Temple of the Black One: An Homage to Robert E. Howard's Conan

by Robert M. Price

Conan the Barbarian is at it again, a genuinely mythic character yet rendered with gritty realism, the special legacy of Conan's creator, Texan Robert E. Howard. The daring Cimmerian seeks his fortune in a newly excavated tomb beneath ancient Stygia. There he encounters apocalyptic dangers, depraved priesthoods, and a voluptuous temptress. Can he discern allies from enemies? And can he possibly prevail against a god?

Genres: Sword and Sorcery, Fantasy, Cthulhu Mythos, Horror

48 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2017

About the author

Robert McNair Price is an American theologian and writer. He teaches philosophy and religion at the Johnnie Colemon Theological Seminary, is professor of biblical criticism at the Center for Inquiry Institute, and the author of a number of books on theology and the historicity of Jesus, asserting the Christ myth theory.

A former Baptist minister, he was the editor of the Journal of Higher Criticism from 1994 until it ceased publication in 2003. He has also written extensively about the Cthulhu Mythos, a "shared universe" created by H.P. Lovecraft.

Reviews

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected much more of Mr. Price. I have read several of his Mythos anthologies, which he was either editor of, essayist and sometimes contributor.

This short Conan tale is fan fiction and reads like poor fan-fic. Price “tells vs show”, performs little to no character development and even makes several typos along the way.

That being said, Mr Price offered this up at cost, making no profit for his admiration of the subject. That is worth something. Up from 1 star to 2 for that.

It reads more like an outline of a story that if fleshed out, would have had merit.

Also, for a print to order, it is an attractive little package. Plus one star for that.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

An attractive print to order book.

A standard Sword and Sorcery Conan story.

This is fan fiction, so don't expect a copycat Howard.

I am pleased to add this to my Conan collection.

[Dan Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun non-Howard fan fiction Conan story that is full of adventure, well-written and is a first rate story that does honor the character.

[Dale Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick hitting fan tribute to Robert E. Howard's CONAN THE BARBARIAN by Robert M. Price who has been expanding his reach across many of the favorite characters and books from the past. From editing over 30 anthologies dedicated to the worlds of Lovecraft and Lin Carter along with those dedicated to the Sword & Sorcery genres, and writing new books and new entries in Carter's THONGOR series, and expanding upon Carter's fan favorite landmark FLASHING SWORDS collection with, to date 2 new anthologies. Price now turns his hand to the world's most famous barbarian in an acknowledged fan homage with the TEMPLE OF THE BLACK ONE that turns on many of the original Howard Conan tropes and in 44 pages gives a quick read adventure that will give many long time readers a new journey alongside their favorite Cimmerian.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Conan story by Robert Price, it was enjoyable and had a few moments where language and tone clicked beautifully, but while I’m happy to have read it I think even the best of us are a shadow of the steal and sorcery of Howard’s pen … that written, it was fun to adventure in the Hyborian age once more.

P.s. that ending was great though, by Crom indeed …

[Bart Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, short read which took me barely over half-hour to complete. Does have a couple of typos, and at one point the font changes. Reading this reminded me of fast-paced old-style TV Westerns, such as The Lone Ranger, where a two-hour story is unbelievably established and resolved within thirty minutes.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this tale. I would say my only complaint was that it was too short!