Book Review: Tarnsman of Gor
What can I say? I missed me some good old fashioned sci-fi pulp. After five John Carter books the genre has grown on me and I had long heard good things about John Norman’s “Counter Earth” saga. And to be clear it was not from adherents of the ahem, shall we say, “interesting” Gorean subculture (warning: NSFW link).
Tarnsman of Gor, the first of dozens of books in the Gor saga, is quite similar to John Carter truth be told. It features a classic tough guy protagonist who is transported to another planet where he easily defies death battling hoards of alien warriors with a sword and falls in love with a beautiful princess he must win the honor to wed only to be suddenly transported back to Earth at the end. The main difference perhaps is the more ‘adult’ nature of Gor. Author John Norman is well-known for his BDSM writings and advocacy. If you’re into traditionally gendered dominant/submissive eroticism then this will be right up your alley. Just don’t get your hopes up too much as it is fairly tame and there is little in the way of actual sex in the book.
Still it’s a fun weird sci-fi ride. Tarl, the Englishman protagonist, has a bit more personality and humor than his prototype John Carter. The story is also darker and edgier with its exploration of slavery and the morality of rulers. The mysterious “Priest Kings” that control the world from the shadows are a super cool idea. There is some neat 1960’s social and scientific commentary that adds to the vibe. I also enjoyed the heroine Talena’s journey as she undergoes a well-executed character arc seeing her transition from antagonist to love-interest.
It’s a fun time, just don’t expect an especially clever plot. Your hero gets captured and miraculously escapes about 73493 times. It is as contrived and silly as ever, but it never fails to entertain. I’m definitely down to continue with the series. I swear I read it just for the story!
Grade: B
