Ben’s Reviews > Conan the Usurper > Status Update

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.”

The first chapter of The Phoenix on the Sword was really good, clearly outlining the plot and treachery that besets Conan. Rinaldo being the useful idiot of conspirators is an interesting angle, and Ascalante’s opining on the idealism of poets was interesting. It’s also interesting to see Toth-Amon return after his dealings in the story “The Black Stranger.”

Finished Wolves Beyond the Border. A nice story not focused on Conan but rather a small, trivial conflict amidst the wider war against King Numedides. The scene I conjured of the Pictish massacre at the hands of swamp devils was chilling. I couldn’t keep up with the world-building dumps, but it’s clear Howard’s world is well defined and understood. Excited to read the next totally-Howard stories.

Finished my first Conan story, not completely written by Howard but nonetheless enjoyable. Perhaps resolved a bit too quickly for my taste but you can only do so much in novella form, I guess. I liked all the characters.
“But in civilized countries I’ve seen people sick of gluttony while others are starving.”

Surprised at the lack of Conan thus far and the focus on the other ensemble characters, but the characterization is sharp and clear, the drama is well understood, and the situation ripe for a bloody conclusion which I look forward to seeing