Back in college, I regularly devoured science fiction novels, and one (of many) that left a lasting impression was “Lord Valentine’s Castle” by Robert Silverberg.

The plot itself is straightforward: It’s the tale of how Lord Valentine is usurped and works to regain his rightful position. But the SETTING is astounding: the vast planet “Majipoor” which has much more space than our own, and is filled with amazing places, plants, animals, aliens, and lost “old” technology. (Old for them, far future for us!)

If you have not read it, I highly recommend this one. It generally has survived well in terms of “cringe”, and manages to include the not-so-subtle theme of colonialism — though, granted, from the perspective of the descendants of the colonizers. (It also, sadly, much like Star Wars did, puts humans as the ‘main species’ compared to all the other aliens who live on the planet, but alas.)

Regardless, it is an inspiring book for the awe and fascination it brings the reader, exploring this enormous planet and its many wonders. The feelings that it inspired in me are something I hope to similarly inspire in my own readers.