[.ca] Steel Magic (ISBN 0765352974)

Soft "Steel":
Starscape Books starts off a new reprint series, the "Magic Books" by the late Andre Norton, called that because each book has the word "Magic" in the title. The first in that series, "Steel Magic," is a charming and imaginative book, though it's too fast-moving for its own good. While vacationing with their uncle, the three Lowery children go on a picnic, and decide to explore the local woodlands. They find a minature castle, creep past a wall -- and find themselves in an unfamiliar world. They promptly bump into the legendary Huon of the Horn, who tells them that they are in the magical land of Avalon. Merlin and Arthur are also there. And that's where the problems are. Three magical items have been stolen: Huon's horn, Merlin's ring, and Arthur's sword. Evidently Greg, Eric, and Sara are destined to find these three things. And so they set out on three separate quests, battling the dark forces on Avalon with only a steel knife, fork and spoon... Andre Norton spins up the feeling of a classic in "Steel Magic," adding heft doses of myth, legend and classic Arthuriana to your basic good-vs-evil battle. It's got Norton's detailed writing, a unique setting, and a shriveling spin on the idea that certain metals (like steel) will destroy fey creatures. It's a brilliant, and rather funny, application. The only problem is that the book feels like abridged version of the realm thing. All the quests seem to take about half an hour; the kids barely arrive in Avalon before they are shuttled off to do battle. Avalon is bursting with potential for exploration, and we get a day trip that ends all too quickly. Despite this, the climactic clash between good and evil shows Norton's considerable skills at their best. Arthur and Merlin have very brief cameos, but much of the attention is on the admittedly charming Huon and the courageous lead trio, who are reminiscent of the plucky, stout-hearted kids in books like the Narnia series. While it feels like it's set on fast-forward, with no breathing breaks, "Steel Magic" is still a charming, enchanting little magical book, and at times shows Norton's skill at its peak.

Great Rings/Redwall/Narnia Precursor for Younger Children:
Steel Magic was a favorite of mine growing up - I probably read it 3 or 4 times. I recently ordered it for my children, and I reread it before I passed it on to them. Norton's world retains a magic and wonder that should entrance just about any child. But when I was growing up we did not have Lord of the Rings, the Redwall series, Narnia (well, it was there, I just hadn't discovered it), or the many other well-developed fantasy worlds both in print and the visual media of today. So a worldly pre-teen might now find Steel Magic to be a little simple in comparison to the plethora of other fantasy stories now available. That is not to detract from Norton's fine storytelling ability. Buy this book for a nine-to-twelve year old who has not yet delved into Tolkien or Jacques. A fine tale.