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Murdoc Jern #2
Uncharted Stars
Murdoc Jern, a young gem trader, and Eet, a mutant feline alien, search for the source of the mysterious stones of power, but they soon find themselves up against untold enemies
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
187 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Andre Norton
695 books1,384 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 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 12, 2019
2019 re-read, since you can't read The Zero Stone without reading the sequel!
Until the end, Uncharted Stars is not nearly as exciting as TZS was. It was more of a fugitive-procedural on the space lanes, than anything else. And I know that the ending made sense to my teen-age self, but now, it seems a little too fantasy and not enough SF in the end.
Ah, well. Ms. Norton, still my favorite YA author!
Until the end, Uncharted Stars is not nearly as exciting as TZS was. It was more of a fugitive-procedural on the space lanes, than anything else. And I know that the ending made sense to my teen-age self, but now, it seems a little too fantasy and not enough SF in the end.
Ah, well. Ms. Norton, still my favorite YA author!
March 19, 2009
Uncharted Stars by Andre Norton
Un charted Stars is the superior sequel to the Zero Stone and continues the adventures of Murdoc Jern, itinerant jewel dealer and his companion, Eet the mysterious mutant born from a ship’s cat. Eet is not merely a mutant but is the reincarnation of an alien from the time of the Forerunners ancient and powerful aliens long gone from the spaceways.
Jern had obtained a Zero Stone, an artifact of the Forerunners, as an inheritance from his father. The elder Jern was the owner of a pawn shot as a spaceport but is revealed to have been a retired VIP (Veep) in the quasi government of the Thieves Guild. Jern's father collected more than gems and curiosities- he collected secrets and mysteries One of these, the Zero Stone, cost him his life and set his adopted son wandering the stars, looking for answers.
Zeros stones are sources of power augmenting any ship or weapon they touch. Murdoc learns this in the first book as he is pursued across space by both the Guild and the Space Patrol. At the end of the first book Jern and Eet have won a truce with the Patrol, escaping imprisonment with a reward and a single small zero stone.
Jern and Eet purchase a small ship, with a pilot of dubious character and set off hunting zero stones while trying to make a living off of lesser gems. In this they are frustrated by the fact that the Patrol still lists them as criminals and the Guild still hunts them. Their initial successes come to nothing against this institutional hostility, they are driven further and further into the shadows and closer to the guild.
But a chance encounter with pirates and a massacred expedition of archeologists put Eet, Jern and their pilot on a course into the depths of space, to the fabled pirate base of Waystar, in the company of a Zacathan scholar they rescued. The lizard being is of an old and honored race still not evolved when the Forerunners roamed space but who hold most of the galaxy’s history in trust and pursue knowledge for its won sake. At Waystar Jern poses as his father, the former Thieves Guild Veep, to recover a bowl that is actually a star map, showing the homeworld of the Zero Stones.
After many narrow escapes the small expedition heads to that lost and forbidden world and a date with living history.
The Pros: As with the Zero Stone- Norton’s description of gems and gem lore seduces us. There are times that we almost resent the main plot line dragging us away from the various gem-trading expeditions Jern takes us on. We learn to love the flame-tipped zorans and revel in the adventure where we acquire the fabled greenstones of the ice-world. Norton's galaxy doesn’t merely serve the plot line. It is rich and varied and we feel these worlds have their own fascinating histories. We wish we could turn aside and study them more. It’s like a good dinner that tantalizes the pallet but does not quite fill the stomach, leaving us wanting a little more. We sense sometimes that we are on the edge of adventures of other characters that we meet, notably on the ice-world, and that their adventures are as desperate and meaningful to them as Jern’s is to him.
Waystar, the pirate hold is well and vividly described. With its outer shell of dead and looted ships, it’s a place to haunt the imagination.
Yes it is the burgeoning relationship between Eet and Jern, with its highs and lows, its silences, angers and devotion that is the heart of this novel. Jern is determined not to be junrior partner in that relatioship, despite Eets powers and encyclopedic knowledge. The nature of this relationship will be so obvious to you in retrospect, after the big reveal, that you will wonder how you didn’t see this coming.
The Cons: Not many. The book could be longer and more detailed. Norton was not a scientist or a physicists, she never really troubles herself about how any technology works. She has a tendency to hang an “er” on any bit of machinery: blaster, flitter, reader etc.
Sex and sexuality are largely absent from her work, though in this case… well, I will let that be a bit of a surprise.
In sum, Uncharted Stars is the quintessential Norton and loses nothing to being a YA book. I give 9 stars to this work.
By Edward McKeown
Un charted Stars is the superior sequel to the Zero Stone and continues the adventures of Murdoc Jern, itinerant jewel dealer and his companion, Eet the mysterious mutant born from a ship’s cat. Eet is not merely a mutant but is the reincarnation of an alien from the time of the Forerunners ancient and powerful aliens long gone from the spaceways.
Jern had obtained a Zero Stone, an artifact of the Forerunners, as an inheritance from his father. The elder Jern was the owner of a pawn shot as a spaceport but is revealed to have been a retired VIP (Veep) in the quasi government of the Thieves Guild. Jern's father collected more than gems and curiosities- he collected secrets and mysteries One of these, the Zero Stone, cost him his life and set his adopted son wandering the stars, looking for answers.
Zeros stones are sources of power augmenting any ship or weapon they touch. Murdoc learns this in the first book as he is pursued across space by both the Guild and the Space Patrol. At the end of the first book Jern and Eet have won a truce with the Patrol, escaping imprisonment with a reward and a single small zero stone.
Jern and Eet purchase a small ship, with a pilot of dubious character and set off hunting zero stones while trying to make a living off of lesser gems. In this they are frustrated by the fact that the Patrol still lists them as criminals and the Guild still hunts them. Their initial successes come to nothing against this institutional hostility, they are driven further and further into the shadows and closer to the guild.
But a chance encounter with pirates and a massacred expedition of archeologists put Eet, Jern and their pilot on a course into the depths of space, to the fabled pirate base of Waystar, in the company of a Zacathan scholar they rescued. The lizard being is of an old and honored race still not evolved when the Forerunners roamed space but who hold most of the galaxy’s history in trust and pursue knowledge for its won sake. At Waystar Jern poses as his father, the former Thieves Guild Veep, to recover a bowl that is actually a star map, showing the homeworld of the Zero Stones.
After many narrow escapes the small expedition heads to that lost and forbidden world and a date with living history.
The Pros: As with the Zero Stone- Norton’s description of gems and gem lore seduces us. There are times that we almost resent the main plot line dragging us away from the various gem-trading expeditions Jern takes us on. We learn to love the flame-tipped zorans and revel in the adventure where we acquire the fabled greenstones of the ice-world. Norton's galaxy doesn’t merely serve the plot line. It is rich and varied and we feel these worlds have their own fascinating histories. We wish we could turn aside and study them more. It’s like a good dinner that tantalizes the pallet but does not quite fill the stomach, leaving us wanting a little more. We sense sometimes that we are on the edge of adventures of other characters that we meet, notably on the ice-world, and that their adventures are as desperate and meaningful to them as Jern’s is to him.
Waystar, the pirate hold is well and vividly described. With its outer shell of dead and looted ships, it’s a place to haunt the imagination.
Yes it is the burgeoning relationship between Eet and Jern, with its highs and lows, its silences, angers and devotion that is the heart of this novel. Jern is determined not to be junrior partner in that relatioship, despite Eets powers and encyclopedic knowledge. The nature of this relationship will be so obvious to you in retrospect, after the big reveal, that you will wonder how you didn’t see this coming.
The Cons: Not many. The book could be longer and more detailed. Norton was not a scientist or a physicists, she never really troubles herself about how any technology works. She has a tendency to hang an “er” on any bit of machinery: blaster, flitter, reader etc.
Sex and sexuality are largely absent from her work, though in this case… well, I will let that be a bit of a surprise.
In sum, Uncharted Stars is the quintessential Norton and loses nothing to being a YA book. I give 9 stars to this work.
By Edward McKeown
April 8, 2014
This was my introduction to science fiction, thanks to my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Feeney (back in 1969!). I was unpacking books after my recent move, and decided this one and its companion, The Zero Stone, deserved a re-read. A bit dated, but still a great story.
December 22, 2020
“When there is only one road left, that is the one you walk.”
Not Norton’s best work, but a fun, engaging young adult science fiction adventure. Slow start; she spends first ten pages recapping the previous story. Once again no female characters grace the pages of this story by once of the best female SF writers of her day until the last ten pages.
“My depressed spirits told me that I was already at the point where one surrendered hope and waited for the inevitable blow to fall.” “We could not be far now from the entrance, though I could hardly believe in such fortune.”
Her point of view character has plenty of angst and apparent failures, but his luck in landing in just the right place and the right time pushes credibility. (No one reads these books expecting complete realism, but the author should at least help maintain the reader’s willing suspension of unbelief.)
“Fitting the strip of reader tape in his clawed hands into a recorder.”
Published in 1969, Stars boasts all the technological gaffs one expects of what young readers may not grasp as the way it was versus bad writing.
“… set up his hold orbit to the north.” “The atmosphere was breathable without a helmet.” Ryzk turned to check the atmosphere dials. “Arth type, livable.”
Quibbles: It is impossible to orbit the north of a planet. A polar orbit transects the equator as well as the poles. Have you ever noticed how most SF worlds have breathable atmospheres? For most of its existence Earth didn’t have a breathable atmosphere.
“‘Agree! There is an excellent reason.’ And, in spite of myself, in spite of knowing that no excellent reason for such stupidity could exist, I found myself agreeing.”
Not Norton’s best work, but a fun, engaging young adult science fiction adventure. Slow start; she spends first ten pages recapping the previous story. Once again no female characters grace the pages of this story by once of the best female SF writers of her day until the last ten pages.
“My depressed spirits told me that I was already at the point where one surrendered hope and waited for the inevitable blow to fall.” “We could not be far now from the entrance, though I could hardly believe in such fortune.”
Her point of view character has plenty of angst and apparent failures, but his luck in landing in just the right place and the right time pushes credibility. (No one reads these books expecting complete realism, but the author should at least help maintain the reader’s willing suspension of unbelief.)
“Fitting the strip of reader tape in his clawed hands into a recorder.”
Published in 1969, Stars boasts all the technological gaffs one expects of what young readers may not grasp as the way it was versus bad writing.
“… set up his hold orbit to the north.” “The atmosphere was breathable without a helmet.” Ryzk turned to check the atmosphere dials. “Arth type, livable.”
Quibbles: It is impossible to orbit the north of a planet. A polar orbit transects the equator as well as the poles. Have you ever noticed how most SF worlds have breathable atmospheres? For most of its existence Earth didn’t have a breathable atmosphere.
“‘Agree! There is an excellent reason.’ And, in spite of myself, in spite of knowing that no excellent reason for such stupidity could exist, I found myself agreeing.”
May 8, 2012
Wish this series (started with the Zero Stone ) could have continued..it had veryt interesting characters with amazing abilities.
February 4, 2022
2.5 stars
The two books (Zero Stone, Uncharted Stones) forming this small series are tough to review. I can’t believe I didn’t read them when I was younger, as they seem to fit that reading list, and I spent most of the time thinking of what younger me would have made of them as I read.
The story is straightforward boy’s adventure stuff. The characters are fairly simple and goal-driven. The writing is odd; shifting from florid descriptions of places and things, to action that seems vague and unfinished, to constant repeated rumination on what had happened and what was to happen, all culminating in a quest resolution that had me wondering what this was all about.
I don’t believe little Rog would have dug these books too much, probably because they’re not as cool as the rad Jeffrey Jones covers.
The two books (Zero Stone, Uncharted Stones) forming this small series are tough to review. I can’t believe I didn’t read them when I was younger, as they seem to fit that reading list, and I spent most of the time thinking of what younger me would have made of them as I read.
The story is straightforward boy’s adventure stuff. The characters are fairly simple and goal-driven. The writing is odd; shifting from florid descriptions of places and things, to action that seems vague and unfinished, to constant repeated rumination on what had happened and what was to happen, all culminating in a quest resolution that had me wondering what this was all about.
I don’t believe little Rog would have dug these books too much, probably because they’re not as cool as the rad Jeffrey Jones covers.
January 16, 2021
This is the 2nd book in a series (I'm not sure if there are more), and I really loved both. The story takes off with the characters searching for the origin of a mystery stone across space, and they lead us on a wild journey with twists and turns all the way. The ending holds a bit of a surprise, which opens the door for more to come, but, sadly, there are only two books in this series. I may have to check out some of the author's other titles.
December 13, 2019
A fantasy story in structure and writing style with a few space ships thrown in. It is basically the Hobbit. A youngster travels far from home, takes the Zero ring (not the One ring, mind you!)--and goes on a quest with a magic [cat alien] wizard it its source, nominally running from some mostly absent bad guys and some very present monsters of the week. Which is exactly the pulpy paperback I was here for, but the ending is a disappointment as the book just runs out of steam and then dumps us.
October 15, 2025
Unusually pessimistic for Norton. This review spans both Zero Stone and the second book, Uncharted Stars, both written around 1969. I read these in junior high and lately reread them, wondering why I hadn't bought copies since I love the Solar Queen (three books, the one's using her name but not written by her, I do not like and won't recommend) and the related books, Secret of the Lost Race and StarRunner. Those are all beloved in my collection.
Norton has a very particular writing style so it's easy to spot her work (versus someone using her name to sell a book). She definitely wrote these but I have to wonder if 1) she hated this character 2) she was being forced to write these books for some reason 3) something bad was happening in her personal life and the pessimism leaked into her books (understandable) or 4) she was unhappy/depressed about the state of the world (it was 1969).
The book is her style but the theme is very pessimistic and even confusing/disjointed at times. The hero never seems to get a break. It appears he wins in the first book but in the second, the Patrol has reneged on the deal (more than just in spirit of the law, they are actively plotting against him and ruining his life).
Timewise, this book seems to be long after the Solar Queen series since Limbo seems to be famous now. The Patrol is no longer about justice but would happily kill the victim instead of admit their mistake. There is now a Thieves Guild, which I hadn't come across (maybe it shows up in books other than what I mentioned.) Norton has included criminal organizations before, but usually has done a better job of describing their history. And the Patrol has been a fierce force for justice, sometimes making mistakes, but never as fascist as what is portrayed here.
Our hero even admits in book 2 that he no longer trusts his own race. Everyone is always betraying him or sabotaging him. And no one stands up for him but just acquiesces to the government/Patrol/Guild. Even the Free Traders are tainted now, which could be seen as 'some of them only' save for the overwhelming "everyone is not to be trusted" theme. This is very unlike Norton in the other books I mentioned.
And the resolution of the zero stones and Eet is very confusing, which doesn't happen until book 2. Usually Norton gives more background information and gives you a stronger sense of what is really going on, but the ending in book 2 is confused and disjointed. One can only hope against hope that things finally work out for our victimized hero.
I suspect that we didn't continue this series because it just wasn't that popular and likely for the reasons I've given above. Where the Solar Queen became beloved, sadly, this one had a flaws (unusual in Norton's works) that made it an unhappy experience at the end.
It's worth reading once, but try to take it with a grain of sympathy. This isn't the Norton stories that we usually read during the same time period. All I can think of is that she was depressed about the world when she wrote these two. It makes me worried to read any other ForeRunner stories written in 1969 or onward for fear I will be even more distraught.
Norton has a very particular writing style so it's easy to spot her work (versus someone using her name to sell a book). She definitely wrote these but I have to wonder if 1) she hated this character 2) she was being forced to write these books for some reason 3) something bad was happening in her personal life and the pessimism leaked into her books (understandable) or 4) she was unhappy/depressed about the state of the world (it was 1969).
The book is her style but the theme is very pessimistic and even confusing/disjointed at times. The hero never seems to get a break. It appears he wins in the first book but in the second, the Patrol has reneged on the deal (more than just in spirit of the law, they are actively plotting against him and ruining his life).
Timewise, this book seems to be long after the Solar Queen series since Limbo seems to be famous now. The Patrol is no longer about justice but would happily kill the victim instead of admit their mistake. There is now a Thieves Guild, which I hadn't come across (maybe it shows up in books other than what I mentioned.) Norton has included criminal organizations before, but usually has done a better job of describing their history. And the Patrol has been a fierce force for justice, sometimes making mistakes, but never as fascist as what is portrayed here.
Our hero even admits in book 2 that he no longer trusts his own race. Everyone is always betraying him or sabotaging him. And no one stands up for him but just acquiesces to the government/Patrol/Guild. Even the Free Traders are tainted now, which could be seen as 'some of them only' save for the overwhelming "everyone is not to be trusted" theme. This is very unlike Norton in the other books I mentioned.
And the resolution of the zero stones and Eet is very confusing, which doesn't happen until book 2. Usually Norton gives more background information and gives you a stronger sense of what is really going on, but the ending in book 2 is confused and disjointed. One can only hope against hope that things finally work out for our victimized hero.
I suspect that we didn't continue this series because it just wasn't that popular and likely for the reasons I've given above. Where the Solar Queen became beloved, sadly, this one had a flaws (unusual in Norton's works) that made it an unhappy experience at the end.
It's worth reading once, but try to take it with a grain of sympathy. This isn't the Norton stories that we usually read during the same time period. All I can think of is that she was depressed about the world when she wrote these two. It makes me worried to read any other ForeRunner stories written in 1969 or onward for fear I will be even more distraught.
Read
November 22, 2020Uncharted Stars is the somewhat uninspired sequel to The Zero Stone. Most of the exciting elements that were present in the first novel are missing here, and the only scene that contains a great deal of action is when Murdoc and Eet invade Waystar, the secret lair of the Guild built on a Forerunner space station in a dead sector of space. The rest of seems like Norton felt she had to finish the duo's story, but really wasn't all that excited about it.
Flush with the loot from their reward for turning over the zero stone ring to the Patrol, Murdoc and Eet have purchased a ship, and are trying to find a pilot. Somebody has blacklisted them, however, so they have to search the dregs of the spaceport to find a drug-addled delisted pilot, Rizk (risky?) to take them on the next stage of their treasure hunt. Murdoc's first trading venture doesn't go as well as he had hoped, when he is out-bargained by a more experienced trader, so he makes a quick change of plans to turn a profit after all.
But, when he returns to civilization with some beautiful and valuable greenstones, he finds out that his goods have been blacklisted as well, and he must once more turn to the seedy underside of the trade, using the knowledge of his father's Guild connections to find a less reputable buyer for his wares. While dispensing of the stones, Eet's telepathic powers alert them to a pirate raid that is about to take place on a Zacathan archaeological site on another world, so they rush off to try to warn the Zacathans, but arrive a bit too late for all except one survivor of the raid.
The thieves made off with several valuable Forerunner artifacts, including a bowl which is actually a star map containing clues to the location of the source of the zero stones and their unimaginable powers. Murdoc, Eet, Rizk and Zilwrich (the Zacathan) rush off in pursuit of the pirates and, quite improbably, are able to infiltrate Waystar and steal back the star map, so they can track down the zero stone home world.
The ending of the book contains a surprising twist, but the most surprising thing of all is that Eet and Murdoc never showed up again with further adventures. Norton must have decided to move on to newer things, though the interstellar cultures she uses as background here show up in many of her other novels.
Flush with the loot from their reward for turning over the zero stone ring to the Patrol, Murdoc and Eet have purchased a ship, and are trying to find a pilot. Somebody has blacklisted them, however, so they have to search the dregs of the spaceport to find a drug-addled delisted pilot, Rizk (risky?) to take them on the next stage of their treasure hunt. Murdoc's first trading venture doesn't go as well as he had hoped, when he is out-bargained by a more experienced trader, so he makes a quick change of plans to turn a profit after all.
But, when he returns to civilization with some beautiful and valuable greenstones, he finds out that his goods have been blacklisted as well, and he must once more turn to the seedy underside of the trade, using the knowledge of his father's Guild connections to find a less reputable buyer for his wares. While dispensing of the stones, Eet's telepathic powers alert them to a pirate raid that is about to take place on a Zacathan archaeological site on another world, so they rush off to try to warn the Zacathans, but arrive a bit too late for all except one survivor of the raid.
The thieves made off with several valuable Forerunner artifacts, including a bowl which is actually a star map containing clues to the location of the source of the zero stones and their unimaginable powers. Murdoc, Eet, Rizk and Zilwrich (the Zacathan) rush off in pursuit of the pirates and, quite improbably, are able to infiltrate Waystar and steal back the star map, so they can track down the zero stone home world.
The ending of the book contains a surprising twist, but the most surprising thing of all is that Eet and Murdoc never showed up again with further adventures. Norton must have decided to move on to newer things, though the interstellar cultures she uses as background here show up in many of her other novels.
October 9, 2020
As I understood it, this was the sequel to The Zero Stone. At the end of that book our heroes, Murdoc Jern and his alien sidekick Eet, have been allowed to buy their own spaceship by the Patrol and are about to space-off in search of the source of the stones and untold Forerunner wealth. Well, they do that but very, very slowly. It's as if Andre Norton had been commissioned to write the screenplay of an old-fashioned B-movie serial and suddenly thought to herself, 'How do I stretch this out for thirteen episodes? Boy and alien set off, confound the villains, find said stones. Huzzah!'
To be polite one could say it is a cunning use of subplots and minor, yet intriguing, characters. On the other hand one may observe an abundance of padding. There is an awful lot of Norton's mix of imaginative science fiction that borders on fantasy. Her description of imagined alien life-forms and cultures is bewildering in its believability: a criminal mastermind, an Orbsleon, descended from a long line of calamari that sits in a tank of pink liquid no doubt thinking of ways to torment Greek fisherfolk; a many-eyed manufactured Terran mutant that worked in an upmarket pawnshop; Eet's transformation into a black-furred, red-eyed and red-skinned phwat – that name points towards a joke but perhaps not one for the gentle readers of Goodreads; not to mention Zilwrich, the wise Zacathan. However, the plot progresses at a snail's pace with one small adventure after another – they could be cliffhangers if this were not a continuous narrative.
Nevertheless I still enjoyed the ride and it took me back to my late teens when I first encountered Catseye and Star Man's Son in my local library. A modern YA reader would no doubt point out the silliness of the spacecraft design, the constant drifts into esper (mind reading) fantasy, and the lack of females (with one important exception in this book). Yet it remains an enjoyable transport into an unlikely future in which anything might happen next.
To be polite one could say it is a cunning use of subplots and minor, yet intriguing, characters. On the other hand one may observe an abundance of padding. There is an awful lot of Norton's mix of imaginative science fiction that borders on fantasy. Her description of imagined alien life-forms and cultures is bewildering in its believability: a criminal mastermind, an Orbsleon, descended from a long line of calamari that sits in a tank of pink liquid no doubt thinking of ways to torment Greek fisherfolk; a many-eyed manufactured Terran mutant that worked in an upmarket pawnshop; Eet's transformation into a black-furred, red-eyed and red-skinned phwat – that name points towards a joke but perhaps not one for the gentle readers of Goodreads; not to mention Zilwrich, the wise Zacathan. However, the plot progresses at a snail's pace with one small adventure after another – they could be cliffhangers if this were not a continuous narrative.
Nevertheless I still enjoyed the ride and it took me back to my late teens when I first encountered Catseye and Star Man's Son in my local library. A modern YA reader would no doubt point out the silliness of the spacecraft design, the constant drifts into esper (mind reading) fantasy, and the lack of females (with one important exception in this book). Yet it remains an enjoyable transport into an unlikely future in which anything might happen next.
March 14, 2018
This is a sequel to The Zero Stone, which I read some time ago. Murdoc Jern and his alien companion Eet have cleared themselves with the Patrol and managed to buy a ship. They want to find the source of the zero stones. But first they need a pilot for the ship and money to pay port fees and maintenance. They find a pilot in a space bar; he seems reasonably capable, but Jern is not sure he is trustworthy. Jern plans to raise money by trading for precious stones and selling them, but his various attempts don't go all that well. Eet helps him learn how to use his mind to change his looks. Eventually they meet a Zacathan, left for dead after a raid, who joins them hoping to recover some of the archeological treasures stolen in the raid. They find some at Waystar, where Jern pretends to be his dead father, an assayer. After escaping Waystar, an ancient star map leads them to an unknown planet and a startling conclusion. A good adventure story. But I most enjoy the relationship between Jern and Eet.
May 3, 2022
There are some fantasy authors who, strictly by virtue of their output, dominate the bargain racks at your local bookstores: Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony (yeurrgh), Andre Norton. Norton is easily the best of that class, and Uncharted Stars is an entirely respectable specimen, picked up for $1.25 (1969 Avon mass market paperback as-is condition, originally $0.75). Jern and his space cat quest for the source of the legendary Zero Stones. This being Norton, there is much power of the Mind (telepathy, telekinesis, precognition, etc.).
When buckles are not being swashed, look out for the occasional meditation on civilization and religious belief, and perhaps some heresies about "planetside gods." Which also made more surprising the archaeological find in this book: a 1965 card calendar from the Patna & Peru Jesuit mission in Chicago, 1114 South May Street, phone Chesapeake 3-2022, helpfully marked with "Days of Total Abstinence" and "Days of Partial Abstinence." Those Jesuits apparently let you read anything!
When buckles are not being swashed, look out for the occasional meditation on civilization and religious belief, and perhaps some heresies about "planetside gods." Which also made more surprising the archaeological find in this book: a 1965 card calendar from the Patna & Peru Jesuit mission in Chicago, 1114 South May Street, phone Chesapeake 3-2022, helpfully marked with "Days of Total Abstinence" and "Days of Partial Abstinence." Those Jesuits apparently let you read anything!
November 17, 2019
Old Time Science Fiction
Uncharted Stars is an example of Science Fiction as written by Andre Norton. Over the years I have read so many of Andre Norton's science fiction stories. So many have a young person struggling against all odds to win against the authorities. Murdoc Jern has inherited a Zero Stone from his father. He is attempting to determine the secret of the Zero Stone's origin. Murdoch and his feline mutant companion, Eet, travel across the galaxy with their search while attempting to remain out of the grasp of the law enforcement corps of the Patrol and remain out of the grasp of the unforgiving Thieves Guild. Following Murdoc and Eet from planet to planet during their search makes for an interesting story. I recommend this book to all Science Fiction Fans.
Uncharted Stars is an example of Science Fiction as written by Andre Norton. Over the years I have read so many of Andre Norton's science fiction stories. So many have a young person struggling against all odds to win against the authorities. Murdoc Jern has inherited a Zero Stone from his father. He is attempting to determine the secret of the Zero Stone's origin. Murdoch and his feline mutant companion, Eet, travel across the galaxy with their search while attempting to remain out of the grasp of the law enforcement corps of the Patrol and remain out of the grasp of the unforgiving Thieves Guild. Following Murdoc and Eet from planet to planet during their search makes for an interesting story. I recommend this book to all Science Fiction Fans.
January 19, 2023
Following "The Zero Stone," this second part of a two book series wraps up the adventures of gemologist Murdoc Jern and his alien companion Eet as they seek to find the source of the mysterious zero stones and avoid their various enemies. My big complaint for the first book was Murdoc's passivity, and he is definitely a lot less passive in this book. This was a welcome change! My big praises for the first book were for its frenetic pacing and its relentless weirdness, and unfortunately both take a hit here - especially the pacing and especially in the first half. It does pick up in the second half. I did enjoy the big revelation at the end of the book, but it could have carried much more interesting impact with some better foreshadowing. Having said that, it was fun anyway. Overall I enjoyed this slim volume of space adventure, though not quite as much as the first book. Rating 3.5 (Good)
October 31, 2019
We Were Late to the Party
Murdoc Jern finds out that his father isn’t his father, and that he’s being pursued for a stone his father gave him— the Zero Stone. In Norton’s universe (one of her many universes) we were very late to the party of sentience and roaming the galaxy. Before us were many civilizations, called collectively Forerunners. Some very strange things were left behind by the Forerunners, including that Zero Stone. In a two novel set, Grand Master Norton paints a fascinating picture of what the future might hold for us.
Murdoc Jern finds out that his father isn’t his father, and that he’s being pursued for a stone his father gave him— the Zero Stone. In Norton’s universe (one of her many universes) we were very late to the party of sentience and roaming the galaxy. Before us were many civilizations, called collectively Forerunners. Some very strange things were left behind by the Forerunners, including that Zero Stone. In a two novel set, Grand Master Norton paints a fascinating picture of what the future might hold for us.
January 15, 2020
What a Pity!
This author has left us. For many, many years I have read her books. I have, physically, many. I have the 1st in this series, now I have both and I am a happier person because of it. It's written in a very old style and may be difficult to read because of that, however, press on. The story, and that's why we read books, is worth it. Basically, it's a treasure hunt with a moral.
This author has left us. For many, many years I have read her books. I have, physically, many. I have the 1st in this series, now I have both and I am a happier person because of it. It's written in a very old style and may be difficult to read because of that, however, press on. The story, and that's why we read books, is worth it. Basically, it's a treasure hunt with a moral.
November 30, 2017
A treasure hunt that boggles the imagination
Andre Norton never disappoints. Fascinating characters explore how relationships are at the core of life. Richly imagined worlds that are still relatable. People going about the business of living regardless of what kind of form they wear. Makes you question what you value.
Andre Norton never disappoints. Fascinating characters explore how relationships are at the core of life. Richly imagined worlds that are still relatable. People going about the business of living regardless of what kind of form they wear. Makes you question what you value.
July 30, 2018
Good continuation of the first book. The pacing was a little bit uneven and the ending came quite suddenly without a full resolution.
It’s too bad there isn’t another book in the series, there was definitely room left to continue it.
I really enjoyed the gem trading portions of the book and I wish it had been fleshed out more.
It’s too bad there isn’t another book in the series, there was definitely room left to continue it.
I really enjoyed the gem trading portions of the book and I wish it had been fleshed out more.
March 3, 2019
Good Story Sequel
In book2 of 2 we see the young Murdoc Jern plying his trade as a gem trader. He buys a small starship, hires a sketchy Pilot, and he and Eet the mutant set out to locate more gems like the Zero Stone. He would like to locate the origin world of the stones, assumed lost for mileniums. Unexpected surprise ending.
In book2 of 2 we see the young Murdoc Jern plying his trade as a gem trader. He buys a small starship, hires a sketchy Pilot, and he and Eet the mutant set out to locate more gems like the Zero Stone. He would like to locate the origin world of the stones, assumed lost for mileniums. Unexpected surprise ending.
November 17, 2019
This was an awesome conclusion to the 1st book Zero Stone. The mystery that surrounds the stone pulls Murdoc deeper into uncharted territory not only in the stars but in hisself. Eet and Murdoc friendship is tested as they traverse the unknown to confront the Guild themselves. I loved the ending! This series definitely earned it's way to my favorite's list.
April 15, 2020
This was better than the first book in the series, and I would read a third if there were one. The characters were more likable, and more happened in the story. It didn't have the excitement and character building of a typical Andre Norton sci-fi novel, but I still enjoyed it. The ending was abrupt and not very believable, almost like she had to meet her publication deadline. :-)
November 27, 2024
Amazing sci fi adventure
It has been many years since I last read Uncharted Stars, so I was thrilled to find it and The Zero Stone on KU. I was surprised by how much I remembered of the story. The book has weathered the years well and is as fascinating and thrilling as when I first read it. I highly recommend all of Norton's science fiction.
It has been many years since I last read Uncharted Stars, so I was thrilled to find it and The Zero Stone on KU. I was surprised by how much I remembered of the story. The book has weathered the years well and is as fascinating and thrilling as when I first read it. I highly recommend all of Norton's science fiction.
August 8, 2017
Continuation of The Zero Stone from a sci-fi master - Norton. I am surprised that I don't remember reading these back in the day when I whipped through all of her books. Not my favourite but a finish for Murdoc Jern and 'the cat'. For some reason I suspect this was originally aimed at YA but what do I know. Good but not her best.
November 2, 2017
A good science fiction story as a young gemologist and his faithful mutant companion head into space to find the home of the zero stone. Many fine adventures follow with an unexpected surprise ending. Enjoy!
September 22, 2024
As good as my first reading
Uncharted Stars is among my introduction to sci-fi literature by Andre Norton. Along with the Zero Stone and Moon of Three Rings, this book had me hooked on sci-fi literature for life. Every reading is as good as the first.
Uncharted Stars is among my introduction to sci-fi literature by Andre Norton. Along with the Zero Stone and Moon of Three Rings, this book had me hooked on sci-fi literature for life. Every reading is as good as the first.
December 7, 2025
The sequel to the Zero Stone, one of my favourite Andre Norton books from childhood. Murdoc Jern continues his search for the planetary source of the Zero stones, with his mutant companion, Eet. There's planty of action,
October 22, 2017
Good fun, this continues in the enigmatic universe of the Zero Stone.
May 17, 2018
Great re-read
First read this many moons ago and enjoyed it. Going back and reliving my past reads. Enjoyed enjoyed it the second time through.
First read this many moons ago and enjoyed it. Going back and reliving my past reads. Enjoyed enjoyed it the second time through.
May 22, 2019
The second and final novel about something of an intergalactic treasure hunt. Our hero Jern and his mysterious companion Eet complete their quest. A fun read, but not the best thing Norton ever did.
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