Carter Sienerth

Valeria: Blood of the Serpent

Reviewed: 12-20-22

Let me begin by saying this book has a lot to like. The descriptions of the food, cultures, people and natural vistas of REH's world are absolutely fantastic. Conan's reminiscing of his homeland of Cimmeria would be captivating and among the PROs I have listed but their length, timing and overuse shift it into the CON category for me.

The first half of this book is why I titled this review as I did; on no less than 3 occasions our iron-thewed barbarian hero watches from the sidelines as Valeria participates in the main action. The first and last are excusable, the second is so utterly out of character for Conan I began to fear Valeria would usurp Conan's place in his own story. Avoiding spoilers, Conan watches from the shadows as Valeria duels a gang of men who outnumber her more than five times and not only carries the day, but does so in such good health she can scramble up the side of a building Assassin's Creed style. In case the author ever reads this I say to him; if you'd like to write a story or stories focusing on Valeria of the Red Brotherhood, I and many other Conan fans would read it happily.

The second half of this book is a bit better, if a bit meandering. Avoiding spoilers again it is fun (if scatterbrained) sustained chase across a pre-historic Africa that sees Conan stumble into a bit of a side quest in much the same way the players might ignore the plot hooks of an exciteable DM.

Overall this is a passable and occasionally fantastic Hyborian romp, despite my scathing tone it is clear that the author has a passion for the source material and is thrilled to write in a world he loves, and I can hardly blame him if that excitement got the better of him in places.

I look forward to reading more of your work in this world of Sword and Sorcery, sir.

Quick notes on the performance; Overall solid with occasional bizarre mispronunciations, usually of the words "Cimmeria" or "Cimmerian" despite correct pronunciation elsewhere, I suspect an error in editing.

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2 people found this helpful

A modern fantasy epic

Reviewed: 06-20-22

An intense, engaging and powerful ending for this trilogy. The narrator is fantastic, at first he seems a bit dry but he gives each character a subtle but distinct voice and cadence that immediately tells you who is speaking.

Highly recommended

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A hilarious and thrilling Heavy Metal Fantasy

Reviewed: 01-18-21

Amazing narration, witty dialogue, enthralling and personal story.

Don't wait. Get the band back together

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