Another great Conan story is 'Red Nails'. In this story, Conan gets involved in a conflict between two warring tribes in a lost valley. It has intense battles, complex relationships, and Conan's typical no - nonsense approach to survival and victory. There are many twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout.
The story 'A Witch Shall Be Born' is also among the best. Conan has to deal with a powerful witch who has her own evil plans. The story is filled with dark magic, epic battles, and Conan's unwavering will to defeat the forces of evil. It showcases his strength not just in physical combat but also in facing supernatural threats.
One of the best Conan stories is 'The Tower of the Elephant'. It features Conan's early adventures in the city of Zamora. He climbs a mysterious tower to face a powerful and otherworldly being, showing his courage and tenacity in the face of the unknown.
One of the best Conan short stories is 'The Tower of the Elephant'. In this story, Conan shows his courage and cunning as he climbs the tower to face a strange and powerful entity. It has a great atmosphere with its detailed descriptions of the tower and the otherworldly elements within.
For me, 'Queen of the Black Coast' stands out. It has a compelling story with adventure and romance. The way Howard describes the settings and Conan's encounters is just fantastic.
One of the best Howard Conan stories is 'The Phoenix on the Sword'. It shows Conan's rise to power and his ability to face complex political and supernatural threats. Conan's strength and cunning are on full display in this story.
There are also some collections that are carefully curated by fans or scholars over the years. These might include not only the original stories but also some analysis and background information. For example, some collections might have essays on how Conan Doyle was inspired to create certain characters or plotlines. Such a collection can offer a more in - depth understanding of the Conan stories, making it a great addition to the list of the best collections.
Well, 'The Frost Giant's Daughter' is among the top. It showcases Conan's strength and tenacity in a harsh, icy setting against a supernatural foe. 'The Phoenix on the Sword' is a great story too. It delves into Conan's rise to power and the political intrigue surrounding him. And don't forget 'A Witch Shall Be Born'. Conan has to deal with dark magic and a powerful, malevolent witch, which makes for a thrilling read.
Look for anthologies or collections that are already arranged in a logical order. Some editors have put together Conan stories in an order that they think is the best for new readers. You can trust their judgment and start with those. Also, consider reading reviews or asking other Conan fans. They might have their own preferred order based on their reading experience, and you can get some great insights from them.
I think the collection published by a well - known publisher that features all the early Conan stories is a great one. These stories were written by Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan. They introduce us to Conan's origin, his growth as a character. You can see how his personality is shaped by his experiences in a harsh and unforgiving world. The collection is like a time - capsule that preserves the original and raw Conan tales that inspired so many other works in the sword - and - sorcery genre.
One of the best is 'The Adventure of the Scarlet Claw'. It has a great atmosphere with its spooky setting. The mystery is well - crafted and keeps you guessing until the end. Conan's deductive skills are on full display as he unravels the strange happenings in the small village.
Personally, I think starting with the most popular Conan stories is a great idea. 'Red Nails' is often considered one of the best. By starting with the popular ones, you get immediately hooked on Conan's world. These stories usually have the most engaging plots and the best - developed settings. After reading the popular ones, you can then explore the lesser - known stories which can give you a more in - depth understanding of the Conan universe.
One way could be to start with the earliest published ones. This allows you to follow the development of the characters and the storylines from the very beginning. For example, start with the first volume and progress chronologically.