This book was confused in its direction. So many holes and plot points just muckled. Yes Muckled. As good a word as this book deserves. ( )

Android at Arms by Andre Norton 1971

This is classic Norton, with young adults in alternate universes, maybe a little magic, maybe some science, like 'Gate of the Cat', etc. Ms. Norton has a predilection for young adults, male or female, being placed in strange situations that often involve other worlds in time or space or dimensions, or all of them, with a little magic, or maybe mysticism. She also likes the addition of a partner/sidekick, whether an intelligent mutant animal or an alien, with extra powers (in this case, it's an alien with claws and an enhanced sense of smell).

If you liked any of her other stories, this is more of the same…not really great, but not bad—don't expect Orson Scott Card or Larry Niven—just slightly thought provoking enough to be intriguing for the youthful types. No sex, no foul language, not much blood. And don't forget the stylized language that puts us under an aura of a pseudo-magic realm with its medieval ambience. For anyone over 16 this will be a fast and comfortable read. ( )