The Quest of Kadji

The Chronicles of Kylix #1

by Lin Carter

1st Belmont 1971 edition 1st printing paperback, vg++ In stock shipped from our UK warehouse

Genres: Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Science Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

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

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly vivid, dynamic tale from Lin Carter. The problematic elements knock off a star, unfortunately.

The more Lin Carter I read, the more I suspect him of being a greater influence than is generally ascribed. He was so prolific, his work would've been omnipresent for fantasy readers of the 60s and 70s. I can easily see shades of The Quest of Kadji's worldbuilding in GRRM's Essos, for example.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carter falls into his standard trap: he produces settings (in this case two very different cities) which could have been interesting if he took the time to develop them, as opposed to their being momentary plot stopovers. He provides backstory for the young kingdom of Khor in terms of a fallen royal house and political maneuverings for the throne, and then ties in the geography to the second place, the grand yet shrunken, half-ruined half-abandoned decadent city of Chemedis, whose description is relatively brief but strangely compelling. If the story had planted itself in either place then I would be well satisfied by the results.

But instead this is a chase across the landscape.

[Bruce Nordstrom · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a virtual copy of an older novel by Harold Lamb, written in the 1920's? or 30's, title "Kirdy, Road out of the World." Read that one. It's better.

[Tommy Verhaegen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een boek dat niet opvalt binnen het oeuvre van Lin Carter. Het past er perfekt tussen maar is geen uitschieter.
Bij de goeden zijn er 3 hoofdpersonen, aan de kant van de slechten slechts 2. Het hele boek is eigenlijk een jacht van de eerste groep op de tweede. Een krijger, een tovenaar en een prinses die eigenlijk een heks blijkt te zijn. Maar eigenlijk heel erg weinig opvallende fantasy gebeurtenissen. Een hoogtepunt is wanneer Kadji gewond is en voor zijn leven vecht. Voorafgegaan door een heroïsch gevecht waarbij Kadji bijna op zijn eentje een vijandige stam zigeuners uitroeit.
De reptielman aan de zijde van de valse keizer zou een sterk verhaal-in -het-verhaal kunnen vormen maar Lin Carter hint slechts een beetje op de mogelijkheden. Verder blijft het verhaal vooral vlak in buitengewone gebeurtenissen. Zelfs de lange tocht gaat niet echt gepaard met grote ontberingen want de vooruitziende prinses heeft steeds een goedgevulde proviandmand bij.
Leuke ontspanning maar blijft niet hangen door gebrek aan spanning en aktie.

[James T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quite a bit. Like all of Carter’s work it’s both wildly imaginative yet also very derivative. It’s flimsy but also fun. It has a ton of potential but ultimately falls short but still puts a smile on your face. If you like his stuff you’ll like this. It’s a travelogue over a cool world with some good moments. The end feels rushed and anti-climactic. Which is really unfortunate because the final setting is probably the weirdest and the conclusion could have been so much more. There was also room for a follow up that never was and I kinda wish it had been written because I liked this enough to read a sequel.

All in all this is quintessential Lin Carter. It’s a fast food meal that you really wonder if it could have, just with some more time and effort, been turned into fine dining.

[Daniel S Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's just bad...

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a 5-star read when I read it age 11 or 12.
Sadly only 2-3 stars when I re-read it a few days ago. I wish I hadn't revisited it.

[Connor Hassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively uninspired but fairly enjoyable tale of pursuit and vengeance. Fast-paced but easy to keep up with. Action scenes felt pretty quick and not drawn out.

[Malum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good ideas here but there is no flow to the story at all. Things just kind of happen and everything feels very disjointed.

[John Mayernik · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick, fun read. Plot twists keep you moving. Interesting world that I'd like to know more about. Setting were very easy to imagine. A story of revenge and a chase across the world. Sword and sorcery with a predictable love interest. Enjoy.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this pretty well. A little grittier than much of Carter's work.

[Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reminded me of the cheap stuff from the early 1950s. Bored by page 3