Ylana of Callisto

Callisto #7

by Lin Carter

Vol 7 in the saga of Jandar of Callisto

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Sword and Planet

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1977

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

[Alton Motobu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author revered Edgar Rice Burroughs and tried to emulate him in many of his novels, but he usually failed. The Callisto series is an attempt to copy the Mars series using the moon of Jupiter in place of Mars. However author cannot capture the flavor, mood, and characterizations of ERB's Barsoom, and YLANA is a bust. It is not even a standalone novel as there are many references to the previous novels especially MIND WIZARDS (#5). The main characters, Ylana and Tomar, are teenagers, about 16 YO, and due to their ages, they cannot get too romantic; the biggest sex scene is a little kiss. Their adventures are mild and boring.

I was lured to the book by the cover which shows a bikini-clad jungle girl next to a big saber-tooth tiger; this cover resembles Frazetta's beautiful cover art in SAVAGE PELLUCIDAR, but the artist here is not identified. The tiger appears only once in this YLANA book and has no role in the story line.

[SOTERO RIVERA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Callisto series.

This book is full of great characters and narratives. It is also full of Adventure and action. Although it has many fights and battles it is very well written. It is a fast read yet I enjoyed the story very much. It is a story that is connected to the rest of the series yet can be read as a standalone book. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the Callisto series.

[Nicholas Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like the Martian stories of Edgar Rice Burroughs, these Callisto tales peeter out near the end. I admit that I started reading these Callisto books because of this very addition's cover, and I'm sad to say the journy was not worth it. The first few books were grand, but this stroy, filled with unlikable characters I couldn't care less about, was not worth my time.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my second favorite of Carter's many series, after his Green Star Books. Still, they are not highly compelling reads. This is one of the later ones in this series, #7 of 8.