Witch World - Andre Norton
comments by CR:
"Witch World"[1963] by Andre Norton [1912-2005] is an alternate worlds/fantasy adventure novel that I found to be an unexpectedly delightful reading experience. I had this book on my shelf for many years but was put off by the title and general concept of "witchcraft". I must ruefully admit this books was not only hard to put down but it also reconfirmed that Ms. Norton was a masterful writer of both science-fiction and fantasy. This is one of the key books in the Norton canon and a classic of fantasy literature.
Hunted soldier Simon Tregarth is grudgingly teleported to an alternate earth-like planet. In the country of Estcarp Simon is recognized as an "outsider' but nonetheless is accepted for his martial arts proficiencies and becomes a leader in the local Home Guard. Some of the women in Estcarp have magical skills and become leaders. They are highly respected and referred too as witches. These women retain their skills so long as they remain chaste. Simon Tregarth, much to the consternation of his new companions, exhibits magical skills - a talent men in Estcarp do not possess.
Simon soon discovers Estcarp is a warring feudal society with some unaccounted for mechanical devices. Other strongholds in the area are in a low simmering state of conflict with Escarp - Alizon to the north and Karstan to the south. Allies with Escarp are the maritime traders the Sulcarp and the Hawk keepers. The island keep Gorm having been overrun by the unknown Kolder and is now an impenetrable mystery even to the witches of Estcap. Koris a member of the Gorm nobility, escaped and is now Capitan of the Escarp Home Guard.
Reading this book recently I was jolted that after all the recent glut of related fantasy title flooding the bookstore shelves this 56 year old title was redolent of captivating situations, engaging characters and unparalleled action sequences.
Norton's well drawn characters, imaginative action sequences and hints of unrevealed lore and mystery makes this a highly recommended to all readers who enjoy fantasy.
TITLE: Witch World
AUTHOR: Andre Norton 1912-2005
TYPE: paperback novel
PUBLISHER: Ace F197
COVER PRICE: $.40
ISBN:
PAGES: 222
COPYRIGHT: 1963 by author
PUB DATE: 1963
EDITION: 1st edition 1st paperback
COVER ARTIST: Jack Gaughan
ISFDB: Yes not verified
RATING: Not read
NOTATION: Stated "First Book Publication" on cover. Title page art by Jack Gaughan
INDEX: 0335a - Witch World - AN - 05 - IFB
CULPABILITY: All images posted are from publications owned by RC/\Weazel. RC/\Weazel performed image scanning, editing and the compiling of bibliographic data.
ISFDB: Internet Speculative Fiction Data Base.
RATING: On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being great and 1 don’t read.
Witch World - Andre Norton
comments by CR:
"Witch World"[1963] by Andre Norton [1912-2005] is an alternate worlds/fantasy adventure novel that I found to be an unexpectedly delightful reading experience. I had this book on my shelf for many years but was put off by the title and general concept of "witchcraft". I must ruefully admit this books was not only hard to put down but it also reconfirmed that Ms. Norton was a masterful writer of both science-fiction and fantasy. This is one of the key books in the Norton canon and a classic of fantasy literature.
Hunted soldier Simon Tregarth is grudgingly teleported to an alternate earth-like planet. In the country of Estcarp Simon is recognized as an "outsider' but nonetheless is accepted for his martial arts proficiencies and becomes a leader in the local Home Guard. Some of the women in Estcarp have magical skills and become leaders. They are highly respected and referred too as witches. These women retain their skills so long as they remain chaste. Simon Tregarth, much to the consternation of his new companions, exhibits magical skills - a talent men in Estcarp do not possess.
Simon soon discovers Estcarp is a warring feudal society with some unaccounted for mechanical devices. Other strongholds in the area are in a low simmering state of conflict with Escarp - Alizon to the north and Karstan to the south. Allies with Escarp are the maritime traders the Sulcarp and the Hawk keepers. The island keep Gorm having been overrun by the unknown Kolder and is now an impenetrable mystery even to the witches of Estcap. Koris a member of the Gorm nobility, escaped and is now Capitan of the Escarp Home Guard.
Reading this book recently I was jolted that after all the recent glut of related fantasy title flooding the bookstore shelves this 56 year old title was redolent of captivating situations, engaging characters and unparalleled action sequences.
Norton's well drawn characters, imaginative action sequences and hints of unrevealed lore and mystery makes this a highly recommended to all readers who enjoy fantasy.
TITLE: Witch World
AUTHOR: Andre Norton 1912-2005
TYPE: paperback novel
PUBLISHER: Ace F197
COVER PRICE: $.40
ISBN:
PAGES: 222
COPYRIGHT: 1963 by author
PUB DATE: 1963
EDITION: 1st edition 1st paperback
COVER ARTIST: Jack Gaughan
ISFDB: Yes not verified
RATING: Not read
NOTATION: Stated "First Book Publication" on cover. Title page art by Jack Gaughan
INDEX: 0335a - Witch World - AN - 05 - IFB
CULPABILITY: All images posted are from publications owned by RC/\Weazel. RC/\Weazel performed image scanning, editing and the compiling of bibliographic data.
ISFDB: Internet Speculative Fiction Data Base.
RATING: On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being great and 1 don’t read.