Callipygia

Terra Magica #4

by Lin Carter

WELCOME TO TERRA MAGICA . . . Terra Magica, the fabulous land next door to our own Terra Cognita, is where trolls and monsters, warriors and wizards vie over virtuous maidens and the wealth of kingdoms . . . 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, it signals the start of a madcap romp of magic and menace that will lead them to far-distant lands and new dangers . . .

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

252 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 1988

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

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your basic wacky fantasy novel. Writing style is tongue in cheek - entertaining but not brilliant. What I found interesting is that Carter's fantasy world (Terra Magical) is almost entirely based on 16th Century (and earlier) sources - Spencer's THE FAERIE QUEEN, Herodotus' THE HISTORIES, Ariosto's ORLANDO FURIOSO, Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES, Mandeville's VOYAGES AND TRAVELS, Mallory's LE MORTE D'ARTHUR, Hesiod's THEOGONY, as well as assorted Greek and Norse myths, and Medieval legends (with nary a breath of LotR or Conan) - with all of these legendary (and semi-legendary) lands slapped together without regard to geography or period. Barely 3 stars.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow this is awful! The female character who the book is named after is nearly nonexistent in the story: she barely talks, never solves a problem herself, the other characters ignore her, and she only takes part in the action on page 214 (the book only has 241 pages). Most of the beginning is just referring to the earlier books in this series. Poorly written, lazy, trying too hard to be funny and failing miserably.

[D M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels a little like Monty Pythons Holy Grail. Grumblegore the ogre! Also feels very much like a recounting of an original dungeon and dragons campaign. Did Lin Carter RPG? Thoroughly enjoyed this. Fantastic final book that ties up everything in the series. I love the little Wizard of Oz homages placed throughout the series. I'm contemplating reading the entire series again once I catch up on all my books I've got to read this year.

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book that tries too hard, too often, to be clever and cheeky. The constant smarmy humor gets in the way of the story about halfway through and gets outright irritating toward the end.

The stories themselves are okayish. Likable characters and amusing interactions, but no real plot tension or character development. Pleasant enough brain-candy, but nothing great.