - or a very erotic woman - and all this offers us hours of escape and enjoyment. As for the influence then on, I have the impression that Conan is starting to remind me of someone.
Στο τρίτο βιβλίο του συγγραφέα για τον αγαπητό μας βάρβαρο ήρωα, συναντάμε πάλι το κλασικό μοτίβο της αναζήτησης προσωπικού κέρδους που διακόπτεται από περισσότερο αλτρουιστικές επιδιώξεις καθώς όσο και αν θέλει να φαίνεται σκληρός και εγωιστής, έχει και μία πιο ευαίσθητη πλευρά που τον παρασύρει σε καλές πράξεις, Ειδικά αν αυτές έχουν σχέση με τη βοήθεια σε μερικές δυστυχισμένες θηλυκές υπάρξεις. Έτσι μπλέκει σε μία περιπέτεια απέναντι σε εχθρικούς πολεμιστές και μαγικές δυνάμεις που έχουν τη δυνατότητα να υποτάξουν ολόκληρο τον κόσμο. Από εκεί και πέρα φαντάζομαι ότι δεν είναι spoiler ότι η κατάληξη αυτής της ιστορίας είναι με τον Κόναν πάλι ελεύθερο και απένταρο.
Όλα αυτά γίνονται σε ένα βιβλίο όπου συγγραφέας έχει βρει ξεκάθαρα το ρυθμό του και χωρίς πρόβλημα δημιουργεί ενδιαφέρουσες ιστορίες, χρησιμοποιώντας όλα τα κλισέ με περισσότερο δημιουργικό τρόπο. Περιέχει μία ιδιαίτερα συναρπαστική ιστορία, με ένα ταξίδι σε πολλά στάδια που σε κάθε ένα παρουσιάζεται ένας ακόμα ξεχωριστός κίνδυνος - ή μία πολύ ερωτική γυναίκα - και όλο αυτό μας προσφέρει μερικές ώρες απόδρασης και απόλαυσης. Όσο για την επιρροή στη συνέχεια, έχω την εντύπωση ότι ο Κόναν αρχίζει κάποιον να μου θυμίζει.
All this is done in a book where the author has clearly found his rhythm and without difficulty creates interesting stories, using all the cliches in a more creative way. It contains a particularly fascinating story, with a multi-stage journey that each presents itself with a separate danger - or a very erotic woman - and all this offers us hours of escape and enjoyment. As for the influence then on, I have the impression that Conan is starting to remind me of someone.
Στο τρίτο βιβλίο του συγγραφέα για τον αγαπητό μας βάρβαρο ήρωα, συναντάμε πάλι το κλασικό μοτίβο της αναζήτησης προσωπικού κέρδους που διακόπτεται από περισσότερο αλτρουιστικές επιδιώξεις καθώς όσο και αν θέλει να φαίνεται σκληρός και εγωιστής, έχει και μία πιο ευαίσθητη πλευρά που τον παρασύρει σε καλές πράξεις, Ειδικά αν αυτές έχουν σχέση με τη βοήθεια σε μερικές δυστυχισμένες θηλυκές υπάρξεις. Έτσι μπλέκει σε μία περιπέτεια απέναντι σε εχθρικούς πολεμιστές και μαγικές δυνάμεις που έχουν τη δυνατότητα να υποτάξουν ολόκληρο τον κόσμο. Από εκεί και πέρα φαντάζομαι ότι δεν είναι spoiler ότι η κατάληξη αυτής της ιστορίας είναι με τον Κόναν πάλι ελεύθερο και απένταρο.
Όλα αυτά γίνονται σε ένα βιβλίο όπου συγγραφέας έχει βρει ξεκάθαρα το ρυθμό του και χωρίς πρόβλημα δημιουργεί ενδιαφέρουσες ιστορίες, χρησιμοποιώντας όλα τα κλισέ με περισσότερο δημιουργικό τρόπο. Περιέχει μία ιδιαίτερα συναρπαστική ιστορία, με ένα ταξίδι σε πολλά στάδια που σε κάθε ένα παρουσιάζεται ένας ακόμα ξεχωριστός κίνδυνος - ή μία πολύ ερωτική γυναίκα - και όλο αυτό μας προσφέρει μερικές ώρες απόδρασης και απόλαυσης. Όσο για την επιρροή στη συνέχεια, έχω την εντύπωση ότι ο Κόναν αρχίζει κάποιον να μου θυμίζει.
January 19, 2019
This frustrated me less than the last volume, but it has its own problems. The main issue is that it is just really boring. I am an insomniac and usually have to take a sleep aid in order to even consider sleeping, so when I find myself nodding off while reading a book then I know there is a problem.
Also, I have always heard that Jordan didn't "get" Conan, and from reading all of his pastiches I am beginning to understand why people say that.
Also, I have always heard that Jordan didn't "get" Conan, and from reading all of his pastiches I am beginning to understand why people say that.
January 14, 2024
A good, not great, fast-paced Conan novel. The plotting felt odd - it seemed like there was a side quest with no motivating factor except for a plot convenience that came later.
June 16, 2019
what more, indeed?
as this one has one screw too many
conan is the double-oh-seven of barbarians
as this one has one screw too many
conan is the double-oh-seven of barbarians
July 29, 2023
I rather enjoyed this. While not as good as Howard. It's much better than any of the others I have read. Especially the newest one out! Jordan in my opinion has captured more of a Howard feel than anyone else. I'll be checking out more of his Conan work for sure.
March 7, 2021
Conan rocks up in Aghrapur, which is home to a sect innocuously called "The Cult of Doom", with catchphrases of the form "Blessed be holy chaos. Blessed be disorder, confusion, and anarchy". It's very popular among the locals. But, surprisingly enough, the leader of the sect is not a man of peace but a nefarious villain with an ill-defined plan to rule the world, which he plans to effect with a motley array of superpowers such as listening to gossip, raising the dead at points of the story where they do no harm, and two assassins who can kill by touch alone (the utility of which is limited by their refusal to use weapons). As usual, Conan doesn't have a plan. He steals a trinket from the cult because an astrologer told him to, travels to Hyrkania for reasons, then comes back and kills everyone, loosing yet another demon to roam free in the process.
Only book three, and we already hit what I hope is the nadir of sitcom-Conan. See Conan get flustered over girls! See girls get flustered over Conan! See nomads surprised at the idea of riding with a spare mount! See a geezer and a nympho thrown in for comic relief! And ask yourself what the hell did you just read.
Only book three, and we already hit what I hope is the nadir of sitcom-Conan. See Conan get flustered over girls! See girls get flustered over Conan! See nomads surprised at the idea of riding with a spare mount! See a geezer and a nympho thrown in for comic relief! And ask yourself what the hell did you just read.
April 26, 2024
Dear Mr. Jordan,
You might remember me: we spent a long time slogging through the middle part of the Wheel of Time together. I’ve been a big fan. And I love Conan. So we need to talk. Yes, I know you’re dead, and you wrote these books a long time ago, but Bob (can I call you Bob?), there are some issues. I know that Conan stories don’t have a lot of strong female characters. Or many female characters that deserve the word. But Bob, they don’t all have to be naked most of the time. And the sexual violence is a little much (I know, it’s like Game of Thrones, that’s how it was, except this is fantasy, so it doesn’t have to be, and it certainly doesn’t have to be in here). Maybe it’s just because I read three of these in four days, but the thing Conan does where he says he’s going to lay with a woman, and she says “no,” so he says, “I’ll stop if you ask me,” and then she doesn’t… it’s not great. Little rapey, to be honest. And it happens multiple times. And maybe don’t have quite so many women mind-controlled into doing things that they definitely don’t want to do? Maybe it’s a trope, but when it keeps coming up, people are going to start looking askance, Bob, and we don’t want that.
Anyway, good talk. You nailed the Weird Tales vibe, and there’s some positively Jack Vance-ian phrasing in there, so we can definitely do better.
Thanks,
Dan
You might remember me: we spent a long time slogging through the middle part of the Wheel of Time together. I’ve been a big fan. And I love Conan. So we need to talk. Yes, I know you’re dead, and you wrote these books a long time ago, but Bob (can I call you Bob?), there are some issues. I know that Conan stories don’t have a lot of strong female characters. Or many female characters that deserve the word. But Bob, they don’t all have to be naked most of the time. And the sexual violence is a little much (I know, it’s like Game of Thrones, that’s how it was, except this is fantasy, so it doesn’t have to be, and it certainly doesn’t have to be in here). Maybe it’s just because I read three of these in four days, but the thing Conan does where he says he’s going to lay with a woman, and she says “no,” so he says, “I’ll stop if you ask me,” and then she doesn’t… it’s not great. Little rapey, to be honest. And it happens multiple times. And maybe don’t have quite so many women mind-controlled into doing things that they definitely don’t want to do? Maybe it’s a trope, but when it keeps coming up, people are going to start looking askance, Bob, and we don’t want that.
Anyway, good talk. You nailed the Weird Tales vibe, and there’s some positively Jack Vance-ian phrasing in there, so we can definitely do better.
Thanks,
Dan
August 24, 2024
This was a good novel belonging to the sword and sorcery subgenre within fantasy. It had evil sorcerer, all sorts of villains, lusty wenches aplenty, lots of insinuated or overt hot-blooded action.
It also had Conan. But his role was as prominent as that of an extra in a movie with multiple stars.
The plot is derived, if not outright scavenged from Howard's canon and some of the pioneering pastiches. As a result, despite being a modestly light read, it felt tired.
If these were cult classics, it’s understandable as to why S & S had almost died by the end of eighties. Nevertheless, I shall pursue Jordan's works to see if...
Conan, as depicted by him, remains a larger-than-life character ONLY ON THE COVER, or not.
It also had Conan. But his role was as prominent as that of an extra in a movie with multiple stars.
The plot is derived, if not outright scavenged from Howard's canon and some of the pioneering pastiches. As a result, despite being a modestly light read, it felt tired.
If these were cult classics, it’s understandable as to why S & S had almost died by the end of eighties. Nevertheless, I shall pursue Jordan's works to see if...
Conan, as depicted by him, remains a larger-than-life character ONLY ON THE COVER, or not.
January 4, 2009
I read a lot of Conan pastiches once upon a time, and generally enjoyed most of them OK. Robert Jordan wrote a bunch before he started The Wheel of Time.
None of these are really Howard's Conan and might have been better about a different character, although they probably wouldn't have been published then.
None of these are really Howard's Conan and might have been better about a different character, although they probably wouldn't have been published then.
September 12, 2016
Try to get the edition with yellow letters cover, since some of these books are edited and the story gets watered down. https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=h... here is this right cover I had.
I only say this because conan the fearless was clearly edited to be less spicy in a recent edition I bought to re read.
This is one of the best TOR conan novels, made by authors in Robert E Howards Hyborean universe.
Oddly dying earth like. One idea is that civilization has risen and fallen many times.
The good edition has no mention of poison in relation to the deadly ninjas who can kill with a touch.
That makes it so much more fearsome and awesome.
Is it the quivering palm of D&D?
Is it nerve blow?
Chi death psionics?
no one knows!!
The chaos magic is very Moorcockian.
Dimensional rifts very D&D as well.
perry and maddox roberts and for this one, jordan are best howard copycats.
more info on great stuff:
Conan The Fearless (Conan)
by Steve Perry
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 12, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1991
PS avoid the expurgated version with the horned demon on front
someone edited the story down to be less spicy
basssaaattdz
john maddox roberts
steve perry
rob jordan
best tor conan novel writers
best stuff outside robert e howards original stuff, which i think peaked with the scarlet citadel, but hek its all awesome
robert e howard is the greatest author of all time
only moorcock/vance/ae van vogt keep him undisputed greatest author EVER
more for great leads on scifi awesomeness among all the crap:
The Silver Spike (The Chronicles of the Black Company, #3.5)
by Glen Cook
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 12, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1999
You could read glen cook's silver spike in isolation.
Its that good.
Very D&D, palladium fantasy rpg, jack vance the dying earth!
Then you can go back and enjoy the black company 1-3 spike is 3.5
after that its downhill, I never liked rest of cooks stuff...maybe I should re visit.....
other gems:
In Yana, the Touch of Undying
by Michael Shea
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2014
Pretty wild n raw series of adventures in jack vance dying earth universe.
A dose of comedy and just desserts to those who are basards is ever present.
Just like Vancian tales.
Great stuff.
Hil vampires, demons, giants, witches, undead with crazy powers, evil pirates, mysteries, and uneasy aliiances.
Wish more written like it.
other leads for those hungery for GOOD scifi!:
Stormbringer (Elric, #6)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
Team Jagreen Lern, wow what a pissed bad guy!! I wish there was a novel series by u moorcock about the beginnings and rise of jagreen!!!
The Vanishing Tower (Elric, #4)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
beware voilodion ghagnasdiak!
you have stuumbled upon one of the great works of written art
some of best stuff ever written in fighting fantasy
would be 10movie series and best box office if made into film without social justice bs added
there is enuf moralizing trust me
The Sailor on the Seas of Fate (Elric, #2)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
ever meet your clone from another of the universes in the multiverse? and have to join forces to defeat evil on a galactic scale?
strap yourself in
Elric of Melniboné (Elric, #1)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
When Moocock is not hirign ghostwriters for his later stuff, he is arguably the greatest author of all time.
Elric was so good you can reread it 100 times and it tastes as good as the first time.
Just thuderously awesome.
Only Jack Vance, AE van VOGT, and robert e howard himself even come close.
Enjoy, but stick to elric 1-6 corum 1-3 and hawkmoon 1-3
The rest are ghostwriten.
The Great Explosion
by Eric Frank Russell
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2014
also read the great explosion by eric frank russel:
Is criminality nature or nurture?
Do we need clothes?
ARe you dirty minded?
whats a antigand?
whats the weapon?
why do we take orders from fat burocrats?
read and find out! ton of fun awaits!
other leads for you noobs:
Voyage from Yesteryear
by James P. Hogan
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2014
Ayn rand was right about everything, youtube yaron brook.
Wow this novel is wicked awesome!
Stop regulating and everyone is happy!
other scifi leads, thank me later:
Moorcock Vance Howard Gygax AE VAN VOGT oh my!!!! you could make 10 movies at least and whole video game franchises and MMPORGS based on the black company universe!!
Goldmine of very orginial combinations of ass kicking fighting fantasy!
other tips and leads:
The Black Company (The Chronicles of the Black Company, #1)
by Glen Cook
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2004
For those of you who are discovering awesome scifi not pushed by socialists, I salute you.
Glen Cooks amazing The Silver Spike black company 3.5, was my intro, then I backfilled 1-3 after spike I think he had ghostwriter because it falls off bigtime. BUT while it lasts WOW cook was ON like few others!!!!
VERY D&D VERY palladium RPG
brilliant really to mix Dying earth with small squad military, amazing no VIDEO GAME or movies based on this!!!! ASTOUNDING IN FACT
while crap from orson scott card and philip k dick gets made...although total recall with arnold was good as well as blade runner, but some of the other dicks are thumping bad
here are some other pointers:
The Lure of the Basilisk (The Lords of Dûs, #1)
by Lawrence Watt-Evans (Goodreads Author)
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2009
Very palladium rpg or D&D.
Cool ideas, a bit dying earth with wizards creating a race? superscience? sorcery?
Great in that the individual has goals and seeks them.
Wish evans wrote more, or did he and I haven't checked?
Tales of the Dying Earth by Jack Vance U 50x66 Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review Sep 11, 2016 · edit i
Tales of the Dying Earth
by Jack Vance
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2012
Arguably the best book ever written. Endlessly re reable. A classic that should be used in schools instead of drivel like Jayne Eyre and other goblin shit. Combines humor, vast worldbuilding, and wit with amazing plots and endless creativity. Did I menion it inspired the entire role playing game industry? starting with dungeons and dragons? Jack Vance is arguably the greatest author ever, with only Robert E Howard himself, AE Van Vogt, and Michael Moorcock at his very best with Erlic 1-6 Corum 1-3 and Hawkmoon 1-3 to contend. SO much better than Heinlein Azimov Card Vinge and others who are bandied about as good. Eric frank russel the great explosion, hogan with voyage to yesteryear, cook with black company 1-3, silver spike and lawrence watt evan with lords of dus bring a little of the magic feel you get from Vance. If only he had written more in the early period. Even Vanc'e later dying earth stuff is nowhere near the VAst Vast worldbuilding power of the originals. Just mind blowing. And you never hear of it. I believe this is because of socialist education and democrats. Vance in hsi space operas envisions a lightly regualted hotel and resort universe with conniving bureaucrats. This must bug pissy lefty librarians. Well now you know despite the coverup!! enjoy!
I think any public library system without a full collection of AE van Vogt, Robert E Howard, and JAck Vance should be all fired. They should also at least have the Moorcocks listed previously. and for you noobs yes get Tom baker the 4th doctor who videos. They along with 1982 the thing, alien 2, and the first 3 star wars will complete a basic good scifi collection.
I only say this because conan the fearless was clearly edited to be less spicy in a recent edition I bought to re read.
This is one of the best TOR conan novels, made by authors in Robert E Howards Hyborean universe.
Oddly dying earth like. One idea is that civilization has risen and fallen many times.
The good edition has no mention of poison in relation to the deadly ninjas who can kill with a touch.
That makes it so much more fearsome and awesome.
Is it the quivering palm of D&D?
Is it nerve blow?
Chi death psionics?
no one knows!!
The chaos magic is very Moorcockian.
Dimensional rifts very D&D as well.
perry and maddox roberts and for this one, jordan are best howard copycats.
more info on great stuff:
Conan The Fearless (Conan)
by Steve Perry
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 12, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1991
PS avoid the expurgated version with the horned demon on front
someone edited the story down to be less spicy
basssaaattdz
john maddox roberts
steve perry
rob jordan
best tor conan novel writers
best stuff outside robert e howards original stuff, which i think peaked with the scarlet citadel, but hek its all awesome
robert e howard is the greatest author of all time
only moorcock/vance/ae van vogt keep him undisputed greatest author EVER
more for great leads on scifi awesomeness among all the crap:
The Silver Spike (The Chronicles of the Black Company, #3.5)
by Glen Cook
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 12, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1999
You could read glen cook's silver spike in isolation.
Its that good.
Very D&D, palladium fantasy rpg, jack vance the dying earth!
Then you can go back and enjoy the black company 1-3 spike is 3.5
after that its downhill, I never liked rest of cooks stuff...maybe I should re visit.....
other gems:
In Yana, the Touch of Undying
by Michael Shea
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2014
Pretty wild n raw series of adventures in jack vance dying earth universe.
A dose of comedy and just desserts to those who are basards is ever present.
Just like Vancian tales.
Great stuff.
Hil vampires, demons, giants, witches, undead with crazy powers, evil pirates, mysteries, and uneasy aliiances.
Wish more written like it.
other leads for those hungery for GOOD scifi!:
Stormbringer (Elric, #6)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
Team Jagreen Lern, wow what a pissed bad guy!! I wish there was a novel series by u moorcock about the beginnings and rise of jagreen!!!
The Vanishing Tower (Elric, #4)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
beware voilodion ghagnasdiak!
you have stuumbled upon one of the great works of written art
some of best stuff ever written in fighting fantasy
would be 10movie series and best box office if made into film without social justice bs added
there is enuf moralizing trust me
The Sailor on the Seas of Fate (Elric, #2)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
ever meet your clone from another of the universes in the multiverse? and have to join forces to defeat evil on a galactic scale?
strap yourself in
Elric of Melniboné (Elric, #1)
by Michael Moorcock
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 1988
When Moocock is not hirign ghostwriters for his later stuff, he is arguably the greatest author of all time.
Elric was so good you can reread it 100 times and it tastes as good as the first time.
Just thuderously awesome.
Only Jack Vance, AE van VOGT, and robert e howard himself even come close.
Enjoy, but stick to elric 1-6 corum 1-3 and hawkmoon 1-3
The rest are ghostwriten.
The Great Explosion
by Eric Frank Russell
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2014
also read the great explosion by eric frank russel:
Is criminality nature or nurture?
Do we need clothes?
ARe you dirty minded?
whats a antigand?
whats the weapon?
why do we take orders from fat burocrats?
read and find out! ton of fun awaits!
other leads for you noobs:
Voyage from Yesteryear
by James P. Hogan
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2014
Ayn rand was right about everything, youtube yaron brook.
Wow this novel is wicked awesome!
Stop regulating and everyone is happy!
other scifi leads, thank me later:
Moorcock Vance Howard Gygax AE VAN VOGT oh my!!!! you could make 10 movies at least and whole video game franchises and MMPORGS based on the black company universe!!
Goldmine of very orginial combinations of ass kicking fighting fantasy!
other tips and leads:
The Black Company (The Chronicles of the Black Company, #1)
by Glen Cook
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2004
For those of you who are discovering awesome scifi not pushed by socialists, I salute you.
Glen Cooks amazing The Silver Spike black company 3.5, was my intro, then I backfilled 1-3 after spike I think he had ghostwriter because it falls off bigtime. BUT while it lasts WOW cook was ON like few others!!!!
VERY D&D VERY palladium RPG
brilliant really to mix Dying earth with small squad military, amazing no VIDEO GAME or movies based on this!!!! ASTOUNDING IN FACT
while crap from orson scott card and philip k dick gets made...although total recall with arnold was good as well as blade runner, but some of the other dicks are thumping bad
here are some other pointers:
The Lure of the Basilisk (The Lords of Dûs, #1)
by Lawrence Watt-Evans (Goodreads Author)
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2009
Very palladium rpg or D&D.
Cool ideas, a bit dying earth with wizards creating a race? superscience? sorcery?
Great in that the individual has goals and seeks them.
Wish evans wrote more, or did he and I haven't checked?
Tales of the Dying Earth by Jack Vance U 50x66 Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review Sep 11, 2016 · edit i
Tales of the Dying Earth
by Jack Vance
U 50x66
Jackvanc3gmail.Com's review
Sep 11, 2016 · edit
it was amazing
Read in January, 2012
Arguably the best book ever written. Endlessly re reable. A classic that should be used in schools instead of drivel like Jayne Eyre and other goblin shit. Combines humor, vast worldbuilding, and wit with amazing plots and endless creativity. Did I menion it inspired the entire role playing game industry? starting with dungeons and dragons? Jack Vance is arguably the greatest author ever, with only Robert E Howard himself, AE Van Vogt, and Michael Moorcock at his very best with Erlic 1-6 Corum 1-3 and Hawkmoon 1-3 to contend. SO much better than Heinlein Azimov Card Vinge and others who are bandied about as good. Eric frank russel the great explosion, hogan with voyage to yesteryear, cook with black company 1-3, silver spike and lawrence watt evan with lords of dus bring a little of the magic feel you get from Vance. If only he had written more in the early period. Even Vanc'e later dying earth stuff is nowhere near the VAst Vast worldbuilding power of the originals. Just mind blowing. And you never hear of it. I believe this is because of socialist education and democrats. Vance in hsi space operas envisions a lightly regualted hotel and resort universe with conniving bureaucrats. This must bug pissy lefty librarians. Well now you know despite the coverup!! enjoy!
I think any public library system without a full collection of AE van Vogt, Robert E Howard, and JAck Vance should be all fired. They should also at least have the Moorcocks listed previously. and for you noobs yes get Tom baker the 4th doctor who videos. They along with 1982 the thing, alien 2, and the first 3 star wars will complete a basic good scifi collection.
July 30, 2021
Конан приезжает в портовый город Аграпур, столицу Турана. Еле унеся ноги после неудачной операции с контрабандой в Султанапуре. В Аграпуре Конан встречает приятеля — вора Эмилио, который предлагает варвару обокрасть местный религиозный культ — Культ Хаоса. Конан отказывается, а для Эмилио эта кража оказывается фатальной. Конан и туранский воин Акеба (у которого по вине Культа погибла дочь) собираются убить главу культистов — Джандара.
Собственно, Конану эти разборки с Джандаром были не очень и нужны — не таким большим другом был Эмилио, чтобы из-за него связываться в разборки с могущественным колдуном. Но Джандар решил устранить варвара превентивно, что повлекло за собой преждевременную кончину колдуна.
Все романы Джордана о Конане назывались по одной схеме — «Конан-чего-то-там». Конан-непобедимый. Конан-защитник. Конан-разрушитель. И так далее. В России эти романы издавались в 90-е, и наших тогдашних издателей (нынешние не лучше) аж ломало от того, что можно книги называть так просто. Поэтому романы Джордана у нас оказались переименованы в «Черный камень Аманара», «Тайна Врат Аль-Киира», «Рог Дагота» и тому подобную муть. «Сердце Хаоса» еще не самое плохое название, хотя в оригинале роман и назывался всего-навсего «Конан-непокоренный».
В первом романе Джордана о Конане, «Черный камень Аманара», варвару 19 лет. Он еще промышляет воровством. Во втором романе, «Тень Властелина», Конану 22 года и он уже наемник. В третьем романе Джордан решил не продолжать писать по хронологии и вернуться чуть назад — в «Сердце Хаоса» Конану около 20 лет, он уже начинает завязывать с кражами, но еще не собирается в наемники.
«Черный камень» был прост, как мычание. Приехал, вломил, поехал дальше. «Тень Властелина» был чуть посложнее — заговоры, интриги, большое количество действующих лиц. И вот такое ощущение, что рукописью «Властелина» редактор Джордану бил по рукам — «не смей, сопляк, писать сложно, читатель туп — он не поймет твоих вывертов». Пиши просто, пиши как для дебилов. Джордан вздохнул и хитровыверты сюжета оставил для «Колеса Времени». А «Сердце Хаоса» написал максимально просто. Да еще и с обилием самоповторов (в основном, из «Черного камня»).
Вот очередной зловещий культ. Вот Конан, случайно проезжающий мимо. Вот небольшое приключалово. Вот очередной набор фетишей — «любовь» к обнаженным страдающим женщинам в цепях Джордан трепетно пронесет через всё своё творчество. В конце разборка с культом и обязательное землетрясение, которое добьёт тех, кого лень убивать Конану. Варвар спокойно едет дальше — в следующую филлерную книгу.
Единственной новой «фишкой» романа стало то, что Конан со спутниками какое-то время путешествует на корабле. Всё.
Если Джордан изначально писал для аудитории «пубертатный молодняк», то да — он всё сделал правильно. Когда я читал первое издание романа на русском (а это было еще в 1995 году), то ничего особо плохого я бы про этот роман не сказал. Но перечитывая роман четверть века спустя — какая же это ерундистика. Криво написанная и с сюжетной хромотой на все конечности. Впрочем, я уже явно не ЦА этого романа.
4/10
Оригинал отзыва - https://cahier.ru/jordan-conan-unconq...
Собственно, Конану эти разборки с Джандаром были не очень и нужны — не таким большим другом был Эмилио, чтобы из-за него связываться в разборки с могущественным колдуном. Но Джандар решил устранить варвара превентивно, что повлекло за собой преждевременную кончину колдуна.
Все романы Джордана о Конане назывались по одной схеме — «Конан-чего-то-там». Конан-непобедимый. Конан-защитник. Конан-разрушитель. И так далее. В России эти романы издавались в 90-е, и наших тогдашних издателей (нынешние не лучше) аж ломало от того, что можно книги называть так просто. Поэтому романы Джордана у нас оказались переименованы в «Черный камень Аманара», «Тайна Врат Аль-Киира», «Рог Дагота» и тому подобную муть. «Сердце Хаоса» еще не самое плохое название, хотя в оригинале роман и назывался всего-навсего «Конан-непокоренный».
В первом романе Джордана о Конане, «Черный камень Аманара», варвару 19 лет. Он еще промышляет воровством. Во втором романе, «Тень Властелина», Конану 22 года и он уже наемник. В третьем романе Джордан решил не продолжать писать по хронологии и вернуться чуть назад — в «Сердце Хаоса» Конану около 20 лет, он уже начинает завязывать с кражами, но еще не собирается в наемники.
«Черный камень» был прост, как мычание. Приехал, вломил, поехал дальше. «Тень Властелина» был чуть посложнее — заговоры, интриги, большое количество действующих лиц. И вот такое ощущение, что рукописью «Властелина» редактор Джордану бил по рукам — «не смей, сопляк, писать сложно, читатель туп — он не поймет твоих вывертов». Пиши просто, пиши как для дебилов. Джордан вздохнул и хитровыверты сюжета оставил для «Колеса Времени». А «Сердце Хаоса» написал максимально просто. Да еще и с обилием самоповторов (в основном, из «Черного камня»).
Вот очередной зловещий культ. Вот Конан, случайно проезжающий мимо. Вот небольшое приключалово. Вот очередной набор фетишей — «любовь» к обнаженным страдающим женщинам в цепях Джордан трепетно пронесет через всё своё творчество. В конце разборка с культом и обязательное землетрясение, которое добьёт тех, кого лень убивать Конану. Варвар спокойно едет дальше — в следующую филлерную книгу.
Единственной новой «фишкой» романа стало то, что Конан со спутниками какое-то время путешествует на корабле. Всё.
Если Джордан изначально писал для аудитории «пубертатный молодняк», то да — он всё сделал правильно. Когда я читал первое издание романа на русском (а это было еще в 1995 году), то ничего особо плохого я бы про этот роман не сказал. Но перечитывая роман четверть века спустя — какая же это ерундистика. Криво написанная и с сюжетной хромотой на все конечности. Впрочем, я уже явно не ЦА этого романа.
4/10
Оригинал отзыва - https://cahier.ru/jordan-conan-unconq...
October 12, 2025
Conan the Cult-Buster
In the Conan the Barbarian movie from 1982, Thulsa Doom is not merely an evil wizard bent on power and domination - well I mean he IS - but instead of spells, secret grimoires and pacts with chthonic entities, his real power is how he dominates the mind of men. "Steel isn't strong, boy," Doom tells Conan while he tortures him. "Flesh is stronger!" Like any film, the story is open to interpretation, and a case can be made that Oliver Stone and John Milius were trying to make a point about how the hippies and leftists of the '60s and '70s were easy dupes for whoever had the highest charisma score that told them what they wanted to hear; as opposed to the modern era, where they are subject to the collective will of social media.
I don't know if Robert Jordan is trying to rebut or reinforce the movie's intent - for one thing, the cult in "Conan the Unconquered" is the "Cult of Doom" - or if he just thought the cult angle was a fun idea (I like the third option), but Jhandar, the antagonist of the novel, uses both the strength of believer flesh as well as spells, secret grimoires and pacts with chthonic entities to advance his agenda, and it is Conan the Cimmerian who, despite simply trying to make a few ill-gotten gold pieces, fulfill an old debt to a friend, and possibly rent some pleasant companionship for the evening, is the only one in a position to stop him.
The story is solid with a variety of settings and side-quests, including Aghrapur, the capital of Turan, and across the Vilayet sea into Hyrkania proper. Conan leads a solid cast of supporting characters, but perhaps not as memorable as Karela the Red Hawk or Hordo. The cult aspect of the story is never really discussed like it is in the movie and never rises above being a gimmick (which might be a plus or a minus, since who honestly cares about why some idiot joins a cult), though admittedly Jhandar is no Thulsa Doom. However, he does make for a capable evil wizard, and the final confrontation between Jhandar and Conan is full of pyrotechnics and arcane sorcery. Also despite being set in Aghrapur, Velita the slave-girl from "Conan the Invincible" sadly doesn't make a reappearance. Despite a few shortcomings this is a great book and I had fun reading it.
In the Conan the Barbarian movie from 1982, Thulsa Doom is not merely an evil wizard bent on power and domination - well I mean he IS - but instead of spells, secret grimoires and pacts with chthonic entities, his real power is how he dominates the mind of men. "Steel isn't strong, boy," Doom tells Conan while he tortures him. "Flesh is stronger!" Like any film, the story is open to interpretation, and a case can be made that Oliver Stone and John Milius were trying to make a point about how the hippies and leftists of the '60s and '70s were easy dupes for whoever had the highest charisma score that told them what they wanted to hear; as opposed to the modern era, where they are subject to the collective will of social media.
I don't know if Robert Jordan is trying to rebut or reinforce the movie's intent - for one thing, the cult in "Conan the Unconquered" is the "Cult of Doom" - or if he just thought the cult angle was a fun idea (I like the third option), but Jhandar, the antagonist of the novel, uses both the strength of believer flesh as well as spells, secret grimoires and pacts with chthonic entities to advance his agenda, and it is Conan the Cimmerian who, despite simply trying to make a few ill-gotten gold pieces, fulfill an old debt to a friend, and possibly rent some pleasant companionship for the evening, is the only one in a position to stop him.
The story is solid with a variety of settings and side-quests, including Aghrapur, the capital of Turan, and across the Vilayet sea into Hyrkania proper. Conan leads a solid cast of supporting characters, but perhaps not as memorable as Karela the Red Hawk or Hordo. The cult aspect of the story is never really discussed like it is in the movie and never rises above being a gimmick (which might be a plus or a minus, since who honestly cares about why some idiot joins a cult), though admittedly Jhandar is no Thulsa Doom. However, he does make for a capable evil wizard, and the final confrontation between Jhandar and Conan is full of pyrotechnics and arcane sorcery. Also despite being set in Aghrapur, Velita the slave-girl from "Conan the Invincible" sadly doesn't make a reappearance. Despite a few shortcomings this is a great book and I had fun reading it.
May 19, 2022
Robert Jordan knows what he's doing when it comes to the fantasy genre, and as such, he's a good person to have take Conan's reigns for a while. I've said it other places, and I will say it again, there is no mystery as far as what you're getting with Conan. Sword play, buxom beauties, sorcerers, and monsters are all here as they are in EVERY Conan story.
A few different authors have picked up the Conan reigns since Howard's passing, and some of those books are NOT good, even as a pulp novel. Jordan's books, however, have been fairly enjoyable so far. Enjoyable enough for me to not feel like I am slogging through them and hate having to read the next one.
One thing I will say about Jordan's plots, you generally think that a showdown is going to happen in one particular place (The Blasted Lands in this case), but that never quite ends up being the case. It's seems to be used more as a red herring and a way to ratchet up the tension as Conan races to the rescue. I don't mind it, but I'm wise to the game now and will be on the lookout for it in any other Jordan Conan books I read.
While there MAY be an overarching Conan timeline, I certainly don't know what it is and would argue that any Conan book is a good starting point for a new reader as it is all about the character of Conan. No matter the author, Conan is Conan and that is true no matter the author. Some plots/characters may be more enjoyable than others, but in the end, it SHOULD just lead you to more Conan if you like it.
On a final note, this book belonged to my good friend who passed on. It has been an honor to read his books and see what inspired and excited him. Love and miss you, buddy.
A few different authors have picked up the Conan reigns since Howard's passing, and some of those books are NOT good, even as a pulp novel. Jordan's books, however, have been fairly enjoyable so far. Enjoyable enough for me to not feel like I am slogging through them and hate having to read the next one.
One thing I will say about Jordan's plots, you generally think that a showdown is going to happen in one particular place (The Blasted Lands in this case), but that never quite ends up being the case. It's seems to be used more as a red herring and a way to ratchet up the tension as Conan races to the rescue. I don't mind it, but I'm wise to the game now and will be on the lookout for it in any other Jordan Conan books I read.
While there MAY be an overarching Conan timeline, I certainly don't know what it is and would argue that any Conan book is a good starting point for a new reader as it is all about the character of Conan. No matter the author, Conan is Conan and that is true no matter the author. Some plots/characters may be more enjoyable than others, but in the end, it SHOULD just lead you to more Conan if you like it.
On a final note, this book belonged to my good friend who passed on. It has been an honor to read his books and see what inspired and excited him. Love and miss you, buddy.
October 3, 2018
Conan relocates to Aghrapur due to an economic downturn in his chosen profession (smuggling) and a philosophical difference with the city guard. While looking for work he meets with an old friend Emilio the Corinthian who wants Conan to join him on a job in his previous profession (thieving). Conan says no and Emilio disappears. Conan meets an old astrologer friend who tells him the stars say he must help Emilio. He tracks Emilio to the Cult of Doom and finds him, some loot, some wizardry, some tribesmen, and a wench. The tribesmen convince him to cross the sea to defeat the wizard. Then he crosses again to save the wench. There are lusty wenches, hurricanes, golems, slimy monsters, and Kung Fu.
Robert Jordan does a good job with Conan, keeping him on the move, introducing new allies, and is especially noted for the number of lusty wenches involved. Conan is particularly surly this time, and pretty much everywhere he goes ends up burned down, covered with corpses, or blown up. A nicely moving tale of adventure.
Robert Jordan does a good job with Conan, keeping him on the move, introducing new allies, and is especially noted for the number of lusty wenches involved. Conan is particularly surly this time, and pretty much everywhere he goes ends up burned down, covered with corpses, or blown up. A nicely moving tale of adventure.
September 8, 2019
Up there with Conan the fearless as best TOR conan novel wow..
Amazing story and coudl spawn side background stories.....
I wonder if the text was altered on this one........
I remember the touch of death without mention of poison which to me was more fearsome!!
Is there a site that tracks books that are modified and watered down from thier origiional?
I also have the yellwo cover one 1988 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&r...
bought it in the store!! ah u have no idea how awesome the 80s were and how clinton benefited from the net boom 80s deregualtion invented! then detroyed it with huge gov spending and regulation that crippled usa and led to 2008 by gov forcing loans
Amazing story and coudl spawn side background stories.....
I wonder if the text was altered on this one........
I remember the touch of death without mention of poison which to me was more fearsome!!
Is there a site that tracks books that are modified and watered down from thier origiional?
I also have the yellwo cover one 1988 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&r...
bought it in the store!! ah u have no idea how awesome the 80s were and how clinton benefited from the net boom 80s deregualtion invented! then detroyed it with huge gov spending and regulation that crippled usa and led to 2008 by gov forcing loans
April 14, 2021
Conan the Unconquered? perhaps Conan the Uninspired. Jordan seemed to have hit upon a formula by his third Conan offering; a megalomaniacal sorcerer with diabolical ambitions, a bevvy of callimastian and callipygian marvels, copious leathern jacks of wine and/or ale and cash to be hard won and lost just as quickly. 'Unconquered' followed this narrative without deviation and by the end, I was left with the feeling that the remaining stories in Jordan's Conan foray would yield little in the way of variation. By contrast, almost every one of Howard's Conan yarns was unique; certainly, plotwise; ergo the continuing regard for his work during the 1930s. Take nothing away from Jordan - the man could write, and the dialogues he sets up between characters, the tongue-in-cheek humor he littered their conversations with are likely the reason Conan fans felt that he could bring something fresh to the canon. But alas, his style became formulaic to the point of monotonous.
August 10, 2025
In a story where most people see nothing wrong with being somehow driven to join a religion called "the Cult of Doom", how can one take anything else too seriously?
I have become harsher with my Goodreads star ratings over the years, but I don't think a "two" (this is more like a 2.5, if that makes you feel any better) means anything particularly bad. I did, in fact, enjoy Conan the Unconquered, as far as extremely cliched action-fantasy goes. Conan slays bad guys, sleeps with lots of attractive women, and escapes death narrowly each and every time. As far as escapist fantasy goes, it does the trick. Conan is a great protagonist, a vehicle for adventure and a man with a code of honour. It's not worldshattering, life-changing literature. But it's a good way to dream of stormy seas and scents of jasmine.
I have become harsher with my Goodreads star ratings over the years, but I don't think a "two" (this is more like a 2.5, if that makes you feel any better) means anything particularly bad. I did, in fact, enjoy Conan the Unconquered, as far as extremely cliched action-fantasy goes. Conan slays bad guys, sleeps with lots of attractive women, and escapes death narrowly each and every time. As far as escapist fantasy goes, it does the trick. Conan is a great protagonist, a vehicle for adventure and a man with a code of honour. It's not worldshattering, life-changing literature. But it's a good way to dream of stormy seas and scents of jasmine.
December 8, 2017
I wish I still the the un censored version.
The ninjas kill with a touch.
The magic user is evil to the core and cares nothing if he leaves rents in dimensional barriers with demons on other side.
and he is onyl growing more powerful
i always find myself rooting for the bad guys......is that strange?
unrelenting action
the second copy with this cover I got has sex n vlence slightly toned down
scayr when stuff gets censored from 80s to 90s woo wee
perry and maddox roberts are best other tor conans and jordan not my fav except for this one gem
jordan also kinda overrated in other works like his 10 novel feminist one
The ninjas kill with a touch.
The magic user is evil to the core and cares nothing if he leaves rents in dimensional barriers with demons on other side.
and he is onyl growing more powerful
i always find myself rooting for the bad guys......is that strange?
unrelenting action
the second copy with this cover I got has sex n vlence slightly toned down
scayr when stuff gets censored from 80s to 90s woo wee
perry and maddox roberts are best other tor conans and jordan not my fav except for this one gem
jordan also kinda overrated in other works like his 10 novel feminist one
May 19, 2021
The Robert E. Howard character, Conan the Cimmerian, in a story by Robert Jordan. This is a swashbuckling adventure with a hero who can overcome anything and anyone.
In Turan and not yet 25, Conan faces the sorcerous power of the leader of the Cult of Doom over an extremely innocent young woman he encounters in the street upon his arrival in a city after fleeing from another country. Just another typical situation for him.
In Turan and not yet 25, Conan faces the sorcerous power of the leader of the Cult of Doom over an extremely innocent young woman he encounters in the street upon his arrival in a city after fleeing from another country. Just another typical situation for him.
December 23, 2021
It's an entertaining and okay book. I didn't know the numbering of each book and was worried I missed out on some stuff between this book and the other one I read but it seems I had nothing to worry about at all. There was only bits of mention of the stuff that happened in other books and this could be read stand-alone. I didn't like Yasbet at first but she was okay at the end.
April 25, 2023
Classic Sword and Sorcery, with glimmers of RJ's Wheel of Time in the cultures and characters and adeventure of Conan's world. The best of Jordan's first three Conan novels, it's a solid read, and almost 4 stars.
April 4, 2025
I read this many years ago during a flight across the Atlantic. Except for a portion of the finale, it is short on action. An evil sorcerer tries to raise an undead army of slaves. There are ninjas and a dent in reality. Preposterous nonsense.
January 27, 2018
Great book, classic Conan, I loved it. Some of it's so perfect you laugh out loud in pure joy. Highly recommended to Conan fans.
July 10, 2019
I love Conan and I love Robert Jordan`s language and storytelling, but the story was still too predictable at the the end. But I guess that`s the way these stories are supposed to be.
November 27, 2020
Just purely brilliant, Conan the indestructible, I'll have more Conans books please, highly recommended....😃
November 15, 2021
More great Conan. Sword and sorcery abound. Not great literature but not everything has to be to be enjoyed. I liked the pacing of this book and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.
February 8, 2022
Another great Conan adventure written by the incomparable author of the "Wheel of Time " series. Highly recommend this to adventure fantasy fans.
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