At Swords' Points

Norrey (Swords) #3

by Andre Norton

At Swords' Points

Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Ebooks, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

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

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, Andre Norton is remembered for her fantasy and science-fiction novels, especially the WITCH WORLD series of novels. Many readers might be surprised to know that she also wrote a good number of non-SF/Fantasy books, including historicals, mysteries, and romances. AT SWORDS'S POINT is one her spy thrillers, the third (and last) of the SWORD novels that focus on political adventures in the post-WW2 era. This one has a nice bit of history in it as well, as the protagonist searches to discover lost artifacts and solve the mysteries behind his brother's death.

As usual, it's a compelling story, and Norton relishes the opportunity to teach her readers a thing or two as they are swept along in the narrative. I have to admit that I "googled" a few of the locations just to get a visual of the places she described.

Recommended for history buffs, and Norton fans.

[Syd Logsdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this novel was published in 1954, the Soviets were consolidating their hold on Eastern Europe and had just detonated their first H bomb. The missile race and the space race were in the near future and escaped Nazis filled popular literature. Spy novels were the coming thing.
This is the third in the Sword Trilogy. Quinn Anders is seeking help in finding out what happened to his older brother, killed in an auto “accident” in the Netherlands. He finds that his brother was part of an unofficial underground, headed by Lorens van Norries, who is in all three books of the series. The group came together in resistance to the Nazis, and has changed enemies to resist the Soviets. With their blessings, Quinn goes to the Netherlands, looking for clues to his brother’s death, and to the ancient, gem encrusted porcelain knight that was his brother’s last gift.
At Sword’ Point is well plotted and satisfying, but what lifts it above other Norton works is the brooding atmosphere of the Netherlands, half medieval and half modern. I fell in love with the place. It didn’t hurt that Lorens and Kane had had lives of their own in earlier Sword books.
For a more complete review, see see http://sydlogsdon.com/2016/11/28/260-...

[Paulfrancis O'sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netherlanders, again

Netherlanders appear in several of Andre Norton’s books, including some featuring interstellar travel, and The Swords Trilogy: _The Sword Is Drawn_, _Sword in Sheath_, and _At Swords’ Points_, are early books, showing Norton’s study of Netherlandish culture.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. There was plenty of action and our heroes win in the end...but oh what a journey to get there! Recommended if you like historical fiction and spy novels.

[Don Diego · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in high school. There were some interesting details about WW II era spy craft.

[JimC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always at Swords Points

Whether is Sci-fi or adventure stories Andre Norton is one o f the best in both genres. One of my favorite authors.

[Valerie]

I'm not sure this is the edition I read: I may've read it in hardcover.

I have the impression that this was the 1st book in a trilogy, followed by The Sword Is Drawn, then Sword in Sheath.

Not sure about this: I wasn't really coherent when I was reading these older books. Lack of food will do that to you.

[Colin]

At Sword's Point

Excellent conclusion to the trilogy. Known characters from the first two books are now in strong supporting roles, action, adventure, spies, caves, hidden treasure, very enjoyable. Typos in translation from book to kindle not corrected. Hiss!