Subject
Magicians -- Fiction Books
Best books
Lord Dunsany
Don Rodriguez; Chronicles of Shadow Valley
"Don Rodriguez; Chronicles of Shadow Valley" by Lord Dunsany is a fantasy novel published in 1922. Set in a mythical golden age of Spain, this coming-of-age tale follows Rodriguez, a young man denied his family inheritance and sent forth to win his own estate and bride through skill with sword and mandolin. Accompanied by his servant Morano, Rodriguez embarks on extraordinary adventures that lead him deeper into the fantastical realm of Shadow Valley, where reality and myth intertwine.
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
Skull-face
"Skull-Face" by Robert E. Howard is a work of fiction written in the late 1920s and falls within the genre of weird and horror tales. The narrative introduces Stephen Costigan, an American hashish addict who becomes entwined in a dark web of drug use, visions, and sinister characters. Throughout the story, the presence of a chilling and enigmatic antagonist, known as the Skull-Faced Man, looms large, suggesting themes of addiction and moral decline amidst a backdrop of tension between Eastern mystique and Western civilization. The opening portion of the story illustrates Costigan's haunting dreams influenced by hashish, leading him into encounters with fantastical and horrific imagery, including the Skull-Faced Man and a beautiful girl named Zuleika. As he struggles with his addiction and the surreal experiences that come with it, he finds himself drawn into a world of opium dens, danger, and malevolent forces. His gradual awakening to the reality of his situation hints at deeper plots involving drug trafficking and a powerful, shadowy figure who seeks to manipulate him. The narrative explores themes of despair, the consequences of addiction, and a burgeoning mysterious plot that promises danger and intrigue.
Fergus Hume
A Son of Perdition: An Occult Romance
"A Son of Perdition: An Occult Romance" by Fergus Hume is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the themes of occultism, desire, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on the characters Alice Enistor and Julian Hardwick. The story explores Alice's emotional struggles and the influence of darker forces in her life. At the start of the novel, we meet Julian, a struggling artist, and Alice, a delicate and introspective young woman living in a gloomy mansion with her emotionally distant father. The two share a complex interaction filled with Julian's unrequited love for Alice and her reluctance to reciprocate that affection, despite the undeniable chemistry between them. Their dialogue touches upon notions of artistic genius, love, and even the supernatural, hinting at deeper themes of fate and reincarnation. Additionally, there are ominous hints at Alice's father and his connections with darker magical practices, setting the stage for conflict that intertwines their destinies in unforeseen ways.
Poul Anderson
Witch of the Demon Seas
"Witch of the Demon Seas" by A. A. Craig is a fantasy novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around Corun, a pirate condemned to death who finds himself entwined with powerful sorcery and an ambitious witch named Chryseis. Together with a sorcerer and a formidable crew, Corun embarks on a perilous quest to harness the powers of the elusive Xanthi, the Sea Demons, while facing betrayal and intrigue that could change the fate of kingdoms. The beginning of the novel introduces Corun, a proud pirate captured by King Khroman and facing execution, when he is offered a chance at life by the sorcerous duo Shorzon and Chryseis. They propose a dangerous plan to confront the terrifying Xanthi in hopes of gaining their aid to overthrow Achaerea. Corun grapples with his tumultuous feelings for Chryseis as he navigates a treacherous alliance forged in darkness and ambition. As the plot unfolds, tensions rise, leading to imminent confrontations with enemies both external and internal, setting the stage for an epic struggle of magic and will.
Harold Bindloss
The League of the Leopard
"The League of the Leopard" by Harold Bindloss is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in West Africa, it appears to focus on themes of adventure, danger, and the quest for fortune. The opening introduces several key characters, particularly Carsluith Maxwell, who seems to be drawn into perilous circumstances involving mysterious local tribes, specifically the Leopards, and the legacy of his compatriot's dangerous pursuits in search of gold. At the start of the narrative, we find ourselves in a hot and oppressive West African factory where trader Niven lies dying, haunted by fever and the weight of a troubling legacy connected to his partner Lyle. As Niven recounts his harrowing past involving a beset expedition into dangerous territory dominated by a secretive group known as the Leopards, Maxwell, his companion, listens intently. This encounter not only foreshadows Maxwell's potential journey into the perilous lands of the Leopards but also positions him within a conflict that merges personal ambition with ancient tribal rivalries. The tone is somber and filled with tension as Niven's fate intertwines with Maxwell's burgeoning resolve to confront the dangers that lie ahead.
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