Swords Against the Shadowland (Lankhmar: Adventures of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser) [Paperback]

Robin Wayne Bailey (Author), Fritz Leiber (Designer)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 25, 1998

Bailey forges ahead with the new adventures of the popular characters Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, in this first book in a new series of novels set in Fritz Leiber's legendary world of Nehwon--a sequel to Leiber's own "Ill-Met in Lankmar".

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Summoned by the dying wizard Sheelba to combat a deadly, magical plague that sweeps through the streets of the notorious city of Lankhmar, Fafhrd, the barbarian warrior, and his companion, the Gray Mouser, engage in a race against time, death, and their most painful memories as they search for the sorcerer whose blood holds the secret of life. Chosen by the late Fritz Leiber to continue the exploits of his popular duo, Bailey (Shadowdance, White Wolf, 1996) remains faithful to the series' swashbuckling spirit while adding his own serio-comic touch. Both old fans and new readers should appreciate the polished blend of sharp wit and nonstop action in this welcome revival of a popular fantasy series.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Inspired by his friend Harry Fischer, fantasist extraordinary Fritz Leiber (191092) wrote the first tale about Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Two Sought Adventure, in 1939. Over the years the series developed steadily, latterly with the incorporation of sophisticated, fetishistic sex scenes. The Swords of Lankhmar (1968) is reckoned one of the best sword and sorcery (Leiber invented the term) yarns ever, with 1988's collection, The Knight and Knave of Swords, not far behind. The publisher tells us that Leiber chose Bailey to collaborate on a new series of Lankhmar adventures; this first entry is, chronologically, a sequel to Ill-Met in Lankhmar (1970). If you loved Lankhmar, consider the whole concept too alluring to be allowed to die with its creator, and dont mind ersatz, then assuredly youll wish to reconnoiter. Just dont let Norman (evil stuff) Spinrad catch you. -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: White Wolf Publishing (June 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565048938
• ISBN-13: 978-1565048935
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,204,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lots of padding, empty of wonder, November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Swords Against the Shadowland (Lankhmar: Adventures of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser) (Paperback)

I remember clearly the grotesque and wonderful world that Leiber introduced me to. In it, two amoral rogues schemed and plotted, always treading a fine line between evil and mere self-interest, their only salvation being their friendship with each other. The world Leiber created, especially in the earlier stories, was baroque, Bailey's Nehwon is only detailed. Leiber toyed with ideas (who can forget the many worlds rising up the fabric of the universe like bubbles in champagne?), Bailey juggles a few catch phrases that have an annoying way of repeating themselves. Leiber's villains (and they are all villains really) stepped out from Shakespear's tragedies and comedies, Bailey derives his sorceror and the overlord from a b-grade Hollywood script. Leiber's plots twisted, introducing new turns every few pages, Bailey's entire structure can be summed up as an extended car chase through Lankhmar.

It would not have been so bad if Bailey had not tried to emulate Leiber, as it seems he has with this novel. He should have done something new, dared to be himself, put a whole new spin into things. Leiber is dead after all and nobody expects him to be replaced.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Show Me; Don't Tell Me, March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Swords Against the Shadowland (Lankhmar: Adventures of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser) (Paperback)

This book provides average sword-and-sorcery fare; unfortunately Bailey hasn't got the inscrutable Leiber touch. One point in particular: Leiber's rogues are undoubtedly best friends... something we came to understand by following their decisions and behaviors. In Bailey's version, our heros constantly reiterate, either aloud or in thought, "Gee whiz, this guy sure is my best friend." A better story would have convinced me of that fact without all the soliloquizing.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Ill considered in Lankhmar, July 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Swords Against the Shadowland (Lankhmar: Adventures of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser) (Paperback)

As I read my way towards the end of this book via the iffy prose of the first two chapters, the obvious filches from other sources ( Forbidden Planet, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and Blade Runner ) complete with scene descriptions and dialogue, the Twains' cheesy repartee, and the contradictions between this story and the originals, I considered Roy Batty's final line with respect to R.W.B: "Time to die," or perhaps even more appropriately: `A CURSE upon Master Clark Ashton Smith and all his heirs, who thought to pick my brain and slip away, false fleeting agent of my old enemies. Upon him the Long Death, the paramental agony! When he strays back as all men do. The fulcrum (0) and the Cipher (A) shall be here, at his beloved 607 Rhodes. I'll be at rest in my appointed spot (1) under the Bishop's seat, the heaviest ashes that he ever felt....' ( Fritz Leiber: Our Lady of Darkness.)

In the last couple of pages the contradictions were resolved by the use of a, `draught of forgetfulness,' provided by Sheelba - which was a relief. But the story really had nothing new as regards the core ideas, which were mainly derived from, The Cloud of Hate, Ill Met in Lankhmar, and The Price of Pain - Ease. A lot of descriptive detail was introduced, yet no more effective than the original in conveying the layout of Lankhmar - a city plan would be of considerable help, if one exists.

There are some good sections in this book: The Silver Eel and The Tower of Koh - Vombi chapters, in which R.W.B's own writing style works very well, a viable alternative to F.L's. Generally, however, the writing is insufficiently polished, lending a somewhat plodding quality with over worded sentences, and the inclusion of redundant background detail. Realistically, its all an exercise in raking over, and adding a different perspective to what would be better left alone.

At heart, Robin Wayne Bailey is serious about Fritz's work, but would be better employed writng a Fafhrd, Gray Mouser like series of his own. And White-Wolf and the Estate of Fritz Leiber would be doing a better service to themselves, their customers, and the memory of Fritz Leiber, by keeping the original work - IN PRINT.