Elric of Melnibone makes his return in this installment of the saga of the doomed albino prince. Previously published as The Vanishing Tower, this volume features substantial alterations to the text by Michael Moorcock. These stories take place before the events recounted in Stormbringer.

This volume focuses mainly on Elric’s opposition to the Melnibonean sorcerer, Theleb Ka’arna. While Theleb Ka’arna does not initially appear to be a worthy opponent, Elric’s own self-absorption and angst allow Theleb Ka’arna opportunities to escape Elric’s rage and to catch him in traps. Moorcock utilizes Elric’s flaws to build suspense. In the Elric saga, the protagonist is as capable of wielding a powerful spell as he is adept at wielding the vampiric black blade, Stormbringer.

The titles, contents, and order of the works appear exactly as Michael Moorcock has long intended. The Sleeping Sorceress includes the novel of the same name and two short stories: “The Singing Citadel” and “While the Gods Laugh.” It also has an introduction by Walter Mosley and new artwork by Tyler Jacobson.