Excellent review. His collection Refugees From an Imaginary Country is extremely good as well. It’s a mixture of sword & sorcery and horror/weird fiction tales. He’s got so many collections, it’s hard to know where to begin!
@@allfictionisfantasy As far as Schweitzer is concerned, Mask of the Sorcerer is an excellent novel, and I’m the sort that usually prefers short stories when it comes to S&S. In general, Karl Wagner’s Night Winds is probably my all time favorite collection in the genre. Also, I know you focus on vintage here, but the recent To Walk On Worlds by Matthew John had everything I look for in the genre: mad sorcerers, eldritch demon gods, vast alien architecture, ancient science equivalent to magic, etc.
@@allfictionisfantasy I just now realized you were probably asking about Schweitzer’s stuff and not sword & sorcery in general. Besides, you seem much more well versed in the genre than me!
I've been meaning to read this one for a long time. Schweitzer's _The Mask of the Sorcerer_ is one of my all-time favorites, and _The Shattered Goddess_ is absolutely fascinating.
This is exactly what I didn't know that I needed to stumble onto tonight until I did. I'm currently half way through my second reading of the complete Conan stories by Howard and I've been thinking a lot about how it's probably my favorite work of fantasy, full stop. I've been worrying about what to dive into next. This is it, based on your review! Just purchased via eBay.
@@allfictionisfantasyI just finished, and did enjoy it. It works well treated as a novel. The quests build on one another and reference previous quests. The protagonist permanently changes over time. I thought the writing was of high quality and the stories were unique and not derivative. I liked the persistent introspection of the hero, and the overlapping of his dream world with the real world. There is a dreamlike quality to the entire work. All in all, a really fresh take on my favorite genre of fiction.
UA-cam ate my comment so trying again. I picked up the book based on your recommendation. And also grabbed a few of his other books directly from the author on eBay (signed, no less)!
I'm not real well read with classic sword and sorcery / fantasy titles, but I trust your opinion so I just ordered a copy. It definitely sounds interesting and I'm trying to round out my library. Bonus points for it being a physical book, which is a rare purchase for me these days. Also, the Final Cut is absolutely a masterpiece!
I wonder how the sells are doing for this book now? Because I immediately went to Amazon after this review to get a copy. Amazing suggestion! This is my type of fantasy. It’s so weird and hilarious. RIP Sir Hough. I hope you’re doing plenty of wenching in heaven you greedy bastard.😂
Sir Hough was great! I was told by a friend of the author that the author has said he saw a spike in sales from my video and from posting about it on my Dungeon Dive social media.
Hey, for a while I was the only one who who review Kane by Karl E. Wagner. That changed over time of course. It does not matter who brought it out first just as long as it was brought up. If it happens to be you, so be it.
@@allfictionisfantasy Books take time to read, people have their own taste, plus some youtubers follow trends on what is out their and what people will watch, add that to what all have been published since Guttenberg and it's not surprising there will be some gaps in what we expect to be out there.
your praise for this book sent me to eBay immediately upon finishing this video. I'm excited to read this one! I'm curious, how did you happen upon it?
This sounds similar to "between two fires" I will check it out, and definitely check "between two fires" if you haven't. I have read various things from Darrel Schweitzer and I can certainly say that he is an ok author, that's why he doesn't have a fanatic following, combined with the fact that a lot of his books are hidden behind limited print runs.
I’m a super slow reader. I’ll never have the time to read all the books I own. But that’s ok. Reading and collecting are two different hobbies. I’m trying to put together a physical library of old S&S as a way to preserve all of this OOP fiction. When I die, I’ll have it donated to a library.
You've piqued my interest. I'll have to track down a copy and check it out. I hope you do a review of the Lord Dunsany biography. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on that as well.
Have you read books by Richard Lee Byers? He is the person who introduced me to Darrell Schweitzer's work and to Darrell himself. You might enjoy Richard's books too.
Looks like I've read around him in that I've explored the various D&D / Forgotten Realms / Pathfinder / Arkham Fiction he writes in. I have one thing from him on my to read shelf - a novella in the second Arkham Horror Novellas collection! That's coming up probably sometime next year. :)
I’m surprised by your reaction, I wouldn’t really even consider this in Darrell Schweitzer’s top five… my favourites are the shattered goddess, echoes of the goddess, the great world and the small (it has the 3 Etelven Thios stories, some of the first s&s I ever read! Really good collection), necromancies and netherworlds (I really didn’t expect this one to be as mesmerising as it was!), and his first novel, what’s it called, White isle something. The sekenre stories didn’t blow my mind but I def need to reread those, see if my mind has changed…
This was like reading a book ripped out of my own brain. A book tailor made for me because of the religious nature of the story. I will always gravitate towards SF&F with a strong religious and mythological foundation, especially one as well written as this.
I’m an ex-Christian, although my experience in the church was benign. I love exploring the mindset and the pathos in the Christian struggle and worldview. This sounds rad. Glad I got a copy when you recommended it a little earlier.
@samurguybriyongtan146 Right on! All of fantasy is based on myth and religion - myth and religion were the first kinds of fantasy. Without them, we wouldn't have all of the fantasy tropes and conventions. Tons of horror is based on religious myths and texts as well. Anything having to do with a cult - religion. Anything having to do with demons, monsters, satan - religion. It all started as religion and myth at some point. It's impossible to discuss fantasy and horror without also discussing myth and religion at some point, and myth is just religion that's been turned into genre fiction. ;)
Agreed, fantastic collection.
Have you read anything else from him?
@@allfictionisfantasy I read a collection called "The Mysteries of the Faceless King" a few years ago and enjoyed it.
Excellent review. His collection Refugees From an Imaginary Country is extremely good as well. It’s a mixture of sword & sorcery and horror/weird fiction tales. He’s got so many collections, it’s hard to know where to begin!
I’ve got that one on deck. :)
@@allfictionisfantasy Nice. I’ve now got this one on deck thanks to your review (I’ve had it for years but never got around to it).
Have you read anything else you’d suggest I prioritize?
@@allfictionisfantasy As far as Schweitzer is concerned, Mask of the Sorcerer is an excellent novel, and I’m the sort that usually prefers short stories when it comes to S&S. In general, Karl Wagner’s Night Winds is probably my all time favorite collection in the genre. Also, I know you focus on vintage here, but the recent To Walk On Worlds by Matthew John had everything I look for in the genre: mad sorcerers, eldritch demon gods, vast alien architecture, ancient science equivalent to magic, etc.
@@allfictionisfantasy I just now realized you were probably asking about Schweitzer’s stuff and not sword & sorcery in general. Besides, you seem much more well versed in the genre than me!
I read this book many, many years ago and I loved it.
Nice! It's so good.
I've been meaning to read this one for a long time. Schweitzer's _The Mask of the Sorcerer_ is one of my all-time favorites, and _The Shattered Goddess_ is absolutely fascinating.
Nice! I've got both of those now. :)
Wow! Such an extremely glowing review--I NEED to read this book!!!! Thanks, Daniel!
Please do!
This is exactly what I didn't know that I needed to stumble onto tonight until I did. I'm currently half way through my second reading of the complete Conan stories by Howard and I've been thinking a lot about how it's probably my favorite work of fantasy, full stop. I've been worrying about what to dive into next. This is it, based on your review! Just purchased via eBay.
Hope you enjoy it!
@@allfictionisfantasy I’ll let you know. I need to dig into the archives here to find more S&S authors to read.
@@allfictionisfantasyI just finished, and did enjoy it. It works well treated as a novel. The quests build on one another and reference previous quests. The protagonist permanently changes over time. I thought the writing was of high quality and the stories were unique and not derivative. I liked the persistent introspection of the hero, and the overlapping of his dream world with the real world. There is a dreamlike quality to the entire work. All in all, a really fresh take on my favorite genre of fiction.
UA-cam ate my comment so trying again. I picked up the book based on your recommendation. And also grabbed a few of his other books directly from the author on eBay (signed, no less)!
Damn, now I definitely have to check it out.
Picked up a copy! Thanks for the recommendation Daniel. After Nifft the Lean, I will forever trust in your impeccable taste! haha
Hope you enjoy it!
I'm not real well read with classic sword and sorcery / fantasy titles, but I trust your opinion so I just ordered a copy. It definitely sounds interesting and I'm trying to round out my library. Bonus points for it being a physical book, which is a rare purchase for me these days. Also, the Final Cut is absolutely a masterpiece!
The Final Cut! Yes! That album just devastates me.
Bought a bunch of Darrell Schweitzer books based on your earlier mention of his works.
Just picked this one up cuz of your review. It can go on my TBR pile 😂great review
I wonder how the sells are doing for this book now? Because I immediately went to Amazon after this review to get a copy. Amazing suggestion! This is my type of fantasy. It’s so weird and hilarious. RIP Sir Hough. I hope you’re doing plenty of wenching in heaven you greedy bastard.😂
Sir Hough was great! I was told by a friend of the author that the author has said he saw a spike in sales from my video and from posting about it on my Dungeon Dive social media.
Hey, for a while I was the only one who who review Kane by Karl E. Wagner. That changed over time of course. It does not matter who brought it out first just as long as it was brought up. If it happens to be you, so be it.
It’s crazy how with all of the book UA-camrs out there, there are still these books without reviews.
@@allfictionisfantasy Books take time to read, people have their own taste, plus some youtubers follow trends on what is out their and what people will watch, add that to what all have been published since Guttenberg and it's not surprising there will be some gaps in what we expect to be out there.
your praise for this book sent me to eBay immediately upon finishing this video. I'm excited to read this one! I'm curious, how did you happen upon it?
My buddy stumbled upon it randomly and suggested that we read it together.
Sounds like an interesting read so I ordered it.
This book sounds incredible. I should get it!
It really is!
Now to find a copy…once I have a day off…when I have enough money…the hunt begins soon! If any of you cross my path looking for this book, beware 👹👹👹
Amazon $15
Plus one for The Final Cut.
It's the best!
This sounds similar to "between two fires" I will check it out, and definitely check "between two fires" if you haven't.
I have read various things from Darrel Schweitzer and I can certainly say that he is an ok author, that's why he doesn't have a fanatic following, combined with the fact that a lot of his books are hidden behind limited print runs.
Thanks, I'll look into it. Could be a few years though, because I literally have over 500 books on my to read shelves. :)
@@allfictionisfantasy same, I managed to not buy that many this year but it was rather busy and I have only read 35 so far...
I’m a super slow reader. I’ll never have the time to read all the books I own. But that’s ok. Reading and collecting are two different hobbies. I’m trying to put together a physical library of old S&S as a way to preserve all of this OOP fiction. When I die, I’ll have it donated to a library.
@@allfictionisfantasy I won't have time to read all the books I own too, but who cares...
Between to Fires does sound right up my alley, so thanks for that!
You've piqued my interest. I'll have to track down a copy and check it out. I hope you do a review of the Lord Dunsany biography. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on that as well.
I definitely will.
Have you read books by Richard Lee Byers? He is the person who introduced me to Darrell Schweitzer's work and to Darrell himself. You might enjoy Richard's books too.
Looks like I've read around him in that I've explored the various D&D / Forgotten Realms / Pathfinder / Arkham Fiction he writes in.
I have one thing from him on my to read shelf - a novella in the second Arkham Horror Novellas collection! That's coming up probably sometime next year. :)
I’m surprised by your reaction, I wouldn’t really even consider this in Darrell Schweitzer’s top five… my favourites are the shattered goddess, echoes of the goddess, the great world and the small (it has the 3 Etelven Thios stories, some of the first s&s I ever read! Really good collection), necromancies and netherworlds (I really didn’t expect this one to be as mesmerising as it was!), and his first novel, what’s it called, White isle something.
The sekenre stories didn’t blow my mind but I def need to reread those, see if my mind has changed…
Nice! Well then I'm in for some good reads. I now own almost everything he's written that is available.
This was like reading a book ripped out of my own brain. A book tailor made for me because of the religious nature of the story. I will always gravitate towards SF&F with a strong religious and mythological foundation, especially one as well written as this.
Well, I'm sold! I ordered a copy from a friendly independent online book dealer and I can't wait to read it. Thanks, man.
Far too god-bothery for my atheist tastes.
Lol!
I’m an ex-Christian, although my experience in the church was benign. I love exploring the mindset and the pathos in the Christian struggle and worldview. This sounds rad. Glad I got a copy when you recommended it a little earlier.
I haven't read this one, but I found a lot of "god bothery" in various DMR books, it put me off completely.
@samurguybriyongtan146 Right on! All of fantasy is based on myth and religion - myth and religion were the first kinds of fantasy. Without them, we wouldn't have all of the fantasy tropes and conventions. Tons of horror is based on religious myths and texts as well. Anything having to do with a cult - religion. Anything having to do with demons, monsters, satan - religion. It all started as religion and myth at some point. It's impossible to discuss fantasy and horror without also discussing myth and religion at some point, and myth is just religion that's been turned into genre fiction. ;)
Cringe redditor mentality