Elana, a member of an interstellar civilization on a mission to a medieval planet, becomes the key to a dangerous plan to turn back an invasion. How can she help the Andrecians, who still believe in magic and superstition, without revealing her own alien powers? At the same time, Georyn, the son of an Andrecian woodcutter, knows only that there is a dragon in the enchanted forest, and he must defeat it. He sees Elana as the Enchantress from the Stars who has come to test him, to prove he is worthy. One of the few science fiction books to win a Newbery Honor, this novel will enthrall teenage and adult readers. "An involved and provocative science fiction story for thoughtful readers." --Booklist "Readers will find fascinating symbolism--and philosophical parallels to what they may have observed or thought. The book is completely absorbing and should have a wider appear than much science fiction." -- Horn Book "A serious and thought-provoking novel. . . Combined with this is an adolescent love-story that is no romantic nonsense; it is realistic and moving. The story is full of drama and suspense. . . Other science fiction stories [for young people] recently published seem all to pale in comparison." --Times Literary Supplement, London "Not just a novel for young adults but also one of the finest sf novels ever written. . . After finishing it, you will likely find yourself disinclined for a while to pick up anything else in the genre for fear it will, as it were, taste of ashes. In sum, it is almost impossible to convey how good this book is." -- InfinityPlus "So human and endearing and told so movingly by the young heroine that it all seems wholly credible.... A very exciting story of dedication and peril." -- George C. Stone center for Children's Books Be sure to read the FAQ page for this book at my website, where you'll also find my recent essay for adult readers, "Reflections on Enchantress from the Stars ." These contain comments on things in the story that have been confusing to some readers.  And please note that although there is a second book about Elana, The Far Side of Evil , it is not a "sequel" but a very different kind of story that's not appropriate for readers below high school age. Sylvia Engdahl is the author of six Young Adult novels that are also enjoyed by adults, of which the best known is her Newbery Honor book Enchantress from the Stars .  In addition she has written four adult science fiction novels, a nonfiction book, and three collection of essays. She lives in Eugene, Oregon. You can visit her online at sylviaengdahl.com. Enchantress from the Stars By Sylvia Engdahl Puffin Books Copyright ©2003 Sylvia Engdahl All right reserved. ISBN: 0142500372 Chapter One The Mission At the edge of the Enchanted Forest there lived a poorwoodcutter who had four sons, the youngest of whomwas named Georyn. They were able to earn a meager livingby selling wood to the folk of the village, and althoughthere was seldom more than dry bread or thin gruel ontheir table, they were not miserable.     Yet the brothers, as they grew to manhood, foundlittle satisfaction in their lot. Often, as they toiled at thehewing of a tree on the outskirts of the wood, theystopped to watch the huntsmen of the King ride by tohunt in the Enchanted Forest, which their father hadforbidden them to enter. And the eldest son would say,"Ah, if I but had the power of the King and a hundredservants to do my bidding!" And the next brother wouldlaugh and reply, "Myself, I would settle for the King'streasure, for gold buys all that a man could wish for."And the next would tell them, "You are both fools, butif a man could win a fair bride such as the King's daughter,he would be well content."     Georyn, the youngest, would say nothing; yet in hisown heart he would whisper, "Had I the wisdom of theKing and his councillors, I would not be merely a woodcutter,and indeed I would not be hungry, nor would thevillagers. And I would know the secret of the EnchantedForest and be free to hunt there, and someday I might goeven beyond it!"     Now to that country there came a time of great sorrow,for on the far side of the Enchanted Forest thereappeared a monstrous Dragon that breathed fire, and itsroaring could be heard far and wide over the land; andmany folk fled in terror, fearing that their homes wouldbe laid waste. Many of the King's huntsmen went to fightthe Dragon, yet the Dragon remained and no menreturned.     At last the King sent forth a decree, and in every villageit was proclaimed: whosoever should free the land ofthe terrible Dragon would be given whatever reward hisheart should desire, even to a half of the kingdom. Yet thepeople were afraid. If the King's own huntsmen hadfailed, how could mere villagers face the monster and killit? And few men entertained thoughts of the King'sreward.     But the woodcutter's sons had dreamed long of possessingsuch as the King could give, and they begged thei