About the Author

For well over a half century, Andre Norton has been one of the most popular science fiction and fantasy authors in the world. Since her first SF novels were published in the 1940s, her adventure SF has enthralled readers young and old. With series such as" Time Traders, Solar Queen, Forerunner, Beast Master, Crosstime, "and "Janus," as well as many stand-alone novels, her tales of action and adventure throughout the galaxy have drawn countless readers to science fiction.
Her fantasy, including the best-selling "Witch World" series, her "Magic" series, and many other unrelated novels, has been popular with readers for decades. Lauded as a Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America, she is the recipient of a Life Achievement Award from the World Fantasy Convention. Not only have her books been enormously popular; she also has inspired several generations of SF and fantasy writers, especially many talented women writers who have followed in her footsteps. In the past two decades she has worked with other writers on a number of novels. Most notable among these are collaborations with Mercedes Lackey, the "Halfblood Chronicles, " as well as collaborations with A.C. Crispin (in the "Witch World" series) and Sherwood Smith (in the "Time Traders "and "Solar Queen "series). An Ohio native, Ms. Norton lived for a number of years in Winter Park, Florida, and now makes her home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where she continues to write, and presides over High Hallack, a writers' resource and retreat.

Reviews

"Andre Norton and A.C. Crispin are giants in the field of fantasy, and "Songsmith "combines the best of their strengths." --George Alec Effinger

"One of fantasy's most beloved and enduring creations springs to vivid life once again...This seamless collaboration is classic Witch World." --"Rave Reviews"

"An excellent read." --"Starlog"

YA-- Norton and Crispin's new novel of the Witch World stands alone. ``There are times,'' says the prologue, ``when the music and the tale are worth it all,'' and this is definitely such a time. This well-told quest, complete with spells, magic, love interest, a strong female protagonist, and even a loved mother/wife to be rescued from a deep sleep ``within the stone that is not-stone,'' may expand the audience for fantasy. Newcomers to the genre will welcome the fast-paced, single-threaded plot. Leisure readers are sure to keep this in constant circulation, and it can be used for the study of fantasy.-- Barbara Hawkins, Oakton High Sch., Fairfax, VA

The further history of the Witchworld--set almost two generations after the Kolder War--is brought vividly to life by Nebula Grand Master Norton and Crispin (the Starbridge series) in their second collaboration, after Gryphon's Eyrie . Young songsmith Eydryth of Kar Garudwyn ranges far from her home of Arvon, beyond the Dales, seeking help for her brain-damaged father. but she is rebuffed by the witches of Estcarp for daring to seek aid for a man. Alon, a young horseman mounted on a much-feared Keplian steed, becomes Eydryth's ally, leading her to Escore and its healing lady. When angry witches pursue the pair,, Alon reveals himself an Adept who has forsworn his psychic Power because it caused his dearest friend's death. Still to come is much greater danger, as a maddened and newly powerful witch seeks to destroy any man using the Power that the witches barred to the masculine sex. The authors have carefully refurbished Witchworld, rebuilding its glories (and its terrors) and setting the stage for adventures to come. (May)