I’ve read a couple dozen Conan the Barbarian pastiches over the years. Last year, I enjoyed James Lovegrove’s Conan – Cult of the Obsidian Moon (you can read my review here). Titan Books has published a new pastiche by Tim Lebbon, Conan: Songs of the Slain. I really liked the illustrations by Juan Alberto Hernandez.

Tim Lebbon obviously loves Conan and by the many references to past Conan stories, he’s a serious fan as well as a talented writer. Conan: Songs of the Slain begins with the capture of Conan friend Baht Tann’s wife and two sons by the powerful warrior, Grake. Grace plans to kill Conan and ascend to greatness as a result.

But Conan faces more danger as two more enemies plan his demise. Krow Danaz, a wizard, who wants to avenge the death of his mentor, Tsotha-lanti, a sorcerer slain by Conan, links up with Grake and Mylera, a witch, whose father died saving Conan in one of the barbarian King’s wars. Mylera blames Conan for her father’s death and goes to Dark Magic for the means to kill Conan.

Sometimes less is more. Any one of these adversaries would have been challenging to the aging Conan of Conan: Songs of the Slain. Two would have the odds in their favor to kill the King. But three powerful enemies seems like overkill to me.

Much of Conan: Songs of the Slain features Conan in the wilds again, searching for the missing wife and sons of Baht Tann. Meanwhile, Conan’s enemies are preparing for a climatic showdown to bring Conan to his knees, and kill him. In the lead-up to the big battle, Conan takes a lot of punishment. No normal human could have survived the injuries Tim Lebbon inflicts on Conan.

If you’re a fan of Conan, you’ll enjoy Conan: Songs of the Slain. But, set the bar low. GRADE: C+