Skulls in the Stars

by Robert E. Howard

There are two roads to Torkertown. One, the shorter and more direct route, leads across a barren upland moor, and the other, which is much longer, winds its tortuous way in and out among the hummocks and quagmires of the swamps, skirting the low hills to the eas

Genres: Fantasy

17 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2022

About the author

Robert Ervin Howard was an American pulp writer of fantasy, horror, historical adventure, boxing, western, and detective fiction. Howard wrote "over three-hundred stories and seven-hundred poems of raw power and unbridled emotion" and is especially noted for his memorable depictions of "a sombre universe of swashbuckling adventure and darkling horror."

He is well known for having created—in the pages of the legendary Depression-era pulp magazine Weird Tales—the character Conan the Cimmerian, a.k.a. Conan the Barbarian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can only be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Count Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond.

—Wikipedia

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first Solomon Kane tale. Its a good introduction to the character and seems like a tale from an RPG as Kull takes a trail he's warned against walking and investigates a mystery involving a ghostly entity.

[Graff Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Solomon Kane, And Other Stories 02 Skulls in the Stars by Robert E. Howard

3.5 Stars

challenging dark mysterious sad tense

Fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This is my second foray into Robert E. Howard's Solomon Kane stories.

I actually liked this one better than the first. Surprisingly, it was shorter...held my attention and allowed me to visualize what was being experinced and explored by the protagonist.

I'm still not a fan of his writing style, though I felt that this story was less abrasive than the first (culturally).

The character itself is abrasive, but in the mold of a super-hero, in a time of mysticism and eerie tales.

He seems to be set in his beliefs and ways, and will not be pushed from his intent.

Not sure what is next up...I am following Kevin Towles Reads, in this set of short reads...on this Saturday.

[Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A near sure death adventure lies ahead on this path, and a completely safe path lies in the other direction. Adventure!" Honestly so fair. The masculine desire to die to something my earthly mind cannot even comprehend😩

[Airihi Day · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Skull by Robert E. Howard

[Daniy ♠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

my first solomon kane story,
Im not sure I liked the writing but I did like the plot and the story.

[Captain_Creepy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic short story that introduces the reader to Solomon Kane. For me Solomon Kane is right there at the top with Conan as a pulp fiction character.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast read… however it’s giving middle book syndrome.
Aspects are good but other parts are boring.
I have to ponder this one a little more.

[Egghead · Rating 4 out of 5]

solomon kane not
bothered by a vengeful ghost
courage is his thing