Reviews

Stormbringer by Michael Moorcock

gmancam's review against another edition

3.0

Satisfying conclusion to Elric's story. Packed with crazy battles, moments of triumph and despair. Mr. Moorcock really flexed his imagination here to deliver some really cool fantasy concepts and moments. While I embraced all the chaos(no pun intended), I wish at times some key moments were given more time to deliver a more lasting impact. At times the pacing felt too much in a rush, though I suppose that's an issue that plagues the entire series. Overall I'm happy with what I got and I consider this one my fav of the series!

P.S: We all need a bro like Moonglum

lordenglishssbm's review

adventurous dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ostrava's review against another edition

2.0

There's a shit ton of battles in this small novel. Things reached such a point of confusion to me that I literally had to google the plot because I simply lost track of what was happening! Who was who again, where did this character die again, why is this other guy still around...it could be spectacular. It could. If I cared about any of it. I understand this was written before any of the other novels, but I gave up on the storytelling long ago, and now you want me to care? There's something about a wife that needs to be rescued: why should that matter more than the Universe? I want to call that a plot device, but there's barely any plot here, so was that needed? Am I expected to care?

Here's the thing about Elric. There's an introductory novel that works quite well as a stand-alone story. You should stop reading there. Everything else is a disaster with no pay off. Except for maybe the last moments of the series where it almost feels like it remembered its true potential...at which point, it was too late. I'll give it 2 stars out of respect for its inventiveness and some appealing ideas that do show up every once in a while, but this was honestly awful.

funfamilyvideos's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

slouchingtowards's review

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

mirtlifthewise's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

wdomingue's review against another edition

4.0

Stormbringer is the original conclusion of Elric Saga, and it does end with such finality, I struggle to think how he was able to write more books. Elric has been a very dubious anti-hero/villian and he certainly is unable to avoid consequences and the chaos torn world truly effects everyone. Trying not to spoil much, but Stormbringer was the most concisely told and focused of all of the Elric novels. I'm quite glad I started this journey, it was well worth it.

twentythree_sunrise's review

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A full-length novel that weaves together the best elements of the Elric saga thus far. 
With the fate of the world at stake, Elric and his companions journey to distant lands and dimensions, seeking allies and a means to stop the evergrowing and overwhelming forces of Chaos. 
Stormbringer is so full of spiralling adventure, triumph, and tragedy. The ending is delightful. Such a fun read.

ainsleym's review

4.0

Dangggg what an ending!! Less philosophy from Elric but overall story/use of Fate very in line with the philosophy throughout the rest of the series. As you would expect from the title, lots of exploration of the effects of Stormbringer on Elric even more so than in previous books. 

Overall very good but minus one star because Elric’s answer to “would you still love me if I was a worm” was a resounding no. 

iowasjoe's review against another edition

5.0

That was one messed up ending yo.