<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent fantasy!
Review: After reading the first six books in this series, it's a wonder how Moorcock can keep topping himself volume after volume and the Corum books are no exception. Moorcock introduces us to another fantasy warrior creation, but somehow keeps him separate from Elric, Hawkmoon, et al. Corum is just as good as any of these.
Some general comments on the individual novels:The Knight of the Swords: Moorcock didn't use too much imagination this time when choosing a title, since except for one word all three are the same. This one is the first introduction to Corum, showing his maiming (ouch), and his ultimate fight against Arioch, who is the Chaos Lord Elric is serving. I don't know what effect this has on Elric, if any. Great start, though. The Queen of the Swords: Corum continues to blast his way through the ranks of the Chaos Lords, this time being joined by his Eternal companion, who's other names I don't quite remember. Nothing particularly distinguishes this one from the others, but it's still fun. The King of the Swords: All right! When I read the summary for Sailor on the Seas of Fate, I knew the other champions were going to show up. In fact, in that one Corum mentions a battle that he fought with Elric, though the albino doesn't remember it. That should have tipped me off. Here, without any fanfare, are the appearances of Elric and Erekose, and it's a very welcome diversion. This is the battle Corum mentions in the Elric books, and I hope Moorcock writes other meetings of the Eternal Champions, perhaps bringing in some others like Elric meeting Jerry Cornelius or Hawkmoon meeting Oswald Bastable. In fact, where was Hawkmoon in this one? The Runestaff appeared, but not him. What gives? Best of the trio.
Rating: 
Summary: If you like other Moorkcock, you'll like this
Review: I like Michael Moorcock's style and this book is no exception. The fantasy is fast paced and light and you can finish all of these books in very little time.The story: Corum is from a race of elf-like beings who have ruled the world for thousands of years and have settled into their way of life after centuries of peace with their life long enemies. Along comes man, basically an animal compared to Corum's race of refined individuals. Man is hardly a threat and mostly ignored. Well, centuries like this pass and man rises in power and starts killing off other members of Corum's people and finally they take notice. Well set up, well executed and a lot of fun to read. If you liked Corum, you'll like the other eternal champion books, I especially liked the Elric set, but enjoyed some of the earlier Eternal Champion works including the first book on Erecose.
Rating:
Summary: A Book That Does Much Justice To The Eternal Champion Saga
Review: Michael Moorcock's books have always enthralled me and I number his works among the finest in my collections. Corum: The Coming of Chaos, which I have just finsihed, does much justice to Moorcocks other books and is easily on par with his Elric Saga. The book is written in Moorcock's graceful fast paced prose which moves the story along at breakneck pace and keeps you interested. Moorcock shows here he is a master of plots and story progression and Corum is a joy to read about. As always Moorcock's book transcends traditional fantasy to become more than just a heroic adventure. Much philosophy and mythology is tied in with the story and this makes for a read that is unlike anything else. Get this book if you have any like for good fiction, but start with The Eternal Champion book if you are not familiar with his works. Moorcock is easily in league with such greats as Tolkien and Lovecraft and he should not be overlooked.
Rating:
Summary: Great read
Review: Moorcock and Fritz Leiber have the same ironic vision which means they use language lightly to suggest rather than belabour their points and they almost never dwell too long on the emotions of their heroes, no matter how bad things get. That said there is a refreshing pace and clarity of writing to this book which, while not being one of Moorcock's finest, still gives more per page than almost anything else out there. Corum was the first of Moorcock's characters I read, so I guess I identify with him more than the gloomier Elric, and I also like this 'science fantasy' quality, which takes Corum through various incarnations of the multiverse in rapid succession as he tries to avoid the genocide planned for him by the Mabden (mankind) interlopers. As usual Moorcock defeats expectations and takes some odd twists to deliver a fine, nicely-flavored wine which is best drunk by the goblet-full and savoured when you're done with it. A soupcon of Paidraic Colum, maybe, a touch of Dunsany, perhaps, with a dash of Yeats echoing in the background, but none the worse for that. A great read for St
Patrick's Day!
<< 1 >>
| 
