Wizards' Worlds

by Andre Norton, Ingried Zierhut (Editor)

Wizards' Worlds is classic Norton, each story personally selected by Miss Norton to create this stunning new volume.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, Science Fiction, Anthologies, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy

500 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

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

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

“…into a sleep so deep that no dreams walked there.”

Better than average collection of unrelated stories. Variable quality but mostly engaging short stories, some felt like prequels or spin offs of story streams which the reader was expected to recognize.

“Egotism such as hers is dangerous, for it leads a man or woman to believe what is wished is right.”

Unfortunately the eponymous story condones rape as an acceptable means for overcoming a female’s opposition to oneself. (Nominated for a Hugo in 1967!) Totally unacceptable to even suggest it; worse to imply that it was subsequently tolerable to the female. The collection generally featured sympathetic, well-developed female characters, but still …

“Old gods do not tend to be mild when called on to render justice.”

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm surprised that there are editions other than the Open Road Media e-book, because it has that non-curated pile-it-in feel that you'd expect from an outfit that deals in literary estates and enormous portfolios. The stories are not arranged in any particular order or theme, and the subheading of "A Witch World Collection" is taking broad liberties with what could possibly be Witch World if you squint hard enough.

It is rather a lot, and you see the repeated pattern of craft now that they are gathered. All have a weightiness of background or theme or internal monologue. All center on the voice of a female protagonist, and usually her relationship to a male co-lead. Women with incomplete yet essential powers, and who are hidden or underestimated somehow. Sometimes as a vehicle or vessel for something (and I'm sure that "woman as vessel for something" is a whole subsection in some Women's Studies syllabus).

Powers and Talents with plenty of Capitalization for Emphasis. Usually of the 'mental powers' sort.

They are all...fine, I guess. The similarities make them run together after a time. I had grabbed this collection because of a weird fascination with the story "Toads of Grimmerdale" and this also contains the sequel "Changeling". "Toads" meshes profoundly affecting personal circumstances by the protagonist with a regional background that parallels it, such that it is all sensibly done and never gratuitous. Navigating an unwanted pregnancy with an unsympathetic setting speaks to generations of violated women in similar real-world circumstances. It concludes unsatisfactorily for me at least, except for the hook of a follow-on story where she heads off to rebuild her life and a devastated fiefdom with someone who is not quite a romantic partner.

What does "Changeling" bring, now that the Toads are dispensed with? Spoiler: more Toads. There may be a message here of allowing yourself to draw on another's strength, and that accepting aid is not loss of agency. But it is disappointing that Norton chose to return to the well. The well of Toads.

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of short stories. I like a good, long novel to relax into. But Andre Norton is such a good writer, I am willing to accept her short stories. This varied collection has a little something for everyone.

My blog:

The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader.wordpre...

[Peter Chivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short stories from the Grand Dame of Science Fiction

Classic stories, which are worth every second spent reading them. I have read this collection several times, and I am delighted each time that I come afresh to start the stories over. Each unique, some in the world settings of other of Andre Norton's writing. I have once again enjoyed reading them and I have no doubt that I will return to them again.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

These clever, interesting glimpses into other worlds all read like the intro chapters of longer works. I'd gladly read most any of THOSE but I am disappointed in these since the story is so clearly unfinished each time.

[Keri Teach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

.👍 collection of short stories very well written to grab and hold interest of reader and some surprising endings. Highly recommended

[Sean Hannifin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I most of the stories pretty boring.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read a few of these before : it was nice to re -read a few, others I skipped over. There are a wide range of stories and different locations and times - and I love that. While some might not enjoy short stories - I have always been intrigued with them. Some short stories I enjoy and remember better than longer books - and this must be said of Andre Norton, however long or short she writes I haven't ever been bored by it.

There were more witch -world themed stories than any other (which I guess is to be a given because of the title) .

I got this on Amazon.com as a ebook.

[Zimye Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adds even more texture and detail to the rich Witch World universe

Adds even more texture and detail to the rich Witch World universe

I would recommend the book to anyone who loves the world Andre Norton has created for us in her full length novels.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories written by Andre Norton. I am not a big fan of fantasy but i did enjoy these stories some more so than others.

[Mary]

This is a collection of short stories which contains the Witch World short story the Were-Wrath.