Daybreak-2250 A.D.

by Andre Norton

Two centuries after an atomic war on earth, a silver-haired mutant sets out on a dangerous search for a lost city of the ruined civilization. The holocaust had ravaged the world 200 years before. Survivors were scattered across the frightening wastelands. Some struggled merely for life...others, like Fors, the Star Man's son, dared the terrifying unknown to recapture the knowledge...the knowledge that could once again destroy them...
Fors, a mutant, was barred from the ranks of the Star Men of the Eyrie, an elite group of explorers dedicated to the recovery of ancient knowledge. Only some wondrous discovery might gain him acceptance. So Fors set out in search of one of the lost cities, where he hoped to find tools, books, and other marvels to increase the Star Men's store of information and riches. But his quest grew into a far greater test than ever he imagined. Hunted by the dreaded Beast Things, he fled through a radioactive wasteland, right into the hands of hostile humans. The Star Men would never see Fors' treasures, unless he could convince the warring human tribes to unite against a common, and unbelievable, enemy!

Also published titled: Star Man's Son

Genres: Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Adventure, Apocalyptic

191 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 1952

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

[Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's get one thing right out of the way - this is not high literature. It is a pulpy story, well-written. "Solid" is the word that comes to mind, but not mind-bending by any means. If you're looking for a golden age scifi post-apocalyptic book that fills your need for post-atomic mutants and radiation porn, it's adequate to the task.

That said, this is one of the earliest examples of post-nuclear holocaust fiction. One can see how other books, movies, and even games dipped deeply into this work. It is seminal.

It is also an interesting example of an early attempt at addressing race-relation issues in science fiction. When I caught these undertones, then, later, overt criticisms of the cultural climate, which was contemporary with the work, I was surprised to see that the book was published in 1952. Norton was ahead of her time in this regard. Only the year before did the nascent civil rights movement make news of any appreciable kind. Remember: Brown v. Board of Education didn't get decided until 1954. It's clear from Daybreak 2250 A.D. that Norton was aware of the underground sentiment, the warm coals of dissent that hadn't yet fanned into full flames. I'm not sure how many people would have read the book at that time, but it had to have come as a revelation to some readers back then. A case of fiction as political tool for action.

[Checkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thing about reading so-called "Golden Age" science fiction (or at least Silver Age) is you always have to remember that the stories were written in a different time. A time when the world that we now live in was the stuff of science fiction and the world as it existed ,when the writer was creating, influenced him or her.

Now at this point you are say, "No kidding Captain Obvious?"

Yes I know. I hear what you're saying and the sarcasm is very.....obvious. Nevertheless it needs to be stated. Star Man's Son is a post-apocalypse story written by an inexperienced novelist in the early 1950's. It seems to me that Andre Norton was concerned about a couple different things at this time.

The first was the Cold War and the terrifying prospect that the United States and the Soviet Union were going to destroy the world with nuclear weapons; the novel was written during the Korean War and just a few years after World War II ended. Once again Captain Obvious arrives at the obvious conclusion.

The second was the status of race relations in the United States.

The protagonist's comrade in arms is a black man. Not only is he black, but he is a competent and intelligent man who is the equal of our hero. Our hero is a mutant who strikes out on his own when he realizes that his tribe will never truly accept him because he is different. There is war between the tribes and mutants called "Beast Men", but also conflict between the different tribes. At the end there is hope that the Humans will come to understand each other and perhaps a new nation will arise from the ruins. In 2014 speak they will "learn to embrace their diversity".

I've read that in the 1940's and 50's the western genre was used by many writers as a way to cover controversial (social) topics that could not be presented in contemporary dramas. Possibly one of the most famous examples would have to be the Gary Cooper classic High Noon. That movie was a thinly disguised attack on the McCarthy anti-communist witch hunt, but while many got it there were more who didn't. To them it was just a thrilling suspense story set in the old west.

I bring that up because I speculate that Norton used the PA setting as a way to address the topic of race. By the early 50's it was apparent to all, but the most obtuse, that changes were coming between black and white in the United States. I think Norton was concerned that if positive action wasn't taken soon those changes would be implemented violently. I see Star Man's Son as both a plea for peace among Humanity as well as a plea for peace and understanding between the different racial groups.

This is not a great novel. It's a Freshman effort and it's obvious. At times the plot drags, the action sequences aren't very engrossing, the dialogue is clunky. It reminded me of H.G. Wells with just a faint hint of Victorian/Edwardian science-fiction. One of the good points is that there are no dates, no listing of future events and no "future" technology coming into play. This helps to give the novel a type of timelessness that so many other stories set in the "future" lack. The story also has sincerity and heart.

This isn't a cheap pulp science fiction story. It never appeared in a magazine as a serial, but was a full novel from the get go. Norton wrote a novel in which she was trying to make a difference. It was just camouflaged as a science fiction/post-apocalypse adventure novel. For that I give the book three stars. It's a good honest (Freshman) effort and there is nothing wrong with that.

[Nikki Barnabee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this is 7th grade, then re-read it in high school. I love futuristic, after-the-nuclear-holocaust tales, and who couldn't get into scenes of long-deserted, half-destroyed cities being explored by a boy and his big cat? ;-} Humans are now tribal, hunt with spears, etc., and there are intense battles with nasty, violent creatures who slink through the cities, but my favorite scene was the one in which we see the childlike joy experienced by Fors when he discovers an amazing modern invention -- colored pencils. Enjoyable to read, but sad when you think about all the things our society would be throwing away if a world war went nuclear.

[Karl Jorgenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andre Alice Norton still holds up, almost 70 years later. It's part 'Lord of the Rings,' it's part 'Game of Thrones,' and it's part coming-of-age. Post nuclear-holocaust, the earth is healing and tribes are venturing out, testing their boundaries, and marveling at the fallen civilization. The style of writing is noticeably 1950s, but so well done. I read it in a repackaged and renamed print, the publisher's opportunity to profit again from the author's work, 15 years after her death.

[Karl]

Cover artwork by: Fred Knecht. No introduction.

A reprint edition of Andre Norton's first science fiction novel.

[Louis Shalako · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few science fiction books around the house when I was younger. Probably the one book that hooked me on SF. Andre Norton is better known for more recent fantasy, and her rocket and ray guns books of the fifties and sixties, but this one is apocalyptic SF. It had a big influence on me, as you can imagine. Other of her works were a little disappointing, after re-reading them three decades later. I would like to read this one again. If the only Andre Norton book you have ever read was 'Return to Quag Keep,' then check this one out. A tight and well-written story.

[Deborah Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I ever bought for myself, with my own money. It made me a fan of Andre Norton and started me reading science fiction and fantasy. In short, it was my gateway drug to adventure. Thank you, Ms. Norton.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking for this title for 10 years. Until I came to goodreads, I had been rebuffed in my search for the title because I could not remember if it was 2025 or not. By digging, Andre Norton's name came up, and I remembered. This was one of the books that really made me think about the aftermath of our egos, nuclear war, and survivors.

[Carla Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

05/2016

From 1952.
200 years after the bomb(s), humans and beasts have mutated, but no one really knows anything, because how would they? We follow a mutant man and his mutant mountain lion as they explore, meet others, and fight mutated rats and lizards. Well written, interesting ideas, occasionally boring when it felt too fantasy.
Andre Norton was a prolific and very successful sci-fi writer. She apparently never entirely hid that she was really Alice Norton. It must have made more sense, in this genre, to publish using a male name. This was an early book for her.

[Rick Aucoin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first novel I ever read, in about 6th grade. Probably the cause of my lifelong love of the post-apocalyptic genre.

Certainly a good read for its target audience, the 10-14 year old.

[Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read Star Man's Son, 2250 A.D I must have been about fourteen and was totally absorbed in the action packed high adventure. There was a hero who could think and plan on the run and stoutly carry his injuries like a brave little trooper. There was the strong and true friend to fight by his side, animal allies he could communicate with using ESP, an adult world that didn't really understand him, and the evil Beast Things: rat-like human mutants which are enough to scare the excrement out of anyone's bowels. All of this set in a post-nuclear holocaust world. What was not to like?

I don't recall noticing Andre Norton's messages at the time: pro-equality, anti-racism, anti-war, but then some teenagers are shallower than others. In respect of those messages it's a remarkable novel for the young written in 1952. Arskane, a young Black man who becomes the firm friend of the silver-haired, white-skinned protagonist Fors, gives him a little dose of reality when Fors suggests escaping to his tribe, the Star Men:

“Let me tell you of my own people – this is the story of the old, old days. The flying men who founded my tribe [that's pilots and crews from the old USAF] were born with dark skins – and so they had in their day endured much from those born of fairer races. We are a people of peace but there is an ancient hurt behind us and sometimes it stirs in our memories to poison with bitterness.”

There is more to the speech than that excerpt, but I think it shows it is forthright in its intent and that Arskane is a strong, independent Black man delivering to an equally strong and independent White man the truth that whatever happened in the distant past, Arskane's people is now the equal of anyone and will fight any adversary to the death to maintain their equality.

Feminism also rises – timidly – in a Norton novel. The chief of Arskane's people is a woman and when the various tribes are on the brink of fighting each other, it is the women who speak for peace and silence the self destructive urge of the male warriors. It doesn't last for long, the final war meeting of the council is unfailingly male and one has to assume that the women have been shooed into another room to prepare the coffee and cakes.

Throughout the travels of Fors, Arskane and the telepathic puma Lura across the blasted remains of North America's nuclear killing fields, Norton repeats over and over again images of the futility of human violence and rivalry. Scattered bones and skulls in the remains of battered and cratered towns, a military convoy trapped on a major road where something 250 years before had caught them defenceless and left their remains to rot away, and the mutants. Biological mutation caused by radiation was a big concern back in the 50s and it plays a major part in the story. Fors is a mutant. His silver hair, night sight and Vulcan-like hearing mark him out among the Star Men as someone fit only to be cast out. Lura is not really a puma, her ancestors were mutated domestic cats. The Beast People may have had their origins among the irradiated urban survivors in the large cities. By the end people have to admit that, if you are still alive 250 years after the war, you probably survived due to mutation.

It was a stern warning in 1952, when the Korean War was being fought, that everyone should think long and hard about wishing for war, invasion and victory. The closing of the story points out how much has been lost. The Star Men were not a wandering tribe of savages who settled in the mountains. Their ancestors had been trainee astronauts and their families, as the world on the brink of destruction was also on the brink of manned space exploration. The future was going to be a long, hard struggle to regain such ambition.

[Andria Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow, meandering; the cat was the best.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were to wish to introduce a teenager to the genre of post-apocalyptic science fiction, I can think of no better novel to hand him or her than this. It hasn't dated and still possesses all the elements with none of the whistles. Bold and original for its time maybe, it now serves as the most typical work in the field. This book is also Andre Norton's first science fiction novel, her earliest determined effort to write for this genre. It's quite a break-in achievement. Technically speaking, it's also a young adult novel, but can be enjoyed by readers of any age. The only thing keeping it from five stars is that there is more writing than the plot can justify, so there are some slow parts that make a reader count the pages until the book is done.

[Sandy Shin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first science fiction book, read many years ago. I reread it last year and found it just as exciting and entertaining. I was still captured by the characters and their adventures and triumphs and highly recommend this book and author to anyone with an imagination and curious mind

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent, post apocalyptic science-fantasy.
It’s sort of like Edgar rice Burroughs wrote earth abides but without all the racism.
It actually reminded me a bit of the movie version of beastmaster (one of my all time favorite movies) because the main character Fors has a psychic connection with his tiger sized cat and is an outcast because of it.

[Rossdavidh · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, a while back I was in the town of Waco, TX and stopped by a used bookstore. While there, it occurred to me to look for this book, which I read (under the title of "Daybreak, 2250 A.D.") when I was...young. Maybe something like 10? Maybe younger. It might be the first non-"kids book" that I remember reading. I liked it at the time, and the memory of it stayed with me when many other books faded, so I wondered what it would be like to re-read it after more than 4 decades.

And, let's face it, it shows its age. The book is full of dialog like this:

"Call me what you will, Chief. But, by whatever gods you own will I swear that I speak the full truth Perhaps in the years since our father's fathers' went into the Blow-Up and perished, there has been a lessening of the evil blight..."

The setting is theoretically post-apocalyptic, but a lot of it reads more like swords and sorcery fantasy. And, there's no nice way to put this, not as good. I'm not sure what, linguistically, is the difference between the dialog in this book and archaic-sounding speech in Tolkien, or even Robert E. Howard's Conan books, but it definitely comes across clunkier. After a while, it grates a bit.

The actual plot is better. The main character, a young man ostracized by his society and trying to find his own way in the world, who meets a friend (Arskane) from another nation and in the end returns to acclaim in his home tribe (not really a spoiler, you can tell from the beginning this is what will happen if you are not 10 years old while reading it), is a storyline well-calibrated to appeal to an adolescent (or pre-adolescent) boy. Perhaps especially a boy of the bookish sort, not exactly able to fit in socially. Norton knew her craft and her audience. But, all nostalgia aside, it (unsurprisingly) does not work as well for a 53-year old man.

On the other hand, when writing adolescent science fiction in the early 1950's, perhaps there was no real expectation that it ought to hold up to any other audience, or would still be around to get re-read 70 years later. It is more or less an open secret now that much of the audience for "Young Adult" fiction nowadays, is "Not-So-Young Adult". Back then, Norton can be forgiven for having given no thought to how this would read to a reader who is at the tail end of middle-aged.

The book occasionally dances around the edges of important topics related to the tension between making peace between those who can be persuaded of it, and yet remaining capable of defense against an attacker who will not otherwise be dissuaded. There's also some discussion (between Fors and Arskane especially) of the importance of getting along with different ethnicities and cultures. But, this is mostly not a book of ideas, it's a book of Young Hero Goes On A Journey.

One other difference between this and standard swords and sorcery fare, is that while the setting is low-tech, the actual objective is not a magic item or dragon's hoard, but a ruined city from before the apocalypse. This may be the reason it stayed in my memory; it gave the young Ross a second way of looking at the mundane world around me. What would this look like, in a post-apocalyptic setting? Which items would be precious, and which worthless without the electricity or supply of fuel to run them? Which structures would fall into rubble quickly, and which would remain after a few generations had passed? It was a mind game I played at from time to time, to look at the store or school or strip mall I was in and imagine what Fors would find, and what he would think of it. It made a rather ordinary small town, more interesting.

Am I glad to have re-read it, and been confronted with its shortcomings? I suppose I still am. When viewed with nostalgia's lens, or perhaps even now for a young enough reader, it is a good read. For the "Young Adult", maybe not the Andre Norton book you should choose.

[Chrisl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way back when, starting during grade school years, I likely read at least a dozen books by the extremely prolific "Norton." This is my favorite, probably the only re-read. It started my interest in post apocalypse science fiction. Could identify with the main character, his quest. Written by a Cleveland librarian.

selected quotes from a KIRKUS REVIEW:

" ... adventure tale- placed in the future and dealing with the plains people, mountain people and Beast Things which inhabited the earth as survivors of the great atomic Blow Up caused by the sins of the "Old Ones."

" ... a youth in the mountain Puma Clan, it is Fors' ambition ... to study the past by visiting the radiation-free bombed cities for information about the Old Ones. Unfortunately the prejudice ridden mountain peoples refuse to accept a boy whose mother was a plains woman.

" ... adventures with old ruins, radiation clouds, with the horrible Beast Things who have deviated from human physical characteristics through two hundred years of radiation-permeated heredity, follow Fors' decision to leave his people

Pub Date: Aug. 21st, 1952

[Peter Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another ancient (1952) Andre Norton post-apocalyptic adventure. Context is given on this useful website: http://www.avemariasongs.org/forerunn...
I don't recall much about it except the cover art. I think I bought a later reprint. This was at the stage where, like many young fans, I would read most any SF I came across. Andre Norton pbs were readily available. I had a row of them at one time. Mostly gone now. Time read is just a guess.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite scifi coming-of-age novel from my middle school years.

[Orlando Falvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I ever purchased and read, cover to cover.A real accomplishment for a 2nd grader in the 60's. I loved the story because it reflected my own.

[Bree Brouwer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norton's writing is a solid example of a traditional, classic novel from the Golden Age of science fiction, with somewhat lofty and descriptive overtones, but modern readers used to more decisive plots and immediate action will most likely find it difficult to get through.

The story is written in much of an epic styles, where the hero Fors risks becoming an outlaw so he can make a name for himself to prove he belongs in his clan despite his mutant genes. He goes from one place to another, seeing new sites (that Norton does a very good of describing and creating an image in the reader's mind), all the while searching for something he can bring back to his clan. However, I found myself searching for a reason why there had to be so MUCH explanation of Fors travels, as the first several chapters are just him exploring, thinking, and hoping.

When Fors finally meets another humankind to travel with, we get more of the same "then this happened, then this, then this" style of writing. It did drag my reading and stretched out what should have been an easy read of a week into several. I cared for the characters, but not at the expense of constant reading with no reward. I knew the entire point of the book was to explain how Fors did or did not become accepted, but despite this being discussed on occasion in the traveling passages, I do not feel like the book's underlying structure kept this thread running strongly enough to justify my 100% concern for Fors' situation.

However, for me the reward finally came in the last 1/3 of the book, where Fors and his companion Arskane meet several different groups of humans and participate in a plan to guide them towards war with the Beast Things instead of with each other. This situation seemed far more important to me than the previous part of the book, as the writing here is descriptive yet not drawn out or unnecessary. I suddenly saw why Fors had to be in that location, and why he had met all these new people. I just wish those reasons had come a little sooner than 2/3 of the way in.

On a side note, I found it humorous in some spots of the book to read what was obviously a woman's interpretation (as Andre Norton was a pseudonym for Mary Alice Norton) of weaponry or survival. For example, at one point Fors is lamenting the fact that he doesn't have his traditional, large bow and arrows with him, but he has a sword and notes that most swords are all the same anyway. I am positive blacksmiths of old and modern day would not agree with this, as would most men or women who have used different types of swords. I am not sure Norton intended to have this interpretation to show Fors' lack of understanding of swordsmanship or if Norton herself simply didn't understand it. Either way, it was something of a game to me to find instances where her femininity was betrayed by her writing.

Overall, Daybreak 2250 A.D. was a good read and probably one that science fiction fans should consider; it did get many raving reviews during its time, so it's not something that should be ignored. However, should anyone want to read this book, prepare for a slow start and then a speedy wrap-up and explanation of everything towards the end. The post-apocalyptic world Norton created was very interesting to read about, but not for an entire 120 out of 190 pages' worth.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this older book, I found the ending grossly insufficient. All this build up and then suddenly everything is hunky dory and somewhat predictable. I did enjoy the mutant aspect of the story. This story was originally written in the 50's when the treat of nuclear war was real and the mutagenic fear of radiation was always present. This book is a testament to those fearful times.

[Ann aka Iftcan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published as "Starman's Son" this book was one of the first that Norton published and started her amazing arc of at least one book a year for over 50 years. For those interested, that's 1951 with this book and running until 2002. She had no books published in 2003, then had a new book published in 2004 and 2005. The 2005 book was published just before her death on St. Patrick's Day. Since her death she has had several new books published that were in the pipeline before her death. Also her past catalog of titles is being re-released gradually which will, hopefully introduce a new generation to her view of the future.

[David B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read with an admirable message about the necessity of cooperation among all peoples if we are to avoid destruction. It's interesting that humanity requires a common enemy, the Beast Things, in order to unite it. This displays a realistic understanding of human psychology that is undermined to some extent by an ending in which everything is wrapped up a bit too tidily. There is a problem with pacing--the most exciting scenes occur in the middle of the story. Also, the Beast Things just never seemed like a particularly menacing presence outside of the abandoned cities which were their lairs. More of the novel should have happened there.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid SiFi story. Norton's Early SiFi stories always gives you a good easy read. Recommended

[Dellani Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this futuristic, post apocalytic world, Star Men are the cartographers, explorers and adventurers. Fors, son of a Star Man, hopes to be chosen himself. Unfortunately, the elders don't think he's fit to be a Star Man. He sets out on his own with only his giant cat, Lyra, for company, to explore the dangers of the long abandoned city.

Andre Norton was one of the best science fiction/ fantasy writers of all time. Star Man's Son, though targeting a young adult audience, is excellent for adults as well.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in the 1970s--still think about it sometimes. GREAT book. Loved the main character's relationship with the cat--a mutant telepathic Siamese as large as a panther.

[Matt Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this 50 years ago as a preteen and had remembered it as 'kid stuff', probably because I started reading Clarke and Heinlein right after it. A rereading was eye-opening in the best way; this book was remarkably solid and clear-eyed for its 1952 publication date, and rings as ridiculously influential. Really, if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, this book has been well and truly flattered.

For a YA novel written during the Cold War, even before such cautionary works as Shute's On the Beach or Miller's A Canticle For Leibowitz, this book brings pretty adult pragmatism to a world 200 years removed from nuclear apocalypse. It's still a YA novel in terms of tone, scope, pacing, and action, but a good one that rises above its limitations and the few dated bits. I must admit, I am most surprised at how dated this book does NOT feel, and how actively inclusive it reads. Norton's call to rise above racial tribalism is as timely now as the threat of armageddon. This is a classic and, like Buddy Holly singles, needs to be dusted off and played for young minds.

[Tom Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved post-apocalyptic stories and settings since I watched Thundarr the Barbarian as a kid. On the surface, this book is about a mutant boy and his mutant cat going on a coming-of-age, I'll prove all you old farts wrong, hero's journey (kinda sorta). Fors, the mutant boy in question, has a telepathic connection to Lura, a jumbo size Siamese that has a very helpful serial killer instinct. And as I am a mutant man with a cat (mine is of classic all-American creamsicle variety), it was extra fun. I'm a cat guy, through and through.

Anyway, beyond the surface story, the setting doesn't require cross-referencing to some fan wiki every time a world building element comes up. Bombs dropped about two hundred years ago. Fors is of the mountain people, with a tribal culture of knowledge seekers (The Star Men). Then you've got nomadic horse tribes, and stay-put farmer types. The shared enemy is the Beast Men, and lately, they have been coming out of city ruins very bloodthirsty.

So, very manageable. Thematically is where you can find some depth. Written in 1952, it's an early view of what could happen if we can't shake our own tribal, war-making ways -- whether it's at a geopolitical level, racism, or within our own families. Andre Norton always gives you a great story with something to think about, as good science fiction shows us who we are and where we are going.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure I also read this back in the early 1980s when I was playing Gamma World, as it's one of the books listed as that game's inspiration, and it all seems kind of familiar. It's a tightly written adventure story set 200 years after a nuclear war (something on our minds in the 1980s) and while it's a bit cheesy at times, there are some nice messages and it's never dull.

Sometimes it's all a bit too Leatherstocking Tales (they were captured! they escaped! they were captured again!) but it's short and it's always interesting to see what an author envisions when he or she thinks about society rebuilding itself.

It's also a bit cliche with the "this tribe specializes in this, and this tribe does mostly that" sort of stereotyping of ethnicities, but it's easy to see where the author was going with it (hint: can't we all just get along?). It's also notable that "Andre Norton" is actually "Alice Norton."