영어로 읽는 SF소설 _ 에드먼드 해밀턴의 별 군주의 요새
"Citadel of the Star Lords"는 Edmond Hamilton이 1952년에 발표한 과학 소설 작품입니다. 이 소설은 Hamilton의 중기 작품으로, 그의 우주 오페라 스타일이 절정에 달했던 시기의 대표작 중 하나입니다.

이 작품의 배경은 먼 미래의 은하계로, 인류가 수많은 별들을 식민지화하고 거대한 성간 제국을 건설한 시대입니다. 이야기의 중심에는 '스타 로드'라 불리는 강력한 지배자들이 있으며, 그들의 본거지인 '시타델'(성채)이 핵심적인 역할을 합니다.

주인공은 평범한 우주 비행사였지만, 예기치 않은 사건으로 인해 스타 로드들의 세계에 휘말리게 됩니다. 그는 자신의 운명과 은하계의 미래를 좌우할 수 있는 중대한 비밀을 알게 되고, 이로 인해 위험하고 모험적인 여정을 떠나게 됩니다.

Hamilton은 이 소설을 통해 권력, 책임, 그리고 인류의 진화에 대한 깊이 있는 주제들을 탐구합니다. 동시에 그의 트레이드마크인 흥미진진한 우주 모험과 상상력 넘치는 외계 세계 묘사를 통해 독자들을 매료시킵니다.

"Citadel of the Star Lords"는 Hamilton의 뛰어난 세계관 구축 능력과 박진감 넘치는 스토리텔링을 잘 보여주는 작품으로, 우주 오페라 장르의 고전으로 평가받고 있습니다. 이 소설은 과학 소설 팬들에게 여전히 사랑받는 작품이며, 20세기 중반 과학 소설의 특징을 잘 보여주는 대표작 중 하나로 여겨지고 있습니다.

Reading Science Fiction Novels in English _ Citadel of the Star Lords by Edmond Hamilton
"Citadel of the Star Lords" is a science fiction novel published in 1952 by Edmond Hamilton. This novel is one of Hamilton's mid-period works, and is one of his representative works from the period when his space opera style was at its peak.

The story is set in a distant future galaxy, where humanity has colonized numerous stars and built a vast interstellar empire. At the center of the story are powerful rulers called 'Star Lords', and their home base, the 'Citadel', plays a key role.

The protagonist is an ordinary astronaut who is drawn into the world of the Star Lords by an unexpected incident. He learns a great secret that could determine his own fate and the future of the galaxy, and this leads him on a dangerous and adventurous journey.

Through this novel, Hamilton explores profound themes of power, responsibility, and the evolution of humanity. At the same time, he captivates readers with his trademark thrilling space adventures and imaginative depictions of alien worlds.

"Citadel of the Star Lords" is a masterpiece that showcases Hamilton's world-building and dynamic storytelling, and is considered a classic of the space opera genre. The novel is still beloved by science fiction fans and is considered one of the representative works that best exemplifies the characteristics of mid-20th century science fiction.

Summary
Out of the dark vastness of the void came a conquering horde, incredible and invincible, with Earth's only weapon?a man from the past!

As he gunned his plane northward through the night, Price thought of the roller-coaster when he'd been a kid, of how you went faster and faster until you hit the big plunge.
Well, he was on the big plunge now. And what would end this roller-coaster ride?prison, or escape, or a crash? It had to be one of those.
He was to remember that, later. He was to think later that it was well he didn't dream the fantastic fate he was really racing toward....

Contents
CHAPTER I. As he gunned his plane northward through
CHAPTER II. The cataclysm that hit Price was without light
CHAPTER III. The brown-haired man withdrew the knife
CHAPTER IV. Trapped in a strange dream
CHAPTER V. Sawyer was standing in the middle of the room
CHAPTER VI. They were still a long way off but coming fast
CHAPTER VII. Price stood stone still, meeting her gaze
CHAPTER VIII. She dropped in her seat without a sound
CHAPTER IX. The aerodyne flew high in the black night