Well, one key feature is the presence of dark and Lovecraftian elements. The Cthulhu Mythos often involves ancient, powerful, and malevolent entities. In a sword and sorcery context, there might be heroes or anti - heroes who have to face these terrors with their blades and magic. Another feature could be a gritty and often dark - toned setting, like a decaying, ancient world filled with mystery.
Brian Lumley is another well - known author in this area. His works often incorporated the Cthulhu Mythos into sword and sorcery - like tales. He had a talent for creating terrifying and engaging stories that combined the physical combat of sword and sorcery with the psychological horror of the Cthulhu entities.
Well, start with a unique and compelling world. Build a magical system that's both complex and logical. Also, create strong, memorable characters with clear goals and motivations.
I think 'The Sword of Shannara' was very popular. It was one of those books that really captured the imagination of readers with its detailed world - building and the classic good - vs - evil story. The magic system was also quite appealing.
Erotic sword and sorcery novels often have more focus on sexual relationships and themes. Regular sword and sorcery are more about battles, magic, and heroic quests. For example, in a regular one, the plot might revolve around a hero slaying a dragon. But in an erotic one, there could be a relationship between the hero and a sorceress that has an erotic aspect.
One of the best is 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks. It has a richly detailed world filled with magic and adventure, and the sword in the story is a central and powerful element. Another great one is 'Elric of Melniboné' by Michael Moorcock. The main character's runeblade sword is both a weapon and a source of dark power. Also, 'The Belgariad' by David Eddings features a magic sword that plays a crucial role in the epic quest.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has epic battles, magic, and a richly detailed world full of different races and cultures. Another might be 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin which has complex characters, political intrigue, and of course, sword fights and magic. Also, 'Conan the Barbarian' stories are quite popular in this genre, with their tales of a strong and savage hero in a world of sorcery and danger.
The 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien can also be considered. Although it is mainly high - fantasy, it has elements of sword and sorcery. The epic battles, the magic swords like Andúril, and the fight against the forces of evil are all hallmarks of this genre. Hobbits, humans, elves, and dwarves all use swords and magic in their quest to save Middle - earth.
Sure. 'The Sword of Shannara' by Terry Brooks is a great one. It has an epic adventure with a young hero on a quest, filled with magic, strange creatures, and a battle against the forces of evil.
It can vary a lot. Generally, a sword and sorcery novel might be around 80,000 to 120,000 words, but it really depends on the story and the author's style.