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Central Asia #1
Dama Imperial
Silver Snow, the beautiful daughter of a disgraced Imperial Army general, has always lived in exile. Far from the Empire, she has been free to train in the arts of war and hunting.
A messenger from the court will forever change the girl's simple life. The emperor has ended the year of mourning after the death of his main wife and has summoned five hundred maidens to fill the halls of his palace with life and laughter. Silver Snow is given the opportunity to improve her father's plans, but the young woman is completely unprepared for the intense politics of the palace and is ashamed of her lack of feminine virtues. Unintentionally, she offends the chief of the eunuchs and that will be nothing more than the beginning of endless adventures that destiny has in store for her, adventures that will lead her to the village of the hsiung-un in Mongolia, beyond the protection of the big Wall.
Imperial Lady is a great fantasy novel and a magnificent work of historical documentation, both for the recreation of the landscapes and customs of ancient China, and for the collection of poems, songs and quotes that the authors offer the reader.
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Nieve Plateada, la hermosa hija de un general del Ejercito Imperial caído en desgracia, ha vivido siempre en el exilio. Lejos del Imperio, ha tenido libertad para adiestrarse en las artes de la guerra y de la caza.
Un mensajero de la corte cambará para siempre la sencilla vida de la muchacha. El emperador ha finalizado el año de luto después de la muerte de su esposa principal y ha convocado a quinientas doncellas para llenen de vida y de risas los salones de su palacio. Nieve Plateada así la oportunidad de mejorar el designio de su padre, pero la joven no está preparada en absoluto par la intensa política de palacio y se avergüenza de su carencia de virtudes femeninas. Sin pretenderlo, ofende al jefe de los eunucos y ese no será más que el comienzo de un sinfín de aventuras que el destino le tiene preparadas, aventuras que la conducirán hasta el pueblo de los hsiung-un en Mongolia, más allá de la protección de la Gran Muralla.
Dama Imperial, es una gran novela de fantasía y un magnífico trabajo de documentación histórica, tanto por la recreación de los paisajes y costumbres de la antigua China, como por la recopilación de poemas,canciones y citas que las autoras ofrecen al lector.
A messenger from the court will forever change the girl's simple life. The emperor has ended the year of mourning after the death of his main wife and has summoned five hundred maidens to fill the halls of his palace with life and laughter. Silver Snow is given the opportunity to improve her father's plans, but the young woman is completely unprepared for the intense politics of the palace and is ashamed of her lack of feminine virtues. Unintentionally, she offends the chief of the eunuchs and that will be nothing more than the beginning of endless adventures that destiny has in store for her, adventures that will lead her to the village of the hsiung-un in Mongolia, beyond the protection of the big Wall.
Imperial Lady is a great fantasy novel and a magnificent work of historical documentation, both for the recreation of the landscapes and customs of ancient China, and for the collection of poems, songs and quotes that the authors offer the reader.
***********************************************************************************
Nieve Plateada, la hermosa hija de un general del Ejercito Imperial caído en desgracia, ha vivido siempre en el exilio. Lejos del Imperio, ha tenido libertad para adiestrarse en las artes de la guerra y de la caza.
Un mensajero de la corte cambará para siempre la sencilla vida de la muchacha. El emperador ha finalizado el año de luto después de la muerte de su esposa principal y ha convocado a quinientas doncellas para llenen de vida y de risas los salones de su palacio. Nieve Plateada así la oportunidad de mejorar el designio de su padre, pero la joven no está preparada en absoluto par la intensa política de palacio y se avergüenza de su carencia de virtudes femeninas. Sin pretenderlo, ofende al jefe de los eunucos y ese no será más que el comienzo de un sinfín de aventuras que el destino le tiene preparadas, aventuras que la conducirán hasta el pueblo de los hsiung-un en Mongolia, más allá de la protección de la Gran Muralla.
Dama Imperial, es una gran novela de fantasía y un magnífico trabajo de documentación histórica, tanto por la recreación de los paisajes y costumbres de la antigua China, como por la recopilación de poemas,canciones y citas que las autoras ofrecen al lector.
334 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
143 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Andre Norton
694 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 11, 2020
3 and a bit stars rounded up.
An older book (first published in 1989), this tells us the story of Lady Silver Snow. The daughter of a disgraced general and former marquis, she's bought up in genteel poverty before being selected as one of 500 imperial concubines and sent to be the wife of the chief of a nomadic tribe of 'barbarians'.
This is a novel rooted in historical fact and then given a coat of fantasy varnish. The main character, Lady Silver Snow, seems rather passive at times - reactive rather than proactive - but that's simply because her position as a woman and lady in her society means her behaviour has to be strictly moderated. Still, she shows enough fire and spirit to be an engaging, likable heroine, along with her servant, Willow.
This is a light, quick read and as a stand alone novel it is (thankfully!) not the beginning of a multi-volume epic. It has a cosy, old-fashioned feel - you know the heroine will win because she's young, beautiful and plucky - with just enough danger and intrigue to keep the pages turning, seasoned with a spoonful of romance. Sort of book comfort food if you will - an old favourite for when you just want something that is warm and comfortable.
I've no idea if this is still in print (I bought my copy years ago second hand), but if you see a copy going cheap you could do worse than to pick it up.
An older book (first published in 1989), this tells us the story of Lady Silver Snow. The daughter of a disgraced general and former marquis, she's bought up in genteel poverty before being selected as one of 500 imperial concubines and sent to be the wife of the chief of a nomadic tribe of 'barbarians'.
This is a novel rooted in historical fact and then given a coat of fantasy varnish. The main character, Lady Silver Snow, seems rather passive at times - reactive rather than proactive - but that's simply because her position as a woman and lady in her society means her behaviour has to be strictly moderated. Still, she shows enough fire and spirit to be an engaging, likable heroine, along with her servant, Willow.
This is a light, quick read and as a stand alone novel it is (thankfully!) not the beginning of a multi-volume epic. It has a cosy, old-fashioned feel - you know the heroine will win because she's young, beautiful and plucky - with just enough danger and intrigue to keep the pages turning, seasoned with a spoonful of romance. Sort of book comfort food if you will - an old favourite for when you just want something that is warm and comfortable.
I've no idea if this is still in print (I bought my copy years ago second hand), but if you see a copy going cheap you could do worse than to pick it up.
December 3, 2007
This is a fantasy that takes place during the Han dynasty in China, detailing the story of a young woman who must present herself to the Emperor as a potential wife-to-be and gets lost in the shuffle of Palace politics. She ends up traveling much further than she ever intended or wanted, but for duty to her Emperor, she travels to Mongolia, where she and her faithful servant must battle dark magic and tribal politics which is no less lethal in Mongolia than in the Palace back home.
Wonderfully written, and a lovely introduction to Asian-themed fantasy that isn't Orientalist. It's a great addition to fantasy that isn't all white-guys-running-around-in-Europe. There is a solid story that is apparently historically based. (I assume from that one famous passage about the beautiful princess weeping on the night before she has to do her duty and leave China to go to Mongolia? In those days, such an event was considered a tragic and torturous event.)
Wonderfully written, and a lovely introduction to Asian-themed fantasy that isn't Orientalist. It's a great addition to fantasy that isn't all white-guys-running-around-in-Europe. There is a solid story that is apparently historically based. (I assume from that one famous passage about the beautiful princess weeping on the night before she has to do her duty and leave China to go to Mongolia? In those days, such an event was considered a tragic and torturous event.)
May 8, 2017
I found this book while looking for a selection that had a place name starting with an X. (I'm stretching that, as one of the settings is Xi'an, but in the book it is spelled Ch'ang-an.) It's a nice fantasy based on a historical figure. It comes in low on my 4-star radar, but I rounded it up instead of down for the historical fiction value that it holds of broadening my mental image of greater Chinese history and making me want to learn more of the real stuff (as well as adding Andre Norton and Susan Shwartz to my go-to list of relaxing reads).
August 24, 2017
I have absolutely no idea how I came across this book. I have never heard of this author and I don’t read fantasy books, but here I am.
Lady Silver Snow is living in banishment with her disgraced father and his faithful warriors. She is out hunting when an imperial messenger arrives. Her first thought is that she is glad she was hunting as they would at least be able to put on a feast for the important person. The descriptions of the surroundings are lyrical, and paint a beautiful picture of the snow-covered countryside and of the ancient half-fort, half-mansion that is Silver Snow’s home. The descriptions of the people who surround her are also vivid. Silver Snow’s father tells her she has been summoned as one of 500 women to be concubines of the Son of Heaven in the capital, Ch’ang-an. Red-haired, green-eyed Willow, maid to Silver Snow, travels with her, and they have a guard comprising her father’s soldiers and Imperial soldiers. It is an arduous month’s journey to the capital and on the way they are attacked by bandits. Silver Snow, herself, takes part in the battle as she has been raised by her father as a boy-child, and is deadly with a bow and arrow and knife. She has been brought up on the Analects and Confucius, can read and write, and, apart from sewing, has few of the desirable feminine accomplishments so important in the Palace.
On arrival in the city she is taken before the chief eunuch, and it seems as though she makes an enemy. Mao Yen-shou is greedy for expensive gifts that Silver Snow cannot give him, so he discredits her. She is banished to the Cold Palace, where she lives with Willow in solitude, shunned by all, except when the other ladies want to make use of her. In a strange series of events, as part of a peace treaty, Silver Snow is selected to be the bride of Khuja-nga, the shan-yu (Supreme Leader) of the barbarian Hsiung-nu, who live even further north than her own home. It is a long three-month journey to her new home and there are adventures on the way.
What happens to a tiny woman of the Han when she arrives in the grasslands that are to be her home from now on? So far she has survived living as the daughter of a disgraced marquis and general, a shunned outcast in the Cold Palace in the capital city, but can she survive the harsh, nomadic life of the Hsiung-nu? How will she be treated, and will she ever be accepted? Will Silver Snow and Willow prevail against the hatred and power of the shaman?
This is an amazing story, riveting, absorbing and I am so glad I stumbled across it. The sheer poetry of the prose is a source of wonder and delight, and the story itself is magical. Silver Snow is the most developed character, with Willow a good second. Some of the other characters are very well-drawn, but others I would expect to be well-developed aren’t portrayed as I expected them to be. That this in no way detracted from my enjoyment or investment in this story is testament to the writer's skills. Although Book 1 is included in the title, sadly, there is no follow-on to this book. There is not a lot of what I would term “fantasy” in this book, but there is some. The Historical Note at the end ties the book up beautifully and sets it in context. This has gone into my 'Favourites' folder and will be re-read soon. Recommend for those with an interest in history, fantasy, a marvellous protagonist and second lead.
Lady Silver Snow is living in banishment with her disgraced father and his faithful warriors. She is out hunting when an imperial messenger arrives. Her first thought is that she is glad she was hunting as they would at least be able to put on a feast for the important person. The descriptions of the surroundings are lyrical, and paint a beautiful picture of the snow-covered countryside and of the ancient half-fort, half-mansion that is Silver Snow’s home. The descriptions of the people who surround her are also vivid. Silver Snow’s father tells her she has been summoned as one of 500 women to be concubines of the Son of Heaven in the capital, Ch’ang-an. Red-haired, green-eyed Willow, maid to Silver Snow, travels with her, and they have a guard comprising her father’s soldiers and Imperial soldiers. It is an arduous month’s journey to the capital and on the way they are attacked by bandits. Silver Snow, herself, takes part in the battle as she has been raised by her father as a boy-child, and is deadly with a bow and arrow and knife. She has been brought up on the Analects and Confucius, can read and write, and, apart from sewing, has few of the desirable feminine accomplishments so important in the Palace.
On arrival in the city she is taken before the chief eunuch, and it seems as though she makes an enemy. Mao Yen-shou is greedy for expensive gifts that Silver Snow cannot give him, so he discredits her. She is banished to the Cold Palace, where she lives with Willow in solitude, shunned by all, except when the other ladies want to make use of her. In a strange series of events, as part of a peace treaty, Silver Snow is selected to be the bride of Khuja-nga, the shan-yu (Supreme Leader) of the barbarian Hsiung-nu, who live even further north than her own home. It is a long three-month journey to her new home and there are adventures on the way.
What happens to a tiny woman of the Han when she arrives in the grasslands that are to be her home from now on? So far she has survived living as the daughter of a disgraced marquis and general, a shunned outcast in the Cold Palace in the capital city, but can she survive the harsh, nomadic life of the Hsiung-nu? How will she be treated, and will she ever be accepted? Will Silver Snow and Willow prevail against the hatred and power of the shaman?
This is an amazing story, riveting, absorbing and I am so glad I stumbled across it. The sheer poetry of the prose is a source of wonder and delight, and the story itself is magical. Silver Snow is the most developed character, with Willow a good second. Some of the other characters are very well-drawn, but others I would expect to be well-developed aren’t portrayed as I expected them to be. That this in no way detracted from my enjoyment or investment in this story is testament to the writer's skills. Although Book 1 is included in the title, sadly, there is no follow-on to this book. There is not a lot of what I would term “fantasy” in this book, but there is some. The Historical Note at the end ties the book up beautifully and sets it in context. This has gone into my 'Favourites' folder and will be re-read soon. Recommend for those with an interest in history, fantasy, a marvellous protagonist and second lead.
November 22, 2018
I am always looking for a historical fiction about a lesser known topic and found Imperial Lady, the first in a series about Central Asia, which was intriguing. It took me awhile to get used to Norton and Schwartz's writing styles, as well as how people spoke to one another in formal settings; once I'd become accustomed it was rather enjoyable. I do mean that it took me awhile to except the writer's styles, there are many dialogue tags to the point of ridiculousness but after the first few chapters I didn't notice them and was no longer frequently annoyed.
Silver Snow is a disgraced daughter of a once important and honored general of the Han Dynasty. She has lived her life in poverty in the wild North with her father and disfigured maid, Willow. When Silver Snow is offered the chance to redeem her family name by becoming a concubine to the emperor, she must take the chance. Silver Snow's father entrusts her with jade funerary armor to gift to the emperor.
When Silver Snow reaches the capital, she learns that the emperor will meet none of the girls, but will view portraits painted of them by a chief eunuch. When Silver Snow meets the eunuch, he requests gifts and makes it clear he will alter her portrait accordingly. Silver Snow has nothing to offer but the jade armor, which is reserved for the emperor, however the eunuch discovers it anyway. As the emperor views each portrait, he is disgusted by the image of Silver Snow and she is sent into isolation.
Years later the horse tribes of the West seek a bride to seal a treaty with the Han. Wishing to honor the treaty but not wanting to spare his lovely women, the emperor sends for Silver Snow. Silver Snow is granted her revenge and redemption going from a disgraced concubine to a queen, instantly.
Silver Snow is the perfect woman for the job of barbarian queen, she is able to blend her two lives together, a pampered princess and the wild daughter of a general. However life is not at all easy for Silver Snow. She must contend with the warring factions within her new home and nothing has prepared her for the dangers she will face.
Silver Snow is a disgraced daughter of a once important and honored general of the Han Dynasty. She has lived her life in poverty in the wild North with her father and disfigured maid, Willow. When Silver Snow is offered the chance to redeem her family name by becoming a concubine to the emperor, she must take the chance. Silver Snow's father entrusts her with jade funerary armor to gift to the emperor.
When Silver Snow reaches the capital, she learns that the emperor will meet none of the girls, but will view portraits painted of them by a chief eunuch. When Silver Snow meets the eunuch, he requests gifts and makes it clear he will alter her portrait accordingly. Silver Snow has nothing to offer but the jade armor, which is reserved for the emperor, however the eunuch discovers it anyway. As the emperor views each portrait, he is disgusted by the image of Silver Snow and she is sent into isolation.
Years later the horse tribes of the West seek a bride to seal a treaty with the Han. Wishing to honor the treaty but not wanting to spare his lovely women, the emperor sends for Silver Snow. Silver Snow is granted her revenge and redemption going from a disgraced concubine to a queen, instantly.
Silver Snow is the perfect woman for the job of barbarian queen, she is able to blend her two lives together, a pampered princess and the wild daughter of a general. However life is not at all easy for Silver Snow. She must contend with the warring factions within her new home and nothing has prepared her for the dangers she will face.
December 2, 2017
Without ever been to China but after having done extensive research in the timeperiod and culture an elderly lady wrote two novels. This is book one.
A daughter of a disgraced and exiled Ch'in (Chinese) general spends a wild youth in the North near the wall. Due to her father's downfall she is unmarriagable. Then all of a sudden she and 500 other girls are summoned to the capital.
Story loosely based on a Chin queen who was send to Mongolia to bring peace.
A lot of magic and that makes me decide against giving it 5 stars. But later I discovered that fox(spirits) were in those days in China was we in Europe would know as werewolves. Although a werewolf was an evil creature the foxspirits were powerful beings who could be good or evil.
In the beginning very slow. However I do understand that that is done to build up a character that will be a believable queen.
A daughter of a disgraced and exiled Ch'in (Chinese) general spends a wild youth in the North near the wall. Due to her father's downfall she is unmarriagable. Then all of a sudden she and 500 other girls are summoned to the capital.
Story loosely based on a Chin queen who was send to Mongolia to bring peace.
A lot of magic and that makes me decide against giving it 5 stars. But later I discovered that fox(spirits) were in those days in China was we in Europe would know as werewolves. Although a werewolf was an evil creature the foxspirits were powerful beings who could be good or evil.
In the beginning very slow. However I do understand that that is done to build up a character that will be a believable queen.
May 21, 2025
Historical fantasy set in early Imperial China and among the nomadic peoples north of the Great Wall. Intriguing story of a young woman bound by duty, honor, and courage to navigate her changing circumstances from frontier life, to Han palace life, and, ultimately, to life as a nomadic queen. Loved how it avoided common Western (read: Disney) tropes to give it an immersive, authentic feel of another time and culture. Absolutely delicious to me. Contains: slow-burn, closed-door, earned romance; shape-shifting, shamans, magic; not overly graphic violence.
July 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Particularly the development of the npmain character as she navigates the challenges presented to her in a world where women are , in modern terms, severely limited and oppressed.
April 10, 2020
Different from Andre Norton’s other books
This was very interesting but sometimes too detailed. I don’t think I will read book 2 of the Central Asia series as it was also a collaboration with Susan Schwartz.
This was very interesting but sometimes too detailed. I don’t think I will read book 2 of the Central Asia series as it was also a collaboration with Susan Schwartz.
January 29, 2021
Buen libro de Alta fantasía. Debo reconocer que esperaba algo mucho más potente, pero no por ello de defraudó. Me atrapó y me descubrió una obra diferente y sofisticada, que lejos de ser lo que yo quería encontrarme en un principio, me sorprendió.
April 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
It was different, in a fresh, good way, and though predictable, still kept you guessing as to how it all was going to come about.
A fun, historical read with a bit of fantasy thrown in.
It was different, in a fresh, good way, and though predictable, still kept you guessing as to how it all was going to come about.
A fun, historical read with a bit of fantasy thrown in.
May 20, 2023
As a child, I really liked the books of Andre Norton. This book is also based on the story of Wang Zhaojun. I have always enjoyed reading historical studies on the relationships between China and the northern nomadic peoples. That's why I love this book so much.
July 26, 2017
Wonderfully imaginative!
This is an excellent blending of history and and fiction. It allows the past to come alive while engaging the imagination.
This is an excellent blending of history and and fiction. It allows the past to come alive while engaging the imagination.
February 8, 2019
6/10.
Pues no me debió de gustar mucho, porque no me acordaba de nada...
Y esto es todo lo que leí al Sr. Norton.
Pues no me debió de gustar mucho, porque no me acordaba de nada...
Y esto es todo lo que leí al Sr. Norton.
April 8, 2020
Solid historical fantasy.
May 14, 2024
It was a good story
I can definitely see Andre Norton's style of crafting a story. He was a favorite author when I was younger. I think it was written well.
I can definitely see Andre Norton's style of crafting a story. He was a favorite author when I was younger. I think it was written well.
July 13, 2021
Двух слов мне хватило, чтобы начать читать эту книгу, «Нортон» и «гарем» — глава про мать Шаны из «Проклятья эльфов» нравится мне почти так же, как вся трилогия. И здесь первую половину было ровно то, что обещала аннотация — фэнтезийный Древний Китай, бедная, но честная дворянка, попадающая в сети придворных интриг. Чудесная половина, в первую очередь благодаря главной героине, сообразной эпохе (никакой дерзко-резкости и панибратства с императором!), руководствующейся принципами конфуцианства в повседневной жизни, и просто милой девушки. А завершение, встреча с императором — невероятно удовлетворяющий эпизод, там прямо всё как надо! Затем действие перемещается в степи, и эта часть уже не так увлекательна — и сеттинг привычнее, и интриги попроще, и отношения между главными героями скучны и сухи. Не хочу, впрочем, сказать, что она плоха, нет, просто уступает первой; следить за сюжетом по-прежнему интересно. В послесловии рассказывается о легенде-первоисточнике сюжета и, что ещё ценнее, приводится список книг, подробно раскрывающих культуру того периода.
Перевод не самый лучший, но оформление хорошее, за него всегда любила эту серию.
Перевод не самый лучший, но оформление хорошее, за него всегда любила эту серию.
March 16, 2018
3.5 stars.
Wydaje mi się, że obie autorki należą do nielicznego grona amerykańskich pisarzy, którzy potrafią opisać inną kulturę i mentalność. Nie przeniosły współczesnej obyczajowości i nie nadały jedynie płaszczyku starożytnych Chin. Nie wiem, jak książkę odbierają rodowici Chińczycy, ale ja czytając miałam wrażenie pewnej obcości, inności w postępowaniu bohaterów. Panie odrobiły pracę domową także z wydarzeń historycznych. Plusik z mojej strony.
Od strony fabularnej - jeżeli ktoś przemęczy do momentu wyruszenia bohaterki na stepy , to już powinien wytrwać do końca. Wtedy zdecydowanie zaczyna się robić ciekawie. Trochę większy nacisk został postawiony na bohaterów, oraz relacje między nimi, co jest dosyć charakterystyczne dla kobiecego fantasy. Co więcej, główny konflikt w drugiej połowie opiera się na rywalizacji o władzę i wpływy dwóch kobiet.
Zbyt wielkiej tragedii w tłumaczeniu nie ma. Spełnia swoją rolę, choć wyłapałam parę drobnych zgrzytów.
Wydaje mi się, że obie autorki należą do nielicznego grona amerykańskich pisarzy, którzy potrafią opisać inną kulturę i mentalność. Nie przeniosły współczesnej obyczajowości i nie nadały jedynie płaszczyku starożytnych Chin. Nie wiem, jak książkę odbierają rodowici Chińczycy, ale ja czytając miałam wrażenie pewnej obcości, inności w postępowaniu bohaterów. Panie odrobiły pracę domową także z wydarzeń historycznych. Plusik z mojej strony.
Od strony fabularnej - jeżeli ktoś przemęczy do momentu wyruszenia bohaterki na stepy , to już powinien wytrwać do końca. Wtedy zdecydowanie zaczyna się robić ciekawie. Trochę większy nacisk został postawiony na bohaterów, oraz relacje między nimi, co jest dosyć charakterystyczne dla kobiecego fantasy. Co więcej, główny konflikt w drugiej połowie opiera się na rywalizacji o władzę i wpływy dwóch kobiet.
Zbyt wielkiej tragedii w tłumaczeniu nie ma. Spełnia swoją rolę, choć wyłapałam parę drobnych zgrzytów.
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April 17, 2010The female hero of this book recognizes the abuses of the rigidly heirarchical society she inhabits, despite her enculturation to accept it without daring to question. But she doesn't scruple to murder people forced into banditry, and argues that they deserve to suffer.
In the second part of the story, she has a more measured response to the life of the Hsiung-nu, but tends to concentrate on establishing a place in the society, though she does insitute some reforms, mostly as a response to what she regards as an unprovoked blood-feud.
At the end of the book is a sort of bibliographic note, pointing to more reading for those interested in the period.
In the second part of the story, she has a more measured response to the life of the Hsiung-nu, but tends to concentrate on establishing a place in the society, though she does insitute some reforms, mostly as a response to what she regards as an unprovoked blood-feud.
At the end of the book is a sort of bibliographic note, pointing to more reading for those interested in the period.
November 9, 2016
I've loved this book since I read it for the first time .... when I was a teen. Sometimes when you revisit books you loved when you were younger, you are disappointed. I enjoyed it as much. A fantastic combo of historical fiction/fantasy .... based on a true story of Han princess in ancient china.
April 1, 2013
This one of my favorite of Andre Norton's books. I have grown up reading her books. But this is one that read multiple times. I love the rich history and fantasy woven together to make an outstanding story.
May 26, 2015
I believe that this tale overlaps another I have recently read called "HEAVENLY HORSES" they are told from different sides one from a man whose sister is being married to barbarians and this one where the strong young woman goes willingly to marry that ruler.
October 30, 2008
It was an Ok story. In my oppinion, it was a little drawn out. But I liked Silver Snow and I liked Willow and her selflessness. A nice story about a Chinese legend/myth.
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August 6, 2012my favorite book
March 15, 2016
Anything written by Andre Norton is wonderful. This is a fantasy taking place in Han China
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July 15, 2011Own.
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