The Prince Commands

by Andre Norton

Raised in America, Michael Karl learns at eighteen that he is heir to the throne of Morvania, a Balkan kingdom threatened by revolution and by the sinister Werewolf, a mountain marauder of more than human reputation whoe followers may be less than human.

The moment he arrives in Morvania, Michael Karl is plunged into seething plot and counterplot, and deadly danger. His death would greatly benefit some very powerful adversaries.

Michael embarks on a desperate, thrilling scheme. If it succeeds, the future of Morvania will be changed for the good.

If it fails, Michael will die. . .

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Historical, Adventure, Science Fiction Fantasy

255 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1934

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

[Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

For whatever reason, I went in thinking this was SF... well, it isn't. In fact, it barely qualifies as a fantasy – the only fantastical element being the setting, it being one of those made-up Eastern European kingdoms. I did some research (i.e. Googling) when I finished the novel, and it turns out that this is actually Andre Norton’s first book. I know – fail on the SFF history front.

Anyway, once I figured out what I was getting into, this turned out to be a very fun, very Ruritanian adventure. Michael Karl, the young protagonist, finds out that he is the heir to the kingdom of Morvania, and reluctantly sets out to be crowned king. But it’s obviously not going to be smooth sailing, and well, hi-jinks ensue with escapes and near-escapes, conspiracies, hidden identities, secret passages, passwords… It has some unexpectedly touching moments, and ended up being slightly more than just a straightforward adventure.

While I enjoyed the story, something struck me as being slightly off, and it was only after I finished reading THE PRINCE COMMANDS that I pinpointed what was missing. And it was that there was no women or POC playing any significant parts in this novel – from memory, the only female character with a couple of cameos played a vaguely mother-ish capacity. This made me realise how far we have come in around eight decades (THE PRINCE COMMANDS was published in 1934), and the diversity that I tend to take for granted in the YA fantasy books on the market nowadays. So yes, this book came with an unexpected social history realisation.

A version originally published on my blog: http://bookdaze.wordpress.com/2013/01...

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this back in the 80s when I was in college but I remember it fondly. One reason for the fondness is that it is easy breezy reading after a day with tech manuals and hardass profs. Nothing unexpected happens, a prince in disguise returns to reclaim his throne. A nice story to relax and escape into and that's a good thing.

[Valerie]

I should say I TRIED to read this, but couldn't slog my way through it. According to Lin Carter, this was actually the 1st book Norton had published: Ralestone Luck was reworked and published second, though it was written first.

I remember this book as one of the genre referred to by Dorothy L Sayers as 'Ruritanian Romances'--like The Prisoner of Zenda, but not even as good as that. But I can't be sure, because it's been a long time since I read it, and little stuck with me.

Now that I've got hold of a copy, I can report in more detail. The story is rife with bigotry (most notably Norton's lifelong lupophobia). It's full of romantic royalism (though tempered by the realization that the royals are essentially pampered prisoners). The protagonist is americanized in that he was raised in the US, but since he was isolated under the (abusive) care of a sort of male nanny described as an arms-master, he's imperfectly americanized--and he's also not fully indoctrinated in the norms and values of 'Morvania' (the 'Ruritanian principality' where the bulk of the action is set). For example, he's probably aware that 'Michael Karl' are forenames. He even knows the full form. But he doesn't ever try to adopt an americanized version of his name.

The description of the principality is not sugarcoated. The corrupt Council of Regents is blamed for all that's wrong. The implication is that a rightful (hereditary) monarch could put things right, if he (this is not entirely an 'another country without women' story--there's at least one old servant type who's female) could only regain his rightful place.

The chronological setting was meant to be more or less contemporary (meaning c 1934--this edition is apparently the golden anniversary edition, published in 1984). The existence of a large number of buffer states between large, mostly defunct 'superpowers' after WWI was deliberate. Such 'nations', particularly in the Balkans, tended to be protected from absorption by the larger powers, in the hope of preventing their opponents from expanding their own territories.

The ideas about what would help Morvania make a success at nationhood are progressivist. But they're not unabashedly industrialist. At one point it's pointed out that the industries could easily be stymied by cutting off their water sources.

In general, this is a subtler book than I at first thought. It still shows a 'prentice hand, however--the teenage Norton doesn't successfully conceal the 'surprise ending', for one thing. At least, I knew what was coming long before the last chapters.

There's also a strong propensity to try to solve problems with violence, which remained
throughout Norton's long career. As in ancient literature, a lot of people are introduced and described, only to be slaughtered.

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much a boys' adventure story, first published in 1934. The sprinkled in references to things that she probably recommended as a children's librarian, and/or enjoyed herself, are interesting: Rudyard Kipling, Quentin Durward, Graustark, Desperate Desmond (a 1910s comic).

I read and re-read this many times, and I liked it so much that I delayed reviewing it for er ... about 10 months. Embarrassingly close to a year, because I knew I had to let the fog of glee die down a bit. I re-read it again last night, in under two hours. I still liked it, but absent the initial story-infatuation, the parts where the reader has to fill in the holes are more clear. And it's tempting to do so in ways that are definitely (okay, almost certainly) outside of authorial intent. Yes, all right, I've put in my time as a filthy slasher, and it's hard to not see that here. Especially since the protagonist keeps fainting at moments of excitement.

This was the second book that Norton wrote, and the first one that she had published. This is nominally a straight action novel, but I fancy that she hints at some supernatural elements. You can see the writer that she would become, but she isn't there yet. With a little more development, I think this would make a fun movie or mini-series. Oh, and for those who (like me) are curious, you can see some of the original illustrations here.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norton's first novel, aimed at younger readers, is tentative. According to the author, it evolved out of bedtime stories, and this is evident from the manner in which the author stretches rather thin materials out with padding and reiteration. This is a tale based on the familiar trope in which an ordinary citizen discovers that they have claims to a distant throne. As such, its preoccupation with the pomp and status of monarchy has not worn well. And the author also makes a very curious choice of giving two different characters very similar names—Urlich and Urich—which seems an invitation to confusion. On the other hand, the author's style is fluid, her voice distinctive, and her descriptive powers admirable. There's a lot of promise shown here, but nobody really likes a denouement that takes up the last quarter of a short novel, do they?

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ruritanian romance without any sense of romance at all.

It includes most of the elements I'd expect from the genre, but it also lacks the emotional weight of The Prisoner of Zenda and its better imitations. The protagonist is only involved in a few key points and spends too much time having the rest of the plot explained to him.

[Gary Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action / Adventure novel

This isn't Ms. Norton's usual fare, but it's also not bad for what it is. While it IS a trifle dated (written almost a century ago, after all), there are aspects that are timeless: wanting to belong, to participate in something bigger than one's self, to be part of change for the better...This seems to have been written for a younger reader, although she does possess a huge vocabulary. If you don't mind looking up words that aren't much in use in this day and age, I believe you'll enjoy this book a great deal.

[Rodney · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a youngster I discovered Andre Norton’s science fiction novels and spent many days reading them. I then found out she also wrote other types of stories like westerns and adventure stories. The Prince Commands is one of these other stories rather than sci-fi or fantasy. This story tells the adventures of a young man that does not know he is actually a prince in a fictional European country. There are pursuits, spy games, and fighting to put down a revolt. I won’t spoil the ending but it is a nice little story that I enjoyed reading.

[Sandra Munger · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of her books for a younger audience. Michael who was raised in America and very strictly finds out he is heir to a European throne. Against his will he is shipped there and has adventures involving revolution. The young man he friends is also involved. Good adventure story.

[Bill Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Andre Norton books for more than 60 years. While this was the first one she wrote, I had missed it. I am glad I found it. While it is different from any of the others I read, it is still excellent in it's own way.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasy novel.

Amazon prime freebie. It reminds me of the prisoner of zenda. Its a fantasy set on earth, but the technology is little seen. Pleasent, almost childlike, outside of what Andre Norton normally writes.

[Raymond Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story but a little young.

I have read most of Andre Norton's sci-fi. I did not know that this was a totally different type of story. Still good but not as good as some of other stories

[Tina Gunther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renewing acquaintance with an old friend

I have really enjoyed reaching into the past and enjoying a delightful visit with Andre Norton’s story of adventure.
The text needs some editing but I am happy to rediscover a friend from years ago.

[Lois Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best author ever

I have been reading Andre Norton's books since the 5th grade and at 74, have never been disappointed. . She is the one I judge all other writers against and very few pass. This book is a great read for all ages and I highly recommend it.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another writer I've been meaning to read for a long time. This, I believe is her first published work, and a great place to start.
A fine, fun little "Ruritanian romance"!

[Robert Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's old which I like and the plot is good with some adventure.

[grosbeak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Ruritanian adventure story with a great cousin-bromance.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an oldie but a goodie - written 40+ years ago, it's a story written for a young man of a previous age - one with adventure, dash, danger and a nice resolution.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some years ago I lived in a large village which had a small library. I spent hours down there, gradually ploughing my way through almost their entire fantasy and sci-fi collection. They were easy to spot on the shelves, since virtually every one of them had a bright yellow slipcover. Yet for some reason I never read any of the "M" or "N" authors, so this has actually been the first ever Andre Norton novel I've read.

This is a rip-roaring boy's own adventure type of thing, as Michael Karl discovers he's the heir apparent to the throne of a small country somewhere in Eastern Europe. The only problem is, he doesn't want to be king, since he was raised anonymously in America. He wants to be free to live his life the way he wants—so he manages to get himself kidnapped by the Werewolf, a rebellious ruffian who hides out in the mountains. Michael Karl manages to escape his captor, but then finds he is being caught up in politics, intrigue and a civil war along the way.

It's a fairly light read, and works very well. It's probably only really loosely describable as fantasy (in that the setting doesn't exist in reality), but it's certainly a grand adventure. Oh, and there's no actual werewolves in the book—despite the all appearances from the cover of the edition I read—so if you're expecting shape changing shenanigans, you'll be disappointed. It's still darned good fun though. Buckle your swashes and dive into the adventure.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This modern day story is a turnaround for Sci-Fi great Andre Norton, even though it was the first of her stories to be published. In this story, Michael Karl is your average student whose world turns upside down when he discovers that he is a "rex" - offspring of a dalliance between a Moravian Prince / Heir Apparent and an American woman. An intimidating General and an uptight Minister "collect" him and take him off to the faraway land of his father's birth, where he is now the Heir Apparent, the ONLY heir to the throne.

On the way, he is kidnapped and threatened, escaping only to land in the doorway of a journalist - from whom he hides his true identity, causing later issues of trust.

Michael wants to go home, but his presence is vital - if he abandons the throne, the country will be in turmoil. If he stays, however, he could wind up dead.

Highly recommended for Norton fans and Mystery lovers.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Prince Commands is a little action adventure novel, written in the 1930s, and part of the “Ruritania” genre, by which I mean guns and trains and cars and swords and political intrigue with a Western hero in an Eastern European throwback monarchy. See The Prisoner of Zenda, for the ur-example, or swashbuckling in a more modern sense. The hero of this one is Michael Karl, a young man raised in wealthy isolation, who discovers he is the heir to the throne of an ancient kingdom and gets involved in a revolution.

This was written purely as a fun story, so there’s no heavy stuff, but lots of bandits, daring escapes, secret identities, secret codes, secret passages, helpful peasants, and loyal friends. Although I never became emotionally attached to the characters or plot, it was quick and light and likeable and fun.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andre Norton's first published (1934) novel, this is an adventure story in the style of THE PRISONER OF ZENDA and other "boys adventures." The whole novel has a nice, classic feel, with a timeless, action-filled story that is satisfying, and easy to read.

The novel finds Michael Karl (who, for some reason, is always referred to by his full name) being summoned away from America to Morvania, a fictional Balkan country, where he discovers he is heir to the throne, and gets involved in all sorts of trouble, as he clashes with politicians, possible werewolves, and some good 'ol fashioned soul-searching.

Well worth reading, and a fun "comfort" book.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice read, not too heavy but well told. Most of the book is fairly predictable but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the story. Good lessons on discovering that what we think we want might not be what we want at all and on responsibility and friendship.

[NightAuditMan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny little novel. Written, I guess, in the style of 1920's boys adventure books. I suppose this kind of thing was popular once, but it seems kind of meh reading it now. Add to the fact that the main character is always referred to by first and last name.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

2011, May 18-31
I love this book, one of the ones that I always go back to read.

2018, June 26-30
I just love the free spirit of Michael Karl and how he finds his place where he belongs.

[Eva Cg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather fun! Sort of predictable in places, but very enjoyable read. YA-ish.