Post by Ironnerd on Jul 23, 2022 15:42:11 GMT
Red Nails was published as a 3-part story in Weird Tales magazine way back in 1936. It is about Conan (the Barbarian) and Valeria (she was his girlfriend in the movie from the 1980's). It is the last Conan story written by the character's creator, Robert E. Howard died at age 30.
It's an interesting read. I mean, it's Conan, so there is not a lot of depth. He and Valeria find an ancient fortress/city and explore it in search of loot. They soon find that the city is actually inhabited by warring factions and get wrapped up in the feud. There really are no good guys or bad guys in the story (except Conan and Valeria, obviously). Pretty much everyone they meet in the city of Xuchotl is kind of a jerk (except maybe for Techotl). Because of this, when Xuchotlans die, the reader does not have much attachment (again, except for Techotl).
You may have noticed the Central American names. I thought that was a nice touch. Red Nails is considered one of the better Conan stories of the time... which does not make me super-eager to read more about our favorite Cimmerian.
Overall, a nice read for a rainy day.
It's an interesting read. I mean, it's Conan, so there is not a lot of depth. He and Valeria find an ancient fortress/city and explore it in search of loot. They soon find that the city is actually inhabited by warring factions and get wrapped up in the feud. There really are no good guys or bad guys in the story (except Conan and Valeria, obviously). Pretty much everyone they meet in the city of Xuchotl is kind of a jerk (except maybe for Techotl). Because of this, when Xuchotlans die, the reader does not have much attachment (again, except for Techotl).
You may have noticed the Central American names. I thought that was a nice touch. Red Nails is considered one of the better Conan stories of the time... which does not make me super-eager to read more about our favorite Cimmerian.
Overall, a nice read for a rainy day.