Norton, Andre

Beast Master's Planet: Omnibus of Beast Master and Lord of Thunder (Beastmaster)

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Beast Master's Planet
Omnibus Book

Beast Master's Planet: Omnibus of Beast Master and Lord of Thunder (Beastmaster)
Andre Norton
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Beast Master's Quest (Beastmaster)
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Moonsinger
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ASIN: 0765313278
Release Date: 2005-04-14

Book Description

'This is an exciting adventure story,and first-ratescience-fiction.' -ST.LOUIS GLOBE DEMOCRAT I n 1959 Andre Norton published The Beast Master, an exciting science fiction adventure that introduced Hosteen Storm, one of her most popular heroes. Storm is a Navajo scout for Earth's forces in the future. When Earth is destroyed by the alien Xik, Storm becomes a rancher on frontier planet Arzor. In telepathic rapport with a team of animals, he is the closest thing the planetary Confederacy has to law on Arzor. In this novel and its sequel, Lord of Thunder(1962), he finds that safeguarding the colonists, the native aboriginals, and the natural resources of the planet is a full-time job full of action and excitement. Arzor's ruins of a bygone race present their own puzzles and problems, but thwarting a genocidal plot of a crazed war vet turns his job into a deadly challenge.

Customer Reviews:

Beast Master's Planet.......2006-10-09

Ok--while I do not own this book--I do own the 2 stories that it contains (4 copies of Beast Master and 2 of Lord of Thunder--what can I say--I'm a major Andre Norton fan) and the 2 stories are GREAT. The little blurb provided by the publisher frankly does nothing to engage a possible reader's attention.

Basically Hosteen Storm (called only Storm by his own choice) is one of the few survivors of an Earth that has been totally destroyed during a war with an alien race. There are many human settled worlds tho, so there is still no shortage of humans in the galaxy. Storm, with his beast team, 2 meercats, an African Black Eagle and a Sand Cat (all genetically enhanced so that they are at least semi-intelligent and also able to telepathically communicate with Storm and each other) come to Arzor to settle. Altho there is a secondary agenda on Storm's part. While riding herd they become mixed up in other adventures.

These are the first 2 of a 5 part story arc. Altho many years elapsed between the publishing of these 2 and the other 3 books in the series. While I have enjoyed the other 3 books in the series (Beast Master's Ark, Beast Master's Circus and Beast Master's Quest) these 2 are my favourites in the arc of stories. Because of the almost 25 years between the publishing of books 1 and 2 (comprised in this book) and books 3,4 and 5, you can really see the difference in attitudes that have occured in even that short a time.

The stories in this book are also popular with younger fans (6th grade reading level and above), especially with boys. I was 13 myself when I found Andre and have been an addict ever since.

Omnibus Book.......2006-03-19

Excellent single book containg both stories. Saves shelf space. These are both intriguing narratives of a possible future.

Average customer rating:

senior reader
Masks of the Outcasts

Masks of the Outcasts
Andre Norton
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1416509011

Book Description

The planet Korwar was a glittering jewel of a world, inhabited by the galaxy's wealthiest, visited by the upper classes of other worlds in search of diversion. The jewel had a flaw: the Dipple, its name coming from a contraction of "displaced person," where the misfits, the hopeless, the penniless eke out a wretched existence on the dole. Two young men hoped to escape from the Dipple: Troy Horan was deported from his own planet after it lost an interstellar war. When he had a chance to work in an unusual pet shop, offering exotic creatures from other worlds to the wealthy, he though his luck had changed. But the owner was playing a dangerous game of intrigue, and when he was murdered Troy barely escaped with his own life. Aided only by telepathic animals from old Terra who had befriended him, he had no choice but to hide in ruins left behind by the now-vanished original inhabitants of Korwar; ruins which explorers had entered without returning. . . . Nik Kolherne had a face so cruelly scared and disfigured that he wore a mask to cover it. When he was recruited with a promise of being given a new face, a face which would make a young heir think he was someone else, he was uneasy, but accepted the offer. Then he found out that he was party to a kidnapping for more sinister purposes than he had been told, and he was the only hope of the young heir's survival-if the two of them could survive on a planet veiled in eternal night, swarming with dangerous predators. . . .

Publisher's Note: Masks of the Outcasts has previously appeared separately as Catseye and Night of Masks. This is the first combined publication of the complete book.

Customer Reviews:

senior reader.......2006-11-01

just purchased this book and never read andre norton as of yet. sat down to enjoy an hour of leisure. three hours later i am still reading and with a short interruption of lunch continued to read while eating my sandwich. never has a book caught me so that i neglected my daily chores. i plan to neglect them today also just to enjoy this rare find of a darn good book. lots of intrigue and speculation, wonder of mystery and guessing as you read. animals talking to humans mentally, possible aliens in hidding. let me ask you-- do dishes and vaccumn or read a darn good book.

Masks of the Outcasts.......2006-08-29

This book fits well in my library. I collect Hardbound Books and Andre Norton

Average customer rating:

Enjoyed it
Very poor offering; much worse than previous books in series
The Foulness Strikes
exciting sword and sorcery tale

A Crown Disowned
Andre Norton , and Sasha Miller
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312873387

Book Description

A Crown Disowned is the third volume of the cycle of Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan that began with To the King a Daughter and continued in Knight or Knave.The earth shakes and splits as the forces from the North draw nearer. The Ice Dragon Riders are speaking to the land, and more fire mountains awaken in the Bog. Rohan seeks to join forces with Tusser, leader of the Bog-folk, as Queen Ysa raises an army to clear the Bog.War draws closer until even the Queen cannot deny it any longer. Raids from the north increase, and, for the first time, the Riders of the Ice Dragons appear. It is time for the Queen to give up her game of pitting one faction against another. Four great armies are assembled to march under the same banner. Though they do not represent the Four Trees, they nevertheless see this as a good omen.Many good men from all four armies fall in battle, yet the Great Foulness is still at large. Is the combined might of the four powers enough to free the land from evil?

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyed it.......2003-12-11

I enjoyed the book greatly. Not sure what the May 28 reviewer was thinking.

Very poor offering; much worse than previous books in series.......2003-05-28

... This book, "A Crown Disowned," suffers from too many plot discontinuities, bad characterization, very cardboard, wooden dialogue, and manages to do something I never had done in all the years I've read books -- made me want to throw a book Andre Norton has contributed to across the room.

Let me try and explain. Basically, in the previous two books, Ashen was a sympathetic character (although toward the end of book two, she started becoming less sympathetic, as she did not like her stepson's girlfriend). However, in this book, Ashen seems rather pointless. The action doesn't really revolve around her -- it revolves around Queen Ysa, who at best is a tragic heroine. Ashen's romance, which was one of the focal points of the first two books, is an afterthought here, and her daughter's romance with the young boy-king seemed tacked-on hurriedly.

Plus, there's no real sense of how time is passing in this book. There seem to be very few time referents, which is extremely strange. I thought it was probably due to poor editing or the rush to get this book to the printers, as I couldn't understand why else it'd happen.

The big confrontation loses all steam once the big bad Flavielle is gone, and considering she's taken out more by incompetence than anything, that's a major waste of resources. Personally, I'd rather have seen someone deliberately succeed in taking her out, rather than the drugged, half-feverish way it's done in this book.

Basically, I didn't care about any of the characters at the end of this book, and I was glad the book was over (even though I'd really looked forward to it, and had enjoyed the first two books of the series). Like I said, it's probably one of the worst books I've read in a long time, and I regret paying hardcover price for it.

If I could give this less than one star, I would, despite my high respect for Ms. Norton and her stature in the field.

The Foulness Strikes.......2002-12-29

A Crown Disowned is the third novel in the Cycle of Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan and the last in the trilogy. The previous volume ended with King Peres on the throne, Ashen married to Gaurin, Rohan knighted, Anamara mad and lost in the Bog, and the dowager Ysa learning that the long awaited invasion from the north has begun.

This novel begins with a meeting between Rohan and the Bog headman Tusser in the remains of the city of Galinth. While debating the fine points of alliance, they are interrupted by a group of men, hired by the dowager Ysa, who are trying to burn up the Bog. After fighting off the Outlanders, they discover Anamara in the ruins and take her to Zazar for healing.

Despite the severity of the situation, the dowager clings to her plots and magic. Throughout most of the book, she tries to control everybody. One of the funniest places in the book is when the dowager Ysa is told that Rannore has married Lathrom, the former Sergeant. Of course, Ysa is scandalized that Rannore has married well below her station and is frustrated to learn that her son, King Peres, has knighted Lathrom and has granted him lands and properties.

Meanwhile, Ashen studies the magic tome found by Esander, Zazar prepares for a summons, and the Foul One uses Flavielle to set up a trap. In the north, the armies of the Rendelians, Nordorn, Sea-Rovers and Bog-folk fight Ice Dragons, Frydans and renegade humans. The Unnatural cold is as deadly as the enemy.

The ultimate confrontation is not obvious, but is satisfying, and the aftermath is even more so. Recommended for all fans of Andre Norton and Sasha Miller as well as anyone who likes adventure fantasy with a touch of romance.

exciting sword and sorcery tale.......2002-10-18

The human, inhuman and ice dragon armies of the Great One march south causing havoc to an already besieged Rendelsham and the other southern lands already struggling with hostile frozen precipitation. To survive the onslaught, the four great houses of the south must unite in an alliance against the seemingly invincible Great One. However, a key player, dowager Queen Ysa, appears in denial as she continues to divide rather than unite by pushing the rivalries between the houses.

However, even Ysa ultimately realizes the danger though it may prove to late when the Ice Dragons begin spewing out frozen waste at its southern targets. Rohan and his Sea Rovers with their ships try to unite with the Nodors and the Bog-folk in an uneasy alliance. Unbeknownst to the desperate southern alliance is the Great One's most loyal servant is a sorceress who has seduced Rendelsham's High Marshal into leading Rohan and his allies into a trap. If they escape, they still must find a way to defeat the Great One's superior armies, unconquerable ice dragons, and ultimately yield magic that none seem to possess to crush the Great One.

The third Cycle of Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan novel, A CROWN DISOWNED is an exciting sword and sorcery tale though the story line provides little new from the previous two novels of this entertaining series. The fantasy contains numerous subplots focusing on war, intrigue, and betrayal, albeit the typical fare for an S&S novel. Still the cast engages the reader especially the enchanting magic gathering the myriad of fans of Andre Norton and Sasha Miller into the fold of a fine finale.

Book Description

The powerful magic of ruthless Elvenlord masters has for centuries rules the world. Even Shana, the legendary Elvenbane prophesied to deliver the oppressed into freedom, is helpless before such power. She and her ragtag band of outcasts, half-blood wizards, escaped human slaves, and free-thinking dragons have gained only a token victory against the mighty lords.Only the long-forgotten Iron People, a band of human nomads, have escaped the tyranny of the reigning wizards. How have they survived through the centuries?As the winds of change sweep the world, and as tensions seething beneath the surface of Elven society threaten to break into open revolt. Shana meets the ancient tribe. Could an age-old secret free Shana and her people....or will its discovery call down their doom.

Customer Reviews:

Adventure.......2007-05-07

"Andre Norton", just the name says a lot. Intricate story line, but a grand trip.

Poorly Written/Edited & but decent story.......2003-12-20

I liked both this book and its predecessor but I thought both were poorly written and edited, the second more so than the first. The beginning of the first book started well, with rich descriptions of the world and the things in them, but by the end of the book I felt like I was being told a story by a child who was making things up as he/she went along. This book had a very similar feeling, except without the rich description in the beginning. Both books seemed rushed toward the end of the story.

It almost seemed that the book was quickly penned during a "rap session" between the two authors but was never "smoothed out." There's even one part in the book when two character's names are substituted for one another. It made me begin to wonder if anyone REALLY read (not just scanned) the book before it was published.

Keep in mind I did really enjoy this book as well as the first, and it was definitely a nice change of pace to see a lot of things happen in one book (unlike the sometimes molasses like pace of the most recent books by Robert Jordan). I just wish the book(s) had a bit more polish and depth to them. It's a very interesting world with a lot of potential, but it just doesn't seem as well developed as some of the others from different series.

For crying out loud, where's the third book already?!?.......2002-07-16

I loved The Elvenbane. I really liked the stereotype-defying, "evil, nasty elves" concept. The characters (that mattered) were fairly well developed, and the plot, while a bit cliche, still kept me entertained. This book was good also. Not *as* good as the first one, but still good. I thought the story moved a bit too quickly-I finished the book in about a day. I've been waiting for the third book ever since since. The publishers have been lying about the release date of Elvenborn since 1995! I enjoyed the series and am still waiting for it to continue. Please TOR, make me happy!

good, but a bit of a let-down.......2002-04-28

The first book in this series, The Elvenbane, was excellent, but I experienced a feeling of dissatisfication at the end of Elvenblood. The plot was more confusing and the resolution of the conflict seemed abrupt and very connived, as if Norton and Lackey were in a hurry to finish the book. It was still an wonderful read, but I expected more, especially coming after such a phenomenal first book.

Wheres the third book!.......2001-05-26

Why isnt there a third book, the second ends half way through the story! and if the previous statement about ElvenBorn is correct, where is it!!!!! I dont believe its not meant to be a trilogy (at the least). That ending is far too open, so much more needs to happen, and since when do they use the title "Book Two of the Halfblood Chronicles" if theres not meant to be more ... arrgghhh im so frustrated!

Average customer rating:

Good story, but I came out wanting.
Elvenborn
I wish they'd hurry up and write a fourth one!!!
Complex intrigues
Andre Norton

Elvenborn (Halfblood Chronicles)
Andre Norton , and Mercedes Lackey
Manufacturer: Tor Fantasy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812571231

Book Description

In this long-awaited new novel in The Halfblood Chronicles, fantasy greats Norton and Lackey tell the enthralling story of the reclusive elvenlord Kyrtian, who emerges as a hero in a world torn by politics and war. When his cousin, Aelmarkin, tries to prove that Kyrtian is unfit to run his estate, the plan backfires, and soon Kyrtian, who doesn't share the venal, greedy nature of his cousin, finds himself with more power than he ever wanted.Like his father before him, Kyrtian has always treated the humans on his estate like servants, instead of enslaving them as other elvenlords do. His father's legacy also leads Kyrtian to learn ancient military skills long since lost to elvenkind through the carelessness of the elvenlords. Kyrtian's rediscovered knowledge piques the interest of the current elvenlords, and soon Kyrtian finds himself appointed the new commander of the army, to the relief of his ruling peers.For the sons of the most powerful elvenlords, the Young Lords, have rebelled against their fathers and are waging war. But by taking advantage of both the privileges of his new command and the help of some unexpected new friends, Kyrtian finally gains the resources to embark on his own, personal quest--resuming his father's search for the Great Portal, the magical doorway through which the original elvenlords entered this world.As war rages between some sons and fathers, Kyrtian searches desperately for his own lost father, hoping to uncover not only the mystery of his disappearance, but also the secret behind the origin of elvenkind.

Customer Reviews:

Good story, but I came out wanting........2007-04-11

This was a good story, but I came out of it wanting. There is a great big building up throughout this story for the main character, Kyrtian, to find certain ancient Elven relics that have been lost since the Crossing. What they did find only held my interest because of the wonderful mood-setting job the authors did to make the place seem spooky, with an underlying menace. They never tell how the things they find came to be menacing when they were originally meant to *help* the Elves. Why would it now kill Elves? These things, which I had the most questions about, were simply not explained enough by the end, as I'd been hoping - indeed, as I'd been *expecting* due to their impact on both the characters and on me as a reader.

The final glimpse at the end of something otherworldly, even to that world, was fascinating, but was not followed up which I found terribly disappointing given the lack of other explanation I'm been hoping for at the end.

Some of the ending was rather predictable, while others seemed to have been just thrown in there because the authors needed to wrap the book up.

It's not all bad news. This book definately help my interest, which surprised me since I'd read the reviews here before reading it and was expecting it to be somewhat boring. It was good to see Keman growing as a character, though Shana doesn't really share the same treatment. Kyrtian as a main character was not someone I found boring at all. In fact, I liked the way he pulled his double- and triple-crosses, making use of his reputation to seem boorish and stupid. That brand of subtlety is good, and just different enough to the other back-biting Elves.

I wished more had happened with Rena, who'd held most of my interest in Book 2 and whom I'd grown to like. I felt she was a little wasted, as was Mero.

This book was an odd clash between a good read and what could have been a brilliant story if it had been longer and the existing characters expanded upon more. I enjoyed it for the most part, though those unanswered questions annoyed me in the end. Someone here has mentioned there will be a fourth book. Maybe my questions will be answered in there. I hope so.

Four stars.

Elvenborn .......2007-01-19

Very Good. Another collaboration with Mercedes Lackey, with new characters developed and a continuation of the series.

I wish they'd hurry up and write a fourth one!!!.......2006-02-12

I loved the first two books in the series and then loved this one just as much! It reads well and the whole series is enjoyable for re-reading. It has well-developed characters and character-relations and I find myself lost in this world of dragons, elves and humans.

Now, if only they'd come out with the 4th one that's been (forthcoming) since at least 2003: Elvenbred.

Complex intrigues.......2005-04-27

This is book three in a series, and you should read the first two books to fully understand the setting. It can be read as a stand alone book, but you will lack some of the background. It is a complex plot involving elves (mages and not so magical), humans (free and slaves), halfbloods (who mostly seem to have wizard capability), dragons, and some really dangerous creatures that inhabit a particular forest, including an invisible ambusher.

The elves, who have invaded the planet through a magical gate, only occupy part of the territory. They have long lives, but a low birthrate. Considering the various intrigues and dangers, it is amazing that they could last as long as they have. Everyone seems to lust for power, but power corrupts. A revolt by younger sons (mostly somewhat inept), various slave revolts, halfbloods seeking their own power, attempts at assassinations, interference by dragons, and creatures that eat occasional wayfarers make for an interesting plot.

Some of the action seems to drag at points. It was not a page turner until it got towards the end. Various inconvenient characters are removed, not quite like Mark Twain's device of having people wander out into the yard and fall down a well, but by introducing various dangers they encounter, inserted into the story for that purpose (a large carnivore, a murderous machine, or just being carried off by a hungry demon looking for dinner). Some characters are nasty pieces of work, so one does not waste much sympathy on their plight. Somehow the white hats survive.

The hero, who is against slavery, has a couple concubines purchased from the market. He is a long-lived elf, and at thiry is still in his adolescence, so has not found a wife. He is living with his mother, and has not seemed to reach the maturity needed for a marriage (or maybe he is just overly picky).

Andre Norton.......2005-04-14

Died 2005. shame. Great Books and really wanted to read number 4. Who knows if it will happen now.

Average customer rating:

This book got me interested in the Fantasy genre
Overrated Fantasy Novel
Pleasant
From the author of Tales of Ancient Xenar
lightweight but entertaining.

Elvenbane (Halfblood Chronicles)
Andre Norton , and Mercedes Lackey
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0812511751

Book Description

Two masters of epic fantasy have combined in this brilliant collaboration to create a rousing tale of the sort that becomes an instant favorite. This is the story of Shana, a halfbreed born of the forbidden union of an Elvenlord father and a human mother. Her exiled mother dead, she was rescued and raised by dragons, a proud, ancient race who existed unbeknownst to elven or humankind. From birth, Shana was the embodiment of the Prophecy that the all-powerful Elvenlords feared. Her destiny is the enthralling adventure of a lifetime.

Customer Reviews:

This book got me interested in the Fantasy genre.......2006-08-05

I like this book, and loved it when I was younger, but as I have matured, so have my tastes. So... It's interesting, but not the best book. If you want to read a really good book of the same type of story (girl raised by dragons), check out "Daughter of Dragons" by Kathleen H. Nelson. I think it covers the human/dragon culture clash better. Would a girl raised by dragons really fit in that well into human culture?

Overrated Fantasy Novel.......2006-01-18

First, I'd like to say that I am a big fan of both Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey. That said, this isn't one of their better works. I picked this up for reading over vacation as I had seen the book in print for a number of years and thought I would give it a try. My problem with the book, is that the characters aren't very engaging. I've only read this first of 3 (4?) books, and I doubt I will continue simply because I found that I do not care about the well being of the heroes or the destruction of the villans. This is definitely a "light reading" novel.

Pleasant.......2006-01-03

This book kept me captivated for a time, but the mundane details wore me down. I like action and fast paced storylines like in The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt.
Never stop, heart pounding action is what I like. I did enjoy The Elvenbane, but I agree with that other guy in that elves, regular elves shouls always be the guardians of the earth, not the destroyers. Maybe they tried something new, but it left me a little unhappy.

From the author of Tales of Ancient Xenar.......2005-11-11

I started reading this book after finishing Terry Brooks Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Antrax. I was a victim of Hurricane Wilma which put out my power for almost 2 weeks and reading was all I had.
I don't give this book a perfect 5 because there are a few problems. For one, Norton and Lackey made elves the bad guys in this. They made elves into despotic slave-driving being who conquered the human world after leasving their home world. They destroyed their home world by using their magic to mess up the environment in their world and they are doing the same in this. If I were either Norton or Lackey, I'd have made the bad guys dark elves. In most other stories, elves were good beings trhat coexisted with their environment and didn't try to interfere with the natural orders.
Another problem I found with this book was that it went against what I have been taught about writing fiction. Too much detail was put into the story. Much of the wordly details were completely irrelevant to the story.
But the story I liked. The main character Shana is a very likeable character. She was the halfblood child of an elven lord named Dyran and one of his human concubines. We watch her being born in the desert then get adopted by a dragon named Alara. Alara takes Shana back to her lair and gives her to her son Keman. Keman gave Shana her name and treated her like a pet then later like a sister. Shana grows up with the dragons until the age of twelve then is exhiled from the Lair. There is a lot more to the story which I can't get into. But this story flows well. I give this 4 stars

lightweight but entertaining........2005-04-12

This is the first in what will eventually be a quadrilogy of books, but be warned. There were around 12 years between books 2 and 3 being published so don't hold your breath for book 4.That aside, these are lightweight stories but still entertaining and worth reading.
Elvenbane is a tale of the struggle between 'half bloods' and Elves. The lordly elves rule the land with savage brutality. Humans are their slaves and viewed as little better than animals. Occasionally half bloods (a mixture of elf and human) are born. These are feared by the elves due to their strong magical powers, and are usually destroyed as soon as they are born.
Shana, the heroine of the tale, is one such half blood. Born in the desert to a mother who died giving birth, Shana is found and fostered by a dragon. No one knows dragons exist until Shana, following her fate as the 'Elvenbane' calls on them for help in the battle against Elves. The last such 'Wizard war' almost wiped out humanity; will it be different this time?
Enjoyable story for anyone wanting a quick read

The Gates to Witch World (Witch World Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

Your entry into one of Fantasy's greatest worlds
A Great Read
Yeah, The Cover May Intrigue You...
Andre Norton Does Indeed Write "The Good Stuff"
three of the best science fiction novels of the 20th century

The Gates to Witch World (Witch World Chronicles)
Andre Norton
Manufacturer: Orb Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0765300516

Book Description

The story of Simon Tregarth, who fled the Earth through an inter-dimensional gate and ended up in a world where magic worked and the forces of evil threatened the benevolent witches who lived there, was the start of what was to become Andre Norton's most popular, and longest-running series. The first three novels, Witch World, Web of the Witch World, and Year of the Unicorn, are offered for the first time, in a handsome trade paperback edition, with an introduction by C. J. Cherryh.

Customer Reviews:

Your entry into one of Fantasy's greatest worlds.......2005-07-17

"The Gates to Witch World" combines the first three published Witch World novels of Andre Norton. The first two concern the adventures of Simon Tregarth, and the third, "Year of the Unicorn" is a stand-alone fantasy set in the Dales of High Hallack.

As the first fantasy, "Witch World" (1963) begins, Simon Tregarth, who worked his way up to Lieutenant-Colonel on the battlefields of World War II, is a hunted man, unjustly cashiered from the U.S. Army for dealing in the post-war blackmarket. Since Simon had been labeled as a crook, he figured he might as well play the game.

After seven years in the underworld, surrounded by his enemies and a gunshot away from death, Simon treats himself to a decent last meal (Andre Norton heroes and heroines NEVER whine. They assess the odds, then keep on slogging). Enter the mysterious Doctor Petronius who persuades Simon that he has nothing to lose by vanishing from his enemies' gunsights through the Siege Perilous, a Cornish megalith that is rumored to be a gate to other worlds. Simon leaves the restaurant with Petronius, almost positive that he is walking into a trap. Instead of the bullet he is expecting, our hero is transported to the foggy moors of a new world.

The action doesn't let up. The first thing Simon does is rescue a witch from a nasty bunch of snake-headed dogs and hunters (we don't learn the witch's name until the very end of the book). The next thing he knows, he's embroiled in a war where the good guys appear to be losing.

Simon allies himself with "a tall, proud-walking race with...the carriage of rulers and an odd weight of years upon them." His new home, medieval Estcarp is a matriarchate, ruled by witches, whose powers depend on their continuing virginity.

Nevertheless, Simon falls in love with the witch he rescued.

The enemies that he and Estcarp must confront have invaded Witch World via a gate similar to the Siege Perilous. The alien Kolder are technically advanced, with submarines and mind-control devices that they use to command their zombie soldiers.

Estcarp's only allies are the Sulcarmen, seafaring warriors and traders who lose their main port of Gorm to the Kolder. Simon, his friend Koris of Gorm, the witch he rescued from the Hounds of Alizon, and a youthful soldier called 'Briant' tread the mysterious byways of Estcarp and its warring neighbors, in an attempt to track down and destroy the technically superior aliens.

"Web of the Witch World" (WWW - 1964) is the sequel to "Witch World" (WW- 1963) and continues the story of Simon Tregarth and the witch, Jaelithe. Thematically, both WW and WWW will seem very familiar to fans of the late, great Andre Norton: a conflict between technically advanced, but soulless aliens, and courageous, sword-wielding men and women, who are attempting to make one last stand against the Powers of Evil.

Simon Tregarth and his witch-wife, Jaelithe once again find themselves in combat with the alien Kolder, who invaded Witch World through a gateway from their own dying planet. The Kolder were temporarily stymied in WW, but Simon and his fellow warriors know that they must somehow close the gate between worlds before there will truly be an end to the alien evil.

Witch-ruled Estcarp must do battle with her own neighbors as well as the aliens. Yvian of Karsten declares open war against the witches, and they in turn believe that he has somehow been tainted by the Kolder. The Hounds of Alizon, seething with hatred against all things magical must also be tamed.

The third fantasy, "Year of the Unicorn" (1965) is a grand adventure, a love story, a coming-of-age novel set like a jewel amidst the fantastical Dark and Light of Norton's Witch World. `Unicorn' veers away from the `mainstream' Witch World adventures of the Tregarth family, but it is perfect in its own setting: the Wastes and Dales of High Hallack.

Each setting, each character is illuminated with clear description and color, like scenes from a medieval Book of Hours. Even though I first read this book in 1965, I can still close my eyes and see Gillan and the ancient Dame Alousan gathering herbs in the high-walled garden of Norstead Abbey. I can see the twelve and one high-born maids riding forth from the Abbey - the twelve and one maids who were promised as brides to the Were-riders of the Waste.

The heroine, Gillan realizes that she is not meant for the quiet life of her vowed companions. She possesses a magic that is forbidden to the goodly Dames, and a restless curiosity that is stifled behind the stone walls of the Abbey. And so she rides forth, disguised as the bride who had threatened to kill herself rather than marry a Were-rider. In order to survive, Gillan must rely on her unschooled magic to separate illusion from reality, and true love from the snarling masks of the Were Pack.

Lifetime Grand Master of Fantasy, Andre Norton built well. There are 35 Witch World (WW) fantasies, and the count is probably still rising even though this author passed away on March 17, 2005. Many of the later WW novels were collaborations, and it wouldn't surprise me if her co-authors attempt to live on in the world that the Grand Master created. I wish them well, but so far they have not managed to penetrate the brilliantly weird landscapes of Andre Norton's imagination.

A Great Read.......2003-10-19

If you like fantasy and are not acquainted with the works of Andre Norton, then this is an excellent starting point. Believable, heroic characters and a well thought-out "Witch World" combine to make for an enjoyable read. Simon Tregarth is transported through a mysterious gate into a world populated by people and other things not people. A struggle goes on between good and evil, and it's not clear who is winning. (But, we know who wins in the end - "good", of course.) The style of writing - more of a story that unfolds as it is read - is one strength that characterizes her writings. That, and the fascinating settings, imaginative perils faced, and strong likable characters make this a "must read". This is a refreshing hard-to-put-down story. It does not suffer from the typical overinflated, overwordy, overcomplicated, and overcharacterized (and lifeless) features of the usual fantasy megathon offered today.

Yeah, The Cover May Intrigue You..........2003-07-04

Now when I spotted this book, I thought it would actually be worth reading. Yeah, right. I hate Simon. I hate him with a passion. He was a lackluster character made by a ghetto character designer trying to sell the character for a rock. I did like 'Albino Chick' as I affectionately dubbed her who was a really good character unlike some people. Mainly because she acted like a real person. This author doesn't write in an interesting fashion and it's really really sad when you skip through all the parts just to find parts with 'Albino Chick.' The plot idea was okay but you'll probably fall asleep before you finish reading it.

Andre Norton Does Indeed Write "The Good Stuff".......2003-02-18

The first Witch World novel was published in 1963 so this book almost marks the 40th anniversary.

In her Introduction, C. J. Cherryh refers to Norton's Witch World novels as "the good stuff". She is right. I am so pleased to have this omnibus collection of the three seminal Witch World novels although it can never replace my tattered old Ace paperbacks with the Jack Gaughin covers. It even felt a little odd to be reading clear text (minus some of the typos that Ace was notorious for) on a white page instead of the yellowing pages of the acidic paper of these old books.

However, I found myself just as caught up in the story of Simon Tregarth, the tarnished war hero who stepped through a gate ahead of an assassin into the world of Jaelithe, the Witch of Escarp, as I have ever been. The story of these two who fight, along with Koris of Gorm and Loyse of Verlaine, to try to preserve the ancient world of Escarp from the advance of the Kolder, is played out against a vivid background of cultures such as the Falconers, who value their hawks far more than their women; the Sulcar, valient seagoers; and last but not least the matriachal Witches who rule the land of Escarp through the power of the jewels and their minds.

The third book is Year of the Unicorn. It is set in High Hallack, a land of dales and small holdings. High Hallack has been torn by war with Alizon from overseas. This story is set after the war has been won when the Dalesmen are faced with meeting a bargain they made during their most desperate hours with a people they feared, the Were riders.

The premise is the barter of 13 brides for the services of the Were Riders against the hounds of Alizon. The heoine is Gillian, who also came from overseas on an Alizon ship as a child, but not of Alizon. The hero is Herrel who does not fit into the mould of his kinsmen and thus has suffered all his life as an outsider in a very close knit group.

Published in the 60's these books have not aged a bit and are as fresh as the first time I picked them up.

three of the best science fiction novels of the 20th century.......2001-12-06

"Witch World". Of Cornish descent, court-martialed former US Army Colonel Simon Tregarth seems on a path to certain death due to his recent activities when he meets Dr. Petronius. The odd doctor introduces the desperate American to the world of his Cornish ancestors, which enable Simon to escape his earthly fate through the gate to Witch World. However, Simon quickly lands in a war against the powerful Kolder, who makes the Nazis look like pre-school children.

"Web of the Witch World". The Kolder continues to menace Simon and the witches he has vowed to keep safe, but the coven he wants to protect seems reluctant to accept him. To save his brave new world, Simon and a witch must journey to their enemy's stronghold and accomplish the impossible by defeating the Kolder in their home turf.

"Year of the Unicorn". In far removed from the war Norsdale, a bored Gillan obtains what she always desired, but soon learns that wishes that come true might not be what one really wants in life. Now she is embroiled in an adventure of a lifetime that probably means certain death for her unless she can enable the power within her to come alive.

THE GATES TO WITCH WORLD is a compilation of three of the best science fiction novels of the twentieth century. These books deservedly made Andre Norton a household name in the early sixties and yet the tales retain the freshness that enthralled readers then and will fascinate a new audience with its exciting plots and engaging characters.

Book Description

"The 'Outer Regions' were created by the artist Karen Kuykendall, whose book of paintings, The Cat People, and her justly famous Tarot cards immortalized these fantastic lands and peoples. There exists among Ms. Kuykendall's records a complete "Travelers' Report" upon which this book is based."-Andre Norton, from her introduction to Mark of the Cat/Year of the Rat In Mark of the Cat multiple award-winning Andre Norton presents a novel of magic and adventure-the unforgettable story of a boy's journey of discovery, from trial to triumph. Hynkkel, commanded by his father to travel into the unknown in a test of survival, starts out with almost nothing, but the red-gold sandcat pendent worn around his neck as a reminder of his killed cat. His trek will bring him to a cave where he will enter the secret world of the cat... to a trial that will mark his destiny. In Year of the Rat, Andre's never before published sequel to Mark of the Cat, we find the natural water sources of the five queendoms of the Outer Region drying up. Hynkkel, not fully recovered from his previous trials, must now find a way to stop this loss and recover the missing water. For in a desert climate, water is the key of life. To do so he must first find out who, or what, is causing the water loss and where it is going. When he and Murri, his sandcat, set out on their journey they make another, even more startling, discovery. A being of ancient evil has returned and along with it has brought the desert rats, hoards and hoards of deadly desert rats, bent on one thing-to destroy the queendoms one by one. Can Hynkkel both find the missing water and stop the rats before all succumb to The Year of the Rat?

Customer Reviews:

The Despised Emperor.......2006-09-29

Mark of the Cat/Year of the Rat (2002) is an omnibus edition of the Outer Regions novels, including Mark of the Cat and Year of the Rat. The second novel has never been published prior to this volume.

The Five Queendoms of the Outer Regions are each associated with a particular gemstone: Vapala with the Diamond, Kahulawe with the Sapphire, Thnossis with the Ruby, Azhengir with the Topaz, and Twahilic with the Emerald. Each queendom varies in its terrain, customs and products, but all are ruled by a Queen and owe allegiance to the Emperor. Vapala is the richest queendom in water -- thus having much more vegetation -- and considers itself to be the only civilized queendom in the Outer Regions.

The Emperor has grown frail and his death seems imminent. Haban-ji has ruled long and peacefully, but his passing will lead to dissension among the Queendoms. His son, Shank-ji, has openly expressed his intention to undertake the trials to be the next Emperor, thus keeping the office within the queendom of Vapala. This break with customs has irritated many traditionalists, especially in the other four queendoms.

The people of the Outer Regions have a religion similar to Druidism, but they do not have gods and goddesses per se. Rather they have aware and intelligent Essences that guide each queendom and have aspects peculiar to that specific queendom. A greater Essence guides the Five Queendoms as a whole. Each child is taught how to communicate with the Essences, but some persons have greater abilities to contact and receive information from them.

In Mark of the Cat (1992), Klaverel-va-Hynkkel is a native of the Queendom of Kahulawe. He is the second son of the last full commander of the queendom's forces. Hynkkel is not a warrior, showing little talent with traditional weapons. He is skillful with sling and staff, but these are considered to be merely tools of the common folk. He excels in the maintenance of the algae ponds, is talented with animals, and surpasses all others in trading with merchants, so he has been allowed to work as a servant to the House of Klaverel. Yet his father Meguiel treats him with disdain and his brother Kalikku openly calls him a weakling and tries to bully him.

Hynkkel goes to market one day and is summoned to a sick animal belonging to Ravinga, the doll maker. He calms the animal and searches the mane for the salsuckers that frequently torment yaksen. Instead, he finds an evil amulet -- a desert rat tooth with strange markings -- that Ravinga knocks from his hands and ritually destroys. She then gives him a round pendant fashioned with the head of a Sand Cat by a master craftsman.

When Hynkkel comes home from the market, he is met by his brother and sister. Kalikku immediately notices the pendant and tries to take it, but Melora-Kura, his sister, blocks this effort and asks to make a drawing of it for her files. Hynkkel learns that they have come to fetch him for the choosing feast of Siggura, his other sister, who has just come into heat. Since she is envious of Kura, Siggura is sure to make a big production of the ceremony; Melora-Kura has never come into heat and doesn't want to, but Siggura really doesn't believe anyone would not desire to be the center of attention at such a feast.

Hynkkel immediately dumps his burdens in his hut and goes to prepare for the ceremony. Mieu, the kotti who has adopted him, refuses to follow, but rather stays behind to guard the pendant. Hynkkel spends many hours preparing for the feast; finally returning to his hut, he finds Kalikku standing over an injured Mieu. The kotti has stoutly defended the pendant, for blood is dripping from Kalikku's right hand. When he checks his kotti, Hynkkel finds her near death. Kalikku immediately accuses Hynkkel of killing the kotti and taunts him with the truth that their father would believe him over the despised Hynkkel.

The pendant is under Mieu's body, protected from the thieving brother. Hynkkel sadly wraps her body in a colorful scarf and buries it under a rock cairn. He is still grieving for his friend when a herdsman comes to tell him that his father wants to talk to him at once. Within his father's house, Hynkkel learns that his father has decided that he will solo, performing the journey alone through the desert that is required to claim adulthood. Of course, his father foregoes the usual feasting and other aspects of ceremony, but rather takes him out blindfolded into the desert and then completes the abbreviated ritual by knocking him out and leaving him with his few weapons and other goods.

In Year of the Rat (2002), Hynkkel is the new Emperor, but he has many enemies, including Shank-ji, who blames him for his lost hand. Shank-ji has raised the banner of revolt and is gathering young men from the various queendoms. He patrols the trade roads and comes upon a caravan under attack by desert rats. Two Sand Cats have assisted in the defense of the caravan, but Shank-ji deliberately kills both cats, ignoring admonitions from the caravan leader and orders issued by the Emperor.

Ravinga learns of this defiant act almost immediately and sends Allitta to tell Hynkkel. Murri hears about it at the same time and stalks out of the palace in a rage. Hynkkel declares Shank-ji to be an outlaw and the news is promulgated throughout the Outer Regions.

Queen Yuikala of Vapala has plans of her own, one of which involves having her granddaughter Berneen become the Emperor's Companion. Yuikala obtains a foul drink that induces heat and forces Berneen to drink it. Of course, it might cause her death and Yuikala would dislike losing such a convenient tool, but some things must be risked.

Luckily for Hynkkel, he already has plans for presenting Allitta as his Companion. With a necklace and stone from Ravinga, Allitta emits the special smell indicating that she is in heat and every male in the palace notices her condition. Although Yuikala breaks tradition to present her granddaughter ahead of Allitta, Hynkkel ignores her gauche maneuver and approaches Allitta instead. He immediately shows his pleasure and takes Allitta back to the throne with him. Yuikala is incensed by his humiliating actions and Berneen flees from the hall.

Hynkkel and Allitta independently discover the presence of water ways under the Outer Regions and separately explore the tunnels. Allitta finds Hynkkel, Akeea the Blue Leopard and Murri fighting a water monster within a tunnel. She gives a timely pull to disengage Hynkkel from the monster and he uses her spear to kill the beast. After a brief discussion, Hynkkel leaves the tunnel to sneak into the room of Mohambra, the Imperial Cat Keeper, where he is provided with a powder that soothes and heals the wounds inflicted by the monster on Akeea, Murri and himself.

These wounds take some time to heal, so Hynkkel puts his Progress on hold. When the Progress finally leaves to pass through each queendom, Allitta and Ravinga are included. So is Yuikala, but she stays at the tail of the huge caravan. The first stop is Kahulawe, Hynkkel's home queendom.

In these stories, Hynkkel has been enlisted against the evil Dark Lord who is using the desert rats as a weapon against the Five Queendoms. He is creating larger, smarter rats and even rat-men to lead the common rats into attacks that will result in certain death to many people, although many more rats will die than people. What does Quinzell care about a few rats? There are always more being born.

The Dark Lord also has tools among the people of the Outer Regions. Shank-ji is uncertain about the wisdom of following Quinzell, but he is always willing to use the advantages that such attacks give him. Yuikala also plots to her own advantage, even using forbidden tools. She also calls upon the Essences as appropriate to her position, but the Essences are not fooled!

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

-Arthur W. Jordin

Mark of the Cat & its long-awaited sequel.......2002-04-28

Ms. Norton's tales in this instance (two full length novels bound into 1 volume) are set in Karen Kuykendall's Outer Regions, which previously appeared only in artwork, without actual books to provide a backstory (to the best of my knowledge). Yes, we finally have here not only a reprint of _Mark of the Cat_, but its long-awaited sequel. I'd provide separate reviews of both, but the sequel has so far appeared only in this volume, and a detailed discussion of the sequel presupposes knowledge _Mark of the Cat_.

Overview: The Outer Regions are desert country, mostly lacking open water, where life depends on occasional algae pools, where in a famine year (mercifully, rather rare) the Ministers of Balance may be called out to decide which animals live, and which die - and even which people. The great sandcats of the desert are greatly feared, and are hunted despite their intelligence. Paradoxically, the great leopards forming the Emperor's guard are much revered, and as for ordinary cats, killing a 'kotti' is a capital crime.

The people depend on trade between the 5 queendoms: Kahulawe, Thnossis, Azhengir, and Vapala, which have roughly similar governments (all ultimately answering to the Emperor) but somewhat different cultures. These aren't purely hereditary offices; an Emperor competes in various deadly trials to win the office, designed not only to ensure fitness but an acquaintance with the lives of his people. Even to be recognized as an adult, a youngster must pass his or her 'Solo': the youngster is knocked out and stranded in the desert, and must find his or her way back to civilization alone.

Both books alternate between 2 narrators: Hynkkel of Kahulawe, and Allitta, last survivor of a fallen noble house of Vapala. Allita provides us with a close-up view of the capital in the last days of the dying emperor Shank-ji, whose son (against tradition) intends to try to win his father's office. Allitta is also apprentice to the doll-maker Ravinga, whose enchanting miniatures aren't the most magical thing about her. Primarily, though, this is Hynkkel's story.

As a herder and the least-respected member of a warrior clan in Kahulawe, Hynkkel comes to his Solo late since his father doesn't think he amounts to much. The lonely rock 'island' where he awakens isn't entirely deserted, however: a swarm of the vicious rats of the desert occupy it in such numbers that they've killed one sandcat, and would have pulled down another if Hynkkel hadn't intervened with his slingshot. So it is that Hynkkel not only sees the sandcats' dance and song, but gains a blood-brother: Murri, the half-grown cub of the sandcat he rescued. So it is that Hynkkel doesn't return to his clan after his trial, but seeks a new life, leading him eventually to the capital and the dollmaker's shop.

_Year of the Cat_ picks up shortly after the first book, during the preparations for the coronation of the new emperor - when a fallen house such as Allitta's can request reinstatement, if she comes out of hiding. The emperor's first official progress through the Outer Regions will be marked by trouble: the water table is dwindling, and the desert rats are endangering the trade routes that tie the queendoms together. Soon the sandcats and humans must decide to end their enmity, or both peoples will fall to the evil coming out of the Plain of Desolation...

One distracting misprint: the name "Vapala", that of the Diamond queendom where the Emperor holds court, is misspelt all the way through this 1st hardcover printing of _Year of the Rat_, and I mean *every* occurrence, even though it's spelled correctly throughout _Mark of the Cat_ (1st half of the volume). Of the 5 queendoms, this is the worst name to get wrong, since it's named most often. It distracted me to the point where I had to go look it up, wondering if I were imagining things. I got over it, but one wishes it hadn't happened.

Beast Master's Quest (Beastmaster)
Average customer rating:

Beast Master's Quest

Beast Master Saga Continues in Triumph

Not Vintage Norton

Beast Master's Quest (Beastmaster)
Andre Norton , and Lyn McConchie
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0765314533
Release Date: 2006-05-30

Book Description

Readers will welcome this new novel in the highly popular and award-winning Beast Master series. Set in the future on the frontier world of Arzor, at its heart are the beast masters, people gifted with telepathy and trained to work and communicate mind-to-mind with teams of animals. Laris, a young, orphaned, ex-refugee who has the beast master ability, has bonded with a remarkably intelligent and mysterious cat-like creature named Prauo. Having made a home for herself with the Quades, a family of Arzor ranchers, Laris also becomes friends with beast masters Tani and Hosteen Storm. When Laris inherits a spaceship, she realizes that she might fulfill her dream of finding Prauos home planet. But it wont be easy, and she is relieved when she is able to convince her adopted family to embark with her on a journey into the unknown depths of space. What Laris and her friends find, however, tests their abilities and threatens their very lives. Working together with Hosteen and Tani, Laris can only hope that they will all get back to Arzor alive. This exciting action and adventure novel will keep readers on the edge of their chairs until the very last page.

Customer Reviews:

Beast Master's Quest.......2007-01-04

I found this to be a great addition to my Andre Norton books

Beast Master Saga Continues in Triumph.......2006-11-05

I still have the original Beast Master title in soft cover, and I still reread it. I also have every story that followed. Beast Master Quest is a worthy continuation. It will be reread many, many times as well. I'm in my 6th decade, and I still thrill to Andre Norton's fantastic stories.

Not Vintage Norton.......2006-07-08

I love vintage Andre Norton Science Fiction (also fantasy), especially her series such as The Time Traders, Solar Queen, and most of the previous Beast Master books. But this book came as a big disappointment. I thought the previous volume (Beast Master's Circus) was quite good, and enjoyed the new character Laris and her alien cat Prauo, who are the main characters in this new book. However, this latest book soon degenerates into a number of teenage temper tantrums, and had me gritting my teeth instead of enjoying the book. The plot was interesting to begin with, but the juvenile personal interactions overshadowed everything else. Possibly a (young) teenager would like this book, but I have other suggestions for Norton fans. I've been reading Andre Norton since the 50's, and have over 80 of her hardcovers, dating as far back as 1944, so I have a lot to compare with, and this one I'd rate as one of the 3 worst of her books. Since all three are fairly recent and were written with co-authors, I suspect that Ms. Norton did very little of the plotting and writing herself, and of course, she passed away almost a year before this book was published. If you want some good, recent Norton, try the Time Traders and Solar Queen books co-authored with Sherwood Smith, or the "Mark of the Cat/Year of the Rat" pair, which was a total and delightful surprise to me--hearkening back to the vintage "Star Man's Son" in some spots.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
THIS WAS EXCELLENT
Bad.
Not Norton's best .
Poorly written and edited

Scent of Magic
Andre Norton
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0380976870

Amazon.com

Are you among the many whose first fantasy book was an Andre Norton young adult novel? Scent of Magic is the latest in a long line of good old-fashioned Norton sword-and-sorcery tales. As always, Norton provides an intriguing premise: in this world, both good and evil magic are tied to plants and their scents.

The orphan Willadene has "the ability to recognize and name the most subtle of mixed scents," including the taint of evil. After she saves Hawice the Herbmistress from a magical trap, Hawice brings her to the Ducal castle. There Willadene meets the Duke's sheltered daughter Mahart, who is preparing for a marriage that will give her father an heir. Willadene also works with Nicolas, who spies for the Duke. When Mahart is abducted after meeting Prince Lorien, her intended fiancé, Willadene, Nicolas, and the Prince set out to find her and track down those responsible. Mahart and Willadene prove brave and resourceful, equal partners in the final struggle.

The writing isn't always up to Norton's standards; sentences are sometimes of baroque complexity. But fans of the Witch World series and those nostalgic for fairy-tale fantasy should seek out Scent of Magic. --Nona Vero

Book Description

There is a malevolence lurking within the castle's walls, inspiring brazen treacheries and usurpations...and a foul abduction as unthinkable as it is unexpected. Something horribly strange and forbidden has struck at the dawn of a new day of corruption and terror. And a young girl finds the heightened sense that has been her fortune now drawing her inextricably down into a maelstrom of evil. Now a great quest is in Willadene's future: a journey to a place of darkness; of tainted covenants and ancient battles of blood and sacrifice when monsters warred with heroes. For the extraordinary power that has molded her destiny is propelling her toward shocking self-knowledge and an impossible rescue in a realm of shadows, secrets, and devastated hope where the invincible lord of abominations reigns.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2005-01-21

I really tried to enjoy this book, since I've liked other books by Andre Norton, but this one just doesn't have much of a plot. The two main characters are both strong, interesting women. The descriptions are vivid and detailed (too much so, in fact, bogging the book down). The book revolves around an interesting situation, with a scullery maid who can actually smell evil and ward it off with herbal concoctions. But the two heroines mostly just hang around the castle, attending lunches and making feeble attempts to identify the villains, until the last couple of chapters. At that point they have a bizarre and not very believable adventure that leads to a not very interesting climax. This was a boring book.

THIS WAS EXCELLENT.......2004-03-11

I first discovered Andre Norton quite by accident two years ago when I began an avid reader of fantasy quite also by mistake. This book was excellent. She is from the time when people wrote stories to take you away to far away worlds and places that only the imagination can lead you to. Scent of Magic was a great find for me. The characters were well developed and the story line was well done. I enjoyed it.

Bad........2003-04-21

I really wanted to like this book.The problem is ,I didn't.It was just so terrible.It didn't get anywhere,the characters were impossible to understand,and it was so filled with pointless stuff,so that by the end when they faced the bad-guyes,there was virtually no room left.
God knows why I finished this book.I suppose it was because Norton is one of my all-time favorites.But she really blew off on this one,god knows why she thought we care about Mahart;or Willadene.If you actually want Norton books that are good,read Wind in the Stone,Breed to Come,or the Elvenbane.This book is a waste.

Not Norton's best ........2003-01-16

I've pretty much always liked Norton .After Black Trillium I was immediatley drawn into her work .But this is slow moving and pointless .Willadene is completely un -satisfying .If she just sensed evil why doesn't she tell Halwice or Vazul ?If you want a good example of Norton's work ,try Wind in the Stone or Black Trillium(which is also written b Marion Zimmer Bradley and Julian May ).Don't waste your time on this .

Poorly written and edited.......2002-07-13

This was my first encounter with Andre Norton's works, and unfortunately it was not a pleasant one. While the plot hints at a rich magical worldview, the book is hamstrung by poor writing and editing.

I started marking particularly atrocious examples about two-thirds of the way through, so these quotes are only from the last section of the book:

--------
"His body, toughened as well as he could exercize muscles most men did not even guess they might posses, served him well." (p333)

"Find the way down to the lower land he did." (p334)

"Again she felt the pressure of his fingers closing about her upper arm.
'How did you know that?'
She buried her nose in that untidy bundle her amulet had become.
'There was the scent of aspicen fern -- that and black evil!'" (p290)
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Characters are one-dimensional and do not develop over time, with little emotional attachment on the part of the reader. Dialogue is trite, and description mostly revolves around uses of the words "stench" and "evil".

No offense intended to people who enjoyed this book, or to Andre Norton (who is writing for a younger audience, maybe 11-14), but this book could have used a lot more time with an editor wielding a large red pen.

Authors:

Authors

Authors