The Savage Sword of Conan Volume Thirteen

Written by: Charles Dixon, Larry Yakata, and Don Kraar

First line: Know ye, O Prince, that the Kozski, which means "wastrel" were a loose confederation of mercenaries, criminals, and fugitives turned to brigandry in defiance of the Empire of Turan.

Why you should read this book: This book has it all, if all you need is swords, sorcerers, brawny dudes killing people for gold, honor, revenge, or whatever, and, of course, scantily clad princesses who really know how to show a guy some gratitude (off the page). Conan gets to kill men, demons, and monsters; eat the occasional decent meal, move back and forth between civilization and the darkest wilderness, and even spend some time on a boat. It's basically silly and yet very compelling if you want to slip into a world where men better be men if they want to survive, women have a bit more leeway (if they can wield a sword to any useful degree), and political correctness will never be invented.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You apply the Bechdel test to everything, including your college courses and real-world interactions.