Corum, the Prince in the Scarlet Robe, is thrust into a desperate struggle against the forces of the Law of the Eight, who seek to impose order upon the chaos of the Multiverse. His quest is to find the lost Sword of the Moon and the Sword of the Sun, artifacts that hold the key to restoring balance. Opposing him are the agents of the Law, powerful beings who manipulate reality itself, and the internal conflict within Corum as he grapples with his own identity and the burden of his destiny. The narrative unfolds across various planes of existence, told from a third-person perspective that follows Corum's often brutal and solitary path.

The Corum series, particularly these early tales, is often lauded for its ambitious scope and its exploration of complex, often bleak, multiversal concepts. Readers frequently cite the unique blend of sword and sorcery with philosophical undertones as a defining characteristic. The character of Corum himself is a subject of much discussion, seen as a tragic and compelling figure caught between worlds and destinies. While some may find the narrative dense or the protagonist's journey relentlessly grim, the series is recognized for its significant contribution to the fantasy genre's exploration of cosmic themes and the archetype of the Eternal Champion.