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Witch World Saga 1-3: The Original Three Books
The first three books in Andre Norton's classic Witch World setting, collected in one ebook. Witch World The first book in the classic Witch World saga by beloved fantasy and science fiction author Andre Norton. Simon Tregarth, a man on the run, escapes from our world into another, where magic still has power. He finds new purpose in the service of Estcarp, whose witches use their ancient knowledge of magic to protect their home. But a new threat is the mysterious Kolder, who possess powers and technology unlike anything known in the Witch World. It will take Simon and the forces of Estcarp all their might, their courage, and their magic to drive back the insurmountable enemy. Web of the Witch World Fantasy and science fiction Grand Master Andre Norton’s Witch World saga continues in Web of the Witch World. After repulsing the Kolder, the land of Estcarp is safe, until a sudden disappearance sends Simon Tregarth and his allies on a quest to stop an enigmatic new danger. Though the Kolder were defeated before, they rise again with a vengeance, and their plot is even more sinister than before. From Karsten in the south to the swamps of Tor to the Kolder’s impenetrable stronghold and beyond, Simon must fight to stop the invaders of his adopted home once and for all. Year of the Unicorn Year Of the Unicorn returns to Andre Norton’s Witch World with a tale of adventure and magic. The orphan Gillan grew up in an abbey in High Hallack, always knowing she was different and never feeling at home. When the lords of High Hallack pledge twelve brides to the Were Riders in exchange for their protection, Gillan is faced with an opportunity few would to take the place of one of the twelve chosen women and go off to parts unknown to marry one of these strange wild men. But Gillan leaps at the chance to leave the only home she has ever known in the hopes of finding something she was meant to do. And her rare gift to see through illusions that fool others will prove vital in a journey where nothing is as it seems.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2017
535 people are currently reading
114 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 23, 2023
Four stars as an average. Five stars for the Witch World and Web of Witch World, but only 3 stars for Year of the Unicorn. I actually liked the premise and plot of Unicorn, but it would be better as a short story or novella. Too many passages and scenes were very stretched out IMO.
The first two witch world novels are excellent. The love story between Simon and Jaelith really adds to the story, something not found in a lot of fantasy stories. Of course, the portal to a magic realm is a genre unto itself and the witch world is one of the best examples.
One of the things I like about these novels is Andre Norton’s writing style. She has a tendency to put words in a backwards order from how I would say them. I don’t know if it is just an older style or by design. It has the effect of really emphasizing things in an interesting way that really adds to the writing.
If you are looking to get into some classic fantasy, these are good ones to pick up.
The first two witch world novels are excellent. The love story between Simon and Jaelith really adds to the story, something not found in a lot of fantasy stories. Of course, the portal to a magic realm is a genre unto itself and the witch world is one of the best examples.
One of the things I like about these novels is Andre Norton’s writing style. She has a tendency to put words in a backwards order from how I would say them. I don’t know if it is just an older style or by design. It has the effect of really emphasizing things in an interesting way that really adds to the writing.
If you are looking to get into some classic fantasy, these are good ones to pick up.
January 17, 2021
A true classic. The first of the three books has one of the best beginnings I've read in a fantasy novel, because the magic is grounded in mythic reality. Also, I like Tregarth as a main character, though he becomes somewhat more elusive as the novel carries on.
As a writer, I like to analyze Norton's prose syntax. Why does it work, when it does? Why doesn't it, when it doesn't? It often doesn't, which is odd, because when it does, the sentence rings with an other-world authenticity.
Oh, for more dialog!
This edition was poorly copy-edited, as is true of too much of her early work, unfortunately.
As a writer, I like to analyze Norton's prose syntax. Why does it work, when it does? Why doesn't it, when it doesn't? It often doesn't, which is odd, because when it does, the sentence rings with an other-world authenticity.
Oh, for more dialog!
This edition was poorly copy-edited, as is true of too much of her early work, unfortunately.
April 19, 2020
Witch World and Web of the Witch World are the first two books in this set, the first two books chronologically in the entire Witch World series, specifically those that begin the Estcarp Cycle. Those stories felt to me like the otherworldly adventures of Simon Tregarth. Introducing the world through the eyes of an outsider makes sense, because all the explanations the reader needs the newcomer also requires. However, either that perspective or some aspect I can't quite put my finger on kept me from being immersed into the world. I did enjoy the narratives, but unlike most stories of fantastical lands, I felt like I was watching all the action from outside rather than experiencing it with the characters. All the background Witch World was interesting, but I also felt that the information was delivered in such small bites that full comprehension took longer than necessary.
Year of the Unicorn is the final installment in this set and the first book of the High Halleck Cycle in the Witch World universe. I flew through this book, staying up late to finish the whole story one night. Gillan is the star here, and she is from the lands Norton introduced me to through Simon. I very much enjoyed the first person perspective of her laying out what she knew of the history in her immediate area and her struggle to survive among the Wereriders, all while learning her previously inert powers. Physical survival as with Simon in the first two books is exciting, but physical survival simultaneously with mental and emotional strife keeps me hooked every time.
Year of the Unicorn is the final installment in this set and the first book of the High Halleck Cycle in the Witch World universe. I flew through this book, staying up late to finish the whole story one night. Gillan is the star here, and she is from the lands Norton introduced me to through Simon. I very much enjoyed the first person perspective of her laying out what she knew of the history in her immediate area and her struggle to survive among the Wereriders, all while learning her previously inert powers. Physical survival as with Simon in the first two books is exciting, but physical survival simultaneously with mental and emotional strife keeps me hooked every time.
May 18, 2018
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
Witch World:
Simon Tregarth is a World War II veteran on the run. He has made some powerful enemies in this world. He escapes from our world to another through a mysterious gate. Now he is in a world where magic has power. He finds new purpose serving the witches of Estcarp in protecting their homeland. A new threat rises in the form of the mysterious Kolder. It will take Simon’s new-found abilities and knowledge of war, the witches’ power, and the courage of Estcarp’s soldiers to drive back the Kolder Aliens.
Web of Witch Word
Simon Tregarth has pushed the Kolder back, but that only proves to be their opening move. He’s now married to the witch Jaelithe. A friend’s wife is kidnapped by mysterious forces. Simon must chase his foes from Karsten in the south to the swamps of Tor, to the Kolder’s impenetrable stronghold. The Kolder have also traveled through a mysterious gate to escape their enemies. They have technology similar to what Simon has seen in his own world. They also possess telepathic powers.
Year of the Unicorn
This novel takes place in another part of Witch World called High Hallack. The orphaned girl, Gillan was different from the others in her adopted home. She grew up in an abbey but never felt at home. When the lords of High Hallack pledge twelve plus one Brides to the Were Riders in exchange for help, Gillan sees her chance. She takes her place among the brides. Her gifts of seeing through illusions draw her to a man considered the least of the Were Riders: Herrel.
Review:
It is no secret that I am a longtime fan of the late Andre Norton, considered the Granddam of science fiction. The Witch World series of novels and short stories are some of the most beloved by her fans. Her science fiction was a huge influence on the writings of many authors including myself.
These are the books where the groundwork of Witch World was laid. Colonel Simon Tregarth was already a man of war when he entered the mysterious gate and came to Witch World. In many respects, the novels are more slipstream than pure fantasy. For the enemy race known as the Kolder possess many scientific and psychic skills to counter the witches’ magic. He forms an intimate relationship with the witch he saved when he first arrived. In the Web of Witch World, Jaelithe has become Simon’s wife, much to the annoyance of the other witches. Worse, she somehow has retrained her powers, usually lost when a witch knows a man. The Year of the Unicorn introduces the readers to other places on which world: High Hallack and Arvon. Gillan is an orphan of Escarp living in the Dales of High Hallack. The tales weave a magical world full of people great and small. It isn’t necessarily the greatest that are the heroes and heroines.
Synopsis:
Witch World:
Simon Tregarth is a World War II veteran on the run. He has made some powerful enemies in this world. He escapes from our world to another through a mysterious gate. Now he is in a world where magic has power. He finds new purpose serving the witches of Estcarp in protecting their homeland. A new threat rises in the form of the mysterious Kolder. It will take Simon’s new-found abilities and knowledge of war, the witches’ power, and the courage of Estcarp’s soldiers to drive back the Kolder Aliens.
Web of Witch Word
Simon Tregarth has pushed the Kolder back, but that only proves to be their opening move. He’s now married to the witch Jaelithe. A friend’s wife is kidnapped by mysterious forces. Simon must chase his foes from Karsten in the south to the swamps of Tor, to the Kolder’s impenetrable stronghold. The Kolder have also traveled through a mysterious gate to escape their enemies. They have technology similar to what Simon has seen in his own world. They also possess telepathic powers.
Year of the Unicorn
This novel takes place in another part of Witch World called High Hallack. The orphaned girl, Gillan was different from the others in her adopted home. She grew up in an abbey but never felt at home. When the lords of High Hallack pledge twelve plus one Brides to the Were Riders in exchange for help, Gillan sees her chance. She takes her place among the brides. Her gifts of seeing through illusions draw her to a man considered the least of the Were Riders: Herrel.
Review:
It is no secret that I am a longtime fan of the late Andre Norton, considered the Granddam of science fiction. The Witch World series of novels and short stories are some of the most beloved by her fans. Her science fiction was a huge influence on the writings of many authors including myself.
These are the books where the groundwork of Witch World was laid. Colonel Simon Tregarth was already a man of war when he entered the mysterious gate and came to Witch World. In many respects, the novels are more slipstream than pure fantasy. For the enemy race known as the Kolder possess many scientific and psychic skills to counter the witches’ magic. He forms an intimate relationship with the witch he saved when he first arrived. In the Web of Witch World, Jaelithe has become Simon’s wife, much to the annoyance of the other witches. Worse, she somehow has retrained her powers, usually lost when a witch knows a man. The Year of the Unicorn introduces the readers to other places on which world: High Hallack and Arvon. Gillan is an orphan of Escarp living in the Dales of High Hallack. The tales weave a magical world full of people great and small. It isn’t necessarily the greatest that are the heroes and heroines.
April 30, 2018
One of the all time great sci/fi/fantasy series. Book three is odd since it does not have the same characters. The magic is the tie in. Really the 3rd book seems almost completely unrelated to the others. They are all worth reading. I put them up there with john Carter, Dray Prescott and many of the other other world adventure series.
Andre Norton's style is very tight and precise. She doesn't waste a lot of time on stuff you don't need to know. She builds her worlds fills in the details and your off.
Andre Norton's style is very tight and precise. She doesn't waste a lot of time on stuff you don't need to know. She builds her worlds fills in the details and your off.
May 9, 2021
Classic should-read for lovers of both classic and urban fantasy
Andre Norton's writings are should-reads for lovers of both classic and urban fantasy. I first read these books when they were first published in the early 1960's and they greatly influenced my expectations of fantasy and science fiction. The Year of the Unicorn in particular set me on a path of spiritual awareness. Andre Norton led me to expect beautifully poetic prose and challenging ideas. Sadly few modern fantasies live up to the standard and modern fantasy has been reduced to a simplistico formula.
Andre Norton's writings are should-reads for lovers of both classic and urban fantasy. I first read these books when they were first published in the early 1960's and they greatly influenced my expectations of fantasy and science fiction. The Year of the Unicorn in particular set me on a path of spiritual awareness. Andre Norton led me to expect beautifully poetic prose and challenging ideas. Sadly few modern fantasies live up to the standard and modern fantasy has been reduced to a simplistico formula.
February 6, 2019
Just as enjoyable as it was the first time
I read the witch world series as a teenager. I am now pushing 80, and I greatly enjoyed reading it again. It is fast-paced, imaginative, and has sympathetic characters. My one quibble is the ending of the third book, "Year of the unicorn." It was too drawn out. Our hero's getting their bodies back once would have been enough. The rest of the book was good.
I read the witch world series as a teenager. I am now pushing 80, and I greatly enjoyed reading it again. It is fast-paced, imaginative, and has sympathetic characters. My one quibble is the ending of the third book, "Year of the unicorn." It was too drawn out. Our hero's getting their bodies back once would have been enough. The rest of the book was good.
October 20, 2020
Interesting ideas. The third book of the trilogy was completely different than the first two. I enjoyed it more actually because the story was more tightly written. The first two were good but a little more disjointed. I could see someone who enjoyed the first two books not enjoying the third because you are expecting more of the same storyline while this was entirely different. I am now more curious about other books in the series.
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February 24, 2020Starting Off Point
This collection of the first three novels in the Witch World series is the perfect starting point. It introduces the reader to this world by having someone from our world enter it through a portal. It's a bit like Edgar Rice Burroughs ' John Carter novels but it helps to ease the reader into this world.
This collection of the first three novels in the Witch World series is the perfect starting point. It introduces the reader to this world by having someone from our world enter it through a portal. It's a bit like Edgar Rice Burroughs ' John Carter novels but it helps to ease the reader into this world.
June 21, 2022
Ageless quality
Andre Norton is of the authors who formed my standards of writing quality. Science fiction or fantasy, as found here, she set the bar high. Rereading these books fifty years later, I'm not in anyway shocked to find them still relevant to humanity and the search for identity.
Andre Norton is of the authors who formed my standards of writing quality. Science fiction or fantasy, as found here, she set the bar high. Rereading these books fifty years later, I'm not in anyway shocked to find them still relevant to humanity and the search for identity.
October 3, 2022
Two Out of Three
The first two books were excellent. Good world building, good characters and excellent adventure story lines. The third fell a bit flat. The latter part read more like a computer game. Go through this barrier, then the next barrier. It dragged on far too long. The characters were lalso bit shallow. Still, two out of three ain't hard.
The first two books were excellent. Good world building, good characters and excellent adventure story lines. The third fell a bit flat. The latter part read more like a computer game. Go through this barrier, then the next barrier. It dragged on far too long. The characters were lalso bit shallow. Still, two out of three ain't hard.
June 14, 2023
Witch World is still Wonderful
I first discovered Andre Norton and Witch World in high school. Now decades later my paperbacks are falling apart, and electronic is a better format. I highly recommend these stories to both new and old readers. Just be aware that the file is not typo-free. Thus the 4 rating.
I first discovered Andre Norton and Witch World in high school. Now decades later my paperbacks are falling apart, and electronic is a better format. I highly recommend these stories to both new and old readers. Just be aware that the file is not typo-free. Thus the 4 rating.
August 1, 2024
Classic Andre Norton Witch world. the first 2 of the series and then year of the Unicorn. also a fave..
well written & both charactors and 'world' are so well designed & written they just invite you in to enjoy the adventures..
absolute classics from the Mistress of Science fiction & Fantasy. only 3 of over 120 books. (unsure final count)
well written & both charactors and 'world' are so well designed & written they just invite you in to enjoy the adventures..
absolute classics from the Mistress of Science fiction & Fantasy. only 3 of over 120 books. (unsure final count)
August 28, 2018
There was and will be only one Andre Norton!
I have been reading her books since I was in grade school. I am 69 and have read thousands of books, she is still the best of the best! Get books are wonderful to read at any age.
I have been reading her books since I was in grade school. I am 69 and have read thousands of books, she is still the best of the best! Get books are wonderful to read at any age.
May 17, 2020
As a fantasy, this was a well developed & compelling story. However the writing itself was disjointed and I often found myself rereading passages to understand the story. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book and will definitely read others in the series.
December 4, 2023
I've read this about 50 years ago or so ..for those that don't know Andre is, in my opinion, one of the greatest writers of all times. Great for those who want their minds challenged...I think she helped spur the creation of star trek and star wars
October 28, 2024
I have enjoyed reading Andre Norton's stories, but somehow never got around to reading her Witch World stories. I am glad that I finally did. While a bit long-winded, the stories kept my interest and were enjoyable.
January 7, 2019
Didn't grab me.
March 2, 2019
Witch World and Web of the Witch World were great, but The Year of the Unicorn was spectacular. It gets 5 stars from me.
October 15, 2019
Andre Norton
As a devoted fan who read these stories when they were first written the rereading brings me great pleasure. She has no equal.
As a devoted fan who read these stories when they were first written the rereading brings me great pleasure. She has no equal.
May 18, 2020
Typical Andre Norton
Thumping good read with the needed outcome. Struggle to definexe self then join with another to redefine self as a new whole.
Thumping good read with the needed outcome. Struggle to definexe self then join with another to redefine self as a new whole.
September 11, 2020
Mind blowing
If you know the works of Andre Norton I need no words to tell you the wonders in these pages.
If you do not yet know? Then Welcome!
If you know the works of Andre Norton I need no words to tell you the wonders in these pages.
If you do not yet know? Then Welcome!
November 29, 2020
The start of a great series. Good storyline and characters. I had trouble relating book-3 to the first two book, but still enjoyed the Saga.
May 5, 2021
Holds up!
I first read this series in the 60's and am now reading it again in 2021. This is as good today as it was when I first read it!
I first read this series in the 60's and am now reading it again in 2021. This is as good today as it was when I first read it!
May 23, 2021
Beast master series
Read these books when i learned English sixty years ago,when she had to write as Andrew north,as women could not write sci first bull!!!!
Read these books when i learned English sixty years ago,when she had to write as Andrew north,as women could not write sci first bull!!!!
August 29, 2021
A mystical magical journey
As always Andre Norton does not disappoint. A journey thru magical kingdoms in search of self and an enduring love.
As always Andre Norton does not disappoint. A journey thru magical kingdoms in search of self and an enduring love.
May 31, 2022
To me, the third book was a total disconnect from the first two. Maybe in the second trilogy it will make more sense.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews