The Sword and the Stallion

Chronicles of Corum, Book #6

Michael Moorcock

ISBN: 9781783291755

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott

Review:

It’s with joyous pleasure that we see the Chronicles of Corum re-released once again. The Prince with the Silver Hand is specifically where this book fits in (vis a vis Corum which comprises the first three books in this series). The swansong of this beautiful Celtic piece of drama, high intrigue, and Moorcock’s trademark dichotomy between the nature of order and chaos that pervades the novel, bears credence to Moorcock’s handling of this arc in the Corum Saga and indeed the series. Skillfully chosen words and a certain blend of Lord Dunsany, Yeats and Wilde keep this novel in the heads of discerning readers for a long time. There is a certain level of trust placed in the book after reading the proceeding two novels in this arc, and the Corum Trilogy before it. The magic in the world is in flux, and it is in this final battle between the forces of Order and Chaos, with the Mabden (human) bordering on extinction against the  Fhoi Myore, creatures of chaos in primordial form in which Corum must triumph.

The writing style is Moorcock’s polished prose, probably the best outside his Elric novels. Gaelic poetry adorns the pages flowing between the sometimes deceivingly brutal tale. Explanation must be held first, before anything can be surmised. This is a book of the Eternal Champion, a being that always exists in multiple realms of the multi-verse  The Champions function is to tip the scales, so to speak, in favor of the Balance – sometimes  fighting on the side of Chaos, an ever changing, wave of change and destruction; sometimes fighting on the side of Order, a creeping stagnation of law and intolerance to change. Neither force dominates the multiverse for very long, and the Eternal Champion fights to restore the Balance between Order and Chaos such that neither gains the upper hand, Fickle gods play, with humans as their pawns to promote Order or Chaos, and thwarting them at every step, the Champion rides forth, either on the side of Order or the side of Chaos. Such being  said. Corum in the Sword and the Stallion, as well as his previous adventures, champions the side of law against the Fhoi  Myore and their never ending winter that lays waste to that which it covers.

Moorcock’s books are simple to read and thoroughly enjoyable, with a strong undertone of the philosophical in his writing. The prose flows off the page and the diction places you in the world you can concretely experience. The characters, by book six, are well developed, and totally three-dimensional in their execution. Every character, be it born of madness or love, speaks with an assured voice and mindset of their own. And the three protagonists in the works – Corum, Ilibrec and Goffanon, even the companion to champions Jhary-a-Connel  (a play on Jerry Cornelius, another of Moorcock’s famous Champions?) carry the novel through in traditional epic, pulp proportions. The sharp writing and wit of both the prose and the dialogue, amongst the characters, propagate this novel through to the ever fateful last stand between the Mabden and the Fhoi Myore.

Needless to say, this book doesn’t hold well up on its own. Starting at Book I, in which the Prince with the Silver Hand is first introduced, and his adventures that lead him up to this climax is almost essential. This time it is actually good to start at Book One and Proceed through the series, in its two arcs – Corum, and The Prince with the Silver Hand.  With that knowledge in tow, you are well prepared for this adventure into the fantastical. Most people are more familiar with Moorcock’s Elric Saga, but Hawkmoon and Corum, also play a crucial role in the guise of the Eternal Champion Saga, as do many others bearing the mantle.

Discerning fantasy readers will gravitate towards this series immediately.  Others, who are willing to try out something new, should also give the Chronicles of Corum a spin. The Sword and the Stallion, being the ultimate book in the series, will sir well with readers familiar with the previous five. Fans of Lieber, Frazzerra, and the like will also find this book appealing.  Kudos to Moorcock for the re-release of a fantastic, epic novel.