So, since there's a category for the books and authors that we love, I'm curious: does anyone else here enjoy reading Andre Norton's books? Considering that she was the author that got me interested in science fiction in the first place, I think her books as a whole are well above average. She really knew how to "just tell the story," without padding in a lot of extraneous detail, and she came up with some great adventures for her characters. She also wrote a bunch of fantasy novels, plus some historical novels and quasi-romances (minus the smut). Some days I sure wish I had her inspiration for storytelling!

I'm not sure I've read anything by her, but you've got me intrigued. I will do some looking on amazon...

What a great, prolific and imaginative author! I read lots of her books when I was in high school and college. I don't think I ever got through all of the Witchworld series. Might be time to make a trip to the library as I am coming up on the end of the Wheel of Time Saga by Robert Jordan - another amazing epic story teller. He passed away just this last year. The series is not actually complete, but then again, maybe that was the point. I'm not sure how I would feel about someone else completing it.

Originally posted by lborgia88 I'm not sure I've read anything by her, but you've got me intrigued. I will do some looking on amazon...

She did a lot of writing in the fifties, sixties, and seventies, so you should be able to find copies of those older books for super-cheap. Used bookstores are my favorite place to find them, but there should be plenty on Amazon. Many of her books have gone into reprints which are priced more like today's books; I tend to look for the old, inexpensive ones. Besides, the old cover art is more fun. I'd be happy to put up a list of my favorites if you like, and what they're about. While she never wrote a book I didn't like, there are some that I particularly enjoy re-reading. But individual tastes do differ, and since she wrote over a hundred books, there are plenty to choose from! I've noticed some recent books with her name on the spine that are actually stories written by other authors who had planned to do a collaborative work with her, and didn't get it off the ground before she passed away. It's interesting, but not the same. While I enjoy seeing her characters return, the difference in writing style is distracting. There were some decent collaborative pieces written while she was still alive and able to contribute. (With one memorable exception, which features a really blatant Mary Sue. Yick.) Generally, though, the best books are the ones that she wrote by herself. Sorry to hear about Robert Jordan, gogirl212. I hadn't realized that he was gone. I've read about two-thirds of his Wheel of Time. They're good books and he has some great material in there. I remember being frustrated because every time a loose end got tied up, another appeared. I figured he was having so much fun writing those books that he kept getting inspired with new ideas for the series, and it just kept going. Can't blame him for that! And I agree with you about not being sure if someone else should try to finish the series. It doesn't seem to work out very well--no matter how thoroughly the new author does their homework, it's still very hard for them to mimic the style of the original, and readers notice.

Originally posted by Barrdwing I'd be happy to put up a list of my favorites if you like, and what they're about. While she never wrote a book I didn't like, there are some that I particularly enjoy re-reading. But individual tastes do differ, and since she wrote over a hundred books, there are plenty to choose from!

Ooh, if you could name a few of your top favourites, that would save me some guesswork! I keep a running list of books that I mean to read, and it needs some additions. My family is widely dispersed geographically, and every time Christmas or my birthday roll around I get emails with not-so-subtle requests for gift ideas, preferably ones that are easily ordered off amazon.com and shipped...

Okay! These would be my particular favorites among Norton's books. Science fiction books: The Stars are Ours! Star Man's Son (alternate title: Daybreak--2250 A.D.) Postmarked the Stars Plague Ship/Voodoo Planet (Two stories published in one book; may be found separately) Sargasso of Space The Zero Stone Uncharted Stars Star Guard Star Rangers (alternate title: The Last Planet) The Time Traders Galactic Derelict Breed to Come Fantasy titles: The Crystal Gryphon Gryphon in Glory Gryphon's Eyrie The Jargoon Pard Year of the Unicorn (My favorite of the Witch World books, but all of this series are good, especially the first eight books.) Fur Magic Dragon Magic Historical or quasi-historical/romance titles: The White Jade Fox Shadow Hawk Iron Butterflies Ralestone Luck There are many, many more to choose from. I can also supply quick run-downs on the plotlines of most of her books (at least the ones I have), so if you spot something you're curious about and would like more info, just let me know!

Thanks! I think I'll start with her sci fi, as I've been reading mostly fantasy/historical lately.

Bardwing - that is one challenging reading list! I was enthralled with Witchworld but didn't really get past that to her other books. I certainly think I will branch out to some of the sci fi titles as well. (Of course, that is in between reading every single gatchaman/botp fic I can chase down on the web - I am so obsessed.) One of the things I like about writers like Norton and Jordon is that they are so epic and sweeping in their story lines and yet each story itself has detailed and rich characters that you can really fall in love with throughout their journey. I also love that the story isn't over after just three books (the trilogy as the ultimate form in fantasy/sci fi is really starting to just feel like a rut to me). I like that these authors create a rich world that just keeps living.

Originally posted by gogirl212 Bardwing - that is one challenging reading list! I was enthralled with Witchworld but didn't really get past that to her other books. I certainly think I will branch out to some of the sci fi titles as well. (Of course, that is in between reading every single gatchaman/botp fic I can chase down on the web - I am so obsessed.) One of the things I like about writers like Norton and Jordon is that they are so epic and sweeping in their story lines and yet each story itself has detailed and rich characters that you can really fall in love with throughout their journey. I also love that the story isn't over after just three books (the trilogy as the ultimate form in fantasy/sci fi is really starting to just feel like a rut to me). I like that these authors create a rich world that just keeps living.

I agree completely. It's as if these authors have so many ideas that they just flow onto the paper in rapid succession, and the story charges along without slow or dull sections. Norton somehow manages to develop storylines that can be completed in under 300 pages (sometimes well under), but without making the reader feel as if the material was shallow. The imagery is so vivid, and she creates it in almost a minimalist fashion. She's a good example of a writer who, when she uses a word, it's just the right word for the job and it doesn't need padding to explain it. Yeek--I, on the other hand, am using a lot of padding here.

Thanks to everyone for recommending those titles. In a few weeks I have to have surgery and will be laid up for awhile. I need a good read!

Some of those Authors I have heard of but I haven't read their books... Would you believe I"m a big fan of fantasy but I have never read Robert Jordan. I knew of him, but his books didn't grab me when I read the blurbs. I love Robin Hobb's 'Assasins apprentice' series and the "Tawny Man"...and her" Liveship Traders". Her characters are well rounded the story telling is detailed in a way that makes the plot solid. And its not a predictable story! I seem to be attracted to stories that have complexities to them and the characters. Magic is there but it doesn't solve everything, and its not always accepted. But thats me when it comes to authors of novels.

It took me a while to decide to try Robert Jordan. I agree Ebony, the blurbs really didn't entice me. A friend who loved the series convinced (after several years of trying) to read them and it took a while to get into the first book, but then I was hooked. I don't know Robin Hobbs, but it sounds like another author I have to look into!

Originally posted by Condorfan Thanks to everyone for recommending those titles. In a few weeks I have to have surgery and will be laid up for awhile. I need a good read!

Dear Condorfan Hope that the surgery will go well and that you will have a speedy recovery. Dear Barrdwing Thank you for the recommendations. I have to be honest that I have never read any of Norton's books, but you've got me curious on her works. Perhaps I should really check out the Science Fiction sections in the bookstore next time.

Originally posted by saturn

Originally posted by Condorfan Thanks to everyone for recommending those titles. In a few weeks I have to have surgery and will be laid up for awhile. I need a good read!

Dear Condorfan Hope that the surgery will go well and that you will have a speedy recovery. Dear Barrdwing Thank you for the recommendations. I have to be honest that I have never read any of Norton's books, but you've got me curious on her works. Perhaps I should really check out the Science Fiction sections in the bookstore next time.

Condorfan, I hope that your surgery goes very well and that the recovery goes smoothly. Good luck! I'm imagining reading some of the books on my list while under the influence of painkiller. For the most part, I think they'd still be pretty easy to follow . . . except possibly Sargasso of Space, which can be a little confusing even stone cold sober! Saturn, you might be able to find some of the reprints in a new-book bookstore, but if not, perhaps Amazon might be useful in finding older used copies. The reprints are a little hit-or-miss in terms of what stories were chosen. Some of my favorite titles haven't been reprinted, but of the ones that have, just look for something that was written by Norton without a second author. Not that all of the books she wrote with another author are bad . . . but I don't think they're quite as good as the ones she wrote on her own.

I'll have to check out Norton too. I have heard of the author. When in a reading mode again I"ll buy one... At the moment I've been reading books on raising kids and adoption. They can get boring since I like action in a book, and factual books can send me to sleep...

Andre Norton runs hot and cold for me... I've enjoyed any number of her books (The Wraiths of Time, Ralestone Luck, the Gryphon trilogy... the Elf/Fae series with Mercedes Lackey) and some of them have left me absolutely cold (I've blocked their names... sorry). In general, I enjoy her work, more especially when I recall the environment and audience for her publications.

What do you mean by "cold" Reboekah?

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne What do you mean by "cold" Reboekah?

When I like Andre Norton's work, I really really like it - when I don't - I want to drop it into the deep freeze and forget I ever read it.... Hot and cold... I was needing reading material while living in Asia, went through the (small) English-language section in a local store and picked up one of her Witch World works... and regretted it. Could have been the wrong place and wrong time, but I don't think I ever finished the book (which is terribly odd for me...) -Boeke

So the book basically was boring is that what you're saying. I've had that happen with books, they look good I persevere through them to find I wasted my time...

I have a hard time not finishing a book, even if it is a disappointing read. I keep thinking it just has to get better and I persevere well past the point of it ever getting better. I just don't like not knowing the end of a story - even a bad one.

Same here!!!

Then Ebony, you must know how difficult it is for me to not get out one of those pokey sticks and start prodding you for the next part of your story!!! I will live in misery with them until there is an ending!

Same thing here, GoGirl! Can't wait for the next part of your fantastic series, Ebony! Please spare us from this torture,

Awe thanks girls I'm writing it, and it has a detailed plot that is conclusive. I've been busy with my daughter who is 17months old and doesn't like it when mum's on the computer to much. She's become very clingy. I take it as a compliment that you like the story so far. TJ is beta-ing it but she hasn't got back to me about what I have sent her so far. I warn you though, its about as long as the last story!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I warn you though, its about as long as the last story!

Length is never a problem! (unless I'm the one writing) I remember when my nephew was about your daughter's age -whenever I was looking after him, he required all my attention, and I had to keep after him to see what he might be trying to climb/eat/feed to the dog/open/destroy... I have nothing but admiration for all mothers, who do it every day!

Originally posted by Reboekah Could have been the wrong place and wrong time, but I don't think I ever finished the book (which is terribly odd for me...) -Boeke

It's odd for me too, but it has happened. Sometimes it was yet another fantasy tale of a young person who discovers they have a special destiny and goes on a quest with their wise old mentor and a love interest with whom they bicker, while the forces of evil pursue them, and I just ceased to care... Or it was George R R Martin's A Feast for Crows, which finally came out eons (or what seemed like eons) after the previous book in the series, and I couldn't remember most of what had happened previously and I was in grad school and didn't have time to re-read three long novels to refresh my memory, and for some strange reason, the one character that I did remember well (who wasn't, like most characters, killed off in the previous book) wasn't featured in the book at all, and no one else grabbed my attention -let's just say I skimmed to such a degree that I skipped whole chapters.

lb - you mean there are fantasy stories that AREN'T about a young person discovering his or her special destiny and going on a quest with their wise old mentor and a love interest with whom they bicker while the forces of evil pursue them?? ITA about sometimes getting into a Hero's Journey Fantasy Rut - I tend to just stop reading for a while. I am not so freaky that if I read part 1 of really dull trilogy I don't force myself into the other two books just to finish. There are always exceptions though - I started reading His Dark Marterials by Philip Pullman - The Golden Compass is the first book in that series - and it is gleefully a creative and inventive variation on the theme. The movie intrigued me enough to read the book.

Originally posted by gogirl212 There are always exceptions though - I started reading His Dark Marterials by Philip Pullman - The Golden Compass is the first book in that series - and it is gleefully a creative and inventive variation on the theme. The movie intrigued me enough to read the book.

I've read Pullman's trilogy, more than once, and liked it a lot -big ideas there, but also some complex, interesting characters and some twists I didn't see coming. Some other, relatively recent, fantasy favourites of mine, off the top of my head are Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series (imagine medieval Europe except the religion wants you to have lots of sex, any way you like), Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series (very funny, totally plays on "classic" English literature), Megan Whalen Turner's series (Thief, Queen of Attolia, King of Attolia, technically YA but good, esp. the last two). Oh, and anything by Guy Gavriel Kay (esp. Tigana)

Originally posted by gogirl212 lb - you mean there are fantasy stories that AREN'T about a young person discovering his or her special destiny and going on a quest with their wise old mentor and a love interest with whom they bicker while the forces of evil pursue them??

Have read The Assassin's Apprentice... Farseer trilogy (Robin Hobb) It even has an unpredictable angsty ending... My original story(Fantasy genre) doesn't have the young person going on quest because she discovered a special destiny with the love interest that she bickers with, not really my style since I've read lots of books like that...(Not to say there isn't a destiny and there isn't a love interest just not in the way you'd think, everything is not as it appears to be...) but you may never see that one...

I have been recommend robin hobb but not managed to work my way there yet. i will need to get it to the top of my summer reading list - immediately after YOUR story . . . it sounds intriguing! when do I get to read that?

hhahhaaaa.... Its one of those things... I'm not as shy about my fanfic but when it comes to writing outside of it (Like original fantasy) I've found I'm very shy. I started writing it in March last year. I've got about 80,000 words written so far. Its just an idea i had, but I like my characters... Its about prospective, thats sometimes we think something is obvious but really...its not what we thought. Not everything is what it always seems in life to be in how we view it... I don't know why i felt the inclination to even mention it here it was just the line about the mentor i think....

Oh Ebony, you are such a talented writer and I enjoy your fics so much I can just imagine that your original writing is equally compelling. I like your idea about shifting perspective and point of view giving unexpected outcomes to a story. Very intriguing. But I will also say, after my first little baby steps into fic writing, I can see what you mean about being shy to put original work out there. A daunting idea at the very least. But if you ever do chose to share it, I am certain there is a flock of swans ready to embrace it.

I'm still working on it when i get a chance. From first drafting I've change it to work better. When I decide to put it out into the real world i think I'll learn fast what others think of my stories and writing. that can be nerve racking But I have to finish the story first. no point worrying about that kinda thing when its not even done yet.

Originally posted by gogirl212 But if you ever do chose to share it, I am certain there is a flock of swans ready to embrace it.

And Eagles too!!

Originally posted by Hinotori

Originally posted by gogirl212 But if you ever do chose to share it, I am certain there is a flock of swans ready to embrace it.

And Eagles too!!

Along with some Condors.