by Isaac Asimov
First published 1986
This collection brings together thirteen substantial fantasy tales spanning decades of the genre. Readers encounter Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser in their fateful first meeting in Lankhmar's shadowy streets. Conan faces deadly perils in ancient tombs where red-nailed horrors await. Guyal of Sfere wanders the dying earth seeking knowledge in Jack Vance's far future world. A vampire psychiatrist struggles with her dual nature in modern times. Warriors battle through gates guarded by flying blades. Adventurers seek the mythical Bird of Fire through enchanted realms. Each story delivers complete narrative arcs with memorable characters facing supernatural threats, magical quests, and moral dilemmas. The tales range from sword and sorcery epics to contemporary dark fantasy, showcasing the breadth of imaginative fiction. Heroes confront gods, monsters, and their own limitations across varied landscapes of wonder and terror.
Genres: short-stories, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, moral-dilemmas, supernatural-threats
Setting: Lankhmar, Sfere
Period: Dying Earth, Modern Times
Paperback · Constable and Robinson