The Swords of Lankhmar

The Adventures of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser

By: Fritz Leiber

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman Presents: the fifth book in Fritz Leiber's classic sword-and-sorcery series.

In The Swords of Lankhmar, a plague of rats overruns the capital city and glittering gem of the land of Nehwon. Commissioned to guard a ship of grain from the cursed rodents, brother-in-arms Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser soon discover the plague has progressed to a fatal point. Mustering the strength of sorcery, they descend into the depths of Lankhmar and rise to battle in order to save the soul of the ill-fated city.

The late Fritz Leiber's tales of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser launched the sword-and-sorcery genre, and were the inspiration for the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons.

BONUS AUDIO: In a wonderfully written essay, Neil Gaiman says, "The Swords of Lankhmar glitters and shimmers and dances", and Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser are "the finest rogues you will ever meet".

Epic edge: download more tales of Lankhmar.©2008 The Estate of Fritz Leiber (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of my very favorite books by one of my very favorite authors, starring two of the most delightful characters in the history of fantastic literature." (Neil Gaiman)
"Fritz Leiber's tales of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser are virtually a genre unto themselves. Urbane, idiosyncratic, comic, erotic and human, spiked with believable action and the eerie creations of a master fantasist!" (William Gibson)

Can’t go wrong

Such a beautiful, writing great narration, you’ll be happy. Well worth your time the whole series is fantastic.

science fiction at its very best

Where does The Swords of Lankhmar rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

first, the reading of the book is excellent, the tone and flow of the smooth voice draw you away from reality if even just for a little while. second, the story is classic for this genre, it defines the genre.for the type of science fiction it represents it is a classic, one of the best.

What other book might you compare The Swords of Lankhmar to and why?

perhaps in a slightly different off shoot of older sci-fi "Old Man's War" by Scalzi or any number of Heinlein's early works.They have a certain quality about their story's, a richness and thoughtfulness.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis and Neil Gaiman – was your favorite?

Each of the two main characters, one in his youthful strength and simplicity and the other in his more worldly less trusting "there is always an angle" approach, is rich in his own way, neither is a favorite, both are relived in my mind in my everyday pursuits.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

moved me? no but the development of the characters and the adventures they have together provide a rich memory that continues for me long after all of the books in the series.

Any additional comments?

real sci-fi readers, listeners, should not miss this book, this series.

Imaginative, sardonic fantasy adventure

I can see why Neil Gaiman felt that Fritz Leiber deserved to have some of his work brought to the attention of 21st century readers in audio form. This book is a delight, a mix of classic swords-and-sorcery adventure, sardonic, dark fairytale, and imaginative world creation, with a little tales-of-ribaldry kinkyness thrown in. While it's fifth in a series, I don’t see any reason you can’t start here. The hairy barbarian Fafhrd and the small, quick-witted Gray Mouser are two instantly familiar roguish heroes, no introduction required beyond the first chapter, and Lieber quickly pulled me into their world with his deliciously visual, textured descriptions and playful, literate command of language. Fans of Jack Vance will find his style familiar, though it’s less absurdist.

The story here has Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser low on cash, and compelled to take a commission guarding a grain barge for the amusingly decadent ruler of the impressive, seedy city of Lankhmar. Once out to sea, they learn that their convoy is also carrying a not particularly innocent maiden and her collection of preternaturally intelligent rats. Soon, things go amiss, and our heroes find themselves headed, by separate routes, back to Lankhmar, which is now having some serious rat problems. Any not just any rats, but ones that seem to be more and more humanlike, and to be coming from somewhere under the city. I won’t spoil what happens next, but before all is said and done, there will be duels, ill-advised romances, spying in magical disguise, battles, grotesque sorcerers, strange creatures, otherworldly travelers, and a few mildly naughty scenes.

IMO, this is fantasy that’s a happy medium between the grimness of Howard / ponderousness of Tolkien and the silliness of Vance, pulpy but actually creative. It’s not hard to to see the influence Leiber had on more modern writers in the genre, from Terry Pratchett to David Eddings to China Mieville (particularly the weird romance) to Neil Gaiman himself. Audiobook narrator Jonathan Davis does a fine job as usual, his calm, arch style a great fit for Leiber’s writing (though his scene switches are a little abrupt).

The Adventure Continues

I am continuing my read of Fritz Leiber Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser stories in the order they were first published. I really enjoyed the Swords of Lankhmar to include the Easter eggs place within the story. If I had not read the a number of his early writings I would not have picked up on them. I highly recommend this novel and I'm looking forward to reading "The Snow Women" in the near future.

The best of the Fafhrd & the Gray Mouser novels

This was the best, the most magical of these series of novels. Without spoiling anything, there are multiple fantastical races and creatures to be met and appreciated.