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Dark Castle, White Horse
Omnibus of the two novels The Castle of Dark and Prince on a White Horse.
IN DARKNESS SHE WAKES -
a beautiful young woman, forever imprisoned in the Castle of Dark. Guarded and bespelled by two old hags, can she master the secret magic to summon the champion who will set her free?
INTO DARKNESS HE RIDES -
a handsome prince in an unknown realm. Who has conjured him here, and for what desperate deeds? Hailed as the Looked-for-Deliverer, with a changeling horse for companion, only he can challenge all magic's perils - from the Dragon of Brass to the Mad Witch of the kingdom-destroying horror, the evil, enigmatic Nulgrave!
IN DARKNESS SHE WAKES -
a beautiful young woman, forever imprisoned in the Castle of Dark. Guarded and bespelled by two old hags, can she master the secret magic to summon the champion who will set her free?
INTO DARKNESS HE RIDES -
a handsome prince in an unknown realm. Who has conjured him here, and for what desperate deeds? Hailed as the Looked-for-Deliverer, with a changeling horse for companion, only he can challenge all magic's perils - from the Dragon of Brass to the Mad Witch of the kingdom-destroying horror, the evil, enigmatic Nulgrave!
302 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 4, 1986
About the author
Tanith Lee
664 books1,773 followersTanith Lee was a British writer of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. She was the author of 77 novels, 14 collections, and almost 300 short stories. She also wrote four radio plays broadcast by the BBC and two scripts for the UK, science fiction, cult television series "Blake's 7."
Before becoming a full time writer, Lee worked as a file clerk, an assistant librarian, a shop assistant, and a waitress.
Her first short story, "Eustace," was published in 1968, and her first novel (for children) The Dragon Hoard was published in 1971.
Her career took off in 1975 with the acceptance by Daw Books USA of her adult fantasy epic The Birthgrave for publication as a mass-market paperback, and Lee has since maintained a prolific output in popular genre writing.
Lee twice won the World Fantasy Award: once in 1983 for best short fiction for “The Gorgon” and again in 1984 for best short fiction for “Elle Est Trois (La Mort).” She has been a Guest of Honour at numerous science fiction and fantasy conventions including the Boskone XVIII in Boston, USA in 1981, the 1984 World Fantasy Convention in Ottawa, Canada, and Orbital 2008 the British National Science Fiction convention (Eastercon) held in London, England in March 2008. In 2009 she was awarded the prestigious title of Grand Master of Horror.
Lee was the daughter of two ballroom dancers, Bernard and Hylda Lee. Despite a persistent rumour, she was not the daughter of the actor Bernard Lee who played "M" in the James Bond series of films of the 1960s.
Tanith Lee married author and artist John Kaiine in 1992.
Before becoming a full time writer, Lee worked as a file clerk, an assistant librarian, a shop assistant, and a waitress.
Her first short story, "Eustace," was published in 1968, and her first novel (for children) The Dragon Hoard was published in 1971.
Her career took off in 1975 with the acceptance by Daw Books USA of her adult fantasy epic The Birthgrave for publication as a mass-market paperback, and Lee has since maintained a prolific output in popular genre writing.
Lee twice won the World Fantasy Award: once in 1983 for best short fiction for “The Gorgon” and again in 1984 for best short fiction for “Elle Est Trois (La Mort).” She has been a Guest of Honour at numerous science fiction and fantasy conventions including the Boskone XVIII in Boston, USA in 1981, the 1984 World Fantasy Convention in Ottawa, Canada, and Orbital 2008 the British National Science Fiction convention (Eastercon) held in London, England in March 2008. In 2009 she was awarded the prestigious title of Grand Master of Horror.
Lee was the daughter of two ballroom dancers, Bernard and Hylda Lee. Despite a persistent rumour, she was not the daughter of the actor Bernard Lee who played "M" in the James Bond series of films of the 1960s.
Tanith Lee married author and artist John Kaiine in 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 7, 2022
Dark Castle, White Horse has recently been published for e-reader so it gave me a chance to enjoy one of my favorite authors.
This book is actually two novellas - and while some of the themes are similar the tone is completely different, which is probably why it receives low ratings. I know for me (who has kept the paperback for a long time) it was always the second story that I enjoyed the most. But this time around I wanted to take it slow and see what I thought about both stories after all this time.
The Castle of Dark is a traditional fairytale theme: the heroine in a castle who needs saving. But is she worth saving?
The Castle of Dark (pub 1978) and Prince on a White Horse (1982) both have several themes that Tanith Lee worked on throughout her writing career. Both have characters who have no understanding or recollection of who they are: Lilune lives in a castle and is managed by two crones under rules she doesn't understand; and the Prince wakes to riding a horse, compelled to rescue again and again.
This amnesia theme is written to perfection in The Birthgrave (1975, highly recommended) but here it rather limps along, especially in the first story. It makes me wonder if these two stories weren't written earlier (especially Castle) when Lee was playing with the amnesia theme?
Lee continues with the alliteration of names (Lir:Lilune, Gemael:Gemant, Themon:Themistra) something she does throughout all of her books. I can honestly say I hate that. It makes for a confusing read and after wading through it a few times, grows really tiresome. Perhaps her purpose was to show the mirror image of the characters but it comes off as coy, especially reading it now after 3+ decades of fantasy evolving since the stories were written.
Another Lee theme, that of vampirism, is found in Castle with the character of Lir. I won't go much further than that but the woman who cannot eat, who sleeps during the day, and who is naïve about how the world works around her can be found in The Birthgrave to much better result.
Now the stories. The Castle of Dark has a classic Lee opening - the heroine imprisoned and the hero compelled to save her. A village under a curse. This theme is done so well in the Cyrion short stories (now available!) and so to me this story falls a bit flat as I know what to expect.
Castle suffers from going on too long with the misadventures, the hero trying to save the helpless (and rather blank heroine) but the ending is satisfying. Overall, not a bad story but will probably only appeal to Tanith Lee purists who want the entire collection.
The second story, Prince on a White Horse, is far more fun, with a light hearted story of a man who wakes on a horse, forced to fulfill quests in a fantasy world he doesn't understand in the slightest. The talking horse (far more intelligent) serves as his guide as he gets mixed up with destroying a mechanical dragon (the Dragon of Brass, reminiscent of a beast in her Flat Earth series), being chased by some vindicative trees, saved by some water ladies, and in turn saving some mermaids.
He is the Looked-for-Deliverer whose ultimate goal is to destroy Nulgrave which threatens this charming and rather silly world.
This is Tanith Lee's fun side and is one of her few tales which could be read by children. Lee delights in overturning the tropes while writing a tale that has some fairytale and knight-errant quest themes. It made me think of her Unicorn stories (Black, Red, Gold, highly recommend!).
While I do enjoy the story, I always found the ending to this story rather weak.
Because of the mismatch of story tones, I feel this book will appeal most to Tanith Lee fans. Some of her stronger works which I highly recommend are:
The Birthgrave - which in its time was a stunningly powerful work of women's power. It took Conan and Red Sonja and destroyed them.
The entire Flat Earth series - an amazing collection of books that use the framework of tales from the Bible and mythology to forge an entirely new world full of characters that are unmatched. Highly evolved fantasy worldbuilding at its best.
Unicorn series (unfortunately the first is not available yet in ebook). Black Unicorn, Red Unicorn, Gold Unicorn has a deep vein to plumb in a story suitable for middle school readers. Fun, amusing tales about a young woman who is far smarter than the adults all around her.
Cyrion - which just published in ebook and is IMO her strongest collection of short stories with one hero throughout.
Tamastara - her short story collection with India themed stories.
Biting the Sun & Drinking Sapphire Wine - pure 1960's counter culture w a SF theme.
She has numerous other books, especially those who have vampire themes but those aren't my personal favorite though others love them.
Tanith Lee, you were an amazing woman and writer, and I salute you with a glass of sapphire wine. But I have to ask why peeve's aren't available as pets?
This book is actually two novellas - and while some of the themes are similar the tone is completely different, which is probably why it receives low ratings. I know for me (who has kept the paperback for a long time) it was always the second story that I enjoyed the most. But this time around I wanted to take it slow and see what I thought about both stories after all this time.
The Castle of Dark is a traditional fairytale theme: the heroine in a castle who needs saving. But is she worth saving?
The Castle of Dark (pub 1978) and Prince on a White Horse (1982) both have several themes that Tanith Lee worked on throughout her writing career. Both have characters who have no understanding or recollection of who they are: Lilune lives in a castle and is managed by two crones under rules she doesn't understand; and the Prince wakes to riding a horse, compelled to rescue again and again.
This amnesia theme is written to perfection in The Birthgrave (1975, highly recommended) but here it rather limps along, especially in the first story. It makes me wonder if these two stories weren't written earlier (especially Castle) when Lee was playing with the amnesia theme?
Lee continues with the alliteration of names (Lir:Lilune, Gemael:Gemant, Themon:Themistra) something she does throughout all of her books. I can honestly say I hate that. It makes for a confusing read and after wading through it a few times, grows really tiresome. Perhaps her purpose was to show the mirror image of the characters but it comes off as coy, especially reading it now after 3+ decades of fantasy evolving since the stories were written.
Another Lee theme, that of vampirism, is found in Castle with the character of Lir. I won't go much further than that but the woman who cannot eat, who sleeps during the day, and who is naïve about how the world works around her can be found in The Birthgrave to much better result.
Now the stories. The Castle of Dark has a classic Lee opening - the heroine imprisoned and the hero compelled to save her. A village under a curse. This theme is done so well in the Cyrion short stories (now available!) and so to me this story falls a bit flat as I know what to expect.
Castle suffers from going on too long with the misadventures, the hero trying to save the helpless (and rather blank heroine) but the ending is satisfying. Overall, not a bad story but will probably only appeal to Tanith Lee purists who want the entire collection.
The second story, Prince on a White Horse, is far more fun, with a light hearted story of a man who wakes on a horse, forced to fulfill quests in a fantasy world he doesn't understand in the slightest. The talking horse (far more intelligent) serves as his guide as he gets mixed up with destroying a mechanical dragon (the Dragon of Brass, reminiscent of a beast in her Flat Earth series), being chased by some vindicative trees, saved by some water ladies, and in turn saving some mermaids.
He is the Looked-for-Deliverer whose ultimate goal is to destroy Nulgrave which threatens this charming and rather silly world.
This is Tanith Lee's fun side and is one of her few tales which could be read by children. Lee delights in overturning the tropes while writing a tale that has some fairytale and knight-errant quest themes. It made me think of her Unicorn stories (Black, Red, Gold, highly recommend!).
While I do enjoy the story, I always found the ending to this story rather weak.
Because of the mismatch of story tones, I feel this book will appeal most to Tanith Lee fans. Some of her stronger works which I highly recommend are:
The Birthgrave - which in its time was a stunningly powerful work of women's power. It took Conan and Red Sonja and destroyed them.
The entire Flat Earth series - an amazing collection of books that use the framework of tales from the Bible and mythology to forge an entirely new world full of characters that are unmatched. Highly evolved fantasy worldbuilding at its best.
Unicorn series (unfortunately the first is not available yet in ebook). Black Unicorn, Red Unicorn, Gold Unicorn has a deep vein to plumb in a story suitable for middle school readers. Fun, amusing tales about a young woman who is far smarter than the adults all around her.
Cyrion - which just published in ebook and is IMO her strongest collection of short stories with one hero throughout.
Tamastara - her short story collection with India themed stories.
Biting the Sun & Drinking Sapphire Wine - pure 1960's counter culture w a SF theme.
She has numerous other books, especially those who have vampire themes but those aren't my personal favorite though others love them.
Tanith Lee, you were an amazing woman and writer, and I salute you with a glass of sapphire wine. But I have to ask why peeve's aren't available as pets?
February 5, 2017
This review and others posted over at
my blog.
This book is actually comprised of two separate stories, The Castle of Dark and Prince on a White Horse. Thematically, I’m sure they have something in common, aside from both being fantasy adventures, but I don’t really know what. I picked it up because I need to read more of my Tanith collection and it’s vintage sci-fi month (hosted by my friend Jason) so what better time to start? Also that cover! –heart eyes-
Sometimes it’s hard for me to review Tanith’s work because I love almost everything of hers I’ve read so far. I just want to say “I love her work, read it!” Her books are instantaneously atmospheric and immersive and I love her simplistic, yet detailed style. I tweeted about the feeling of experiencing real magic when I read a book of hers (or any favorite author really.) So I’ll try to make some sense, but I can’t promise anything.
The Castle of Dark introduces readers to Lilune, a young girl imprisoned in a strange castle by two old crones. She knows nothing about the world outside the castle because she’s never allowed to leave and she is allowed to roam the castle grounds only at night, as she must sleep during the day. She uses the only spell she’s learned from her captors in an attempt to summon someone to help her escape and so Lir, a harper, comes to her aid. Once free of the castle, the two blunder their way through the surrounding forest, hampered by Lilune’s weakness to sunlight and her compulsion to sleep during the day. They’re separated and when Lilune is off adventuring on her own is when the book truly started to show Tanith’s skill for world building and atmosphere. I liked Lilune because she showed growth, despite the short length of the story. Lir felt a little standard, as far as the hero character goes, but I didn’t mind.
Prince on a White horse had a surprisingly funny tone. A prince who knows nothing about who he is or where he’s from wakes in a strange land with only a talking horse to guide him – though when asked, the horse replies that he cannot talk. Even though the prince is tasked with saving this weird realm from a source of great evil, the story remained lighthearted. I don’t think I’ve ever chuckled so much when reading one of Tanith’s books before. The prince has a very RPG experience, in that he’s incredibly lucky and many characters come to aid or hinder him in cliché ways, but that’s what made the story entertaining.
I, of course, recommend this book to everyone because it’s Tanith and I enjoyed it.
This book is actually comprised of two separate stories, The Castle of Dark and Prince on a White Horse. Thematically, I’m sure they have something in common, aside from both being fantasy adventures, but I don’t really know what. I picked it up because I need to read more of my Tanith collection and it’s vintage sci-fi month (hosted by my friend Jason) so what better time to start? Also that cover! –heart eyes-
Sometimes it’s hard for me to review Tanith’s work because I love almost everything of hers I’ve read so far. I just want to say “I love her work, read it!” Her books are instantaneously atmospheric and immersive and I love her simplistic, yet detailed style. I tweeted about the feeling of experiencing real magic when I read a book of hers (or any favorite author really.) So I’ll try to make some sense, but I can’t promise anything.
The Castle of Dark introduces readers to Lilune, a young girl imprisoned in a strange castle by two old crones. She knows nothing about the world outside the castle because she’s never allowed to leave and she is allowed to roam the castle grounds only at night, as she must sleep during the day. She uses the only spell she’s learned from her captors in an attempt to summon someone to help her escape and so Lir, a harper, comes to her aid. Once free of the castle, the two blunder their way through the surrounding forest, hampered by Lilune’s weakness to sunlight and her compulsion to sleep during the day. They’re separated and when Lilune is off adventuring on her own is when the book truly started to show Tanith’s skill for world building and atmosphere. I liked Lilune because she showed growth, despite the short length of the story. Lir felt a little standard, as far as the hero character goes, but I didn’t mind.
Prince on a White horse had a surprisingly funny tone. A prince who knows nothing about who he is or where he’s from wakes in a strange land with only a talking horse to guide him – though when asked, the horse replies that he cannot talk. Even though the prince is tasked with saving this weird realm from a source of great evil, the story remained lighthearted. I don’t think I’ve ever chuckled so much when reading one of Tanith’s books before. The prince has a very RPG experience, in that he’s incredibly lucky and many characters come to aid or hinder him in cliché ways, but that’s what made the story entertaining.
I, of course, recommend this book to everyone because it’s Tanith and I enjoyed it.
April 9, 2020
4 stars for the first story (Castle of the Dark), which I really enjoyed. At times, l was reminded of The Eyes of the Dragon by Steven King, good company!
But 2 stars for the second story, much weaker... I can’t get excited about a protagonist that knows nothing, wants nothing, and achieves nothing. Imagine Phantom Tollbooth, only instead of word play, it’s nonsense. (I got the most out of this story when imagining that The Prince was an allegory for white privilege, but whether this was the author’s intention or not, it was a lot of extra work on my part).
On to the next.
But 2 stars for the second story, much weaker... I can’t get excited about a protagonist that knows nothing, wants nothing, and achieves nothing. Imagine Phantom Tollbooth, only instead of word play, it’s nonsense. (I got the most out of this story when imagining that The Prince was an allegory for white privilege, but whether this was the author’s intention or not, it was a lot of extra work on my part).
On to the next.
June 12, 2017
Really loved the first novella. Coming back another time to finish the second novella. Saving it for a rainy day.
March 8, 2014
Каква трябва да е наистина добрата приказка? Или да е достатъчно страховита – настръхваща и мрачна, или оптимистичнo – наивна и весела. Дори и когато става въпрос за приказки за големи. Една невероятна комбинация от истории за така наречените пораснали, ни поднася великолепната кралица на епичното фентъзи Танит Ли, и тъй като няма къде да чуете за тях, аз ще се заема с моята вечна образователно – просветителска дейност, започнала от четвъртия ми рожден ден насам. Мда, досадна съм си от малка.
Първата история е меланхолична, тъмна и поетична, от онзи тип повествования, с които Ли е световно известна навсякъде, с изключение на нашата страна, естествено . Замъкът на тъмнината се развива в непознат свят, обитаван от необясними сили, внушаващи само страх и ужас в ментално свилите се, привидно нормални човекоподобни обитатели. В злокобен замък някъде на север, красива бледна девица бива пазена от две макбетови вещици, които избягват срещите със слънцето, хората и храната. В малко селце някъде на юг един младеж бива докоснат от преоблечен бог и усеща в себе си силата на музиката, създавайки най-съвършенния инструмент, можещ да изсвири човешката душа. Срещата е неизбежна, но не и предвидима. Едно спасение довежда почти до трагична смърт, свободата не е за нечовешката чиста девойка, ами по-скоро за зло от другия край на възможното, а любовта така и не се случва по начина, на който сме свикнали в приказките на другите. Готическа атмосфера, вихър на неизбежност и потоп от неутешимост. И много, много красив език.
Втората история е светла, смешна и забавляваща се с всички възможни клишета на фентъзи жанра. Принцът на бял кон ни отвежда в странен свят с магия, три луни и слънце във формата на поничка. Главният ни герой по никакъв начин не може да бъде убеден да си върши работата и да се нагеройства, ами е твърде зает да води най-кикотещите разговори с коня си, който отрича да е способен да говори, и като се отегчи същия, прибягва до метаморфозиране в пухкав лъв. Двамата поемат на безумно и безцелно пътешествие, побеждавайки метални дракони, освобождавайки хистерични красавици, биейки се с ходещи гори, говорейки с вещици с разстройство на личността и спейки в пухести облаци, собственост на прозрачните деди на елфите. Невероятно комично, и все пак изискано като език и красота на невъзможните картини и постоянно вземане на подбив на всички възможни легенди, образи и заглавия във фентъзи историята.
За мен бе прекрасен самоподарък поредното пътуване в света на Танит Ли, където твърде малко читатели имат шанса да се потопят. Обзема ме нарочното внушение, че Ли пише само за мен и ми изпълнява и най-съкровените читателски желания. А какво по-хубаво от това да си имаш свой личен писател. Има нещо кралско в подобно усещане. Пожелавам го и на вас.
Първата история е меланхолична, тъмна и поетична, от онзи тип повествования, с които Ли е световно известна навсякъде, с изключение на нашата страна, естествено . Замъкът на тъмнината се развива в непознат свят, обитаван от необясними сили, внушаващи само страх и ужас в ментално свилите се, привидно нормални човекоподобни обитатели. В злокобен замък някъде на север, красива бледна девица бива пазена от две макбетови вещици, които избягват срещите със слънцето, хората и храната. В малко селце някъде на юг един младеж бива докоснат от преоблечен бог и усеща в себе си силата на музиката, създавайки най-съвършенния инструмент, можещ да изсвири човешката душа. Срещата е неизбежна, но не и предвидима. Едно спасение довежда почти до трагична смърт, свободата не е за нечовешката чиста девойка, ами по-скоро за зло от другия край на възможното, а любовта така и не се случва по начина, на който сме свикнали в приказките на другите. Готическа атмосфера, вихър на неизбежност и потоп от неутешимост. И много, много красив език.
Втората история е светла, смешна и забавляваща се с всички възможни клишета на фентъзи жанра. Принцът на бял кон ни отвежда в странен свят с магия, три луни и слънце във формата на поничка. Главният ни герой по никакъв начин не може да бъде убеден да си върши работата и да се нагеройства, ами е твърде зает да води най-кикотещите разговори с коня си, който отрича да е способен да говори, и като се отегчи същия, прибягва до метаморфозиране в пухкав лъв. Двамата поемат на безумно и безцелно пътешествие, побеждавайки метални дракони, освобождавайки хистерични красавици, биейки се с ходещи гори, говорейки с вещици с разстройство на личността и спейки в пухести облаци, собственост на прозрачните деди на елфите. Невероятно комично, и все пак изискано като език и красота на невъзможните картини и постоянно вземане на подбив на всички възможни легенди, образи и заглавия във фентъзи историята.
За мен бе прекрасен самоподарък поредното пътуване в света на Танит Ли, където твърде малко читатели имат шанса да се потопят. Обзема ме нарочното внушение, че Ли пише само за мен и ми изпълнява и най-съкровените читателски желания. А какво по-хубаво от това да си имаш свой личен писател. Има нещо кралско в подобно усещане. Пожелавам го и на вас.
September 19, 2021
The Castle of Dark:- I really enjoyed reading Lir’s journey of becoming a harper rather than Lilune’s entrapment in the Castle. Not difficult admittedly but I had high hopes for Lilune to become a badass which isn’t her destiny in this story. Lir reminded me so much of the hours I sunk into BOTW, he and Link are kindred spirits. Now that I think of it, Lilune is basically Zelda, ha!
The story is slow to start because we start with Lilune who kind of knows nothing and is trapped, a poor editing decision imo. However, this does pick up the pace well as Lir and Lilune have a shared goal and our journey takes a more solid shape. Lilune’s journey becomes waaaay more interesting and actually propels the plot into different characters, actual tension and threat- the midpoint here is where The Castle of Dark is at its best, juggling unknown variables and characters intentions.
The ending with Lir specifically felt completely rushed and disappointing, so many new details and back stories that hadn’t been mentioned meant the conclusion here was really overwhelming with exposition. It felt like Lee didn’t want to give a predictable or clichéd end, or wanted to give Lir one last challenge. It comes off a bit dumb and takes away from the nice crescendo that this plot takes.
Prince on a White Horse:- This story felt all over the place. A bit like a D&D master who was a bit shit. The ideas here were good, however to complete a story such as this in such a short word count meant this was exposition all over. Especially with our main character, the Prince, starting this story with no memory of who he is.
I found this story quite a task to finish. When the Prince is not with the other characters from this world- Gemael, Gemant, the horse- the story fails to make progress and this story is too short to allow the Prince to have a recognisable and rewarding character arc. The ending is particularly reflective of this. There’s very little content that isn’t explained away and skimmed over in more than a moment. The set up for this is more akin to a long arching epic, not a short story.
These two stories together are kind of a strange choice. The first a more gothic, dark plot and the second a more open, battle based story with comradery at its heart. The first is definitely the stronger, being much richer in its world, it’s direction and in some ways contained to the idea of a short story. I do really like it and I wish this could’ve been fleshed out into its own story.
FUN FACT: On my edition of the book, in Prince on a White Horse; Chapter 12 is printed as Chapter 14.
The story is slow to start because we start with Lilune who kind of knows nothing and is trapped, a poor editing decision imo. However, this does pick up the pace well as Lir and Lilune have a shared goal and our journey takes a more solid shape. Lilune’s journey becomes waaaay more interesting and actually propels the plot into different characters, actual tension and threat- the midpoint here is where The Castle of Dark is at its best, juggling unknown variables and characters intentions.
The ending with Lir specifically felt completely rushed and disappointing, so many new details and back stories that hadn’t been mentioned meant the conclusion here was really overwhelming with exposition. It felt like Lee didn’t want to give a predictable or clichéd end, or wanted to give Lir one last challenge. It comes off a bit dumb and takes away from the nice crescendo that this plot takes.
Prince on a White Horse:- This story felt all over the place. A bit like a D&D master who was a bit shit. The ideas here were good, however to complete a story such as this in such a short word count meant this was exposition all over. Especially with our main character, the Prince, starting this story with no memory of who he is.
I found this story quite a task to finish. When the Prince is not with the other characters from this world- Gemael, Gemant, the horse- the story fails to make progress and this story is too short to allow the Prince to have a recognisable and rewarding character arc. The ending is particularly reflective of this. There’s very little content that isn’t explained away and skimmed over in more than a moment. The set up for this is more akin to a long arching epic, not a short story.
These two stories together are kind of a strange choice. The first a more gothic, dark plot and the second a more open, battle based story with comradery at its heart. The first is definitely the stronger, being much richer in its world, it’s direction and in some ways contained to the idea of a short story. I do really like it and I wish this could’ve been fleshed out into its own story.
FUN FACT: On my edition of the book, in Prince on a White Horse; Chapter 12 is printed as Chapter 14.
June 26, 2024
Two fantasy tales with a classic, fairytale, legendary feel take on a vibrant new life, due to the delightfully unique individuals taking on iconic roles at the heart of them.
Lilune is a cursed maiden, trapped in her Dark Castle, unable to shed its essence no matter where she goes. Lir is a musician with magic in his songs, influenced and able to influence the Dark Castle. Lilune and Lir are drawn together, forming a far more unique bond than the romance I wearily anticipated. They engaged my interest by the honest way they irritated each other, tried to understand the force manipulating them, and learned to fear those who feared the Castle more than the force itself. An ambience of classic gothic horror and melancholy permeated the tale, one felt by the characters, even as they refused to let it get the better of them.
The second story of the white horse bearing his confused prince to his destiny, offering excellent advice while insisting he couldn’t talk was simply hilarious. Together they face a Castle of Bone, a Dragon of Brass, a couple of demanding enchantresses, a rather thick champion, and an ancient evil with confusion, wisdom, sarcasm, and reluctant heroism. Seldom do I read so hilarious a hero’s quest!
Each story was a pleasure to read in a different way. Tanith Lee shows herself to be a mistress of not only gothic fantasy, but fantasy humor as well. If either of these appeal to you, don’t miss this book.
Lilune is a cursed maiden, trapped in her Dark Castle, unable to shed its essence no matter where she goes. Lir is a musician with magic in his songs, influenced and able to influence the Dark Castle. Lilune and Lir are drawn together, forming a far more unique bond than the romance I wearily anticipated. They engaged my interest by the honest way they irritated each other, tried to understand the force manipulating them, and learned to fear those who feared the Castle more than the force itself. An ambience of classic gothic horror and melancholy permeated the tale, one felt by the characters, even as they refused to let it get the better of them.
The second story of the white horse bearing his confused prince to his destiny, offering excellent advice while insisting he couldn’t talk was simply hilarious. Together they face a Castle of Bone, a Dragon of Brass, a couple of demanding enchantresses, a rather thick champion, and an ancient evil with confusion, wisdom, sarcasm, and reluctant heroism. Seldom do I read so hilarious a hero’s quest!
Each story was a pleasure to read in a different way. Tanith Lee shows herself to be a mistress of not only gothic fantasy, but fantasy humor as well. If either of these appeal to you, don’t miss this book.
February 24, 2024
3.5. Rounded up.
Two strange and entertaining works.
The first more masterful fantasy, the second bizarre.
Two strange and entertaining works.
The first more masterful fantasy, the second bizarre.
March 17, 2017
Ugh this book was probably the biggest waste of my time. I wish I had spent my time reading something good or at least worth my while! Ugh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2010
While I put this on my "short story" shelf, the truth is that this book is two novellas and not a collection of short stories. Tomato/tomaaahto.
The first story is alright. It's the "horror" part. A swords-and-sorcery story about vampires. Well, ONE vampire; and the harper who may or may-not be bewitched by her. It's not bad. It's too short and ends abruptly with a great many lose ends. I wasn't overly keen on it. Oh, it was well written and erie, like most of Tannith Lees's stories, but I was left with a feeling of ....*shrug*
The second story, the "humor" part, is a really funny send-up of most fantasy novels. A prince with no memory of who he is and a very wide cowardly streak, awakes to find himself on a talking horse who denys being able to talk but admits to sometimes being a lion. When it feels like it. Very funny stuff. The real reason I gave this book three stars: The first story is a two-star tale, and this second one is a four-star tale... so it equaled-out.
Recommended. Mostly.
The first story is alright. It's the "horror" part. A swords-and-sorcery story about vampires. Well, ONE vampire; and the harper who may or may-not be bewitched by her. It's not bad. It's too short and ends abruptly with a great many lose ends. I wasn't overly keen on it. Oh, it was well written and erie, like most of Tannith Lees's stories, but I was left with a feeling of ....*shrug*
The second story, the "humor" part, is a really funny send-up of most fantasy novels. A prince with no memory of who he is and a very wide cowardly streak, awakes to find himself on a talking horse who denys being able to talk but admits to sometimes being a lion. When it feels like it. Very funny stuff. The real reason I gave this book three stars: The first story is a two-star tale, and this second one is a four-star tale... so it equaled-out.
Recommended. Mostly.
October 3, 2014
This is a collection of two novellas, very unrelated. The second would make great bedtime reading to a kid- it's a knights and dragons tale but very self referential and funny. I think this is the first book I've read where Lee allows herself to be playful. It isn't the best of her work, but then what I consider the best of hers is the dark and bleak.
July 21, 2014
Two different stories, * not a series *, in one volume.
"The Castle of Dark"
"Prince on a White Horse"
So, if you're not interested in the aspect of humor of Tanith Lee stories and you can't find this two-story copy, you can skip this and buy the e-book version of The Castle of Dark.
"The Castle of Dark"
"Prince on a White Horse"
So, if you're not interested in the aspect of humor of Tanith Lee stories and you can't find this two-story copy, you can skip this and buy the e-book version of The Castle of Dark.
August 16, 2015
First time I read something about this prolific author and I must confess I thought it'd be better stuff. it's not bad really however some climatic scenes should have been treated better, deeper in the way she did.
Still, haven't got bored even though I had missed more action
Still, haven't got bored even though I had missed more action
April 7, 2009
Good Tanith Lee. Always good. I liked the first story better than the second. If I could give it 3.5 stars I would.
June 21, 2009
Fantasy
March 31, 2011
2 novellas; 1 classic fantasy, 2 comedic, imagery worthy of Miyazaki
February 20, 2014
Not bad. 2 stories in one, so that was a bit of a surprise to me. I think they were supposed to be fantasy/horror... The second one was more of a fantasy/comedy. But it was still a good read.
April 9, 2017
Castle of Dark 4/5
Prince on a White Horse 3/5
Prince on a White Horse 3/5
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