The Beast Master by Andre Norton
I first found Andre Norton on the shelves of my elementary school library in fourth grade. I have no idea which of her novels was the first one I read. I just know whichever one it was, it was far from the last. One after the other, bound only by whatever limit our library put on me, I read all I could find on the shelves. And then I read them again. And then again. By the time I left that school in sixth grade, if you picked up one of her books and looked at the sign-out card (yes kids, once upon a time, library books had cards in the front where you’d print and sign your name and then the library would keep the card until you returned the book) you’d see my name running its length — four, five, six times per card, sometimes with no other names intervening — just my name, then my name again dated a few months later, then my name again after yet another few months. Card after card, book after book: a multi-yea... Read More
The Questing Road by Lyn McConchie
New Zealand author Lyn McConchie has written several novels with Andre Norton in that author’s WITCH WORLD and BEAST MASTER universes, so I was surprised that The Questing Road, though officially McConchie’s first solo fantasy novel, actually reads much like a debut novel. While there are a few moments of charm and sparkle, the characters are so flat, and the writing so uneven, that I would have easily believed this to be someone’s first attempt at a novel.
The story starts with two separate groups of travelers who, unwittingly, step through a portal into a different world. The first group was attempting to rescue a captured tariling (a young “felinoid” or cat-shaped sentient); the second just wandered into the portal while... Read More
Witch World novels by Andre Norton and Lyn McConchie
Witch World — (2001-2010) This series was originally authored by Andre Norton, “The Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy.” In her later years, some of her Witch World novels were co-authored with Lyn McConchie who continues to write in Andre Norton’s world.
Ciara’s Song — (2001) Publisher: In Karsten, Ciara of Elmsgarth is only a small girl when the edict is carried out to kill all with Witch blood, and take all they own. As a mob murderers her family, Ciara is rescued and protected by the powerful Lord Tarnoor and his son, Trovagh. As the years pass, Ciara and Trovagh grow to love each other and marry, raising children of their own. Then an evil sorcerer rises to power, and his vendetta against Ciara threatens all she loves. 
The Key of the Keplian — (2001) Publisher: A Native American girl discovers the truth about the Keplian horses who lure riders to their deaths — and must lead them into battle against the evil of the Dark Tower before they can serve light once again.
The Duke’s Ballad — (2004) Publisher: Born into a family with magical powers, Aisling is a young witch who fights to protect her homeland of Kars. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to Kars is her older brother, Kirion, who has chosen to use his powers for evil, and years ago forced Aisling into exile.Since Aisling’s departure, Kirion has tightened his hold on Shastro, the Duke of Kars. Through Shastro, Kirion’s dark influence works to subjugate the entire realm. With her younger brother Keelan helping her, Aisling returns, in disguise, to undermine Kirion’s power and defeat the evil duke. But as Aisling gets closer to Shastro, the Duke takes a liking to her, and she finds herself questioning her mission. But when a neighboring clan lays siege to Kars, Aisling and Keelan realize they must act, lest Kirion bring even more death and suffering to Kars’ loyal subjects than he has already caused. Using all the magic, persistence and ingenuity she can summon, Aisling must somehow find a way to avoid the attention of her dangerous older brother, save the people from his murderous sorcery, and return to their Dukedom the peace and prosperity it once knew.
Silver May Tarnish — (2005) Publisher: Lorcan was the son of the noble house of Erondale, but when war came to the dales and his father was killed, he could only flee to safety and hope for a better day. Fostered by relatives until he was turned out by a vicious cousin jealous of his legacy, Lorcan joined with others to fight marauders bent on murder and looting. All the while, Lorcan hoped for peace and a place he could settle and begin anew. Meive, a noble lass of Landale, was lucky to survive a brutal attack on her dale led by a malcontent who joined with marauders for his own revenge. Like Lorcan, Meive sought only a haven from the violence, a bit of land where she could keep the honeybees that were her blessing and her responsibility. When these two dispossessed young people meet, neither knows what will come of it. But together they are determined to fight the marauders and reclaim the ravaged land. With a dedicated band of loyal companions and the help of Goddess-blessed warrior bees, they will fight to the last to stake their claim for freedom and a new life. But Lorcan’s vengeful cousin, riding with a crew of bloody raiders, could shatter the dream of a peaceful land…
(1946- )
