Lin Carter

Lin Carter is an oddity.  Almost forgotten now, but at one time, when fantasy was hard to come by, he was an author every fantasy fan read.  And had mixed feelings about.

Carter was a writer of unknown talents - I say unknown, because Carter showed glimmers of real ability - even his publishers urged him to get down to some serious writing - but Carter preferred to crank out pastiches of his favorites, often mashed together in amusing ways, as the shotgun-wedding of ERB and REH found here.  Still the his books were fun, and, in their time, popular. 
 
Thongor Series

Thongor of Lemuria was Lin Carter's earliest contribution to sword and sorcery fiction.  As wikipedia puts it: 

The Thongor series is Carter's premier creation in the Sword and Sorcery genre, representing a tribute to both the Conan series of Robert E. Howard and the Barsoom novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs. He pictures the lost continent of Lemuria as a prehistoric land mass existing in the South Pacific Ocean during the Ice Age, on which Mesozoic lifeforms persisted after the catastrophe which wiped them out elsewhere. An intelligent reptilian-humanoid race descended from dinosaur forebears reigned supreme as the dominant life form, but was partially supplanted by humanity as the continent was colonized by fauna from outside Lemuria. Humans have gradually thrown off the subjection in which they were initially held by the older civilization. Culturally, Lemuria is a mixture of civilization and barbarism, but overall is precociously advanced over the outside world, boasting a magic-based technology that even includes flying machines. The Thongor books relate the struggle of the titular hero to unite the humans of Lemuria into a single empire and complete the overthrow of the "dragon kings."

The Wizard of Lemuria (1965) The tale of Thongor of Valkarth, barbarian warrior of the prehistoric lost continent of Lemuria, who becomes humanity's champion in its pivotal struggle with the dragon kings who had previously dominated the world. As the serpent people make their play to recover their mastery, all that stands in their way are the courage of Thongor and his comrades and the magic of the wizard Sharajsha.

Thongor of Lemuria  aka Thongor and the Dragon Gods (1966) To rescue Princess Sumia and save her city, barbarian adventurer Thongor of Valkarth challenges Xothun, who has ruled the lost city of Omm as its vampire-king for a thousand years.

Thongor Against the Gods (1967) Thongor goes to rescue a kidnapped princess, and finds himself against the servants of the Black Gods of Chaos!  Thongor in the City of Magicians (1968) continues his struggle with the chaos worshipers, and their curses.  Thongor At the End of Time (1968) continues the story, as Thongor slugs it out with Mardanax, a survivor of the City of Magicians.  In Thongor Fights the Pirates of Tarakus (1970) its Thongor versus invading pirates and wizards armed with something called The Grey Death.  Carter also wrote short stories involving Thonger, collected (with some additions by Robert M. Price) as Young Thongor (2012).  In 2016, Price published his own collection of Thongor tales - Sword of Thongor.

The Thongor books are not highly thought of, but do hold a place of affection for those who grew up in the "sword and sorcery" paperback era.  A reasonable review of the first two can be found here. 
  
World's End series

Robert M. Price, Carter's literary executor, wrote that the series is compounded of about equal parts of A. E. van Vogt's The Book of Ptath, Jack Vance's The Dying Earth, Clark Ashton Smith's "Zothique" tales, and Carter's own Tower of the Medusa ... with a little Oz thrown in for extra silliness. It is set in decadent far-future Earth in which all the world's land masses have supposedly drifted back together to form a last supercontinent called Gondwane. Gondwane is a crazy-quilt of human and non-human societies divided into myriads of states and tribes, all built atop the detritus of seven hundred million years of previous civilizations. Over this span the laws of physics have changed, and science been largely superseded by magic. The present era, "The Eon of the Falling Moon," looks to be this far-future world's last, as the Moon has long been in a slowly decaying orbit that now threatens the planet with imminent destruction.

In The Giant of World's End (published 1969 - it is the first published, but chronologically the last volume of the series), the gigantic hero Ganelon Silvermane is a Construct made by long-extinct Time Gods, who had foreseen a succession of great world crises and created heroes to deal with them. Each is preserved in the Ardelix Time Vault until awakened by the onset of the crisis it is intended he resolve. Ganelon himself is the one designated to save the world from its own satellite, though how he is to do so is problematic; as he was awoken prematurely by an earthquake, before the crucial knowledge of his precise role could be instilled.  Aided by the magician Zolobion and a woman who yearns for him hopelessly (he was built for heroics, not romance) Ganelon sets out from the land of the great Stone Face to seek the means of mankind's salvation. 

 

Warrior At World's End - Phlesco, a "Godmaker," and his pseudowoman spouse Iminix are traveling to the Realm of the Nine Hegemons when they come across the novel's protagonist Ganelon Silvermane, handsome, muscular, and apparently mindless, wandering in the rain. Taking pity on him, the couple takes him in and conveys him to the city of Zermish. There two magicians, the haruspex Slunth and Narelon the Illusionist, diagnose his condition. 

 His heroic character soon becomes apparent, however, when he saves Zermish from an invading horde of Indigons - a horde of blue monsters, four-feet wide at the shoulders and wielding iron bars and heavy branches. His triumph attracts the malevolent interest of the Queen of Red Magic, prompting Narelon to whisk Ganelon off to his fortress in the Crystal Mountains. From there they flee on a giant bronze robotic Bazonga bird. In their voyage they encounter the Sirix Xarda of Jemmerdy, the slavers of the Air Mines, and the dreaded Airmasters of Sky Island, wielders of a superweapon called the Death Zone (a directable vacuum bubble).

In The Enchantress of World's End, Ganelon meets the Scarlet Enchantress, "finds the true meaning of manhood...."

In The Immortal of World' End,  Ganelon Silvermane encounters a city of illusion, the problem of scientific immortals, and the disastrous collision of a massive horde of the world's ultimate barbarians!

The Barbarian Of World's End is the story of how Ganelon Silvermane rises from being captive of the Ximchak Horde to becoming Warlord, and t manages to lead this Horde out of a troublesome area and bring the region to relative peace.

In The Pirate of World's End Ganelon Silvermane leaves the savage barbarian Horde which he has civilized, and sets off on his greatest adventure . . . to rescue his friend Kurdi, who has been kidnapped by force or forces unknown.


Kylix series

Taking place on a planet revolving around the star Kylix in the Constellation of the Unicorn... but as "Derek" on GoodReads puts it: "... there's no arc that connects the stories of this (aborted) series and no setting details linking them. In his Author's Note, Carter even admits to having "no particular discernible linkages" planned. So there is no series, and no common setting, unless you count a scattering of comments or details regarding 'this planet' or assorted knowledge implying the existence of other planets. Which doesn't seem worth the trouble."

The Quest Of Kadji: “Zarouk, aging warrior and grandfather to young Kadji, implored the boy to dethrone Prince Yakthodah, vile impostor-heir to the throne of the Dragon Emperor.  On Haral, his faithful, black Feridoon pony, and with beautiful, redhaired Thyra at his side, Kadji rode East to vanquish his foe: knowing full well that if he failed to decapitate Yakthodah, he would be branded coward – and worse.”

The Wizard of Zao: For the story of the wandering green wizard, the most powerful wonder-worker of that amazing sphere, of his newly purchased slave girl who knew nothing of civilized ways, and of the mythical beasts and curious humans they encountered is a constant source of delight. For the wizard did have a purpose to his travels--and thereby hangs a tale!


Kellory the Warlock: Kellory is the last survivor of the Black Wolves tribe, descended from the Lost Kings of Illyriod. His people were massacred by the Thugoda Horde, who burned his father alive and held his own sword hand in the same fire so he could live to tell the tale but never raise a sword against his tormentors. He dedicates his life to revenge against the horde, becoming a warlock since he is no longer able to be a warrior. In time, he achieves his dark goal.  Its seven episodic chapters were originally written as short stories, but only one, "In the Valley of Silence," had been previously published.

Green Star series

 Under the Green Star: Carter presents this story as open tribute to Edgar Rice Burroughs, the most popular writer of fantasies set on distant planets. Seen in that way, it follows the formula closely. We start with the Earth-bound hero - in this case, a life-long cripple of brilliant intellect. Proceed with the magical transport to that distant land: here, that comes from Tibetan secrets of meditation that free the soul for astral travel. Then, on to the adventure proper. That includes the usual mighty thews, imperilled princess, swordfights, giant spiders, and general manliness and bravery.

Some time has passed when we meet him again in When the Green Star Calls. This time when he travels to the green star planet, he enters the dying body of a teenage boy. He hopes to find out if the princess he loves is alive, captured, or dead, but he doubts she’ll be interested in his new youthful self. Besides the beautiful scenery, there’s also a decaying city to explore, mutant vegetable vampires, man-eating insects, and mad scientists.

By the Light of the Green Star:  Our hero is still in the body of the savage youth and he’s still trying to rescue the princess who he loves but who will not know him if he even manages to find her. Our hero, who is now stranded with some unscrupulous companions on the dangerous forest floor, also narrates the events occurring simultaneously to the princess who is now a prisoner in a city in the air.

As the Green Star Rises: "our hero, accompanied by a winged man from a long-lost race, a chitinous Kalood who has learned the emotion of friendship, and a "bold and daring young princeling." Together, they set off after Niamh the Fair, a princess chronically in need of being saved. Little things like the giant serpent from the ruined temple of an ancient death-cult decorate their landscape, assuring plenty of fun for all. (thanks to Wiredweird on Amazon).

In the Green Star's Glow:  he familiar mile-high trees and million-year-old guy with wings, as well as another mad scientist seeking eternal life, a princess to save, an army of intelligent ant-men to defeat, an Amazon band to domesticate, and lots more. (Wiredweird again)

Jandar of Callisto series

Jandar of Callisto  tells the story of Jonathan Dark, who, while exploring the ruined city of Arangkhôr in Cambodia, is transported to Callisto, the moon of Jupiter, known to its inhabitants as Thanator. 


Black Legion of Callisto Jandar, tortured by his love for the magnificent Princess Darloona in the savage and primitive world of Thanator, devises an incredible plan to infiltrate the ranks of the barbaric and merciless Black Legion - who hold both the city of Shondakor and the Princess in their relentless power.

Sky Pirates of Callisto:  Now Jandar the Alien fears for the safety of the beautiful princess Darloona, a captive of the dreaded Sky Pirates. He resorts to a desperate plan to free her but fate and treachery alter his course and Jandar is taken by the Perushtarians. Abandoned in the loathsome slave-pens of Narouk, his destiny is to fight for his life in a barbaric arena of death...

Mad Empress of Callisto:  The formula is all there, with the multi-armed hordes of semi-civilized warriors, glorious princesses, flying ships, valiant swordplay, and all the rest. (Wiredweird again)

Mind Wizards of Callisto:  takes place immediately after the events of the previous book and has Jandar leading an armada of airships in search of the homeland of the mysterious Mind Wizards, cruel despotic men who seek to control the events of Thanator for their own nefarious means.

Lankar of Callisto:  This time, Lin Carter himself heads to Callisto!  There he gets trapped in the jungle, saved by a dog-surrogate tiger creature, meets a young boy who knows the jungle, then saves the hero of the series (Jandar) mostly through non-funny clumsiness, and finally returns to Earth to share his adventures!

Ylana of Callisto: has a great psychedlic cover!

Renegade of Callisto:  Koja, the arthropod detailed in the first book gets his an entire story that further develops his character. He and the little boy and Prince Valkar and a beautiful Princess are taken to the Black Mountains, lair of the arthropods known as the Yathoon. It is there that Koja becomes Arkon after defeating the dishonorable leader of the dying Yathoon.

Martian series

The Man Who Loved Mars: ERB and Leigh Brackett-styled adventures on the red planet.  One of his more celebrated books. 

The Valley Where Time Stood Still: The brotherhood of adversity binds two in a harrowing adventure on Ancient Mars. Two adventures meet in one's extreme peril only to alternate the situation later. Mars beckons to the hardiest adventurers of Earth with it's horrific perils and possible rewards. Mars is defended by the survivors of ancient lineage and history and plundered by the science of Terra and honorless scavengers. An extreme love triangle for two humanoid warriors in a pair of pitiless climes.

The City Outside the World:  At last the Sphinx of Mars yields up it's secrets to desert raiders, a fierce desert hawk, a foul mendicant and a fanatical priest. Two human captives accompany them in pursuit of the witch queen lover of one.

Down To A Sunless Sea: Brant, wandering the martian wastes, finds himself chased by hostile martians into a forgotten world.  

Prince Zarkon, Lord of the Unknown series

A knock-off Doc Savage this time, Prince Zarkon is a man of the future sent back to the past to ensure that the future happens (huh???).  He gathers his "Omega Group" -  a boxer, a pilot, a magician, a genius, and an electrical engineer (named "Menlo Parker" - geddit?). 

The Nemesis of Evil: Zarkon and crew go up against Lucifer, a villainous cult leader operating out of Mount Shasta.

Invisible Death: involves a mysterious extortionist calling himself The Grim Reaper.

The Volcano Ogre: The team battles a volcano monster in Rangoon.
 
The Earth Shaker: involves a villain who can create earthquakes.

Horror Wears Blue: the team battles The Vulture, and his "blue men."

Zanthodon series

Journey to the Underground World:   legends of a fabled land of the lost,  of treasure caravans that have never returned, of weird monsters forgotten by time, of savage peoples surviving out of antiquity - Eric Carstairs had heard these tales but until he met Professor Potter he did not really believe them. But the famous paleontologist had the location of the entrance to the Underground World pinned down, and wanted only a man of courage to fly him there. Carstairs and Potter took the chance--and pierced the pit to Zanthodon, a world within the world, where cavemen and cave-beasts roamed side by side with dinosaur-monsters of millions of years ago.

Zanthodon: picking up where the first book left off, Carstairs and Potter stage a rescue against an underground city enslaved by man-eating mesmeric leech-slugs.    Woo hoo!

Darya of the Bronze Age: Eric Carstairs' beloved cave-maiden, Darya the Cro-Magnon princess, falls into the hands of Barbary pirates!

Hurok of the Stone Age: "Hurok the Neanderthal had learned the meaning of friendship from Carstairs and in return would lead an expedition of cavemen to the dinosaur-guarded city of Zar where Carstairs had fallen captive to a sadistic queen and her scheming advisors."

Eric of Zanthodon: in the final book, Eric and pals go up against lost Nazi soldiers.

Terra Magica series

Kesrick: "strange creatures, strange places, and strange characters mixing into a very basic quest by the titular Kesrick to confront the wizard who means to kill him, so as to avoid being killed by him"

Dragonrouge:   Kesrick, knight of Dragonrouge, in combat against villainy. At his side stand a Scythian princess and a lost nobleman of Tartary. Here be wizards of good and wizards of evil; here be mighty giants and witches of utter meanness.

Mandricardo: "a sword-and-sorcery tale with a knight, Amazon, evil sorcerer, magic carpet, and various magical/mythical beasts..."

Callypygia:  Callipygia the Amazon and her stalwart knight Mandricardo had had more than enough. All they really wanted was to avoid the perils, both swordlike and sorcerous, of the many fabled lands of Terra Magica and win their way home.But a realm of roving monsters and wild enchantments is not so easily traveled, and when Callipygia and Mandricardo find themselves trapped on a spell-run flying island from which no one has ever escaped...

Non-Series Titles

Carter wrote many books outside his series'.  His science-fantasy novels of the 60's - Destination Saturn, The Star Magicians, The Man Without A Planet, Tower At the Edge of Time, Star Rogue, Outworlder, The Thief of Thoth, The Purloined Planet, Time War - mix space opera with swordplay and sorcery and plenty of pulp action.  

There was plenty more fantasy, too.  The Flame of Iridar takes a Thongor-ish plot and moves it to a Brackett-influenced fantasy mars.  Lost World of Time, set on the planet Zarkandu, and influenced by E.R. Eddison, is Carter's most highly thought of novel - a departure from his usual sloppiness, and generally considered to be a solid fantasy novel, and an example of what Carter was truly capable of.  The Black Star, which transfers ideas from Thongor's Lemuria to new hero Diodiric's Atlantis, is also well-regarded.  

In 1979, Carter published Tara of the Twilight, an attempt to merge sword and sorcery with pornography, being the adventures of a swordswoman and her pet/guardian lion-thing named Khaldur, in a realm called The Twilight, "a dangerous and mysterious realm full of violence and magic".  The combo of swords and hot sex scenes have made this one something of a collector's item.

Found Wanting, Carter's last(?) non-series novel, returns him to Vance territory, with an amnesiac hero on a fantastical far-future earth.


Carter also crafted several Robert E. Howard pastiches to pad out paperback editions of King Kull and Conan.  Inevitably their tone is different, and they pale next to Howard's dark, powerful fictions.  He even wrote four short Oz novels, published posthumously.

Short Works

Several collections of Carter's stories have been published.  Beyond the Gates of Dream and Lost Worlds collect some early fantasies, while The Xothic Legend Cycle collects Carter's H.P. Lovecraft pastiches (yeah, he pastiched Lovecraft, too), and Anton Zarnak - Supernatural Sleuth collects some "occult detective" tales of Carter's (with additions by others).  Arkham House also published a collection of his poetry, Dreams from R'lyeh.

Non-Fiction

Carter published three works of non-fiction: a study of Tolkein (Tolkein: A Look Behind the Lord of the Rings), a study of Lovecraft (Lovecraft: A Look Behind the Cthulhu Mythos),  and Imaginary Worlds: The Art of Fantasy, a survey of fantasy fiction well worth reading.
 
As An Editor

It was as an editor that Carter really made his mark.  His collections include five volumes of original sword and sorcery tales called Flashing Swords, a four-volume revival of Weird Tales which published classic and new original tales (some very good), the first six volumes of DAW's The Year's Best Fantasy Stories (Carter's choices were idiosyncratic and controversial - and he always included one of his own stories), The Magic of Atlantis, Realms of Wizardry (mostly classic pulp fantasy) and Kingdoms of Sorcery (a collection ranging from Voltaire to Richard Adams).   

Most importantly, he was the editor for the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series, a landmark series of books published in paperback by Ballantine in the years 1969-1974, which published or reprinted many classic, forgotten, and obscure fantasy works, as well as several solid anthologies.  For this alone, Lin Carter deserves his place in the Fantasy Fiction Hall of Fame.