The Wizard of Linn

The Wizard of Linn by A. E. van Vogt is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where Earth, after an atomic holocaust, is ruled by the Linnan Empire—a society blending advanced technology with medieval customs. The story is a sequel to Empire of the Atom and follows Clane, a physically deformed but brilliant scientist and high priest, as he faces an existential threat from the alien Riss, who once nearly annihilated humanity. After an initial failed attack on the Riss, Clane uses a mysterious, mentally-controlled energy sphere to defeat them and capture their ship. Amidst political intrigue—including the assassination of his brother Jerrin by the scheming Lilidel—Clane refuses to seize power, instead joining forces with Czinczar, a former barbarian adversary, to seek allies against the Riss. Their quest leads them across the cosmos to twin planets inhabited by telepathic and teleporting humans allied with the Riss. Clane attempts to learn their secrets to help save Earth. The novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the tension between technological advancement and societal ignorance, all within a fast-paced, idea-rich narrative typical of van Vogt’s style.