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The Adventures of Dareon and Blue #1
Rogues of Merth
Thrilling Sword and Sorcery Adventure in the Golden Age Tradition!
One Night in Merth, that most westerly city tottering on the edge of the Succulent Sea, a desperate young poet swordsman and an ingenuous young tribal warrior meet by chance or fate or luck. Their unlikely friendship sets them on a course of adventures across the wild mysterious continent of Plemora, where they face monsters, magicians, maledictions, and things nameless and far stranger.
A novel-length collection of Heroic Fantasy Sword and Sorcery Adventures in the tradition of the Golden Age (Fritz Leiber, Jack Vance, Michael Moorcock, Robert E. Howard, and C.L. Moore).
Written and Illustrated by Robert Zoltan.
One Night in Merth, that most westerly city tottering on the edge of the Succulent Sea, a desperate young poet swordsman and an ingenuous young tribal warrior meet by chance or fate or luck. Their unlikely friendship sets them on a course of adventures across the wild mysterious continent of Plemora, where they face monsters, magicians, maledictions, and things nameless and far stranger.
A novel-length collection of Heroic Fantasy Sword and Sorcery Adventures in the tradition of the Golden Age (Fritz Leiber, Jack Vance, Michael Moorcock, Robert E. Howard, and C.L. Moore).
Written and Illustrated by Robert Zoltan.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2018
7 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Robert Zoltan
33 books20 followersRobert Zoltan is a Los Angeles-based author of literary and speculative fiction, and author of the Rogues of Merth Series. He was a semi-finalist in the 2019 Writers of the Future Award contest. His work has been praised by Rich Horton (Editor of The Year's Best Science Fiction and Fantasy), Locus Magazine, Cirsova Magazine, Heroic Fantasy Quarterly, Black Gate Magazine, and Tangent Online Review Magazine. Robert is also an award-winning songwriter, composer and music producer, audiobook drama producer, voice actor, graphic designer, illustrator, and host of Literary Wonder & Adventure Show podcast.
His literary heroes are Conrad Aiken, Bruno Schulz, Freya Stark, Edith Wharton, Voltaire, Fritz Leiber, Harlan Ellison, Jack Vance, Ray Bradbury, Cordwainer Smith, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Lawrence Durrell, Gore Vidal, Michael Moorcock, C. L. Moore, Robert E. Howard, and Philip K. Dick, amongst others.
His literary heroes are Conrad Aiken, Bruno Schulz, Freya Stark, Edith Wharton, Voltaire, Fritz Leiber, Harlan Ellison, Jack Vance, Ray Bradbury, Cordwainer Smith, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Lawrence Durrell, Gore Vidal, Michael Moorcock, C. L. Moore, Robert E. Howard, and Philip K. Dick, amongst others.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 9, 2019
In this collection of tales, Robert Zoltan presents the poet swordsman Dareon Vin and the Indari warrior known as Blue. This unlikely pair, though they are dissimilar in temperament and physique, nevertheless team up for a series of fantastic adventures in which they not only range through the length and breadth of the world of Plemora, but also venture into other dimensions. They leap from one hairbreadth 'scape to another, confronting sorcerers, beasts, seductive women, demons, gods, barbarians and more.
I first encountered these stories singly, but here they are showcased together, decorated with Zoltan's arresting illustrations and interspersed with samples of Dareon's poetry. Arranged in this way, the stories reveal a subtle but meaningful progression. As the two heroes go from one exploit to the next, they learn first to tolerate each other's eccentricities. They also discover more about themselves and the bond between them gradually strengthens as they learn to work together and value each other's particular gifts.
I first encountered these stories singly, but here they are showcased together, decorated with Zoltan's arresting illustrations and interspersed with samples of Dareon's poetry. Arranged in this way, the stories reveal a subtle but meaningful progression. As the two heroes go from one exploit to the next, they learn first to tolerate each other's eccentricities. They also discover more about themselves and the bond between them gradually strengthens as they learn to work together and value each other's particular gifts.
December 18, 2018
I picked this one knowing a bit about the author beforehand from his Literary Wonder & Adventure show podcasts and, although I was expecting a fun read, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of the storytelling.
This book is a collection of 10 short stories where we follow our eponymous duo of adventurers, Dareon Vin the poet-swordsman and his tall warrior friend Blue, on their unlikely adventures which includes how they met, how they struggled together against adversity (often seemingly against all odds) and how they came to appreciate and respect each other’s companionship. You can expect a lot of variety in their incredible exploits like only the best in the Fantasy genre has to offer (fights against horrible creatures, tales of magic and mysterious curses, dangerous journeys into otherworldly realms and much more!)
However, the thing that made me enjoy these stories even more than I expected at first was the writing style; it’s evocative, witty in its dialogues and contains just the right amount of well-placed humour (something I feel is often terribly missing nowadays in the Fantasy genre). It is clear that the author has put a lot of effort into his writing and as a result it is a delight to read.
I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy Fantasy and especially Sword & Sorcery in the same vein as Fritz Leiber and Michael Moorcock, then this is a must read for you.
This book is a collection of 10 short stories where we follow our eponymous duo of adventurers, Dareon Vin the poet-swordsman and his tall warrior friend Blue, on their unlikely adventures which includes how they met, how they struggled together against adversity (often seemingly against all odds) and how they came to appreciate and respect each other’s companionship. You can expect a lot of variety in their incredible exploits like only the best in the Fantasy genre has to offer (fights against horrible creatures, tales of magic and mysterious curses, dangerous journeys into otherworldly realms and much more!)
However, the thing that made me enjoy these stories even more than I expected at first was the writing style; it’s evocative, witty in its dialogues and contains just the right amount of well-placed humour (something I feel is often terribly missing nowadays in the Fantasy genre). It is clear that the author has put a lot of effort into his writing and as a result it is a delight to read.
I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy Fantasy and especially Sword & Sorcery in the same vein as Fritz Leiber and Michael Moorcock, then this is a must read for you.
February 19, 2023
Ever since the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories reshaped the world of Sword & Sorcery, authors have sought to create similar dynamic duos. Many have failed. But I am happy to state that Dareon and Blue succeed in helping their creator carve out an original niche for himself.
This book, peppered with interludes, contain the following longish stories~
1. One Night in Merth;
2. The Hanged Man;
3. Delta of the Damned;
4. Sails on Scarlet Sand;
5. Voyage to the End of Time;
6. The Black Beach;
7. The Blue Lamp;
8. Citadel of the Seven Doors;
9. The Farmer's Daughter;
10. Stronger Than Blood
The world-building is fantastic. The prose a curious mix of lyrically haunting and drily humorous. The characters properly fleshed out with weaknesses and strengths. And I should also add that the entire lay-out, with beautiful illustrations accompanying poems apparently composed by Dareon Vin, does justice to this saga.
A brilliant addition to the S & S genre. I would definitely be waiting for the 2nd Book.
Highly recommended.
This book, peppered with interludes, contain the following longish stories~
1. One Night in Merth;
2. The Hanged Man;
3. Delta of the Damned;
4. Sails on Scarlet Sand;
5. Voyage to the End of Time;
6. The Black Beach;
7. The Blue Lamp;
8. Citadel of the Seven Doors;
9. The Farmer's Daughter;
10. Stronger Than Blood
The world-building is fantastic. The prose a curious mix of lyrically haunting and drily humorous. The characters properly fleshed out with weaknesses and strengths. And I should also add that the entire lay-out, with beautiful illustrations accompanying poems apparently composed by Dareon Vin, does justice to this saga.
A brilliant addition to the S & S genre. I would definitely be waiting for the 2nd Book.
Highly recommended.
March 4, 2023
Excellent book of short stories in the fantasy/ sword and sorcery genre. A young poet swordsman and a tribal warrior form a duo for some great adventures. The duo’s path across a continent and back fleshes out an interesting world, with great development of the characters. This kind of reminds me of the 60’s and 70’s books when S&S dominated the shelves. A really nice map provides perspective, as so many newer Sword and Sorcery authors fail to do this, so you never can pinpoint where their adventures take place. I found myself going back to the map during every story. Great addition! Highly recommend.
March 3, 2020
This was like reading fantasy adventures of old, but with more oomph to it, more meat on the bones with the characters and some nice twists and turns thrown in to keep you on your toes.
Dareon and Blue fulfil certain characteristics that you expect, Dareon the poet, the romantic. Blue, the strong silent type, mysterious. Opposite ends of the spectrum. It is there interaction with each other that is a hoot. There is growth, both learn from each other, and while certain traits will remain, it doesn't become bothersome or detrimental to the narrative. One of my favourites is with Blue meeting a lady and the exploration of their backgrounds which wonderfully played out.
There are some great adventures that while there is action, and swordfights, doesn't rely on them to drive the story. It is the characters, the situation, the problem that drive the story. Which works well for exploring these characters and the various other people they meet on their way. As I said there is a couple of twists and turns which I won't spoil which give a little extra to the adventure without it becoming just another adventure.
However, a couple of the stories do follow a pattern of sorts, and sometimes I was waiting just for the monster to show up, there was a fly monster which was Lovecraftian and a snake lady, and how different they were and how Dareon and Blue were going to get out of this one. And one adventure only happened because Dareon became cliched in character and the subsequent adventure suffered form it.
Overall, I did enjoy this book.
Dareon and Blue fulfil certain characteristics that you expect, Dareon the poet, the romantic. Blue, the strong silent type, mysterious. Opposite ends of the spectrum. It is there interaction with each other that is a hoot. There is growth, both learn from each other, and while certain traits will remain, it doesn't become bothersome or detrimental to the narrative. One of my favourites is with Blue meeting a lady and the exploration of their backgrounds which wonderfully played out.
There are some great adventures that while there is action, and swordfights, doesn't rely on them to drive the story. It is the characters, the situation, the problem that drive the story. Which works well for exploring these characters and the various other people they meet on their way. As I said there is a couple of twists and turns which I won't spoil which give a little extra to the adventure without it becoming just another adventure.
However, a couple of the stories do follow a pattern of sorts, and sometimes I was waiting just for the monster to show up, there was a fly monster which was Lovecraftian and a snake lady, and how different they were and how Dareon and Blue were going to get out of this one. And one adventure only happened because Dareon became cliched in character and the subsequent adventure suffered form it.
Overall, I did enjoy this book.
February 26, 2023
In this book, Robert Zoltan delivers ten quick-paced short stories that capture the energy of classic Sword and Sorcery. Dareon and Blue make for an interesting duo, highly reminiscent of Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and Grey Mouser. Agile, loquacious poet swordsman Dareon Vin and brawny, stoic Indari tribal warrior Blue face magicians, monsters, and other foes in their adventures across the world of Plemora. Through it all, their wits, skill at arms, and friendship are tested.
My favorite tales were One Night in Merth, The Hanged Man, The Blue Lamp, and the Farmer's Daughter. I hope future stories give us more exploration of the city of Merth ("where the most crooked street is named Straight") and another appearance of the duo's friend Malika.
My favorite tales were One Night in Merth, The Hanged Man, The Blue Lamp, and the Farmer's Daughter. I hope future stories give us more exploration of the city of Merth ("where the most crooked street is named Straight") and another appearance of the duo's friend Malika.
May 31, 2022
If you acknowledge it for what it is, a fun sword-and-sorcery romp, then it's a pretty good read in the same style as good ol' Conan. Obviously some of the short stories are better than others, but that's only to be expected.
June 4, 2019
Rogues of Merth is a collection of tales grown by author Robert Zoltan from the thorny, often carnivorous garden of classic Pulp sword and sorcery. The heroes of these tales are the poet-swordsman Dareon Vin and his companion, the warrior Blue- the latter so nicknamed because of the cerulean tattoos that cover his body (only the people of his culture may know his true name, however). Each man comes from the extremes of civilization and bears their indelible marks: Dareon possesses the culture, craftiness, and decadence of the cities, while Blue has the instinct and openness- and sometimes naivete- of one who wanders the open plains and forests.
Their home, Merth, is a porous world with myriad realities weaving in and out of its fabric. Indeed, Dareon and Blue can’t seem to go more than a few weeks without stumbling into another plane of existence or accidentally unleashing a relic from the ancient world. There are hints that a higher power may be tugging the duo along in their adventures. Whether it be Fate, the unnamed gods of Merth, or Dareon’s supposedly imaginary Lady Luck pulling the strings, one cannot say. Along the way they meet and must contend with numerous supernatural oddities: time sailors, demonic diptera, curse-flinging ghosts, laughing gods, serpent goddesses both malignant and benevolent, and even stranger entities.
If there is anything to critique in these tales, it is that at times Dareon and Blue seem a bit too passive about their strange adventures, drifting along wherever the unknown powers take them, escaping dangers and fighting monsters as they come. I would have liked to see a little more agency on their part. But that is a minor point
I would highly recommend Rogues of Merth to readers looking for stories of classic sword and sorcery infused with the adventuresome blood of Leiber’s Lahnkmar mixed with the weird, alien ichor of Moorcock’s ancient Melniboné.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews