R.I.P. - Andre Norton

Grand Master Award-winning author Andre Norton has died at the age of 93.

Even if you're not familiar with her work, you will recognize the title of one of her more famous books, The Beast Master. It was converted into the screen cult-classic, although the movie veers away from the book in several ways, most notably by dropping the science fiction aspects in favor of pure fantasy. Norton was, in my opinion, the first author to successfully blend sci-fi and fantasy in a believable manner. If you liked the movie, read the book; you'll be amazed.

This woman had more writing talent than most people can even dream of, and was one of the most prolific and original writers of science fiction and fantasy. A true product of the Golden Age, and a contemporary of giants such as Heinlein, Asimov, and Clarke, she was one of the last and best of the "old guard."

Above all, Norton could spin a rip-roaring good adventure tale, the type that keeps you turning the pages until three in the morning. Do yourself a favor by reading all of her books. It will be time very well spent.