Anne McCaffrey (1926–2011)

While I like the detail provided by giving us the story of the original colonization of Pern, I never really connected with any of the characters or felt overly concerned with what would happen to them. This I think is partially due to the essential nature of a prequel published after the fact - I knew the colonization was successful to some extent because I’ve read the other books and there are indeed humans and dragons on Pern, but it was also due to the time jumping that happened.

As always, McCaffrey’s world building is exquisite and I am left wanting to know more, but I don’t think I will ever revisit this book, and I’m not sure it was a necessary one. I may change my mind when I get around to First Fall, I may not. There are better Pern books, this one feels supplemental.… (plus d'informations)

It’s difficult to rate a book like this, set up like an anthology. I really enjoyed some of the episodes, close to how much I enjoyed the Dragonflight trilogy, but some I could have done entirely without. As such, I’ve just sort of thrown my hands in the air and given it the middle rating.

I would suggest reading this book, not straight through as normal, but rather by picking and choosing the characters you wish to follow and reading those episodes only or first. I wish I had done something similar.… (plus d'informations)