Book Review 225 // Rattle of Bones by Robert E. Howard

In no way is this the official cover but the ebook I have didn't come with one so we are using this! I am continuing my adventures into the worlds of Robert E. Howard with the next installment of Solomon Kane the Rattle of Bones.

Title: Solomon Kane - Rattle of Bones

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: A short adventure tale by the creator of Conan the Barbarian (quite possibly the worst blurb ever?)

Link to buy on Amazon

Review

Solomon Kane, for me, has been a great ride so far; such a dour man of the 17th century. In his Puritan get-up, he is easy to imagine and has had enjoyable adventures so far through Africa. Considering these stories come from the 1920s into the 30s, they have been better than I had assumed. I've even reached a point where I am adding Kane tales to my wishlist on Audible, so we maybe see a lot of this character soon.

But back to the story. Set within the oppressive Black Forest, we join Kane and a new companion as they arrive at a Tavern. Inside is a friendly, aggressive-looking Inn Keeper that Kane cannot help but feel that he knows. As the story progresses, we end a tale of pure gothic horror with a gentle dash of bloody splatter. Turns out the real innkeeper is dead and has been replaced by Gaston the Butcher, a brutal bandit that lures travellers into his hellish home to rob and brutally kill!

I don't want to spoil too much of the fun, but it is a tale set in a lonely, oppressive forest with a deserted inn, bandits, skeletons and thrills. Really what more could you ask for on a cold winter's night. Great read, and I highly recommend this title.

Link to buy on Amazon

Hope you will check in next week and let me know what I should check out or what you have been reading.

Book Review 222 // Red Shadows by Robert E. Howard

I am rather excited about this short story as it stars Solomon Kane; when the Forgeworld Badab War books came out, it became clear that the works of Robert E. Howard inspired some of the names within the Executioners forces, and Kane's name was used for part of Thulsa Kane, the High Chaplain. So I am excited to see how they compare to each other.

Title: Solomon Kane #1 - Red Shadows

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: The innovative Red Shadows introduces us to the avenging wanderer puritan Solomon Kane, alongside Skull in the Stars and Rattle of Bones. This volume also features The Shadow Kingdom, a masterpiece of dark fantasy, that introduces us to the barbarian philosopher and king, Kull of Atlantis, in a time-forgotten era, and The Mirrors of Tuzun Thune, and some poems published by the “unique magazine” such as The Harp of Alfred, Easter Island, Forbidden Magic, and The Moor Ghost closing the second cycle of strange fiction tales from the up-and-coming Texan writer in the 1920s.

Kindle Edition via Amazon - First published September 19, 1928

Review

As mentioned, this is my first Solomon Kane story, and I was excited to discover his character. He did not disappoint! A dark shadowy figure of vengeance. A true punisher of evil doers and a willingness to get a little dirty doing it. He is a vigilante who doesn't need much reason to hunt down a bad guy. His description reminds me of puritan witch hunters, but he is in no way a good guy, a true anti-hero is the best way to speak of him.

This first tale of Solomon has him hunting down a bandit known as "The Wolf." Solomon's reason for tracking the bandit is the death of an unknown female victim who had escaped the Wolf only to die in Solomon's arms. The hunt last year with us dipping in and out at critical moments to enjoy the adventure with the hero.

We get hints of what is to come for the character, as this seems to be a testing pot of ideas involving Africa, tribal cultures, old gods and ancient religions. As an adventure tale of pulp action, it is a good read. I am worried about where Howard will go with it, as I understand he is a Texan of the 1920s who did not have a great view of the world, so I will be wary of racism within these works.

What are your thoughts on these tales?