Been There, Read That » Anne McCaffrey

The Skies of Pern – Anne McCaffrey

zach — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:57:56 +0000

Title: The Skies of Pern

Series: Dragonriders of Pern

Author: Anne McCaffrey

Genre: Science Fiction

McCaffrey has churned out another book in her Dragonriders series (or Pern series, if you prefer). This one is placed towards the end of the time line of events in the Pern universe. Thread is falling for the last time due to action taken in the previous book by Aivas, the artificial intelligence which remained from the original settlers of Pern.

All that to say the book has quite a history in it’s little world, which I think, in the end, works against the flow of the story. Even in the notes at the beginning McCaffrey admits that she tended to get caught up in the stories of various characters to the neglect of the overall story.

Overall the story was pretty good, but I think the inclusion of the Abominators (people that don’t like the newer tech being developed and used) may have been overkill. I think she could have still ‘covered’ their assaults on various Halls and some of the intrigue from more of a distance, without having to narrate entire sections focused on the Abominators themselves. The true main characters were F’lessan and Tai, and when they (and their dragons) were the focus of the narration, the story really moved along.

Though I would not rate this as the best Dragonriders book, it was definitely a solid contribution to the seires. If you love th e Dragonrider books, feel free to grab yourself a copy, but if you haven’t read any, don’t really bother with this one – at least until you’ve read some of the others and are hooked into the series…

Worldview: Secular

Age Recommendation: A few more mature sexual situations, though nothing approaching explicit or inappropriate. High School age should be fine.

The Masterharper of Pern – Anne McCaffrey

zach — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:39:48 +0000

Title: The Masterharper of Pern

Series: Dragonriders of Pern

Author: Anne McCaffrey

Genre: Science Fiction

McCaffrey’s beloved Dragonrider’s of Pern series has been blessed with yet another novel. For as many of these novels that she has written, one might suspect that there would be at least one dud among them, yet every time I get my hands on one, I am pleasantly surprised – and find I don’t really want to put it down.

Chronologically, this novel perfectly segues into Dragonflight, one of the primary Dragonrider novels. The last chapter introduces us to Lessa and the events at the beginning of that novel. But Masterharper is actually about Robington, a Mozart of Pern, if you will. A musical genius who masters all instruments his fingers touch, Robington strives to find his identity and person despite his father’s lack of acceptance. Through his various adventures and training and teaching Robington realizes the dangerous lack of regard for the danger of the future fall of thread and begins to try and somehow fight this fading belief in thread.

If the previous paragraph makes little to no sense, don’t sweat it. This is an excellent novel, moving quickly and developing some very interesting and intriguing characters. Most of these novels could be categorized as Fantasy due to the element of dragons, but in reading other books of the series, it is actually realized that this series is more science fiction than fantasy. All in all, it should be a fun read to fans of either genre.

If you’ve never read a Dragonrider’s novel, this is an excellent example of one, though, personally, I would hold Dragonflight or even The White Dragon to be a few of the best Dragonrider’s novels.

Wordview: secular

Age Recommendation: Due to minor sexual themes and slight violence, probably not for those not yet in High School.

Additional links:
Anne McCaffrey’s Wikipedia page
Dragonriders of Pern Wikipedia page
Masterharper of Pern Wikipedia page

Doona – Anne McCaffrey, Jody Lynn Nye

zach — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:21:04 +0000

Title: Doona

Author: Anne McCaffrey, Jody Lynn Nye

Genre: Science Fiction

McCaffrey is a writer I depend on. That is, whenever I pick up a book by her, I expect to be entertained, swept away, enchanted and completely enthralled by the story which unfolds therein. That said, I was a little disappointed in this book. That’s not to say that the book isn’t any good – I just want you to know how high my expectations were when I opened it.

All in all, it read more like a a young adult novel than the more sophisticated and intriguing Science Fiction McCaffrey usually weaves. I’m not sure how much that was Nye’s influence (I haven’t really read any of her other works) or just the target audience. That said, the book itself was a fun and intriguing read, just in places the dialogue and narration felt forced and almost explanatory. I have definitely read better written books.

And this isn’t just one book, but actually two: “Crisis on Doona” and “Treaty at Doona”. The two primary characters are more like ideals personified, which are then thrown into the most perplexing scenarios which have been incredibly manipulated and the odds stacked against them. Then through a bit of luck, the perseverance of their excellent character, and the help of their loyal friends, they overcome and prevail.

That said, these stories definitely seem to be focused more on the Middle School age and early High School age. I recommend them primarily to those audiences, but, hey, if you’re an adult, feel free to dive in – the waters aren’t too deep!

Worldview: Secular

Suggested age: Most any age which can understand the more scientific concets, and there is no sexual material to make it inappropriate for younger ages.

Additional Links:
Anne McCaffrey’s Website
Jody Lynn Nye’s home page