A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: DawnColclasure
Born on a battlefield, Conan of Cimmeria is destined to more than life as a warrior among his people. His mother dies at his birth, so Conan is raised by his father, who is well aware that he must train his son to be the greatest of warriors that mankind has ever known. Yet he is not to be just a warrior, but a barbarian, and though he is only a smith, the son of a fearless warrior who was ostracized from his people, Conan's father, Corin, does his best to teach his son everything he must know to be a man, a fighter, a warrior. The training is interrupted one day, however, when the evil Khalar Zym invades Cimmeria and kills Conan's father is his pursuit of something hidden: One piece of an ancient powerful mask that he plans to use to transform him into a god and conquer the world. Conan is the lone survivor of this invasion and he is forced to wander the world and face its challenges, all challenges that will shape him and train him to be the fearless barbarian he will one day become - in order to put a stop to Khalar Zym and his murderous ways once and for all. When Conan the Barbarian was first released to the world, it became a cult sensation. The character Conan became an icon several young boys aspired to emulate and it spawned a blockbuster movie, as well as merchandise. Now the iconic barbarian returns in this retelling of a cult classic, more powerful and everlasting than ever before. This novel by Michael A. Stackpole is based on the screenplay of the new version of Conan the Barbarian, yet reading this novel is so engrossing and as captivating as any novel should be. We walk in the shoes of Conan as he matures into the fearless barbarian and learn of the teachings and skills both his father and his grandfather taught him. This novel really drew me in and I found it difficult to stop reading. It is a story filled with action, adventure and excitement, as well as romance, occasional humor and mystery. The witch daughter Marique is just as formidable an opponent to Conan as Khalar Zym himself, and it was interesting to see how Conan planned his fight each step of the way. His enemies see him as a simpleton, and that is their undoing, because Conan is just as cunning as he is strong. I enjoyed reading this novel. It has made me eager to see the remake of the original Conan the Barbarian. This book was exciting and inspiring and I would definitely enjoy reading it again.
Nov 29, 2011 | 9780425242063
5 - Rare Top Pick | 4.5 - Top Pick | 4 - I Liked It | 3.5 - Enjoyable | 3 - OK | 2.5 - It just didn't click
Book Blurb for Conan the Barbarian
Born in the fires of battle, Conan of Cimmeria lost his father and village when they were slaughtered by the cruel warlord Khalra Zym. Wandering the world alone, Conan was forged into a peerless warrior by hardship and bloodshed. Years later, he crosses paths with Zym and his armies. But before Conan can exact vengeance, he must contend with the warlord's daughter-the seductive witch Marique-and a host of monstrous creatures. Only then will Conan's quest bring him face to gave with Zym in an epic battle to avenge his people and save the world.
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