The Hour of the Dragon

📘 About This Book

Robert E. Howard is the creator of Conan the Barbarian, one of the most unforgettable fantasy characters of all time. In this novel, one of the last of the Conan tales to be published before the author's untimely demise, Conan's reign as king of Aquilonia is threatened by a group that is plotting to depose him with the help of an ancient wizard who has been resurrected through dark magic.

📖 Summary

The Hour of the Dragon stands as a monumental work of fantasy fiction, representing the singular novel-length adventure written by Robert E. Howard featuring his most iconic creation, Conan the Barbarian. Published posthumously following the author's untimely demise, the narrative captures the twilight era of Howard's classic pulp storytelling, blending visceral action, dark sorcery, and grand scale world-building. At the center of the story is Conan, who has transitioned from a wandering mercenary and thief into the regal and imposing king of Aquilonia, the most powerful civilized kingdom of the Hyborian Age. Despite his throne and the trappings of royalty, Conan remains fundamentally a barbarian at heart, a warrior king whose rough edges and indomitable spirit continue to set him apart from the plotting nobility and sycophants who surround him. The central conflict of the book is set into motion when a shadowy cabal of conspirators plots to depose Conan and strip him of his crown. To achieve their treasonous goals, these conspirators turn to the dark arts, resurrecting Xaltotun, an ancient and malevolent wizard from a long-dead civilization. Armed with terrifying black magic and forgotten knowledge, Xaltotun poses a catastrophic threat not only to Conan's reign, but to the entire geopolitical stability of the Western world. As the conspiracy closes in, Conan is betrayed, his kingdom is thrown into turmoil, and he finds himself cast down from the heights of power into a desperate struggle for survival. What follows is a sweeping odyssey across the mythic landscapes of Howard's imagination. Conan must rely on his legendary cunning, his unmatched physical prowess, and his sheer force of will to claw his way back from defeat. Unlike the short stories that established the character, this novel allows Howard to develop a more expansive plot, giving readers a deeper look at the political intrigues, religious cults, and ancient prophecies that shape the Hyborian world. The book explores themes of civilization versus savagery, the corrupting nature of political power, and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with insurmountable odds. As Conan journeys from captive to rebel leader, and ultimately toward his rightful place on the throne, the narrative delivers classic pulp thrills defined by breathless pacing, menacing villains, and unforgettable set pieces. Fans of sword and sorcery will find much to admire in this sprawling epic, which showcases the full breadth of Howard's creative genius in one of his final literary endeavors.

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