The Shadow Kingdom

Written by Robert E. Howard

Narrated by Mark Bowen

The Shadow Kingdom is one of the earliest examples of sword-and-sorcery fiction, written by Robert E. Howard in 1929. The story is set in the mythic past, in the ancient kingdom of Valusia, ruled by King Kull, a barbarian warrior from Atlantis. As Kull takes the throne, he faces a hidden and insidious threat from a race of shape-shifting serpent people who have secretly controlled the kingdom for generations.
The story explores themes of power, betrayal, and identity, blending elements of fantasy, horror, and adventure. Kull's struggle against these ancient forces highlights the precarious nature of kingship and the dangers of both external and internal enemies. Howard's rich world-building and atmospheric storytelling lay the foundation for much of the fantasy genre that followed, influencing works like Conan the Barbarian and later sword-and-sorcery tales.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Strelbytskyy Multimedia Publishing
• Release date: Sep 13, 2024

Robert E. Howard

Robert E. Howard (1906–1936) was an American author of pulp fiction, who made a name for himself by publishing numerous short stories in pulp magazines. Known as the “Father of Sword and Sorcery,” Howard helped create this subgenre of fiction. He is best known for his character Conan the Barbarian, who has inspired numerous film and television adaptations. Howard committed suicide at the age of thirty.