The Sword of Skelos

The Sword of Skelos is the final book in Andrew J. Offutt's Conan trilogy, following Conan and the Sorcerer and Conan the Mercenary. The novel continues the story of Conan the Barbarian, a character created by Robert E. Howard, as he navigates intrigue and danger while possessing a powerful artifact called the Eye of Erlik. The plot follows Conan's journey from Shadizar through treacherous territories, accompanied by changing allies and pursued by various factions. The city of Zamboula serves as a critical location, where multiple powers scheme to obtain the Eye of Erlik while political tensions rise between the city's ruler and his sorcerer. The story incorporates classic sword and sorcery elements including magical artifacts, dangerous creatures, warring tribes, and complex political machinations. Multiple character motivations intersect as Conan faces threats from both mundane and supernatural sources. The novel explores themes of power corruption and loyalty, set against the backdrop of Howard's Hyborian Age where magic and military might determine the fate of kingdoms. Offutt maintains the established atmosphere of Howard's world while expanding on its political complexity.

Readers consider this the weakest entry in Offutt's Conan trilogy. Many comment that the plot meanders and lacks focus compared to the previous books. Readers liked: - Action sequences and combat descriptions - Authentic Howardian feel in some passages - Depiction of sorcery and mysticism Readers disliked: - Pacing issues, especially in middle sections - Too many subplots that go nowhere - Less character development than earlier books - Repetitive descriptions One reader noted: "The sword fights deliver, but the connecting story drags." Another said: "Offutt clearly understands Conan but gets lost in side stories." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (211 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (15 reviews)

The Sword of Shadows by C.S. Friedman A mercenary warrior navigates political intrigue and dark magic while carrying a powerful artifact that draws dangerous enemies from across the realm.

Black Company by Glen Cook A band of mercenaries face sorcerers, demons, and complex political plots in a gritty world where magic brings corruption and power.

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames A retired mercenary must return to adventuring through monster-filled lands on a quest that mixes combat, ancient magic, and competing factions.

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman A thief with special training becomes entangled in a quest involving magical artifacts and warring guilds across a dangerous landscape.

Red Country by Joe Abercrombie A former warrior journeys through hostile territories while confronting both human adversaries and dark powers in a world where violence and politics intertwine.

🗡️ The Eye of Erlik artifact featured in the book draws from real Turkish mythology, where Erlik was the god of death and the underworld in ancient Turkic beliefs 📚 Andrew J. Offutt served as the president of Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) from 1976 to 1978, helping shape the genre during a crucial period ⚔️ The Hyborian Age, the setting of Conan stories, was conceived by Robert E. Howard as taking place around 10,000 BC, between the sinking of Atlantis and the beginning of recorded history 🏰 The book is part of a trilogy that includes "Conan and the Sorcerer" and "Conan the Mercenary," all published between 1978 and 1981 🖋️ While staying faithful to Howard's vision, Offutt added his own distinctive elements to the Conan mythology, particularly in his detailed descriptions of sorcery and mystical artifacts