A review by zare_i
Bran Mak Morn: The Last King by Robert E. Howard

4.0

Having never read Conan stories I decided to take a look at the works of a man considered to be a master storyteller and a writer that has triggered entire heroic-epic-fantasy concept (exaggeration perhaps but after reading this book I can say that he is very very good storyteller and writer). I took this book because everyone said that Howard was obsessed with Picts and that his stories about them were the best.[return][return]This one is a story of an ancient race, one that has ruled entire Europe during the stone age but after being driven away by more advanced (and aggressive) races is now left in state of complete savagery - they have even degraded both mentally and physically. Bran is the last king of these people, man whose ancestors have kept their bloodline pure [as author would say] (meaning they haven't mixed with other races) - he is truly the last of his/their kind. He tries to civilize his people and unite them again - but at the end when he falls in battle they return to their savage ways.[return][return]Sad story about the man giving his best to save his nation although he knows he will not succeed in that endeavor.[return][return]Great book, read it. I am aiming now to read other Howard's books :)