Adventurous maidens and sinister mages clash in these magical tales by a World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and “one of the all-time masters” (Peter Straub). Three different young women, each endowed with extraordinary abilities, pit their powers against warriors, wizards, and royal intrigue to preserve their worlds and stem the tide of evil. Mirror of Destiny: Transformed by a … Destiny: Transformed by a powerful talisman, the orphaned apprentice Twilla defies her king—and escapes her fate as an unwilling bride—in favor of joining a crusade to rescue the vanquished of an ancient magical war and help save the destiny of a disputed land.
The Scent of Magic: An orphaned child and captive scullery maid, young Willadene’s uncanny ability to smell the magic of the natural world delivers her from servitude—to the highest circles of the Ducal court. But depravity and corruption infest the castle, and the power that has been her fortune now draws her into a maelstrom of evil.
Wind in the Stone: An infant girl, abandoned after her mother’s death and raised to young womanhood by the strange denizens of the Forest, discovers the wondrous earth magic she wields. Now, Sulerna must confront the brutal sorcerer who enslaved her homeland—and battle an enemy who is both her bane and blood: the twin brother she lost to darkness.
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I was only able to read the first book in the 5 senses set, and then just barely. The only thing that kept me reading was the hope for an exciting ending. As a completionist, I rarely ever consider giving up on a book, so there’s that. The prose was uncomfortable at the beginning of the book. Oddly enough, sentence structure was more comfortable as the story progressed, and I checked it to make sure I hadn’t become accustomed to the early prose. I hadn’t. The story itself had potential, but didn’t pay off, for the laborious reading. I do not feel I can recommend this book.
Very enjoyable with plots not usually found in stories of this type. Really shows how young men and women can learn about they’re abilities as well as the weakness’s every human has. Fast moving plots, but each story is unique and should be treated as a special way to learn to understand life. The last story in this book starts out showing some very ugly traits for an individual. This too is part of life. Enjoy the stories and try to understand how you can apply the concepts to your own life.
Definitely different, enjoyable.
I haven’t found one of her books I didn’t love. These are no exception.
I always feel that I have been on an incredible adventure at the end of one of Ms. Norton’s stories.
Andre Norton classics- three books, each about a different magic talent. Norton weaves her words to make a visible scene, and her characters wander through very realistic worlds.
Have loved Andre Norton for 55 years
Over my lifetime I’ve read Andre Norton books anytime I could get my hands on one. It began in the Library of my high school way back in the 70’s. I’ve have literally devoured these books and read and re-read over and over again especially the Witch World saga. My copies are now falling apart there is much tape on them, but whenever I feel the need I pick one those books up and read it all over again.
These books kind of jump all over the place, but they are good.
The grouping was somewhat misleading in that it purported to be tales involving the 5 senses. The first two books did each feature one specific sense. The third book while well written and entertaining did not seem to belong in the group.
Otherwise enjoyable reading from a favorite author.
Great read
Andre Norton does not write a bad book ever!
What can I say? You absolutely can’t go wrong with with Andre Norton!
Too formulaic
Great set of books, As always Andre Norton is one of the best science fiction writers out there.
Anything Andre Norton wrote will fit this descdiption. She was a master storyteller.
I really enjoyed this book set as I always enjoy Andre Norton. Her books are interesting and clean to read.
Andre Norton was one of America’s great science fiction writers. Her works were always entertaining, and she brought you worlds you never imagined. Great read for any age.
I have never read this author before, but will in the future
As an avid Norton fan it would be hard to be impartial!