Sylvia Engdahl

Now available separately again, this classic science fiction novel -- Book One of the Children of the Star trilogy -- is enjoyed by readers age 12 and up as well as by older teens and adults who go on to read the other two books (Beyond the Tomorrow Mountains and The Doors of the Universe, also now available as e-books). It was the winner of a Christopher Award, given for "affirmation of the highest values of the human spirit."

Noren knew that his world was not as it should be -- it was wrong that only the Scholars, and their representatives the Technicians, could use metal tools and Machines. It was wrong that only they had access to the mysterious City, which he had always longed to enter. Above all, it was wrong for the Scholars to have sole power over the distribution of knowledge. The High Law imposed these restrictions and many others, though the Prophecy promised that someday knowledge and Machines would be available to everyone. Noren was a heretic. He defied the High Law and had no faith in the Prophecy's fulfillment. But was defiance enough, or could some way be found to make it come true?

This book was originally published in hardcover by Atheneum in the US as Young Adult fiction, and by Gollancz in the UK (the UK edition appeared under the title Heritage of the Star). In 2000 the entire trilogy Children of the Star was republished as adult science fiction in one volume, in both hardcover and softcover editions, by Meisha Merlin. A new paperback edition of this book alone was published by Ad Stellae Books in 2010.

“Tension-filled, beautiful and haunting.” —Commonweal

“Both logically and consistently suspenseful.... This Star will Abide a good deal longer than most here today, gone tomorrow sci-fi.” —Kirkus Reviews

“An excellent plot and remarkable character development make this tale of the future highly satisfying and thought-provoking.” —Top of the News, American Library Association

“This is not the electronic-light-flashing-exterminate-him-thing from outer space type of science fiction. It is an allegory which poses one of the most heart-searching dilemmas of the human race, perhaps in the C. S. Lewis tradition. I mean Perelandra rather than Narnia.... This is a thought-provoking book distantly related to Lord of the Rings and The Glassbead Game, and may appeal to a similar readership.” —The Junior Bookshelf, London

“Superior future fiction concerning the fate of an idealistic misfit, Noren, who rebels against his highly repressive society.... The attention of mature sci-fi readers will be held by the skillful writing and excellent plot and character development.” —School Library Journal

“A powerful novel for any science fiction buff.... Technology, truth, knowledge and freedom are words given new meanings.” —North American Moravian

“In another superior and thoughtful science fiction novel, the author has created a believable civilization ... on a far-off planet in a far-distant time.... What happens to the hero Noren when he forces admission to the inner city makes for fascinating reading.” —Chicago Daily News

“This is more than an exceptionally fine book about outer space. It is a wonderful book, perhaps telling the subtle story of many faiths. Watch for this for awards.” —Fresno Bee