Gates to Witch World

Book 1

Andre Norton

In the novel, The Gates to Witch World by Andre Norton, the author uses the concept of power as a key concept. Main character Simon leaves his earthly world for another, more magical world. Magic in this story is power, and the civilization of Escarp is full of it. Yet the author also intertwines power with romance, which is typical of Space Opera’s such as these. Simon is in love with a nameless witch, of whom he encounters almost immediately after entering this new world. Norton immediately sets up what may for all intents and purposes be, a romance novel with a science fiction flair. This is apparent in a dialogue between Simon and the unnamed witch, “Our two strands of life stuff have been caught up together by the Hand of the Over Guardian. What we wish and what will come of it may be two very different things.” This foreshadows what will come of the rest of the book, and the trilogy. This connection results in Simon and the Witch marrying, all-the-while battling an evil magical source.