Joe’s Reviews > The Elric Saga Part III > Status Update

Overall, pretty disappointing. Dreamthief stuff in the Pearl was cool, but this book had very little I enjoyed. The Phatts were interesting and the three sisters gave us a glimpse into the ancestor of ruined Melniboné. But outside of that, quite dull. Arioch is always a pleasure so it was nice seeing him. But yeah, it was pretty meh. Taking a break and reading some Warhammer now methinks.

Movement, sir, is not freedom. Couldn’t agree more. I’ll be honest it’s been pretty dull, but now we got a family of psychics so that’s intriguing. Still not keen on the Rose, she seems to be the protagonist of this Elric novel. I think the Fortress of the Pearl did this better, with Oone as a supporting protagonist.

Not keen on this one so far. The introduction with Elric’s father was cool, but so far, I’m confused? I know the multiverse is multi-layered and complex, but this is just bizarre. I’ll keep reading because I love Moorcock’s worldbuilding but I may take a detour before reading the 4th and final volume of Elric’s Saga.

Well that was a sloppy retcon. The people of R’lin K’ren A’a weren’t the Melnibonians ancestors, no, they were degenerates who bred with humans. Sure, sure. Whatever. It’s a minor thing but its the little things that matter.

I have to say now that Ive read it from start to finish, it’s quite good. The middle meandered a bit but the Dream World stuff was fantastic. And as far as female characters go, Oone is the best that Moorcock has created (at least of what I’ve read.) And the ending certainly throws a spanner in the loop. Interested to move forward. Glad this turned out to be good.

While I enjoyed the first part of the book, this whole Dreamthief business is convoluted to put it mildly. Perhaps an interesting idea: but this takes place before the sacking of Imrryr, so, it just comes off as contrived. I know he kind of wrote himself into the corner since he…ended his world in Stormbringer. I know this is setting up Multiverse related plots, so I’m looking forward to that.

Seeing Elric before the fall of Melniboné feels strange. He still has an idealistic point of view, hoping to change Imrryr to a realm of light and reason, over decadent willful ignorance. We know that doesn’t last but its good to see Elric in that part of his life again. Overall, enjoying it so far. Moorcock is a master worldbuilder and I admire that in him. And though he criticizes his writing, I find it great.