Conan the Guardian

Conan the Guardian follows the legendary barbarian hero as he takes on a new role protecting Lady Livia, the head of a powerful merchant house in Argos. The story centers on political intrigue and mounting threats as a rival merchant seeks to seize control of the city-state. Along with other former mercenaries, Conan must navigate court politics and defend against both mundane and magical dangers. A sinister sorcerer operates behind the scenes, adding supernatural peril to the already complex web of alliances and betrayals. Roland Green's interpretation of Conan presents a more nuanced and politically astute version of the character than many other entries in the series. The novel combines traditional sword and sorcery action with elements of political thriller and court intrigue.

Most readers consider this one of the weaker Conan novels, with frequent complaints about plotting and characterization. The book holds a 2.9/5 rating on Goodreads across 29 ratings. Readers appreciated: - Faithful portrayal of Conan's physical abilities - Some exciting action sequences - Incorporation of historical elements Common criticisms: - Slow pacing, especially in middle sections - Predictable plot developments - Lack of tension or stakes - Stilted dialogue - Characters making illogical decisions Multiple reviews note that Green's writing style feels "mechanical" and "by-the-numbers" compared to other Conan authors. One reviewer on Amazon stated "The story drags with unnecessary detail while skimming over what could be interesting scenes." Ratings: Goodreads: 2.9/5 (29 ratings) Amazon: 3/5 (4 reviews) Internet Science Fiction Database: 2/5 The book remains in print but is not frequently discussed in Conan fan communities.

The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny A noble warrior navigates deadly court politics and supernatural threats while protecting his claim to power in an ancient realm.

The Black Company by Glen Cook Mercenaries face sorcery and political machinations while serving various masters in a grim fantasy world of shifting loyalties.

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames Former mercenary warriors unite for one last mission through monster-filled lands while dealing with nobles and merchants.

Red Country by Joe Abercrombie A retired warrior returns to violence to protect what matters in a frontier land filled with mercenaries and corrupt powers.

The Dragon Lords: Fool's Gold by Jon Hollins Mercenaries and merchants clash in a fantasy world where protecting trade interests leads to battles with both human and mystical adversaries.

🗡️ The city-state of Argos was one of the wealthiest nations in the Hyborian Age, known primarily for its powerful merchant princes and naval supremacy. 🏺 Unlike many Conan stories that focus on wilderness adventures, this tale explores urban intrigue within the Mediterranean-inspired setting of Argos. 📚 Roland Green has written numerous fantasy and science fiction works, including entries in the Battletech and Dragonlance series. ⚔️ The character of Conan was created by Robert E. Howard in 1932, and has since appeared in over 50 novels by various authors. 🎭 The book's focus on Conan as a bodyguard reflects one of his lesser-known canonical occupations - throughout Howard's stories, Conan worked as everything from a thief to a king.