🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Lin Carter
Linwood Vrooman Carter better known as Lin Carter was an American fantasy and science fiction author critic, poet, and editor. While he for the most part wrote as Lin Carter, he wrote some of his works as Grail Undwin and H.P. Lowcraft. He became well-known in the 1970s as an editor of the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series that for many readers was an excellent introduction to the fantasy genre classics. Growing up, Lin Carter was fascinated by kids’ fantasy novels such as Oz by Baum, though he would later graduate to pulp science and fantasy fiction. He went to a cartoonist’s school and later served as a clerical typist during the Korean War between 1951 and 1953. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Callisto Books series, Lin Carter has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Lin Carter
Jandar of Callisto
Jandar of Callisto is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Callisto Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Black Legion of Callisto
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Callisto Books with Black Legion of Callisto, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Sky Pirates of Callisto
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Callisto Books with Sky Pirates of Callisto, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Mad Empress of Callisto
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Callisto Books with Mad Empress of Callisto, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Mind Wizards of Callisto
Magic takes center stage in Mind Wizards of Callisto, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Callisto Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Lin Carter.
Lankar of Callisto
Lankar of Callisto is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Callisto Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Ylana of Callisto
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Callisto Books with Ylana of Callisto, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Renegade of Callisto
Renegade of Callisto is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Callisto Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Journey to the Underground World
Journey to the Underground World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Eric Carstairs of Zanthodon Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Zanthodon
Zanthodon continues the Publication Order of Eric Carstairs of Zanthodon Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hurok of the Stone Age
Hurok of the Stone Age continues the Publication Order of Eric Carstairs of Zanthodon Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Darya of the Bronze Age
Darya of the Bronze Age continues the Publication Order of Eric Carstairs of Zanthodon Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Eric of Zanthodon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Eric Carstairs of Zanthodon Books with Eric of Zanthodon, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Flashing Swords! #1
Epic adventure awaits in Flashing Swords! #1, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Flashing Swords! Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Flashing Swords! #2
Epic adventure awaits in Flashing Swords! #2, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Flashing Swords! Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Flashing Swords! #3
Epic adventure awaits in Flashing Swords! #3, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Flashing Swords! Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Flashing Swords! #4
Epic adventure awaits in Flashing Swords! #4, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Flashing Swords! Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Flashing Swords! #5
Epic adventure awaits in Flashing Swords! #5, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Flashing Swords! Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
The Quest of Kadji
Epic adventure awaits in The Quest of Kadji, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of The Chronicles of Kylix Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
The Wizard of Zao
Magic takes center stage in The Wizard of Zao, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of The Chronicles of Kylix Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Lin Carter.
Kellory the Warlock
Conflict and courage define Kellory the Warlock, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of The Chronicles of Kylix Books series by Lin Carter that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Man Without a Planet
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Great Imperium Books with The Man Without a Planet, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Star Rogue
Star Rogue is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Great Imperium Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Outworlder
Outworlder continues the Publication Order of Great Imperium Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Under the Green Star
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Green Star Books with Under the Green Star, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
When the Green Star Calls
When the Green Star Calls is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Green Star Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
By the Light of the Green Star
By the Light of the Green Star is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Green Star Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
As the Green Star Rises
As the Green Star Rises continues the Publication Order of Green Star Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
In the Green Star's Glow
In the Green Star's Glow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Green Star Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Kesrick
Kesrick is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Terra Magica Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Dragonrouge
Epic adventure awaits in Dragonrouge, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Terra Magica Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Mandricardo
Mandricardo continues the Publication Order of Terra Magica Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Callipygia
Callipygia is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Terra Magica Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Man Who Loved Mars
The Man Who Loved Mars explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Mysteries of Mars Books series by Lin Carter.
The Valley Where Time Stood Still
The Valley Where Time Stood Still is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Mysteries of Mars Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The City Outside the World
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Mysteries of Mars Books with The City Outside the World, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Down to a Sunless Sea
Down to a Sunless Sea is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Mysteries of Mars Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Destination
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Hautley Quicksilver Books with Destination, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
The Thief of Thoth
The Thief of Thoth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Hautley Quicksilver Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Purloined Planet
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Hautley Quicksilver Books with The Purloined Planet, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Thongor and The Wizard of Lemuria
Magic takes center stage in Thongor and The Wizard of Lemuria, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Thongor Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Lin Carter.
Thongor of Lemuria / Thongor and the Dragon City
Epic adventure awaits in Thongor of Lemuria / Thongor and the Dragon City, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Thongor Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Thongor Against the Gods
Thongor Against the Gods continues the Publication Order of Thongor Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Thongor in the City of Magicians
Magic takes center stage in Thongor in the City of Magicians, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Thongor Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Lin Carter.
Thongor at the End of Time
Thongor at the End of Time continues the Publication Order of Thongor Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Thongor Fights the Pirates of Tarakus
Conflict and courage define Thongor Fights the Pirates of Tarakus, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Thongor Books series by Lin Carter that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Young Thongor
Young Thongor is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Thongor Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Weird Tales 1
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Weird Tales Books with Weird Tales 1, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
The Warrior of World's End
Conflict and courage define The Warrior of World's End, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of World's End Books series by Lin Carter that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Enchantress of World's End
The Enchantress of World's End is an essential installment in the Publication Order of World's End Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Immortal of World's End
The Immortal of World's End continues the Publication Order of World's End Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Barbarian of World's End
The Barbarian of World's End continues the Publication Order of World's End Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Pirate of World's End
The Pirate of World's End continues the Publication Order of World's End Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Giant of World's End
Giant of World's End continues the Publication Order of World's End Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Nemesis of Evil
The Nemesis of Evil continues the Publication Order of Zarkon - Lord of the Unknown Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Invisible Death
A gripping mystery unfolds in Invisible Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Zarkon - Lord of the Unknown Books series showcases Lin Carter's mastery of suspense.
The Volcano Ogre
The Volcano Ogre is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Zarkon - Lord of the Unknown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Earth-Shaker
The Earth-Shaker is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Zarkon - Lord of the Unknown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Horror Wears Blue
Horror Wears Blue continues the Publication Order of Zarkon - Lord of the Unknown Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Great Short Novels of Adult Fantasy #2
Great Short Novels of Adult Fantasy #2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Great Short Novels of Adult Fantasy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Star Magicians
Magic takes center stage in The Star Magicians, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that expands the enchanting world created by Lin Carter.
The Flame of Iridar
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Flame of Iridar, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Tower at the Edge of Time
Tower at the Edge of Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Tower of the Medusa
Tower of the Medusa is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Lost World of Time
Lost World of Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Black Star
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Black Star, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Time War
Conflict and courage define Time War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Lin Carter that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Tara of the Twilight
Tara of the Twilight is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Found Wanting
Found Wanting continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Beyond the Gates of Dream
Beyond the Gates of Dream continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Lost Worlds
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Lost Worlds, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Tolkien
Tolkien continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Lovecraft
Lovecraft explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Lin Carter.
Imaginary Worlds
Imaginary Worlds continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dreams from R'lyeh
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Poetry Books with Dreams from R'lyeh, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Conan the Wanderer
Conan the Wanderer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Conan (Lancer/Ace) Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Young Magicians
Magic takes center stage in The Young Magicians, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Lin Carter.
Dragons, Elves, and Heroes
Epic adventure awaits in Dragons, Elves, and Heroes, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Golden Cities, Far
Golden Cities, Far is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Swords Against Tomorrow
Epic adventure awaits in Swords Against Tomorrow, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
New Worlds For Old
New Worlds For Old continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Spawn of Cthulhu
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Spawn of Cthulhu, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Discoveries in Fantasy
Discoveries in Fantasy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Swordsmen and Supermen
Epic adventure awaits in Swordsmen and Supermen, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Nameless Places
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Nameless Places, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 1
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 1 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Kingdoms of Sorcery
Epic adventure awaits in Kingdoms of Sorcery, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Lin Carter has built.
Disciples of Cthulhu
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Disciples of Cthulhu, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
Realms Of Wizardry
Magic takes center stage in Realms Of Wizardry, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Lin Carter.
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 2
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 2 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 3
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 3, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 4
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories 4 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Barbarians 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Barbarians 2, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
The Necronomicon
The Necronomicon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
Giant Book of Fantasy Tales
Giant Book of Fantasy Tales is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lin Carter have come to expect.
The Xothic Legend Cycle
The Xothic Legend Cycle continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lin Carter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Cthulhu Mythos Megapack
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Cthulhu Mythos Megapack, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
The Wildside Book of Fantasy
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Wildside Book of Fantasy, another outstanding contribution from Lin Carter.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lin Carter?
Lin Carter is a bestselling author known for 20 book series containing over 98 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Callisto Books, Publication Order of Eric Carstairs of Zanthodon Books, Publication Order of Flashing Swords! Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Lin Carter series to start with?
For readers new to Lin Carter's work, the Publication Order of Callisto Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 8 books. Begin with Jandar of Callisto to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Lin Carter written?
Lin Carter has written over 98 books across 20 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Lin Carter books in order?
Yes, reading Lin Carter's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Lin Carter write in?
Lin Carter writes primarily in fiction. With 20 series across 98 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Lin Carter's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Lin Carter's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Lin Carter's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Lin Carter's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Callisto Books series. The first book, Jandar of Callisto, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.