"Strong fantasy collection"

Though Bran Mak Morn is the prime player of this collection, as he stars in three of the short stories and is a feature star of the Miscellanea Part two section, this compilation is more accurately described as a deep look at the author's "Lost Race": the Picts. The compilation is fabulously enhanced by the illustrations of Gary Gianni that bring even more to life Howard's blending of fantasy and history in this case, the ancient world of the Picts. Clearly the sword and sorcery crowd who like a more historical anchor will want to read this insightful look at Mr. Howard's Pict world. Especially those who enjoy Conan will cherish BRAN MAK MORN: THE LAST KING that will remind fans of THE BLOODY CROWN OF CONAN in format and style; containing short stories enhanced by Mr. Gianni's delightful illustrations and Miscellanea and Appendices segments that provide further insight into the author and his rendition of the Picts.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 2, 2005

Summary

From Robert E. Howard's fertile imagination sprang some of fiction's greatest heroes, including Conan the Cimmerian, King Kull, and Solomon Kane. But of all Howard's characters, none embodied his creator's brooding temperament more than Bran Mak Morn, the last king of a doomed race. In ages past, the Picts ruled all of Europe. But the descendants of those proud conquerors have sunk into barbarism . . . all save one, Bran Mak Morn, whose bloodline remains unbroken. Threatened by the Celts and the Romans, the Pictish tribes rally under his banner to fight for their very survival, while Bran fights to restore the glory of his race. Lavishly illustrated by award-winning artist Gary Gianni, this collection gathers together all of Howard's published stories and poems featuring Bran Mak Morn--including the eerie masterpiece "Worms of the Earth" and "Kings of the Night," in which sorcery summons Kull the conqueror from out of the depths of time to stand with Bran against the Roman invaders. Also included are previously unpublished stories and fragments, reproductions of manuscripts bearing Howard's handwritten revisions, and much, much more. Special Bonus: a newly discovered adventure by Howard, presented here for the very first time.