Dive into the mind-bending cosmos of Philip José Farmer’s World of Tiers, a science fiction saga where pocket universes stack like cosmic wedding cakes and godlike beings toy with reality! This thrilling series, blending mythology, adventure, and advanced tech, follows heroes like Robert Wolff and the cunning Kickaha as they navigate a multiverse of danger and wonder.
With its bold exploration of power, identity, and the human spirit, World of Tiers invites readers to question the nature of creation itself. Ready to explore a universe where nothing is as it seems? Let’s journey through this epic tale!
How World of Tiers Began
In the 1960s, Philip José Farmer, a Hugo Award-winning author known for pushing boundaries, unleashed his imagination to craft World of Tiers. Inspired by pulp adventures and his fascination with mythology, Farmer envisioned a series of artificial universes ruled by decadent Lords. The first book, The Maker of Universes (1965), introduced a groundbreaking concept: pocket universes, self-contained realms where physical laws bend to the whims of their creators. Farmer’s innovative storytelling, laced with psychological depth, set the stage for a saga that would span decades.
The Heart of World of Tiers
The series kicks off with The Maker of Universes, where Robert Wolff, a retired professor, stumbles through a mysterious gate into a tiered universe. Guided by a horn’s call, he encounters Chryseis and the trickster Kickaha, embarking on a quest against the godlike Lords. The Gates of Creation (1966) deepens the stakes, as Wolff, revealed to be a Lord himself, battles for control of these crafted worlds. A Private Cosmos (1968) shifts focus to Kickaha, who outwits shape-shifting threats, while The Lavalite World (1977) traps characters on a morphing planet of surreal landscapes.
World of Tiers blends science fiction with sword-and-sorcery flair, set in a multiverse where each tier bursts with unique cultures, creatures, and physics. Themes of rivalry, betrayal, and the ethics of godlike power weave through the narrative, reflecting Farmer’s knack for mashing historical and mythical archetypes. His bold inclusion of sexual and religious themes, paired with fast-paced plots, creates a vivid, gonzo style that echoes Edgar Rice Burroughs but carves its own path.
Why World of Tiers Resonates
World of Tiers left a lasting mark on science fiction, inspiring Roger Zelazny’s Amber series with its pocket-universe concept. Fans praise its non-stop action and Farmer’s ability to blend high-concept ideas with pulpy adventure, making it a cult classic. Though less mainstream than Farmer’s Riverworld, its influence lingers in modern multiverse stories, appealing to readers who crave imaginative, boundary-pushing tales.
Despite mixed reviews—some critique its character depth—the series’ ambitious scope and Kickaha’s roguish charm keep it alive in sci-fi circles. Its exploration of power and morality remains relevant, inviting new generations to ponder the cost of playing god.
- First Published: 1965 (The Maker of Universes)
- Number of Books: 7
- Key Character: Kickaha, the trickster hero
- Influence: Inspired Roger Zelazny’s Amber series
Grab The Maker of Universes and rocket into the wild, tiered multiverse of World of Tiers—where adventure awaits at every gate!