Michael Moorcock, The Runestaff

The Runestaff

Michael Moorcock

Tor, Dec 7 2010, $14.99

ISBN: 9780765324764

Eternal Champion the Duke of Koln Dorian Hawkmoon and his loyal friend Huilliam D'Averc travel by sea to Europe on a vessel given to the pair by the grateful citizens of Nawleeen. The courageous pair stops at D'Nark as the faithful Servants of the Runestaff to continue their efforts to prevent world domination by the Granbretan Dark Empire.

Following their successful layover, Hawkmoon and D'Averc prepare for the return to Europe. Each knows the final battle against the Granbretan is coming while both realize failure means their deaths and the end of world as they know it.

This is a reprint of the final History of the Runestaff Eternal Champion fantasy series. The story line is fast-paced as Hawkmoon understands that though he prefers otherwise and is not egotistical about his lot, he is the only being in the way of the Granbretan world domination. Elric fans will enjoy the saga of another Eternal Champion. However, to appreciate how far the beleaguered hero has come in his quest, readers should peruse the other tales in chronic logical order (see The Jewel in the Sky, The Mad God's Amulet and The Sword of the Dawn) as The Runestaff can somewhat stand alone but is better enhanced by it predecessors.

Harriet Klausner