Series 4.a – Where to Start with the Books of Gor – Part 2: Saga in Stages: Phases of the Gorean Journey – Stage 6

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):

6. Climactic Conclusions (Books 34–38): A New Resolve and the Future of Gor

Key books: Plunder of Gor (34), Quarry of Gor (35), Avengers of Gor (36), Warriors of Gor (37), Treasure of Gor (38).

The latest books (2016 onwards) bring the saga to its most recent chapters. Without giving away too much (these are newer and many newcomers won’t have read them yet), here is what you can expect:

Plunder of Gor (34) returns to the aftermath of the rebellions – with war chaos comes opportunists. The novel follows Tarl and others dealing with piracy and raiding along Gor’s coasts during the instability . It examines the fine line between a “hero” and a “pirate” when law breaks down. Philosophically, it reiterates that strength must be guided by honor – when even honorable men turn to plunder, something must realign their moral compass.

Quarry of Gor (35) is a more intimate story: it centers on the pursuit of a dangerous fugitive (the “quarry”) across Gor . Tarl and others are hunting someone whose crimes strike at the heart of Gorean law and tradition. Along this chase, issues of justice vs. vengeance are explored. For example, if a traitor to the Home Stone flees, is it honorable to kill him out of hand, or must Gorean law give him a trial? The book asks such questions, reflecting a mature Gor that’s grappling with rebuilding civilization post-war.

Avengers of Gor (36) and Warriors of Gor (37) form a powerful duo that essentially weave together many plot threads from the entire series. In these, old enemies resurface, and unresolved vendettas are addressed . Tarl finds himself leading/coordinating groups of warriors from various alliances to finally settle scores that in some cases date back to the very first books. The term “Avengers” implies Gor is settling accounts; “Warriors” implies a final test of the warrior’s code. Indeed, Warriors of Gor (2022) reads like a grand reunion and reckoning – characters from early books reappear, the Priest-Kings’ stance towards Gor is clarified, and the outcome may determine the fate of both Gor and Earth (the Kurii threat to Earth itself is addressed again, which hadn’t been a focus since very early in the saga).

Finally, Treasure of Gor (38), published in 2024, is the latest at the time of writing. As the title suggests, it’s about a search for an extraordinary treasure (material and metaphorical) . Many factions race for it, and Tarl is in the thick of this perilous hunt. Without spoiling, the “treasure” ends up being more than just gold or jewels – it’s something that challenges characters to consider what truly matters in life on Gor. After decades of slavery, war, love, and loss, Treasure of Gor carries a reflective tone: what is the real treasure Tarl Cabot has gained from his life on Gor? Long-time fans have noted it provides a satisfying thematic bookend, emphasizing that after all the conquest and submission, the core values of honor, loyalty, and purpose are Gor’s greatest riches.

For a newcomer, reaching the end of the current series is a monumental undertaking – congratulations are in order if you do! As you close Book 38, you will have essentially traversed an entire saga of a man and a world in parallel transformation. You’ll have seen Gor born as a niche pulp world and evolve into a fully realized universe with its own history and mythology.

It’s worth noting that John Norman, now in his 90s, may or may not continue the saga beyond this point. But in many ways, Warriors of Gor and Treasure of Gor feel like a deliberate tying of bows, bringing the philosophy full circle. The series began with a man torn between Earth and Gor; it ends with Gor’s way of life tested and reaffirmed. Norman even more explicitly reinforces his controversial messages in the finale: for instance, dialogues in the final books outright claim that modern Earth’s attempts at gender neutrality have left people unfulfilled, whereas Gor’s approach yields clear purpose and joy (for those who conform to it).

One more thematic note on the late books: They frequently reference how common it has become on Gor for a single man to have multiple women in his household, whether free companions and consorts or a cadre of slaves. While earlier in the series this was present but not heavily discussed (Tarl himself historically had one true love at a time and maybe a few slaves in passing), the later books – perhaps reflecting the Gorean subculture’s real practices – speak to the idea that a strong man naturally accumulates a harem of devoted women. Norman doubles down on defending polygyny as natural. He cites (through characters) quasi-anthropological reasoning: that in many cultures on Earth, polygynous marriage was common (indeed, about 85% of societies have permitted men multiple wives historically) , and that biologically men can spread seed widely while women are more selective . The books suggest that a Gorean man having multiple women under his care is not only normal but deeply fulfilling for all involved – provided it’s in the open and structured by honor. A Gorean Master takes on multiple partners responsibly, ensuring each woman knows her place and value. In turn, each woman devotes herself to him exclusively, finding pride and sisterhood rather than jealousy. The series even portrays moments of female slaves feeling compersion (joy at their master’s joy with another), something the Gorean lifestyle community also emphasizes in practice .

We highlight this because it’s a theme readers will encounter especially in the latter part of the saga, and it can raise eyebrows. In our modern world, multiple-partner relationships (polyamory, polygamy) are getting more visibility, but Gorean dynamics are a very specific, male-led variant. If you’re reading these books and finding the concept intriguing, know that the Gorean subculture has indeed developed ways to make such arrangements work consensually. Serving together and sharing pride in a household can create genuine sisterhood instead of envy – especially when each kajira has a clear role and assurance of her Master’s love . For example, Gorean households often designate a “first girl” slave who helps lead and train others ; each woman might get individual attention or days with the Master, as well as joint service times, to balance emotional needs . Jealousy, when it arises (as it naturally can in any human heart), is openly acknowledged and addressed – not punished or ignored . Masters are encouraged (in the lifestyle, and implied in the books) to listen to their slaves’ insecurities and reassure them, showing that caring leadership isn’t just stern but also compassionate . The end result, as Norman would have it, is a harmonious unit where each woman’s monogamous devotion to her one Master is matched by the Master’s polygnous love for all his women, each in their own way . It’s certainly idealized in the novels – real life can be messier – but the underlying notion is that such natural hierarchies can be immensely rewarding if managed with honesty and discipline.

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