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katreenagd's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
supermdguy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Very philosophical/theological if you think about it enough
jaimc's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation, Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
georgewrfisher's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
doritobabe's review against another edition
4.0
I love older science fiction novels. Firebird Publishing seems to put out a lot of pro-female/feminist science fiction, too, as I have read this and [b:Firebird|2060939|Firebird|Kathy Tyers|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1410730152s/2060939.jpg|13570915] and enjoyed both immensely.
Enchantress from the Stars is a book that takes place in "the future" (kind of) and on a third planet from the Sun, yet it is not Earth. The author, Sylvia Engdahl explicitly states that the planet and all of it's characters are not from Earth, but another planet that is third to the sun. (When one thinks about it, I immediately think of Fermi's paradox and The Drake Equation and how these work together to inspire thoughts of many, many planets that may exist like our own.)
Elana is a part of a "more advanced" civilization that has peace keeping duties across the galaxy. The Federation works to aid Youngling ("primitive") populations that are negatively affected by other Younglings. They work quietly and covertly, however, and must not be known by the groups they are interfering with.
On one particular mission, Elana is a stowaway on her father's ship. They land on Andrecia, a planet that is much like feudal Earth, in order to stop an Imperial colonization. This is a wonderful blend of "fantasy" and science fiction, as the explanation for the Federation's help is described in the way of magic (Enchantress, Starwatcher and their gifts) and the defeat of a "Dragon".
This was a fun read and really deals with topics of colonialism and culture. Engdahl claims that this fiction was not written allegorically, but it is really hard not to read it as an active metaphor for human history, let alone an explanation for folklore and fable. I wonder is Engdahl was secretly a believer in the conspiracy that Aliens/other, more sophisticated lifeforms, actually aided in the advancement of our civilizations.
Enchantress from the Stars is a book that takes place in "the future" (kind of) and on a third planet from the Sun, yet it is not Earth. The author, Sylvia Engdahl explicitly states that the planet and all of it's characters are not from Earth, but another planet that is third to the sun. (When one thinks about it, I immediately think of Fermi's paradox and The Drake Equation and how these work together to inspire thoughts of many, many planets that may exist like our own.)
Elana is a part of a "more advanced" civilization that has peace keeping duties across the galaxy. The Federation works to aid Youngling ("primitive") populations that are negatively affected by other Younglings. They work quietly and covertly, however, and must not be known by the groups they are interfering with.
On one particular mission, Elana is a stowaway on her father's ship. They land on Andrecia, a planet that is much like feudal Earth, in order to stop an Imperial colonization. This is a wonderful blend of "fantasy" and science fiction, as the explanation for the Federation's help is described in the way of magic (Enchantress, Starwatcher and their gifts) and the defeat of a "Dragon".
This was a fun read and really deals with topics of colonialism and culture. Engdahl claims that this fiction was not written allegorically, but it is really hard not to read it as an active metaphor for human history, let alone an explanation for folklore and fable. I wonder is Engdahl was secretly a believer in the conspiracy that Aliens/other, more sophisticated lifeforms, actually aided in the advancement of our civilizations.
hidesawell23's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
parsleymusic's review against another edition
5.0
The storytelling in this book is very unique. It is told as both a science fiction novel, years into the future, where civilizations have advanced beyond our comprehension, and as a fantasy novel, sent back years into the past when people believed in dragons and magic. In fact, one of the things I took away from this book was that magic is just science we don't yet understand.
This novel is full of themes and deeper meanings and symbolism, while also being a very entertaining read, and a riveting story. The characters show courage, and conquer fears, and grow from their mistakes. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was that Elana, her father, and Evrek understood that the lives of many are worth sacrificing the lives of a few.
Another thing I liked was that Elana constantly questioned the values of the Federation, and the Oath she was sworn to uphold. They did some pretty sketchy things to save Andrecia from the Imperials, that not everyone (even they themselves), thought were justified.
Overall it was a very enjoyable story that raised many important questions. I would recommend it in an instant.
This novel is full of themes and deeper meanings and symbolism, while also being a very entertaining read, and a riveting story. The characters show courage, and conquer fears, and grow from their mistakes. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was that Elana, her father, and Evrek understood that the lives of many are worth sacrificing the lives of a few.
Another thing I liked was that Elana constantly questioned the values of the Federation, and the Oath she was sworn to uphold. They did some pretty sketchy things to save Andrecia from the Imperials, that not everyone (even they themselves), thought were justified.
Overall it was a very enjoyable story that raised many important questions. I would recommend it in an instant.
bsmorris's review against another edition
4.0
First published in 1970, this is a classic of young adult fiction, and groundbreaking because it's a female author and has a strong, female protagonist. It's also a really sweet story and an interesting vision of what happens when societies at different points in their development come into contact with one another. The characters are smart and sympathetic and the story line is well paced and suspenseful.