McCaffrey, Anne

Dragon's Fire (The Dragonriders of Pern)

Average customer rating:

Why????
Worst Pern Book Ever
The apple fell far from the tree!
Todd, please stop
Dragon's Fire

Dragon's Fire (The Dragonriders of Pern)
Anne McCaffrey , and Todd J. McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Dragonsblood (Pern)
Dragon's Kin (The Dragonriders of Pern)
Changelings (The Twins of Petaybee, Book 1)
A Gift of Dragons
Maelstrom (The Twins of Petaybee, Book 2)

ASIN: 0345480287
Release Date: 2006-07-11

Book Description

Bringing fresh wonders and dangers to light in the skies of Pern, Anne McCaffrey and her son, Todd, who demonstrated his writing talents in the bestselling novels Dragon’s Kin and Dragonsblood, return with their second collaboration: a thrilling adventure of discovery and fate.

Pellar is an orphan taken in by Masterharper Zist. Though born mute, Pellar is a gifted tracker, and when Zist sets off to take over as harper for Natalon’s coal-mining camp, Pellar–along with his fire-lizard, Chitter–joins him on a secret mission of his own: to find out if reported thefts of coal are the work of the Shunned, criminals condemned to a life of wandering and hardship.

Halla is one of the children of the Shunned. Though innocent of their parents’ crimes, these children have inherited their cruel punishment. Lack of food, shelter, and clothes is their lot; hope is unknown to them. And what future would they hope for? Without a hold to call their own, there will be no protection for them when the lethal Thread inevitably falls again. Life is even tougher for Halla. Her family gone, she must fend for herself. Yet despite the brutality of her surroundings, Halla is kind and gentle, devoted to those more helpless than she.

As depraved as Halla is good, Tenim is in league with Tarik, a crooked miner from Camp Natalon, who helps him steal coal in exchange for a cut of the profit. But Tenim soon realizes there is a lot more to be made from firestone, the volatile mineral that enables the dragons of Pern to burn Thread out of the sky. Tenim doesn’t care what he has to do, or whom he has to kill, in order to corner the market.

Cristov is Tarik’s son. Dishonored by his father’s greed and treachery, the boy must make amends somehow, even if it means risking his life by mining the volatile firestone, which detonates on contact with the slightest drop of moisture.

When the last remaining firestone mine explodes in flames, a desperate race begins to find a new deposit of the deadly but essential mineral, for without it there can be no defense against Thread. But Tenim has a murderous plan to turn tragedy to his own advantage, and only Pellar, Halla, and Cristov can stop him–and ensure that there will be a future for all on the world of the Dragonriders.

Customer Reviews:

Why????.......2007-06-17

Is Anne Mccaffrey losing her falculties that she is just aggreeing to allow her son to write these "stories"? Anne, take your meds and open your eyes, your son is destroying the Pern series. Stop agreeing with him. Stop writing with him. He is ruining your masterpiece. Everytime I see a new Pern book with todd McCafrey's name on it, I cringe. I read it in the store first. If I like half the story, then I will buy it. This story is ridiculous. A mute harper? harpers are supposed to teach through song. How does a mute harper do this, through sign language? The "Shunned" reminds me of the "others" in Lost. I miss my heros, Lessa, F'Lar, Brekke, Menoly, Robinton, F'Nor, T'gellan, etc. I miss my heros.

Long live Pern, it was great while it lasted. May it rest in peace.

Worst Pern Book Ever.......2007-05-28

I found this book to be the worst of the Pern series. How the same author (Anne McCaffery) who brought us the incredible Dragonriders of Pern original series could put her name on such a lame novel is beyond me. Although many of the spin-off books have not been of the same quality as the original, they were still highly enjoyable and generally believable. This book however, relies on gimmicky cliches, obvious devices to effect the reader's emotions and is just unbelievable: 4 days to create a working mine with three shafts and an entire Hold? Sort like Genesis...;-)

The hit-you-over-the-head social commentary about the "shunned" is also pretty unbelievable as is the redemption of several of the characters and the ultimate turnaround in the end. The very real world of Pern created in the earlier books is shattered by weak plot lines, one dimensional characters and poor writing. It seems like this book was merely written so Todd McCaffrey could benefit financially from the Pern franchise.

The apple fell far from the tree!.......2007-04-06

I am severely displeased with Todd McCaffrey's writing. It's sappy, sugarcoated, and the stuff of Disney princess movies. The corny ending made me gag and I cannot believe Anne McCaffrey chose this moron as her prodigy for Pern. Surely there are better writers out there who can continue the legacy of Pern...anyone!? I am saddened to see how Todd McCaffrey is desecrating the world of Pern one book at a time. If there were a lower rating than one star, that is what I would give this vile waste of paper.

Todd, please stop.......2007-02-06

It's time to man up and put an end to this series. If this book and the previous solo novel by Todd are the quality of what is going to be put out, then why bother? It is obvious that the editors and publishers care little for this series and just see the opportunity to turn a profit on a familiar name.

After the horrible experiance with Dragonsblood, I thought that this book was off to a great start, and had high hopes for it. It started well, with a tale of a mute harper scouting in the woods and trying to spy on the dangerous Shunned people. I thought it was a great idea and not cliched or overdone. A nice example of what a refreshing series' book should be. Then, halfway through the book the tale of Pellar just ends and it picks up with a new main character. All of a sudden the book is about how dangerous firestone is and what can be done to supply more. This had absolutely NOTHING to do with the first half of the book.

The book's problems are numerous and have been well-addressed in many of the previous reviews:
- the plot is incredibly disjointed and hard to follow
- previous series canon is thrown out the window
- the characters are not very well developed and rarely grow

It's hard to say which of these is the most irritating problem. Most of the actions and events in the book seem to have no real reason for occuring and do not seem to effect any other events: a kid blows up during the Games, but they keep playing; Pellar befriends the Wherhandler, then when he shows up again they shoot at him; etc...

Having the firestone that explodes when water/moisture hits it is laughably stupid. Exactly how does this stone develop in the earth while not being in contact with water? And, hey, let's let the dragonrider kids handle it during Falls!

Skip this book, especially if you are a fan. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth for the whole series. Todd, you need to be the man here. Just refuse to do any more; we'll all respect you the more for it.

Dragon's Fire.......2007-01-26

I really liked this book, and I am glad the series is continuing.

MasterHarper of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)

Average customer rating:

Finally, background on the Masterharper
Great if you like Sci Fiction
If you love Robinton...
Favorite
A good background . . .

MasterHarper of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
Anne Mccaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Skies of Pern
Dragonseye
The Dolphins of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
All the Weyrs of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series)
The Renegades of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series)

ASIN: 0345388232
Release Date: 1998-01-12

Book Description

Pern: a beautiful world colonized by humans, terrorized by the deadly spores called Thread, and defended by magnificent flying dragons. Anne McCaffrey's bestselling tales of this planet have yielded a multitude of unforgettable characters. And now, after years of urging by devoted readers, one of the most popular denizens of Pern takes center stage in a novel that chronicles his extraordinary life.

Along with the dragonriders, perhaps none are so revered on Pern as the harpers, whose songs record history, warn of the coming of Thread, and prepare Pern's people for the future. And no one is more influential than the Masterharper of Pern. The son of renowned composer Petiron and gifted singer Merelan, Robinton is a prodigy from birth and enjoys a special rapport with the telepathic dragons. But it is a time when Thread has not been a threat for centuries, the harpers have fallen into disfavor, and one despotic man is plotting to take over Pern. In this climate of unrest, Robinton will come into his own . . . driven by his belief in music, in the dragons, and in the salvation of his beloved Pern.

Download Description

In a time when the deadly scourge Thread has not fallen on Pern forcenturies -- and many dare to hope that Thread will never fall again --a boy is born to Harper Hall. A musical prodigy who has the ability tospeak with the dragons, he is called Robinton, and he is destined to beone of the most famous and beloved leaders Pern has ever known.

It is a perilous time for the harpers who sing of Thread -- they arebeing turned away from holds, derided, attacked, even beaten. In thisclimate of unrest, Robinton will come into his own. But despite thetragedies that beset his own life, he continues to believe in music andin the dragons, and he is determined to save his beloved Pern fromitself -- so that the dragonriders can be ready to fly against thedreaded Thread when at last it returns.

<HR>"At last, Robinton has his own book... McCaffrey adds another absorbingchapter to dragon lore... Readers will revel in this compellingcharacterstudy of a fascinating personality."     ROMANTIC TIMES

"The story takes wing... when McCaffrey's beloved dragons roar and theirriders soar upon the beasts' mighty backs... Fans of Pern will likely beenthralled."     PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"McCaffrey succeeds again in depicting the serenity and beauty ofdragons in their symbiotic relationship with humanity on a world calledPern."     BOOKPAGE

<HR>Cover art by Brom<HR>

Customer Reviews:

Finally, background on the Masterharper.......2007-05-23

I found this history of Masterharper Robinton to be interesting, although some of it seemed contrived (the last chapter). It does fill in many of "the blanks" that we had about the Masterharper, and it explains some of Sebell's background as well.

Overall, I liked it. It is a great addition to the Pern series.

Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13

The Pern series of books from Anne McCaffery are great. Better if you read them in order, (look online at her website for recommendations). This is futuristic science fiction, but if you liked Aregon, you would probably like this series too

If you love Robinton..........2007-04-26

There are so many good reviews of this book already. I will only say this: if you love Robinton as so many Pern fans do, this is his long-wished for background story. As well as one of the best Pern books, IMHO.

Favorite.......2007-04-09

I have read all of Mrs. McCaffrey's books and I totally Love them! This one though, The MasterHarper of Pern, is my favorite. It might be just because MasterHarper Robinton is one of my favotite characters, but I think it is the most well written and emotional book out of all of them. If you even partially like her other books I think you will love this one. It is a very good read, especially if you have read or plan on reading all of her other books about Pern.

A good background . . . .......2007-02-05

. . . on a very popular character from the "Pern" novels.

From the original "Dragonriders" trilogy to the "Harper Hall" trilogy and through "Renegades" and "Weyrs" and "Dolphins" novels, one character shines forth as the model of probity, consistent leadership, judge and peacemaker, MasterHarper Extraordinare -- and, of course, expert on Benden Wines!

I refer, of course, to MasterHarper Robinton.

This novel provides "deep background" to the triumphs and tragedies (an abundance of each) to the life of Master Robinton, concluding with where "Dragonflight" begins.

Other reviewers have noted minor inconsistencies between this novel and the other Pern stories -- such inconsistencies exist throughout the Pern canon -- and that can't be helped.

Four stars rather than five -- because I thought that the ending was somewhat weak. Overall, though, a good and thought-provoking look at one of Pern's most beloved characters.

Average customer rating:

EXCELLANT
My 5th or 6th time re-reading this trilogy
Be warned, great books, lousy edition
Dragonriders of Pern
Three great books in one

Dragonriders of Pern
Anne McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

All the Weyrs of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series)
Dragondrums (Mccaffrey, Anne. Harper Hall Trilogy, V. 3.)
Dragonsinger (Harper Hall Trilogy, Volume 2)
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall (The Dragonriders of Pern)
Dragonsong (Harper Hall Trilogy)

ASIN: 0345340248
Release Date: 1988-10-12

Amazon.com

Anne McCaffrey's Pern is one of the most memorable worlds in science fiction and fantasy. Humans and their flying dragon companions live in fear of thread, a caustic, deadly material that falls sporadically from space. But when the thread doesn't fall for a long time, people become complacent, forgetting that it is the brave dragonriders who can save them from the periodic threat. But when the thread falls, human and dragon heroes must fight the scourge. This edition encompasses the first three unforgettable novels of McCaffrey's epic series: Dragonflight, Dragonquest, and The White Dragon.

Book Description

Finally together in one volume, the first three books in the world's most beloved science fiction series, THE DRAGONRIDERS OF PERN, by Anne McCaffrey, one of the great science fiction writers of all time: DRAGONFLIGHT, DRAGONQUEST, THE WHITE DRAGON. Those who know these extraordinary tales will be able to re-visit with Lessa, F'lar, Ruth, Lord Jaxon, and all the others. And for those just discovering this magical place, there are incomparable tales of danger, deceit, and daring, just waiting to be explored..

Download Description

Here, finally together in one volume, are the first three books in theworld's most beloved science fiction series by one of the great sciencefiction writers of all time, Anne McCaffrey: Dragonflight,Dragonquest, and The White Dragon.

Those who know these extraordinary tales will be able to re-visit withLessa, F'lar, Ruth, Lord Jaxon, and all the others. And for those justdiscovering this magical place, there are incomparable tales of danger,deceit, and daring, just waiting to be explored....

<HR>Cover design by Richard Aquan Cover painting by Michael Whelan<HR>

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLANT.......2007-06-14

As with all the Dragonrider books """***EXCELLANT***"""!!!!!!!!!!

My 5th or 6th time re-reading this trilogy.......2007-04-26

I bought a ScFi Club copy in I think 1988. Hardcover. I've since lost the dust jacket, and the spine is at best loose. I'm going to have to get a new copy of it soon. It's WELL loved :) But right now I'm rereading it. Seems like every 4 or 5 years I do so. And am thrilled once again by the lovely and intelligent dragons and their brave riders. I save all my books, take good care of them, and reread them. But this trilogy is special.

I especially think if you're looking for a first SciFi/Fantasy series for teens this would be a good choice. This trilogy along with The Harper Hall of Pern.

Someone mentioned that the current version has typos. Well, the 1988 version I have has typos also. Don't let that deter you, just ignore them.

And please, don't be expecting it to make sense. Some people complain this is too silly. Do I have to point out the obvious? I guess so. This is FANTASY. I understand physics and biology, yet I can still lose myself in the world of Pern. Sometimes that's all we need-to fall away from the real world for a while.

Be warned, great books, lousy edition.......2006-12-23

I read these books years ago. I am glad to say I enjoyed rereading them just as much now as I did then. However, as at least one other reviewer noted, this is a lousy edition. There are numerous typographical errors that totally ruin the joy of a good read. Read these books, just not this edition.

Dragonriders of Pern.......2006-08-01

This book is awesome. I'm a little over half way through it now. I can't put it down. A little slow starting at first but defenently worth it. A great mix of fantasy and science fiction. Great for a night at home reading.

Three great books in one.......2006-04-29

To those of you looking for some great fantasy books to read, I think this is an excellent choice. I have read Dragonflight, Dragonquest, and The White Dragon as separate books and they are terriffic.. The story lines are wonderful and the characters are truly amazing. Join one of the greatest weyrwomen of all times and her brave and daring young weyrmater as they protect all of Pern from the legendary and dangerous Thread. You will love these books for sure.

The Ship Avenged (Hardcover) (Brainship)

Average customer rating:

If you liked the CITY WHO FOUGHT - 3 stars if you only know the rest
The Jack of All Trades grows up
Fairly weak
The Ship Avenged (although not really a brainship)
Not a bad read, but...

The Ship Avenged (Hardcover) (Brainship)
Anne McCaffrey , and S.M. Stirling
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The City Who Fought (Brainship)
The Ship Errant
The Ship Who Won
The Ship Who Sang
The City and The Ship (Mccaffrey, Anne)

ASIN: 0671877666

Customer Reviews:

If you liked the CITY WHO FOUGHT - 3 stars if you only know the rest .......2007-06-10

of the Brainship series but definitely don't start here.

The action picks up about ten years after THE CITY WHO FOUGHT and features Joat Simeon-Happ and a few other characters from that book. Joat now has her own ship and crew and is approached by Central Worlds Security to locate the Kolnari space raiders - also involved in THE CITY WHO FOUGHT. Joat and crew soon find themselves in far over their heads as they attempt to rescue a kidnapped planetary leader and prophet (who also happens to have ties to Joat and her crew). As always in this series the good guys triumph but only after many horrific adventures.

This, like the rest of the Brainship series, is listed as a 'Young Adult' book but in my opinion it is for the more mature end of that audience due to the implied sexual situations, strong scenes of violence and gruesome situations. This is definitely the weakest book in the series that I have read so far. Unless you are a fan of THE CITY WHO FOUGHT skip this one.

The Jack of All Trades grows up.......2005-01-11

In this authorized sequel to McCaffrey & Stirling's "The City Who Fought," it's 10 years since the barbarian spacegoing raiders the Kolnari captured Space Station SSS-900-C and were sent scurrying with tails between legs by Simeon, the Brain that runs it, and Joat, the 11-year-old technodemon who lurked in its conduits. In gratitude, Simeon and his Brawn, Stationmaster Channa Hap, adopted Joat and saw that she received an education. Now Joat is out on her own, a dropout from Brawn school with a small ship called "WYAL" (for While You Ain't Lookin') and her very own AI, Rand, who, while not a Brain, functions almost as well as one.

Unfortunately the Kolnari have neither forgotten nor forgiven their defeat, and their warlord, Belazir t'Marid, has succeeded in acquiring a virus that attacks the cognitive centers of the brain and, in effect, brings on a kind of artificial Alzheimer's Disease. To spread it, he must create a human carrier, then return that carrier to his own planet and wait for the virus to do its work. The carrier he selects is Amos bin Sierra Nueva, Prophet and leader of the religiously-oriented colony world of Bethel, which played a major role in the Kolnari defeat a decade before. So that Amos can't warn his people of his state, Belazir injects him with a paralyzing agent and advertises, through his underground contacts, for a free ship to carry his "package" home. The "WYAL"--which, unknown to Belazir, has been hired by Central Worlds master spy Bros Sperin to look into the man Belazir uses as a contact and fence--responds, and in short order the fate of Bethel, Station Simeon, and much of the civilized Galaxy hangs on Joat, Rand, Sperin, a Sondee scientist named Seg !T'sel, Joat's one crewmember Alvec, and Amos's close friend and head of security, Joseph.

Anyone who liked Han Solo should be pleased to make the acquaintance of the adult Joat, who is just as shifty and morally ambiguous as the world's most famous Corellian and even better with techie toys. And the Kolnari, like the Imperials who were Solo's bugaboo, are a race of villains you love to hate--utterly evil, yet in a way comprehensible. Seg the Sondee--a romantic with James-Bondworthy dreams of the glamor of espionage, "working on an opera in his spare time" (as practically every Sondee is), and a highly skilled medic and computerman--is another great original character. Though the romantic attraction between Bros and Joat seems rather forced, the story itself is convoluted and fast-moving, with lots of military throwaway such as might be expected from Stirling. A good entry into the Brain & Brawn series.

Fairly weak.......2004-11-21

This book just isn't up to the standard of the other episodes in the BrainShip series. The plot and the characters show promise, but the polish and fun of the other books is missing. The main villian is absolutely flat and serves mainly as a blatent plot device. The various logic inconsistancies pile up until the plot collapses totally about 75% of the way into the story. I also noticed a large number of editing errors. "ass" instead of "ask", "hum" instead of "him", and so forth. Not recommended for anybody but a die-hard fan.

The Ship Avenged (although not really a brainship).......2004-05-24

This is NOT a brain ship story.

If you like McCaffrey, you'll read and like it well enough. However, when I first read it, I thought it was a CHEAT.

All the previous brainships were human minds and the stories related to the ship as protagonist. This ship is simply an artificial intelligence used to fake a brain brawn story with Joat, a character introduced in an earlier book.

Joat is the main character and the story is ok, but I'd have liked it better if this had been about some way of getting Joat into a real brain/brawn relationship in spite of impossible odds.

Not a bad read, but..........2003-04-04

I really enjoyed "The City Who Fought", especially the character of Joat, so I was thrilled when I finally found out there was a sequel. Well...it was all right. Not bad, not great, certainly not what it could have been. All the right moves were made in the beginning to set up a truly fascinating read, but it just never came together. The end of the book is riddled with plotholes and dangling plot lines that the author tried to tie up neatly at the end, but just...didn't. It wasn't just that the romance felt horribly contrived, but ALL the character relationships towards the end started feeling like actors reading lines that didn't quite add up. And unfortunately, some of the most important action of all was glossed over by an "overview" last chapter that left me screaming. The book would've benefitted from an extra fifty pages or so to tie up all the complications that were brought in at the last minute.

Maelstrom (The Twins of Petaybee, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Fun Read!
Novel or Serial?
PTB series
Newcomers on Petaybee
I loved this book

Maelstrom (The Twins of Petaybee, Book 2)
Anne Mccaffrey , and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Changelings (The Twins of Petaybee, Book 1)
Second Wave: Acorna's Children (Acorna Series)
Dragon's Fire (The Dragonriders of Pern)
Aerie (The Dragon Jousters, Book 4)
First Warning: Acorna's Children

ASIN: 0345470044
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Book Description

In Changelings, bestselling authors Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough returned to the sentient planet Petaybee with a story of growth and transformation in the face of deadly new threats. The telepathic, shapeshifting twins Murel and Ronan found that Petaybee had plans for them as well. Now those plans begin to bear fruit with fresh possibilities . . . and dangers.

MAELSTROM

Now that Petaybee is forming a new equatorial island, the planet has agreed to harbor a group of new refugees, workers indentured to the powerful InterGal Corporation. But the mission to collect the immigrants becomes a rescue operation when it is revealed that InterGal is doing nothing to help these survivors of a world devastated by a meteor shower. Murel and Ronan set out to persuade the frightened refugees to come out of hiding, leave their world, and bring along their sacred totem animals, the gifted sea turtles called the Honus. But the twins discover that they’ve taken on more than they expected: The Honus are not the only animals sacred to the refugees. There are also the Manos, intelligent sharks who have lost none of their predatory habits–and who cannot be left behind to die.

When the Manos are released into Petaybee’s waters, a tragic misunderstanding endangers the whole resettlement operation. At the same time, the mysterious sea otters who once rescued the twins’ father are suddenly revealed to be much more than they appear to be.

Now it is up to Ronan and Murel, with the intrepid assistance of their river otter friend Sky, to smooth the waters before a maelstrom of revenge destroys Petaybee’s harmonious way of life.

But even as the twins uncover startling new facts about Petaybee’s past that will change everything they thought they knew about the planet, the forces of InterGal are gathering, preparing to strike. . . .

Customer Reviews:

Fun Read!.......2007-06-26

This is the second book following the story of the selkie twins Ronan and Murel. Though I enjoyed Changelings quite a bit more than this story, this was a good sequel that kept the story going and I am now awaiting the third installment due to the cliffhanger ending. You will fall in love with the animals on Petaybee and I believe that is why I keep reading these books about the twins. Sky (an otter) is my favorite character. This book is very well suited for Young Adult readers, but can also be a good, short read for adults. I recommend reading Changelings before you pick up this book. If you enjoy these, you should read the trilogy that started it all starting with 'Powers that Be', they are terrific and I would recommend them to all fantasy lovers!

Novel or Serial?.......2007-05-15

If you don't mind cliffhangers, run, do not walk, to your local sci-fi source and get this book. You'll enjoy it immensely. The Twins of Petaybee are back and they're lots of fun.

Like Changelings (The Twins of Petaybee, Book 1), Maelstrom is well-written, intriguing, and somewhat frustrating if, like me, you prefer stories that end when the book ends. While I enjoyed the continuing adventures of the Petaybee Twins, I strongly recommend that anyone who is considering reading this book, first find Changelings and read that, then plan on reading the next installation of this serial as soon as you can get your hands on it. Better yet, wait until the final installation of this serial comes out and read all of the story without waiting a year or so between books. Eventually, The Twins of Petaybee will make a great omnibus edition.

PTB series.......2007-05-13

Another in Ann McCaffrey's PTB series. Good reading. Good for the heart and soul. If you liked the Pern books, you'll love these PTB series books.

Newcomers on Petaybee.......2007-05-02

Maelstrom (2006) is the second SF novel in the Twins of Petaybee series, following Changelings. In the previous volume, Murel and Ronan barely saved the sacred Honu from Dr. Mabo and then immediately returned to Petaybee. Their father had gone missing and Madame Algemeine shipped a load of helicopters, small submarines and other rescue equipment to search their planet. Ke-ola and the Honu were also coming with them.

Back on Petaybee, the twins soon recovered their father, alive and well, but without any memory of his ordeal. Later, the Petaybeans took Ke-ola and the Honu into the communion cave and there they received a message from the planet. Petaybee wanted to invite Ke-ola, the Honu and their people to come live on the new landmass and the twins have been selected as planetary emissaries.

In this novel, the selkie twins and Sky Otter leave their homeworld to deliver the invitation. On the outward journey, the captain of the Piaf, Johnny Green, arranges for them to learn various ship functions. They never really have time to get bored.

After reaching the Halau system, the Piaf encounters the Intergalactic Enterprises Company Corps carrier George Armstrong Custer, Colonel Zachariah Cally commanding. The Intergal crew orders them to leave, but Marmion uses her rank and reputation -- and an outright lie -- to overrule the order and land on the planet. There they find Ke-ola's hometown deserted and full of craters from meteorites.

Although the situation looks hopeless, the Honu informs them that there are survivors underground. After the surviving villagers and Honus are found, Colonel Cally asserts that there are no more survivors. Yet the Honus guide them to another nearby village where other survivors of the bombardment have also gone underground. But the twins soon discover that this village has Manos -- sharks -- as their aumakuas instead of sea-turtles.

After considerable argument and with some rationing, the Piaf returns with these survivors to Petaybee. Since the spaceport is far from the sea, the Petaybeans make arrangements to transport the Manos -- with their able-bodied people -- to the ocean. Meanwhile, the young and elderly remain aboard the Piaf, but with better meals and other supplies.

In this story, the twins and Sky have another encounter with the sea otters. Then Sky casually mentions that the sea otters have told him that the deep sea otters are still alive, despite indications that a volcano had destroyed their city. Since nobody else knows that these otters exist, the twins decide to warn them about the sharks. Murel and Ronan head out to the new island forming in the sea where the deep sea otter city had been located.

The twins also encounter a number of other creatures in the sea, including a pod of Orcas, some sea seals, and the newly arrived Manos. Murel and the Orcas have a confrontation that isn't entirely one-sided. The sea seals are helpful, but a little domineering until they meet Sean and the Orcas. The Manos are bloodthirsty, but the patriarch is rather afraid of Murel.

This story is the middle book in a trilogy, so the ending leaves the situation hanging. The sentient planet Petaybee displays some of its powers, mostly at the end of the volume. However, one wonders whether the adult Petaybeans are ever going to be able to leave the planet without dying from their planetary induced changes.

Highly recommended for McCaffrey & Scarborough fans and anyone else who enjoys tales of sentient planets, telepathic animals and precocious selkie children.

-Arthur W. Jordin

I loved this book.......2007-03-16

I have read and enjoyed most of Anne Mccaffrey's books. This one is no diffrent, I loved it.

Average customer rating:

Great if you like Sci Fiction
What can I say?
The Skies of Pern
The Skies of Pern
read this book!!

The Skies Of Pern
Anne Mccaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Masterharper of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
All the Weyrs of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series)
Dragonseye
The Dolphins of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
Dragon's Kin (The Dragonriders of Pern)

ASIN: 0345434684
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Amazon.com

Anne McCaffrey's Pern series has been running successfully for so long that most of the Dragonriders' original problems have been solved. In The Skies of Pern, she confronts her standard cast of characters with the consequences of those solutions, consequences that are a whole new set of problems. Now that the Red Star has been pushed to another orbit, there will only be a few more ravenous Threads descending from it for them and their dragons to fight--and what role will that leave for them? They have successfully reclaimed Earth's lost technology--and suddenly everyone with a craft that might be outmoded, or who is phobic about surgery, is on the rampage, sabotaging and smashing and making up rumors. These fundamentalist Abominators are sure that something terrible will happen if the old ways are not gone back to--and sure enough, fire descends, on cue, from the skies.

Anne McCaffrey's tales of genetically engineered dragons and a lost colony that has declined into feudalism are ultimately SF rather than fantasy because they are about finding solutions to problems, solutions that involve working with what you are given to start off with; The Skies of Pern is all about elegant solutions to credible problems. --Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

Thanks to Anne McCaffrey, millions of readers have soared the skies on dragonback, shared the thoughts and dreams of the great dragons of Pern, and risked life and limb to safeguard the planet from the deadly threat of falling Thread. With the Dragonriders of Pern, McCaffrey has given us more than just an extraordinary masterwork of imagination. She has given us a whole world—and has taught us to fly. Now, in this triumphant return to Pern, Anne McCaffrey takes us on an adventure as surprising and unforgettable as any that has come before . . .

It is a time of hope and regret, of endings and beginnings. The Red Star, that celestial curse whose eccentric orbit was responsible for Thread, has been shifted to a harmless orbit, and the current Threadfall will be the last. Technological marvels are changing the face of life on Pern. And the dragonriders, led by F'lessan, son of F'lar and Lessa and rider of bronze Golanth, and Tia, rider of green Zaranth, must forge a new place for themselves in a world that may no longer need them.

But change is not easy for everyone. There are those who will stop at nothing— not even violence—to keep Pern and its people pure. And now a brand-new danger looms from the skies . . . and threatens a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions.

Once again, the world looks to the dragons and their riders to solve the crisis and save the world. But now, as the friendship of F'lessan and Tia begins to bloom into something more, unforeseen tragedy strikes: a tragedy destined to forever change the future—not just of the two young lovers, but of every human and dragon on Pern . . .

Download Description

Beloved characters, and a brand new threat, prove that dragons will always be needed in the skies of Pern. The first Dragonriders of Pern novel in three years features McCaffrey's most popular characters: F'lar and Lessa, from the original trilogy, their son, F'lessan, and, of course, the dragons.

Customer Reviews:

Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13

What can I say?.......2007-05-13

What can I say? It's Ann McCaffrey, Doesn't get any better. Only arthur that I can read and makes me feel good about myself and humanity. Love dragons!

The Skies of Pern.......2007-05-12

ALL of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonrider books draw me into them so that I become a part of Pern and feel all the emotions of the people involved. Except for Lessa. I've known to many women like her and have not liked any of them.

The Skies of Pern.......2007-01-09

I just love the Pern Series. I feel like I am right there along with the characters.

read this book!!.......2006-10-17

this is a great book. all i can say is that i hope this is not the end of anne mccaffrey's pern books. i want more on the characters in this book!!!! the book is well written and i never wanted to put it down!!

Average customer rating:

Great if you like Sci Fiction
Dragonseye
Dragonseye
WARNING - This MP3 CD will not work properly on standard MP3 players
The Dragon's Eye Blinked

Dragonseye
Anne McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Masterharper of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall (The Dragonriders of Pern)
The Skies of Pern
The Dolphins of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
The Renegades of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series)

ASIN: 0345418794
Release Date: 1997-12-27

Amazon.com

When the volcanoes rumble and the powerful storms begin brewing on Pern, it means one thing: Thread. For 257 years Pern has been free of the life-destroying Thread, but now the Red Star has reappeared in the sky and soon the deadly Threadfall will follow. In the holds and weyrs across the land, the genetically-engineered dragons of Pern and their human riders begin feverishly training to combat the Thread, for only dragon fire can destroy the silvery invaders. But, incredibly, one Lord Holder refuses to believe the Thread will fall again, and he may endanger the entire planet.

Book Description

In Anne McCaffrey's New York Times bestselling DRAGONSEYE,
join Weyrleaders, Holders, and Craftmasters in the creation of the legendary Star Stones and the teaching ballads of Pern!

It's been two-hundred years since the deadly Thread fell like rain upon Pern, devouring everything in its path. No one alive remembers that first horrific onslaught and no one believes in its return--except for the dragonriders. For two centuries they have been practicing and training, passing down from generation to generation the formidable Threadfighting techniques.

Now the ominous signs are appearing: the violent winter storms and volcanic eruptions that are said to herald the approach of the Red Star and its lethal spawn. But one stubborn Lord Holder, Chalkin of Bitra, refuses to believe--and that disbelief could spell disaster. So as the dragonriders desperately train to face a terrifying enemy, they and the other Lord Holders must find a way to deal with Chalkin--before history repeats itself and unleashes its virulence on all of Pern. . . .

Download Description

It's been two hundred years since the deadly Thread fell like rain uponPern, devouring everything in its path. No one alive remembers thatfirst horrific onslaught and no one believes in its return -- except forthe dragonriders. For two centuries they have been practicing andtraining, passing down from generation to generation the formidableThreadfighting techniques.

Now the ominous signs are appearing: the violent winter storms andvolcanic eruptions that are said to herald the approach of the Red Starand its lethal spawn. But one stubborn Lord Holder, Chalkin of Bitra,refuses to believe -- and that disbelief could spell disaster. So as thedragonriders desperately train to face a terrifying enemy, they and theother Lord Holders must find a way to deal with Chalkin -- beforehistory repeats itself and unleashes its virulence on all of Pern...

<HR>"[McCaffrey is] a master of the well-told tale."     CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

"If you are a fan of Anne McCaffrey's Dragons of Pern series, you willlove Dragonseye."     ANALOG

"Science fiction's most famous dragons are back in another thrillingchapter in the saga of the world of Pern... McCaffrey's spellbindingdragons win our hearts and minds in another glorious adventure."     ROMANTIC TIMES

"McCaffrey brings us another diverse cast of responsible, heroic goodguys and dragons in a novel that's going to please fans old and new --and probably burn up the charts like dragon's fire."     PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Meticulously detailed... Should satisfy most dragon fans."     KIRKUS REVIEWS

<HR>Cover art by Eric Peterson<HR>

Customer Reviews:

Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13

Dragonseye.......2007-01-22

Another winner!!!!! I love finally knowing how and why Pern has developed the way it has!

Dragonseye.......2005-09-18

As before, this is a series I started and never finished years ago that I have the opportunity to reread and complete now. It is very enjoyable to escape to the world that Anne Mccaffrey has created.

WARNING - This MP3 CD will not work properly on standard MP3 players.......2005-08-02

This MP3 version of Dragonseye will not work properly on a standard MP3 player. It is a custom file that will only search and remember on special "CEO/APA AudioBook" player ($150) from Brilliance Audio (only current player supporting this format). A standard MP3 player will NOT remember where you stop (14 hour long CD). Fast forward to get to where you stop is very tedious, especially in first track which is 1 hour 26 minutes long. To find your place in the book you must look at location before you stop and remember how many minutes into a track as well as the track number. Beware of MP3 CDs! If they are by Brilliance they will probably be this format. Note - Brilliance standard CDs work fine on standard players - only their MP3 CDs have this problem.

The Dragon's Eye Blinked.......2005-06-22

It is the morning of the sixth day after the arrival of McCaffrey's Dragonseye in my mailbox, and I have just completed the final page. And thank goodness for the final chapter! It satisfied at least a few cravings by wrapping up a few loose ends that I feared were going to go unresolved. Still, I'm left feeling that this is far from being McCaffrey's best novel of the Dragonrider genre.

The novel suffers from a lack of cohesiveness and focus. The reader is expected to view the world from too many different and not very closely related viewpoints. The best developed of these viewpoints is Artist Iantine's, but then K'vin's pops up, then Chalkin's, then P'tero's and M'leng's, and let's not forget Debera's. Since we ourselves are not in Pern, just whose eyes are we supposed to be using to view that planet and its inhabitants?

This confusion of focus is exacerbated by many under-developed plot lines as well. The predominant one focuses on Chalkin's ignorant and abusive mismanagement of his hold and its holders, but then he's impeached and banished, and literally vanishes from the story line. We also find a clear sub-plot in the fast-growing romance between Iantine and Debera, a romance that is greatly complicated because of Debera's psychic attachment to her dragonet, but this line of thought ultimately goes nowhere and also vanishes from the story line before the end of the book.

Need more examples? How about the love between P'tero and M'leng? The reader is all set to uncover socially responsible commentary on homosexual relationships between two perfectly honorable weyrmates, but the relationship never becomes a focus in the novel. In fact, after the lions attack the two lovers, we seldom hear much of them again. And what purpose does Weyrleader S'nan's recalcitrance serve other than to prolong several tedious conversations and debates about what actions the weyrs should take against Lord Holder Chalkin?

About the only sub-plot that is actually resolved by the end of the book is the relationship between the weyrleaders K'vin and Zulaya, and even that is a rather simplistic resolution. It turns out that all Zulaya really wants is to be dominated by an assertive male, which K'vin, being her junior by a decade, had not precisely exemplified up to the final chapter.

Saving the most extravagant example of an unconnected sub-plot for the last example, let us now consider Clisser and his teachers at the College. All of a sudden, after 250 years of humans living on Pern, Clisser has an epiphany. The curriculum is not relevant! We must change the entire subject matter as well as our mode of instruction, returning to the oral tradition of song to impart knowledge of Threadfall. Additionally, we must resurrect variants of Stonehenge so that our descendants will recognize the imminence of Threadfall in yet another two and a half centuries. And we are going to do all this while preparing to defend our planet against an imminent Threadfall of our own! I'm afraid that Professor Clisser's priorities are just a bit unrealistic.

So what the reader is left with is not even as well connected as a tangle of Thread dropping from the Red Planet: an abusive Lord Holder, several love affairs of various persuasions, a recalcitrant weyr leader, another Lord Holder (Jamson) with encroaching senility, and a College head who must revise the curriculum right this minute! If all of these divergent plots were somehow united and related and intertwined in some sort of cause and effect scenario, McCaffrey might have produced a fine novel. That, sadly, is not the case. Still, I do love her dragons!

All the Weyrs of Pern: Dragonriders of Pern, Vol. 11

Average customer rating:

A time for every purpose under heaven
Great if you like Sci Fiction
A Nice Return To Pern
An epic book
Very Satisfying

All the Weyrs of Pern: Dragonriders of Pern, Vol. 11
Anne Mccaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Renegades of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern Series)
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall (The Dragonriders of Pern)
The Dolphins of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
The Masterharper of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
The Skies of Pern

ASIN: 0345368924
Release Date: 1991-10-08

Download Description

For generations, the dragonriders had dedicated their lives to fightingThread, the dreaded spores that periodically rained from the sky toravage the land. On the backs of their magnificent telepathic dragonsthey flew to flame the deadly stuff out of the air before it could reachthe planet's surface. But the greatest dream of the dragonriders was tofind a way to eradicate Thread completely, so that never again wouldtheir beloved Pern be threatened with destruction.

Now, for the first time, it looked as if that dream could come true. Forwhen the people of Pern, led by Masterharper Robinton and F'Lar andLessa, Weyrleader and Weyrwoman of Benden Weyr, excavated the ancientremains of the planet's original settlement, they uncovered thecolonist's voice-activated artificial intelligence system -- which stillfunctioned! And the computer had incredible news for them: There was achance -- a good chance -- that they could, at long last, annihilateThread once and for all!

<HR>Cover art by Michael Whelan<HR>

Customer Reviews:

A time for every purpose under heaven.......2007-05-25

Overall, I have really enjoyed reading the Dragonriders of Pern series. I must say though that this particular tale didn't do a whole lot for me at first. The story builds on the events related in an earlier book, "Dragonsdawn", a book I found rather dull and slow going. In the first hundred pages so many characters were mentioned that I seriously considered making a flowchart to help me keep them all straight. I felt the Artificial Intelligence Voice-Address System did far too much talking, and I wasn't keen to see the Aivas implement the industrialization of Pern.

But about half way through the book, the dragons take flight and the story really kicks into high gear. You'll need to tighten your riding straps as Aivas sets in motion a chain of events that literally changes the future of Pern. I stayed up way too late just to see how the story ended.

This is definitely a must read book in the series. It is also a satisfying read with a bittersweet resolution that leaves a lump in your throat.

Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13

A Nice Return To Pern.......2006-12-24

This is the fourth Pern book I've read, the first three being Dragonflight, Dragonquest, and The White Dragon. I skipped Renegades of Pern on the advice of Amazon reviewers, and I was able to slip back into the Pern universe without any trouble at all. Really, the only thing I missed seemed to be the digging up of the nearly sentinent computer, Aivas, and within the first few pages of All the Weyrs of Pern McCaffrey begins to describe what this will mean for her planet of telepathic dragons and their riders.

Aivas is full of more knowledge than the people of Pern have held for a long time, and is more than willing to share it. Most importantly, he knows a way to eliminate Thread from Pern forever- a plan that will take nearly five Turns to play out. All the Weyrs of Pern tells the story of those five Turns. Some Holders and Craftsmen are hesitant to trust Aivas, even going so far as to refer to him as "the Abomination", and try and vandalise things the Craftsmen make as a result of Aivas's teaching.

Characters that were secondary, like Piemur and Sharra, grow in All the Weyrs of Pern, and some light is shed on some that we've known in the Pern universe for a long time, such as Masters Robinton and Fandarel. F'lessan also gets a brief chance to narrate, and his few chapters were one of my favorite parts of the entire book. Still, there was one character that continued to annoy me to no end- Jaxom.

He was spoiled and arrogant in The White Dragon, but that was easier to shrug off, as it didn't do anything to the plot. In All the Weyrs of Pern Jaxom gets even more spotlight, as his white dragon Ruth proves that his good qualities far outweigh the bad. Jaxom seems to take this as a reason to be openly haughty to characters like Lessa and F'lar, and you can't help but wonder how he gets away with it, especially when he turns around and orders Ruth not to "show off", exactly what he himself is doing. It's annoying the no one can seem to do anything without Jaxom and Ruth's help, and how Jaxom somehow ends up as the leader of sorts of Landing. What made him so much more capable than the other young characters that were also learning from Aivas? At least back in The White Dragon I didn't care about Sharra...now it seems that Jaxom doesn't even deserve her.

All the Weyrs of Pern leaned more closely towards science fiction than fantasy, unlike most of the Pern books before it. Since McCaffrey considers her works as science fiction, this is to be expected, and I didn't mind. Though this wasn't my favorite Pern book, it was a very nice closing to the former Pern era, with flying Threadfall as the main plot point. I'm looking forward to reading The Skies of Pern, and seeing what happens next.

An epic book.......2006-08-28

I read this book right after Dragonsdown, and I found it really good. It shows you quite a different background from the Pern Series, but it is nevertheless a really good book in which old Pern and today Pern meet to give birth to a new Pern. I suggest it to every fan of the Dragonriders.

Very Satisfying.......2006-08-10

This is a better follow up to the Original Dragonrider series overall than the Renegades of Pern. It focuses on the attempts of most of the major characters from the original Dragonriderand Harper Hall series to alter the course of the red star to end the threat of thread for future generations with the help from AIVAS, the intelligent computer undearthed at the original settlers' landing area. It jumps around between characters a lot like Renegades, but it has a more cohesive story line. The ending is poignant and somehow fitting.

The only complaint is that there are some inconsistencies between this and the earlier books and also even within the books. For instance, Jancis and Piemur share their first passionate embrace (and perhaps a bit more) literally only a day or two before they help to unearth Aivas in Renegades. Yet in the opening scene of All the Weyrs (which is a continuation of the closing scene of Renegades), everyone knows them as a couple. Also, Jancis is a Journeywoman smith at the end of Renegades, but is introduced as a master in the opening chapter of All the Weyrs. Later people refer to her as a Journeywoman again and later again as a master. That seems like something that should have been caught by editing.

There are some other inconsistencies as well. In earlier books (Dragonquest and the White Dragon) it was impled that all dragons could travel in time if their riders knew when they were going and could visualize it (and the visualizations were often pretty vague like the rainforests of Nerat at Dawn in Dragonflight). Later it was suggested that some dragons (like Ruth) were better at doing it on their own intuition, but it was still implied that all dragons, even inexperienced ones, could do it if their riders knew when they were going. N'Ton even said in the White Dragon that "He didn't know of a weyrling who didn't use that trick occasionally to be on time somewhere." In All the Weyrs it is implied that only some of the bronzes and queens (and Ruth) could time it at all unless given very clear coordinates by another dragon with a good time sense and in fact, they were kept in the dark about the fact that they were timing it during some of their missions to the red star (even though this draconic ability was no secret thanks to Lessa's adventures in Dragonflight). Aside from this bing different from what was implied in earlier books, there is a bit of an elitist notion that crops up from time to time in these books of "only telling most people what they really need to know" that is a little irksome to me, but that is a personal bias. Interestingly, this societal predilection is also blamed in the books for the loss of so much of the ancients' knowledge, so maybe this dilemma is not lost on the author.

One question I have is that in the earlier books it was implied that the "red star" stayed in the inner soalr system (and was quite visible) spinning out thread for the entire 50 year pass. McCaffrey changed it so that the Red Star came in and out somewhat more quickly but left thread ovoids behind crossing Pern's orbit. Neither explanation is completely satisying from a astronomical view as comets and with siliar periods are in and out of the inner planetary area within a few months and Pern's orbit would only intersect the path of the red star a couple of times per year at most. But some scientific license is needed in most science fiction books.

Still it is a good book that should satisfy Pern fans. It is not a good book for someone who hasn't already read all or most of the earlier Pern books, however, but that is the case with later books in most series.

Average customer rating:

Great if you like Sci Fiction
Watchwhers can do *what*?
Well, Todd has to start somewhere
A fan of McCaffrey & Pern
I love all of the Anne McCaffrey books, but I'll make an exception

Dragon's Kin (The Dragonriders of Pern)
Anne McCaffrey , and Todd J. McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Dragonsblood (Pern)
Dragon's Fire (The Dragonriders of Pern)
The Skies of Pern
A Gift of Dragons
Dragonseye

ASIN: 0345462009
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Book Description

Beginning with the classic Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey has created a complex, endlessly fascinating world uniting humans and great telepathic dragons. Millions of devoted readers have soared on the glittering wings of Anne’s imagination, following book by book the evolution of one of science fiction’s most beloved and honored series. Now, for the first time, Anne has invited another writer to join her in the skies of Pern, a writer with an intimate knowledge of Pern and its history: her son, Todd.

DRAGON’S KIN

Young Kindan has no expectations other than joining his father in the mines of Camp Natalon, a coal mining settlement struggling to turn a profit far from the great Holds where the presence of dragons and their riders means safety and civilization. Mining is fraught with danger. Fortunately, the camp has a watch-wher, a creature distantly related to dragons and uniquely suited to specialized work in the dark, cold mineshafts. Kindan’s father is the watch-wher’s handler, and his son sometimes helps him out. But even that important job promises no opportunity outside the mine.

Then disaster strikes. In one terrible instant, Kindan loses his family and the camp loses its watch-wher. Fathers are replaced by sons in the mine–except for Kindan, who is taken in by the camp’s new Harper. Grieving, Kindan finds a measure of solace in a burgeoning musical talent . . . and in a new friendship with Nuella, a mysterious girl no one seems to know exists. It is Nuella who assists Kindan when he is selected to hatch and train a new watch-wher, a job that forces him to give up his dream of becoming a Harper; and it is Nuella who helps him give new meaning to his life.

Meanwhile, sparked by the tragedy, long-simmering tensions are dividing the camp. Far below the surface, a group of resentful miners hides a deadly secret. As warring factions threaten to explode, Nuella and Kindan begin to discover unknown talents in the misunderstood watch-wher–talents that could very well save an entire Hold. During their time teaching the watch-wher, the two learn some things themselves: that even a seemingly impossible dream is never completely out of reach . . . and that light can be found even in darkness.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Young Kindan has no expectations other than joining his father in the mines of Camp Natalon, a coal mining settlement struggling to turn a profit far from the great Holds where the presence of dragons and their riders means safety and civilization. Mining is fraught with danger. Fortunately, the camp has a watch-wher, a creature distantly related to dragons and uniquely suited to specialized work in the dark, cold mineshafts. Kindan's father is the watch-wher's handler, and his son sometimes helps him out. But even that important job promises no opportunity outside the mine.

Then disaster strikes. In one terrible instant, Kindan loses his family and the camp loses its watch-wher. Fathers are replaced by sons in the mine -- except for Kindan, who is taken in by the camp's new Harper. Grieving, Kindan finds a measure of solace in a burgeoning musical talent... and in a new friendship with Nuella, a mysterious girl no one seems to know exists. It is Nuella who assists Kindan when he is selected to hatch and train a new watch-wher, a job that forces him to give up his dream of becoming a Harper; and it is Nuella who helps him give new meaning to his life.

Meanwhile, sparked by the tragedy, long-simmering tensions are dividing the camp. Far below the surface, a group of resentful miners hides a deadly secret. As warring factions threaten to explode, Nuella and Kindan begin to discover unknown talents in the misunderstood watch-wher -- talents that could very well save an entire Hold. During their time teaching the watch-wher, the two learn some things themselves: that even a seemingly impossible dream is never completely out of reach... and that light can be found even in darkness.

Customer Reviews:

Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13

Watchwhers can do *what*?.......2007-02-09

I bought this book with high hopes for the continuing saga of Pern. All I can say at this point is that Todd obviously has a "get out of canon free" card. The characters were mildly interesting, but I found myself shaking my head over the number of times he "Mary Sues" the watchwhers. Part of what makes Pern, Pern, are the dragons, whers and firelizards. When the basic design and function are changed, and extra abilities are added to the unique creatures (like the whers), it makes me not want to continue reading the series.

I have just about *every* Pern book out there (including the hard-to-find "The People of Pern") but I will not be adding any of these collaborations to my collection of Pernese gems.

Well, Todd has to start somewhere.......2007-02-01

What a legacy for a son and new author. A ready made world to work with. Anne McCaffery has created a fantasy world that has entertained me since the very first book. And she is passing that torch on to her son.
As his first attempt, Todd did a pretty good job. Howerver, it seems that whenever a book is co-authored, the results are a little mixed. And in this case, they had a tough challenge. Are there any new story lines for this planet?
What I loved about this book is the Watch whers have been ignored, by the author and the characters. And Wind Blossom has been reviled for not being as good as her mother when she created these ugly creatures that were not as cool as dragons.
Dragon's Kin tells the story of how watchwhers were originally used and what their talents are in the role of protecting Pern and it's people. I was excited to learn that they can be impressed and bonded to humans and that they can fly and kill thread. What a "revelation". But just how did this information ever get lost? That is a little off.
I like the book as I like most of the Pern series. I am willing to see what Todd can do on his own.

A fan of McCaffrey & Pern.......2007-01-21

This book is "in the tradition" of the great saga of Pern & it's dragons. For all of us McCaffrey fans the book/the story fills in the gap between significant events and storylines in the lives of "dragonfolk" and those that they protect. For fans who found the books that delt with discoveries and pioneers of "First Landing" in the Southern area of Pern the story is plausible and pleasing.

I'm far from being a child, I am a fantasy fan who prefers not to read about odd ugly creatures(to me the dragons are odd but exempt from "ugly") so the stories of pern create another world that is not too bizarre to be entertaining. As a former libray assistant I got hooked because McCaffrey's books were in both the children's collection and the adult collections. I started reading to find out why. I'm hooked for life. I hope that Mom And Son persevere.

I love all of the Anne McCaffrey books, but I'll make an exception.......2006-12-18

I consider myself a die-hard Anne McCaffrey fan. I've been reading her books since I was in 7th grade. I have read all of her Pern-series books multiple times and I must admit I cried when Masterharper Robinton died. Rereading one of her books is like catching up with an old friend you haven't talk to in a long time.

Anne has some not-so-well written books, but I love them anyway because of the characters and plot. I had been waiting in anticipation for Dragon's Kin's release and was so excited when I received the book for Christmas in 2003. I really tried to like Dragon's Kin because it's a continuation of the Pern series and it has the McCaffrey name attached to it. I gave the book 2 stars because I am a loyal fan, but I have to admit that it was terrible. My boyfriend is a sci-fi/fantasy speed reader and was able to zip through the book before I could finish it. While I was reading Dragon Kin I kept asking him "Does it get better?" just about every chapter. He kept answering me "no" so I was determined to prove him wrong. I couldn't, the book was just too terrible.

I couldn't get into the plot and characters, and the writing was just plain bad. I can see that the authors were trying to develop the story behind the watch-whers (the only thing that could grasp my attention long enough to finish the book), but the writing is so poor that I'm not sure if I want to attempt reading Dragon's Fire. I would strongly advise skipping Dragon's Kin if you are an Anne McCaffrey fan. I'm sure quite a few people have donated their copies to the library so I suggest borrowing it from there. Otherwise you'll be kicking yourself for spending $8 on the paperback.

Average customer rating:

Great if you like Sci Fiction
Dragonquest audio CD
Dragonquest, by Anne McCaffrey
Dragonquest- One of the Best
Best of the Pern books

Dragonquest (Dragonriders of Pern)
Anne McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The White Dragon (Dragonriders of Pern Vol 3)
Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern)
Dragonsong (Harper Hall Trilogy)
Dragonsdawn (Dragonriders of Pern Series)
Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern

ASIN: 0345335082
Release Date: 1986-10-13

Download Description

Dragonfire

Another Turn, and the deadly silver Threads began falling again. So thebold dragonriders took to the air once more and their magnificent flyingdragons swirled and swooped, belching flames that destroyed theshimmering strands before they reach the ground.

But F'lar knew he had to find a better way to protect his beloved Pern,and he had to find it before the rebellious Oldtimers could breed anymore dissent... before his brother F'nor would be foolhardy enough tolaunch another suicide mission... and before those dratted fire-lizardscould stir up any more trouble!

<HR>Cover art by Michael Whelan<HR>

Customer Reviews:

Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13

Dragonquest audio CD.......2006-08-25

Dick Hill, as on other Pern audio CDs does a masterful job. I've read the books, but listening to this CD, particularly as I drive to and from work, is a joy. This series by Anne McCaffrey is my all-time favorite and I never tire of it. This audio CD brings it to life beautifully.

Dragonquest, by Anne McCaffrey.......2006-07-17

This sci-fi classic has long been one of my favorites. The whole Pern series in fantastic! Anne McCaffrey has created a world that most readers will find so engaging that they will find themselves thinking about it and its characters as if it were some real place and real people/creatures "out there". I still find myself wishing that there were real fire lizards and Pernese dragons here on Earth! Having started reading the Pern series while in college, I am now passing on my enthusiasm for these books to my teenage children.

Dragonquest- One of the Best.......2005-07-15

I think Dragonquest is one of the best in the entire Pern series.
The Oldtimers have started causing trouble and the Benden Weyrleaders need to find a way to stop it before it gets any worse.
In this story Mccaffrey develops other chararcters like F'nor and Kylara and Robinton. She also introduces characters. We meet Brekke, a Southerner who heals F'nor when he is injured in a fight and he ends up falling in love with her.
Kylara is made out to be quite the trouble maker and we also meet Felessan, the son of F'lar and Lessa.
Now to my favoritest characters...the Benden Weyrleaders themselves! I love their relationship even more than in the 1st book!! Its so much more tender and loving. I have to admit one of the scenes in the book with them brought tears to my eyes. The one after the knife fight at Telgar where F'lar says 'not while I have you.' Oh that was so beautiful. My friends agree too. And lets not forget the dragons!! I loved Canth but I still love Mnementh the most,then Ramoth. Oh and I loved those firelizards. I want one now!
Dragonquest is one of the best books I've read and I would recommend it to anyone. The entire Pern series makes you wish you could ride on the back of one of those beautiful dragons.

Best of the Pern books.......2004-06-07

Dragonquest is the best of the Dragon Riders of Pern series. I remember being so engrossed in the story that I managed to read the entire book on the way home from camp one summer.

Authors:

Authors

Authors