People of the Black Circle by Robert E. Howard is a thrilling adventure novel set in the fictional kingdom of Vendhya. The story follows the protagonist Conan, a fierce warrior and leader of the Afghulis tribe, as he becomes entangled in a web of treachery and magic woven by the sinister sorcerer, Khemsa.
Howard's writing is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and dark sorcery. The characters are well-developed and complex, especially Conan himself, who is portrayed as a rough and rugged hero with a strong sense of honor and duty.
The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The world-building is also impressive, with Howard creating a rich and detailed setting that feels both exotic and mysterious.
Overall, People of the Black Circle is a gripping and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure novels. Howard's masterful storytelling and vivid imagination make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling escape into a world of danger and intrigue.
Book Description:
"The People of the Black Circle" is one of the original novellas about Conan the Cimmerian, written by American author Robert E. Howard and first published in Weird Tales magazine in three parts over the September, October and November 1934 issues. It is set in the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age and concerns Conan kidnapping a regal princess of Vendhya (pre-historical India) and foiling a nefarious plot of world domination by the Black Seers of Yimsha. Due to its epic scope and atypical Hindustan flavor, the story is considered an undisputed classic of Conan lore and is often cited by Howard scholars as one of his best tales. It is also one of the few Howard stories where the reader is treated a deeper insight on magic and magicians beyond the stereotypical Hyborian depiction as demon conjurer-illusionist-priests.