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Callisto #6
Lankar von Callisto.
Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso
Perfect Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
Lin Carter
429 books176 followersLin 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 11, 2026
*exasperated sigh* Where do I even start? I don’t like this book, let’s start there. this book was so boring. I had trouble making it through the first chapter because I was literally fighting sleep. That’s how dull it was.
It’s written in first person, which is fine, if it doesn’t put me in a coma like I read Animorphs and it does the first person pov right! But not only is this book written in first person, it’s written from the author’s own perspective. Lin Carter straight-up Mary Sues himself into his own universe. The whole thing is written as if he is Lankar, and that fried my last remaining brain cells.
I should’ve read the synopsis on the back instead of judging the book by its cover. Because, I’ll admit it, the cover art for Lankar of Callisto is gorgeous. That’s why I picked it up. I thought, “Hey, if the cover’s this good, the story must be engaging.” Spoiler: it wasn’t. Next time, I’m reading the blurb so I don’t lose brain cells again.
I tried, though. I made it to Chapter 10 before I gave up. I just got too irritated and kept dozing off. Maybe I could’ve enjoyed it if literally anyone else was telling the story. But coming from the author himself? It just felt self-absorbed. That’s why it annoyed me so much, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief like sure man you were on one of Jupiter's dozens of moons, sure Lin, sure.
Like, why does this creature—the Othode, as it’s called—resemble a dog to lin? Not every wild animal is a dog, dude. He keeps going on about how he sees “the eyes of his dogs” in the creature............man, fuck you and your dogs. He even names the Othode “Bozo” and makes it his travel companion. Then the locals of Callisto are supposedly amazed that he tamed a wild creature. That part pissed me off. He’s just stroking his ego “Oh look, I’m the special guy who tamed the beast.” Man, get outta here. I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
And in one of the scenes in the book, he goes on about how the inhabitants of Callisto had never seen a white person before then starts describing his own skin, hair, and eyes like he’s writing a love letter to himself. The way it’s written, it feels like he’s just worshipping at the altar of himself. Honestly, the whole book reads like an ode to his own ego.
Oh, and the caffeine and smoking. We get it, Lin you’re a malnourished, sleep-deprived nerd with an addiction to coffee and cigarettes. You don’t have to mention it every other page, we got it the first time.
And of course, in the book he runs into characters whose names just happen to match the protagonists from his favorite novels. And he’s like, “hur-dur, this guy’s name is the same as the hero from one of my favorite books.” Like, okay, we get it! you’re winking at the reader. I just rolled my eyes. Of course the character’s name is the same as the protagonist from one of your favorite books because you wrote the damn thing! Every page after that just made me angrier.
Now, to give credit where it’s due, his descriptions are actually great. he can paint a scene, you almost forget how much the book made you seethe. He’s a talented describer, no doubt about it. But even that couldn’t save the experience for me. I dropped the book because I wasn’t about to keep torturing myself.
It’s a shame, because the premise is interesting. I just wish it wasn’t told from the author’s own perspective. I thought this book would be intriguing, but the moment I realized Lin Carter is Lankar, my mood plummeted. I’ll admit, it’s clever how he fashioned his name into “Lankar,” but still. I can’t believe this was the first book to genuinely piss me off on a spiritual level.
It’s written in first person, which is fine, if it doesn’t put me in a coma like I read Animorphs and it does the first person pov right! But not only is this book written in first person, it’s written from the author’s own perspective. Lin Carter straight-up Mary Sues himself into his own universe. The whole thing is written as if he is Lankar, and that fried my last remaining brain cells.
I should’ve read the synopsis on the back instead of judging the book by its cover. Because, I’ll admit it, the cover art for Lankar of Callisto is gorgeous. That’s why I picked it up. I thought, “Hey, if the cover’s this good, the story must be engaging.” Spoiler: it wasn’t. Next time, I’m reading the blurb so I don’t lose brain cells again.
I tried, though. I made it to Chapter 10 before I gave up. I just got too irritated and kept dozing off. Maybe I could’ve enjoyed it if literally anyone else was telling the story. But coming from the author himself? It just felt self-absorbed. That’s why it annoyed me so much, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief like sure man you were on one of Jupiter's dozens of moons, sure Lin, sure.
Like, why does this creature—the Othode, as it’s called—resemble a dog to lin? Not every wild animal is a dog, dude. He keeps going on about how he sees “the eyes of his dogs” in the creature............man, fuck you and your dogs. He even names the Othode “Bozo” and makes it his travel companion. Then the locals of Callisto are supposedly amazed that he tamed a wild creature. That part pissed me off. He’s just stroking his ego “Oh look, I’m the special guy who tamed the beast.” Man, get outta here. I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
And in one of the scenes in the book, he goes on about how the inhabitants of Callisto had never seen a white person before then starts describing his own skin, hair, and eyes like he’s writing a love letter to himself. The way it’s written, it feels like he’s just worshipping at the altar of himself. Honestly, the whole book reads like an ode to his own ego.
Oh, and the caffeine and smoking. We get it, Lin you’re a malnourished, sleep-deprived nerd with an addiction to coffee and cigarettes. You don’t have to mention it every other page, we got it the first time.
And of course, in the book he runs into characters whose names just happen to match the protagonists from his favorite novels. And he’s like, “hur-dur, this guy’s name is the same as the hero from one of my favorite books.” Like, okay, we get it! you’re winking at the reader. I just rolled my eyes. Of course the character’s name is the same as the protagonist from one of your favorite books because you wrote the damn thing! Every page after that just made me angrier.
Now, to give credit where it’s due, his descriptions are actually great. he can paint a scene, you almost forget how much the book made you seethe. He’s a talented describer, no doubt about it. But even that couldn’t save the experience for me. I dropped the book because I wasn’t about to keep torturing myself.
It’s a shame, because the premise is interesting. I just wish it wasn’t told from the author’s own perspective. I thought this book would be intriguing, but the moment I realized Lin Carter is Lankar, my mood plummeted. I’ll admit, it’s clever how he fashioned his name into “Lankar,” but still. I can’t believe this was the first book to genuinely piss me off on a spiritual level.
December 6, 2022
Excellent addition to the Callisto series.
Like all the Callisto books, this one is full of adventures and intrigue. The story was not centered on Jandar, but the plot and characters worked nonetheless.
I recommend ALL of the Callisto books.
Like all the Callisto books, this one is full of adventures and intrigue. The story was not centered on Jandar, but the plot and characters worked nonetheless.
I recommend ALL of the Callisto books.
July 26, 2008
Lin Carter put himself into this book, the 6th in the Callisto series. He gets transported to Callisto and joins in they typical sword and planet adventures. I found it kind of silly. But I suppose the author had fun.
July 28, 2012
It was okay, but it was a little annoying that I had to keep looking up all the authors and painters he referenced.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews