Step into the thrilling world of Brak the Barbarian, where sword-clashing action and dark sorcery collide in a pulse-pounding fantasy saga! Crafted by John Jakes, the acclaimed author behind the Kent Family Chronicles, this series follows Brak, a fierce warrior with a blonde braid and a lion-pelt loincloth, as he journeys toward the fabled city of Khurdisan the Golden. Packed with monsters, magic, and epic battles, Brak the Barbarian is a love letter to the sword-and-sorcery genre that hooked readers in the 1960s and still captivates fans today.
With its vivid world-building and relentless pace, Brak’s adventures offer a nostalgic escape into a realm where bravery meets the supernatural. Whether you’re a longtime fan of pulp fantasy or a newcomer craving action, this series delivers a wild ride!
How Brak the Barbarian Began
In the early 1960s, a sword-and-sorcery renaissance swept through fantasy, sparked by the re-release of Robert E. Howard’s Conan tales, edited by L. Sprague de Camp. Inspired by Howard’s gritty hero, John Jakes, then a pulp fiction journeyman, created Brak, debuting him in the 1963 short story 'Devils in the Walls' in Fantastic magazine. Jakes, a self-professed Conan fan, aimed to fill the gap in heroic fantasy with Brak’s tales, blending Howard’s visceral energy with his own flair for colorful storytelling. By 1968, Brak’s popularity led to his first novel, a collection of interconnected short stories titled Brak the Barbarian, kicking off a beloved series.
The Heart of Brak the Barbarian
The series spans seven books, with standout titles shaping Brak’s legend. Brak the Barbarian (1968) introduces our hero, an outcast swordsman battling the evil Septegundus and his sorceress daughter Ariane in a cursed city worshiping the demon god Yob-Haggoth. Brak the Barbarian Versus the Sorceress (1969) sees Brak tangled in a local lord’s feud, facing Ariane again in a tale of dark magic. Mark of the Demons (1969) finds Brak staggering through the Logol desert, aiding twins against a usurper. When the Idols Walked (1978) pits Brak against supernatural forces threatening Khurdisan.
Jakes’ world is a vivid tapestry of treacherous marshes, desolate wastelands, and cities steeped in dark magic, evoking the gritty charm of 1960s pulp fantasy. Themes of courage, destiny, and the struggle against evil shine through, with Brak’s vulnerability—his fear of the supernatural and brutal physical trials—setting him apart from the invincible Conan. While critics note the series’ Conan-esque roots, Jakes infuses Brak with a distinct humanity, making his battles feel personal and his triumphs hard-earned.
Why Brak the Barbarian Resonates
Brak the Barbarian tapped into the 1960s sword-and-sorcery boom, riding the wave of Conan’s resurgence alongside characters like Michael Moorcock’s Elric. Its fast-paced plots and vivid action earned praise from fans and critics like Lin Carter, who called it 'marvelous entertainment.' Frank Frazetta’s iconic cover art, with its muscular heroes and menacing monsters, cemented Brak’s place in fantasy’s visual legacy. Though Jakes later found fame with historical sagas, Brak remains a cult favorite, cherished for its nostalgic charm and unapologetic embrace of pulp adventure.
Today, Brak’s tales endure as a time capsule of a vibrant era in fantasy, appealing to readers seeking escapist thrills. Digital editions have made the series accessible, inviting a new generation to discover its magic.
- Publication Years: 1968–1980
- Number of Books: 7
- Genre: Sword and Sorcery
- Notable Cover Artist: Frank Frazetta
Grab Brak the Barbarian and dive into a world of swords, sorcery, and epic quests—Khurdisan awaits!