Author
Andre Norton
1912-2005
Andre Norton (1912-2005) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Andre Norton
Plague Ship
"Plague Ship" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel published in 1956. When the crew of the Free Trader rocket ship Solar Queen secures a valuable contract with the cat-like Salariki on planet Sargol, they seem destined for success. But after departing with their cargo of rare Koros stones, crew members begin falling into mysterious comas. Declared a plague ship and cast out as pariahs, only four young crew members remain healthy enough to uncover the truth behind the illness—and clear their ship's name before it's too late.
Ralestone Luck
"Ralestone Luck" by Andre Norton is a novel written in the late 1930s. The story follows the Ralestone siblings—Rupert, Ricky, and Val—as they return to their ancestral home, Pirate's Haven, in Louisiana, after years of hardships. They are tasked with reclaiming their family's fortunes and the mysterious "Luck" that has been lost to their line for generations, and the siblings' witty banter adds a light-heartedness to their serious quest. At the start of the book, the Ralestone siblings are on a journey to their new home, navigating through a mix of historical and personal challenges as they arrive at Pirate's Haven. The opening introduces their dynamic personalities, with Ricky's spirited nature, Rupert's practicality, and Val's dry humor. Their discussions about the family's storied past highlight hints of mystery surrounding their lineage and the Luck—an inheritance believed to bring prosperity to its bearer. Despite the humor, there is an underlying sense of purpose: the siblings are determined to reclaim their family's legacy and uncover the secrets hidden within the haunted corridors of their home.
Rebel Spurs
"Rebel Spurs" by Andre Norton is a historical novel written in the early 1960s. The story is set in the post-Civil War American West, specifically in Arizona in 1866, and follows Drew Rennie, a recently discharged Confederate soldier. As he navigates the challenges of establishing himself in a town grappling with the aftermath of war, Drew also seeks to connect with his long-lost father, a legendary ranch owner known as Don Cazar, while dealing with the tensions and dangers that come with his past. At the start of the novel, Drew arrives in the struggling town of Tubacca, Arizona, leading his thoroughbred stallion, Shiloh, and a mare that is soon to foal. He adopts the alias "Drew Kirby" to conceal his true identity as he attempts to gain employment on his father’s ranch, Rennie's Range. His recent experience in the war has left him both hardened and troubled, and he must tread carefully to navigate the suspicion of others while proving himself worthy of a position in a place rife with conflict and resentment. The opening sets the stage for Drew’s internal struggles and external actions, establishing a gripping narrative filled with themes of identity, belonging, and the weight of heritage.
Storm Over Warlock
"Storm Over Warlock" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel published in 1960. When hostile alien Throgs destroy a Terran base on planet Warlock, young Shann Lantee survives only by chance. Fleeing across the wilderness with two wolverines, he encounters mysterious telepathic natives called Wyverns who possess powerful mind-control abilities. Shann must navigate between the insectoid invaders and these enigmatic beings while confronting his own memories made real, ultimately determining the fate of both human colonization and an uneasy alliance.
The Defiant Agents
"The Defiant Agents" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel published in 1962. Apache operatives crash-land on planet Topaz after a mind-altering machine activates their ancestral memories, leaving them confused about their mission. They encounter Russians similarly transformed into Mongolian warriors under mind-control. Travis Fox discovers he can communicate with coyotes as memories slowly return. Together, Apache and Mongols must overcome their controllers and protect dangerous alien technology from falling into the wrong hands in this Cold War-era adventure.
The Time Traders
"The Time Traders" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel published in 1958. When petty criminal Ross Murdock joins a secret time-travel project to avoid punishment, he's thrust into a dangerous Cold War conflict spanning multiple eras. Trained as a Bronze Age trader, Ross must navigate ancient Britain while confronting Soviet operatives and a mysterious alien race called the Baldies—bald humanoids using time travel to alter Earth's history. His mission: steal alien technology before the enemy does.
Star Born
"Star Born" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel published in 1957. Three generations after colonists fled Earth and settled on the alien planet Astra, young explorer Dalgard Nordis discovers that humanity has returned from the stars. When a new Terran expedition arrives, both groups face a resurgent threat from "Those Others"—a malevolent species that once enslaved the planet. As ancient dangers awaken and loyalties divide, Dalgard must choose between two worlds while fighting for survival in a civilization's ruins.
Key Out of Time
"Key Out of Time" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel published in 1963. Time Agents Ross Murdock and Gordon Ashe travel to the water-dominated planet Hawaika to investigate the mysterious alien Baldies. When a storm destroys their time gate, they become stranded in the planet's distant past and separated across unknown territories. Murdock must navigate alliances with seafaring Rovers, native peoples, and the last three members of the mystical Foanna race to reunite with Ashe and confront the Baldies' threatening presence.
All cats are gray
"All Cats Are Gray" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story follows the journey of a woman named Steena, along with her cat Bat and a spacer named Cliff Moran, as they uncover the mysteries of the derelict spaceship, the "Empress of Mars". The novella explores themes of perception, the unseen forces that guide our lives, and the importance of unlikely companionship. The plot centers around Steena, who is colorblind and sees the world only in shades of gray, which becomes crucial in their adventure aboard the "Empress of Mars", a ship that has mystified many spacers for years due to its ghostly appearance and the strange occurrences surrounding it. After Cliff, desperate to reclaim his reputation and ship, agrees to seek out the derelict, Steena follows him, offering her unique insight into the ship's secrets. Throughout their journey, they encounter an invisible entity, leading to tense moments and eventual revelations about the ship and themselves. Ultimately, Steena's unusual perspective saves them, while the bond between her, Cliff, and Bat blossoms, revealing that true connections can transcend even the darkest of circumstances.
Voodoo Planet
"Voodoo Planet" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel published in 1959. When crew members from the Free Trader Solar Queen visit the jungle safari world of Khatka, they become entangled in a dangerous conflict between two rival witch doctors. Stranded in hostile terrain after a flitter crash, the starmen must survive deadly fauna while being hunted and herded by a vengeful magic-wielder who uses hallucinogenic drugs, psychological manipulation, and telepathy to conjure terrifying illusions.
Ride Proud, Rebel!
"Ride Proud, Rebel!" by Andre Norton is a historical novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers on Drew Rennie, a Confederate cavalry scout during the American Civil War, as he navigates the complexities of allegiance and identity in a divided Kentucky. The novel likely explores themes of rebellion, family loyalty, and the harsh realities of war. At the start of the narrative, Drew is depicted in a reflective moment near a brook, taking care of his horse before embarking on a mission to gather horses for General Morgan's troops. As he prepares, he recalls the construction of his childhood tree house and the memories of his late brother, Sheldon. The peace is disrupted when he encounters his younger cousin, Boyd Barrett, who idolizes Drew and wishes to join him in the fight. This opening sets the stage for the conflict between familial bonds and individual aspirations amidst the backdrop of the civil war, establishing Drew's complex relationships and the difficult choices that lie ahead.
Star Hunter
"Star Hunter" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers around Ras Hume, a skilled pilot and out-hunter, who is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident from his past that has removed him from the ranks of traditional pilots. Seeking new opportunities, Hume becomes embroiled in a complex scheme involving claims to an important estate and the quest to locate potential survivors from a mysterious incident. The opening of "Star Hunter" introduces a richly imagined world marked by intricate details and a sense of tension. Set against the backdrop of alien landscapes and societies, we are introduced to Ras Hume as he navigates a challenging meeting with Milfors Wass, the leader of a shadowy organization. Tension is palpable as Hume reveals his discovery of a long-lost spaceship that may hold the key to significant fortunes—and deeper secrets. As he strategizes a bold plan to claim a survivor from this past incident, we also meet Vye Lansor, a young man trapped in a grim reality. The narrative unfolds with a mix of intrigue, deception, and the anticipation of future encounters shaped by Hume's ambitious quest.
The People of the Crater
"The People of the Crater" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Garin Featherstone, a disillusioned war veteran who embarks on an expedition to Antarctica that leads him to a hidden world beneath a polar ice cap. This mysterious land is inhabited by intelligent, lizard-like beings known as the Folk, who are embroiled in a struggle against the malevolent Black Ones, with Garin drawn into their conflict and tasked with a crucial prophecy. The narrative centers around Garin as he crash-lands in this alien environment after his plane is caught in a bizarre haze. He encounters the Folk, who save him and reveal a plot involving the disappearance of a figure known as Thrala, the Daughter of the Light. As tensions rise between the Folk and the Black Ones, Garin learns that his arrival was prophesied and that he must rescue Thrala from the clutches of their enemies to prevent catastrophe. His journey unfolds with themes of destiny, bravery, and the fight against evil, culminating in a battle that will determine the fate of both worlds. The book explores the rich dynamics between Garin, Thrala, and the various civilizations that populate the underground realm, making it a captivating read for fans of adventure fantasy.
The Gifts of Asti
"The Gifts of Asti" by Andre Norton is a fantasy novel written in the late 1940s. The story follows Varta, the last priestess of the god Asti, who embarks on a perilous journey after her home city of Memphir falls to barbarian invaders. This tale explores themes of survival, destiny, and the search for truth in a richly imagined world where ancient powers still influence the present. In "The Gifts of Asti," Varta, accompanied by Lur, a scaled creature who shares a mental bond with her, must navigate the treacherous depths of the world following the collapse of her civilization. As they traverse through desolate landscapes and encounter mysterious entities, they discover remnants of an ancient space-faring race and an enigmatic living lake. The narrative sees Varta uncover her purpose as a protector and ultimately leads her to revive a man from another world, hinting at the possibility of rekindling a lost heritage. Through her journey, Varta embodies the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of life's challenges, all under the watchful guidance of her god, Asti.