Quotes from Reviews of
Enchantress from the Stars A YA novel by Sylvia Engdahl
A 1971 Newbery Honor Book (American Library Association)
Winner of the 1990 Phoenix Award (Children's Literature Association,
given annually "from the perspective of time" to a book published 20 years
prior to the award date)
Finalist for 2002 Book Sense Book of the Year in the Rediscovery
category
"An original and charming exercise of one of science fiction's finest
prerogatives, getting into other skins and seeing through (literally) alien
eyes... Girls who like their fantasy realistic, or an aspect of magic to
their realism, should enjoy this one."
--Ursula LeGuin, New York Times Book Review, 3 May 1970
"Not just a novel for young adults but also one of the finest sf
novels ever written--a classic of the genre. The only possible complaint
one can make is that, after finishing it, you will likely find yourself
disinclined for a while to pick up anything else in the genre for fear
it will, as it were, taste of ashes. In sum, it is almost impossible to
convey how good this book is. Please just read it."
--John Grant,
InfinityPlus, May 2001
"Now reissued in an elegant new edition ... this novel is science
fantasy at its best, using the setting of an imagined world to challenge
our thinking about our own world. Both thought-provoking and thoroughly
entertaining."
--Terri Schmitz, Horn Book, September 2001
"Engdahl's thoughtful and enjoyable story has been republished for a whole new
generation to discover. The story has a subtle allegorical premise that is still
valid even after all this time. Engdahl successfully weaves a beautiful story
from the perspectives of three distinct civilizations at three different levels of
technological maturity.... Both an enchanting coming-of-age story and a compelling
moral lesson that teaches respect for other cultures."
--Sierra Phillips,
Barnes & Noble Editorial Review, March 2001
"A beautifully rendered novel with high intelligence, captivating character, and cosmic soul.
In many ways, Sylvia Engdahl's writings are the logical successors to Heinlein's derring-do
tales of gifted individuals making a difference in human exploration of other worlds. But
Engdahl's pace is more leisurely, reflective, and the tapestry she weaves may well outlast
Heinlein's.... Although Elana is young, this is a novel for adults of all ages."
--Paul Levinson,
Amazon.com, May 24, 2004
"This poignant yet triumphant story examines powerful ideas about humanity through
a beguiling blend of science fiction, fantasy and romance."
--Wendy Betts,
Notes from the Windowsill,
February 2001
"This is a wonderfully complex story that weaves together three different narratives,
exposing three different levels of cultural development. Walker's new edition of this
long out-of-print title now has a gorgeous cover by Leo and Diane Dillon."
--Tracy Wynne,
Book Sense 76: Science Fiction and Fantasy Rediscoveries, November 2001
"I read this in one day and loved it. I can see why it was an award-winner years ago,
and I am glad that it has been re-released so we can all enjoy it again.
--Thea Nichols,
Spotlight on 2002 Book Sense Book
of the Year Finalists, March 27, 2002
"A brilliantly told, thought-provoking story." --Bill Mollineaux,
Bill's Best Books, ALAN Online, February 2003
"Sylvia Louise Engdahl's 1970 classic isn't just well written. It is also a deeply moving work
that seeks to answer questions we may have about our own innate morality and future prospects....
The book goes far beyond the normal sci-fi/fantasy literature it has been so unfortunately paired
with. Rather, it is a deeply moving and deeply felt story that reaches for the Big Questions and,
on top of that, is an enjoyable read." --E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird",
Amazon.com (top-100 reviewer), April 23, 2004
"A classic book that has not lost anything over the years.... Highly recommended."
--Judy Silverman,
Children's Literature, November 2003
"I was completely engrossed and awed by Enchantress ... its complexity and insight
truly shows the dexterity of an able writer.... Simply marvelous." --Roxanne Feldman,
Fairrosa Cyber Library of
Children's Literature, April 2003
"This book is a masterpiece.... The set-up is captivating, but the writing
is exquisite.... The story is bigger than itself, having repercussions into
many different areas, from the power of love to the problem of pain. [It is]
complex enough to provide fertile ground for discussion for high schoolers."
--Sondra Eklund,
Sonderbooks, October 2001
"Enchantress from the Stars ... retains its vitality more than
twenty years after its publication. The complex consideration of the
ability of myth and science to provide explanation and meaning retains its
relevance as the notion of the universe expands."
--Kathy Piehl, "The Peril and Power of Love in Sylvia Louise Engdahl's
Enchantress from the Stars" in The Phoenix Award, Alethea
Helbig and Agnes Perkins, eds,. Scarecrow Press, 1996.
"This fine story works well on several levels -- the surface's exciting plot itself
... the anthropological exploration of how cultures evolve and how belief in either
magic or science can be both helpful and limiting, and -- at the deepest level --
the theme of the necessity of hope, love, and self-sacrifice to the significance
of human existence."
--Gladys Hunt and Barbara Hampton, Read for Your Life,
Zondervan, 1992
"Readers will find fascinating symbolism--and philosophical parallels to
what they may have observed or thought. The book is completely absorbing and
should have a wider appear than much science fiction."
--Horn Book, April 1970 (Also listed in Horn Book's
Fanfare, 1971)
"An involved and provocative science fiction story for thoughtful readers."
--Booklist, 15 July 1970
"...A rich work of science fiction that suggests some interesting
philosophical questions for thoughtful young readers."
--Notable Children's Books of 1970, Booklist, 1 April 1971
"An unusual sci-fi story which should appeal to thoughtful readers....
Three different civilizations at three levels of development are sensitively
shown, and the book raises some questions about the responsibility of a more
advanced people for a lesser one, and about the steps the human race must go
through in its struggle to raise itself above the basic savagery in human
nature."
--School Library Journal, May 1970
"So human and endearing and told so movingly by the young heroine that it
all seems wholly credible.... A very exciting story of dedication and peril,
and a runner-up for the 1970 [sic] Newbery Medal."
--George C. Stone center for Children's Books, December 1971
"The author manages, successfully, to keep several balls in the air at one
time. Her presentation technique is unusual and effective.... No jarring
scientific discrepancies arrest the story's development. And its allegorical
nature, though obvious to the thoughtful reader, does not intrude into the
space that ought to be occupied by the central story."
--Elementary English, May 1971
"A serious and thought-provoking novel, not SF for the sake of electronic
gadgetry.... Combined with this is an adolescent love-story that is no
romantic nonsense; it is realistic and moving. The story is full of drama and
suspense, and is very well written. Other science fiction stories [for young
people] recently published seem all to pale in comparison."
--Times Literary Supplement, London, 20 September 1974
"Of all the scientific speculations explored in fiction, perhaps the most
stimulating are those that deal with some form of future politics....
Sylvia Engdahl has given us a new masterpiece in this line with Enchantress
from the Stars. It is an extraordinarily ingenious novel with a fascinating
sexual undercurrent."
--Sunday Telegraph, London, 1 September 1974
"Sylvia Engdahl's Enchantress from the Stars is a much more
sophisticated book: a book about people, not gadgets or lizardoids.... The
huge themes of love, respect for individuals and for cultures in all their
diversity, colonialism, the responsibilities of power, and the effect of
self-confidence on our ability to do things, are subtly embodied in the
action. This is a fascinating novel, likely to appeal to a thoughtful 14 or
15 year old rather than to younger readers."
--The Teacher, London, 4 April 1975
"Exciting, 'in depth' science fiction ... well worthwhile for the better,
thinking reader."
--Catholic Library Association, March 1971
"Miss Engdahl has done a beautiful job of telling the same story in three
different styles from three different viewpoints, keeping each distinct and
coherent and the overall story consistent and exciting. Recommended."
--Luna Monthly, July/August 1971
"This is an imaginative and exciting book, an engaging cross between the
genre of science fiction and fairy story, which has justly won recognition as
a runner-up for the 1971 Newbery award.... The story unfolds to an exciting
climax which has surprising depth, containing as it does the concept of a man
born out of his time and that magic may be truly the power of trust and of
love."
--Delaware Valley Advance, 1971
"If you like a book that has an air of mystery and suspense about it, a
book that builds in interest and intrigue to a might wave, run, do not walk,
to your nearest pencil and write down this name.... An absorbing story you
can't put down."
--Library Treasures, KLYX-FM, Houston
FAQ about the book, excerpt, and purchase information
A YA novel by Sylvia Engdahl
A 1971 Newbery Honor Book (American Library Association)Winner of the 1990 Phoenix Award (Children's Literature Association, given annually "from the perspective of time" to a book published 20 years prior to the award date)
Finalist for 2002 Book Sense Book of the Year in the Rediscovery category
"An original and charming exercise of one of science fiction's finest prerogatives, getting into other skins and seeing through (literally) alien eyes... Girls who like their fantasy realistic, or an aspect of magic to their realism, should enjoy this one." --Ursula LeGuin, New York Times Book Review, 3 May 1970
"Not just a novel for young adults but also one of the finest sf novels ever written--a classic of the genre. The only possible complaint one can make is that, after finishing it, you will likely find yourself disinclined for a while to pick up anything else in the genre for fear it will, as it were, taste of ashes. In sum, it is almost impossible to convey how good this book is. Please just read it." --John Grant, InfinityPlus, May 2001
"Now reissued in an elegant new edition ... this novel is science fantasy at its best, using the setting of an imagined world to challenge our thinking about our own world. Both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining." --Terri Schmitz, Horn Book, September 2001
"Engdahl's thoughtful and enjoyable story has been republished for a whole new generation to discover. The story has a subtle allegorical premise that is still valid even after all this time. Engdahl successfully weaves a beautiful story from the perspectives of three distinct civilizations at three different levels of technological maturity.... Both an enchanting coming-of-age story and a compelling moral lesson that teaches respect for other cultures." --Sierra Phillips, Barnes & Noble Editorial Review, March 2001
"A beautifully rendered novel with high intelligence, captivating character, and cosmic soul. In many ways, Sylvia Engdahl's writings are the logical successors to Heinlein's derring-do tales of gifted individuals making a difference in human exploration of other worlds. But Engdahl's pace is more leisurely, reflective, and the tapestry she weaves may well outlast Heinlein's.... Although Elana is young, this is a novel for adults of all ages." --Paul Levinson, Amazon.com, May 24, 2004
"This poignant yet triumphant story examines powerful ideas about humanity through
a beguiling blend of science fiction, fantasy and romance."
--Wendy Betts,
Notes from the Windowsill,
February 2001"This is a wonderfully complex story that weaves together three different narratives, exposing three different levels of cultural development. Walker's new edition of this long out-of-print title now has a gorgeous cover by Leo and Diane Dillon." --Tracy Wynne, Book Sense 76: Science Fiction and Fantasy Rediscoveries, November 2001
"I read this in one day and loved it. I can see why it was an award-winner years ago, and I am glad that it has been re-released so we can all enjoy it again. --Thea Nichols, Spotlight on 2002 Book Sense Book of the Year Finalists, March 27, 2002
"A brilliantly told, thought-provoking story." --Bill Mollineaux, Bill's Best Books, ALAN Online, February 2003
"Sylvia Louise Engdahl's 1970 classic isn't just well written. It is also a deeply moving work that seeks to answer questions we may have about our own innate morality and future prospects.... The book goes far beyond the normal sci-fi/fantasy literature it has been so unfortunately paired with. Rather, it is a deeply moving and deeply felt story that reaches for the Big Questions and, on top of that, is an enjoyable read." --E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird", Amazon.com (top-100 reviewer), April 23, 2004
"A classic book that has not lost anything over the years.... Highly recommended." --Judy Silverman, Children's Literature, November 2003
"I was completely engrossed and awed by Enchantress ... its complexity and insight truly shows the dexterity of an able writer.... Simply marvelous." --Roxanne Feldman, Fairrosa Cyber Library of Children's Literature, April 2003
"This book is a masterpiece.... The set-up is captivating, but the writing is exquisite.... The story is bigger than itself, having repercussions into many different areas, from the power of love to the problem of pain. [It is] complex enough to provide fertile ground for discussion for high schoolers." --Sondra Eklund, Sonderbooks, October 2001
"Enchantress from the Stars ... retains its vitality more than twenty years after its publication. The complex consideration of the ability of myth and science to provide explanation and meaning retains its relevance as the notion of the universe expands." --Kathy Piehl, "The Peril and Power of Love in Sylvia Louise Engdahl's Enchantress from the Stars" in The Phoenix Award, Alethea Helbig and Agnes Perkins, eds,. Scarecrow Press, 1996.
"This fine story works well on several levels -- the surface's exciting plot itself ... the anthropological exploration of how cultures evolve and how belief in either magic or science can be both helpful and limiting, and -- at the deepest level -- the theme of the necessity of hope, love, and self-sacrifice to the significance of human existence." --Gladys Hunt and Barbara Hampton, Read for Your Life, Zondervan, 1992
"Readers will find fascinating symbolism--and philosophical parallels to
what they may have observed or thought. The book is completely absorbing and
should have a wider appear than much science fiction."
--Horn Book, April 1970 (Also listed in Horn Book's
Fanfare, 1971)"An involved and provocative science fiction story for thoughtful readers." --Booklist, 15 July 1970
"...A rich work of science fiction that suggests some interesting philosophical questions for thoughtful young readers." --Notable Children's Books of 1970, Booklist, 1 April 1971
"An unusual sci-fi story which should appeal to thoughtful readers.... Three different civilizations at three levels of development are sensitively shown, and the book raises some questions about the responsibility of a more advanced people for a lesser one, and about the steps the human race must go through in its struggle to raise itself above the basic savagery in human nature." --School Library Journal, May 1970
"So human and endearing and told so movingly by the young heroine that it all seems wholly credible.... A very exciting story of dedication and peril, and a runner-up for the 1970 [sic] Newbery Medal." --George C. Stone center for Children's Books, December 1971
"The author manages, successfully, to keep several balls in the air at one time. Her presentation technique is unusual and effective.... No jarring scientific discrepancies arrest the story's development. And its allegorical nature, though obvious to the thoughtful reader, does not intrude into the space that ought to be occupied by the central story." --Elementary English, May 1971
"A serious and thought-provoking novel, not SF for the sake of electronic gadgetry.... Combined with this is an adolescent love-story that is no romantic nonsense; it is realistic and moving. The story is full of drama and suspense, and is very well written. Other science fiction stories [for young people] recently published seem all to pale in comparison." --Times Literary Supplement, London, 20 September 1974
"Of all the scientific speculations explored in fiction, perhaps the most stimulating are those that deal with some form of future politics.... Sylvia Engdahl has given us a new masterpiece in this line with Enchantress from the Stars. It is an extraordinarily ingenious novel with a fascinating sexual undercurrent." --Sunday Telegraph, London, 1 September 1974
"Sylvia Engdahl's Enchantress from the Stars is a much more sophisticated book: a book about people, not gadgets or lizardoids.... The huge themes of love, respect for individuals and for cultures in all their diversity, colonialism, the responsibilities of power, and the effect of self-confidence on our ability to do things, are subtly embodied in the action. This is a fascinating novel, likely to appeal to a thoughtful 14 or 15 year old rather than to younger readers." --The Teacher, London, 4 April 1975
"Exciting, 'in depth' science fiction ... well worthwhile for the better, thinking reader." --Catholic Library Association, March 1971
"Miss Engdahl has done a beautiful job of telling the same story in three different styles from three different viewpoints, keeping each distinct and coherent and the overall story consistent and exciting. Recommended." --Luna Monthly, July/August 1971
"This is an imaginative and exciting book, an engaging cross between the genre of science fiction and fairy story, which has justly won recognition as a runner-up for the 1971 Newbery award.... The story unfolds to an exciting climax which has surprising depth, containing as it does the concept of a man born out of his time and that magic may be truly the power of trust and of love." --Delaware Valley Advance, 1971
"If you like a book that has an air of mystery and suspense about it, a book that builds in interest and intrigue to a might wave, run, do not walk, to your nearest pencil and write down this name.... An absorbing story you can't put down." --Library Treasures, KLYX-FM, Houston