4 Blades of Ruin - Review

 Gary Romeo reviewed my latest book, 4 Blades of Ruin. Here it is.

4(Four) Blades of Ruin is available in a graphic edition, a non-graphic edition, and on Kindle. Find them on Amazon! 

This is the second collection of stories using Robert E. Howard’s characters by Stephen Gaspar. I enjoyed his first collection, 3 Blades Against Darkness, and I enjoyed this one as well.

A large number of Robert E. Howard fans like to erect barriers preventing their enjoyment of things. They hate pastiche, they hate AI art, they hate unauthorized books… they hate a lot of things. I’m not going to spend anytime addressing those hates. This is a book review for people who prefer to enjoy things.

Stephen Gaspar writes clear unadorned prose. That is his strength. He strives to tell a good story. Unfortunately he tries to get a little fancy and inserts epigraphs at the beginning of every chapter. Ignore them.

Stone of Doom. This story starts by having Conan racing ahead of a pack of angry pursuers. Arrows are fired and Conan is hit. He rides harder into the sandstorm and escapes. Conan passes out and is rescued by Augur, a man on a quest to eradicate evil. The dialogue between Conan and Augur is quite good. Most authors are afraid to have Conan talk too much. Conan agrees to join Augur in his search for fragments of “The Black Stone” thinking there might be profit in the adventure. After a decent action scene, in which Conan kills three men, he learns there isn’t going to be any profit and abandons Augur. Conan later learns that Augur has been killed and the fragment of rock they found has been stolen. The story becomes more of a typical Conan tale at this point. Conan decides to find out who was responsible for Augur’s death and encounters bad men and a bad woman. This story beats 90% of the Heroic Legends e-books for pure entertainment.

Nil Desperandum. This a Bran vs. Rome tale. The story starts with a good description of Bran’s latest nemesis, Caius Dracus, and segues into a battle between Romans and Picts. Bran and Dracus end up in a wrestling contest that lasts a while and separates them from their men, They end up getting captured by another band of Picts hostile to Bran. The author has Dracus and Bran talking to each other (and their captor.) I remembered that Bran spoke Latin. It isn’t mentioned if Dracus speaks Pict. When Bran has to ask Dracus what “Nil Desperandum” means and Dracus responds “Never despair,” I was taken out of the story wondering who was speaking Latin and who was speaking Pict? The story continues on with Norseman attacking the hostile Picts and taking Dracus and Bran as prisoners. Dracus and Bran apparently understand Norse. They escape on a small boat and see the Loch Ness monster. Bran and Dracus part on possibly grudgingly friendly terms. But then Dracus is immediately captured by the remnants of the hostile Picts. What will Bran do regarding his Roman foe? This was a good story despite the language confusion.

Demon of Darkness. This story takes a few too many paragraphs to get started. There is a short history lesson regarding the town of Kirkland in the center part of Northern England and mood setting regarding Solomon Kane and Travis March, a cheating barkeep. All this to introduce another haunted moor story. Kane goes to investigate Blaec Moor and meets a father and his daughter who tell him about the scary place that they live in. Kane asks to spend the night. They sneak out after Kane goes to bed and Kane follows them to a field of stones. All the villagers are there and chanting hooky spooky words. An evil but handsome fellow named Dinger-Kek materializes. Dinger tells the crowd to keep repeating this ritual every night and eventually Dinger will reach full power. Kane travels back to the house and confronts the returning couple. Dinger-Kek is a dark god, blah, blah, blah. Kane decides to confront Dinger and knows God’s righteousness will prevail. They fight until the sun rises. Dinger is defeated. Ho-hum.

The Steward of Time. This story starts with Ka-nu telling King Kull about “The Black Stone.” It is a bad stone, causing madness in people, a gateway to hell, pure evil. The gods cast lightening and broke the stone but it can be reassembled. (All this ties back to the first story “Stone of Doom.”) Then others tell Kull more scary stories. Kull is intrigued and wants to visit a scary place. The next day, Kull, his soldiers, and Brule the Spear Slayer travel to a known mysterious location, an empty field giving off weird emanations. Kull starts hallucinating, passes out, and wakes up in a curved color changing environment and meets “the steward of time.” What follows are lots of paragraphs about the nature of time. Kull eventually snaps out of it and everybody wants to leave this uncomfortable place. Kull sees it is late now and asks, “my, where does the time go?” Not as clever as I would have liked but it brought a smile.

The Ice Castle. This story starts with Conan in the freezing cold. He spots a castle made of blocks of ice and escapes the blistering winds. He meets the beautiful woman who lives in the Ice Castle. She tells her story of being cursed by an evil wizard. Conan stays with her for a while and believes he has fallen in love. She recites poetry to him and it all seems chastely happy. Months pass and Conan is ready to leave. Trouble. The story ends rather predictably.

Dark Covenant. A Christian church was founded long ago in a remote part of Africa. Time has passed and the church has been reestablished by a near madman named Biruk. A beautiful woman named Zeria decides to use Biruk and his church and its now corrupted teachings to her benefit. Enter Solomon Kane. Zeria has followers now and a local tribe has resisted her warriors. Kane is perplexed by the Christian imagery being used to scare the local tribe. Kane investigates and is captured. Biruk and Kane have some dialogue about King Solomon and Bible verses. Zeria meets Kane and we get “The Moon of Skulls” vibes with Zeria coming on to Kane the same way Nakari did in that story. The story gets a little convoluted but remains interesting. Kane receives a vial of the Apostle Matthew’s blood from a spirit of the Church’s founder. The Lord’s help is needed to triumph over Zeria. I think Mr. Gaspar has captured a slight Howardian feel in this story.

The Dark Man’s Revenge. Gonar is worried about Bran Mak Morn’s future. Bran is preparing for a big battle with the Romans. Bran is worried and wishes he had had a normal life. A man named Nothus (Latin for bastard) shows up. He is the offspring of Bran and Atla (from “Worms of the Earth”). Gonar tells Bran he is working on a statue to encase Bran’s spirit when he passes (see “The Dark Man”). Bran makes a deal with the leader of a rival Pict tribe saying he will abdicate his throne if he joins the fight against Rome. And if there wasn’t enough happening already, Brule the Spear Slayer time travels to visit. The big battle starts and the rival Pict tribe deserts leaving Bran’s army outnumbered. Bran dies in the battle. Gonar does his magic and “The Dark Man” statue is created. The story doesn’t end here. The author adds an ending that mixes Howard’s Picts with the real life Onuist. The timeline really doesn’t work historically. Onuist was king of Pictland (Scotland) from 732 to 761 but I suppose the Onuist in this story could be a forefather of the later Onuist.

The Well. Conan is working for Captain Oscuro and has taken over Captain Bosmer’s ship, the Baltar. Bosmer is only concerned about a woman named Narissa. He offers Conan a bargain for treasure in return for the woman’s safety. Before Conan can make a deal, Captain Oscuro appears, Bosmer attacks and is killed by Conan. Oscuro tells Conan to take the woman to his ship. Conan advises Oscuro that the Baltar now belongs to him per their agreement and that he is keeping the girl. Oscuro, now Conan’s enemy, leaves for his own vessel. Narissa shows Conan a pink diamond and tells of a treasure. What follows is a halfway decent adventure with giant sea creatures, humorous pirate banter, rock monsters, and the bride of Quetzalcoatl.

4(Four) Blades of Ruin is available in a graphic edition, a non-graphic edition, and on Kindle. Find them on Amazon!

4(Four) Blades of Ruin is available in a graphic edition, a non-graphic edition, and on Kindle. Find them on Amazon!

All of Stephen Gaspar's books are available on Amazon. 

Four Blades of Ruin - Cover Art

 My latest book, Four Blades of Ruin, is another series of stories of Robert E. Howard's heroes, Conan, Kull, Bran Mak Morn, and Solomon Kane. 

The book is available in a graphic edition with AI cover art and interior graphics.

Some readers do not like AI graphics, so I released another version with no AI.

This is a cover for the non-graphic edition.

I was not certain what I wanted to use for the cover of the non-graphic edition, but one day, on my walk, I thought of the weapons I had, some of which were tucked away in the crawlspace. So I dug them out and started arranging them on a tartan towel I had bought at a Scottish shop in Stratford, Ontario, years ago. I took the picture myself.

Some of those weapons I have had since the 70s. The battle axe and mace I made in a tool shop when I was an apprentice. I actually have two Kukri blades, but I only used one in the picture. I bought the Kukris at a gift shop in Sauble Beach, also in the 70s. Everything else I acquired later, one piece at a time. The cloth with all the folds is a piece my wife uses as the Christmas tree skirt. I used it to cover up the carpet and the sofa.

Stephen Gaspar's books are available on Amazon!

4 Blades of Ruin - Conan Excerpt

 I am very excited about my latest book, 4 Blades of Ruin, a series of
short stories of Robert E. Howard's heroes, Conan the Barbarian, Bran Mak Morn, Solomon Kane, and King Kull. The book is available on Amazon in a graphic edition, a non-graphic edition and on Kindle.

Here is an excerpt from one of the Conan stories. 

Stone of Doom

1.

“From the outside the stone is a riddle:
No one knows how to answer it.”

                     — Charles Simic

       

CONAN spurred his horse across the desert, its hooves pounding rhythmically on the hard, barren ground. A quick look over his shoulder told him his pursuers, six now, were closing in. It would be foolish to turn and fight, since they had bows, and he had only a sword. They were closing and would soon be in range. Some of these men were Hyrkanian, excellent bowmen who could shoot quite accurately while riding a speeding mount, their legs wrapped tightly around their beast’s belly.

When he had fled the city, there were at least ten who pursued him; now that number was almost half, but the Cimmerian did not think he could evade them for long. A north wind was beginning to blow, bringing stinging sand. Conan brought up his scarf to his eyes. 

An arrow soon whizzed past his ear. The wind continued to blow, and with it came a sandstorm that restricted his vision. Conan put his heels into the horse’s flank. An arrow struck him in the back. The barbarian winced in pain but still pressed on. He looked behind him and could barely see the lead archer through the blowing sand. Another arrow struck him, this one in the left shoulder. Despite the pain and a weakening feeling, Conan spurred his horse on, though the beast and rider could no longer see where they were going. Every stride of the horse sent pain coursing through his body. As blood oozed out of his wounds, Conan fought to maintain consciousness. He rode for miles, and for each one he bent over the horse’s neck a little more. How he stayed in the saddle was a testament to his incredible strength and stamina. He was clinging to the horse’s mane and did not remember passing out. 

When he opened his eyes, he was lying on the ground, facedown. It was night, and there was a campfire. His back and shoulder hurt. He started to rise.

“I wouldn’t get up just yet,” said a man’s voice. “You have to give your wounds a chance to heal.”

Despite the advice, Conan sat up to see who was speaking to him.

It was an older man, sitting by the fire, dressed quite modestly in breeches, sandals, and a homespun tunic. His features reflected intelligence but were nondescript, and Conan guessed he was a Westerner of mixed race. The man’s hair was greying, as was his light beard. Even his thoughtful eyes were grey. The man appeared to possess a certain calmness, as if he were not about to let anything vex him. He handed Conan a canteen of water. Conan drank great gulps of water, then suddenly stopped and considered that this might be all the water the man had.

Conan looked around and saw that he was no longer in the desert, but in the steppes, with grass and a few trees in the distance. He regarded the older man.

“Who are you?” Conan asked. He had a suspicious nature, especially towards strangers who did him a good turn for no apparent reason.

“My name is Augur. I found you in the desert, lying on your horse’s neck with two arrows in your back. Do you remember how you got them?”

 Conan nodded. “A certain prince in Akif took exception when I was caught with his favorite concubine. I was chased out of town by several of his men.”

“It can be dangerous to take what does not belong to you.”

“The prince had more than his share of women. He could afford to give me one.”

Augur nodded. “People who have less often feel that way about people who have more.”

Conan regarded the man. “What are you, some sort of philosopher?”

Augur grinned. “Just a man who has taken the time to observe people. What’s your name?”

“Conan of Cimmeria.”

“You are a little far from home, Conan of Cimmeria. What are you doing this far from home?”

“Whatever I can get away with.”

Augur smiled again. Smiles came easily. He reached over, picked up two arrows and tossed them to Conan.

“I pulled these out of you.”

Conan looked at the arrows. The heads were of metal, and well-barbed.

“They didn’t want to come out,” Augur said. “I had to push and pull, twist and turn them. I had to do a little cutting.”

“Why?” the Cimmerian asked.

“Because they were difficult to get out.”

“No, I mean, why did you do it?”

“I didn’t think you wanted to keep them inside you.”

“No, I mean, why did you help me? You don’t know me. You don’t owe me anything. Why do it?”

“It was an act of kindness. I did not consider it much trouble.”

The barbarian thought on this. “With less trouble, you might have let me die and steal my horse.”

“I thought your life was more important than me gaining a horse.”

“How do you know I won’t murder you to take what you have?”

“I don’t.”

Augur spoke with a calmness that led Conan to suspect the man was not overly concerned if he lived or died. To the Cimmerian, it was a bit perplexing and a trifle unnerving. He found this behavior uncommon.

“I have nothing to repay you for your kindness.”

“You don’t have to,” said Augur, then pointing over to the side. “Your horse is tied over there, but I don’t think you're in any condition to ride yet.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“You can stay or go; it is up to you, but as I said, you should let those wounds heal.”

For some reason he could not fathom, Conan decided to stay. In the morning, he cared for his horse. Augur shared what food he had with the barbarian. Conan saw that Augur had a heavy cart pulled by two mules.

“Where are you headed?” Conan asked.

Augur pointed west. “Into the hills.”

“Why?”

Augur regarded the younger man as if he were judging his character.

“I am searching for something.”

“What?”

“A stone.”

“A stone? There are stones everywhere. You can have your pick of them.”

Again, Augur paused, considering whether he should say more.

“The stone I am looking for is very special. I could use a little help finding it.”

Conan stopped and considered this veiled proposal.

“What is so special about this stone?”

“I know that a very wealthy man is willing to pay a lot of money to have this stone.”

Conan looked doubtful. Who would pay money for a stone?

“Is this stone a jewel?” he asked.

“No, but I have heard it is very old, and quite rare.”

“And you need a partner?”

“I suspect it is quite heavy. I need a strong back and a man I can trust. I trust you.”

Conan stopped to consider the offer.

“How do you know you can trust me?” Conan asked.

Augur shrugged. “You are under no obligation to help me, you know. We can part company here and now. You go your way, and I’ll go mine.”

Conan had good instincts. He liked this man and saw humility and honor in him.

“Crom!” Conan exclaimed. “There’s nowhere in particular I wanted to go, anyway. I’m with you.”

The pair travel west, out of the steppes and into the foothills.

After days of travel, Conan asked, “How do you know where this stone is?”

“Before I found you in the desert, I had sought out a man whom I heard had actually seen this stone in his youth. Only recently had I spoken to him and heard his story. Years ago, he had taken refuge in a cave and noticed a stone protruding from the ground. What was peculiar about this stone was that it was a shiny black color, its surface smooth and polished. In the darkness of the cave, the stone sometimes radiated. The man began to dig around the stone by hand, chipping at the packed, hard dirt with a knife. As he removed the dirt, he saw that the stone was larger than he had imagined. He also saw something else; there were markings on the stone, like ancient runes he could not read or even identify. Then he recalled a legend about this stone. It is a common legend, and he had once heard of it. This stone, so the story goes, was cursed, and so, fearing it, he covered it up again, with the intention that no one would ever find it.”

Conan thought about this for a moment. “Why did he tell you about it?”

“What was that you said?”

“If this man did not want anyone to find it, why did he tell you about it?”

“Oh… I suppose because… he is old now, and old men like to tell their stories. He must have thought it was time to tell his. It was the first time he had told this tale.”

Again, Conan thought on this in his own plodding way.

“Wait a minute, you said you sought out this man after hearing of his story. How could you have heard of it since the first time he spoke of it was to you?”

All of Stephen Gaspar's books are available on Amazon!

Brand New! 4 Blades of Ruin.

Four Blades Of Ruin by Stephen Gaspar is a collection of action-packed fantasy tales featuring Conan, Kull, Bran Mak Morn, and Solomon Kane as they battle supernatural threats, face ancient wizards, and embark on perilous quests. In this volume:
Conan the Barbarian must stop an evil sorceress who plans to reconstruct the Black Stone to usher unspeakable evil into the world. * The Cimmerian must fend off adversaries on a treasure hunt that may have disastrous results. * Young Conan gets lost in a frozen wilderness, only to find a mysterious ice castle inhabited by a beautiful princess.
Bran Mak Morn finds himself tied to his Roman enemy after being captured by a hostile band. * The king of the Picts plans an all-out war against the Romans. Could this be Bran’s last battle?
Solomon Kane finds a village in the middle of the moors where the inhabitants are kept prisoner by a dark demon. * In East Africa, Kane finds a hostile tribe that uses a twisted form of Christianity to control other tribes. Kane faces his greatest temptation.
King Kull finds a strange place where all time meets.
If you crave action-packed adventure, this is it!

4 Blades of Ruin is available in a graphic edition with dozens of AI graphics to enhance the stories. A non-graphic edition is available under the title Four Blades of Ruin. The book is also available on Kindle

All three editions are available on Amazon!

Just Released! 4 Blades of Ruin!

I am very excited to announce that my latest book, Four(4) Blades of Ruin, has just been released on Amazon!

Four(4) Blades of Ruin contains eight exciting tales featuring Conan, Kull, Bran Mak Morn, and Solomon Kane. The book is available in a graphic edition, a non-graphic edition, and on Kindle. Here are the two covers. Click on the covers for the link.

All of Stephen Gaspar's books are available on Amazon!

Coming Soon!

 

My second book of stories based on Robert E. Howard's heroes is set to come out soon! Four(4) Blades of Ruin contains eight exciting tales featuring Conan, Kull, Bran Mak Morn, and Solomon Kane. The book will be available in a graphic edition and a non-graphic edition. Here are the two covers.

Wraparound Cover

 I am considering this graphic for the wraparound cover of my next book. I hope to have it out in the next few weeks.