The Witches Of Karres James H. Schmitz 1966

A space opera of the most imaginative kind, and sci fi with that rarest of qualities, rollicking good humour. If you haven't read it, buy it and do yourself a favour!

I second the preceding reviews, with one exception. One reviewer complains that the novel has been "edited," so he wouldn't touch it. Actually (check Eric Flint's website), Flint's editing took the form of (1) selecting the book for reprinting, and (2) correcting typos, missing words, etc.. Unless a reader is overly fond of typoed words, there is no difference between previous editions of this exciting, humorous, and thoroughly enjoyable classic sf novel and the new edition.

I stumbled across "The Witches of Karres" one day when browsing a local used bookstore. It was one of those times I was just looking for a good fantasy/science fiction book to read and enjoy. "The Witches of Karres" quickly surpassed far beyond what I had hoped to find. It quickly entered the ranks of those few books I have read which so far excel in enjoyment while offering an instant affinity for the characters, including an instant love for characters in the novel that "Witches of Karres" has become one of those unique novels I will always go back and read again. Goth, Pausert, the Leewit, the Sheewash Drive every bit ever piece of the story is so carefully woven together like a fine tapestry that you find yourself living within the story. You are a part of the action, of the travels to the Worm World, to Karres, you are on the ship with Pausert, Goth and the Leewit. Despite "The Witches of Karres" finishing second in the Hugo awards it truly was the book that deserved to win the Hugo that year, for having read the that years winner and "The Witches of Karres", "Witches" is by far the better book in my opinion. Several other reviewers have expressed the same regret I too hold, that it sad that Schmitz never published a sequel, though perhaps having this stand alone on it's own makes it all the more enjoyable and allows us to create our own sequels for the travels of Goth, the Leewit and Pausert. As one review has mentioned this idea, I agree that "The Witches of Karres" could be turned into a wonderful movie, however I would like to see whoever would turn this book into a movie do for the movie version of this book, what Peter Jackson has done for the Lord of the Rings, make the transformation from book to screen so flawless that no one has regrets that it was made into a movie.

A teacher of mine recommended this book to me in high school. It was out of print at the time, so she lent me her own copy. She told me that whenever she was feeling down, this book would cheer her up.She was right. I've reread this book a half a dozen times in the 10 intervening years, and while it isn't necessarily, it is truly delightful. Captain Pausert's adventures with Goth are a lot of fun to read.Further, the book affirms the philosophy that the good guys can win, even in a bureaucratic universe, if they're clever enough. This may be the attribute my teacher was talking about when she sent me to read the book (although I think the wonder of the book is something less tangible-- perhaps part of it is the way that the book takes for granted the idea that magic can exist, yet it isn't a traditional fantasy novel).It's wonderful to see this going back into print. I enthusiastically recommend it.

I picked up a copy of this in the early 80's and it is still one of my favorites! It's a shame this is out of print. So many people are going to miss the chance to read about Captian Pausart and his trials and tribulations while trying to get a bunch of young witches safely back to their home planet. I love the interplay between him and Goth, in particular. A little touch of romance, and a lot of humor and adventure all rolled together to make a perfect book! If you see it anywhere--buy it! You won't be disappointed. You might also want to try the Telzey stories and Demon Breed. They are also great! I haven't been able to get my hands on any of the other books.

I first read "The Witches of Karres" when I was twelve years old and happened across it in the stacks of my hometown library. I have never found any science fiction book before or since that could match it in terms of pure enjoyment. It is one of only two or three books that I will not lend under any circumstances (and given that it's a perfect first edition, that I won't even let someone touch). I fell in love with Goth and fancied myself as Pausert in many a happy dream. I had nightmares in which the Sheem Assasin came alive, the fur moving and the body taking shape. I still shudder at the thought after all these years. It's a shame the book didn't win the Hugo that year, because it's so excellent, but that doesn't change anything. My only regrets are that Schmitz never published a sequel (though from what I've read he thought about one and maybe even worked on it a bit) and that I didn't buy a stack of the original Chilton first editions for two bucks a pop while they were still in print! Given today's special effects wizardry, "The Witches of Karres" would make a one heck of a fun movie...