Darkness and Dawn

by Andre Norton

NO NIGHT LASTS FOREVER ... Centuries after the civilized world destroyed itself in a dimly-remembered final war, a few rebels courageously searched through the shattered cities/ trying to regain old knowledge. One was Fors-driven from his clan for the crime of being a mutant. Though his people had long searched the remnants of the old world to regain the knowledge and skills of their ancestors, the land to the north was forbidden. Having nothing to lose, Pars and his feline companion set out to the north, little realizing what a staggering discovery they would make. Elsewhere/ Sander also searched-for the Before People who were said to have survived the great devastation. Then he encountered Fanyl, engaged in her own quest for the knowledge of the Before People. And soon they would find themselves threatened by an ancient evil which destroyed not just lives, but minds as well.... At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (DRM Rights Management).

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Ebooks

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

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

[Karl Jorgenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shameless repackaging of 'Daybreak 2250' (1952) and 'No Night Without Stars' (1975), two tales from the same post-nuclear holocaust world. The stories are similar and equally satisfying. For more info, see my reviews of the individual novels.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stories with similar settings: centuries after modern civilization destroyed itself in a major war, probably nuclear at least in part.
Semi-outcasts go seeking for treasure to redeem themselves back home.
I read the first novel way back when it was a lot newer. Starman's Son also published as Daybreak 2250 was published in 1952 so may be a bit dated but it read fine to me. One thing I like is that our hero Fors meets a young man who is black. Not many authors at that time included such a positive character. They help each other out of problems.
I don't think I ever read the 2nd novel, No night without stars before. Nothing seemed familiar. Published in 1975. Again a young man goes adventuring and meets up with another young person, female this time. He doubts her competence not because she's female but because she has some kind of mental talent that he doesn't understand and has no basis for even believing in.
Both sets of people have mutated animal helpers. Fors has a mountain lion sized cat with Siamese cat markings. Sander the young smith of the 2nd novel, has a mutated coyote and the young woman has two fishers, probably otters.
I don't like the cover for this compilation. The cats shown look like almost-human guards instead of advanced cats. The illustration is fine, but doesn't belong on this book.

[273 TB · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was OK, First it was 2 books in one, I liked the premise of the story(s) but I feel like they we lacking, not as good as other books I have read from this author.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's an idea that's been rattling around in the back of my head for years now, an idea relating to stories and the apocalypse and new civilizations and whatnot. Periodically, this idea rears up and tries to make me act on it. When this happens, I usually find books on a certain topic or of a certain genre, read them, and call it "research". That's why I read this book.

This book is a re-publishing of two previously published and mostly unconnected stories, summary here

These stories reiterated for me why I've generally disregarded the works of Andre Norton. I understand that she may be regarded as a ground-breaker and a pioneer in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, but her writing simply doesn't do it for me. I find it wordy, weak, and disjointed. There's not enough story-telling and too much writing.
Aside from the writing, the stories are interesting. Norton fits into the category of authors whose stories make me want to know what happens, even if the writing isn't strong enough to pull me along. Of these two, Star Man's Son is the better story. It's more plausible and better developed. It has a very elementary structure and is not something that I would class as adult literature, but once I was a couple chapters in, I wanted to know how it ended. No Night Without Stars left me wanting to quit, but I persevered so that I could say I finished the book. It's your call; I probably wouldn't recommend this title to anyone, but I wouldn't tell you not to read it, either.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back in elementary school- 4th or 5th grade - there was a bookcase at the back of the classroom. I picked a book titled "Starman's Son" and really enjoyed it; it was either the 1st or 2nd SF book I read ["Martians Go Home" by Frederick Brown being the other candidate:]. When I joined Goodreads and began listing the books I have read, I couldn't find "Starman's Son", but eventually was lead to "Darkness and Dawn, which has been published earlier as separate books, "Star Man's Son" and "No Night Without Stars". It was long time ago that I read "Star Man's Son", but "Darkness" does have strong similarities to the book I remember reading; the companion animal, the whole outcast role of Fors, the Beast Things and the perils of the deserted city; however, the ending is completely different from what I recall, although the ending I recall - the protagonist flying away in a plane (or starship?) - made little sense, even to a preteen. Then again, maybe in recalling this I'm conflating two different books. Anyone else know any more about the evolution of "Star Man's Son" since it was first published?

[Russ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a two-book compilation from Baen Books.

Book 1 is called "2250 AD" and it is excellent. Probably one of my favorite books while growing up, and it stands up well to adult reading.

The premise is that in 2250 AD, there has been a nuclear war sometime in the past that devastated the Americas and led to people living in different tribes. The book centers on Fors, a young man who is exiled from his clan for being a mutant - with white hair, night vision, and extra-sharp hearing. Fors' best friend is Lura, a giant cat.

And do you really need more than that? I love cats. I was sold when I was 12 and I'm sold now, when I'm . . . not 12.

Book 2, whose name I can't even remember, isn't nearly as good.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a reprint of Daybreak-2250 A.D. and No Night Without Stars, which were published in 1952 and 1955 respectively. Both are “journey novels” set hundreds of years after a nuclear disaster has sent man virtually back to the Stone Age. I would have liked them quite a bit better if it weren’t for the fact that Clifford Simak does “journeys during which one encounters strange things/creatures” much better than Norton. I also don’t find Norton’s characters that attractive or interesting. He is a respected writer but not to my taste.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this. It is actually 2 storys set in the future after everything is pretty much wiped out and we are back to square one:no electricity, no cars, no coties--except ruins...I have rad several books with this theme and it always fascinats me. The only flaw of these stories is that they end to quick and leave you wanting to know more...I will read other book by this author.

[Amanjot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andre Norton is very skilled at creating realistic detail in these stories of post apocalyptic life for humans. Each story has its' own subtle flavor that lends to the compilation. There are moments of true terror and suspense as you read about the various characters quests to find status, respect, basic necessities and freedom.

[Vic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story about future after total war destroyed civilization. A bit dated.
Old story. Written in the early 1950's and reflect some of the thinking of that age. I read this story in my teens too long ago...

[Larry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two novels in one volume set in the same post-apocalyptic world ('Daybreak 2250 AD' 1952, 'No Night Without Stars' 1975). These had a juvenile/young adult feel for me with their teenage protagonists, simple, straight-line storytelling and their use of pet-like animal companions.

[Lynn Calvin]

baen ebook

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

good Norton book, not up the best, but an Ok read.