Elric(Chronicles of the Last Emperor of Melnibone v.5) Elric in the Dream Realms [Paperback]

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.

"Elric: In the Dream Realms" is the fifth volume of Del Ray's series focusing on Moorock's most popular character--the albino antihero Elric. There are two major works included here--"The Fortress of the Pearl" and the script for the "Elric: The Making of a Sorcerer" graphic novel.

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.

"The Making of a Sorcerer" is not as strong but it is still a solid piece. It is a prologue to other works--Elric is not yet emperor when the story takes place. While Moorcock fleshes out the history of Elric's people and their magic, this does not rank as one of the better Elric stories.

The other works included here are superb. Neil Gaiman offers an interesting short story on how Michael Moorcock and his works influenced his childhood. The third part of Moorcock's seminal essay "Aspects of Fantasy" is republished here. There is also an excellent short story on Elric's experience with a sculptor that reveals the albino's character and notes from a series that Moorcock never launched that was to have taken place.

Readers of fantasy will enjoy this book and fans of Moorock--and Elric in particular--will find it indispensable.

Was purchased used and it came in very good condition. I don't know anything about the story line myself but the person it was purchased for was happy with it.

"Fortress Of The Pearl". Lord Gho Fhaazi wants a position on the Council of Seven that rules over the city of Quarzhasaat, but he knows he needs help to overcome his rivals. He chooses Prince Elric of Melnibone as his tool to obtain the Pearl at the Heart of the World that will insure his spot on the council. To insure Elric cooperates, he poisons him using a slow acting agent in which he has the serum. Elric begins his escapades as the affluent class' minion the Sorcerer Adventurers try to prevent his success and eventually trap his mind inside that of a comatose teenage female, but with the Dreamthief to guide him through the Dream Realm, Elric continues his quest.

The novel above is half of Elric In the Dream Realms and it is one of his greatest early tales and makes the book worth reading. The short story "A Portrait in Ivory" is terrific also as the albino hero is confronted by his worst enemy, the mirror reminding him he should be known as Elric Kinslayer filled with remorse for Cymoril more so than Imrryr. The other entries like "Elric: The Making of a Graphic Novel", the essay "Aspects of Fantasy", and the background material of "Earl Aubec of Malodor", etc. target die hard fans of Michael Moorcock only. Overall the fifth Chronicles of the last Emperor of Melnibone is an engaging look at Elric In The Dream realms.

Harriet Klausner