From a fortress on the island of Djafur, Conan (using his alias as Amra the Lion) builds the piratical Red Brotherhood into a virtual naval empire on the Vilayet Sea. In one raid, Conan accidentally rescues Philiope, a nobleman's daughter, who in time threatens his romantic interests towards Olivia (a holdover from the previous story, "Shadows in the Moonlight"). However, Amra's activities present a major challenge for the region's dominant power, the empire of Turan. In the capital of Aghrapur, Emperor Yildiz, his son Yezdigerd, and their underlings plan on destroying his forces. Their wizards come up with various obstacles including a steam engine, zombie-crewed ships, centipede-like creatures, and a huge monster from the depths of the sea. Conan, however, emerges triumphant with each encounter.
Reception
Reviewer Don D'Ammassa rates the novel as "[s]lightly above average for the author."[2]
