batsysk's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Hear hear the story about a beginning and sudden fall of the beautiful and prospering city of Sarnath...
crystal_reading's review against another edition
I read some of the short stories in this book, but never did finish.
600matt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
whompa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
yourstrulyemi's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
This short story was featured at the end of the Call of Cthulhu and I didn't notice it when I bought the latter.
It's all about a city being built on another one that they destroyed, taking away their idols. The idol disappears one day and all that's left behind is chilly foreshadowing word that is "Doom". Many centuries later, doom indeed comes. This isn't really a spoiler since the title already tells you that. How it's written is the real thing.
While it's an extremely simple story, its highlights are the descriptions and the tense atmosphere that Lovecraft is so good at building.
The only downside is that he doesn't miss an opportunity to include one way or another, his view on how pale skinned people with blue eyes are superior to everyone else but whatever...
It's all about a city being built on another one that they destroyed, taking away their idols. The idol disappears one day and all that's left behind is chilly foreshadowing word that is "Doom". Many centuries later, doom indeed comes. This isn't really a spoiler since the title already tells you that. How it's written is the real thing.
While it's an extremely simple story, its highlights are the descriptions and the tense atmosphere that Lovecraft is so good at building.
The only downside is that he doesn't miss an opportunity to include one way or another, his view on how pale skinned people with blue eyes are superior to everyone else but whatever...
phantom_eos's review against another edition
2.0
There is in the land of Mnar a vast still lake that is fed by no stream and out of which no stream flows. Ten thousand years ago there stood by its shore the mighty city of Sarnath, but Sarnath stands there no more.
Maybe my least favourite Lovecraft story, felt more like a description of a setting for an upcoming tale rather than a tale itself.
Maybe my least favourite Lovecraft story, felt more like a description of a setting for an upcoming tale rather than a tale itself.
alexandra_jpg's review against another edition
3.0
6/10 If you’re someone who loves reading lore, this is the story for you. But as someone who values more than just a sprinkle of plot on top, this fell massively short on that aspect. Nonetheless, it’s written beautifully and Lovecraft’s descriptive skills really show here.
will_cherico's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This reads a lot more like a Clark Ashton Smith story than H.P. Lovecraft. It's a decently interesting curse story, but it could've done with less exposition about Mnar and more actual plot. Bokrug, Ib, and its denizens are an interesting precursor to Cthulhu, R'lyeh, and the Deep Ones/Innsmouthers.
hikio123's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Nice world building, thought I do like it short and sweet, it would have been nice to have a longer story of Ib and Sarnath just to build up the imagery a bit more. Just enough implication of what happened to make it interesting.
bookofclubs's review against another edition
2.0
Early Lovecraft sure did love dedicating 10% to plot and 90% to scenery.
As for the story it serves best as a portrait of the fears and insecurities of colonizers and conquerors.
As for the story it serves best as a portrait of the fears and insecurities of colonizers and conquerors.