Fred Blosser mentioned the great comic book writer Gardner F. Fox. Fox also wrote a variety of Science Fiction and Fantasy paperbacks. I just happened upon Fox’s Kyrik: Warlock Warrior which was published by a fringe paperback publisher, Leisure Books, back in 1975. As the cover says–“In the tradition of CONAN”–Kyrik is a fighter and powerful tactician.
But Kyrik first appears in this novel as a small statue. An evil sorcerer imprisoned Kyrik in this statue for a thousand years! A beautiful sorceress named Aryalla finds the statute and casts the spell that frees Kyrik. In return, Aryalla wants Kyrik to help her overthrow the dictator Devadonides. Devadonides relies on the evil sorcerer, Jokaline, to keep him in power.
Kyrik, with his sword Blue Fang, and Aryalla with her Magic, Gardner F. Fox launches them on an adventure worthy of Conan. Sure, this is a pastiche of the Real Thing, but if you’re looking for Sword & Sorcery action, Kyrik is a fun substitute. GRADE: B
I found Kyrik (and Fox’s other barbarian hero, Kothar) to pall when compared to Conan, ranking them far below John Jakes’ Brak the Barbarian. I think Fox’s experience as a comic book writer had a negative effect on his SF/fantasy work. He did somewhat better in other genres.
Still, any sword and sorcery calls to me, so I swallow my literary taste buds when I read these and enjoy them for what they are.
Jerry, you’re exactly right. Conan is the Gold Standard for Sword & Sorcery. I need to reread my Brak the Barbarian books, too. But, Kyrik provided a quick adventure full of action and fun!
I have never been a sword & sorcery guy, so no thanks.
Jeff, Sword & Sorcery and other genres like Urban Fantasy appeal to me at certain times. A small amount goes a long way.
Liked Conan as a teen but so much as an adult. Never liked John Jakes, Never read Fox. My favorite sword and sorcery stories are Fritz Leiber’s Lankhmar.
Steve, I’m with you on Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Wonderful stories! I read many of the Lankhmar stories as they were published in the Sixties and Seventies. A few years ago, I reread them in the collected editions. Pure delight!
If anyone is interested in reading the entire original 1975 copy of Kyrik Warlock Warrior it is available on Mr. Fox’s official website https://www.gardnerfrancisfoxlibrary.com/sword-and-sorcery-novels-read-entire-stories-library#/kyrik-warlock-warrior-gardner-f-fox/
Kurt, thanks for the link! I’m motivated to read the entire Kyrik series!