The Full Circle Six Book

In some ways when reading one Andre Norton novel is like reading all her novels. When I checked out her Wikipedia page I found this on recurring themes.

"Norton started out writing juvenile historical fiction and adventure, and then moved into fantasy and finally science fiction. Again and again in her works, alienated outsiders undertake a journey through which they realize their full potential; this emphasis on the rite of passage continued her association in many readers' minds with young adult fiction, although she became a best seller to adults.

In most Norton books, whether science-fiction or fantasy, the plot takes place in the open countryside, with only short episodes in a city environment. Protagonists usually move about singly or in small groups, and in conflict situations they are more often scouts, spies or guerrillas rather than regular soldiers in large military formations.

As could be expected of such characters, they tend to be resourceful and capable of taking independent initiative. In some books, protagonists are introduced already in possession of such characteristics. In others the protagonists (often young) are thrust into situations where they must develop them quickly, and invariably succeed at it."

That being said, even with recurring themes her novels are still enjoyable and usually well written. This book was no exception and it made for an interesting plot where a colony world is invaded by an enemy alien species and the hero of the novel works to keep from getting captured with the plot taking on some interesting directions.