Fortress of Pearl

While Michael Moorcock has written scores of novels over the years, only in the past decade has his work met with approval outside of fantasy and sci-fi circles. While this recognition is belated to say the least, it has to be admitted that Moorcock's talents have continued to blossom as time has gone by. While "The Fortress of the Pearl" is in the heroic fantasy genre, it seems, much like the Von Bek series, to be a transitional work as Moorcock drifted from fantasy and sci-fi to his current literary works. As such, the book contains an excellent plot revealed by some of Moorcock's best writing. Unlike some of the other books in the Elric series, "The Fortress of the Pearl" is a full novel, not a collection of short stories thrown together as a book. This does not pose a problem for Moorcock who is able to balance the story while offering great depth to some of his usual archtypes (the Eternal Champion, the Companion, etc). The story takes place between the first and second books of the Elric saga and Moorcock still seems to find new facets of his flagship character to explore and reveal. It's also one of the funnier and more through provoking books in the Elric series and, unlike some of his earlier works, Moorcock provides an excellent supporting cast to his main character. Any Moorcock fan and most lovers of heroic fantasy will enjoy "The Fortress of the Pearl" though those readers who are familiar with the other Elric books may take more out of it than others.

This novel was published in the late eighties, but comes in around second, chronologically. Elric is in trouble, and when he arrives at the mysterious city of Quarzhasaat he is easily convinced to undergo a quest in return for aid. He must find the Pearl at the Heart of the World. It ain't that easy though, as it is in a fortress. But Elric is still Elric, and having recovered his strength, he still has Stormbringer along with his other talents.

Takes place back in time before Stormbringer killed a loved one. I would read it after the first or second Elric book personally. Elric's father's shade is introduced, and it also should be read before The Dreamthief's Daughter. I really need to reread the other books before making a judgement, but would probably rate this as my 3rd favorite Elric book. I like Moorcock's books because I can get thru them quickly, yet they are still magnificent works that are different than 90% of the fantasy out there. I like his writing style better than about every other fantasy/science fiction author except maybe George R.R. Martin. But I don't get that soap opera pull from Moorcock; I can leave his books for a while and know they will always be there when I need a new adventure to escape into. While Tolkien appeals to a wide range of readers, most Moorcock works wouldn't appeal to religious folk, or anyone who doesn't like reading about death. While Elric constantly tries to save humanity in his own way, his sustenance comes to him by sacrificing souls to his patron Duke of Hell - Arioch.

I read this book as the seventh book, but it really is supposed to be read earlier, after the first or second. It fits in nicely after either one of those, really. But regardless of when you read it, it is a great book!Elric has to go inside a girl's dreams to regain a pearl that the countryside is fighting for. It has "dreamcatchers" and stuff like that in it...really a lot like american-indian and african aborigine tribal stuff. I really liked it, and I hope that if you are an Elric fan you'll pick it up!

This book adds a great chapter to the Elric Saga.. Elric ventures into a child's dream's to uncover a giant pearl., He has been poisned and forced into the mission, by a power hungry politician. He retrives the Pearl, Gets the antidote, and well I don't want to give away everything.. This book is a Must READ!!!