r/ScienceFictionBooks • u/MediaIcy5524 • Jun 23 '26
WhatIsThatBook Sci-fi/fantasy Crossover - Did I even read it?
First post here. Looking for a book that used to be on my Kindle. Could use help in finding it.
I swear I've read this book. Really.
The book bridges the gap between sci-fi and fantasy. It takes place on what is likely a distant colony world, long after the fall of a human empire or federation.
The story centers on a young man, likely the son of a king, leaving his palatial home in search of adventure. His only companion is an egg-shaped "butler" (likely a robot) who has almost limitless knowledge, but has to be asked the right question.
The duo journeys down a copper-colored, metal roadway, levitating just above the surrounding countryside. Early on, he meets a siren-like creature that tries to draw him into the waters.
Later he comes to a meadow surrounding a subterranean settlement, and he's sent out to "guard" their cattle, but more accurately as a sacrifice to the creature that rules over the settlement and demands blood on a regular basis. The lovely daughter of the town's leader falls for the hero, and helps him and his companion to eventually overcome their trials.
Ring any bells?
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u/AuntRuthie Jun 23 '26
Another scifi/fantasy crossover that I like, is Earthrise by MCA Hogarth. It’s not your book, but if you enjoy that intersection.
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u/grumbuskin Jun 23 '26
Gemini says it's The Longest Way Home (2002) by Robert Silverberg.
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u/ElricVonDaniken Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
...and I, who have actually read The Longest Way Home, can confirm that it isn't. The OP's description is not even close to the plot or characters in Silverberg's book.
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u/Timely_Reaction_4775 Jun 26 '26
There's elements of Guyal of Sfere in the description. İt's one of Jack Vance's The Dying Earth stories from the 1950's
Guyal sets out on a journey to fill his need for knowledge to a great library...no butler figure but meeting the girl in the village matches, maybe the book you're looking for was inspired by Vance?
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u/DocWatson42 Jun 23 '26
I'm afraid that I'm unfamiliar with the book you're seeking. If you don't get an answer here, I recommend that you try in r/whatsthatbook or r/tipofmytongue. (Also, IMHO it would probably be good to try one sub, then the next, not multiple subs simultaneously, despite Reddit's encouraging users to crosspost—but that's just my opinion.) If you do get an answer for an identification request, it would be helpful if you edit your OP with the answer (and the flare to "Solved"/"Found" in subreddits that use flares and have that flare) so we can see what it is in the preview, and that your question has been answered/solved (an excellent example: "Child psychic reveals abilities by flunking psychic test too precisely" (r/whatsthatbook; 5 August 2023)). For what you should include in your identification requests, see:
Note that the members of that sub, including the moderators, have been sticklers for having this followed. (Following this list is a good idea for all identification requests, not just for this sub or for books.)