Order of Robert Jordan’s Conan Novels Book Series

Robert Jordan’s Conan Novels is an enthralling series that reimagines the legendary tales of the iconic sword-and-sorcery hero, Conan the Barbarian. Written by acclaimed fantasy author Robert Jordan, best known for his epic series The Wheel of Time, these novels breathe new life into the vivid universe created by Robert E. Howard, the original creator of Conan.

Set in a sprawling world filled with dark sorcery, fierce warriors, and treacherous landscapes, the series follows Conan, a rugged and indomitable Cimmerian, as he embarks on a series of adventures that test his strength, cunning, and resolve. Each novel blends richly detailed world-building with intricate character development, showcasing Conan’s relentless spirit as he battles formidable foes, navigates treacherous politics, and seeks his destiny in a world ruled by chaos and brutality.

Beginning with Conan the Invincible, each installment captures the essence of Conan's character—a fierce warrior with a strong sense of honor and a deep connection to the untamed wilds. As Jordan draws upon Howard's original stories while infusing them with his own narrative style, the series offers both longtime fans and new readers a fresh and captivating experience.

Exploring themes of heroism, freedom, and the struggle against fate, Robert Jordan’s Conan Novels invites readers into a vividly imagined world where adventure and danger await at every turn. With layers of intrigue and action, this series stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Conan the Barbarian, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy literature and the sword-and-sorcery genre.

Robert Jordan's "Conan Novels" is a series of fantasy novels that expand upon the character of Conan the Barbarian, originally created by Robert E. Howard. Jordan's contributions to the series are characterized by his own style while remaining faithful to Howard's original vision. The series consists of several novels that were published from the late 1980s through the early 1990s. Below is a brief overview of each of the books in Robert Jordan's Conan series:

1. Conan the Invincible (1982): This novel serves as an introduction to Jordan's version of Conan. It follows the notorious barbarian as he battles sorcery and betrayal in a quest to rescue a princess from the clutches of an evil sorcerer. The story emphasizes themes of honor and bravery.

2. Conan the Defender (1982): In this installment, Conan finds himself entangled in a struggle against an invading, dark sorcerer. The story explores themes of loyalty and leadership as Conan seeks to protect a kingdom in peril.

3. Conan the Unconquered (1983): This novel pits Conan against a nefarious sorceress who seeks to dominate the world with her dark magic. The tale showcases Conan's resilience and combat skills, as he rallies allies to counter the sorceress's powerful magic.

4. Conan the Renegade (1983): In this story, Conan is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and must evade pursuit while seeking revenge. As he traverses foreign lands, he grapples with themes of justice and redemption.

5. Conan: The Road of Kings (2007): This novel, although the most recent in terms of publication, takes place earlier in Conan's life. It involves Conan's adventures as he navigates perilous situations in the kingdom of Aquilonia, dealing with political intrigue and mercenary warfare.

6. Conan: The Thief of Time (2009): In this narrative, Conan faces a new threat from sorcerers who manipulate time itself. The story explores deeper elements of fate and the role of the hero in the grand scheme of things.

While Robert Jordan is the central author of these novels, it is important to note that there are other authors who have contributed to Conan's literary legacy over the years. Nonetheless, Jordan's works are often celebrated for capturing the essence of Conan's character and the rich, adventurous world Howard created.

This list aligns with the original material and its thematic elements. If newer contributions or adaptations have occurred, they may not be represented here as my latest information is from October 2023.

Robert Jordan's adaptations of the Conan stories capture the essence of the original character created by Robert E. Howard while expanding the universe with rich, new narratives. Here are the main characters typically featured in Jordan’s Conan novels:

1. Conan the Barbarian: The titular character, Conan is a formidable warrior known for his strength, cunning, and bravery. Originating from the Cimmerian mountains, he embodies the archetype of the wandering barbarian hero. His adventures often take him through various kingdoms and cultures, where he faces both men and monsters alike. Conan is driven by a strong sense of individualism and a warrior's honor, often contrasting with the civilizations he encounters.

2. Belit: A pirate queen and Conan’s love interest, Belit is a fierce and independent character who commands her own ship, the Tigress. Fierce and resourceful, she embodies the spirit of the sea and has a deep connection to both her crew and the supernatural elements of the world. Her relationship with Conan is passionate, marked by mutual respect and admiration for each other's strength and capabilities.

3. Zula: An African warrior and ally of Conan, Zula is a formidable fighter and a loyal friend. Known for his bravery and skills in combat, Zula often aids Conan in his quests, showing a strong sense of justice and honor. His background adds another layer to the diverse cast and enriches the series' exploration of different cultures.

4. Thoth-Amon: A recurring antagonist, Thoth-Amon is a powerful sorcerer whose dark ambitions often put him at odds with Conan. He embodies the threats that are both magical and deeply treacherous, showcasing the darker side of the Hyborian Age. His mastery of sorcery and manipulation makes him a formidable foe.

5. Princess Yara: In some adaptations, Yara serves as a noble character whose development often brings her into the orbit of Conan’s adventures. Depending on the storyline, she can represent strength, beauty, and political intrigue, often challenging gender roles in the Hyborian Age.

6. Bêlit’s Crew: Various characters from Belit’s crew play significant roles, bringing in different perspectives and backgrounds, and emphasizing themes of loyalty and camaraderie on the high seas.

7. King Numedides: A character who appears in the political machinations of the Hyborian kingdoms, representing the often corrupt and treacherous nature of leadership in the world Conan inhabits.

Robert Jordan's work adds depth and complexity to these characters, exploring their relationships, motivations, and the moral shades of the world they navigate. The series retains the adventurous spirit and the mythic quality of Howard's original stories while providing a fresh take on the beloved characters.

Robert Jordan, best known for his epic fantasy series "The Wheel of Time," also contributed to the Conan the Barbarian universe through his novels. Here are some interesting facts about Robert Jordan’s Conan series:

1. Reviving a Classic: Robert Jordan's involvement with the Conan series helped to rejuvenate interest in the character, originally created by Robert E. Howard in the 1930s. His novels expanded the lore and adventures of Conan for a new generation.

2. The Books: Jordan penned three full-length novels and a collection of short stories featuring Conan:

   • Conan the Invincible (1982)
   • Conan the Defender (1982)
   • Conan the Unconquered (1983)
   • The Conan Chronicles (1995, a collection that includes his Conan stories)

3. Staying True to Howard: While Jordan incorporated his own style and themes, he made a conscious effort to stay true to Robert E. Howard's original vision for Conan. He preserved the character's essence, the Hyborian Age's rich mythology, and the tone of the original stories.

4. Influence from "The Wheel of Time": In Jordan's Conan novels, fans can spot some stylistic similarities to his later work, "The Wheel of Time," such as detailed world-building and complex character relationships, even though Conan is fundamentally more straightforward and action-oriented.

5. Conan's Characterization: Jordan portrayed Conan not only as a brute warrior but also as a complex character with moments of introspection and depth, exploring themes of honor, loyalty, and the burden of leadership.

6. Collaborations and Contributions: After Jordan's passing, other authors continued to expand on the Conan universe. His adaptations and contributions have been seen as foundational for subsequent literature regarding the character.

7. Comics and Games: In addition to novels, Conan has been featured in comic books and role-playing games, with Robert Jordan's influence acknowledged in various adaptations across different media. His contribution to the books has paved the way for these expansions of the Conan universe.

8. Popularity and Legacy: The Conan novels written by Jordan remain popular among fans of both sword and sorcery and fantasy genres, and they have played a crucial role in maintaining Conan's cultural significance over the decades.

9. Tie-Ins to the Original Stories: Jordan often integrated ties to Howard's original stories, including references to characters and events from the canon, providing a connective tissue that made his work feel like a natural extension of the Conan saga.

Overall, Robert Jordan's contributions to the Conan series are cherished by fans, and his unique approach has ensured that Conan remains a relevant and celebrated character in fantasy literature.