The Citadel of Forgotten Myths

With this nostalgia-tinged epic, SFWA grandmaster Moorcock sends his most famous creation, Elric, doomed Prince of the Black Sword (who last appeared in 2005’s The White Wolf’s Son), on a quest to find his roots. Leaving the Young Kingdoms after betraying his own folk, Elric and his companion Moonglum travel to the World Below where a segment of Elric’s people, the Melnibonéans, settled alongside the dragon-like race known as the Phoorn. Quickly embroiled in Phoorn family squabbles, Elric survives but loses his prize sword to Chaos Lord Xiombarg, Queen of the Swords. This loss comes back to haunt him when he must defend a valley of apparently peaceful Melnibonéans against Xiombarg’s conquering horde. Readers familiar with the Elric saga will find much of the early brio retained (“Blood and souls for Arioch!”), though the adventure is now tempered with brooding melancholia, philosophical ruminations, and regular references to previous dream-quests. Longtime fans will find plenty that fascinates in this return to the long-running series. Agent: Howard Morhaim, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency (Dec.)