Skull-Face by Robert E. Howard

Name: Skull-Face
Author: Robert E. Howard

The narrative follows Stephen Costigan, a hashish addict who finds himself ensnared in a web of dark sorcery and conspiracy orchestrated by a mysterious figure known as the Skull-Faced Man, or Kathulos. The story begins with Costigan experiencing vivid and horrifying dreams while under the influence of hashish, leading him to a sordid dive in London's Limehouse, where he becomes entangled with a beautiful girl named Zuleika, who seems to have a connection to the enigmatic Master. As Costigan's addiction deepens, he learns that he is being watched and manipulated by Kathulos, who possesses a powerful elixir that can both enhance and control him. The narrative reveals that Kathulos is not merely a drug lord but a sorcerer with ties to ancient civilizations, claiming descent from the lost Atlanteans. He seeks to awaken a new empire of colored races to overthrow the white races, using drugs to enslave and control them. Costigan's journey leads him to confrontations with various henchmen of Kathulos, including Hassim and Yar Khan, as he attempts to rescue Gordon, a secret service agent who has been captured. The tension escalates as Costigan and Gordon uncover the depths of Kathulos's plans, which involve a sacrificial ritual to solidify his power over the black masses. In a climactic showdown, Costigan and Gordon fight against Kathulos's followers, culminating in an explosion that destroys the lair of the Master. The aftermath leaves Costigan questioning the nature of life and the potential for ancient horrors to resurface. Ultimately, he finds a renewed sense of purpose and love with Zuleika, as they both escape the clutches of the dark forces that sought to control them. The work explores themes of addiction, power, and the struggle against unseen forces, blending elements of horror, adventure, and mysticism in a tale that reflects the darker aspects of human nature and the potential for redemption.

By Robert E. Howard · First published 1929 · Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Adventure · 21 chapters · 39,140 words

First lines

"We are no other than a moving row Of Magic Shadow-shapes that come and go. " -- Omar Khayyam.

The horror first took concrete form amid that most unconcrete of all things -- a hashish dream. I was off on a timeless, spaceless journey through the strange lands that belong to this state of being, a million miles away from earth and all things earthly; yet I became cognizant that something was reaching across the unknown voids -- something that tore ruthlessly at the separating curtains of my illusions and intruded itself into my visions.

What this Textopian page supports

Skull-Face is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert E. Howard, dated 1929 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Robert E. Howard
Date: 1929 CE
Language: English
Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Adventure, Weird Fiction, Pulp Fiction
Length: 39,140 words
Structure: 21 chapters, 764 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Horror — The story features supernatural elements and themes of fear, typical of horror literature.
Fantasy — Incorporates fantastical elements and settings, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
Adventure — The plot involves exploration and perilous quests, aligning with adventure narratives.
Weird Fiction — Blends elements of horror and fantasy with a focus on the bizarre and uncanny.