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The Saga of the Trillium #3
Golden Trillium
With her world facing annihilation, one of three powerful sisters must cross over into a forbidden dimension of vanished gods to confront an all-consuming terror in the continuation of the phenomenal Saga of the Trillium The three royal daughters of the Black Trillium brought a welcomed peace to Ruwenda and the World of the Three Moons by defeating the dark sorcerer Orogastus. Now it is time for Kadiya, the Seeker-Warrior, to return the powerful Three-Orbed Sword to its place of origin. But a journey that began in the wild marshlands of her devoted allies, the aboriginal Oddlings, soon leads to the domain of a race of dream catchers created by the inscrutable Vanished Ones—and to the terrible revelation of a coming plague destined to obliterate Kadiya’s world. Unable to contact her sisters and complete the triumvirate, Kadiya must now act alone to prevent the Apocalypse, and follow her destined path into a timeless dimension where the Vanished Ones have taken refuge. There she will confront the most devastating horror her world has ever known. The Saga of the Trillium, created by three of the most revered writers in the realm of fantasy and science fiction, is now in the hands of the incomparable Andre Norton. With Golden Trillium, the acclaimed master continues the story she began with Julian May and Marion Zimmer Bradley, carrying the epic tale into a new dimension of magic, peril, and breathtaking self-discovery.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
22 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Andre Norton
695 books1,386 followersAndre 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 22, 2016
Although this is listed as the third book in the series, it actually takes place immediately after the first. And because it's written by a different author than the second book (Blood Trillium), there are contradictory events in the two novels.
But that doesn't stop this from being a stronger story than either Black Trillium or Blood Trillium. This story is improved upon by only telling the story of one sister, Kadiya. There's no need to jump back and forth constantly and try to fit three heroines' tales into one novel. So Kadiya gets a fairer, more thought-out treatment. However, that doesn't mean I particularly like her, but at least she was less obnoxious than in the other two books.
Now, I said this is better than the other two. I didn't say it was good. The plot is a very standard "quest"-type adventure that involves strange and wondrous allies, some magic, and helpful subhuman companions. And of course, because don't you know this is absolutely required for each book?, there's a love interest! Never mind the fact that Kadiya had never in her life shown any romantic inclinations, she'll just fall madly in love with this handsome warrior she's known for about 2 weeks! They're soul mates!
So I didn't feel the story was very original. The pace was also a bit off; the first half felt like it was never going to end, and then all of the action is packed into the last few chapters. Then BAM! it's denouement time and the story is over.
Yes, it's better than the first two. But I only read it because I feel like I need to finish what I started. For the sake of 13-year-old me.
But that doesn't stop this from being a stronger story than either Black Trillium or Blood Trillium. This story is improved upon by only telling the story of one sister, Kadiya. There's no need to jump back and forth constantly and try to fit three heroines' tales into one novel. So Kadiya gets a fairer, more thought-out treatment. However, that doesn't mean I particularly like her, but at least she was less obnoxious than in the other two books.
Now, I said this is better than the other two. I didn't say it was good. The plot is a very standard "quest"-type adventure that involves strange and wondrous allies, some magic, and helpful subhuman companions. And of course, because don't you know this is absolutely required for each book?, there's a love interest! Never mind the fact that Kadiya had never in her life shown any romantic inclinations, she'll just fall madly in love with this handsome warrior she's known for about 2 weeks! They're soul mates!
So I didn't feel the story was very original. The pace was also a bit off; the first half felt like it was never going to end, and then all of the action is packed into the last few chapters. Then BAM! it's denouement time and the story is over.
Yes, it's better than the first two. But I only read it because I feel like I need to finish what I started. For the sake of 13-year-old me.
August 18, 2022
I have to say that I'm slightly puzzled by this series. In fact, it's not really a series at all, just a set of stories told in the same world, about the same characters, by different authors - with little real continuity between them. I'd read that, although this is officially number 3, it's actually a direct sequel to the 1st book, but it didn't really seem to fit in either place in terms of character development or overall story arc.
However, all that laid aside, as a standalone story it was actually an ok read. A hell of a lot of journeying from one place to another, but it was nice to find out a little more about the Vanished Ones. I really liked the idea of the plague-carrier; a suitably menacing bad guy and a really scary way of creating discord and fear. However, in the end, he wasn't really utilised that much in the story and actually seemed to be defeated rather easily. In fact, I felt let down by the ending - it came very suddenly, felt rushed, and I had to re-read a few bits to make sure I understood what was going on.
It'll be interesting to see where the next author takes the series next.
However, all that laid aside, as a standalone story it was actually an ok read. A hell of a lot of journeying from one place to another, but it was nice to find out a little more about the Vanished Ones. I really liked the idea of the plague-carrier; a suitably menacing bad guy and a really scary way of creating discord and fear. However, in the end, he wasn't really utilised that much in the story and actually seemed to be defeated rather easily. In fact, I felt let down by the ending - it came very suddenly, felt rushed, and I had to re-read a few bits to make sure I understood what was going on.
It'll be interesting to see where the next author takes the series next.
January 18, 2018
Freed from the constraints of reconciling plot continuity and style that hampered the original Black Trillium (by Norton, Bradley & May), this is genuine Andre Norton, at the height of her mature writing powers. Now, I admit I have a soft spot for Norton, ever since reading the only-slightly-post-pulp "The Stars are Ours" as a pre-teen. Her writing quality varies from book to book, but this one gets top marks for style within her oeuvre. Most important, she always captures my sense of wonder. So perhaps my rating is a little higher than if I came to this book not knowing her so well. But, yes I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
June 7, 2007
Black Trillium was a bit of a let down, but still worth a read, but most of the sequels are terrible. Golden Trillium is the only one I really enjoyed, but that's probably because Kadiya was my favorite character in the first place.
February 13, 2025
I understand why most readers don't like Norton's work the most of the five books by her, May, and Bradley. I decided to read this one in between Blood Trillium and Sky Trillium because my copy of Sky hadn't arrived yet. While I enjoyed the idea of Kadiya finding her own destiny after the events of Black Trillium and enjoyed the exploration of ancient ruins and time travel, the ultimate battle lacked the punch of May's. Furthermore, I found it a bit difficult to see Kadiya in a romantic relationship given her actions in the first book. Overall, Norton tries to give Kadiya the spotlight but fails pacing wise in creating a rousing adventure.
February 20, 2024
This was a really good read - which is what you would expect from Andre Norton. However, I thought this was a series. Instead it seems as though Ms. Norton and Ms. May took the characters from the first collaborative book and wrote stories without consulting each other. They completely contradict each other - story wise. It's a little frustrating, to be honest. I guess I will expect the same from the next book.
May 22, 2017
The Trillium books are a good solid fantasy with little traces of a Sci-fi origin to the world. The book focus on only one of the Triplet Princesses, Kadiya. There is a disease taking over the Oddling peoples world. A creeping black thing that kills all life in its path. Kadiya has to go to forbidden ground, to the unknown reaches of the realm to find a cure. It's a good story to get lost in.
November 3, 2024
The new and the ancient come together.
New life has risen from the old. But old powers come to threaten destruction.
A daughter of the Black Trillium finds her place in protecting this young world from ancient evil. She triumphs, but there is a high cost. There is also new friendship.
New life has risen from the old. But old powers come to threaten destruction.
A daughter of the Black Trillium finds her place in protecting this young world from ancient evil. She triumphs, but there is a high cost. There is also new friendship.
February 2, 2024
Third in the series, but completely ignores the second. If not for the last couple of pages, it would have worked as a second, and Blood Trillium as the third.
Big build up to a rushed conclusion.
Disappointing.
Big build up to a rushed conclusion.
Disappointing.
April 23, 2021
Wonderful story. I read this as a teenager, oh so long ago, and have worn out every copy save the one on my Kindle.
January 4, 2023
Não importa quantas vezes eu tente ler esse livro nunca consigo ir adiante, é MUITO arrastado. Queria tanto gostar pq a premissa é muito boa e eu adorei a vibe.
September 11, 2023
Un'accoppiata vincente: Norton e Bradley
Ho amato l'intera saga
Ho amato l'intera saga
September 30, 2013
Kadiya feels the need to fulfill some unspecified quest, she sets out with her swamp friend Jagun to the mystical city of Yatlan where she finds the lost Hasitti.
Where she finds the beginning of a new evil set to destroy the kingdom.
A sweeping plague is affecting anything that lives and is sweeping the land destroying anything it touches.
When Kadiya is transported behind a magical wall she finds unexpected help from the guardians of Yatlan the Sindona, through a magical process they are brought back to help the people to destroy what the Sindona has described as a magical presence known as Varm who is using the plague to kill anyone who stands in his way in his journey to the underground dwelling of a cabal of the dark elements of the Sindona race. Once these beings are awakened all hope for the world will end but can Kadiya and her friends Stop Varm before it is too late?
A wonderful story that at a push can be read as a stand alone novel though at times certain events related in the earlier Trillium novels are referred back to so for reading enjoyment the other books enhance and enlarge upon the scope of the saga.
Where she finds the beginning of a new evil set to destroy the kingdom.
A sweeping plague is affecting anything that lives and is sweeping the land destroying anything it touches.
When Kadiya is transported behind a magical wall she finds unexpected help from the guardians of Yatlan the Sindona, through a magical process they are brought back to help the people to destroy what the Sindona has described as a magical presence known as Varm who is using the plague to kill anyone who stands in his way in his journey to the underground dwelling of a cabal of the dark elements of the Sindona race. Once these beings are awakened all hope for the world will end but can Kadiya and her friends Stop Varm before it is too late?
A wonderful story that at a push can be read as a stand alone novel though at times certain events related in the earlier Trillium novels are referred back to so for reading enjoyment the other books enhance and enlarge upon the scope of the saga.
August 9, 2014
While I enjoyed this book, I have issues with the series of 5 books:
If one is attempting the read these books (The Saga of the Trillium) in order, or, really, in any order, it becomes quite frustrating. The first two books in the series clearly follow one another. Not true for the final three. In fact, the final three totally disregard events in each others' books. Couldn't these women (May, Norton, Bradley) have taken an afternoon to read/skim/whatever the already published books before they went on to write the next one?
My suggestion is to read Black Trillium, Blood Trillium, and then Sky Trillium. Totally skip Lady of the Trillium and skip Golden Trillium. Not because they are bad books, because on their own they are not. But because they muddle the world you are being asked to enter.
Another option would be to read Black, Blood, Golden, and then Lady, but then totally skip Sky Trillium.
If one is attempting the read these books (The Saga of the Trillium) in order, or, really, in any order, it becomes quite frustrating. The first two books in the series clearly follow one another. Not true for the final three. In fact, the final three totally disregard events in each others' books. Couldn't these women (May, Norton, Bradley) have taken an afternoon to read/skim/whatever the already published books before they went on to write the next one?
My suggestion is to read Black Trillium, Blood Trillium, and then Sky Trillium. Totally skip Lady of the Trillium and skip Golden Trillium. Not because they are bad books, because on their own they are not. But because they muddle the world you are being asked to enter.
Another option would be to read Black, Blood, Golden, and then Lady, but then totally skip Sky Trillium.
July 19, 2009
Book 3 in the Saga of the Trillium (a collaboration between Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andre Norton, and Julian May). This one is by Andre Norton.
Ruwenda is in danger again. Kadiya, definitely the focus of this installment, sets out on a quest to avert a curse that may destroy everything she knows. With the help of some of the folk, she finds the Vanished Ones, who, though they disappeared long ago, may be willing to help Kadiya avert disaster.
Though this book shares some characters, with the rest of the series, it does not directly connect with the rest of the storyline.
Ruwenda is in danger again. Kadiya, definitely the focus of this installment, sets out on a quest to avert a curse that may destroy everything she knows. With the help of some of the folk, she finds the Vanished Ones, who, though they disappeared long ago, may be willing to help Kadiya avert disaster.
Though this book shares some characters, with the rest of the series, it does not directly connect with the rest of the storyline.
October 18, 2011
The princess heiresses from Black Trillium find a new enemy in the kingdon and must counter this evil. This time Kadiya has little help. In all honesty, I did not enjoy this book as much as I have many others by the same author.
March 5, 2014
This series, by three different authors, was very disappointing. It had some good parts, but the thing that pushed me out of the series was the names for alien animals that were never described. I didn't know if I was looking at horses or dinosaurs. Really bothered me.
November 23, 2010
I think this was a great addition to the series. I think Kadiya really filled out as a character in this story. It was by no means as good as the first, but I think it worked as a sequel.
December 21, 2013
third in the saga, this is a great story of magic and personal strength as three sisters learn their own power
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February 21, 2012GOLDEN TRILLIUM by Andre Norton (1993)
April 25, 2014
Book 3 with Kadiya in the star role of this book.
June 26, 2015
It had inconsistency with other stories in the series, but other than that it was nice story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews