Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of The chariot of the sun : $b a fantasy

The chariot of the sun : $b a fantasy

Written by Roger Pocock

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"The Chariot of the Sun" by Roger Pocock is a fantasy novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a speculative future set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal sacrifice, as it explores themes of love and betrayal within the context of an empire on the brink of chaos. The narrative centers around characters such as Chancellor Lord Ulster and his son, Lord Sydney, whose lives intertwine with the fate of Queen Margaret as looming threats from rival nations exacerbate political tensions. The opening of the novel introduces us to a world in turmoil, with the Prologue setting the stage for the 'World-Storm' of 1980, a global crisis stemming from a man's love for a woman. As the story begins, Lord Ulster's dream of political triumph is shattered by cold realities as he confronts the manipulations of Emperor Nicholas IV of Russia. The atmosphere is dense with foreboding as characters grapple with their moral dilemmas, particularly Ulster, who is ensnared by his dark past with the traitorous Prince Ali. Meanwhile, Lord Sydney, who overhears damaging secrets about his father's political machinations, is determined to unveil the truth and save his love, Queen Margaret, from the dangerous political games unfolding around them. This sets up an intense narrative rich with dramatic tension and emotional stakes.

Read it with a club

Chaptra's fiction clubs — small groups reading the same books and talking as they go.

All clubs
A dim aisle between tall library shelves

CraxMe Readers Book Club

Fiction

  • 385 members
  • 227 discussions
  • Started December 2025

Welcome to the Readers Book Club. This is an informal group for like-minded people, where you can discuss books, share and recommend, track your reading progress, and lots more. Discuss Books — all about books. Discuss a particular book or genre, share your favourite quotes. Book Reviews — loved a book and highly recommend it? Or was it just average? Share your review and discuss with fellow readers. (May contain spoilers.) Group Reads — what is a book club without a group read! Buddy Reads — planning to read a book and looking for someone to read it with? Post in the Buddy Read request thread, find a reading buddy, and start discussing.

Read The chariot of the sun : $b a fantasy alongside people who are reading it too.

Chaptra Prime — paid clubs, every club feature, and unlimited reading support, for $5 a month or $60 once.

See Prime

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The chariot of the sun : $b a fantasy, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • tense
  • dramatic

Roger Pocock's early 20th-century fantasy novel, "The Chariot of the Sun," plunges readers into a speculative future where a global 'World-Storm' in 1980, sparked by love and betrayal, threatens an empire on the verge of collapse. The narrative intricately weaves political intrigue with personal sacrifice, centering on Chancellor Lord Ulster, whose ambitions clash with the manipulations of Emperor Nicholas IV. His son, Lord Sydney, becomes a pivotal figure, determined to expose his father's dark past and protect Queen Margaret amidst escalating international tensions. The story is a dramatic exploration of morality, loyalty, and the far-reaching consequences of hidden secrets in a world grappling with chaos.

“"The World-Storm of 1980 was not born of nations, but of a man's love for a woman, and the treacherous heart that followed."”

Key themes

Political Intrigue and Power
This theme is central to the novel, depicting a world rife with manipulation, rival nations, and an empire on the brink of chaos. It explores how individuals vie for control and how these struggles impact entire societies.
Love and Betrayal
At the core of the narrative, this theme explores how deeply personal emotions and actions can trigger global consequences. It delves into the destructive nature of betrayal and the redemptive or motivating power of love.
Moral Dilemma and Redemption
This theme focuses on the internal struggles of characters, particularly Lord Ulster, as they grapple with difficult choices and the consequences of their past actions. It explores the possibility of seeking truth and making amends.

Worth discussing

How does the novel's concept of a 'World-Storm' caused by personal betrayal reflect or challenge traditional notions of global conflict?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!