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Callisto #2
Het Zwarte Legioen van Callisto
Jandar, de vreemdeling, werd gekweld door zijn liefde voor de verblindend knappe prinses Darloona die behoorde tot de primitieve, woeste wereld van Thanator.
Jandar ontwierp een ongelooflijk plan om de gelederen van het barbaarse en genadeloze Zwarte Legioen, dat niet alleen de stad Shondakor, maar ook de prinses in zijn wrede macht heeft, te infiltreren.
Het is een onmogelijk gedurfd plan, waaraan gevaren kleven die het menselijk verstand zich nauwelijks kan voorstellen... En als de poorten van de stad zich achter hem sluiten, beseft Jandar dat de dood nog de enige uitweg kan bieden...
Jandar ontwierp een ongelooflijk plan om de gelederen van het barbaarse en genadeloze Zwarte Legioen, dat niet alleen de stad Shondakor, maar ook de prinses in zijn wrede macht heeft, te infiltreren.
Het is een onmogelijk gedurfd plan, waaraan gevaren kleven die het menselijk verstand zich nauwelijks kan voorstellen... En als de poorten van de stad zich achter hem sluiten, beseft Jandar dat de dood nog de enige uitweg kan bieden...
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1972
2 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Lin Carter
416 books171 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 18, 2021
Een fantasy epos door Lin Carter in wat we nu wel kunnen beschouwen als een klassiek formaat. Het vertelperspektief begint vanuit de aarde waarbij een "magische" link gelegd wordt naar een vreemde fantasy-wereld om het geloofwaardig te maken. Dat wordt nu als overbodig beschouwd maar werd destijds noodzakelijk geacht om het genre aanvaardbaar te maken voor volwassenen (in tegenstelling tot sprookjes).
Eens die intro uit de weg verschuift het perspektief en de aktie naar de fantasy wereld. Hier gaat het om een vervolg (tweede deel) van een reeds eerder verschenen boek (Jandar Of Callisto) dus dit verhaal heeft wel degelijk een goed uitgewerkt begin, al moet je dat boek dan wel eerst gelezen hebben natuurlijk. Beslist noodzakelijk is het niet maar er wordt wel regelmatig verwezen naar gebeurtenissen, situaties en personen uit het eerste deel.
Een echt einde is er dan weer niet, het wordt een cliffhanger met de belofte van een volgend deel met de verdere avonturen van Jandar. Dat klopt want in totaal zullen het 8 delen worden.
Ook wat de inhoud betreft is het allemaal vrij klassiek, veel vuist- en zwaardgevechten, een onmogelijk lijkende liefde en misverstanden in die context, een mix van archaïsche en moderne technologie (gebaseerd op aardse physica en die daarom op aarde niet mogelijk zijn maar daar wel), vreemde volkeren, dieren en planten, ...
Let wel, dit is een klasiek concept mede omdat Lin Carter dat door zijn werken zo gemaakt heeft, samen met enkele andere grondleggers van het genre.
Een echte aanrader voor liefhebbers van ouderwetse fantasy in de stijl van Burroughs e.d.
Eens die intro uit de weg verschuift het perspektief en de aktie naar de fantasy wereld. Hier gaat het om een vervolg (tweede deel) van een reeds eerder verschenen boek (Jandar Of Callisto) dus dit verhaal heeft wel degelijk een goed uitgewerkt begin, al moet je dat boek dan wel eerst gelezen hebben natuurlijk. Beslist noodzakelijk is het niet maar er wordt wel regelmatig verwezen naar gebeurtenissen, situaties en personen uit het eerste deel.
Een echt einde is er dan weer niet, het wordt een cliffhanger met de belofte van een volgend deel met de verdere avonturen van Jandar. Dat klopt want in totaal zullen het 8 delen worden.
Ook wat de inhoud betreft is het allemaal vrij klassiek, veel vuist- en zwaardgevechten, een onmogelijk lijkende liefde en misverstanden in die context, een mix van archaïsche en moderne technologie (gebaseerd op aardse physica en die daarom op aarde niet mogelijk zijn maar daar wel), vreemde volkeren, dieren en planten, ...
Let wel, dit is een klasiek concept mede omdat Lin Carter dat door zijn werken zo gemaakt heeft, samen met enkele andere grondleggers van het genre.
Een echte aanrader voor liefhebbers van ouderwetse fantasy in de stijl van Burroughs e.d.
November 29, 2017
Second entry into this series, that closely parallels the Barsoom stories.
Here our hero goes undercover into the Black Legion in search of the kidnapped princess he loves. A Bit more character development occurs, with a cliffhanger ending.
Here our hero goes undercover into the Black Legion in search of the kidnapped princess he loves. A Bit more character development occurs, with a cliffhanger ending.
August 16, 2024
The second instalment in Lin Carter's Callisto series is a fun sword and planet romp, if not as strong as the first.
As usual, there's plenty of heroic swashbuckling and brave swordplay against uncountable foes. The villains, the Black Legion, were also a simple-yet-enjoyable group of barbaric nomads to root against, and it was entertaining to read about Jandar climbing their ranks in his attempt to rescue the princess Darloona from their grasp.
That said, Lin Carter is writing these books as a homage to Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series... and here, he adopts Burroughs' writing flaws as much as his strengths. The whole book is set inside a single city, with no exploration of Callisto's jungles, mountains, and plains, nor the strange beasts and perils that lurk in the alien moon's wilderness - all of which the first book delivered in spades. Palace intrigue and political schemes are not Carter's strong points, so having an entire book revolve around only them grew dull after a certain point.
Not to mention, this book ends in a way that seems to fall into the same trappings as Barsoom - re-treading the exact same steps that have already been explored over and over again. Jandar is now set to go back up against the same villains in book three that he was up against in book one, and with the exact same purpose too - rescuing Darloona after she was taken by them a second time.
Because of this, I'm a little concerned about the future of the Callisto books, and the possibility that they might fail to deliver stories worthy of the excellent setting and colourful world building... but I'll have to wait and see as I continue on this journey.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as a serviceable sword and planet romp. I just didn't love it. For the reasons above, I'll give it three stars and remain cautiously hopeful that book three, Sky Pirates of Callisto, brings things back up a notch.
As usual, there's plenty of heroic swashbuckling and brave swordplay against uncountable foes. The villains, the Black Legion, were also a simple-yet-enjoyable group of barbaric nomads to root against, and it was entertaining to read about Jandar climbing their ranks in his attempt to rescue the princess Darloona from their grasp.
That said, Lin Carter is writing these books as a homage to Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series... and here, he adopts Burroughs' writing flaws as much as his strengths. The whole book is set inside a single city, with no exploration of Callisto's jungles, mountains, and plains, nor the strange beasts and perils that lurk in the alien moon's wilderness - all of which the first book delivered in spades. Palace intrigue and political schemes are not Carter's strong points, so having an entire book revolve around only them grew dull after a certain point.
Not to mention, this book ends in a way that seems to fall into the same trappings as Barsoom - re-treading the exact same steps that have already been explored over and over again. Jandar is now set to go back up against the same villains in book three that he was up against in book one, and with the exact same purpose too - rescuing Darloona after she was taken by them a second time.
Because of this, I'm a little concerned about the future of the Callisto books, and the possibility that they might fail to deliver stories worthy of the excellent setting and colourful world building... but I'll have to wait and see as I continue on this journey.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as a serviceable sword and planet romp. I just didn't love it. For the reasons above, I'll give it three stars and remain cautiously hopeful that book three, Sky Pirates of Callisto, brings things back up a notch.
October 19, 2018
First science fiction book I ever read. I read it when I was a teenager. Loved it!
December 28, 2022
Haha dumb fun
April 3, 2010
It's a pastiche of Edgar Rice Burroughs's Barsoom novels, and Carter plays it pretty straight, having made use of practically every trope and element of the earlier series: the wild, barbaric city-states; the mish-mash of technology that yields swordfights on one hand and television crystals on the other; the endless series of princess rescue; the big dumb hero guy with the ability to fall into any amount of trouble given the opportunity; the inevitable romance between himself and the aforementioned rescuable princess. And, of course, flying airships.
Implicit in this is a lack of true innovation that would extend the model in any interesting direction. Carter tinkers a bit by extending the princess rescue over several books and making her inevitable romance a bit more reluctant and slow to start, and by changing up the city-states a bit with some political infighting and intrigue. They're welcome touches but don't exactly freshen the genre.
In fact, the plot itself is unworthy of the setting. Jandar infiltrates the Black Legion in order to locate and rescue the princess. This is not especially original, nor does it rely on or draw from the setting: this is an alien world filled with interesting and alien things, yet 80% of the book is of Jandar infiltrating the enemy (and not in a particularly dynamic way), observing things, and moping. It is only in the final forty pages that things take off, winding up with the battle royale of at least three factions where everything is resolved. Aspects feel underutilized: a prince's completely unjustified paranoia, the princess being entirely more clued-in and dynamic than the supposed hero, the menace of the strange priest Ool the Uncanny, and the concept of the Legion dominating a hostile city and not really being adequate civic rulers, while the deposed government hides in the nearby wilderness.
Implicit in this is a lack of true innovation that would extend the model in any interesting direction. Carter tinkers a bit by extending the princess rescue over several books and making her inevitable romance a bit more reluctant and slow to start, and by changing up the city-states a bit with some political infighting and intrigue. They're welcome touches but don't exactly freshen the genre.
In fact, the plot itself is unworthy of the setting. Jandar infiltrates the Black Legion in order to locate and rescue the princess. This is not especially original, nor does it rely on or draw from the setting: this is an alien world filled with interesting and alien things, yet 80% of the book is of Jandar infiltrating the enemy (and not in a particularly dynamic way), observing things, and moping. It is only in the final forty pages that things take off, winding up with the battle royale of at least three factions where everything is resolved. Aspects feel underutilized: a prince's completely unjustified paranoia, the princess being entirely more clued-in and dynamic than the supposed hero, the menace of the strange priest Ool the Uncanny, and the concept of the Legion dominating a hostile city and not really being adequate civic rulers, while the deposed government hides in the nearby wilderness.
December 10, 2016
Slowly working my way through this goofy, more than a bit clunky, but fun-as-can-be sword & planet series from Lin Carter. It was written in the 70s, inspired by ERB's Mars series of the 19-teens, and is now a forty-year-old throwback to forty-plus years before that's pulp tradition… How can you go wrong? Pulp lives! https://www.writersonlineworkshops.co...
July 26, 2010
Definitely the best title in the Callisto series, but the story is about typical for the series. Decent read but not outstanding.
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April 30, 2019I have the german edition in 3a and the english edition on 4a.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews