The Valley Where Time Stood Still

The Mysteries of Mars

by Lin Carter

A Terran adventurer on the ultimate Martian odyssey to discover the ultimate secret of Mars and the universe, or else be destroyed by the dark forces that rules the valley where time stood still!

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Lin Carter was an American author, editor, and critic best known for his influential role in fantasy literature during the mid-20th century. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, he developed an early passion for myth, adventure stories, and imaginative fiction, drawing inspiration from authors such as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, H. P. Lovecraft, and J. R. R. Tolkien. After serving in the U.S. Army, Carter attended Columbia University, where he honed his literary skills and deepened his knowledge of classical and medieval literature, myth, and folklore — elements that would become central to his work.
Carter authored numerous novels, short stories, and critical studies, often working within the sword-and-sorcery and high fantasy traditions. His own creations, such as the “Thongor of Lemuria” series, paid homage to pulp-era adventure fiction while adding his distinctive voice and world-building style. His nonfiction book Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings was one of the first major studies of Tolkien’s work and its mythological roots, and it helped establish Carter as a knowledgeable commentator on fantasy literature.
Beyond his own writing, Carter was a central figure in bringing classic and forgotten works of fantasy back into print. As editor of the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series from 1969 to 1974, he curated and introduced dozens of volumes, reintroducing readers to authors such as William Morris, Lord Dunsany, E. R. Eddison, and James Branch Cabell. His introductions not only contextualized these works historically and literarily but also encouraged a new generation to explore the breadth of the fantasy tradition.
Carter was also active in the shared literary universe of the “Cthulhu Mythos,” expanding upon the creations of H. P. Lovecraft and other members of the “Lovecraft Circle.” His collaborations and solo contributions in this genre further cemented his reputation as both a creative writer and a literary preservationist.
In addition to fiction and criticism, Carter was an active member of several science fiction and fantasy organizations, including the Science Fiction Writers of America. He frequently appeared at conventions, where he was known for his enthusiasm, deep knowledge of the genre, and willingness to mentor aspiring writers.
Though sometimes critiqued for the derivative nature of some of his work, Carter’s influence on the fantasy revival of the late 20th century remains significant. His combination of creative output, editorial vision, and scholarly enthusiasm helped bridge the gap between the pulp traditions of the early 1900s and the expansive fantasy publishing boom that followed.
Lin Carter’s legacy endures through his own imaginative tales, his critical studies, and the many classic works he rescued from obscurity, ensuring their place in the canon of fantasy literature for generations to come.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lin Carter (1930-1988) is most famous for writing SF-fantasy which is very derivative of other authors. You could say he pays homage to those authors--or simply rips them off! In this one from 1974, we are on a Mars where Earthmen are exploiting the planet while the native Martians are in decline ( cowboys and Indians again). So this is very much like Edgar Rice Burroughs with his Mars series. Our hero from Earth is seeking the great secret of the Red Planet--a hidden valley which could be a kind of Eden. My opinion on Carter is that his books are a fast fun read. Like caramel corn, not very substantial. It is certainly better to read Burroughs himself, but --if you don't have one of his books handy, try Lin.

[Deedee · Rating 3 out of 5]

1970s science fiction.

The first 2/3rds of the novel was written as a Western, with humans as the "cowboys" and Martians as the "Indians", and the setting being the wide-open red dusty terrain of Mars. The last third was more science fictiony, with Mars-specific conditions driving the plot, and a sense-of-wonder ending. The attitudes expressed are mildly sexist, endorsing the traditional roles for men and women under the assumption "that's just how men and women ARE". This is normal for everyday, non-prize winning 1970s science fiction.

[James T · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

So the first novel in this series by Carter until the very end is one of the best things had written. The he ruined it with a dreadful ending that missed the feel of the rest of the book and style he was trying to emulate it.

This one has the same kind of tone issue. Though not as severe.

I enjoyed the first 1/2 of the book quite a bit. The Mars as they Wild West has a great feel to it. The world is imaginative and the mood is grim. The atmosphere is really great and you want to go adventuring in it.

Then the book got a bit repetitive at Ygnarh. I think he was trying to build on the mood but it just said the same stuff over and over.

The part that really killed the book for me was the last bit. It had a very Star Trek the OG series level of camp allegory and preachiness. It was also a bit uncomfortably sexist. Which I’m not usually one to complain about in older books, because the complaints are usually exaggerated, but in this one it’s just too painful for me. Plus the end again misses the tone...it’s just too convenient, albeit not as rushed as Carter’s usual endings.

This book is like Carter’s writing encapsulated. Good ideas, uneven execution, and weak endings. I think it just frustrates me more, either because I’ve read so much of his work now, or because the books in this series start out so strong the weak landing hurts more.

[Temucano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aventuras por doquier en el desierto marciano, buscando la cuna de la vida; además de un encuentro con los dioses inesperado y sorprendente, donde cada cual cosecha lo que ha sembrado. Una novela de acción trepidante, enmarcada en la abrupta geografía marciana, con variados personajes (muy bella Zerild) y los toques de ciencia ficción justos para "aterrizar" esta loca fantasía.

Es una lástima que este tremendo autor apenas sea traducido al español, ya que tiene más de sesenta novelas, varias de ellas relacionadas a los mitos de Cthulhu. (23.2.2005)

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak. It starts out engagingly when an earthman adventurer saves the life of a native and they become friends. They set off to find the valley where life originated on Mars and do so, but the book is bogged down by a huge mid-book slump that slows everything to a glacial pace, and then the ending is mostly a deus ex machina, which I find boring. The writing is decent if the story had moved better.

[Nicolás Melo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muy bueno y entretenido. Un mundo de fantasía con personajes y escenarios que recuerdan a una mezcla del viejo oeste con una ciudad abandonada vuelta una selva.

[Cuauhtemoc · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a Western novel with Indians (Martians) and cowboys (Earthmen). The story is predictable and full of sexism and 70s cliches. Unfortunately, it did not survive the pass of time like novels by other authors.
I bought this book online after reading another novel by Lin Carter, "Kellory The Warlock" which is a Fantasy novel much more original and that really engaged me. Going back to "The Valley Where Time Stood Still", what other reviews say is true, this novel is derivative of the novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Also, this book should not be considered "Science" Fiction, as it involves little or no science at all. It should be cataloged as a Fantasy book instead. Practically, all the facts about Mars are incorrect. By contrast, very scientific authors, i.e. Arthur C. Clarke, wrote around the same time and got many facts right.
The next time I will stick to reading "Fantasy" novels by Lin Carter. Do not get me wrong, the book is readable but, at least to me, it was not engaging.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this 5 stars but I wouldn't describe the book as "it was amazing." However, it is the best of all the Lin Carter novels I've read. Here Carter's writing reaches beyond Sci-Fi or adventure yarns and takes on the mantle of literature.

[Dwayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just found this in my misc stack of books and decided to log it in. I read this years ago and enjoyed it very much. Recommended short story.