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Elric of Melnibone (Elric Saga, Bk 1)
Elric of Melnibone - Elric Saga, Bk 1
Author: Michael Moorcock
It is the colour of a bleached skull, his flesh; and the long hair that flows below his shoulders is milk-white. From the tapering, beautiful head stare two slanting eyes, crimson and moody... — He is Elric, Emperor of Melnibone, cursed with a keen and cynical intelligence, schooled in the art of sorcery -- the hero of Michael Moorcock's rema...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780441203987
ISBN-10: 0441203981
Publication Date: 9/1996
Pages: 181
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 43

3.7 stars, based on 43 ratings
Publisher: ACE Charter
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Members Wishing: 3
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

fencerchica avatar reviewed Elric of Melnibone (Elric Saga, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Here is the book that first introduces the greatest anti-hero of high fantasy: Elric the restless, beautiful, fallen king of wicked Melnibone. Every dark elf hero since that time has a small piece of Elric in his or her soul. So, Elric's chilling adventures are not only great stories on their own but also helpful in tracing the development of the modern fantasy epic. In tone, these books are very reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft's tales of dreaming Cthulu as they weave a sinister, hypnotic tale of a decayed empire of decadent supermen.

This first book of the Elric saga follows his struggles as a sickly young emperor to maintain his grip on the helm of Melnibone's ebbing glories. He searches desperately for some source of power to aid him in withstanding his thuggish cousin Yrkoon, who seeks to wrest away both his throne and his lover. Like R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt, Elric gradually develops a painful capacity for empathy amongst a starkly, casually amoral society, and this only increases his desolation. Left without other recourse, he casts himself into the service of Arioch, god of Chaos, claims possession of the treacherous black greatsword called Stormbringer, and begins to wander throughout the Young Kingdoms of upstart men.

This paperback edition of the series features really gorgeous Robert Gould illustrations on all the covers.
daedelys avatar reviewed Elric of Melnibone (Elric Saga, Bk 1) on + 1218 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Unfortunately, this story does start out slow due to the typical conflict within monarchies over who thinks they should be in power.

Elric is a little disappointing because he's unprepared and gullible when it actually comes down to dealing with reality even though he give the impression of being wise. In truth, he leaves himself wide-open for betrayal, and when it happens, he acts surprised and then has such a change of character that it's overly-dramatic.

Much of the story is predictable, but at least it's fast-paced so no a lot of time is spent wasted between scenarios. This actually helped keep me interested in finishing the book and deciding to read the next one.
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maighdline avatar reviewed Elric of Melnibone (Elric Saga, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
This series was very good. I've already got several of this author's other books to read. Highly recommended!
buchfreund avatar reviewed Elric of Melnibone (Elric Saga, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Elric is revered in fantasy circles as cool and badass, however I find him to be whiny and unappealing. An vain introvert who lives aristocratic arrogance to the fullest.


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