I finished reading The Vanishing Tower (1970) by Michael Moorcock. It’s the fourth in the series I’ve read and perhaps my favorite.

The pacing is excellent and the book maintains a steady and palpable mood. There are three sections within the book, each focusing on a different but connected adventure. The narrative doesn’t feel episodic and, by the end, Elric felt more real to me than he had in previous stories.

I’m always happy when Elric’s companion Moonglum is present. They are the Ishmael and Queequeg of sword and sorcery.

“And so, unable to go back I must, perforce, go forward.”