Series 4.a – Where to Start with the Books of Gor – Part 2: Saga in Stages: Phases of the Gorean Journey – Stage 5

Though the Gorean saga is one long continuum, it’s helpful to break it into phases, each with its own focus and feel. Here’s a roadmap of the journey, with light spoilers (I won’t ruin major twists, only set the stage):

5. The Saga Resumes (Books 26–33): New Century, New Faces, and the Gorean Renaissance

Key books: Witness of Gor (26), Prize of Gor (27), Kur of Gor (28), Swordsmen of Gor (29), Mariners of Gor (30), Conspirators of Gor (31), Smugglers of Gor (32), Rebels of Gor (33).

After Magicians of Gor, there was a 13-year gap in publication. The series was effectively on hiatus from 1988 until 2001, in part due to controversies and publishing hurdles (Norman’s original publisher dropped the series, allegedly under pressure from the growing anti-sexist sentiment in sci-fi circles ). But the turn of the millennium saw Gor’s comeback, fueled by e-books and a dedicated fanbase. When Norman returned to Gor with Witness of Gor in 2001, both he and the world had changed – yet Gor remained Gor.

Books 26–33 can be seen as a “second series” or Gorean revival. They introduce new lead characters and pick up unresolved threads from before, while also reflecting the fact that Norman was writing in the 2000s now, not the 1960s–80s. One thing you’ll notice is that these books are often longer and even more detail-heavy. Norman had decades of ideas stored up, and he indulges in expanded world descriptions, cultural tidbits, and yes, extended philosophical asides. Some readers find the pace slower here, but others enjoy revisiting Gor with fresh storylines.

Witness of Gor (Book 26) is a bold opener for this era: it’s narrated by Janice, an Earth woman who is brought to Gor and made a slave, but uniquely, she is used as a political pawn and a witness to events (hence the title). The narrative is structured around her diary/testimony regarding a contentious legal and diplomatic situation in Gor. Through Janice, we observe the aftermath of the great war – there are still power struggles in Ar’s shadows, and not all Kurii plots were stamped out. Witness reads almost like a courtroom drama mixed with a psychological study of a woman in chains; it’s very detailed on Gorean law and city life . As a newcomer, you might find it a dense read, but it significantly expands on how Gorean society functions post-war.

Prize of Gor (27) continues the focus on new characters – this time Ellen, a young Earth woman who, as the title suggests, is treated as a coveted “prize” or object in Gor’s slave trade . Ellen’s story is reminiscent of the earlier slave-girl books but with a twist: she passes through multiple owners of high station, giving us a tour of Gorean elites and their private vices. It’s a dark Cinderella tale in a way – Ellen learns how a mere slave can influence or be witness to great events among the free. Thematically, Norman uses her to reinforce that even a woman of Earth with modern notions can discover her “slave heart” once on Gor. By Book 27, one might notice Norman’s language becomes even more explicit in erotic content; with the shackles of 1980s censorship gone, these later books don’t hold back describing slave arousal and masterful dominance in detail.

Then comes a unique entry: Kur of Gor (Book 28). As the name implies, it’s about the Kurii – and notably, it’s partly narrated by a Kur (alien) character! This novel is massive and swings the perspective to the Kurii side of things. It explores a Kur’s odyssey from the frigid Northern lands (where remnants of the Kur forces lurk) down into human lands, and gives a deeply imagined look at Kurii culture, psychology, and their factional politics . Tarl Cabot does appear, but much of the book reads almost like a sci-fi epic focusing on the “enemy.” For a new reader who’s come this far, Kur of Gor is rewarding because it finally fleshes out the other side of Gor’s cosmic conflict. Also, philosophically, Norman does something interesting: he shows Kurii who are more honorable or sympathetic than certain humans. This underscores a point – it’s not that “Gor = good, Earth = bad” or humans versus aliens, but rather a respect for natural strength and honor wherever it’s found. A Kur can be noble (in a savage way) and a human can be petty or weak; Gorean philosophy favors the strong, whether beast or man.

After Kur of Gor, Tarl Cabot steps back into center stage more consistently. Swordsmen of Gor (29) brings us back to a more classic adventure format, with Tarl leading or encountering bands of warriors in new conflicts at the frontiers (specifically along the Vosk and in the delta region) . You get a sense that although the big Ar vs Cos war is over, Gor is far from peaceful – smaller wars and intrigues continue, some possibly stirred by Kurii remnants. Mariners of Gor (30) is another treat for world exploration fans: Tarl takes to the open sea again on a voyage that goes beyond known maps . We discover there are still parts of Gor unvisited (distant islands, unexplored coasts) and that the thirst for adventure isn’t sated in him. New companions and new perils arise, giving a feeling of a fresh start. Some readers compare Mariners to the spirit of the early books, as it’s more about journeying and discovery.

Conspirators of Gor (31) and Smugglers of Gor (32) shift perspective once more to female narrators – Allison and later an ensemble including a scribe and a smuggler . These books, set in the coastal and delta regions, reveal that not all is well in Gor’s restored order. There are conspiracies within cities (perhaps Kur-influenced, perhaps just human greed) and a thriving underworld of smugglers defying authorities . By seeing these through the eyes of captives and scribes, Norman highlights the everyday corruption and challenges of maintaining Gorean honor in commerce and governance. For instance, Smugglers of Gor gives us a gritty look at port towns where laws are bent and how a few brave or honorable individuals (including a female scribe masquerading) try to navigate that. Tarl appears in these books peripherally or under alias, showing up at key moments but allowing the new characters to drive the narrative. This approach in the late series can be surprising – Norman is essentially expanding the POV cast significantly, which adds richness but can be jarring if you expected only Tarl’s voice. The benefit is we now see Gor from three angles: the Gorean male hero (Tarl), the enslaved Earth women (various), and even normal Goreans like scribes/merchants who aren’t warriors or slaves.

Finally, Rebels of Gor (33) brings Tarl back to the forefront in a big way. This book is one of the standouts of the new era because it directly ties back to the Kurii conflict and the state of the empire. As the title suggests, rebellions break out – distant territories and conquered peoples rise against the ruling powers . Tarl finds himself in the middle of a brewing revolution that could again reshape the continent. The big question: are these uprisings purely local, or are the Kurii (or perhaps dissident Priest-Kings?) pulling strings to throw Gor into chaos once more? Rebels sets the stage for what feels like an approaching endgame of the entire saga.

By the conclusion of Book 33, a reader of the entire series so far (classic and revival) can sense that Norman is aligning pieces for a final resolution. Many old characters have made reappearances or have their legacies referenced. The Priest-Kings, mostly absent physically since the Nest War, are hinted at again; the Kurii are down but not out; and Tarl Cabot, now older and wiser, is almost a patriarchal figure of Gor, having influenced so many corners of it.

I wish you well!

©2026 – Written by Azrael Phoenix

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You can read the full set of articles of this Series here:

• Series 1 – Start Here: Understanding the Gorean Lifestyle
  • 1.a – Understanding the Gorean Lifestyle: Myths and Realities
  • 1.b – From Page to Practice: How People Moved From the Books of Gor to a Modern Lifestyle
  • 1.c – Key Gorean Concepts for Beginners: Home Stone, Caste, Natural Order & More
  • 1.d – Common Misconceptions About the Gorean Lifestyle
• Series 2 – The Philosophy: Values Behind the Gorean Lifestyle
  • 2.a – Honor, Responsibility and Discipline: The Core of Gorean Philosophy
  • 2.b – Freedom, Choice and Voluntary Surrender: A Paradox at the Heart of Gor
  • 2.c – Strength and Vulnerability: The Gorean View of Masculinity and Femininity
  • 2.d – Understanding Gorean Natural Order: Philosophy and Modern Life
  • 2.e – Aligning Words and Actions in Gorean Life
• Series 3 – Practicing a Gorean-Inspired Lifestyle (Safely & Ethically)
  • 3.a – Gorean Living: Crafting your ideal Household Structure
  • 3.b – Emotional Safety in Gorean Dynamics: Limits and Aftercare
  • 3.c – The Joy of Service in Gorean Life
  • 3.d – Bridging Fantasy and Reality in Gorean Relationships
  • 3.e – Integrating Gorean Values Into a ‘Vanilla’ Public Life
• Series 4 – Reading Gor: Guides, Themes, and Character Studies
  • 4.a – Where to Start with the Books of Gor
    • Part 1 – A Reading Guide for Newcomers
    • Part 2 – Saga in Stages: Phases of the Gorean Journey
      • Stage 1 – The Early Adventures (Books 1–6): From Earthman to Gorean Warrior
      • Stage 2 – Broadening Horizons & Deeper Themes (Books 7–13): New Perspectives on Gor
      • Stage 3 – The Jason Marshall Trilogy (Books 14–16): A New Tale of Submission and Identity
      • Stage 4 – War and Upheaval (Books 17–25): The Epic Gorean War and Turning Point
      • Stage 5 – The Saga Resumes (Books 26–33): New Century, New Faces, and the Gorean Renaissance
      • Stage 6 – Climactic Conclusions (Books 34–38): A New Resolve and the Future of Gor
    • Part 3 – The Philosophy Behind the Fantasy: How Gor Evolved (and Why It’s Not Just “Erotic Pulp”)
    • Part 4 – Major Pivotal Books & Moments in the Saga
    • Part 5 – Where to Find the Gor Books (Legally and Easily)
    • Part 6 – Confronting the Controversies: Misconceptions and Reality-Checks