The Gargoyle's Handbook

by Marc Laidlaw

From the writer of the blockbuster videogame Half-Life, ten stories of the bard with a gargoyle's hand

For over a quarter of a century, Gorlen Vizenfirthe has entertained fans of wandering bards. Famous for playing his silver-strung eduldamer with one hand of flesh and one of stone, he has traveled from the dankest dens of Dankden to the desiccated domiciles of Wumnal Wells, first in search of a gargoyle with a hand of flesh, and then, partnered with said goyle, on the trail of the elusive wizard who swapped their hands in the first place.

The Gargoyle's Handbook collects for the first time all the Gorlen tales that take place before the events of the novel, Underneath the Oversea. Herein are short stories about sinister cats and singing ships, novelettes of musical curses and trap-setting birds, novellas of transmogrified pilgrims and metaphysical moths--well over a hundred thousand weird and wonderful words, which is barely enough to describe Gorlen's world.

For fans of Jack Vance, Fritz Leiber, or sword and sorcery with more stringed instruments. For listeners of Underneath the Oversea curious to learn how Gorlen found his family. Or for those who simply want a pocket guide to strange new lands. The Gargoyle's Handbook might be just the handy manual you've been looking for.

1 pages, Audio CD

First published March 25, 2021

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intertwining fantasy stories about a bard with a stone hand, his lover, and a gargoyle. Somewhat Vancian, quite enjoyable.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

7 This should have been right up my alley but the only emotion this book engendered is one of boredom.