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Gormenghast

...a tribute to Mervyn Peake and his trilogy Behold his birth, a brand new Earl, the Guardian of the Halls of Groan, yet 'til he reach the age of seven his father Sepulchrave will own the ritual and the royal robes of office o'er this shadowed realm, 'til Titus, as is writ in stone, shall supersede him at the helm. Yet all the while another boy has set his sights on majesty, Steerpike, lowly kitchen hand, who's out to foil this sovereignty. A narrow-shouldered, evil lad with schemes to murder and to burn, to render chaos, anarchy and withal the throne to earn. The library engulfed in flames, Lord Sepulchrave's most favour'd spot, his sisters Cora, Clarice too, locked in their rooms and left to rot. Barquentine, who minds the Books 'til Titus is to come of age, succumbs to death at Steerpike's hand, fated to drown, the trusty sage. The faithful old retainer, Flay, is banish'd by the this lad's design, and Swelter, Master Chef, is slain, no longer will he cook or dine. The Lady Fuschia, Titus' sister, fooled by Steerpike's boyish charm, confused, beguil'd by serpent's eyes, she could not keep herself from harm. It fell to Titus to engage this devil with a devil's rage; in mortal combat he did strive, one of few men left alive. Though Master of the Sacred Halls, he's overcome with grief and woe; alone and with a saddened heart he quits his home, it's time to go.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2012




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Date: 6/19/2012 7:12:00 PM
This has a middle ages sound to it Keith' you do a superb job assigning names too, wierd names that make me want a prelude and sequel to this story. Love the rhyme in this too! :)
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Date: 5/14/2012 4:32:00 PM
To my mind it's the best piece of sustained, dramatic writing in the English language. His vocabulary, and descriptive images are second to none. Titus Groan, Gormenghast, and Titus Alone are the three books, and if you're a fan of fantasy I urge you to look them up. Thanks for your kind remarks! Best wishes, Keith
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Date: 5/14/2012 4:19:00 PM
i'm not familiar with this trilogy but you made the story very easy to follow and, of course, i love the fact that you've told it in gorgeous rhyme. i want to hear the rest!
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