The Dying Earth

One of the defining books of Dungeons & Dragons, this is really a collection of connected stories about swords and sorcery. Fantastic and flowery language from really interesting characters - arrogant, aspiring, puissant, patient.

Before roleplaying games, this work inspired other authors. While it feels like pulp, it is really way beyond that. Set on a dying earth, technology is mostly nonexistent - no robots, no AIs, no circuits. Also not much population - spells are mostly forgotten, except for an exceptional few who remember the patterns.

I plan to read the rest of the "series", and wonder if it is more of a collection - will we see more of certain characters? Michael Shea also wrote tales in this universe. Until I return, then, 4 of 5 stars.