The Norby Chronicles

The Norby Chronicles #1-2

by Janet Asimov, Isaac Asimov

It was just a dusty, old tin-can of a robot-- with no guarantee. But Jeff only needed it to teach him Martian Colony Swahili before he got expelled from the Space Academy.

Jeff Wells didn't really know what he had purchased.

He didn't realize that the robot had been constructed by a genius half a century ago--from the salvaged parts of a damaged alien spacecraft.

He didn't know about the robot's amazing technological skills--such as antigrav and a strange capacity for human emotions--among other things.

Jeff Wells didn't really know what he was getting himself into....


Norby Chronicles

* Norby, the Mixed-Up Robot (1983)
* Norby's Other Secret (1984)
* Norby and the Lost Princess (1985)
* Norby and the Invaders (1985)
* Norby and the Queen's Necklace (1986)
* Norby Finds a Villain (1987)
* Norby Down to Earth (1988)
* Norby and Yobo's Great Adventure (1989)
* Norby and the Oldest Dragon (1990)
* Norby and the Court Jester (1991)
* Norby and the Terrified Taxi (1997)

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Juvenile, Fantasy, Robots, Science Fiction Fantasy

185 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1986

About the author

Also known as: Janet Jeppson Asimov, Janet O. Jeppson, J.O. Jeppson

Janet Asimov was an American science fiction writer, psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst. She originally wrote as J.O. Jeppson. She was an accomplished novelist and short-story writer who sometimes worked in collaboration with her husband, the late Isaac Asimov. Among the Asimovs' joint ventures as writers is the series of juvenile novels involving an endearing robot, Norby, and his young owner, Jeff Wells.

Reviews

[Sud666 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Norby Chronicles was a joint collaboration between Janet and Isaac Asimov. Originally published as two short stories "Norby the Mixed-Up Robot" and "Norby's Other Secret".

While not terrible the stories have a rather cheesy and "G"-rated sci-fi feel to them. It didn't feel like something Isaac would write, but perhaps this more his wife's style.

Cadet Jeff Wells needs to learn Swahili for the Academy, he buys a learning robot. Norby is cheap and very strange. Turns out Norby can go into hyperspace, as he was repaired by a brilliant scientist but his origins are mysterious. From here Jeff and his older brother Fargo and Fargo's girlfriend-the policewoman Albany. It's cheesy because they do things like judo and karate as if they were magical Force based combat systems, instead of just martial arts. It's a common trope from people who don't know how or have never been in a fight to assume a little time spent with martial arts make you some unstoppable warrior. It doesn't. Anyways they fight some rebel known as Ing the Ingrate *sigh*

The second story is even weirder-with Norby finding out he has one more power-time travel. This causes a huge mess as the crew travel to alien worlds and try to discover Norby's origins. This was especially dumb when Fargo uses karate on a freaking sentient dragon in hand to hand combat. *sigh*

So while not a terrible book, this is just ok. It seems like a G-rated kids version of a sci-fi story. If that's your thing, then have at it. It's not for me.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A popcorn read. Not bad but Heinlein wrote much better juvenile SF.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slight story that is really a space fantasy rather than science fiction, and has nothing to do with Asimov‘s other robot stories (since I‘m sure this was mostly by Janet rather than Isaac), and the prose sounds like it‘s from the 50‘s rather than the early 80‘s, but as middle school fare it should be OK. I won‘t seek out any other Norby stories, but for a $3 pickup meant to pass the time on a flight it was fine. Mainly picked up because I knew nothing about it but had the Asimov name.

[George · Rating 2 out of 5]

# 1&2 in this robot series involving a robot put together from various parts including alien parts and his human owner. Two stories which establish the relationship between 14 year old Jeff Wells and Norby the robot he buys as well as the robot's origins. The story traces a series of episodes in which the origins of Norby are determined along with a lot of humor from Jeff and Norby's misadventures.

This is more a young adult book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story about a mixed up robot who frequently makes things interesting by being quite unpredictable. Just enough depth to the story to also make it intriguing as well. Looking forward to books 2 and 3!

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine pair of stories, written for the young adult audience, there's still enough of that little boy hiding inside for me to love all the Norby books

[Mars · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather weak children's book - somewhat entertaining, but when the only reason the plot holes stay together is that the deux ex machinae are holding them there...

[Mary Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Asimov = need I say anything else?

[David Joseph Mikels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much was wrote by a husband and wife team I was impressed by the writing. Didn't know there was 10 books in the series hope I find them all:)

[Артюхин Алексей · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asimov's Amazing Robot

"Norby is an Extraordinary Robot" is a fascinating and original story that Isaac Asimov, a classic of science fiction, co—wrote with Janet Asimov. Despite the fact that this book is intended for a young audience, it offers an exciting journey into a bright and saturated world filled with elaborate characters and intriguing plot twists.
The central character of the book, of course, is Norby — not just a robot, but a unique, original creature with a witty, slightly eccentric character. He is far from the standard image of a robot with cold logic, to which we are accustomed in other works of Asimov. Norby is a robot with a soul and emotions, capable of surprising and making the reader laugh. His interaction with the main character Jeff, a young and curious boy who finds himself embroiled in adventures full of surprises, forms the basis of the plot and brings a special warmth and humor to the narrative.
What is especially pleasant in this book is the detailed study of the characters. Each of them, whether it's Norby or the minor characters, feels alive and real. The Asimovs masterfully create characters whose actions and decisions are always logical and plausible, and their inner world and motivation gradually reveal themselves as the plot develops. The relationship between Jeff and Norby is built on sincere friendship and mutual understanding, which makes their journey even more exciting.
The world into which the authors immerse the reader is bright and multifaceted. "Norby is an Extraordinary Robot" combines classic elements of science fiction with a creative and picturesque approach to space travel. The worlds in which events unfold and space technologies are transmitted are so interesting that immersion in the narrative occurs almost instantly. There are many interesting details in the book that attract the attention of not only children, but also adult fans of fiction. The world of the Asimovs is filled with many interesting ideas about the future, technology and human interaction with artificial intelligence.
In addition, the book expertly balances between adventure elements and moral and philosophical issues inherent in Asimov's works. The themes of friendship, responsibility and mutual assistance run like a red thread through the entire work, making it not only fascinating, but also informative for a young reader.
"Norby is an Extraordinary Robot" is a wonderful book that attracts attention with its unusual protagonist, bright world and dynamic plot. It is filled with kindness, humor and a spirit of adventure, which makes the work an excellent choice for any reader interested in fiction. The authors were able to create not just a story about a robot, but a full-fledged adventure that will be remembered for a long time.
8 out of 10

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published as Norby, the Mixed-Up Robot and Norby's Other Secret. Two silly robots and dragons stories that feel more like 1970's than 1980's. I'm cutting the book some slack giving it 3 stars instead of 2 stars because I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I were actually the target audience. It would have been great when I was 12.

Everything else is Jetsons but Jeff still has a landline.

[Mara Vetters · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminded me of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy a lot more than I, Robot, or most of the other Isaac Asimov books that I've read which was a little disorienting at first. This is definitely less of a hard sci-fi exploration of a concept and more of a casual romp through the stars. Plenty of characters changing emotions and decisions on a dime because the plot demands it and/or thinks its funny. At the same time, as long as you aren't expecting anything more, this little book is a cheerful and unassuming little joyride that you can bob along to. The characters definitely stand out as a highlight for this book, with colorful personalities and lots of quirks and egos to bounce off one another as they all tumble through time and space.

[Mark Isaak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young person's adventure book about Jeff, a space cadet, who buys a strange second-hand teaching robot (Norby) and ends up with a robot that can, among other things, take him through hyperspace and into the distant past. This book contains two novellas, the first about Norby, Jeff, and Jeff's brother quelling a revolution, the second about discovering more about Norby's past, including the alien ship from whose parts he was partially assembled. Though the stories and characters are entertaining, I had the sense that the events were guided by an author filling out an adventure, more than by an author making the characters act in character.

[Elsbeth Magilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kickstarted with the Wrinkle In Time novels I’ve been on a “70s/80s Young Adult Science Fiction” streak. Most of these books were part of my parent’s collection that I read over and over as a 9-14 year old. It was great fun to visit some of Asimov’s robots again, particularly on Jeff and Norby’s mixed up wacky adventures. The attempts at Star Trek-esque equality ideals juxtaposed with some ridiculously inappropriate comments on women’s bodies is so purely 70s that while jarring was almost charming.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting pair of books. They were good, solid science fiction with well-developed characters and interesting plots and plot twists. I enjoyed reading both stories, but have not yet decided whether I will seek out book 3, or simply read the books I have in the series. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about the books. They were good but not great -- probably better for their intended audience than for me. Definitely a mixed review, in my mind.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok?

I was expecting to like it a lot more than I did. I am pretty lukewarm about it. I liked the characters for the most part, I liked the idea of Norby, I even liked the dragons.

But something felt missing the entire time. It just left me underwhelmed.

I will read the rest of the series eventually and maybe that will help?

[Alexey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хорошие сказки на ночь для детей, любящих фантастику.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, but definitely a children's book.

[Alger Smythe-Hopkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stupid kid stuff, telepathy, and lazy writing make this book simply boring.

[Genna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit repetitive but an overall whimsical read. Not particularly ground breaking.

[Kelly Climer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Norby. Be many be mixed up but he is fun

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, light read but certainly an Azimov book. Stumbled on to this title in a resale shop and have ordered the sequel.

[henrycowie]

This is the first book I read that made me start reading in the 1980's.
I read it once in a blue moon again.

[Steve R]

Containing the first two of the eventual eleven stories of young adult adventure based on exploits of the title character, a robot originally constructed on the planet Jamya, discovered in the asteroid belt and eventually purchased by Jefferson Wells, a student seeking a teaching robot. Supposedly Asimov's wife did 90% of the work in writing this series, but the publishers requested her more famous husband's name on the cover to increase sales. Not remembered.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and silly book, but also there are also moments of connection and sadness. I enjoyed the hopping about the universe, possible directions for technology, and most of all Asimov's sense of humor. Perfect for introducing younger readers to science fiction or relaxing on a weekend afternoon. And there are dragons to go with the robots!

[Mjklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to write my own sci-fi stories as a kid, and this was one of the main influences on those stories. Kind of silly, but well-written and appealing to kids.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as a kid because it was a cute adventure about robots and people. It is the only reason one needs to read it.

[Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this twice. It's one of my favorite books.

[Stig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Asimov juvenile is rather enjoyable, but not much more than that.

[SciFiOne]

Grade NC. Short novel.