Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series

[Melwa]

Okay, the clamour has drawn me in. Either that, or I'm still following Sid Anyway, I need a book, and decided to give this series a try again. Which book should I begin with?

[siddharth]

Oi, we have another reader here!
Rwhen, what did I say about SPOILERS?

Why welcome Melwa. As Calma mentioned, the original series constitutes
Dragonflight, Dragonquest and then The White Dragon.

Following TWD, is All the Weyrs of Pern.

So that's the suggested order. All the others are extensions of the series.

So when you're planning to try'em out?

[Melwa]

No problem, I saw discussions mentioning spoilers, so I didn't read anything above my post.

Starting right now, as I need a book. Gotta go reserve it at the library . . . check!

[siddharth]

Try to finish the first book, even if you don't like it at the start. As I said, I had to read half of it to finally get the complete picture!
Tell us how they're coming up.

[Melwa]

I've read a short story, and part of the one where the colonists are landing, so I have some idea already of how Pern works. I'm about halfway through Dragonflight right now. I'm fascinated by the new world to learn about, but I'm thinking right now that I won't want to read any more. ( Sorry to you devoted fans) For one thing, I don't love any of the characters. Lessa is rude, and vengeful, F'lar is arrogant and enjoys covertly insulting people, so does F'nor. Plus I really don't like the family relationships. But for all that, I'm definitely intrigued to learn how they shall defeat the evil Thread. And if Lessa will learn to trust someone other than a dragon.

[rwhen]

Hey Melwa. So did you put the book down or continue?

I think you are right in the arrogance of the dragon riders. They are there for one reason, to protect Pern and when they are treated so badly because of the long pass, I think they are arrogant. But to my mind for the right reasons. F'lar AND F'nor are honorable men as are most of the dragon riders. As he gets proven right, things turn the other way and they grow to be respected (for the most part).

Lessa. It is hard to forget that she is actually very young and had a very traumatic start in life. Coming from Ruatha, which was one of the most respected houses, to fall to total disrepair and disrespect under Fax. She is a hard lady, no doubt. But you will see (if you continue) that there is a soft side to her in many ways.

The short you read was the outtake of "Dragons Dawn".....showing the settlers coming to Pern. How thread came to be and how they had to learn to cope with it. Mostly it shows how the planet devolves into a primitive life from a high tech lifestyle. That is something that I didn't expect when I first read the books. I suppose that I never questioned why they lived that way until AVIAS. Then it all made much more sense.

Maybe you will give it another go or already have. At the end of things, we don't all like the same writers. And that is why they make chocolate and vanilla.

[siddharth]

Hey Melwa. So did you put the book down or continue?

I think you are right in the arrogance of the dragon riders. They are there for one reason, to protect Pern and when they are treated so badly because of the long pass, I think they are arrogant. But to my mind for the right reasons. F'lar AND F'nor are honorable men as are most of the dragon riders. As he gets proven right, things turn the other way and they grow to be respected (for the most part).

Lessa. It is hard to forget that she is actually very young and had a very traumatic start in life. Coming from Ruatha, which was one of the most respected houses, to fall to total disrepair and disrespect under Fax. She is a hard lady, no doubt. But you will see (if you continue) that there is a soft side to her in many ways.

The short you read was the outtake of "Dragons Dawn".....showing the settlers coming to Pern. How thread came to be and how they had to learn to cope with it. Mostly it shows how the planet devolves into a primitive life from a high tech lifestyle. That is something that I didn't expect when I first read the books. I suppose that I never questioned why they lived that way until AVIAS. Then it all made much more sense.

Maybe you will give it another go or already have. At the end of things, we don't all like the same writers. And that is why they make chocolate and vanilla.

Exactly

Exactly

Exactly

Wow (for that last quote )

[Melwa]

I did not stop in the middle. I finished it up. I see what you mean. The people of Pern have no moral code, really, so not understanding how much arrogance etc can hurt themselves is understandable. Dragon's Dawn - yes, we listened to part of that one on a tape. The short story I read was "The Smallest Dragonboy." And yes, Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry.

That hug goes for you too, Sid!

[siddharth]

Hmm, so you're leaving the series I presume?
Okay then.

[Morwenna]

It's been a long time since I read the series, but for a little something different there's the YA ones, Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, and Dragondrums, which follow some Harper apprentices during their training, who show up later as adults in the regular series. I'd say that if you want to read all or most of the books, slide those three in after (or before) The White Dragon.

[rwhen]

Morwenna, I agree and always recommend them as companion reading to the first three Pern books. They just "fit".


Vanadarlin', is now a fan, she has just finished the second book (or about to). Maybe when she is done, she will come and leave her thoughts here.

[portia]

I Did not read the books in order, and totally confused myself. So, I suggest trying to figure out an order, and follow it.

[Greenfinch]

Avoid the latest ones written by her son...

[portia]

They are set much later, so you should avoid them for that reason. However, I feel that he has managed to continue the series pretty well, so by the time you get to the time he covers you can make up your own mind.

[portia]

We seem to have some interlopers, here.

On a trip, I listened to a tape of the story where the humans and porpoises finally figure out each other. It was funny, and heartwarming, both.

[Vanaladiel]

I finished the entire series after some prodding by our sweet rwhen! I absolutely love the books and have read all of them at least twice. When I say all of them I mean all 14 or 15 of the books. I have picked them all up at used book stores or thrift shops. I read through them and then start again or one of the other series that I love to read. But even now I am back at Pern. I just finished the Dragon Riders of Pern (3) books and am now reading the Harper Hall series which has the Menolly (Dragon Song and Dragon Singer) and Piemer (Dragon Drums) books. Then I will read the MasterHarper of Pern and probably then Morita's Ride followed by Nirilka's Story. So many great books. One of my favorites is the Dolphine's of Pern.

Anne created such a great world and the history as well as the future struggles. Then how she helps them find their past that leads to a future without thread.

[rwhen]

First....... I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you read them....all of them, as I have many many times. Isn't the world of Pern so rich and well fleshed by McCaffrey? I admit to being a bit more infatuated with Ruth than I ought to be. I just love that adorable white dragon and how he thinks and expresses himself, much differently and more thoughtful than any other dragon.

And yes....the entire series is fun. Have you read them in order yet? Starting with Dawn of Pern? If not, try that at some point. And also Robinton!!! What to say about him. I love him and cry for him and well....he is everything!!

After the main three, I love the Harperhall trilogy but also have love for Moreta's Ride!! All great stand alone or all together.

I just love that you read these!!! My SSOTH!!

[Vanaladiel]

Of course Ruth is a very special dragon! Love him and Jaxom so much. I also love Masterharper Robinton and Monelly. I rather love the Dolphins of Pern as much as these others. Young Readis is so dedicated to making sure the dolphins are recognized and taken care of. Anne does a great job with her characters and that is why she can do books on many of the characters that stand alone. One of my favorite series to read now!!

[rwhen]

I agree and that is why I shall always love her.

I would suggest that you look for the Crystal Singer trilogy also great books by Anne McCaffrey. Three short books that are easy to read and for my money, I really love them. I think they are called The Crystal Singer, Killashandra and Crystal Line. See if you can find those at your used books store.

I must say you have a great used book store if you were able to find all of the Dragon Rider series books there.

[Thor 'n' Oakenshield]

I really need to reread the Pern books now - it's been far too long.

[rwhen]

Thor'n, have you read the whole Pern series? Or just the first three, as many people have? Just a point of reference question. We would love to hear why you like the story. Or maybe it is McCaffrey you like...she is a prolific writer to be sure.

[Vanaladiel]

Alas rwhen the used bookstore here closed it's doors. I am so sad so now I am limited to what turns up at the thrift stores as I get there. But I will remember to watch for that the "Crystal Singer"

Hey Thor yes I would love to hear what you love about Anne's books or which stories or characters you love best!!

[Thor 'n' Oakenshield]

I absolutely adored Pern, once upon a time: I don't know why I completely just...forgot about it, in a way. I read Dragonflight and Dragonquest, and I know I read Dragonsong, Dragonsinger, and Dragondrums - I'm pretty sure I read Dragonsdawn as well. Oh, it's been so long, I can't even remember some of the others I read - I think Nerika's Story was one of them. But my favorite was always Dragonsong - I was introduced to that one first of all the series, and I instantly fell in love with Menolly and her fire-lizards, and the amazing world McCaffrey had created. Most recently, I tried reading some of the ones that she and her son wrote not long before her death, but I wasn't feeling the same magic from them. I know I still have a very old (possibly even first edition?) copy of Dragonsong somewhere around: I'm going to have to hunt that down.

[rwhen]

Thor'n, I agree with you as well. Menolly was quite a unique young lady and all her fire lizards were unique unto themselves. I used to be able to name them all. LOL What sort of geek am I??? If memory serves, those three books are called the Masterhapper Series....Vanadarlin' can correct me if I am wrong. Nerika's Story and Morita's Ride go together for me. I loved both books. But these days, when I decide to embark on a full reading again, I will do it starting with Dragonsdawn straight through to The Masterharper of Pern, which I always save for last. Dear dear Robinton!!

Vanadarlin' Oh that is sad that your great used book store closed. Oi. I will check in Portland, we have a huge Sci Fi/Fantasy used book store here and maybe you can order online from it. Just a thought.

Another great series from McCaffrey is The Ship who....... books. They all end in different words....The Ship who Sang, The Ship who whatever, but they are great and unless you have read The Crystal Singer series, it doesn't make sense to explain B & B Ships...but it is a great concept. *nods*

By the way, I am totally unimpressed with anything written by McCaffrey's son. Sorry.

[eliana]

I love pern. Recently introduced my daughter, and she lines it too. I've probably only read about half the full series. My favorite being the Harper Hall trilogy and the masterherper of pern. I need to finish the books I haven't read.

For me, pern is kinda like the cat who books by Lillian Jackson Braun. Heartwarming, entertaining, easy to read. They are comfortable. Except I will say pern definitely excites my imagination while the cat and his detective just keep me company.

[rwhen]

elian!! YES....The Harper Hall trilogy, I got that wrong. Agreed a great series unto themselves, but the original three Pern novels first published by McCaffrey is how it all started for me. I have an email from her about a year before she passed. I laminated it and it is in a large book of Pern stuff. I treasure it.



Is the name of the series you mentioned called Cat Who?? I'll look for it. Sounds very interesting.

[Vanaladiel]

My favorites of the Pern series are the first three Dragon Flight, Dragon Quest and the White Dragon, The Masterharper of Pern, The Harper hall of Pern and the Dolphins of Pern!

Though I am seriously going to have looking for new copies because almost all of mine are falling apart now. I wear them out!!

[rwhen]

LOL I hear ya. Through the years I think I have gone through three sets of those books. They are all packed away at the moment, but I have most all of them on my NOOK just in case. Since we started writing of it again and Game of Thrones is all said and done (doubting that Martin will release his last two books) it is time for me to jump into something that I love and feel comfortable with. Pern is just the thing.

[Vanaladiel]

Great idea rwhen!!! I have been looking at all the different writer series I have and some are losing their luster but not the Pern Series. I am ashamed to say it but it out shines the LoTR for me right nowI will always love the LoTR but I have been so involved with the movies and the books that now I can look at other things and expand myself and my adventures in reading.

[rwhen]

Did you ever read Memory, Sorrow and Thorn? Three massive books by Tad Williams. First book is the Dragonbone Chair. I really really like those books. Very involved and Williams is great at world building. I pulled out my NOOK and charged it up. So here I go again diving into the world of Anne McCaffrey and I can't wait to get wet.

*splash*