From Publishers WeeklyMaster alternative historian Turtledove (American Empire) attempts to inject some life into the well-trod Conan sequel subgenre, but this coming-of-age story of Robert E. Howard's barbarian hero is, alas, just as commonplace as all the other imitations by the late Lin Carter and company. Expansion-minded Aquilonians have invaded and occupied Fort Venarium in southern Cimmeria. Their lecherous commander, Count Stercus, seizes a pretty local girl at whom Conan has often gazed silently, like any tongue-tied teenage boy. You can bet the shy, untried Conan will take on the dastardly count, but will he get the girl? Later, Conan fights with the northern Cimmerians, who have gathered to drive out the Aquilonians. Eventually finding himself alone on the cusp of manhood, he realizes that his life will always be that of a wanderer and a thief. The fantasy elements are disappointingly few-a demonic bird, a huge venomous snake, a seer who foretells the boy's incredible future, a vision of a ruined temple that disappears as suddenly as it appears. Only Conan diehards and Turtledove completists will be likely to pick up this sword-with-little-sorcery novel.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.FromConan isn't quite 15 when the Aquilonian count, Stercus, exiled for chasing underage girls, leads an army into Cimmeria. Stercus defeats Cimmeria's ferocious but divided warriors, and then adds insult to injury by setting his sights on Conan's crush, Tarla. In this tense situation, Conan rapidly grows to manhood, losing his blacksmith father, Mordec, but learning prowess and honor. In the end, he has no home left in Cimmeria. He departs with a prophecy hanging over him, and that prophecy depicts the golden-lion banner of Aquilonia floating over Conan. He thinks this means the curse of having to live under the Aquilonians. Among Conan's many limners, Turtledove distinguishes himself with an unmatched portrait of Cimmerian society and a fine, intelligent characterization of the young barbarian. The best-selling alternate historian explores the Hyborian Age of Robert E. Howard's durable battler as successfully as he reinvents modern wars.Roland GreenCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved