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The Heroic Legends Series
Conan: The Child
Capturing the electric short fiction energy that led Robert E. Howard to be one of the top fantasy writers of the century, with exclusive serialized eBook stories starring Conan, Solomon Kane, and more by many of today’s top writers in fantasy and sword-and-sorcery.
Conan is hired by a wealthy merchant to recover the man’s wife and son, who have been abducted by a dark sorcerer. The money is good and he has no trouble seeing to it that there is one less sorcerer in the world. So with four soldiers, the Cimmerian follows the trail into a dense Stygian jungle. They are set upon by a demon spawn that kills the entire party—Conan only manages to escape death by wounding the creature during the melee. Doggedly he pursues and locates his quarry, only to discover that from the very start, his mission was a fool’s errand—one with fatal consequences.
Conan is hired by a wealthy merchant to recover the man’s wife and son, who have been abducted by a dark sorcerer. The money is good and he has no trouble seeing to it that there is one less sorcerer in the world. So with four soldiers, the Cimmerian follows the trail into a dense Stygian jungle. They are set upon by a demon spawn that kills the entire party—Conan only manages to escape death by wounding the creature during the melee. Doggedly he pursues and locates his quarry, only to discover that from the very start, his mission was a fool’s errand—one with fatal consequences.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2023
14 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Brian D. Anderson
48 books693 followersKnown as one of the O.G. independent authors of the 2010-2012 indie explosion, Brian D. Anderson gained massive popularity right out of the gate with his debut series, The Godling Chronicles. His follow-up series, Dragonvein, was just as popular, Book One becoming a Top Five Finalist on Audible.com for Fantasy Book of the Year in 2015 – becoming the very first independent to reach the finals. But Anderson was far from finished.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
After co-authoring Akiri with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.
Anderson continued with his indie career with The Vale series. But even after twenty novels, he felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series.
When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama, and riding atop his Harley Davidson, dubbed The Mighty Puck, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 27, 2023
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Action from the start, and there is no holding back. The author has a good grasp of the character. It was nice to see another story in the Stygian swamps. Conan is fierce as he should be and contemplative. His barbaric code comes into play as a nice twist. Lust is highlighted without the dumb typical pastiche type. A fun short for me, and I’m sure most Conan fans will enjoy. Keep them coming!
December 28, 2023
Steps things up considerably
This one generates some extra mileage with some notable departures from house style, while still delivering the goods. For one, the narrative voice, while fitting for Conan, feels more confidently akin to contemporary Grimdark fantasy than the typical retro-pulp pastiche. Then there's the way the reader discovers along with Conan that things aren't as they seem, in a manner that generated unexpectedly strong caring for some of the supporting characters within a short amount of pages, so a lot of the climactic suspense hinges on Conan himself and the choices he's faced with. Titan continues to deliver, with welcome signs of getting bolder.
This one generates some extra mileage with some notable departures from house style, while still delivering the goods. For one, the narrative voice, while fitting for Conan, feels more confidently akin to contemporary Grimdark fantasy than the typical retro-pulp pastiche. Then there's the way the reader discovers along with Conan that things aren't as they seem, in a manner that generated unexpectedly strong caring for some of the supporting characters within a short amount of pages, so a lot of the climactic suspense hinges on Conan himself and the choices he's faced with. Titan continues to deliver, with welcome signs of getting bolder.
December 27, 2023
Fun!
Thought this a true-to-Conan story, quite apropos of the Cimmerian and filled with the attitude of Sword & Sorcery. Also strikes my interest in further exploration of Anderson's writing. He writes a good little bladed dance scene.
Thought this a true-to-Conan story, quite apropos of the Cimmerian and filled with the attitude of Sword & Sorcery. Also strikes my interest in further exploration of Anderson's writing. He writes a good little bladed dance scene.
January 15, 2024
So far this has been my least favorite of the new Titan pastiche line. Anderson can write, no doubt, and I appreciate that he plays with Conan's rather rough sense of honor--he has a code but it sometimes requires complicated decisions, and if he can still make a buck doing it, so much the better. That was far more Howard's character than many writers get right.
The story itself was so-so, but the work loses a star because, while I felt Anderson understood Conan well-enough, his chosen setting, Stygia, did not feel so at all. A few vaguely Egyptian names, a mention of heat, throw in the name Set, but even most of the characters were from elsewhere. The sub-plot of a possibly magical sword, or at least a sword associated with a famed northern adventurer, was pointless and added nothing to the story. It just feels...generic. Like a random Roy Thomas issue of the first Marvel run. A fun, Conan adventure, but nothing you'd remember.
The story itself was so-so, but the work loses a star because, while I felt Anderson understood Conan well-enough, his chosen setting, Stygia, did not feel so at all. A few vaguely Egyptian names, a mention of heat, throw in the name Set, but even most of the characters were from elsewhere. The sub-plot of a possibly magical sword, or at least a sword associated with a famed northern adventurer, was pointless and added nothing to the story. It just feels...generic. Like a random Roy Thomas issue of the first Marvel run. A fun, Conan adventure, but nothing you'd remember.
January 18, 2024
We are very early into these monthly ebook releases of Robert E. Howard pastiche short stories and novellas. I recall that they come to an end later this year. This particular story is my favourite so far of the Conan entries into this particular series. I have not read the Solomon Kane entry yet. Brian D. Anderson's 'The Child' has an exciting energy to it, the pacing is good & the story is entertaining. The prose, whilst not a mirror image of REH's style (how could it be), is nonetheless effective and captures some some elements of it.
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January 20, 2024Now THIS felt like the Conan I know and love. From the opening fight scene in the tavern to the final comeuppance of the dastardly villain, Conan's brawny, barbaric, honor-bound code felt exactly right. Brian, you nailed it! Hopefully the publishers read this and give you that full-length novel you and I both want!
December 27, 2023
Conan the Man of His Word
This was a solid Conan story with a fairly simple premise, a rescue mission. But the story really focuses on Conan’s personal code of honor—he sticks to his word.
This was a solid Conan story with a fairly simple premise, a rescue mission. But the story really focuses on Conan’s personal code of honor—he sticks to his word.
January 2, 2024
fun story with a mystery…
…although you need not be a sleuth in the Mystery Machine to spot the twist. Nevertheless, this was a fun read. I continue to enjoy these short stories on a monthly basis and look forward to each one.
…although you need not be a sleuth in the Mystery Machine to spot the twist. Nevertheless, this was a fun read. I continue to enjoy these short stories on a monthly basis and look forward to each one.
September 28, 2024
Action, twists, and interesting characters. Written in a contemporary style while still feeling true to the character of Conan. Even though I could see where things were heading, this was a really fun read.
April 15, 2025
Another good Conan story, though shorter than l would have preferred. Stands up to the legacy Howard left behind.
June 3, 2024
Beware of whom you hire
Conan is hired by the magistrate to complete a job, upon completing this job he is sent to a wealthy man by the magistrate.
The wealthy man hires Conan to enter the marshland to find his wife, son, and so called witch and bring them back. This is where it gets a little more interesting.
Recommended for those that have read the previous books in this series or a good place to start if you haven't
Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy.
Conan is hired by the magistrate to complete a job, upon completing this job he is sent to a wealthy man by the magistrate.
The wealthy man hires Conan to enter the marshland to find his wife, son, and so called witch and bring them back. This is where it gets a little more interesting.
Recommended for those that have read the previous books in this series or a good place to start if you haven't
Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy.
June 20, 2024
These Heroic Legends shorts continues to be excellent, bite-sized stories that tell great tales worthy of Robert E. Howard himself.
January 1, 2024
This is by far the most successful of the new batch of Conan pastiches thus far. Conan feels like Conan. The set up is interesting, the monster is interesting and there's a twist that I saw coming but felt organic. The world felt real, not just a prop for Conan-like clone.
If there's a quibble, this is obviously the begining of a longer work. A novel could easily follow as the story doesn't really wrap anything up. I hope that longer work follows. The only other one of these pastiches I can say that about, again - so far, is the Solomon Kane by Collins.
If there's a quibble, this is obviously the begining of a longer work. A novel could easily follow as the story doesn't really wrap anything up. I hope that longer work follows. The only other one of these pastiches I can say that about, again - so far, is the Solomon Kane by Collins.
January 5, 2024
I thought the language of the writing sounded too contemporary. The story was ok I guess. I did not like the ending.
January 8, 2024
Spoiler free. Love these new short stories from Titan. They are well worth the read. Conan is my favorite.
November 13, 2025
I have no complaints though they will sound like it. The tale was intriguing enough and I would be glad to look further into Brian D. Anderson's other stories. However, this is not Robert E. Howard's Conan in character as much as it is in name. Conan here is more abrasive than Howard's, not commanding a respect of camaraderie from his current crew. His berserker rage in the beginning was more cocky, and angered towards cowardly men, versus the fight-to-survive panther that Howard writes. I think Conan would let the cowardly run away and not intimidate them into their deaths. Conan is very snidey with the guards. They're miserable around him and have no voice. Conan humorously (or seriously?) considers murdering them just because they annoy him. With that said, it's not a judgment against the story, I liked it. Just don't expect to feel the same way about this Conan as you do about Howard's. But if you do, that's OK. I liked that Anderson didn't feminize the non-masculine word 'sorcerer'. I liked that Conan here still handled his business and even made a fierce predator cower. I appreciate the dialogue on the wealthy and pampered, on the uppity noble expectations of elitist crowds. I enjoyed the grim environment and the impending horror. I did pick up one twist as soon as Conan began his negotiations with the Stygian lord. I picked up to some degree on what was coming when Conan came across his first forest slaughter, but I wasn't 100 percent sure on what was to come.
Bèlit
Bone Whispers by Michael Stackpole 3/5
Shipwrecked by V. Castro 3/5
Bèlit & Conan
Terror from the Abyss by Henry Herz 3/5
Bran Mak Morn
Red Waves of Slaughter by Steven L. Shrewsbury 3/5
Conan
Black Starlight by John C. Hocking 5/5
The Child by Brian D. Anderson 4/5
Halls of Immortal Darkness by Laird Barron 3/5
Lethal Consignment by Shaun Hamill 3/5
Lord of the Mount by Stephen Graham Jones 4/5
Shadow of Vengeance by Scott Oden 4/5
El Borak
The Siege of Lamakan by James Lovegrove 4/5
Kull & Brule if you know what's good for you
The Talons of Deep Time by Francesco Dimitri 5/5
Solomon Kane
Banquet of Souls by Steven Savile 4/5
The Hound of God by Jonathan Maberry 5/5
Bèlit
Bone Whispers by Michael Stackpole 3/5
Shipwrecked by V. Castro 3/5
Bèlit & Conan
Terror from the Abyss by Henry Herz 3/5
Bran Mak Morn
Red Waves of Slaughter by Steven L. Shrewsbury 3/5
Conan
Black Starlight by John C. Hocking 5/5
The Child by Brian D. Anderson 4/5
Halls of Immortal Darkness by Laird Barron 3/5
Lethal Consignment by Shaun Hamill 3/5
Lord of the Mount by Stephen Graham Jones 4/5
Shadow of Vengeance by Scott Oden 4/5
El Borak
The Siege of Lamakan by James Lovegrove 4/5
Kull & Brule if you know what's good for you
The Talons of Deep Time by Francesco Dimitri 5/5
Solomon Kane
Banquet of Souls by Steven Savile 4/5
The Hound of God by Jonathan Maberry 5/5
January 18, 2024
A Nostalgic Yet Unfulfilling Journey with Conan
Brian D. Anderson's "Conan: The Child" is an attempt to revisit the classic world of Robert E. Howard's Conan, but it stops short of recapturing the raw essence and depth that Howard imbued in his character. While Anderson's effort is commendable, the story struggles to deliver the authentic Conan experience, particularly in its portrayal of Stygia and Conan himself.
Set in a quest-like narrative, the story diverges significantly from Howard's original vision of Conan. The depiction of Stygia, a cornerstone in the Conan lore, feels unrecognizable and lacks the depth and mysterious allure typically associated with the land. Moreover, Conan's character, while maintaining his known reluctance to be in Stygia, lacks the nuanced complexity and primal charisma that Howard masterfully crafted.
However, Anderson's novel does resonate with the style of the 90s Tor Conan pastiches. Readers familiar with this period will find a sense of nostalgia in "Conan: The Child." The pacing of the story is one of its strengths, maintaining a fast tempo that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Despite its shortcomings in capturing the true spirit of Conan, the book is not without its merits. For fans of the Conan pastiches and those looking for a straightforward, action-driven fantasy, "Conan: The Child" might be an enjoyable read. It's a reminder of the style prevalent in an earlier era of Conan novels, albeit missing the profound impact of Howard's original works.
In summary, while "Conan: The Child" by Brian D. Anderson falls short of capturing the essence of Howard's legendary character, its fast pace and quest-driven plot offer a nostalgic, if not entirely satisfying, experience. It earns a modest 3 out of 5 stars, primarily for its engagement factor and nod to the Conan pastiches of the 90s, rather than its fidelity to the original Conan ethos.
Brian D. Anderson's "Conan: The Child" is an attempt to revisit the classic world of Robert E. Howard's Conan, but it stops short of recapturing the raw essence and depth that Howard imbued in his character. While Anderson's effort is commendable, the story struggles to deliver the authentic Conan experience, particularly in its portrayal of Stygia and Conan himself.
Set in a quest-like narrative, the story diverges significantly from Howard's original vision of Conan. The depiction of Stygia, a cornerstone in the Conan lore, feels unrecognizable and lacks the depth and mysterious allure typically associated with the land. Moreover, Conan's character, while maintaining his known reluctance to be in Stygia, lacks the nuanced complexity and primal charisma that Howard masterfully crafted.
However, Anderson's novel does resonate with the style of the 90s Tor Conan pastiches. Readers familiar with this period will find a sense of nostalgia in "Conan: The Child." The pacing of the story is one of its strengths, maintaining a fast tempo that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Despite its shortcomings in capturing the true spirit of Conan, the book is not without its merits. For fans of the Conan pastiches and those looking for a straightforward, action-driven fantasy, "Conan: The Child" might be an enjoyable read. It's a reminder of the style prevalent in an earlier era of Conan novels, albeit missing the profound impact of Howard's original works.
In summary, while "Conan: The Child" by Brian D. Anderson falls short of capturing the essence of Howard's legendary character, its fast pace and quest-driven plot offer a nostalgic, if not entirely satisfying, experience. It earns a modest 3 out of 5 stars, primarily for its engagement factor and nod to the Conan pastiches of the 90s, rather than its fidelity to the original Conan ethos.
January 30, 2024
An enjoyable Conan tale with a nice twist at the end. The title is rather uninspiring and unimaginative, but the story was not either of those things.
At the end of the story, I wasn't really clear on why the priests of Set had cursed the child to transform into a creature but maybe I missed that plot point along the way.
At the end of the story, I wasn't really clear on why the priests of Set had cursed the child to transform into a creature but maybe I missed that plot point along the way.
February 26, 2025
This was a fun Conan short story. It wasn’t as good as “The Halls of the Immortal Darkness” of the same series, but good enough to pass the time and read a good adventure story.
The first three quarters of the story takes its time and builds the tension and intrigue, but the last quarter just speeds through the finale. I was really wanting some pay off for the build up but was left wanting.
The first three quarters of the story takes its time and builds the tension and intrigue, but the last quarter just speeds through the finale. I was really wanting some pay off for the build up but was left wanting.
December 29, 2023
Reading this made me very happy. Brian does a wonderful job of keeping to the heart/soul of the character of Conan. More, more, more.
January 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this reading. Loved these new short stories!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews