I Read Books: The Swords Of Lankhmar
I think this was my introduction to Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, and it is the only complete novel in the series (though it divides neatly into two unequal parts). The pair return to Lankhmar and are ambushed at the gate by their creditors; a fight ensues. Then they are hired by the overlord of the city as agents to escort grain ships, the Demoiselle Hisvet, her maid Frix and thirteen (or twelve) trained white rats to an ally who is holding back the Mingol hordes from invading Lankhmar. Other convoys have gone astray; everyone has plots and plans; there are dragons, rats, an otherworldly traveller and the pair are far too horny for the ladies who turn out to be slightly more sadistic than even the Mouser is comfortable with.
In the second part the two split up, the Mouser returns to Lankhmar and discovers that the city is being overrun by rats Hisvet and her father, the grain merchant Hisven are deep in the councils of the overlord (another sadist, also obsessed with travel to other worlds). The Mouser is impotent to uncover their parts in the plots and also generally impotent as the result of the earlier adventure. He goes to his wizard-patron Sheelba of the Eyeless Face for help, suggesting a love potion for Hisvet, a patron potion for the Overlord, friendship potions for Frix and Hisven, Mingol-repellent ointment, a black albatross to seek out and bring Fafhrd to join him, oh and maybe something for the rats. Sheelba offers him something for the rats, which takes him deep into their plan to seize the city.
Fafhrd meanwhile finds himself on the run, having adventures with, Mingols, ghouls, land pirates, the sinking land and a very angry horse. He also finds a ghoul-lover, with transparent flesh and visible bones.
Eventually the two return to Lankhmar at the climax of the plot and several recurring motifs come together nicely.
Read This: For a fast-paced fantasy adventure that nevertheless likes to dwell on atmospheric scenes; and for some very influential ideas for later writers
Don’t Read This: If a bit of sadism and weirdness put you off, or you don’t like rats
In Addition: The albatross post and the Overlord’s method of travelling to other worlds are revisited by Terry Pratchett in the first of his Discworld books, The Colour of Magic
Previously: My reviews of Swords And Deviltry, Swords Against Death, Swords In The Mist and Swords Against Wizardry
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