Book #24

I hope that anyone reading this will understand that I am not only way behind on my original goal, but way behind on getting my reviews posted.  I will try to change that, and to find something else to write about soon.

Just in case anyone is reading this.

Swords Against Wizardry

Fritz Leiber

I hope by book four of the adventures of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser that you are up to speed on the whole "Swords" link in the titles.

The first half of Swords Against Wizardry deals with their attempt to collect certain legendary gems and their adventures along the way, and what happens when they attempt to sell the gems they have acquired.  In keeping with the general pattern of the stories, they are equal to the task of acquiring a treasure and rubbish at turning it into gold that they can spend.  Out heroes start by climbing Stardock, the highest mountain in Newhon, and along the way they run into invisible adversaries, and even collect a reward from two invisible ladies...well, actually two rewards, but only one they can carry away when they leave.

This is followed by the story of how they swindled out of their reward, which leads each to take a contract to the distant land of Quarmall.  The Lords of Quarmall is the first of the stories that was written, and most, or at least a good bit, of it was not written by Fritz Leiber.  He gives his collaborator, or one might say benefactor, full credit, both in the dedication of the book, and in a short forward.  The first part of the story was written in 1936.  Fritz Leiber took up the tale 25 years later and finished it.  Our two heroes show themselves not only to be fantastic swordsmen, but also quite cunning.

More fun reading and there are still three to go.