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Witch World #12
Lore of the Witch World: A Witch World Collection
Few authors have achieved such renown as World Fantasy Life Achievement honoree and Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master Andre Norton. With the love of readers and the praise of critics, Norton’s books have sold millions of copies worldwide.
The Witch World . . . Far away in space and time, the Witch World has become the legendary home of all who dream and wonder of unknown worlds.
Lore of the Witch World brings together in one volume all the novelettes and tales of the Witch World, including the never previously published novelette Changeling.
The Witch World . . . Far away in space and time, the Witch World has become the legendary home of all who dream and wonder of unknown worlds.
Lore of the Witch World brings together in one volume all the novelettes and tales of the Witch World, including the never previously published novelette Changeling.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1980
98 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Andre Norton
690 books1,391 followersAndre 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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Want to read
November 20, 2023Haven't read anything in the Witch World series yet, hope to someday, but the cover artist Michael Whelan posted the cover art for this on twitter and people freaked out because of the clothing choices. I just thought that was funny.
November 8, 2012
I find that when I want to start a very long series, a good "taste test" is to see if there are any anthologies out - and if I like what a few short stories say, I will more than likely begin tracking down the "real" beginning of a series. These are all lovely little stories, and I am now eager and ready to begin my first Witch World book.
April 20, 2022
Several stories from the early days of High Hallack. Interesting reading.
December 14, 2016
I interrupted my Estcarp revisit to read this set of short stories, based on publishing date. All were previously published except the final story, "The Changling", which completed the prior story "The Toads of Grimmerdale".
Of the stories, 2 are definitely located in Estcarp, or its immediate environs, and 4 are in High Hallack, while the other, "Spider Silk", I wasn't entirely sure but likely Estcarp.
"Sand Sister" provides some interesting details about the Tormen and their lives and brings the son of Koris and Loyse into the tale. And "Falcon Blood", while rather too short, provides some background into the basis of the enforced separation of men and women in that society. Both stories add to the overall information about Witch World. But knowing the context of these stories probably helps in maintaining the reader's interest.
"Sword of Unbelief" follows Elys and Jervon from "Spell of the Witch World", and the final 2 stories together are a solid High Hallack entry.
"Spider Silk" and "Legacy from Sorn Fen" could be set anywhere.
The writing seems a bit more free flowing compared to the earlier, slightly stilted stylings of some of the earlier Witch World books, but the formality and structure maintains the tone that is important in establishing this world, with rules and exceptions to rules all of its own. I think that was what made it such a tempting place for other writers to dip their toes into, with so many opportunities to reveal other Old Ones and other hidden ways.
I quite enjoyed this book ... again.
Of the stories, 2 are definitely located in Estcarp, or its immediate environs, and 4 are in High Hallack, while the other, "Spider Silk", I wasn't entirely sure but likely Estcarp.
"Sand Sister" provides some interesting details about the Tormen and their lives and brings the son of Koris and Loyse into the tale. And "Falcon Blood", while rather too short, provides some background into the basis of the enforced separation of men and women in that society. Both stories add to the overall information about Witch World. But knowing the context of these stories probably helps in maintaining the reader's interest.
"Sword of Unbelief" follows Elys and Jervon from "Spell of the Witch World", and the final 2 stories together are a solid High Hallack entry.
"Spider Silk" and "Legacy from Sorn Fen" could be set anywhere.
The writing seems a bit more free flowing compared to the earlier, slightly stilted stylings of some of the earlier Witch World books, but the formality and structure maintains the tone that is important in establishing this world, with rules and exceptions to rules all of its own. I think that was what made it such a tempting place for other writers to dip their toes into, with so many opportunities to reveal other Old Ones and other hidden ways.
I quite enjoyed this book ... again.
December 25, 2025
A decent collection of shorts and novellas that I hadn't read in a very long time. It serves as a reminder that in Witch World evil is everywhere and that a totally wicked location can be seen from a rear window. Beware!
March 18, 2025
For an explanation of why I read this book, click here.
Thanks to this author, I thought Andre was a girl's name for most of my youth. I wouldn't call myself a devoted fan, but Norton has written some of my favorite books, including the YA title Octagon Magic and Year of the Unicorn, which I read voraciously when I was in my teens and which holds up well to this adult reader. I've been more or less idly picking up the Witch World novels in the last decade, and this story collection is one of them.
This collection grew on me the more of it I read. I didn't really care for the first two stories, "Spider Silk" and "Sand Sister," mainly because Norton's style sometimes feels overdone to me--or maybe I mean old-fashioned? At any rate, I wasn't thrilled. But the three middle stories interested me more, and I loved the final two, "The Toads of Grimmerdale" and "Changeling." It's the romantic in me, I guess. So although my technical average for these stories is three stars, I'm giving the collection four as recognition of how much I liked the ending.
I really do have mixed feelings about Norton's somewhat ornate writing style. It feels... yes, I'll go with "old-fashioned," because there is an ornateness to it that strikes me as fitting her early works, but is out of place in 1980. On the other hand, so what if that's how she wants to write? It clearly worked for her and her career. Mostly, I guess it leaves me thinking hard about what I prefer. The style is the same across all these stories, and it didn't bother me when I was reading the last two, so maybe what I'm saying is if a plot or character doesn't grab me, I'm more put off by other elements of the story that I would otherwise forgive.
Anyway, I liked some of the stories enough to have solidly good feelings about the collection.
Thanks to this author, I thought Andre was a girl's name for most of my youth. I wouldn't call myself a devoted fan, but Norton has written some of my favorite books, including the YA title Octagon Magic and Year of the Unicorn, which I read voraciously when I was in my teens and which holds up well to this adult reader. I've been more or less idly picking up the Witch World novels in the last decade, and this story collection is one of them.
This collection grew on me the more of it I read. I didn't really care for the first two stories, "Spider Silk" and "Sand Sister," mainly because Norton's style sometimes feels overdone to me--or maybe I mean old-fashioned? At any rate, I wasn't thrilled. But the three middle stories interested me more, and I loved the final two, "The Toads of Grimmerdale" and "Changeling." It's the romantic in me, I guess. So although my technical average for these stories is three stars, I'm giving the collection four as recognition of how much I liked the ending.
I really do have mixed feelings about Norton's somewhat ornate writing style. It feels... yes, I'll go with "old-fashioned," because there is an ornateness to it that strikes me as fitting her early works, but is out of place in 1980. On the other hand, so what if that's how she wants to write? It clearly worked for her and her career. Mostly, I guess it leaves me thinking hard about what I prefer. The style is the same across all these stories, and it didn't bother me when I was reading the last two, so maybe what I'm saying is if a plot or character doesn't grab me, I'm more put off by other elements of the story that I would otherwise forgive.
Anyway, I liked some of the stories enough to have solidly good feelings about the collection.
September 16, 2018
A collection of six short stories set in Witch World and environs. I suspect that some of these were written just for anthologies, and as such not all are of the same standard.
'Spider Silk' and 'Sand Sister' both explore the fates of young girls who have been outcast from their communities due to difference and circumstance. Norton writes excellently from the viewpoint of the outsider, and her females struggle against the odds, gaining power both in themselves and from outside sources. In the end her characters differences enable them to prevail and succeed, and in part this element is what makes her stories so satisfying to read. These are short stories but are excellently crafted with attention to setting and detail rarely found in novellas. Norton has a real talent for worldbuilding and creating tangible settings and characters with real complexity and depth to them.
This collection also contains the continued stories of Hertha from 'The Toads of Grimmerdale' in a story which deals with the birth of her child and the ensuing challenges set her. By visiting the shrine of Gunnora she is set a quest to seal up the entrances at the circle of Toads. Also, this collection contains a sequel to Elys' story, who we first met in 'Dragon Scale Silver' in the 'Spell of the Witch World' collection. This is a fairly straightforward sword and sorcery - combating a dark otherworldy evil force - style story and didn't have the originality of the others.
Overall a great addition to the Witch World collection of tales. I'd recommend this to fans of the series, if you're new to it then maybe try 'Spell of the Witch World' which contains three novellas.
'Spider Silk' and 'Sand Sister' both explore the fates of young girls who have been outcast from their communities due to difference and circumstance. Norton writes excellently from the viewpoint of the outsider, and her females struggle against the odds, gaining power both in themselves and from outside sources. In the end her characters differences enable them to prevail and succeed, and in part this element is what makes her stories so satisfying to read. These are short stories but are excellently crafted with attention to setting and detail rarely found in novellas. Norton has a real talent for worldbuilding and creating tangible settings and characters with real complexity and depth to them.
This collection also contains the continued stories of Hertha from 'The Toads of Grimmerdale' in a story which deals with the birth of her child and the ensuing challenges set her. By visiting the shrine of Gunnora she is set a quest to seal up the entrances at the circle of Toads. Also, this collection contains a sequel to Elys' story, who we first met in 'Dragon Scale Silver' in the 'Spell of the Witch World' collection. This is a fairly straightforward sword and sorcery - combating a dark otherworldy evil force - style story and didn't have the originality of the others.
Overall a great addition to the Witch World collection of tales. I'd recommend this to fans of the series, if you're new to it then maybe try 'Spell of the Witch World' which contains three novellas.
October 8, 2020
This was a collection of stand-alone Witch World stories from various anthologies, though "Toads of Grimmerdale" does get a sequel, "Changeling," written for this volume. The stories follow the formula Norton's used in several of the novels: outcast protagonist (here all female) bonds with rootless man (not necessarily as lovers) and sets off for adventures. Mostly the cast exists away from the core adventures and cast, like a Sulcar woman and a Falconer joining forces in Falcon Blood.
The stories are good and I like that they're somewhat open-ended, with fresh adventures ahead. It gives me the feel Witch World is a place where anyone can have adventures, not just the Were Riders or Simon Tregarth's clan.
The stories are good and I like that they're somewhat open-ended, with fresh adventures ahead. It gives me the feel Witch World is a place where anyone can have adventures, not just the Were Riders or Simon Tregarth's clan.
July 16, 2017
They were okay stories told in an interesting way, but Holy Shit does this entire book need editing! Did no one look at the book before publishing it? The period ending a sentence was often missing and at many times personal pronouns were altered by one letter like 'be' for 'he'.
Also, I didn't realize at first that this was a collection of tales about witches, so I immediately became confused and saddened when the first story ended and never continued.
Also, I didn't realize at first that this was a collection of tales about witches, so I immediately became confused and saddened when the first story ended and never continued.
March 9, 2023
This is the first book by Andre Norton that I've read. I always see about a billion of her books in secondhand bookstores, and was at a loss for where to start, so I kept an eye out for any sort of collections such as this one.
Each novella is a delightful little tale of heroism in a recently war-torn land where the old social order is in shambles and a new one has not yet coalesced. Femininity and its many forms and strengths are major themes in most of these stories.
Each novella is a delightful little tale of heroism in a recently war-torn land where the old social order is in shambles and a new one has not yet coalesced. Femininity and its many forms and strengths are major themes in most of these stories.
April 24, 2024
Good plots, too many words.
This is a collection of 7 stories. Norton wrote this using a flowery pattern appropriate to the world in which they take place. The result is a plethora of words to tell each story. Although her style is appropriate, it makes it difficult to read -- almost like trying to follow Paul of Tarsus' epistles in the Bible.
If you like flowery dialog, you should enjoy these stories.
This is a collection of 7 stories. Norton wrote this using a flowery pattern appropriate to the world in which they take place. The result is a plethora of words to tell each story. Although her style is appropriate, it makes it difficult to read -- almost like trying to follow Paul of Tarsus' epistles in the Bible.
If you like flowery dialog, you should enjoy these stories.
September 16, 2017
This anthology consists of seven short stories set in Estcarp, the Witch World imagined by Andre Norton. I don't normally enjoy short stories because I prefer longer tales that allow me to get to know the characters, but this collection worked for me precisely because the imagined world was familiar. My favorite short story in the set was The Toads of Grimmerdale.
August 4, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
October 30, 2017
Ms. Norton at her best
This is classic witch world. I haven't read one of these novels in decades, but I will read and re-read more of these. I had forgotten how good they were.
This is classic witch world. I haven't read one of these novels in decades, but I will read and re-read more of these. I had forgotten how good they were.
July 8, 2020
The master in action
Andre Norton has always been one if my favorite authors, she is a master indeed. These few short stories show the true mastery of the artist at her best.
Andre Norton has always been one if my favorite authors, she is a master indeed. These few short stories show the true mastery of the artist at her best.
August 18, 2021
Andre Norton does it again
A series of short stories all in the realm of the witch world that are passionately swirled about with magic and human courage.
A series of short stories all in the realm of the witch world that are passionately swirled about with magic and human courage.
July 4, 2024
The climax build-up is quite good in these stories.
Aside from that, the rest is average.
This book contains some short stories. Some of them are interesting, some aren’t.
Aside from that, the rest is average.
This book contains some short stories. Some of them are interesting, some aren’t.
November 13, 2025
A good collection of stories from the Witch World series.
August 8, 2014
This is a collection of Andre Norton stories that I had not read before, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. There is a common theme in many of Norton's stories - a young outcast sets out either to prove himself/herself or find a home. Along the way, they discover that what makes them different from those around them also makes them stronger.
"Spider Silk" - Dairine is rescued from a slave ship when she is a young child and raised by Ingvarna, the Wise Woman of Rannock, a fishing village. Dairine is blind, though it is suspected that this is due to emotional trauma, rather than physical in nature. Dairine is a superb weaver from an early age. When she is grown, she is kidnapped by Vidruth, who has taken control of a ship, and intends to use Dairine to bargain with some mysterious weavers, who create the "spider silk" of the title.
"Sand Sister" - Tursla is born to the Tor-folk, a small, isolated, inbred group that is slowly dying out. There are no families, no married couples, no parents raising their children. The children are all raised in common. Named after the "moth-maid," a character in a legend, Tursla is different from the start. She is never at home in Tormarsh and finally leaves - upon the orders of Mafra, the Clan Mother - to follow her dreams.
"Falcon Blood" - Tanree, a young Sulcar woman, rescues a young man, the Falconer for most of the story, until his real name is revealed at the end. The Falconer's people are notorious for their hatred and distrust of women, which has made the Falconers outcasts among other races. However, Tanree learns that the Falconers actually have a pretty good reason for their distrust of women in general.
"Legacy from Sorn Fen" - a strong story, more like a fairy tale than a fantasy story. It concerns Higbold, an evil tyrant, who comes into the possession of a magical ring - only to learn that he is not the master of it after all.
"Sword of Unbelief - Elys is searching for her lover Jervon, who has been imprisoned in the Waste. To call the Waste "No Man's Land" is an understatement. The attacks that Elys endures are more mental and emotional than physical. The story is told in first person and you do not learn her name until the end. The use of first person - the only time in this volume - causes one to identify with Elys more than if the story had been told in third person like the others.
"The Toads of Grimmerdale" - Hertha, like Tursla and Dairine, is an outcast. Unlike them, she is highborn, but that does not give her any special protection in the end. She is blamed for something that she had no control over, and cast out because she defies her brother. Hertha is strong-willed and independent - and determined to get revenge against the one who wronged her. I don't want to say too much more because it will ruin the story.
"Changeling" - Hertha gives birth to a daughter, Elfanor, who appears to be cursed. Hertha knows this is because of the bargain she made in the previous story. She has to go on a quest to save her daughter. I was a little confused as to whether Elfanor was cursed or a changeling. However, Andre Norton did an excellent job of depicting Hertha's very fierce mother love.
On a side note, I loved C J Cherryh's forward. She comes across as a real Andre Norton fangirl.
"Spider Silk" - Dairine is rescued from a slave ship when she is a young child and raised by Ingvarna, the Wise Woman of Rannock, a fishing village. Dairine is blind, though it is suspected that this is due to emotional trauma, rather than physical in nature. Dairine is a superb weaver from an early age. When she is grown, she is kidnapped by Vidruth, who has taken control of a ship, and intends to use Dairine to bargain with some mysterious weavers, who create the "spider silk" of the title.
"Sand Sister" - Tursla is born to the Tor-folk, a small, isolated, inbred group that is slowly dying out. There are no families, no married couples, no parents raising their children. The children are all raised in common. Named after the "moth-maid," a character in a legend, Tursla is different from the start. She is never at home in Tormarsh and finally leaves - upon the orders of Mafra, the Clan Mother - to follow her dreams.
"Falcon Blood" - Tanree, a young Sulcar woman, rescues a young man, the Falconer for most of the story, until his real name is revealed at the end. The Falconer's people are notorious for their hatred and distrust of women, which has made the Falconers outcasts among other races. However, Tanree learns that the Falconers actually have a pretty good reason for their distrust of women in general.
"Legacy from Sorn Fen" - a strong story, more like a fairy tale than a fantasy story. It concerns Higbold, an evil tyrant, who comes into the possession of a magical ring - only to learn that he is not the master of it after all.
"Sword of Unbelief - Elys is searching for her lover Jervon, who has been imprisoned in the Waste. To call the Waste "No Man's Land" is an understatement. The attacks that Elys endures are more mental and emotional than physical. The story is told in first person and you do not learn her name until the end. The use of first person - the only time in this volume - causes one to identify with Elys more than if the story had been told in third person like the others.
"The Toads of Grimmerdale" - Hertha, like Tursla and Dairine, is an outcast. Unlike them, she is highborn, but that does not give her any special protection in the end. She is blamed for something that she had no control over, and cast out because she defies her brother. Hertha is strong-willed and independent - and determined to get revenge against the one who wronged her. I don't want to say too much more because it will ruin the story.
"Changeling" - Hertha gives birth to a daughter, Elfanor, who appears to be cursed. Hertha knows this is because of the bargain she made in the previous story. She has to go on a quest to save her daughter. I was a little confused as to whether Elfanor was cursed or a changeling. However, Andre Norton did an excellent job of depicting Hertha's very fierce mother love.
On a side note, I loved C J Cherryh's forward. She comes across as a real Andre Norton fangirl.
July 30, 2013
I picked this book up though Pixel of Ink, for free. I was more intrigued by the cover art than anything. Again, living under my little rock, I had never heard of Andre Norton. I did see that through Amazon, this series of short stories garnered good reviews. Therefore, I snagged this up without any hesitation.
Spider Silk
The first story in this series is about a young blind girl that is kidnapped and put on an island of creatures. She saves her life by weaving silk. I know, it sounds weird, and it is! This is was a fast read. I'm one that loves a smoothly written story. In the e-book format, I ran into many typo's. This was a huge distraction for me. Then I just had issues with this story. The story to me felt rushed. YES, it's a short story, so it is going to be rushed. I guess I'm more intune to a story that has more to it.
Sand Sister
This story was far better than Spider Silk. Still had several typo's. This story was of the struggle to be accepted. Tursla always felt as an outsider. She never was accepted as a member of the town. Through magic she finds her acceptance and through her sand sister.
Falcon Blood
This short story was again not my cup of tea. I first had a had time following. I wasn't interested at all. Then to have it jump to the fascinating part...only to end. Way too short.
Legacy From Sorn Fen
Just didn't like this short story. I tried but just didn't get into it. Maybe it's the typos? Maybe it's me?
Sword of Unbelief
I tried to enjoy this story, but I just couldn't read any further. I got 62% into the book and had to put it down. I feel guilty for not finishing. I also know that I am going to be one of the few who just didn't care for it. But then, to each his own. I can at least say I tried.
Spider Silk
The first story in this series is about a young blind girl that is kidnapped and put on an island of creatures. She saves her life by weaving silk. I know, it sounds weird, and it is! This is was a fast read. I'm one that loves a smoothly written story. In the e-book format, I ran into many typo's. This was a huge distraction for me. Then I just had issues with this story. The story to me felt rushed. YES, it's a short story, so it is going to be rushed. I guess I'm more intune to a story that has more to it.
Sand Sister
This story was far better than Spider Silk. Still had several typo's. This story was of the struggle to be accepted. Tursla always felt as an outsider. She never was accepted as a member of the town. Through magic she finds her acceptance and through her sand sister.
Falcon Blood
This short story was again not my cup of tea. I first had a had time following. I wasn't interested at all. Then to have it jump to the fascinating part...only to end. Way too short.
Legacy From Sorn Fen
Just didn't like this short story. I tried but just didn't get into it. Maybe it's the typos? Maybe it's me?
Sword of Unbelief
I tried to enjoy this story, but I just couldn't read any further. I got 62% into the book and had to put it down. I feel guilty for not finishing. I also know that I am going to be one of the few who just didn't care for it. But then, to each his own. I can at least say I tried.
February 20, 2016
Spider Silk (1976) - I adored this one. It's all about conceptions and taking things for granted, as well as not believing what you are told. Frightening and well told story of a young blind girl learning a dangerous lesson.
Sand Sister (1979) - Again a little frightening, as the heroine tries to escape enforced servitude, and forced marriage, as she looks for her outlander father.
Falcon Blood (1979) - a Falconer male and a Sulcar maid are shipwrecked on a rocky beach, and have to depend on each other to win free, only to move from there to an ancient battlefield where their actions spell freedom or eternal slavery for both of them
Legacy from Sorn Fen (1973) - a greedy man in the war-torn Dales grasps for what isn't his, leading to ruin for the true owner, and revenge in a way only Witch World can exact
Sword of Unbelief (1977) - another tale of young lovers, one of whom is an untrained witch, fighting a strange power from ancient times, using their bond with each other and unique skills that their bond strengthens
The Toads of Grimmerdale (1973) - This tale of revenge via sorcery sent chills down my spine, as the wronged woman tries to avenge her rape via an ancient evil.
Changeling (1980) - This continues the story of the Toads of Grimmerdale, where Hertha continues to pay the price of her attempt of revenge on a man long dead.
Sand Sister (1979) - Again a little frightening, as the heroine tries to escape enforced servitude, and forced marriage, as she looks for her outlander father.
Falcon Blood (1979) - a Falconer male and a Sulcar maid are shipwrecked on a rocky beach, and have to depend on each other to win free, only to move from there to an ancient battlefield where their actions spell freedom or eternal slavery for both of them
Legacy from Sorn Fen (1973) - a greedy man in the war-torn Dales grasps for what isn't his, leading to ruin for the true owner, and revenge in a way only Witch World can exact
Sword of Unbelief (1977) - another tale of young lovers, one of whom is an untrained witch, fighting a strange power from ancient times, using their bond with each other and unique skills that their bond strengthens
The Toads of Grimmerdale (1973) - This tale of revenge via sorcery sent chills down my spine, as the wronged woman tries to avenge her rape via an ancient evil.
Changeling (1980) - This continues the story of the Toads of Grimmerdale, where Hertha continues to pay the price of her attempt of revenge on a man long dead.
May 30, 2019
Settling into a previously unread collection of Norton's short stories is like settling into a comfy armchair. It makes me wonder why I've been sitting in those straight-backed wooden chairs for so long. I read tons of Alice Mary Norton before I graduated from high school, then college and Real Life, and I thought I had left her behind. Except for Star Gate, which is pretty near an annual read for me.
I never questioned at the time that she had to write under man's name. Everyone knew in those days that women couldn't write science fiction, right? So glad that battle has been won and is no longer in question. After all, in a genre invented by a women, women are appropriate in the role of major keepers of the flame. Oh, we do acknowledge that men also may have something to contribute. It's only fair, after all, but this is a woman's field, and my favorite SF writers have always been women. Norton, Zenna Henderson, C J Cherryh, C L Moore, MZB, Ursula le Guin, and so on in what seems a never-ending list of major writers.
This collection puts on seal on my liking for Norton's style. Story after story intrigues and satisfies. Terrific treasure trove.
I never questioned at the time that she had to write under man's name. Everyone knew in those days that women couldn't write science fiction, right? So glad that battle has been won and is no longer in question. After all, in a genre invented by a women, women are appropriate in the role of major keepers of the flame. Oh, we do acknowledge that men also may have something to contribute. It's only fair, after all, but this is a woman's field, and my favorite SF writers have always been women. Norton, Zenna Henderson, C J Cherryh, C L Moore, MZB, Ursula le Guin, and so on in what seems a never-ending list of major writers.
This collection puts on seal on my liking for Norton's style. Story after story intrigues and satisfies. Terrific treasure trove.
Read
June 23, 2015With an introduction by CJ Cherryh.
Stories:
Spider Silk
Sand Sister (set in Tormarsh)
Falcon Blood
Legacy from Sorn Fen (A fairly standard 'wishing ring' story)
Sword of Unbelief (about Elys & Jervon, following on from Dragon Scale Silver, but before Gryphon in Glory)
The Toads of Grimmerdale
Changeling (As is pointed out, The Toads of Grimmerdale is in several collections. This is the only place that the sequel Changeling is found, as far as I know).
Note that although the stories in this anthology vary a great deal in internal chronology, they seem to have been published around the same period. The anthology itself is from 1980. The cover art is by Michael Whelan, and is from The Toads of Grimmerdale.
Stories:
Spider Silk
Sand Sister (set in Tormarsh)
Falcon Blood
Legacy from Sorn Fen (A fairly standard 'wishing ring' story)
Sword of Unbelief (about Elys & Jervon, following on from Dragon Scale Silver, but before Gryphon in Glory)
The Toads of Grimmerdale
Changeling (As is pointed out, The Toads of Grimmerdale is in several collections. This is the only place that the sequel Changeling is found, as far as I know).
Note that although the stories in this anthology vary a great deal in internal chronology, they seem to have been published around the same period. The anthology itself is from 1980. The cover art is by Michael Whelan, and is from The Toads of Grimmerdale.
July 9, 2013
For me these are familiar stories taking me back to a time when I first became interested in Science Fiction. The Witch World stories are about honor, faith, belief - especially in oneself and that to do your best is enough. Norton wrote of a world that was dark and harsh and characters that were survivors. The world she created is believable because of the details and background she gives in each story.
April 28, 2016
Great read, intense makes you hold your breath while you try to help fight, lift and push. Andre Norton at her very best.
I first read Andre Norton in books my father had stored in our attic, old pulp paper backs. How I learned to love the days when I could spend time reading and losing myself in the world's that flowed from the fertile mind of Andre Norton! Pure delight for the preteen mind or anyone who would have their life enriched by truly great pose.
Dennis
I first read Andre Norton in books my father had stored in our attic, old pulp paper backs. How I learned to love the days when I could spend time reading and losing myself in the world's that flowed from the fertile mind of Andre Norton! Pure delight for the preteen mind or anyone who would have their life enriched by truly great pose.
Dennis
July 6, 2013
I loved Andre Norton's books. I discovered them early and then found out Andre was a woman writing Sci Fi. That just added to the enjoyment. There were so few females in most SCI FI books. This is a great collection of stories set in the Witch World. I really enjoyed finds them. It was like finding an old friend.
March 12, 2009
This is a collection of short stories involving the Witch World.
It contains the short story The Toads of GrimmerDale which also appears in Isaac Asimov's Spells: Magical Worlds of Fantasy, and the Collection called Flashing Swords #2.
It contains the short story The Toads of GrimmerDale which also appears in Isaac Asimov's Spells: Magical Worlds of Fantasy, and the Collection called Flashing Swords #2.
August 3, 2013
I found this on the kindle free list and was surprised at how good it was. Then I looked up the author. I feel a little bit like I've failed as a proper scifi geek for not knowing about her before now. I'm definitely getting more by her now.
Want to read
May 27, 2012can't believe it's taken this long to get into Andre Norton - her prose is powerful and so far I'm really enjoying it!
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