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Conan: Titan Books Series
Conan: Songs of the Slain
When an old friend is attacked, Conan the Barbarian, now King of Aquilonia, picks up his sword again in search of vengeance. However, mysterious enemies assail the Cimmerian in this action-packed tale.
KING CONAN
When Conan of Cimmeria was a prisoner of war on the verge of death, he made a promise
to a fellow prisoner, Baht Tann. Conan would grant a favor, wherever and whenever Tann called it in, in return for Tann’s meagre water ration. The men escaped, parted ways, and the rest is history. After a life filled with violence and tumult, Conan met his destiny and became King of Aquilonia.
Married with a child and presiding over a period of peace and stability, the legendary barbarian’s sword has been sheathed for too long. When Baht Tann arrives in Aquilonia, he is wounded, his wife has been murdered, and his two children kidnapped. He asks Conan to save his children and avenge his wife. It will be a perilous journey, chasing men with no honor. Conan leaves without hesitation.
Disguised as a scruffy wanderer and armed with a broadsword, Conan ventures into hostile lands in pursuit of Tann’s assailants. He is soon beset by assassins and learns there is a price on his head. Unknown to Conan, for reasons of honor, revenge and glory, powerful warriors want him dead. Violence and vengeance ensue as Conan takes on his mysterious foes and attempts to fulfil his promise.
KING CONAN
When Conan of Cimmeria was a prisoner of war on the verge of death, he made a promise
to a fellow prisoner, Baht Tann. Conan would grant a favor, wherever and whenever Tann called it in, in return for Tann’s meagre water ration. The men escaped, parted ways, and the rest is history. After a life filled with violence and tumult, Conan met his destiny and became King of Aquilonia.
Married with a child and presiding over a period of peace and stability, the legendary barbarian’s sword has been sheathed for too long. When Baht Tann arrives in Aquilonia, he is wounded, his wife has been murdered, and his two children kidnapped. He asks Conan to save his children and avenge his wife. It will be a perilous journey, chasing men with no honor. Conan leaves without hesitation.
Disguised as a scruffy wanderer and armed with a broadsword, Conan ventures into hostile lands in pursuit of Tann’s assailants. He is soon beset by assassins and learns there is a price on his head. Unknown to Conan, for reasons of honor, revenge and glory, powerful warriors want him dead. Violence and vengeance ensue as Conan takes on his mysterious foes and attempts to fulfil his promise.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2025
About the author
Tim Lebbon
297 books1,581 followersI love writing, reading, triathlon, real ale, chocolate, good movies, occasional bad movies, and cake.
I was born in London in 1969, lived in Devon until I was eight, and the next twenty years were spent in Newport. My wife Tracey and I then did a Good Thing and moved back to the country, and we now live in the little village of Goytre in Monmouthshire with our kids Ellie and Daniel. And our dog, Blu, who is the size of a donkey.
I love the countryside ... I do a lot of running and cycling, and live in the best part of the world for that.
I've had loads of books published in the UK, USA, and around the world, including novels, novellas, and collections. I write horror, fantasy, and now thrillers, and I've been writing as a living for over 8 years. I've won quite a few awards for my original fiction, and I've also written tie-in projects for Star Wars, Alien, Hellboy, The Cabin in the Woods, and 30 Days of Night.
A movie's just been made of my short story Pay the Ghost, starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies. There are other projects in development, too.
I'd love to hear from you!
I was born in London in 1969, lived in Devon until I was eight, and the next twenty years were spent in Newport. My wife Tracey and I then did a Good Thing and moved back to the country, and we now live in the little village of Goytre in Monmouthshire with our kids Ellie and Daniel. And our dog, Blu, who is the size of a donkey.
I love the countryside ... I do a lot of running and cycling, and live in the best part of the world for that.
I've had loads of books published in the UK, USA, and around the world, including novels, novellas, and collections. I write horror, fantasy, and now thrillers, and I've been writing as a living for over 8 years. I've won quite a few awards for my original fiction, and I've also written tie-in projects for Star Wars, Alien, Hellboy, The Cabin in the Woods, and 30 Days of Night.
A movie's just been made of my short story Pay the Ghost, starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies. There are other projects in development, too.
I'd love to hear from you!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 9, 2025
King Conan has sat on the throne for a long time, a long time dealing with petty political squabbles and bureaucratic nonsense, a long time without any sort of adventure or excitement. So, when an old friend arrives and requests Conan’s assistance in rescuing his wife and children Conan doesn’t hesitate to take off his crown and once again pick up his sword.
Lennon has crafted a masterful tale of an aged Conan, hopefully this is not his last. I would love to see his version of a younger barbarian in his prime.
Lennon has crafted a masterful tale of an aged Conan, hopefully this is not his last. I would love to see his version of a younger barbarian in his prime.
August 24, 2025
The first 175 pages or so of this book was a mess. Conan’s dialogue was off, his character wasn’t correct, and then Lebbon must have flipped a switch because the last 40 percent of this book was really good. Conan transformed into his mighty form and destroyed everything in his path. Three powerful forces were aligned to kill King Conan, but only Conan survived. He had a tad of help along the way with some newfound friends, but I will leave that story to the reader. This is a story where Conan is quite a bit older than The Hour of the Dragon.
One thing I would recommend to the authors writing these 300 page Conan stories—quit with the added fluff and attempts at development. The world and the character are fully developed. Sword and sorcery is story driven and steeped in adrenaline from start to finish. Make the entire book like the last part, or cut the page count. 3.7 overall. Solid due to the relentless last 40%.
One thing I would recommend to the authors writing these 300 page Conan stories—quit with the added fluff and attempts at development. The world and the character are fully developed. Sword and sorcery is story driven and steeped in adrenaline from start to finish. Make the entire book like the last part, or cut the page count. 3.7 overall. Solid due to the relentless last 40%.
May 14, 2026
I'm a veteran of a hundred Conan pastiches. I was there in those halcyon days before the trades drowned the mass market paperbacks. Aye, it was so long ago and far away but I remember, as glimpsed through everlasting shadows, the grotesque glories of the TOR paperbacks being churned out in the'80s... Aye, I've read through the awful Steve Perry and Roland Green attempts of the '90s. So trust me when I say there isn't much you can throw at me in a Conan novel that's going to make me throw the book across the room in disgust.
Conan goes 'grimdark' is how I would bill Tim Lebbon's SONGS OF THE SLAIN. There's enough contemporary profanity as well as references to festering wounds, feces and vomit in the first few opening chapters to give it that stamp of approval. For that alone I was intrigued in the direction the book was taking. The prospect of a novel featuring King Conan written in this style was certainly enough to grab my attention. And for a little while it sort of works and I flew through the pages. It was when our Cimmerian protagonist meets a traveling group of performers that I knew things were about to take a turn for the worst. Yep, there's nothing to ruin a 'sword-&-sorcery' novel faster than a happy-go lucky troupe of performing artists. For that, I present to you exhibit A--James Silke's DEATH DEALER series. This sort of nonsense to me is a High Fantasy trope. And even if it wasn't, I'd hate it anyway. Unfortunately, the book devolves even further. A revenge bent wizard riding a giant spider-like monster he calls 'Spidderell' is just another atrocity one shouldn't have to witness in a Conan story. Or dead zombified giants called 'drogs.' And other armies of the undead. And the actual fact that Conan even refers to them as 'zombies.' The list goes on. Some of this book is just awful but on the other side a lot of it I found to be well written and engaging. Which makes Lebbon's choices even more frustrating. What I couldn't get my head around is the juxtaposition between the adult, post-George R.R. Martin/Joe Abercrombie style of writing against the rather childish fantasy aspects that should not exist outide of a Saturday morning cartoon. Either have fireball shooting wizards riding giant spiders or gritty hard bitten medieval dramatics. You can't have both and expect reader satisfaction... Still, as I've said previously, there's little that makes me cry over a Conan novel now. Another positive aspect is that some of the illustrations by Juan Alberto Hernández are very good. And I like the cover better than any of the others in the TITAN line.
Yes, I do wish the book had stuck to a more serious treatment. But in my heart, even before I finished the first chapter, I knew my hope was doomed. Which, when you think about it--is mostly the point of 'grimdark' anyway. So maybe I did get what I was looking for after all.
Conan goes 'grimdark' is how I would bill Tim Lebbon's SONGS OF THE SLAIN. There's enough contemporary profanity as well as references to festering wounds, feces and vomit in the first few opening chapters to give it that stamp of approval. For that alone I was intrigued in the direction the book was taking. The prospect of a novel featuring King Conan written in this style was certainly enough to grab my attention. And for a little while it sort of works and I flew through the pages. It was when our Cimmerian protagonist meets a traveling group of performers that I knew things were about to take a turn for the worst. Yep, there's nothing to ruin a 'sword-&-sorcery' novel faster than a happy-go lucky troupe of performing artists. For that, I present to you exhibit A--James Silke's DEATH DEALER series. This sort of nonsense to me is a High Fantasy trope. And even if it wasn't, I'd hate it anyway. Unfortunately, the book devolves even further. A revenge bent wizard riding a giant spider-like monster he calls 'Spidderell' is just another atrocity one shouldn't have to witness in a Conan story. Or dead zombified giants called 'drogs.' And other armies of the undead. And the actual fact that Conan even refers to them as 'zombies.' The list goes on. Some of this book is just awful but on the other side a lot of it I found to be well written and engaging. Which makes Lebbon's choices even more frustrating. What I couldn't get my head around is the juxtaposition between the adult, post-George R.R. Martin/Joe Abercrombie style of writing against the rather childish fantasy aspects that should not exist outide of a Saturday morning cartoon. Either have fireball shooting wizards riding giant spiders or gritty hard bitten medieval dramatics. You can't have both and expect reader satisfaction... Still, as I've said previously, there's little that makes me cry over a Conan novel now. Another positive aspect is that some of the illustrations by Juan Alberto Hernández are very good. And I like the cover better than any of the others in the TITAN line.
Yes, I do wish the book had stuck to a more serious treatment. But in my heart, even before I finished the first chapter, I knew my hope was doomed. Which, when you think about it--is mostly the point of 'grimdark' anyway. So maybe I did get what I was looking for after all.
November 11, 2025
Not for the first time, Titan's collection of Conan novels are proving that stories of his adventures are not well suited to the longer format. Despite being in the hands of such a great and experienced dark fiction author, there is a lot of padding before this finally gets going in the final third and concludes with a superb, lengthy action sequence.
The story starts out pretty strongly with its prologue setting up the reasons for King Conan to abandon his comfortable lifestyle and return to his barbarian ways in one last quest for revenge. All fine and good. But for the next 150 pages or so, the story is heavily padded with mundane deeds and actions like foraging for food, talking to various companions, needless reminiscences of old adventures, journeying through open wilderness and so forth. There's one full action scene for Conan in that time. Just one. A suitably brutal one, but it's an exception.
In the second half things liven up with plentiful appearances from strange creatures and evil wizards, pushing the sword and sorcery side of things heavily. I’d argue it’s more gratuitous than used in the right way, but it’s definitely fun.
The characters are your standard Conan cast with greater depth given to the villains, but accompanied by pretty weak dialogue. Even Conan lacks that certain charisma that makes me want to follow him to the end. And to top it off, there are multiple instances of repeated descriptions; either from being told through different character viewpoints or just to continue the excessive padding that seems to stretch the plot from novella length, to 300 pages.
I've read so much of Tim's works and know how good he is at his peak. Echo City, Fallen, Last Storm, Last and First Day; all made me fall in love with his writing and stories and maybe I just expected more of that intense atmosphere and style, in a tightly written story rammed full of sword and sorcery tropes alongside strong characters and storytelling. Instead, despite the plot being fine, everything interesting felt packed into the final third for one wild, non-stop death-ride. It does at least have some wonderful illustrations.
This makes two for two in the modern Conan novel line up that have not fully captured the spirit of Conan (the Stirling one was a lot worse). There’s a strong Conan story here if the discipline existed to cut it down to novella length. I'm not sure I'll carry on with the others, no matter the calibre of authors penning them. I feel like the remit is just to write length and not necessarily honour the legacy of an iconic character.
The story starts out pretty strongly with its prologue setting up the reasons for King Conan to abandon his comfortable lifestyle and return to his barbarian ways in one last quest for revenge. All fine and good. But for the next 150 pages or so, the story is heavily padded with mundane deeds and actions like foraging for food, talking to various companions, needless reminiscences of old adventures, journeying through open wilderness and so forth. There's one full action scene for Conan in that time. Just one. A suitably brutal one, but it's an exception.
In the second half things liven up with plentiful appearances from strange creatures and evil wizards, pushing the sword and sorcery side of things heavily. I’d argue it’s more gratuitous than used in the right way, but it’s definitely fun.
The characters are your standard Conan cast with greater depth given to the villains, but accompanied by pretty weak dialogue. Even Conan lacks that certain charisma that makes me want to follow him to the end. And to top it off, there are multiple instances of repeated descriptions; either from being told through different character viewpoints or just to continue the excessive padding that seems to stretch the plot from novella length, to 300 pages.
I've read so much of Tim's works and know how good he is at his peak. Echo City, Fallen, Last Storm, Last and First Day; all made me fall in love with his writing and stories and maybe I just expected more of that intense atmosphere and style, in a tightly written story rammed full of sword and sorcery tropes alongside strong characters and storytelling. Instead, despite the plot being fine, everything interesting felt packed into the final third for one wild, non-stop death-ride. It does at least have some wonderful illustrations.
This makes two for two in the modern Conan novel line up that have not fully captured the spirit of Conan (the Stirling one was a lot worse). There’s a strong Conan story here if the discipline existed to cut it down to novella length. I'm not sure I'll carry on with the others, no matter the calibre of authors penning them. I feel like the remit is just to write length and not necessarily honour the legacy of an iconic character.
June 24, 2025
Conan Songs of the Slain was written by Tim Lebbon. This book is published by Titan books, and will be available July 8, 2025.
SUMMARY
Conan lay dying on the battlefield when two opponents find him, impressed by his physique, they drag him off the field to sell him as a slave to the salt mines. On the road, Conan is nurtured back to health by fellow captive named Tann. Conan and Tann work in the mines until Conan is healed from his deadly wounds.
Conan asks Tann for his meal and water to build up his energy and strength to pull of their escape, saying he'll repay Tann upon their escape. The two are successful, and part ways when they reach safety.
Years pass, Tann and his family and friends fall victim to a group of thugs. Tann then seeks out Conan to request his favor be issued.
The main villain of the story is pure evil. He’s captured some folks including Tann’s family. 10 manages to escape and now is going to seek out Conan to repay the favor that is owed.
Conan doesn’t hesitate to help out an old friend or brother in slavery however, you wanna say it. Conan goes on a quest and is reminded of his younger days. He will faced many trials in this perilous adventure.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
All right, so this is my first Conan book. I’m honestly very surprised of how good it is especially coming from Tim Lebanon, which I know he wrote a Star Wars book that I did not like a long time ago. I’m very pleased with this book. The only thing that I knew about Conan was fantasy . I was unsure about going into this book because I know that there’s a lot of different books out there turns out you don’t need to know anything about those books for this story, which is great.
Tim Lebanon did an awesome job with these characters. Each one is unique. The story just keeps getting crazier and more intense as we move through the pages. The book is loaded with intense battles that are gory, gruesome, and dark. There are a lot of things in this book that are also pretty creepy when we get into a certain side characters and their personal quests in life. Some get into their past with demons witchcraft there are many times in this book that I got chills. I’m very impressed with the writing style.
The story delivers on fantasy, violence, honor, and sacrifice. I absolutely enjoyed this story and the grand adventure that an old king seeks adventure to pay off an old debt. He didn't have to go on such a quest, but honor and loyalty actually mean something to Conan.
So do I recommend that you read Conan Song’s of the Slain? Yes it’s an excellent fantasy story that requires no previous book knowledge a great one shot story.
RATING
I will give Conan: Songs of the Slain, an A+. I just couldn't put this book down.
SUMMARY
Conan lay dying on the battlefield when two opponents find him, impressed by his physique, they drag him off the field to sell him as a slave to the salt mines. On the road, Conan is nurtured back to health by fellow captive named Tann. Conan and Tann work in the mines until Conan is healed from his deadly wounds.
Conan asks Tann for his meal and water to build up his energy and strength to pull of their escape, saying he'll repay Tann upon their escape. The two are successful, and part ways when they reach safety.
Years pass, Tann and his family and friends fall victim to a group of thugs. Tann then seeks out Conan to request his favor be issued.
The main villain of the story is pure evil. He’s captured some folks including Tann’s family. 10 manages to escape and now is going to seek out Conan to repay the favor that is owed.
Conan doesn’t hesitate to help out an old friend or brother in slavery however, you wanna say it. Conan goes on a quest and is reminded of his younger days. He will faced many trials in this perilous adventure.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
All right, so this is my first Conan book. I’m honestly very surprised of how good it is especially coming from Tim Lebanon, which I know he wrote a Star Wars book that I did not like a long time ago. I’m very pleased with this book. The only thing that I knew about Conan was fantasy . I was unsure about going into this book because I know that there’s a lot of different books out there turns out you don’t need to know anything about those books for this story, which is great.
Tim Lebanon did an awesome job with these characters. Each one is unique. The story just keeps getting crazier and more intense as we move through the pages. The book is loaded with intense battles that are gory, gruesome, and dark. There are a lot of things in this book that are also pretty creepy when we get into a certain side characters and their personal quests in life. Some get into their past with demons witchcraft there are many times in this book that I got chills. I’m very impressed with the writing style.
The story delivers on fantasy, violence, honor, and sacrifice. I absolutely enjoyed this story and the grand adventure that an old king seeks adventure to pay off an old debt. He didn't have to go on such a quest, but honor and loyalty actually mean something to Conan.
So do I recommend that you read Conan Song’s of the Slain? Yes it’s an excellent fantasy story that requires no previous book knowledge a great one shot story.
RATING
I will give Conan: Songs of the Slain, an A+. I just couldn't put this book down.
August 3, 2025
This might be my favorite Conan non-Howard novel yet.
Most all the Conan stories I've read at the bare-bones level are straight up adventure stories.
Lebbon tells this story in a more modern way, from different points-a-view, and delves deep into the psyci of a glorious warrior that's dealing with age and the responsibility of being king, but still lives by his own code and doesn't hesitate to fulfill an promised made decades ago.
Most all the Conan stories I've read at the bare-bones level are straight up adventure stories.
Lebbon tells this story in a more modern way, from different points-a-view, and delves deep into the psyci of a glorious warrior that's dealing with age and the responsibility of being king, but still lives by his own code and doesn't hesitate to fulfill an promised made decades ago.
October 18, 2026
Conan goes grimdark.
Of the new Titan series Conan books, this is my second favorite after Hocking's truly excellent City of the Dead. I love me a grizzled, aging, King Conan story, and this is one of the best of the very few that there are out there. It employs one of my favorite tropes—aging badass dusts off the sword for one last badass mission, a-la-Unforgiven—pretty damn well.
Does it FEEL like Conan? Yes and no. The writing is modern grimdark. Tons of disgusting imagery and grimdark fantasy tropes. You got Conan crawling through piles of bloated, rotting bodies; brain-boiling necromancy; oily undead fart-giants; despicable humans doing despicable things to innocent people; plus some more classic Conan-feeling baddies: a giant 10-legged spider monster controlled by an evil sorcerer. You also get a singing troup of former warriors who are... mildly badass? Conan's dialogue is mostly on point. Some modern words and phrasing feel slightly off, and Lebbon shows Conan's thought process, reasoning, and touchy-feely side more than Howard ever did. That, and Conan tries his hand at singing and storytelling, which doesn't vibe perfectly for me. But for the most part Conan acts like Conan, shrugging off impossible injuries and being a man of his word no matter how gnarly it gets.
Recommended!
4.25/5 dismembered fart giants
Of the new Titan series Conan books, this is my second favorite after Hocking's truly excellent City of the Dead. I love me a grizzled, aging, King Conan story, and this is one of the best of the very few that there are out there. It employs one of my favorite tropes—aging badass dusts off the sword for one last badass mission, a-la-Unforgiven—pretty damn well.
Does it FEEL like Conan? Yes and no. The writing is modern grimdark. Tons of disgusting imagery and grimdark fantasy tropes. You got Conan crawling through piles of bloated, rotting bodies; brain-boiling necromancy; oily undead fart-giants; despicable humans doing despicable things to innocent people; plus some more classic Conan-feeling baddies: a giant 10-legged spider monster controlled by an evil sorcerer. You also get a singing troup of former warriors who are... mildly badass? Conan's dialogue is mostly on point. Some modern words and phrasing feel slightly off, and Lebbon shows Conan's thought process, reasoning, and touchy-feely side more than Howard ever did. That, and Conan tries his hand at singing and storytelling, which doesn't vibe perfectly for me. But for the most part Conan acts like Conan, shrugging off impossible injuries and being a man of his word no matter how gnarly it gets.
Recommended!
4.25/5 dismembered fart giants
August 27, 2025
By Crom, now THIS is the serious ass-kicking Conan book that all of us who are still mourning Robert E. Howard have been waiting for! This is as close as you will get to the real deal. Who knew Tim Lebbon had this one in him? I've read all four of the new Conan books published by Titan Publishing. They have been getting steadily better since the first lackluster one, BLOOD OF THE SERPENT, but this smites them all. Here's why:
1. This finally gives Conan fans something they have wanted for a long time: a tale of Conan in his later years, when time is finally catching up with him. You know, the story we were ALL promised at the end of the films CONAN THE BARBARIAN and DESTROYER? Lebbon does a bang-up job on it, and very wisely, due to his age, (Conan's, not the author's) he does NOT make Conan invincible. He does lose fights here. He does make mistakes. In other words, he's human, although still a very powerful one! The battles in the book are true marvels of bloodletting and barbarian mayhem, and thankfully, there is variety, as not all of the characters use swords. The morning star was a nice choice. Although it isn't required, it does help to read the old Howard story 'The Scarlet Citadel,' as it is alluded to a few times, and plays a part in the plot. Also nice-Zenobia finally got to show up again in a story! Although, to the author-if you were going to do that, why didn't you bring back Pelias for an appearance? He was one of the best secondary characters, I would LOVED to have seen him show up.
2. Here's the real genius. Conan is still the star of the book, but with the members of the traveling ministrel group The Last Song, Lebbon pulled off something very tough-creating secondary characters that are good enough to share the stage with Conan and not seem like window dressing. There have been a few memorable secondaries over the years (Pelias, Zarano, The Devi, etc. but usually it was all about Conan. Here, you get a crew that can hold their own with the mighty Cimmerian, in fact they damn near upstage him. This is a true Conan 'tale' that is well thought out and written, not just another 'Conan destroys everything' story, as many of the other writers have turned in as their versions of Conan stories. Mr. Lebbon: PLEASE spin the Last Song characters off into their own book series!
In closing: this is the one that does it right, and let's hope Lebbon isn't done with Conan and the Hyborean age. He truly 'gets' it, and leaves the other imitators choking on the dust from his sandals as he wanders through the Hyborean age.
1. This finally gives Conan fans something they have wanted for a long time: a tale of Conan in his later years, when time is finally catching up with him. You know, the story we were ALL promised at the end of the films CONAN THE BARBARIAN and DESTROYER? Lebbon does a bang-up job on it, and very wisely, due to his age, (Conan's, not the author's) he does NOT make Conan invincible. He does lose fights here. He does make mistakes. In other words, he's human, although still a very powerful one! The battles in the book are true marvels of bloodletting and barbarian mayhem, and thankfully, there is variety, as not all of the characters use swords. The morning star was a nice choice. Although it isn't required, it does help to read the old Howard story 'The Scarlet Citadel,' as it is alluded to a few times, and plays a part in the plot. Also nice-Zenobia finally got to show up again in a story! Although, to the author-if you were going to do that, why didn't you bring back Pelias for an appearance? He was one of the best secondary characters, I would LOVED to have seen him show up.
2. Here's the real genius. Conan is still the star of the book, but with the members of the traveling ministrel group The Last Song, Lebbon pulled off something very tough-creating secondary characters that are good enough to share the stage with Conan and not seem like window dressing. There have been a few memorable secondaries over the years (Pelias, Zarano, The Devi, etc. but usually it was all about Conan. Here, you get a crew that can hold their own with the mighty Cimmerian, in fact they damn near upstage him. This is a true Conan 'tale' that is well thought out and written, not just another 'Conan destroys everything' story, as many of the other writers have turned in as their versions of Conan stories. Mr. Lebbon: PLEASE spin the Last Song characters off into their own book series!
In closing: this is the one that does it right, and let's hope Lebbon isn't done with Conan and the Hyborean age. He truly 'gets' it, and leaves the other imitators choking on the dust from his sandals as he wanders through the Hyborean age.
August 4, 2025
*Non Spoilery *
Titan Books Publishing of Conan the Barbarian.
What a time it is to be a Conan fan. Titan and Heroic Signatures has been knocking it out of the park with good books and comics these last couple of years. In S.M. Stirling’s – Blood of the Serpent, though it was an enjoyable read which of course led into Red Nails one of Robert’s greatest. It did lack something for me. The fact that I’ve already read this but now can’t seem to remember all that happened is a testament to that. I that I can remember now is that I did like it and was just thrilled that we were finally getting some more Conan. Some Conan is better than no Conan in my books. But that’s just me.
In John C. Hocking’s City of the Dead we get 2 really good stories back to back. One old and one new but also missing one from the digitals as well in my opinion which could have been added I think. Over all I remember reading this and thinking, “Finally! We are getting somewhere.” Good pacing, well rounded stories of sorcery and adventure. Likable characters, and expanded visuals to take us into the lands we know and love. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this one but again it could have been more too.
In James Love Grove’s Cult of the Obsidian Moon, we get more tie in to the black stone which if you have been keeping up with the comics has been a really good and fun read brought to us by Jim Zub. Not to take anything away from all the fascinating artist that have been contributing to the stories both in the regular Conan comics but Savage Sword as well. This has just been an amazing time thus far. I read mix reviews of this book before I picked it up and read it for myself. Again, I enjoyed this book for what it was and though, you did not have to read the comics to enjoy this one, and it did sprinkle a little here and there to the whole black stone leading up to it all. The pace was good for me and I enjoyed getting to know these new characters that brought some much-needed missing elements from the recently past novels that were read. I’d like to get some side stories exploring more of Hunwulf and Gudrun characters. Nothing big but perhaps in the line of HS new digital releases. Quick burns I call them.
Where am I going with all this you might ask? Well in the latest book, Tim Lebbon Songs of the Slain, I feel we have really kicked it up another notch! Not only was the pacing very good, it was a book that I did not want to put down at all. Even though I did as I read it on my working days and only had certain times to read it. This book had me all in from the very beginning. From a young Conan all the way to King Conan. The introduction to the Songs of the Slain made me feel for this group of individuals. This Conan I could relate to. Perhaps it’s because I am getting up there in my Age too. I’m not old but I’m not young either. At 45 years of age and a seasoned Conan fan of both REH and the new pastiche books and comics I feel Tim Lebbon really brought something back to what has been missing for some time. If only more authors can take the time to bring to life and tie in both Conan of old and new together we would be In for some Grand Sword and Sorcery. Some parts had me tearing up as I read along especially once certain characters die off. I felt for Conan and he feelings of guilt when certain individuals got hurt for his sake but also, I felt for Conan as he just keeps on going no matter what. He has to finish what he set out to do, he has to keep his promises both to old friends and family, and he has to know if he still has what it takes to be Conan of old, Both physically and in heart and soul. I like the wizards and other worldly aspects from the past books, yet I really liked the undead and grim fate that this book brings. I’ve never read any of Tim’s other books but if they are anything like this then count me in. And I hope we get more Conan from him in the future. Just like I hope we get a 3rd Chuck Dixon book sooner rather than later. I know they have already said we will be getting more short stories in digital format later this year and I have enjoyed them very much as I wait for the physical edition for the ones that are already out now from HS. Here is to hoping that Spawn of the Serpent God will keep the momentum going. But at least we also have the Comics to hold us down while we continue to wait and may all this have a long road ahead as my love and passion for all things Conan are becoming more and more blessed. Again it is a great time for us. And if you have not read any of these, please do your self a favor and get on it. Crom Out…..
Titan Books Publishing of Conan the Barbarian.
What a time it is to be a Conan fan. Titan and Heroic Signatures has been knocking it out of the park with good books and comics these last couple of years. In S.M. Stirling’s – Blood of the Serpent, though it was an enjoyable read which of course led into Red Nails one of Robert’s greatest. It did lack something for me. The fact that I’ve already read this but now can’t seem to remember all that happened is a testament to that. I that I can remember now is that I did like it and was just thrilled that we were finally getting some more Conan. Some Conan is better than no Conan in my books. But that’s just me.
In John C. Hocking’s City of the Dead we get 2 really good stories back to back. One old and one new but also missing one from the digitals as well in my opinion which could have been added I think. Over all I remember reading this and thinking, “Finally! We are getting somewhere.” Good pacing, well rounded stories of sorcery and adventure. Likable characters, and expanded visuals to take us into the lands we know and love. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this one but again it could have been more too.
In James Love Grove’s Cult of the Obsidian Moon, we get more tie in to the black stone which if you have been keeping up with the comics has been a really good and fun read brought to us by Jim Zub. Not to take anything away from all the fascinating artist that have been contributing to the stories both in the regular Conan comics but Savage Sword as well. This has just been an amazing time thus far. I read mix reviews of this book before I picked it up and read it for myself. Again, I enjoyed this book for what it was and though, you did not have to read the comics to enjoy this one, and it did sprinkle a little here and there to the whole black stone leading up to it all. The pace was good for me and I enjoyed getting to know these new characters that brought some much-needed missing elements from the recently past novels that were read. I’d like to get some side stories exploring more of Hunwulf and Gudrun characters. Nothing big but perhaps in the line of HS new digital releases. Quick burns I call them.
Where am I going with all this you might ask? Well in the latest book, Tim Lebbon Songs of the Slain, I feel we have really kicked it up another notch! Not only was the pacing very good, it was a book that I did not want to put down at all. Even though I did as I read it on my working days and only had certain times to read it. This book had me all in from the very beginning. From a young Conan all the way to King Conan. The introduction to the Songs of the Slain made me feel for this group of individuals. This Conan I could relate to. Perhaps it’s because I am getting up there in my Age too. I’m not old but I’m not young either. At 45 years of age and a seasoned Conan fan of both REH and the new pastiche books and comics I feel Tim Lebbon really brought something back to what has been missing for some time. If only more authors can take the time to bring to life and tie in both Conan of old and new together we would be In for some Grand Sword and Sorcery. Some parts had me tearing up as I read along especially once certain characters die off. I felt for Conan and he feelings of guilt when certain individuals got hurt for his sake but also, I felt for Conan as he just keeps on going no matter what. He has to finish what he set out to do, he has to keep his promises both to old friends and family, and he has to know if he still has what it takes to be Conan of old, Both physically and in heart and soul. I like the wizards and other worldly aspects from the past books, yet I really liked the undead and grim fate that this book brings. I’ve never read any of Tim’s other books but if they are anything like this then count me in. And I hope we get more Conan from him in the future. Just like I hope we get a 3rd Chuck Dixon book sooner rather than later. I know they have already said we will be getting more short stories in digital format later this year and I have enjoyed them very much as I wait for the physical edition for the ones that are already out now from HS. Here is to hoping that Spawn of the Serpent God will keep the momentum going. But at least we also have the Comics to hold us down while we continue to wait and may all this have a long road ahead as my love and passion for all things Conan are becoming more and more blessed. Again it is a great time for us. And if you have not read any of these, please do your self a favor and get on it. Crom Out…..
August 10, 2025
Hey there, book lovers! It’s your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes Loves Books Headquarters. Today, I have my review of Tim Lebbon’s Conan: Songs of the Slain. I have coffee in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!
I think I was around 10 years old when I discovered the Marvel Comic Conan the Barbarian. I was 13 years old when I discovered the Robert E. Howard books. So, let’s just say that Conan and I are well acquainted. I will not be so bold as to say I have read EVERY Conan story ever written, but I am confident in saying I have taken down my fair share.
Well, my beloved barbarian is making a resurgence with the help of Titan Books. The latest is written by Tim Lebbon, author of the Relics Trilogy, the Rage War Trilogy featuring the Aliens and Predator franchises, Eden, The Last Storm, and The Silence, among many others. Is he up to the task of taking on the world’s most famous barbarian?
When the book opens, Conan is a prisoner of war. He is destined to work the salt mines until he dies. He makes a deal with a fellow prisoner, Baht Tann, his provisions (meager though they are) in exchange for a favor. The deal is made, even though there is little hope of collecting. But fate is a fickle mistress, and both men survive. Many years pass, and when Baht Tann needs a favor. His family has been taken by a ruthless slaver, and he wants Conan to rescue them. A promise was made. It is time to honor the promise. The problem is, Conan is older now, a bit soft in the middle, and King of Aquilonia. Does he have what it takes to pull off this rescue thousands of miles away?
I love the idea of a novel about King Conan. I have heard much about Conan at this point in his life, but I have not seen much in the form of books, movies, or comic books. If memory serves me correctly, there was a comic book, but I have not seen it.
Conan, in Tim Lebbon’s hands, is almost like the spirit of Robert E. Howard has entered him and written. By Crom, this book is a masterwork in Sword and Sorcery. This book had all of the hallmarks of a great Conan novel written by the master: action, swordplay, sorcerers, dark magic, and an almost unachievable quest. The cast of characters is fantastic. The writing is as sharp as a newly forged blade. This is Conan the Barbarian at his absolute best!
I give this book 5 bookmarks out of 5!
Happy Reading!
I think I was around 10 years old when I discovered the Marvel Comic Conan the Barbarian. I was 13 years old when I discovered the Robert E. Howard books. So, let’s just say that Conan and I are well acquainted. I will not be so bold as to say I have read EVERY Conan story ever written, but I am confident in saying I have taken down my fair share.
Well, my beloved barbarian is making a resurgence with the help of Titan Books. The latest is written by Tim Lebbon, author of the Relics Trilogy, the Rage War Trilogy featuring the Aliens and Predator franchises, Eden, The Last Storm, and The Silence, among many others. Is he up to the task of taking on the world’s most famous barbarian?
When the book opens, Conan is a prisoner of war. He is destined to work the salt mines until he dies. He makes a deal with a fellow prisoner, Baht Tann, his provisions (meager though they are) in exchange for a favor. The deal is made, even though there is little hope of collecting. But fate is a fickle mistress, and both men survive. Many years pass, and when Baht Tann needs a favor. His family has been taken by a ruthless slaver, and he wants Conan to rescue them. A promise was made. It is time to honor the promise. The problem is, Conan is older now, a bit soft in the middle, and King of Aquilonia. Does he have what it takes to pull off this rescue thousands of miles away?
I love the idea of a novel about King Conan. I have heard much about Conan at this point in his life, but I have not seen much in the form of books, movies, or comic books. If memory serves me correctly, there was a comic book, but I have not seen it.
Conan, in Tim Lebbon’s hands, is almost like the spirit of Robert E. Howard has entered him and written. By Crom, this book is a masterwork in Sword and Sorcery. This book had all of the hallmarks of a great Conan novel written by the master: action, swordplay, sorcerers, dark magic, and an almost unachievable quest. The cast of characters is fantastic. The writing is as sharp as a newly forged blade. This is Conan the Barbarian at his absolute best!
I give this book 5 bookmarks out of 5!
Happy Reading!
May 29, 2026
I liked the premise of the book: King Conan called out to a solitary adventure. The opening held my interest as Conan encountered situations that prompted him to reflect on episodes from his past. At that point, I found myself hoping that one of those earlier characters—Ophilia, Devi Yasmina, or Valeria—might reappear and force him to confront the life he had lived before becoming king. Alas, we get only a brief reference to Ophilia.
The novel introduces potentially rich themes—an aging Conan, old debts, and the tension between king and adventurer—but never develops them beyond the surface, choosing instead to focus on a long sequence of battles and confrontations.
A great deal of page space is devoted to the villains and their backstories. Unfortunately, I never found them particularly compelling. Most of their motivations ultimately circle back to revenge on Conan, and while each has a different history, those histories rarely deepen the story's themes or reveal anything meaningful about Conan himself. Instead, they mainly serve to justify the next confrontation.
What disappointed me most was the missed opportunity. The opening seemed to promise a story in which Conan would be forced to reflect on the consequences of his long life, perhaps even struggle between the responsibilities of kingship and the call of adventure. I kept waiting for a challenge that would test him on some emotional, intellectual, or moral level. Instead, the novel repeatedly returns to gruesome combat and displays of dark magic.
As a result, the book felt one-dimensional to me. There are certainly plenty of battles, but after a while they begin to blur together. Too much time is spent developing villains who ultimately have little thematic significance, and too little is spent exploring the more interesting questions raised by the premise. In the end, Conan is challenged physically again and again, but rarely in any deeper sense.
The novel introduces potentially rich themes—an aging Conan, old debts, and the tension between king and adventurer—but never develops them beyond the surface, choosing instead to focus on a long sequence of battles and confrontations.
A great deal of page space is devoted to the villains and their backstories. Unfortunately, I never found them particularly compelling. Most of their motivations ultimately circle back to revenge on Conan, and while each has a different history, those histories rarely deepen the story's themes or reveal anything meaningful about Conan himself. Instead, they mainly serve to justify the next confrontation.
What disappointed me most was the missed opportunity. The opening seemed to promise a story in which Conan would be forced to reflect on the consequences of his long life, perhaps even struggle between the responsibilities of kingship and the call of adventure. I kept waiting for a challenge that would test him on some emotional, intellectual, or moral level. Instead, the novel repeatedly returns to gruesome combat and displays of dark magic.
As a result, the book felt one-dimensional to me. There are certainly plenty of battles, but after a while they begin to blur together. Too much time is spent developing villains who ultimately have little thematic significance, and too little is spent exploring the more interesting questions raised by the premise. In the end, Conan is challenged physically again and again, but rarely in any deeper sense.
March 15, 2026
The story begins with a brutal twist: Conan, wounded and exhausted on a battlefield, is rescued not to be healed, but to be sold as a slave in the salt mines. From there, the narrative gains in scale and intensity: improbable escapes, unexpected alliances, and enemies from the past who return to bring him down. Amidst this whirlwind, Conan encounters warrior-bards who not only help him survive, but offer him something rare in a barbarian’s life: a vision of existence as a song in constant composition. It is precisely this idea that gives meaning to the title: the notion that every battle, every loss and every victory are notes that shape the music of life. In the end, Conan realises that his song is far from over, for as long as he lives, new adventures will continue to write the next verses.
For long-time fans of Conan, this is further proof that the old Cimmerian never ceases to surprise and that his legend continues to echo, alive and indomitable.
For long-time fans of Conan, this is further proof that the old Cimmerian never ceases to surprise and that his legend continues to echo, alive and indomitable.
September 1, 2025
Songs of the Slain is a very good Conan tale that captures the essence of Robert E. Howard’s creation while adding the perspective of an older, King Conan. Lebbon does a great job showing that even on the throne, Conan is still the same barbarian at heart—restless, impatient with courtly obligations, and never truly comfortable with the civility required to run a kingdom. At the same time, the story highlights Conan’s defining trait: he is a man of his word, one who keeps his promises and stays true to his nature no matter the cost.
The book delivers exactly what you want in a Conan story: straightforward plotting, clear motivations, and plenty of thrilling action. It’s a fun read that never overcomplicates itself—an enjoyable escape that reminds you why Conan has endured as a timeless character.
The book delivers exactly what you want in a Conan story: straightforward plotting, clear motivations, and plenty of thrilling action. It’s a fun read that never overcomplicates itself—an enjoyable escape that reminds you why Conan has endured as a timeless character.
May 4, 2026
an excellent book. i really enjoyed it.
i liked the pacing and the plot. it's a really good Conan story, and if you don't even know anything about Conan you can enjoy it.
i liked that mentioned Scarlet Citadel, the story that met Zenobia, and i liked that every character of this story had a really interesting background story.
i feel it's not trying to be somewhere between other official REH stories, maybe because Conan is in his 60s-70s, years after the Scarlet Citadel story, and possibly after Hour of the Dragon, but i think a little before Phoenix on the Sword.
Son of Conan, Con is mentioned, and i think that's a Marvel Comics creation. i don't remember in the REH stories any name for Conan's son, only his wife Zenobia.
again. an excellent story. if you like Conan, read it. If you want to read a Sword and Sorcery story about old warriors... this is great by Crom!!
i liked the pacing and the plot. it's a really good Conan story, and if you don't even know anything about Conan you can enjoy it.
i liked that mentioned Scarlet Citadel, the story that met Zenobia, and i liked that every character of this story had a really interesting background story.
i feel it's not trying to be somewhere between other official REH stories, maybe because Conan is in his 60s-70s, years after the Scarlet Citadel story, and possibly after Hour of the Dragon, but i think a little before Phoenix on the Sword.
Son of Conan, Con is mentioned, and i think that's a Marvel Comics creation. i don't remember in the REH stories any name for Conan's son, only his wife Zenobia.
again. an excellent story. if you like Conan, read it. If you want to read a Sword and Sorcery story about old warriors... this is great by Crom!!
September 13, 2026
One of the best Conan pastiches I’ve read. The writing is strong, the story is engaging, and it has everything I want from a Conan adventure: memorable villains, great supporting characters, monsters, action, and a story that feels worthy of the character.
Most importantly, the author understands Conan. He doesn’t try to imitate Robert E. Howard’s writing style, but he understands the character Howard created. Conan isn’t just a muscle-bound barbarian. He is intelligent, observant, cunning, and a survivor who uses his brains before his brawn. He also has a personal code and takes his word seriously.
The story does something different with Conan while still making him feel completely like Conan. It gave me some The Hour of the Dragon vibes, which is about as high a compliment as I can give a Conan pastiche.
Five stars—not because it’s trying to be great literature, but because it’s a great Conan novel.
Most importantly, the author understands Conan. He doesn’t try to imitate Robert E. Howard’s writing style, but he understands the character Howard created. Conan isn’t just a muscle-bound barbarian. He is intelligent, observant, cunning, and a survivor who uses his brains before his brawn. He also has a personal code and takes his word seriously.
The story does something different with Conan while still making him feel completely like Conan. It gave me some The Hour of the Dragon vibes, which is about as high a compliment as I can give a Conan pastiche.
Five stars—not because it’s trying to be great literature, but because it’s a great Conan novel.
October 1, 2025
Overall I found this latest Conan pastiche from Titan books decent. I always enjoy an older Conan story. I think the characterization of Conan was definitely off and I’m not sure it all comes together in a fulfilling way at the end but it’s a decent journey. Overall, I didn’t think it had as cool a setup as “Cult of the Obsidian Moon” but the story and writing felt more even.
Titans books is putting an awesome effort into the art and presentation of these new pastiches and the setup for the stories are pretty cool. I just feel like both needed a bit more time in the oven to really deliver on the promise in their respective setup and synopsis and both need to take notes from John C. Hocking on Conan characterization. I’ll be interested to see how the next one goes.
Titans books is putting an awesome effort into the art and presentation of these new pastiches and the setup for the stories are pretty cool. I just feel like both needed a bit more time in the oven to really deliver on the promise in their respective setup and synopsis and both need to take notes from John C. Hocking on Conan characterization. I’ll be interested to see how the next one goes.
March 19, 2026
I haven’t read a Conan book in a long time but picked this one up on a whim. It did not disappoint, having story and details done in such a way that continued to breathe even more life into the long running world of Conan.
Songs of the Slain picks up with a small back story that soon brings us to an aged Conan that now sits on the throne of Aquilonia. An old friend from his past comes seeking help in saving his family and despite Conan’s life of leisure he doesn’t hesitate to honour a promise made. Along the way he finds friends in a band of musicians called the Last Song that join him on his adventure into the unknown terrors that await.
So if you’re a fan of Conan or just action stories that are emotional and well written then give this story a read. You won’t be disappointed.
Songs of the Slain picks up with a small back story that soon brings us to an aged Conan that now sits on the throne of Aquilonia. An old friend from his past comes seeking help in saving his family and despite Conan’s life of leisure he doesn’t hesitate to honour a promise made. Along the way he finds friends in a band of musicians called the Last Song that join him on his adventure into the unknown terrors that await.
So if you’re a fan of Conan or just action stories that are emotional and well written then give this story a read. You won’t be disappointed.
July 31, 2025
If you haven’t already or it’s been a while, read Howard’s “The Scarlet Citadel” before jumping into “Songs of the Slain”. It’s referenced many times throughout and will enrich what is one of the most surprisingly outstanding of the modern Conan novels. Tim Lebbon came to conquer and I’ll be disappointed if Titan doesn’t bring him back for more sword and sorcery. Intensely violent, genuinely heartfelt and exciting from cover to cover.
April 7, 2026
It’s always good to return to the world of Conan the Barbarian and the Hyborian Age. The story takes place later in Conan’s life when he is the King of Aquilonia , and he must fulfill a promise he made to a fellow prisoner to grant the other prisoner a favor. Great fun and romp through the world of Conan.
June 16, 2026
I read the flap of this book in a Barnes & Noble and was very intrigued. What I didn’t realize was that the flap pretty much told the entire story haha. Nothing crazy happens, but Conan the Barbarian King is cool anyway and I like his aura. Maybe it would be worth it to go back one day and see what the best Conan stories are.
September 12, 2025
This is a really fun Conan story. Manages to go beyond the typical Conan tropes (which there are plenty of and don’t get me wrong I love) and think more deeply about the nature of violence and what it might mean to walk away. Great stuff.
November 1, 2025
I enjoyed the second half of this book much more than the first half. It's hard to let go of how legendary Howard's writing was and you learn to let go and enjoy the ride for where others who love that world make an attempt to broaden it with their own style. A fun read all said and done.
January 3, 2026
Tim Lebbon’s tale of an older King Conan’s quest to honor his promise to an old friend is brawny sword and sorcery at its best. He befriends a band of musicians and faces a triptych of villains with long kept grudges against the Cimmerian. Hope to read more Conan from Lebbon!
July 29, 2025
Crom but there's nothing better than having Conan back in action!
November 11, 2025
King's still got it
January 27, 2026
I thought Songs of the Slain was great! I don’t think I’ve read a King Conan novel besides Hour of the Dragon, and this fully delivered on all the grizzled old barbarian goodness.
March 6, 2026
A surprisingly well-done Conan novel.
March 17, 2026
Absolute banger.
Takes a place among Robert Jordan in that it will be re-read countless times. An absolute treat, with vivid characters with hidden depths.
Takes a place among Robert Jordan in that it will be re-read countless times. An absolute treat, with vivid characters with hidden depths.
March 18, 2026
Barbarically satisfying tale.
April 7, 2026
Fast paced and little messy at times, but it was nice to have a Conan novel again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews