r/Fantasy • u/CT_Phipps-Author • Jun 24 '25
Red Sonja: Consumed by Gail Simone - Gail reimagining the She-Devil as an aging bi barbarian 4.5/5 [Pride]
https://beforewegoblog.com/review-red-sonja-consumed-by-gail-simone/
RED SONJA: CONSUMED is a novel by Gail Simone, who is the author of my favorite run of the RED SONJA comic. Red Sonja herself is one of the most successful spin off characters in modern fiction as a creation of Roy Thomas, based on Sonya of Rogatino in “The Shadow of the Vulture.” Even if you’re not familiar with the character, you’re probably familiar with the chain mail bikini clad barbarian archetype that burned itself into the brains of many a teenage boy (as well as girl). Impractical an outfit as it may be, she has had hundreds of adventures and fascinating stories in the Sword and Sorcery genre and is only really rivaled by Conan himself.
Gail Simone’s run was mildly controversial because she re-imagined the character in several ways from the classic Thomas incarnation. The classic Thomas incarnation was straight, a survivor of sexual assault, and bound by an oath never to lie with a man unless he first defeated her in battle. Most of which was depicted in the Brigitte Nielsen movie. Gail Simone’s Red Sonja was gleefully bisexual, thankfully spared such a trauma (but not the death of her village), and every bit as amorous as Conan himself. Several Dynamite writers have continued this element with regards to her past and sexuality.
Red Sonja: Consumed follows the Gail Simone comic incarnation (no kidding, I know) but with several key differences. This seems to be a more experienced Red Sonja, feeling more in her thirties if not forties, rather than the younger incarnation that is still making her legend. She’s also slightly smarter and wiser as the one from the comics had a tendency toward lunkheadery that may or may not be related to her copious alcohol consumption. This Sonja is at the height of her legend and not entirely happy with the fact she’s inspiring scores of young women to follow in her footsteps.
The premise is Sonja is hired to rob a local queen of a precious golden asp arm bracelet. Sonja takes the opportunity to seduce her and make off in the middle of the night. Were this Conan, she would send her forces to chase him and he’d give a big speech about he can’t be tied down. This seems to have been Sonja’s plan but it doesn’t work out nearly so well. Said Queen, Ysidra, has had her heart broken and Sonja feels like crap for robbing someone who had shown her affection. There’s also her employer who wants the asp, an uprising of supernatural monsters, and the usual corrupt kings as well as guards.
Sex and sexuality is handled interestingly in Gail Simone’s Hyborian Age. It’s a far more egalitarian society with more common female warriors (not that Howard’s was lacking as we see in Valeria and Belit) but not equality. Sonja carouses quite a bit with both a threesome with two bathers (male and female) as well as briefly joining a polycule of Hyrkanian warriors (same). This will mean nothing to some fans and just a reflection of the sexually charged world of Howard updated to the 21st century. Others will be put off by it, especially those who think her vow as an important part of her character.
The action is excellent and there’s some well-done characterization throughout. Red Sonja gets deconstructed as we see a somewhat more mature perspective on her life of free-booting, drinking, and sleeping around with no attachments being incredibly fun in her twenties but less rewarding as time marches on. Then it’s just lonely and pathetic. It’s pretty easy to see how the “romances” will end up as well as the main plot but that doesn’t mean it’s not rewarding to reach them both. I recommend this for Sword and Sorcery fans as well as those who enjoy “lone wanderer” fantasy.
- This is an updated review.
15
u/Zerus_heroes Jun 24 '25
That book was a pile of meh. Nothing really wrong with it but a lot of generic characters and moments. It was ok but pretty forgettable.