Gods and Androids

by Andre Norton

Awakening from a frozen mind state, an imprisoned Andas Kastor must discover if he is the rightful human Emperor of Inyange or an android double, in Android at Arms, while in Wraiths of Time, hurtled through space and time to the ancient Nubian kingdom of Meroe, a museum expert in African archaeology finds she must play a key role in preserving their civilization from evil power-seekers, in an omnibus edition.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Ebooks

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Andre Norton, born Alice Mary Norton, was a pioneering American author of science fiction and fantasy, widely regarded as the Grande Dame of those genres. She also wrote historical and contemporary fiction, publishing under the pen names Andre Alice Norton, Andrew North, and Allen Weston. She launched her career in 1934 with The Prince Commands, adopting the name “Andre” to appeal to a male readership. After working for the Cleveland Library System and the Library of Congress, she began publishing science fiction under “Andrew North” and fantasy under her own name. She became a full-time writer in 1958 and was known for her prolific output, including Star Man’s Son, 2250 A.D. and Witch World, the latter spawning a long-running series and shared universe. Norton was a founding member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America and authored Quag Keep, the first novel based on the Dungeons & Dragons game. She influenced generations of writers, including Lois McMaster Bujold and Mercedes Lackey. Among her many honors were being the first woman named Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy and SFWA Grand Master. In her later years, she established the High Hallack Library to support research in genre fiction. Her legacy continues with the Andre Norton Award for young adult science fiction and fantasy.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 because it’s better written than a couple of books I gave 3 stars to. Norton is a superb storyteller.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

TNR Mistress of Science Fiction

There has never been one like Andre Norton. She was an original and gifted author with so much foresight you have believed her a profit!

[***Dave Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Original review May 2006)

Repackaging of two books. In "Android at Arms," the princely protagonist awakens in prison with other worthies from a dozen worlds and over decades. Have they all been replaced at home by androids — or are they the actual simulacra? And, ultimately, what does that really mean? In "Wraiths of Time," a modern scholar is grabbed across dimensions to where the ancient Nubian matriarchy never fell, but now faces a threat from dark science — a threat only the displaced archaeologist can combat by pretending to be the crown princess and mastering the position’s psychic powers.

Both of the books in this collection are noteworthy for having an African background to their societies. Andas’ world and culture was clearly founded by African emigres from Earth, and Tallahassee Mitford’s parallel world is one where the legendary Upper Nile realm of Meroe never fell. It’s a refreshing change from generic European or even Asian backgrounds — and it’s highly ironic that the wretched cover art makes out Andas to be Caucasian, not to mention having the worst picture I could imagine of a Salariki …

[colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

read 08.05.05

[Lynn Calvin]

baen ebook