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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Enjoyed this one. I do think it's probably best not to binge with these books since the structure is fairly similar throughout each individual novel and even in the novellas that make up the novels.
Still, this was good. We've found a sense of possible redemption or salvation for Elric, or at least a way to move past his endless tragedy. Curious to get to the last volume, though I don't have a copy yet. But I like the current trajectory of the story, though I imagine it's all gloom and doom from here. Even when Elric seems happy, there's an ominous presence, a sense of foreboding.
Still, this was good. We've found a sense of possible redemption or salvation for Elric, or at least a way to move past his endless tragedy. Curious to get to the last volume, though I don't have a copy yet. But I like the current trajectory of the story, though I imagine it's all gloom and doom from here. Even when Elric seems happy, there's an ominous presence, a sense of foreboding.
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.25 or 4.5
Elric Book 5 - The Bane of the Black Sword is a return to form for Michael Moorcock's tales of the Albino Prince, his best since Book 1, and it's all down to the language. Book 5 has that Shakespearean turn of phrase, a formalism shared by both the characters and the omniscient narrator that gives this epic the right feel and this reader the most aesthetic pleasure. I've felt that the previous three books' prose had been a little plain in comparison. Again, the volume is divided into three Elric stories, but it adds and epilogue in which some other characters we've met defend the fabled city of Tanelorn from attack (as a prologue to Stormbringer? We'll see). The other tales finally allow Elric to get revenge on that pesky wizard, and even find love. And the more I read, the more I enjoy his companion Moonglum. After Book 4, I thought I might take a break from the world of Elric, but this book has propelled me right into the pages of Book 6 - Stormbringer.
Book One, I wasn't to crazy with the way that Theleb K'aarana allowed Elric to be released. In past encounters it seemed that the Pan Tang sorcerer was smart enough to kill Elric as soon as he fell into his grasp.
Book Two Elric's great arrogance and thirst for vengeance lands his companions in yet another trap.
Book Three Elric and Moonglum must rise to their greatest challenge so far as the battle a horde of invaders a half million strong.
Book Two Elric's great arrogance and thirst for vengeance lands his companions in yet another trap.
Book Three Elric and Moonglum must rise to their greatest challenge so far as the battle a horde of invaders a half million strong.
Read at least once prior to 1991 but don't have date recorded.
My issues from the previous 2 books persist, but substantially more interesting plotlines in this one warrant a higher score.
Michael Moorcock is a true master of fantasy and a classic!