Status Updates From Conan the Usurper

An excellent, long third chapter of the story that explores more of the unknown, horrific things of the Conan universe. I really liked the fourth chapter’s exploration of the expedient nature of anarchy and the greedy hands of the powerful. But there appears Conan, standing above it all atop a being lost to the tales, laughing at them all. Forever the barbarian.

Just finished Phoenix on the Sword, the first totally-Howard Conan story I’ve read and it was a quick, enchanting read. The vibe is undeniably different than the previous two stories. The world feels deep and ancient, with Lovecraftian horrors extending far into the past of ancient history and darkness swirling upon the edges of reality. Undeniably more mythological, Howard’s prose is excellent.

Reading the second chapter, it’s interesting to note that this is the first appearance of Conan in his first story, thus it’s likely that to Howard this was the true summation of the character. A beautifully written chapter. The fickle legacy of a king vs the immortality of the artist.
“He seemed more part of the sun and winds and high places of the outlands.”