The Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard

by Robert E. Howard

Overview

"The Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Conan the Barbarian, a legendary warrior who must fight to regain his throne from an evil sorcerer.

The novel begins with Conan imprisoned and sentenced to death by the ruling king of Aquilonia, Tarascus, who is in league with the sorcerer Xaltotun. Xaltotun seeks to revive an ancient serpent god and conquer the world, and has convinced Tarascus to betray Conan and seize the throne for himself.

Conan manages to escape and begins a perilous journey to gather allies and reclaim his kingdom. He travels to the distant city of Shumballa, where he meets the beautiful queen Taramis, who promises to aid him in his quest in exchange for his assistance in retrieving a powerful gem known as the Heart of Ahriman.

Conan sets out on his mission and faces numerous dangers and enemies along the way, including the cult of the serpent god, treacherous assassins, and the sorcerer's own undead minions. With the help of new allies, including a fierce pirate queen named Belit, Conan finally confronts Xaltotun and engages in a climactic battle for the fate of the world.

"The Hour of the Dragon" is a gripping tale of heroism, adventure, and magic, showcasing Robert E. Howard's masterful storytelling and vivid imagination. It is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and sword-and-sorcery fiction, and a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161124482
Publisher:	Paul Calamusa
Publication date:	04/14/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	596 KB

About the Author

Robert E. Howard (1906-1936) was an American author who is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the sword and sorcery genre of fantasy fiction. Born and raised in rural Texas, Howard was an avid reader and began writing at a young age. He was particularly drawn to the pulp magazines of the time, such as "Weird Tales", which featured stories of adventure, horror, and the supernatural.

Howard's most famous creation is Conan the Barbarian, a warrior hero from a fictional prehistoric era. Conan first appeared in the story "The Phoenix on the Sword" in 1932 and quickly became a popular character in pulp fiction. Howard wrote numerous Conan stories, as well as other tales of adventure and horror, before his untimely death by suicide at the age of 30.

Howard's writing style is characterized by his vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and a love for history and mythology. He was an expert in the history of the Old West and used this knowledge to create believable and engaging characters. He was also known for his love of boxing, which he often incorporated into his stories.

Despite his short career, Howard left a lasting impact on the world of fantasy and horror fiction. His work has been adapted into numerous films, comic books, and video games, and he is remembered as one of the most influential writers of the pulp era.