Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Fiction / Science Fiction / Adventure; Fiction / Science Fiction / General; Fiction / Science Fiction / General; Fiction / Science Fiction / Adventure; Fiction / Science Fiction / Space Opera; ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

High Adventure in Antarctica
The People of the Crater (2008) is a chapbook containing the first speculative fiction story written by the author.This 1947 novelette has also been published as "Garin of Tav" and was included in the collection Garan the Eternal (1972).

In this novelette, Garin Featherstone is a famed flyer who led a decisive raid against the enemy.Now the war is over and he cannot find a job.Then Gregory Farson hires him to fly a cargo plane for a forthcoming Antarctica expedition.

Farson has hired three pilots and each flies a plane toward the area that Farson wishes to explore.They see a strange blue column of air reaching high into the atmosphere.They fly toward it, but the first plane veers away and does not answer radio calls.

Farson orders Garin to close up and the remaining two planes fly side-by-side into the blue column.Suddenly Garin feels like he is no longer alone in the cockpit.Something takes control of his body and flies his plane through the blue mists.

Inside the column, Garin sees a terrain with tortured gray rock seamed with yellow.The plane circles inside the crater while Garin fights against the Presence.Suddenly the overpowering will is gone and he flies up and away from the crater.

Then one engine fails and his plane dives down toward the green foliage far below.Garin struggles to bring the nose up, but the plane plunges toward the fern-like trees.It crashes and Garin loses consciousness.

When Garin regains his senses, he finds himself badly hurt.Any movement brings him pain.Then goblin-like creatures climb into the cockpit and remove him from the wrecked plane.

The Folk heal Garin and teach him their language using a machine that displays selected scenes.He learns about the long gone Ancient Ones and the threatening Black Ones.Then he is told about -- and shown pictures of -- Thrala, the Daughter of the Ancient Ones.

After Garin becomes aware of the situation, the Folk send him to the Caves of Darkness where the Black Ones dwell.Thrala in being held prisoner in these caves and Garin is sent to free her.He is eager to rescue the maiden.

This tale is an adventure story with SF and fantasy aspects.It has elements of the early tales published around the turn of the nineteenth century, resembling the Verne voyages and the lost cities of Burroughs, but with more contemporary technology.Read and enjoy!

Recommended for Norton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of high adventure, strange creatures, and a bit of romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

People of the Crater by Andre Norton
This book was really very good for being Andre Norton's first book. She was able to create two types of people who could live even today, and probably do.The lust for power keeps one faction from living in harmony with the other faction. Kept my interest while it wove an intriguing story.I'd recommend it for any and all ages who wish to experience scifi.

Andre Norton in the Beginning
I am an avid fan of Andre Norton and have been for many years.This is obviously one of her earliest books and not as sophisticated as her later books, but still a very enjoyable read.

THE PEOPLE OF THE CRATER
This was a very good,short book.It was first published in a magazine.
Anyone who likes Andre Norton will enjoy this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An Introduction to Fascination
Gates To Tomorrow
Andre Norton & Ernestine Donaldy

It is my understanding that Gates To Tomorrow (1973) was compiled by Andre Norton to introduce people at the high school level or possibly middle school, or, junior high school as they called it then, to the genre of Science Fiction.It contains the following short stories by some of Science Fiction's best authors:

Shape by Robert Sheckkley (1954)

Rust by Joseph E. Kelleam (1939)

Command by Bernard Kahn (1947)

The Naming of Names by Ray Bradbury (1949)

The Plague by Keith Laumer (1970)

A Pail of Air byFritz Leiber (1951)

Living Fossil by L Sprague de Camp (1939)

The Flame Midget by Frank Belknap (1936)

Expedition Polychrome by J.A. Winter (1949)

Untouched by Human Hands by Robert Sheckley (1954)

Ultimatum by Keith Laumer (1963)

The Sheriff of Canyon Gulch by Poul Anderson and Gordon Dickson (1951)

If there is a book containing twelve short stories that are a better introduction to the full range of the Science Fiction genre I haven't found it.The only problem is I believe the book is out of print so you'll have to buy a used library copy like I did (mine is from the Forestburg Library, wherever that is).

I highly recommend this book.

As I have told numerous people there is an unwritten rule in Science Fiction that good Science fiction writers use a broad vocabulary.A good way to improve your lexicon is to use a 3X5 card as a book mark and write down any word that you're not sure of on the card.At the end of the book, look up the words in the dictionary into your personal lexicon.You'll be glad you did come SAT time.It improved my Verbal SAT score by at least 100 points.

GunnerMay, 2007

A taste treat
I thought I knew most of Andre Nortons works but was unfamiliar with this book, selected and edited by her and Ernestine Donaldy. So often I'm disappointed with books edited by authors I enjoy. The selections aren't up to their standard. The genre isn't similar. Whatever the cause. But with Gates to Tomorrow I was in for a treat.
This book includes some little known and hard to find short stories by marvelous authors. I was familiar, though only vaguely, with only two of these stories. The rest were completely new and fresh.
Robert Sheckley's Shape is so different from what I expected that after the first couple pages I gave up preconceived notions. The ending, while you hope for it, was a joy
Josehp E Kelleam's Rust is almost heartbreaking at the end. Sympathy for a robot. Who would have thought it?
Bernard I Kahn's Command shows how nothing talks like money - even in the future - and the problems it can cause.
Ray Bradbury's The Naming of Names....the only story I had read before, awhile back. And still I loved it. Eager for the next bit and slow transition of the Earthlings.
Keith Laumer's The Plague. A taste of Retief, need I say more? :-)
A Pail of Air by Fritz Leiber was familiar to me by name only. I had no idea of the story line. And even once begun found it very different and gripping.
L Sprague de Camp, what a genius!, Living Fossil is bitingly ironic in one way, a sad comment in another.
Frank Belknap Long, Jr, The Flame Midget. Wow! A common enough theme with an unusual twist.
J A Winter, M.D., Expedition Polychrome, Loved it! Sound in theory (at least to me) with a great twist. And friendly aliens and patient explorers! What a combination! (Ok, so I'm being a bit sarcastic. But a great twosome!)
Robert Sheckley, Untouched by Human Hands. Something I've always wondered about is how different species would think. Here it's taken up a notch.
Keith Laumer, Ultimatum. True today, it only takes a couple, or in this case, one war monger, to cause a war
Poul Anderson and Gordon Dickson, The Sheriff of Canyon Gulch. This is too funny. I loved it! Furry teddy bears, vicious lizards and a somewhat inept spaceman. It's amazing how humans can affect things without trying!
All of these authors have written marvelous books and other short stories. I was very familiar with most of them. But not with these stories and I've got a large collection of books, including lots by most of these authors. I found all of these to be fresh, well written and enjoyable or in a couple cases, very sad, as intended. But all well worth reading and re-reading.
If you've ever wondered about any of these authors, this gives you a good idea of the quality of their work. Find more! Enjoy!

Good Tales of Science Fiction
Gates to Tomorrow is a SF anthology intended for young adult readers.Initiated at the suggestion of a school teacher, these stories were collected as an introduction to science fiction in secondary education classrooms.The volume contains twelve stories with a range of speculative topics.

Shape by Robert Sheckley is a story of shapeshifting aliens invading the Earth.Rust by Joseph E. Kelleam is tale about a world populated by robots who are slowly breaking down.Command by Bernard I. Kahn is the account of a spaceship captain on his first long voyage.The Naming of Names by Ray Bradbury tells of a family from Earth who have migrated to Mars and miss their old home.The Plague by Keith Laumer depicts an invasion of parasites on an extraterristrial planet.A Pail of Air by Fritz Leiber recounts an unusual day in the city long after a dark star has snatched the Earth away from the Sun.

Living Fossil by L. Sprague de Camp describes an encounter by an intellligent species of the future with a lifeform long thought to be extinct.The Flame Midget by Frank Belknap Long, Jr., recounts the discovery of a microscopic alien man.Expedition Polychrome by J. A. Winter, M.D., reports the consternation of a medical expedition to the planet Minotaur when one of the crew members turns blue.Untouched by Human Hands by Robert Sheckley relates the fate of two emaciated explorers faced with a warehouse of potential food labelled in an alien language.Ultimatum by Keith Laumer discloses the gallant actions of the Corps Diplomatique Terrestienne after receipt of an ultimatum from aliens who appear out of nowhere on an unoccupied planet.The Sheriff of Canyon Gulch by Poul Anderson and Gordon Dickson reveals the plight of a young Terran officer stranded on a planet of playful aliens who look like teddy bears.

This collection is a fairly representive sample of SF short stories of the mid-twentieth century.Most of the authors were well-known then and several produced novels of enduring fame.

Highly recommended for young adults and anyone else who enjoys older SF stories.

-Arthur W. Jordin ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Come buy, come buy."
I believe there were only four 'Magic in Ithkar' volumes, which is a shame because Norton and Adams did a great job of soliciting (and editing?) these commonly-themed fantasy shorts.

Each of the four collections has the same prologue by Robert Adams, which explains how the fair originated in Ithkar (a religious anniversary turned pilgrimage), the set-up (temple, campgrounds for the merchants, docks and canals for the riparian traffic, etc.), and the difficulties encountered on a pilgrimage or trading voyage to Ithkar (Death Swamp, dragons, outlaw wizards).All weapons must be surrendered before entering the fair and wizards are discouraged from glamorizing shoddy goods with their spells.Of course, as at any large festival, the fair at Ithkar has its share of rogues, piratical merchants, bravos, potion-makers and witches, troupes of entertainers (not a few of them turning tricks), and gullible pilgrims.

A sampling of the fourteen stories in this volume:

"The Clockwork Woman" - Ann R. Brown
A mechanical doll is so deceptively life-like that when she is exhibited at the fair, a wealthy man in the audience tries to buy her.Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) for him, there's a real woman concealed within the doll.She is a dwarf and has fallen in love with her tall, beautiful mechanical persona.When she persuades her friend and fellow dwarf to take his place within a newly constructed mechanical man, she learns an important lesson in love.

"First Do No Harm" - Mildred Downey Broxon
Young Lithras is a character who could have been lifted from one of Norton's own fantasies--a young, untrained witch who is enslaved, then kills her master and escapes to the fair in Ithkar.She competes for a job as a body healer to a wealthy nobleman, and confesses to one of the other competitors:"I am no anointed healer, but a maimed thing, unfinished."--Doesn't that sound like a character from the pen of the Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy herself?This story also has one of Norton's ambiguously romantic endings.

"Honeycomb" - Esther M. Friesner
Author Esther Friesner has also written and published many fantasy series, including the Twelve Kingdoms ("Mustapha and his Wise Dog"), New York ("New York by Knight"), and Tim Desmond ("Gnome Man's Land") novels. "Honeycomb" is one of the most magical stories to come out of Ithkar, and involves a mysterious candlemaker and her effect on a young woodcarver.A truly sweet, funny story in which an unfaithful lover is changed into a bear and a young not-so-maidenly maiden is forced by an enchanted candle to confess her urgent need for a husband.

If you are searching for good sword & sorcery short stories, you might find exactly what you crave at Ithkar's magical fair. ... Read more

Product Description
It is a desperate time in Witch World. The Magestone, the key to the pandimensional gates, has been lost and now all the gates are open. In the classic series' grand finale, an infinite flood of evil is about to wash across the world as Simon Tregarth returns to lead the planet's heroes in the final war against the forces of darkness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Only because...
I think the editorial process must have been skipped in this book.Although it's great to have all of my favorite characters back in one book a *lot* of the names are spelled wrong.I saw someone else said that Aylinn and Kethan are cousins.I don't remember that from The Jargoon Pard at all so I guess people do forget some things.

Editor, please?
I, too, had suspicions that Norton was not the sole author of this book.Or at least, she didn't reread a lot of her previous stuff when she wrote it, because discrepancies abound.There are names misspelt (Joison?), people's appearances and coloring change, changing backstories, etc. etc.Some things were just plain inaccurate.For instance, Kethan says that he and Aylinn are not related by blood, when in fact they are cousins, according to "The Jargoon Pard".And in that book, his nature gifts were read as "Magician" where here he is Warrior.And so forth.We don't get much backstory on Firdun and Uta, either.It feels rushed, and repetitive.There are still some good things, though, and it is a must-read, I guess, for fans.But doesn't she have an editor?A lot of the mistakes could have been caught at the editing stage, and the carelessness looks like indifference to the fans of the books.

The Best of the Best
Every character from all of the Witch World books come together to defeat a final evil and to close the gates to all other worlds. Told in four seperate tales that are hard to stop reading and introduce some new memorable characters. This book is supposedly the last to Norton's great 30 year running series and is the most classic of her classic tales. Will be loved by all of Norton's fans, but I do not recommend reading this book if you have not read at least one of the other Witch World books.

All of my Favorite Witch World Characters Finally Meet
All of my favorite characters from all of Andre Norton's previous 'Witch World' volumes meet in this volume.I've read all of her previous (solo) Witch World volumes at least three times each, and my very favorites,probably nine or ten times (the first four WW novels plus 'Year of theUnicorn'). Therefore, I feel qualified to comment on Norton's use of herpreviously developed characters in this volume. They came across as wooden: like someone had found a set of puppets in an old trunk in the attic,dusted them off, and strutted them across a very familiar stage.I wasdisappointed (to say in the least).Here were all of my old friends,together at last, and acting as though they would really rather besomewhere else.

However, even if I'd known in advance that I was going tobe disappointed, I still would have read the book, just to find out howHilarion, Simon Tregarth and his family, and the Were-riders were gettingalong.All of you real Witch World fans will have to do the same.Buy thebook.Read it. Bid Witch World 'Hail and Farewell'.

More unsolicitedadvice for old Norton fans: Don't buy any of the imitation Witch Worldsthat were authored by collaborators, even if Norton's name appears on thecover.No matter how good the writing, it's not Norton and it's not WitchWorld.

Superb! traditionmal Andre Norton quqlity
To critique an Andre Norton book, one must critique Ms. Norton. She is a most remarkable and compassionate woman, the very finast of story tellers ( every sentence and page are action-filled with no"apologetic"explanmatory paragraphs that insult the reader'sintelligence and delay the plot; every page continues the plot with nomeandering and, Ms. Norton knows how to end a story. It crescendos to theend; it does not dribble. She, and the 100+ books she has solo-authoredaremagnificent.Ward of the Witch World continues this tradition. Most allthe characters and locations from other epics are brought together, andthere are at least three separate tales combined; a feast for theWitch-World lover. The characters are well vexposed, internally andexternally. Thwew is perhaps more "spirituality" accorded to thembut it does not slow the plot pace. Each sentence is so packed with theexplanmatory verbs, adjectivesand gerunds. New is the flavor of romanmcebetween several of her characters; not awkwardly as some of her co-authorshave attempted, but "neatly". Also, there are still threads leftuntied, hopefully allowing for further Witch Word stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

puzzleof fourdragons
Dragon Magic

By Andre Norton

Some kids decided to burglarize a house ofaq deceased archeologist where they find a box of puzzle pieces. The puzzle is of four dragons.When they put the pieces together, they are magically transformed into a fantasy world populated by unusual men and fantastic creatures of lore. There are a number of different tales , one for each dragon.Each tale hints at a Life's Lesson.I 'll leave it to the reader to determine which is which.

Andre Norton weaves her magic in this novel.I highly recommend this for fans of Andre Norton, aficionados of fantasy and tales of magic.It is one of her "Magic Series".

GunnerJune, 2009

P.S. She, also, gets in several favorable plugs for the library, which are welcomed.

The Magic Puzzle
Dragon Magic (1972) is the fourth fantasy novel in the Magic series, following Octagon Magic.It is set in four past cultures that have legends of dragons.

In this novel, Sig Dortmund is waiting for the school bus to arrive in his subdivision.The bus is also picking up the younger kids and dropping them off first at the elementary school.Only three other students besides himself are going all the way to the middle school.It's sure going to be a long ride this year.

Artie Jones had been in social studies last year with Sig.He is thinking that everyone will be deaf after riding with the elementary kids.He is also wondering about the other three middle schoolers.

Ras -- AKA George Brown -- is not listening to the noise.He is thinking about the advice given him by his brother Shaka -- formerly Lloyd -- to answer only to his new name.His father and mother don't understand the importance of the new names.

Kim Stevens is an orphan from China.His adopted father had driven him to school last year.He had felt a little strange in the unfamiliar surroundings, but he had made friends there.Now he is once more feeling a little strange.

In this story, Sig wonders about the old house that is going to be torn down.Last year, he had gone on a class trip to the museum and learned about the Egyptian and Chinese things that the owner of the house had given to the city.His mother knew the woman who cleaned the house before the old man died.Listening to their conversations, Sig had learned that some rooms were always locked.He wondered what treasures had beenkept in those rooms.

Sig tells Artie about the old house and they both climb through a window and explore the rooms.They find a locked door and Sig finds a poker to break the lock.Artie complains that that would be violating the law and leaves the house.

Sig touches the door and it swings open.Apparently it had not been locked after all.Within the room, he discovers a box with four dragons on the illustrated top.Inside the box are puzzle pieces.

Sig puts together the silver pieces of the dragon Fafnir and suddenly finds himself in a smithy where Sigurd King's Son is making a sword.His name is now Sig Clawhand, for his right hand is defective.He is a hearth boy at the smithy of Mimir the master smith.

A one-eyed man appears and sends Sig to call Sigurd King's Son out to speak to him.The man gives Sigurd the pieces of the sword Balmung and Sigurd forges it into a very sharp weapon.When Sigurd leaves to kill Fafnir, Sig Clawhand accompanies him on the journey.

This tale shows Artie coming back to the house and putting together the red dragon Pendragon.Then Ras comes and puts together the pieces of the blue dragon Sirrush-lau.Finally, Kim puts together the golden dragon Shui Mien Lung.

Each boy experiences the life of another boy of their culture in an adventure involving a dragon.Of course, Pendragon and Shui Mien Lung were not really dragons per se, but were men who acquired the names of dragons.Enjoy!

Highly recommended for Norton fans and anyone else who enjoys tales of legendary heroes, fearsome dragons and high adventure.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Four Boys, Four Cultures, Four Dragons
This is Norton for the younger reader-- about 5th grade to 9th grade.Four boys descended from four different cultures but all now living in the same neighborhood in the United States, assemble a puzzle that lets each of them have an adventure based on the dragon of each culture.In dealing with these dragons each boy learns an important lesson about cooperation and tolerance.

While the young adult reader may find this book a tad simplistic compared to Norton's adventure stories, this book can be a perfect way to introduce a reader at the appropriate level to the many worlds of Andre Norton.

Four Boys, Four Cultures, Four Dragons
This is Norton for the younger reader-- about 5th grade to 9th grade.Four boys descended from four different cultures but all now living in the same neighborhood in the United States, assemble a puzzle that lets each of them have an adventure based on the dragon of each culture.In dealing with these dragons each boy learns an important lesson about cooperation and tolerance.

While the young adult reader may find this book a tad simplistic compared to Norton's adventure stories, this book can be a perfect way to introduce a reader at the appropriate level to the many worlds of Andre Norton.

Four Boys, Four Cultures, Four Dragons
This is Norton for the younger reader-- about 5th grade to 9th grade.Four boys descended from four different cultures but all now living in the same neighborhood in the United States, assemble a puzzle that lets each of them have an adventure based on the dragon of each culture.In dealing with these dragons each boy learns an important lesson about cooperation and tolerance.

While the young adult reader may find this book a tad simplistic compared to Norton's adventure stories, this book can be a perfect way to introduce a reader at the appropriate level to the many worlds of Andre Norton. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Excellent story telling!
I have recently begun reading Norton novels, and have so far been impressed with her consistent quality. This one is no exception. She writes with an effective economy of words, and an always entertaining style. I quickly became interested in the story and the characters, and I loved the pace and the action. If you like good stories without all the extra filler, read this one or any of her other science fiction stories.

Not Free SF Reader
Catseye is another book based in and around the Dipple slum settlement/camp, or whatever you want to call it. There are only a few options open to those that live here. In Judgement on Janus, the main character there chose one, the young man in this book chooses another, taking temporary jobs to try and get by.

He lands what is basically a pet shop job dealing with exotic animals, who turn out to be far more than they seem. This leads to a dog and his boy sort of escapades, or the other way around.

Working Together
Catseye (1961) is a standalone SF novel in the Dipple universe.When the War of Two Sectors broke out, the Council had evacuated the Horans from Norden to the Displaced Persons center on Korwar.Range Master Lang had volunteered for military service and did not return.Then his wife died of the Cough, a passing illness that was particularly hard on those from Norden.Their son was the sole survivor of the Horan family.

In this novel, ten year later, Troy Horan has only his wide Range Master belt and a few memories to remind him of Norden.Now he is working as a casual laborer in Tikil.One morning, he is offered a job by the mechanical assigner and accepts it.Today he will escape the Dipple for a few hours.

Troy reports for work at Kyger's, a purveyor of extraordinary pets.On his first day, he frustrates an attempt to steal a pair of Terran cats.Supervisor Zul -- a full-blooded Bushman -- is wounded in the attempt and Kyger offers Troy a seven day contract to fill in for the injured man.

During the incident, Troy receives a warning in mindspeech from the cats.Later, he approaches their cage and exchanges a few thoughts.He conceals these communications from his employer and co-workers since he is not really sure what has happened.

Troy has an affinity for animals and does especially well with the fussel hawk, a hunting bird from Norden.He is asked to accompany a customer into the wild to prove the bird's qualities.He will spend three days in the company of Rerne, a high ranking member of the Hunter Clans.

Before this excursion, Troy is sent to a hillside villa to deliver special food for a pet kinkajou owned by Commander Varan Di.Since the Commander had just been murdered, the patrollers warn off his flitter, but allow him to continue after he explains his errand.As he is approaching the villa, the pet runs away from a patroller carrying it out of the building and leaps into Troy's arms.

The patrollers are upset at finding the pet rummaging through the Commander's papers.Troy points out that the kinkajou is a very imitative animal and his probably copying his master's habitual routine.While he is talking to the patrollers, the kinkajoy is pleading with him in mindspeech to take it away from the estate.Eventually, the patrollers tell him to return the pet to Kyger's shop and they fly away.

In this story, Troy finds that a pair of Terran foxes can also talk to him in mindspeech.He even overhears a conversation between the animals and their master.He begins to suspect Kyger of some form of espionage.Then Kyger is murdered and Zul tries to kill these animals.Troy steals a flitter and flees into the wilderness with the five Terran animals.

Troy and the animals are followed by Kyger's associates and the flitter is forced down in the 'accursed place' of Ruhkarv.Now they are hunted not only by Zul and his men, but also by the rangers of the Hunter Clans.They travel deep within the alien ruins and find much to fear therein.

This story is a precursor to the Beast Master series.Although Fors has mental communications with the great hunting cat Lura in Star Man's Son, this tale depicts a team of human and animals.Unlike Storm Hosteen's beastmaster team, however, Troy's group is more accidental than intentional.But it is still a combined force against their enemies.

Highly recommended for Norton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of human-beast teamwork, future cultures, and high adventure.

-Arthur W. Jordin

A solid read
After reading just about anything science fiction put in front of me for years, I hate to admit that this is my first foray into Andre Norton's work.The characters and the world instantly start out feeling stable and developed so there doesn't have to be any long spots of backstory narrative.All the details fall right where they need to go so the reader doesn't have to do much work.It's like you open the cover and the adventure begins.

I very much enjoyed Troy's plight through a place that's not exactly friendly to his type and how he grew as a man throughout the story.

Young Adult SF Classic
I won't go too much into the plot, as another reviewer here has done so quite excellently. However, I want to point out that Catseye was published for the Young Adult market and so can be read by both children, young adults and adults. I originally read this novel as a child and it still remains one of my favourite Andre Norton books.

Far, far into mankind's future, when humankind has spread out into the stars from the original planet of Terra and encountered other races...Young Troy Horan is a refugee/displaced person due to war, living the shadow life of an unwanted, non-citizen in the Dipple camp. His world and past life has gone forever and he has no future. The elite and powerbrokers of the galaxy, gathered on the pleasure planet of Korwar, prefer to ignore the unpleasant truth of the Dipple under their noses.

One day, Troy has the unbelievable luck to secure some temporary day work in a luxury pet shop. While there, he stumbles on a mystery that could cost him his life, and he goes on the run with the special sentient luxury pets he has discovered he can communicate with in the petshop.

Who can Troy trust? He and his Terran animal friends hold a dangerous secret, and various interested and powerful parties now set off in pursuit of Troy and his friends as they escape into the highly protected nature wilderness that comprises most of Korwar, and finally into the mysterious, forbidden and sealed ruins of a previous race which existed on Korwar. The ruins are officially sealed for a reason - can the escapees survive their pursuers and what lurks within?

Language and content are appropriate for children/young adults. In addition, the writing and plot is at an extremely high level, appealing to adult readers as well. Some themes are environmentalism, power, war, refugees and animal rights. One of my favourite SF books still, as an adult reader. Also one for cat lovers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The snake gets all the lines in volume 3 of this magical series
I believe there were only four 'Magic in Ithkar' volumes, which is a shame because Norton and Adams did a great job of soliciting (and editing?) these commonly-themed fantasy shorts.Each of the four collections has the same prologue by Robert Adams, which explains how the fair originated in Ithkar (a religious anniversary turned pilgrimage), the set-up (temple, campgrounds for the merchants, docks and canals for the riparian traffic, etc.), and the difficulties encountered on a pilgrimage or trading voyage to Ithkar (Death Swamp, dragons, outlaw wizards).All weapons must be surrendered before entering the fair and wizards are discouraged from glamorizing shoddy goods with their spells.Of course, as at any large festival, the fair at Ithkar has its share of rogues, piratical merchants, bravos, potion-makers and witches, troupes of entertainers (not a few of them turning tricks), and gullible pilgrims.

The stories:

"Three Knives in Ithkar" by Gareth Bloodwine -A somber story of an apprentice herbalist who falls in obsessively in love with a pretty shill for a knife-throwing booth.

"Were-Sisters" by Ann R. Brown -Two sisters who happen to be werewolves bake yummy deer-meat pastries for the opening of the Ithkar Fair.Unfortunately, another baker has a grudge against them.

"The Magic Carpet" by James Clark -A carpet seller has a bad day at the Fair when an item of his merchandise floats.The punishment for magicking sales goods is rather severe in Ithkar.

"The Amiable Assassin" by A.C. Crispin -When a young guard, who also works in his mother's laundry talks about 'taking care of dirty laundry' in an alehouse, he is mistaken for an assassin.

"Guardians of the Secret" by Ginger Curry and Monika Conroy -I have problems with stories with lines like "Night was squatting once again upon Ithkar" or "Dawn was a vampire lover kissing the slumbering city awake."At any rate, an old perfumer passes on a world-shattering secret (which we never learn) to her young successor (who immediately turns old and ugly).

"The Beggar and His Cat" by Gene DeWeese -A beggar indulges in a long monologue about his cat, who may or may not be magical.

"Flarrin Red-chin" by M. Coleman Easton -A young woman's dowsing talent manifests itself in a rather unusual fashion.

"Covenant" by P.M. Griffin - An artist and a warrior take on the dark god, Thotharn.

"What Little Girls Are Made Of" by T.S. Huff -A hugely popular candy-maker makes her annual trip to the Fair and is forced to bargain with a follower of Thotharn for her granddaughter's honor.The story's good except for a slightly unbelievable ending.

"Eyes of the Seer" by Caralyn Inks and Georgia Miller -A blind seer loses his gift when a harlot steals his 'amulet.'A tinsmith who wants to apprentice himself to the seer promises to make him a new one.

"Fiddler Fair" by Mercedes Lackey -A girl disguised as a boy tries out for the Bardic Guild.When she wins the trial and announces her true sex, the Bards promptly smash her instruments and kick her out of the tent.However, this isn't the end of the story.

"The Silverlord" by Morgan LLywelyn -A genetically enhanced white stallion catches the eye of a beautiful race rider. Will they find true love across the species barrier?

"SunDark in Ithkar" by S. Lee Rouland -A girl with the magical gift of being able to predict the positions of astronomical objects wants to apprentice herself to an astrologer.Meanwhile the priests of Thotharn (he really has a big presence in this volume) plot to use an eclipse to acquire more followers.

"Hair's Breath" by Susan Shwartz -Two married traders and their baby are kidnapped by underwater demons.Fortunately, the husband is a dream-singer with an unusual harp.

"The Singing Eggs" by Kiel Stuart -A down-on-her-luck portrait painter acquires a new apprentice, a batch of singing eggs, and an important client.So, what's the catch?

A most compelling book
When I first read it, I had my doubts because I had never heard of it before.But as I was reading it, I could not stop; I had to know what was going to happen to the characters in the next chapter.

Each author contributes a wonderful tale that is set in the magical place of Ithkar.Just when I think I know what will happen, the story takes an unexpected turn into a new avenue of adventure.This book makes me want to read all the other Magic in Ithkar books. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Crossroads of Time - good book
I read this book for the first time in 2007 - it stand up quite well for a 50+ year old novel! The story centers around alternate worlds which are created by differences in history, such as a battle won or lost. A certain world of people figure out how to visit these different worlds, and of course the Good Guys try to keep the Bad Guys from taking advantage of the situations in these alternate worlds which make it easy for the Bad Guys to florish and take over. The hero is a likeable guy from our world, dragged into the cops n robbers chase across several worlds when he innocently helps out a Good Guy and therefore attracts the attention of the Bad Guys... our hero must then be introduced and quickly trained in the theories and ways behind the alternate worlds. Does he make it home? Do the Bad Guys win? Read it for yourself to find out!
I was glad to find out there is a sequel, and will be seeking it out.

Not Free SF Reader
This book throws in time travel, alternate worlds, psionic powers, and a cat.

A man named Blake gets caught up in an event with a gunman and some government agents, and ends up on a wild time travelling adventure to stop an enemy trying to gain power and do bad things to time.

Handy developing mental powers help him stop it.

First Blake Walker time travel book
"The Crossroads of Time" is the first of two volumes concerning Blake Walker's adventures on alternate Earths.Blake, a 1950s citizen of our own Earth is accidentally caught up in the chase for a telepathic psychopath who is looking for an alternate Earth to rule.

This is a solid adventure about a brave band of Time Wardens, who have sworn to protect alternate Earths from manipulation by sociopaths.Blake is an appealing young man who is enlisted in the bizarre cross-world pursuit, almost against his will. He is tumbled from Earth to Earth, burnt, frozen, terrified at times and struggling to survive against ogres, robotic worms, and the renegade telepath.He finally lands in the ruins of New York City on an Earth where Hitler won the Battle of Britain.In an eerie echo of our own time, Blake joins the fight against evil with gritty New Yorkers who have survived both bombing and plague.

Andre Norton's rendition of tough guy dialogue may ring quaintly in modern ears, but that shouldn't keep her fans from seeking out this book and its successor, "Quest Crosstime."

Blake Walker's first alternate Earth adventure
"The Crossroads of Time" is the first of two volumes concerning Blake Walker's adventures on alternate Earths.Blake, a 1950s citizen of our own Earth is accidentally caught up in the chase for a telepathic psychopath who is looking for an alternate Earth to rule.

This is a solid adventure about a brave band of Time Wardens, who have sworn to protect alternate Earths from manipulation by sociopaths.Blake is an appealing young man who is enlisted in the bizarre cross-world pursuit, almost against his will. He is tumbled from Earth to Earth, burnt, frozen, terrified at times and struggling to survive against ogres, robotic worms, and the renegade telepath.He finally lands in the ruins of New York City on an Earth where Hitler won the Battle of Britain.In an eerie echo of our own time, Blake joins the fight against evil with gritty New Yorkers who have survived both bombing and plague.

Andre Norton's rendition of tough guy dialogue may ring quaintly in modern ears, but that shouldn't keep her fans from seeking out this book and its successor, "Quest Crosstime."

Catching the Crosstime Shuttle
The Crossroads of Time (1956) is the first novel in the Crosstime series.Blake Walker is an entering art student at Havers who is staying in a hotel prior to registering at the school.He is an orphan who was found in an alley by two policemen, one of whom became his foster father.Since both of his foster parents are now dead, he has no known kin.

In this novel, Blake has a premonition that something dangerous is about to occur in his vicinity and, when it peaks, he is drawn to the corridor.After easing the door open, he finds a man holding a gun on another man who is unlocking the room across the way.Blake grabs the gunman's throat and yanks his head back, providing the other man with an opportunity to knock the gunman unconscious.The rescued man introduces himself as Kittson, an FBI agent.Soon, two of Kittson's associates come and take away the gunman.Shortly thereafter, someone identifying himself as a hotel security officer knocks on Blake's door, but Kittson tells Blake to say that he is going to check with the desk and the stranger goes away.

Since someone is obviously curious about the recent events, Kittson takes Blake with him when he leaves.They travel to a loft apartment atop a warehouse, where Blake finds three other men in addition to Mark Kittson.Apparently, these men are doing a great deal of reading, for piles of books, with numerous bookmarks, are all around the living room.One of the men, Jason Saxton, claims that the books are part of his hobby, the study of history, and turns the conversation to the subject of decision points in history causing diverging timelines.Later, Blake is awakened to find Kittson injured and being helped into another bedroom.The next day, that bedroom is locked and then someone or something comes up the elevator to the outside door and sends a mental presence into the room, attacking Blake.Although Blake holds out for a while, he collapses after the attacking presence is scared off by the returning agents.

When the others learn of the intrusion, they prepare to move their operation elsewhere.However, they tell Blake a little more about the crosstime secret and their mission to catch a power-mad renegade.Blake learns just enough to pretend to be totally ignorant of the true mission when he later falls into the hands of the opposition.

While not the first of its type, this novel is an early example of travel between probability universes or alternate timelines, such as in Smith's The Probability Broach.It did precede Piper's Paratime series by a few years but has a similar premise.The author has only written one other novel in this series to date:Quest Crosstime.

This story features psionic powers, but lacks many of the other characteristic plot elements of the author's later works.However, the author does include an ordinary kitten who plays a significant role in defeating the villain.I found the story to be interesting, maybe for nostalgic reasons, but it is not one of her best works.

Recommended for Norton fans and anyone who enjoys SF adventures in strange universes.

-Arthur W. Jordin ... Read more

Product Description
12 stories by science fiction author Andre Norton, together in one collection, with an active table of contents:

The Defiant Agents
The Gifts of Asti
Key Out of Time
Plague Ship
Ralestone Luck
Rebel Spurs
Ride Proud, Rebel!
Star Born
Star Hunter
Storm Over Warlock
The Time Traders
Voodoo Planet
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Some good stories........
Some of the stories in this collection are pretty good, but author bias definitely shows through in the Civil War stories (Ride, Proud Rebel, for example). Confederate soldiers often described as barefoot, poorly-clothed, starving, with little or no ammunition routinely defeat better equipped and armed Union forces. Union soldiers are pictured as incompetent and cowardly, throwing away their weapons and fleeing in terror when assaulted by the rag-tag Confederates who gleefully plunder supplies left by the retreating Union troops. Gets really old, really fast and keeps happening throughout the story.

I'll update this review after I read more of the anthology. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

just plain not very good
I haven't read a lot of Andre Norton, but what i have read has been very good. I've read nothing else by Jean Rabe, so i have no estimation of her quality as an independent writer.

This team effort, though, is lacking. (For those who don't know the backstory, Norton 'sold' the manuscript-in-process to Rabe for $1, so it would be completed since Norton didn't have the time to do so herself before she died.)

It's a short, fast read, with some characters more developed than others. The twist near the end is unbearably predictable, though, and the most tension i experienced was the desire to slap the main character for being so obtuse.

Unless you're a die-hard Norton fan, you should probably skip this book. It's better than a lot of books out there these days, but there are still plenty that leave this one in the dust.

A Confused Quest
A Taste of Magic (2006) is a standalone fantasy novel.Wisteria t'Kyros is the daughter of the Emperor's food taster.Like her father, Eri has the wyse talent of tasting the air around her.She has an elder brother, Rembert, who is serving as a guardsman for some lord.

Eri was taken in by Lady Ewaren -- House Lady of Nar -- when her mother died.In that household, she learned to weave and care for the house.Yet she had also become a docent of Bastien t'Ikkes, once a royal guard and a fabled Moonson, who had saved the life of the Emperor.His injuries had led to a discharge and retirement to Nar.

In this novel, Eri has gone hunting and is returning with her kill when she hears a cow bellowing for milking.She tests the breeze and tastes blood and death throughout the village. The only survivor is ten year old Alysen.

While Eri is examining the body of Lady Ewaren, Alysen t'Greer attacks Eri with a knife, accusing her of being a demon.After calming down, Alysen tells of men who came looking for Eri.Lord Purvis of Elderlake had his men break the fingers of Lady Ewaren trying to find Wisteria's whereabouts, but Lady Ewaren did not know where Eri had gone.When she could not provide the information, the demon-of-a-man had her slain.

Nanoo Gafna had saved Alysen from Lord Purvis and his soldiers by weaving a ward spell over her.The soldiers looked right at Alysen without seeing her.Gafna had fled from the killing toward her home in the fens.

In this story, Eri takes a bloodoath against Lord Purvis, but first she must deliver Alysen to the Nanoo village for protection.As they are approaching the center of the fens, Alysen takes off running and leads Eri to a bird-like thing caught up by vines.Alysen and Eri free the creature -- named Grazti by Alysen -- and take it with them.

When Eri and Alysen reach the Nanoo village, Nanoo Shellaya -- the village leader -- informs them that Gafna has not returned from Nar.Eri scrys for Gafna and learns that she is being held in a village by the sea.She too has been tortured by Lord Purvis.

This story relates the journey of Eri and Shellaya to the village Elspeth's Knot to rescue Gafna.Eri learns a few things about patience and planning during that rescue, but they do rescue Gafna.Shellaya takes Gafna back to the Nanoo village and Eri continues her effort to slay Lord Purvis.

In Derilynn village, Eri scrys for Lord Purvis and discovers that he is back in the fens.Tillard -- a young man raised in the Nanoo village -- rides back with her.On the way, they start to see prior events in a different light.

This tale was outlined and partially completed by Andre Norton, but was finished by Jean Rabe.Norton struggled with this story for several years, but the words just didn't flow as in the past.So it does not have all the storytelling magic of Norton and the ending appears to be lacking something.Yet it is a better tale than many other works of fantasy.Read it, but remember the other tales that flowed from the author's pen.

Recommended for Norton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of exotic magic, muddled quests, and impulsive women warriors.

-Arthur W. Jordin

A Taste of Magic
I was not blown away by this book. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't fantastic either - it was ok. Took me an afternoon to read it. The book just didn't grab me. You could tell that it was not put together by 2 writers working together - it just didn't flow in parts. I also found certain events, especially reactions to events occurring in the story, beyond believability. It is not a book I will re-read, & I am not waiting breathlessly for its sequel, which I am sure will be written.

final tribute to one of the greats
One morning Westeria, commonly known as Eri, goes out hunting deep in the woods and on her return her powerful Wyse magic senses death and bloodshed in her Village Nar.When she arrives at her home she sees that everyone is dead except for Alysen who was protected by a "do not see me" spell by the witch Nanoo Gafna.Alysen claims that the leader of the men Lord Purvis came to kill Eri because her father the food taster for the Emperor is dead as is the Emperor.The empress wants the magic of her line to die with her.

Eri swears a blood oath to kill Lord Purvis but first she must get Alysen to the witches in Mardel's Fen protected by the woods and the earth magic that allows them to keep intruders out.Before they get there they rescue a trapped bird-like creature not knowing it is evil. It orders the two females to take it to a certain place but they destroy it before it can harm Eri and Alysen.After Alysen is put under the care of the Nanoos, their leader and Eri try and rescue Nanoo Gafna who saved Alysen.Eri is then free to complete her mission only she learns Lord Purvis is going to the village of Mardel's Fen; she races against time to stop another bloodbath.

This is the last book Andre Norton started to write before she died; Jean Rabe using outlines, notes and a few written chapters written complete the fine fantasy which contains the same magical feel as all the great author's books seem to have.Readers will sympathize with the heroine who blames herself for the deaths of her loved ones.However the shocker that makes this a delightful read is to learn who her true enemy is.

Harriet Klausner
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Ka'ats:
Star Kaat

This is the first book in the four book Stsr Ka'at series.

The characters in this book are:

Humans:
Jim, a recent orphan,
Elly Mae, a young girl who lives with her sickly Granny

Star Ka'ats:
Tiro, the team leader and first scout,
Mer an assistant scout.


Srar Ka'ats have`exceptional intelligence and psionic powers. They are on a rescue mission to rescue their 'near-kin" from an impending diaster to Earth.

Highly recommended for Andre Norton fans and bright juveniles.

GunnerOctober, 2009

The first Star Ka'at book.Dedicated to Impy.
The characters in this book are:

Humans:
Jim, a recent orphan,
Elly Mae, a young girl who lives with her sickly Granny

Star Ka'ats:
Tiro, the team leader and first scout,
Mer an assistant scout.


Srar Ka'ats have`exceptional intelligence and psionic powers.They are on a rescue mission to rescue their 'near-kin" from an impending diaster to Earth.

Highly recommended for Andre Norton fans and bright juveniles.

GunnerJune, 2009

Simply Superb
I purchased this for my 12 year old niece who loves cats and has an overactive imagination. If you have a young reader who loves cats and likes sci-fi, GET THIS BOOK for them!

great kid's book
This is a story about 2 kids who have "dropped through the cracks".They manage to find each other and befriend several cats--whom they discover are actually Ka'ats, visitors to our planet sent to rescue any of their kin that can be saved before we humans finally succeed in destroying the earth.The Ka'ats decide to save the 2 kids (one boy, one girl) and take them back to their own world.There are 2 more books in this series--Star Ka'at World and Star Ka'at and the Plant People--that any kid would love.These are about 6th grade level I think.My 8 yo and 10 yo grandson's both enjoyed the books, but both read very far above their grade levels.

AMAZING FANTASY TO REMEMBER
It is a wonderful story with the idea of cats as aliens come back to earth to collect their cousins. (earthling cats) It is a wonderful story where a boy and girl hear them thought-speak to their cousins to come home andlearn too much. It is a MUST READ. ... Read more

Product Description
In Karsten, Ciara of Elmsgarth is only a small girl when the edict is carried out to kill all with Witch blood, and take all they own. As a mob murderers her family, Ciara is rescued and protected by the powerful Lord Tarnoor and his son, Trovagh. As the years pass, Ciara and Trovagh grow to love each other and marry, raising children of their own. Then an evil sorcerer rises to power, and his vendetta against Ciara threatens all she loves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

For Better or For Worse
Ciara's Song (1998) is the second novel in the Witch World Chronicles series, following Songsmith.Ciara is the daughter of Talyo and Lanlia, both from families with some Old Blood.Her brother Larianbrought word of Duke Yvian's thrice horning of the Old Blood.Lanlia envisions the deaths of her two step-sons and takes steps to protect young Ciara.

Talyo, Larian and Lanlia die at the hands of their neighbors at Elmsgarth, but Ciara is not found by the mob.Three days later, Lord Tarnoor arrives with his son Trovagh to look for survivors and to take away all portable items to keep them from the scavengers.They find Ciara and take her back with them to Aiskeep.

In this novel, Ciara is heart-sick with grief and fear;she is having nightmares and unable to keep down her food.One night, Trovagh comes during a nightmare and hears Ciara speak of her loneliness, so he offers his own family to her.He swears to protect her and proposes marriage.When Ciara agrees, they perform as much of the betrothal ceremony as they remember and then return to their beds.

Lord Tarnoor overhears their conversation and ceremony and is well pleased.He asks the Priestess of the Cup and Flame to oversee a formal betrothal ceremony for them and it is done.Now Ciara will be the daughter that he has always wanted.

After that Ciara's health steadily improves, but Trovagh catches a cold that becomes pneumonia.Ciara prepares draughts for him as had her mother, but he becomes feverish and his lungs gurgle.Remembering the pendant given to her by Larian, Ciara sinks her mind into its gray mists and heals his illness.Later she heals a favorite horse who has broken his leg.Both times, the exhaustion and powerloss last for a week;obviously she is not a very strong healer.

Lord Tarnoor, however, knows that she has enough of the Old Blood powers to inflame passions against her.Moreover, the powerful lords would have no qualms about using her for political ends.Something must be done to protect her from these enemies.

One man suspects her powers, however, and intends her death.Seren tries to drown her in Teral Town, but a friendly merchant loudly orders a search for the missing girl and scares away the would-be killer.Seren tries to harm Ciara in other ways, but the betrayer is himself betrayed.Seren is driven out of his own garth and dies in a strange land.However, his son has sworn vengeance against the people of Aiskeep.

This novel covers four generations at Aiskeep, from Lord Tarnoor to his great-granddaughter Aisling.It encompasses the history of Karsten from the thrice horning to the rise of Duke Shandro.During this time, the witches of Estcarp stir their southern mountains, killing the invading army of Duke Pagar of Kars.

This is a time of great danger to anyone with the Old Blood.Indeed, anyone with any magical powers at all, including healing, are viewed with suspicion.Even an accusation of working for the witches of Estcarp is likely to stir up a lynch mob.

To her sorrow, Ciara finds enemies among her own children.Her son Kirin is just weak, welcoming the attentions of Duke Pagar.However, her grandson Kirion is evil, bullying his own brother and trying to kill his sister Aisling for her powers.

Highly recommended for Norton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of magic, loyalty and intrigue.

-Arthur W. Jordin

cute, but not even close...
I loved the book - there were many cute moments.That was until I got to the ending.I felt that a lot was left out of the book.Many things were said or hinted at that should not have been if they weren't going to bring it all together at the end.I've been taught that nothing is EVER mentioned if it doesn't prove useful later because it's a waste of time and space.The book could have been expanded upon with more character and plot development.It felt like half the novel was missing once I'd closed the book.Did they just run out of time and rushed at the end to get something completed?There was no real ending.I know people say that cliffhangers are great for the writing of sequels, but come on!That wasn't a cliffhanger...It was a cliff that fell from under my feet!I was sorely disappointed.If you're looking for a quick, cute read with no meat, this is good.However, if you love sci fi and the witch world and love books that actually satisfy you once you're through, do not read this...it'll just make you wish you didn't.

Wishing for more
Oh yes, exactly!I, I suppose in contrast to those prior in reviews, LOVED this book incredibly.While I DO wish that Cee's story was expanded upon (towards the end it seemed a little rushed) I still can't wait for a sequel!I'm now reading the "Chronicles of Witchworld," and wish most desperately I could find a sequel on the story of Ciara's granddaughter.

Extremely Boring
The first chapter is fast paced and exciting; probably written by Norton, who left the rest of the book to the junior author. The remainder of the book drags on and on, with no character development, no interesting fantasy evironment, no action, and really nothing to recommend it.

Maybe appropriate for teens
I picked this book up because I had enjoyed Norton's writing in the past.Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed by the book. The plot was interesting--if unoriginal--and the book had some cute parts to it.However, the writing style was juvenile at best.The book often seemed more like a plot summary than a novel, so that the authors were able to skim through the events of several decades in 244 pages.The book was told from the point of view of several characters over the span of about 40 years, giving the book a disjointed tone.None of the characters was ever really developed, and most of the villains were incredibly shallow. The ending was anticlimactic and inconclusive.The authors often left out even incredibly basic descriptions, so that I often didn't know what characters looked like.All in all, I had the impression that the authors didn't like the book very much and were trying to get through it as quickly as possible. If they had filled it out properly, or made it into two full novels, it might have been worth the paper it was printed on.The book might be appropriate for adolescent readers, but adult readers might want to look for something a little bit better. ... Read more

Product Description
This Halcyon Classics eBook contains fourteen classic science fiction and adventure stories by acclaimed writer Andre Alice Norton.Norton (1912-2005) was the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master Award.

This ebook is DRM free and includes an active table of contents for easy navigation.


Contents:

The Gifts of Asti
All Cats are Gray
Key Out of Time
Plague Ship
Ralestone Luck
Star Born
Star Hunter
Storm Over Warlock
The Defiant Agents
The Time Traders
Voodoo Planet
Rebel Spurs
Ride Proud, Rebel
The People of the Crater
... Read more

Product Description
An array of fantasy tales, includes works by Norton, RobertBloch, Elizabeth Scarborough, A. C. Crispin, Ardath Mayhar,and Robert E. Vardeman. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

1 genuine Norton, 16 imitators
A genuine Andre Norton story leads off "Tales of the Witch World" (1987)."Of the Shaping of Ulm's Heir" concerns the conception and birth of Kerovan, hero of the "The Crystal Gryphon" (1972), "Gryphon in Glory" (1981), and "Gryphon's Eyrie" (1984).

As 'Gryphon' fans might know, there was a tussle over the conception of Kerovan.His mother called upon a Dark Power to father him, but through the intervention of some timely white magic, one of the Great Ones of the Light beats the bad guy to the bed chamber.Kerovan's mother refuses to have anything to do with the baby once he is born, which is just as well, considering her original plans for him.

The remainder of the seventeen stories in "Tales of the Witch World" are by authors who claimed to have spent a good part of their youth in Norton's imaginary land, where magic hung in "trembling balance between the forces of Light and those of the Dark."Some fantasy writers like Robert Bloch, Charles de Lint, and Elizabeth Scarborough you will surely recognize.Others you might not.

Alas, none of their stories quite meet the standards set by Norton, although Robert Bloch, who rewrites "Of the Shaping of Ulm's Heir" from the Dark viewpoint, comes closest.I kept getting caught up in minor discrepancies in characters (Norton's characters NEVER fall in bed with each other after a couple of nights on the trail) or background (the Grey Ones inhabit Escore, not the Waste Lands outside of High Hallack).Just a minor false note in an otherwise good story was enough to spoil it for me.

A better set of single-location short stories are the four 'Magic in Ithkar' volumes, edited by Norton and Adams.Ithkar Fair is a place where any author might ply his or her magic without messing up the intricate background that Norton has already created for Witch World.

long-awaited answers for the Were Riders and for Ulm
The short stories herein are set in many different locales in the Witch World, on both sides of the ocean, and in many different times (before, during, and after the Kolder War). I'd suggest reading the first few novels before reading them, to get the background. If you're already familiar with the Witch World, enjoy; some long-unanswered questions and unexplored bits of history are addressed here.

My comments are organized alphabetically by author, rather than order of appearance in the book.

Belden, Wilanne Schneider: "Fenneca" - Set during the worst devastation of the Invader's War. The title character is a fey child - not entirely a mortal human - whose destiny is bound up with the rebuilding of the Dales.

Bloch, Robert: "Heir Apparent" - The narrator - Lady Tephana's chief servant, her former nursemaid - tells her side of "Of the Shaping of Ulm's Heir" (see below). If you like, you could read both stories before tackling _The Crystal Gryphon_.

Crispin, A.C.: "Bloodspell" - This tale of Herrel and the Were-Riders is set during Herrel's youth in Arvon, and answers a question left unanswered in _Year of the Unicorn_.

de Lint, Charles: "The White Road" - Set in the time between the end of the Invader's War and "Changeling", by which time Nordendale had a new lord. Saren, the innkeeper's daughter, is hitting the road in man's guise to seek her fortune.

Dunn, Marylois: "Cat and the Other" - Cat, the toughest of the toms in the castle, is annoyed at the Other's presence in his mind; the castle's Witch, attempting to cast the suitor of her protege out of his body and into a pigeon, missed her aim. Cat, fearless and acquainted with the Witch's familiar, takes charge of getting the Other back where he belongs. (More of Cat's adventures can be found in other volumes of the series).

Griffin, Pauline: "Oath-Bound" - A Sulcar captain, who broke his leg saving the life of Tronel, a Falconer serving on his ship, asks a favor in return: to escort the Lady Qu'el back to her native gate, now that her term of service to the Sulcar is done. Tronel is honor-bound - despite his people's double distrust of women bearing magic.

Heidbrink, James R. "Of Ancient Swords and Evil Mist" - Jobec, captain of the Sulcar warship _Red Dawn_, is the sole survivor of a shipwreck after a great storm, following a raid on Alizon. A bad place to be, even if he hadn't stumbled across mysterious ruins...

Inks, Caralyn: "Nine Words in Winter" - Many characters in the Witch World swear by the Nine Words of Min; here we learn more about them.

Lackey, Mercedes: "Were-Hunter" - A young woman from our universe discovers, upon stumbling through a Gate into the Dales, that she has Were abilities - but she doesn't know how to control them.

Mayhar, Ardath: "Neither Rest Nor Refuge" - The narrator, a boy of the Old Race, is speaking as a fugitive just after the three-times-horning (see _Witch World_ for the decree that put his people to the sword).

Miller, Sasha: "To Rebuild the Eyrie" - Set some years after the Turning, in which the Falconer's Eyrie was destroyed. Eirrian, a tavernkeeper's niece, has been kidnapped - and the kidnapper is a romantic young idiot of a Falconer who wants to reestablish the Eyrie, complete with the separate women's village.

Norton, Andre: "The Shaping of Ulm's Heir" - As recounted at the beginning of _The Crystal Gryphon_, the house of Ulm was cursed after its lord violated a treasure-house of the Old Ones - that lord died, leaving his son Ulric to inherit, and the other members of the expedition also died swiftly. More: Ulric could get no living children, so that he set his second wife, Elva, aside for barrenness, despite his love for her, and wed Lady Tephana instead (a widow with a living son as proof of fertility). This tale is told by Ylas - daughter of the Marshal on that ill-fated expedition, cursed with a harelip, and personal servant of Elva - the tale of how Lady Tephana came to call on evil magic to bear an heir to Ulm, and what came of it.
Scarborough, Elizabeth: "Milk from a Maiden's Breast" - Freyti, a Mosswife, comes to the rescue of Tregemma, a famed warrior of Escore caught in an ambush.

Schaub, Mary H. "Night Hound's Moon" - Kennard, an asthmatic boy left alone after the wise woman who raised him died, had only one companion - the mysterious hound he freed from a trap (its elaborate collar was entangled with some brush). Now humanity has found him again - in the form of bandits who have sold him to a mysterious crew of evil magicians. A well-told story, but I was distracted for quite some time by asking, "Who ARE these guys??"

Severance, Carol: "Isle of Illusion" - Metae of Komlin Keep is fast approaching her coming-of-age, when she will take the rulership from her uncle, who has acted as regent since the death of her father (who defeated him in a quarrel over the lordship after the disappearance of their elder sister). Now she's about to find out what happened to her aunt. You may never look the same way at seashells again after reading this; it's cool.

Stuart, Kiel: "Green in High Hallack" - Tymmons' people are facing famine - but he can't help having mercy on the Ranthan whose life he saved, and he won't see it sacrificed.

Vardeman, Robert E. "The Road of Dreams and Death" - Luanna, daughter of the lord of Rozdale, has fallen in love with a farmer she first met at the market in Quayth; but after having one daughter wed to a mere merchant, he's not about to concede *this* match.

Tales from Andre Norton's Witch World
I read this book when it first came out. If you like Ms. Norton's Witch World, read these short stories. From these stories from other writers some of her later collaborative efforts were developed, including the Falconerwho takes a wife.Many aspects of her world are explored from minorcharacters to expansion of history and legend. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One of my faverites
I got it when it first come out and have read it many times sense . It's an adventure story along the lines of Prisoner of Zenda . So many really good books are out of print . Which is a shame . I love this book . Haunting used books stores are a faverite past time of mine .

This is Andre Norton's 1stbook.
The Prince Commands (1934)

This is Andre Norton's first book.The late grand mistress of science fictionand fantasy wrote an Author's Note in this book of:



Author's Note:

"Once, some few years ago, a boy begged a story of me.It was to be of "sword fights and impossible things" I complied as best I could with this imaginary tale of Courts and Castles, Crown Princes and Communists.The telling of it was not of days or weeks, but in months.

Here, John, is your story of "impossible thing."

Back to the review:


I don't know who John was ,but the whole community of Science Fiction and Fantasy readers owes John a great deal.

Andre Norton wrote her first book as far as I know in 1934 and her last one, by herself, in 2005.She died March 17, 2005 and her publisher rushed a copy of Three Hands from Scorpio, her last, to her death bed for her to see.

Andre Norton wrote more an a hundred novels. She was noted for having found success through writing young adult and children's stories. She was the first woman to have been awarded Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy and the Nebula Grand Master Awards.


Let's see that's 71 years of writing.Pretty good for a librarian from Cleveland, Ohio.



"Raised in America, Michael Karl learns at eighteen that he is heir to the throne of Morvania, a Balkan kingdom threatened by revolution and by the sinister Werewolf, a mountain marauder of more than human reputation whose followers may be less than human."

"The moment he arrives in Morvania, Michael Karl is plunged into a seething plot and counterplot, and deadly danger.His death would greatly benefit some very powerful adversaries.

Michael embarks on a desperate, thrilling scheme.If it succeeds, the future of Morvania will be changed for the good.

If he fails Michael will die..."

On a personal note, Andre Norton's was the very first Science Fiction that I ever read, sometime in the 1950's, I believe.My Brother had purchased the paperback version of Andre Norton's Starman's Son and let me read it.I was hooked.Have been ever since.


Highly recommended for fans of Andre Norton with a WARNING. Even though Andre Norton is best known for her Science Fiction and later fantasy, this is neither.It is simply a superb action adventure.My ex-library copy had it mislabeled as science fiction.

I don't believe any Andre Norton library would be complete without this book

GunnerApril, 2008

Move Over Rudolf Rassendyll!
Michael Karl's dreams for the future do *not* include becoming the monarch of an obscure Ruritanian kingdom but he soon discovers he has no say in the matter. He, the result of a misalliance between a Morvanian Prince and an American girl, is now the sole heir to the throne.
However not all of his future subjects are welcoming. On his way to his capital Michael Karl is captured and threatened by a rebel leader known as the Werewolf, apparently because he is one! Escaping Michael lands on the doorstep of an American Journalist in the guise of a distressed fellow citizen resolutely concealing his royal identity.
All Michael wants is to go home to America but even incognito he can't help but get caught up in the political turmoil of his ancestral land and begins to wonder if maybe the Werewolf doesn't have a point after all. ... Read more

Product Description
Two complete novels of courageous men and women whose only hope was escape in an untested starship to other worlds of bright promise—and unknown dangers:

            The Stars are Ours: Dard Nordis is a hunted man. His brother was murdered for covert activities as a scientist in a world which scientists and engineers are blamed for the global war that smashed civilization, and the global dictatorship of Pax has ordered their execution. Now he is on the run, trying to find the secret stronghold of his brother’s friends and colleagues—a hidden place where the few remaining scientists are desperately building a spaceship to escape to the stars.

            Star Born: Centuries after the desperate flight from Earth, Pax has been overthrown and humanity again reaches for the stars. Rof Kurbi’s spaceship reaches the planet Astra, not knowing that the planet already has a colony established centuries ago by the fugitive humans from Earth . . . and that the apparently friendly natives of the planet are actually malevolent invaders from elsewhere, who are plotting to eliminate all humans from Astra, both the recent arrivals and the star born colonists.

Publisher’s Note: Star Flight was originally published in parts as The Stars are Ours and Star Born. This is the first time both novels have appeared in one mass market volume.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Proof readers evidently were on strike
My copy was full of misspellings and dropped sentences. I bought it new to read while saving my originals of the two books, but I've had to refer to them to make sense of entire pages! Other than that, it is ok although a bit slow in places. So much of the book is about the repressive and backward society, that at times I wondered if the title was even appropriate.

The Stars Are Ours and Star Born.
Star Flight

Star Flight (2007) is an omnibus edition of the two SF novels in the Astra series. It includes The Stars Are Ours and Star Born.

In case you haven't heard, Baen is going back and republishing a number of Andre Norton's books in Omnibus form, at least two books per.I personally appreciate this since my old paperbacks are getting somewhat worn and this will give a new generation easier access to the "Mistress of Science Fiction and Fantasy".



The Stars Are Ours

Ad Astra Novel

This is the first novel in the Astra duology. Mankind had reached the Moon, Mars and Venus, but found little to justify terra-forming, so interplanetary flight was used only for scientific research. However, the three space stations provided a number of services, including astronomical and meteorological observations and refueling interplanetary flights. One of these stations was invaded by unidentified armed men who turned certain installations into weapons which they unleashed against the planet. A major portion of the planet was completely devastated and the loss of life was incalculable.

Among the survivors was Arturo Renzi, who had lost his entire family. He began to preach the evils of science and was welcomed as a great leader throughout the world. However, his message was too liberal for some of his followers and he was assassinated, apparently by a Free Scientist. For three days after the assassination, Renzi's followers engaged in a furious purge against scientists and techneers, hunting them down and killing them. Then Saxon Bort, one of Renzi's chief lieutenants, assumed command of the leader's forces and established the tight dictatorship of the Company of Pax.

In this novel, a decade or so later, Dard Nordis is the son of a Scientific family, living with his older brother, Lars, and his niece, Dessie. Lars and Dard, together with Lars' pregnant wife, Kathia, had fled the purge, but the escape had left Lars a twisted cripple and his wife an amnesiac. After Dessie was born, Kathia retreated into her own dream world until her death. Now Dard, Lars, and Dessie live on a farm far from any population center and the only nearby farm is Hew Folley's place. Dard doesn't trust Folley, for he wants their farm. Then one night, a Pax 'copter lands in the snow just before the house and armed Peacemen surround the building. Dard has the others gather food and supplies and sends them down into the cellar, then torches the house. Moving aside some rotting bins, he uncovers a tunnel, sends Dessie ahead, and helps Lars struggle down the passage.

After the Peacemen leave, Lars sends Dard out to leave a packet for his Scientific underground contact, but Dard hears a shot shortly after he drops the packet and runs back to find Folley clutching a squirming Dessie. Dard throws his knife and kills Folley, then discovers that Lars is dead. With no other recourse remaining, Dard and Dessie return to the contact point to wait. Lotta Folley finds them there and gives them food and a scarf for Dessie; Lotta knows that her father is dead, but she recognizes that he was a man full of hate and who liked to hurt people. Besides, Lotta likes Dessie and liked her mother even more; they were the only people that ever treated her as a real person instead of an object. Lotta takes the rifle back to the barn to fool the Peacemen.

When Lars' contact arrives, Dard convinces him to take Dessie and himself back to safety. They spend the night in a cave, but a Pax 'copter is circling the area when they awake. The contact, Sach, leads the Peacemen away so Dard and Dessie can proceed to the next point in their journey. They move away from the cave along a bare ledge as far as they can and then jump into a snow drift on the edge of the woods. Their journey is fairly easy until they reach the river; the ice is too thin to support even Dessie's weight. After looking up and down river, Dard finds only one place that may support them, an arch of ice covered with snow. Dard carries Dessie across, slowly and carefully, then rests for a while on the other side. Again heading to the peak that marks their goal, Dard hears the 'copter return and throws Dessie and himself into a tangle of bushes. The men in the 'copter fire into the bushes .He and Dessie scoot out the other side, but find it to be a wide sweep of open ground.

. This story is definitely a little dated, but it is still a pleasure to read, as is the sequel, Star Born.


Star Born


Star Born (1957) is a sequel to (The Stars Are Ours) 3 to 4 generations in the future. Dalgard Nordis of the colony, with a Merman, Sssuri, are on a "man-Journey", sort of like a continental tour, to gather knowledge and ascouting trip to investigate some old ruins in the Norththat were rumored to have been visited by the evil former inhabitants only to see a space ship in the sky land near there. After discovering the old ones looting the city for lost technology Dalgard finds the people from the star ship to be of his race. Good sequel.

Highly recommended for fans of Classic Andre Norton, science fiction and good storytelling.

GunnerNovember, 2008

Worst editing ever witnessed in a hard back book
Our book club chose this book as an entry into the science fiction genre that few of us read.Andre Norton was one of the most prolific scifi writers, and one member had meet her on an international flight.

The basic story in the first half, is how world peace was achieved by locking up the intelligensia, and how they managed to escape in a space ship.The second half deals with events many generations later when remants of the descendants of both groups meet in the future.

This books seemed to be a reprint combining two different short stories copyrighted at two different earlier times into one novel with two parts (the two earlier books.)The story is not too bad, but this was purely an attempt to make money.

There are so many typos and misprints in the books that sometimes it was neccessary to reread a sentence or passage several times to understand it.Many pages had multiple errors.It was soon so distracting that it was hard to enjoy the book.

We felt we had been cheated two ways.First, it was not a new novel, and second, it was poorly printed. It may not prevent me from reading another Andre Norton book, but I wouldn't suggest anyone spend any money on this one. (This may not be the best written review, but I didn't have supposed benefit of a publisher.)

Star Flight
I enjoyed both the books which make up this omnibus edition when I first read them about 40 years ago. I still enjoy the stories and take my hat off to Andre Norton who could write the stories that stood the test of time. My only complaint was the typos which kept cropping up and breaking me loose from the hold the stories had on me. Still I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys space opera and Andre Norton.

Excellent stories, horrible edition
The first half, "The Stars Are Ours," was one of my favorite books when I was growing up.I was thrilled at the prospect of getting a hardback copy to save wear and tear on my 40+ year old paperback copy.Thrill turned to horror when I saw what a hack job the publisher did.The stories are still great but there are glaring typos on nearly every page, many pages with as many as three or four misspelled or omitted words.I'm not normally one to complain about a few typos in a book, but this one's so bad I actually found myself wondering if the "proofreaders" know English. ... Read more

Product Description
While on a mission for the Thothian priests, the Free Traders' ship is forced down on a barren and seemingly uninhabited planet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Read "Moon of Three Rings" before this one
Andre Norton published four books in her Moon Singer series: "Moon of Three Rings (1966); "Exiles of the Stars (1971); Flight in Yiktor (1986); and "Dare to Go A-Hunting (1989).

"Exiles of the Stars" combines Norton's SF Free Trader and Forerunner themes, with some magic mixed in to add weird undertones.These aren't the stodgy (but wonderful) free traders of her 'Solar Queen' series.The crewmates of the starship 'Lydis' are edgy, shape-shifted mutants with extra-sensory powers.Krip Vorlund, one of the first-person narrators was once human, but got relocated into an alien Thassa body in "Moon of Three Rings."He couldn't go home again, so to speak, because his original body was spaced.The second narrator, the Moon Singer herself (who switched Krip then got switched herself) inhabits a sort of large-clawed, dog-shaped form in 'Exiles,' but retains her intelligence and at least some of her esper powers.

The Forerunner theme weaves into the mix when the 'Lydis' sets down on the planet, Thoth in the Amen-Re system, which happens to be particularly rich in Forerunner artifacts.'Lydis's officers seal a bargain with Thothian priests to transport some of the alien treasure to the planet Ptah for safekeeping (Thoth is in the midst of a nasty civil war).So far so good.But shortly after lift-off from Thoth, the 'Lydis' has to make an emergency landing on the uninhabited planet, Sekhmet.

Almost as soon as she touches down, the 'Lydis' comes under attack.

Krip Vorlund and the former Moon Singer, Maelen set out on a rescue mission through the ancient, underground ways of Sekhmet, where they encounter jackers (space pirates), Patrolmen, ghosts from their own past, and yet more Forerunner super-technology.

The Moon Singer books are not my favorite Nortons.They are a thematic hodge-podge, and it's hard to love a hero and heroine who inhabit non-cuddly alien bodies with super-human powers.However, if you are already a Norton fan and are particularly fond of her Forerunner novels (I think the very first one was the 'Solar Queen' adventure, "Sargasso of Space"), read "Exiles of the Stars"--but only after you've finished "Moon of Three Rings."

Second entry in Norton's SF 'Moon Singer' series
Andre Norton published four books in her Moon Singer series: "Moon of Three Rings (1966); "Exiles of the Stars (1971); Flight in Yiktor (1986); and "Dare to Go A-Hunting (1989).

"Exiles of the Stars" combines Norton's SF Free Trader and Forerunner themes, with some magic mixed in to add weird undertones.These aren't the stodgy (but wonderful) free traders of her 'Solar Queen' series.The crewmates of the starship 'Lydis' are edgy, shape-shifted mutants with extra-sensory powers.Krip Vorlund, one of the first-person narrators was once human, but got relocated into an alien Thassa body in "Moon of Three Rings."He couldn't go home again, so to speak, because his original body was spaced.The second narrator, the Moon Singer herself (who switched Krip then got switched herself) inhabits a sort of large-clawed, dog-shaped form in 'Exiles,' but retains her intelligence and at least some of her esper powers.

The Forerunner theme weaves into the mix when the 'Lydis' sets down on the planet, Thoth in the Amen-Re system, which happens to be particularly rich in Forerunner artifacts.'Lydis's officers seal a bargain with Thothian priests to transport some of the alien treasure to the planet Ptah for safekeeping (Thoth is in the midst of a nasty civil war).So far so good.But shortly after lift-off from Thoth, the 'Lydis' has to make an emergency landing on the uninhabited planet, Sekhmet.

Almost as soon as she touches down, the 'Lydis' comes under attack.

Krip Vorlund and the former Moon Singer, Maelen set out on a rescue mission through the ancient, underground ways of Sekhmet, where they encounter jackers (space pirates), Patrolmen, ghosts from their own past, and yet more Forerunner super-technology.

The Moon Singer books are not my favorite Nortons.They are a thematic hodge-podge, and it's hard to love a hero and heroine who inhabit non-cuddly alien bodies with super-human powers.However, if you are already a Norton fan and are particularly fond of her Forerunner novels (I think the very first one was the 'Solar Queen' adventure, "Sargasso of Space"), read "Exiles of the Stars"--but only after you've finished "Moon of Three Rings."

Dominating Forerunners
Exiles of the Stars (1971) is the second novel in the Moonsinger series, following Moon of Three Rings.In the previous volume, Krip Vorlund, a minor esper and Free Trader crewmember, was entangled in a conspiracy by offworld powers and kidnapped from the fairgrounds by a young native lord.Maelen, a Moonsinger of the Thassa, facilitated his escape from prison and then exchanged his body with that of a mindless barsk just before the searchers caught up with them.

Maelen was later mortally injured and exchanged bodies with the faithful Vors, one of her "little people".Thereafter, the Thassa assembly condemned Maelen for the misuse of her powers and took away her Moonsinger wand.She was also rejected from Thassa society for an unspecified period.

In this novel, Krip and Maelen are aboard the Free Trader ship Lydis as crewmembers.Krip is now wearing the body of a Thassa and Maelen is still encased in the body of Vors.Krip retains his position as assistant cargomaster and Maelen is valued for her powerful esper talents.

The ship has brought a cargo of pulmn to the priesthood on Thoth, only to find that the church and state are threatened by a religious insurrection.A new prophet has arisen in the mountain country east of Kartum after a virulent plague had spread from a new Forerunner cache.This prophet preachs that all Forerunner artifacts collected by the church are evil and should be destroyed.

The priests are very frightened and are negotiating a new contract with the Lydis crew to take at least one load of precious Forerunner relics to safety on Ptah, another planet in the system.After the contract is confirmed, the Lydis crew dumps the worthless pulmn and takes on the first load of Forerunner treasures.The loading is opposed by rebel sympathizers, but government troops clear them off the landing pad.

The shipment of these relics offplanet is also opposed by some within the temple hierarchy.A fanatic priest from a lesser temple comes to the landing pad with his entourage to curse the ship.He vows to stay there until the treasures are returned.

Another priest brings the take-off authorization and remains aboard to escort the relics to Ptah.However, this priest uses a strange device within one of the artifacts to sabotage the ship engines, throwing it off-course.The Lydis crew manages to land safely, but not on Ptah.Instead, they are grounded on Sekhmet, an uninhabited planet in the same system.

Maelen soon discovers that they are being watched.Krip warns the Lydis crew, but Maelen doesn't have any certain information on the watchers.The crew establishes communications with a passing Patrol ship, which lands and surveys the situation.The patrolmen decide to take the captain and engineer of the Lydis back to their base to obtain necessary repair parts for the ship engines.

Three patrolmen are left behind to help discover some missing crewmembers.Krip and Maelen go with the patrolmen on the search.They find the missing flitter and signs of the missing crew.They also find indications that another flitter had taken away the crewmembers.

Maelen and Krip discover that jacks have been looting a repository of functional relics and that a few living Forerunners have preempted the jack operation.These Forerunners have powerful esper powers that allow them to control other people or to force an exchange of bodies.The only female Forerunner has been trying to take control of Maelen, who successfully resists the takeover.

Like many works by this author, this novel has fantastic elements in its plot.Body exchange is strange enough, but dead men in stasis who still have psionic powers is way out.However, this work illustrates Clarke's Third Law that any sufficiently advanced science appears to be magic to the uninitiated.

Highly recommended for Norton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of psionics and other advanced sciences.

-Arthur W. Jordin

One of Norton's Best
This follow up to "Moon of Three Rings" is one of my favorite Andre Norton books.If you liked "Moon of Three Rings", you should certainly read this book which brings a sense of completion to the story of Krip and Maelen.The next book "Flight in Yiktor" is completely different and essentially abandons these characters.I didn't care for it, as I believe it is an indication that she no longer writes her books.

Second novel of Norton's SF Moon Singer series
Andre Norton published four books in her Moon Singer series: "Moon of Three Rings (1966); "Exiles of the Stars (1971); Flight in Yiktor (1986); and "Dare to Go A-Hunting (1989).

"Exiles of the Stars" combines Norton's SF Free Trader and Forerunner themes, with some magic mixed in to add weird undertones.These aren't the stodgy (but wonderful) free traders of her 'Solar Queen' series.The crewmates of the starship 'Lydis' are edgy, shape-shifted mutants with extra-sensory powers.Krip Vorlund, one of the first-person narrators was once human, but got relocated into an alien Thassa body in "Moon of Three Rings."He couldn't go home again, so to speak, because his original body was spaced.The second narrator, the Moon Singer herself (who switched Krip then got switched herself) inhabits a sort of large-clawed, dog shape in 'Exiles,' but retains her intelligence and at least some of her esper powers.

The Forerunner theme weaves into the mix when the 'Lydis' sets down on the planet, Thoth in the Amen-Re system, which happens to be particularly rich in Forerunner artifacts.'Lydis's officers seal a bargain with Thothian priests to transport some of the alien treasure to the planet Ptah for safekeeping (Thoth is in the midst of a nasty civil war).So far so good.But shortly after lift-off from Thoth, the 'Lydis' has to make an emergency landing on the uninhabited planet, Sekhmet.

Almost as soon as she touches down, the 'Lydis' comes under attack.

Krip Vorlund and the former Moon Singer, Maelen set out on a rescue mission through the ancient, underground ways of Sekhmet, where they encounter jackers (space pirates), Patrolmen, ghosts from their own past, and yet more Forerunner super-technology.

The Moon Singer books are not my favorite Nortons.They are a thematic hodge-podge, and it's hard to love a hero and heroine who inhabit non-cuddly alien bodies with super-human powers.However, if you are already a Norton fan and are particularly fond of her Forerunner novels (I think the very first one was the 'Solar Queen' adventure, "Sargasso of Space"), read "Exiles of the Stars"--but only after you've finished "Moon of Three Rings." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Star Man's Son
The seller had lost much of his inventory during a flood and discovered that the book I had ordered was one of the losses. He contacted another seller and had one shipped to me. When another may have simply told me what had happened and left me to search again, this seller truly honored his commitment. I thank him.

My first Science Fiction book



StarMan's Son


This was the very first Science Fiction book that I ever read, my Brother had purchased the paperback version sometime in the 1950's and was kind enough to let me read it,I was "hooked" then and still am, Andre Norton shall never die as long as she has readers.

This is about a young boy Lars of the Puma clan; Lars's father was a Star Man- explorers of the blasted wilderness beyond the mountain stronghold of the Star Hall. The brotherhood of Star Men sought to carry on the tradition of their research scientist ancestors- to seek out new knowledge for the betterment of the tribe- and of the world.Unfortunately Lars was a mutant, and his mutation was very apparent, his hair was white, and the Clan had not accepted him.What was not so apparent was that he had the ability to telepathically communicate with his great hunting cat, Lura.When Lars's Father failed to return from his last mission Lars snuck out of his village to explore the vast Wilderness , rather than accept the insult of a lesser life, Lars took up his sword, bow, and his father's pouch, and along with his great mutant hunting cat, Lura, went out to find the great lost city of the Old Ones that his father's last journal entry spoke of.
Published in 1952 this was one of the first post-apocalyptic novels. It is also one of the most believable. Even in light of current knowledge you still find it believable.
One other thing, in spite of the tales about the unimaginable horror of nuclear war, this book was about hope. You see, even after you press that big "reset" button, mankind will yet find a way to survive; the great cycle of re-civilization from the ruins of former greatness will start again. If you were a kid growing up during the Cold War this was an important message to keep at the back of your mind.
I believe that this was the first book that I used a lined 3 X 5 card as a bookmark.Anytime I came across a word that I wasn't 100% sure of the meaning I wrote in on the lined 3 X 5 card.At the end of the book, I would write down the word and the definition into my personal Lexicon.Over the years I found that there were fewer words on the 3 X 5 cards.Science fiction seems to have an unwritten rule that the author must use a wide vocabulary.
I strongly recommend this book to every teenager who wants to discover the exciting world of Science Fiction and to their parents who want to improve their reading ability and their vocabulary.You might want to do the lined 3 X 5 card thing, also.

GunnerMay, 2008

The Best Thing about the Cold War
As an 11-year old reading this in '76, the rat-mutants (yes, some creepy illustrations in the hardback copy at the Beaumont, TX Public Library) were deliciously twisted outcome of mankind's nuclear idiocy.I was firmly convinced at that age that nuclear oblivion would occur before the year 2000.Sifting through bombed out cities looking for unspoilt, unradiated tins of food from centuries previous, the hero battles odds, overcomes fear, and brings hope in the end.Nice.

The Star Men's dream shall never die!
This was one of the first science fiction novels that I ever read, and the ideas and images in it have stayed with me all this time. Nor is it really "dated", it could all still happen- only it is now 250 years into the future instead of 300.

This is the story of Lars of the Puma clan, of the people of the Smoking Mountains. Lars's father was of the famed Star Men- explorers of the blasted wilderness beyond the mountain stronghold of the Star Hall. The brotherhood of Star Men sought to carry on the tradition of their research scientist ancestors- to seek out new knowledge for the betterment of the tribe- and of the world. This was to be Lars's destiny also, except that his father failed to return from his last mission and there was no one to speak for him at the last choosing of apprentices. So, rather than accept the insult of a lesser life, Lars took up his sword, bow, and his father's pouch, and along with his great mutant hunting cat, Lura, went out to find the great lost city of the Old Ones that his father's last journal entry spoke of.

Published in 1952 this was one of the first post-apocalyptic novels. It is also one of the most believable. Even in light of current knowledge you still find it believable.

One other thing, in spite of the tales about the unimaginable horror of nuclear war, this book was about hope. You see, even after you press that big "reset" button, mankind will yet find a way to survive; the great cycle of re-civilization from the ruins of former greatness will start again. If you were a kid growing up during the Cold War this was an important message to keep at the back of your mind.

After the Blow-up, What Next?
Star Man's Son (1952) is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes place about two centuries after the Great-Blowup. This story is also entitled Daybreak - 2250 AD in reprint editions.

The cause of the catastrophe is unknown, but the effect are quite obvious. Much of the population was killed by the immediate effects of nuclear bombs, many others died later from the direct radiation and fallout from those bombs, and many more died from induced radioactivity, plague and starvation. Many plants and animals had been mutated into unrecognizable and deadly forms. Only a few humans survived and many of these were also mutated into Beast Things and other horrible creatures in the "blue cities" where radioactivity lingered. A very few survivors, however, received beneficial mutations that improved their chances of survival, but the seemingly normal survivors generally feared and hated any and every mutant.

Fors is the son of Langdon, a Star Man, a far ranging explorer and leader of the Eyrie, and a woman that Langdon had meet down on the plains. Although Langdon was seemingly normal, Fors has inherited white hair from his mother, a mutation viewed with suspicion by the other residents of the Eyrie. While Langdon was alive, he protected Fors from most of the fear and hatred, but then Langdon was killed by Beast Things on an exploration into a far city and the men who find him bring back only a few of his belongings.

After that, Fors was mostly ignored in his efforts to become a Star Man like his father. He has been adopted by Lura, a great hunting cat, and has made his own sword, knive, bow, and arrows as required. His father, a master teacher among the Star Men, had already ensured before his death that Fors knows all that is required. Nevertheless, the Council has passed over him for five years and tomorrow he will have to give up his weapons and become a tiller of the soil. As he ponders his options, Fors conceives a bold plan and immediately starts gathering supplies and equipment, including his father's pouch, for a great journey to search for the lost city in the north that was never bombed and thus is safe for scavengers.

Although Fors has tried to hide them, he has some unusual talents that will help him on his trek: he is able to communicate empathically with Lura and he has much better night vision than most humans. Moreover, he has other, more subtle talents that manifest as he travels.

This story is based on the premise that mankind will come close to destroying himself and this premise is found in many other works by the author. In many respects, it is a reflection of the worldview of the Cold War era, but it persists even in recent SF stories. In most of Norton's tales, this apocalyptic vision was like Pandora's box, in that there was an element of hope among all the horrors of war.

Recommended for Norton fans and anyone who enjoys a mostly optimistic story of the possible future.

-Arthur W. Jordin ... Read more

Product Description
Diskan Fentress, mutant son of a space explorer, did not fit into his father's world -- or any world the boy had ever known. His outsize strength in a poorly coordinated body, which often resulted in his breaking what he wanted to mend or cherish, dismayed him and destroyed any self-confidence he might have had. Not until he stole a spaceship and crash-landed on an unknown planet did he have a chance to prove himself and his special merits. There he found he could communicate by thought projection with the strange furred animals native to the planet, with whom he had a special kinship. In time, led by the animals, he was able to restore an alien culture in which at last he found himself no longer haunted by clumsy inadequacy. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

penned as the first book on the Dungeons & Dragons world
It was interesting, but not that well put together.I did want to finish the book, but attempting to tie in the "real" world with the roll-playing fantasy could have been better.It was a fun read.

Quest for the Unknown
Quag Keep (1978) is the first novel in this fantasy series.Loosely based on early Dragon & Dungeon role playing games, this work has gamers transported to another universe by touching magical game pieces.There they become their game characters.

In this novel, Milo Jagon is a swordsman drinking at the Sign of Harvel's Axe in the thieve's quarter of Greyhawk.On each thumb is a large ring and on his right wrist is a wide bracelet made of two copper bands holding a series of dice with varied numbers of sides.The dice are also copper colored and wrought with bits of gemstones for the numbers;these dice are fixed in place and do not move.

Milo vaguely remembers being Martin Jefferson, but his mind cannot hold that thought.He looks around and sees another man with a copper bracelet, but the others within the inn do not.This other man with a bracelet is even larger than himself and is dressed as a beserker with were-boar powers.He is accompanied by a pseudo-dragon.

The beserker also notices their identical bracelets and changes tables to meet Milo.He introduces himself as Naile Fangtooth and the pseudo-dragon as Afreeta.The room begins to empty until they are alone.Then two dice begin to turn slowly and a slight man enters the room.He informs Milo and Naile that they are summoned, but does not answer their questions.Although Naile objects, Milo convinces him to follow the messenger and leave the inn.As they travel, an Elf with an identical bracelet joins the group.

Milo, Naile and the Elf are taken to a tower room where they meet Hystaspes, a magician, and four others wearing the bracelets.Hystaspes introduces the group to each other -- the Elf Ingrge, the battlemaid Yevele, the priest Deav Dyne, the bard Wymarc, and the lizardman Gulth -- and explains that they have been brought to his world from another by an alien power.They also learn that Hystaspes has placed a geas on each of them to search for the one who has brought them to this world, for Hystaspes think that this mysterious power is bringing the two worlds together with probably disastrous results.

In this story, the seven gamers search first for Lichis, a powerful dragon who always takes the side of the Good and opposes Chaos.They only have a vague notion of where Lichis is laired, so they gather supplies and mounts and ride out on the quest.They are followed by the forces of Chaos.

This is not the author's best work by any means.However, it is the first novel based on a roleplaying game and reads much like a roleplaying quest.And it does have a certain flavor of the author.However, the conclusion is too abrupt and arbitrary (as happens in many roleplaying games).Luckily, there is a sequel.

Suggested for Norton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of questing, magic and the unknown.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Great Light Reading
Pretty good fantasy book.It reminds of a series of books I read many years ago about a group of kids who played this type of fantasy game and were tranferred to the world they played in, in real life.If only I could remember what that series was!This really reminded me of it, and I enjoy reading a lightly written, character driven fantasy book.I have both Quag Keep and Return to Quag Keep.Too bad there wasn't a 3rd book written, it really begs for it.Maybe Jean Rabe will write it now that the Quag books have been re-issued.

An average adventure book
Quag Keep is a book by Andre Norton about a group of adventures tied together by a mysterious bracelet attached to their arm. The adventures throughout the book look for information containing to the bracelet. While on their adventure they come in contact with a wizard claiming to know about the bracelet. The wizard says the bracelets are linked to the recent gathering of dark chaos energy in the world. What is the link between the bracelets and the gathering of dark energy? Is the wizards information true? Do the adventures find and new information pertaining to the bracelets? Find out in Quag Keep.

Quag Keep is a book of action, adventure, and mystery.It is about a group of adventures tied together by a mysterious bracelet.In the beginning the story is a bit confusing but by the end of the book the author straightens out some of the mystery.Throughout the book the main characters are searching for information pertaining to the bracelet. This causes many trivial problems for them, such as which horse they buy or where the watering hole is. These problems make the book slow going and boring. Thankfully there are some occasions of terrific actions scenes, where the author really shines, but don't expect to find many, as there are but a few. Overall I think this is an average book deserving of an average rating, but with the abundance of bestseller adventure books there is no room on the shelf for an average book. In all fairness this isn't the author's best book. I would recommend Mark of the Cat: Year of the Rat, or Silver May Tarnish.

Reviewed by a student reviewer for Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations.

Novelized Gaming Adventure
Noted for being the first novel about roleplaying gaming, Quag Keep is essentially a gaming adventure brought to life.The characters are varied and interesting and the battles and dialogue are well rendered, but the compulsion of the geas that binds and leads the characters means that the adventure is not only a bit linear, but that the conflicts and analyses that an actual adventuring party would go through in determining whether to stay together and go forward in the face of great risk are unnecessary and therefore largely absent.Lacking the scope and complexity of fantasy roleplaying classics like the Dragonlance Chronicles or Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series, Quag Keep is to those what The Hobbit was to The Lord of the Rings, a simpler starter story to introduce the uninitiated to the genre and prepare them for grander and more epic things to come.The recent sequel, Return to Quag Keep, by Andre Norton and Jean Rabe, improves upon the original with a less linear plot and more complex characterizations and party interactions, reflecting the changes that have occurred in RPG gaming since the days when Quag Keep first came out.Donald J. Bingle, RPGA Gamer and GM, Author of Forced Conversion (now available on amazon.com), and Contributor to Fantasy Gone Wrong (upcoming fall 2006). ... Read more