The enchanted land of Andre Norton's Witch World provides the setting for magic, fantasy, and adventure in four stories from D.J. Cherryh, Elizabeth Boyer, Meredith Ann Pierce, and Judith Tarr
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.
Stillborn Heritage is one of those stories which binds the darker fears of mankind with some of its strongest hopes: stillborn children who not only miraculously live, but through some act redeem their world. four stars
Stormbirds brings a soldier from the Dales into contact with a Witch, pitting the two against each other as both struggle with the need to protect a child. three stars.
Rampion brought a story of a girl born to a Lord's mistress who was the eventual saving of her heritage. three stars
Falcon Law was the strongest story, and the one that has stayed with me for many years. Here we have deception as a girl child not only is accepted as a student to the Falcon lords, but wins past all the testing. What comes after is the true heart of the story! five stars plus!