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Pern #13
Dragonseye
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 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. . . .
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 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. . . .
353 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1996
433 people are currently reading
5007 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,760 followersAnne Inez McCaffrey was an American writer known for the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction (Best Novella, Weyr Search, 1968) and the first to win a Nebula Award (Best Novella, Dragonrider, 1969). Her 1978 novel The White Dragon became one of the first science-fiction books to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
February 16, 2016
This was published as Red Star Rising in the UK, a much better title in my opinion. I guess it didn't scream BUY ME I'M ABOUT DRAGONS enough to the American audience.
Every Pern book I read, I wonder if it is going to be the last. I want to be able to finish the series, mostly because I like completing things. It is becoming a chore of epic proportions to get through each successive novel; this one was by far the worst yet.
It is a familiar story at this point. Thread is on the way, and one holder, Chalkan of Bitra, doesn't believe it's coming. The "pass" this time is the second one ever in the history of humans on Pern. Landing was made about 250 years ago, so there are still some remnants of the knowledge of the First Crossing, but a lot of it has faded. They still have access to a few decrepit old computers (a computer that ran for 250 years?! Who made it? I want one) and solar panels, for example, but everything from Earth is becoming more and more rare. Weyrs are set up, and most of the holds the readers have become familiar with over the course of the series are there. The southern continent is completely abandoned and things like craft halls have not yet become the norm. There is no Harper Hall yet, for example.
Dragonseye essentially tells us the story of how Pern started down the path to become the Pern of Lessa and F'lar about 2,000 years/turns in the future. The creation of the star stones is explained so no one can doubt that Thread is on its way. The craft halls are formed so vital information is not lost to the rigors of time.
The problem is, I was okay leaving those mysteries to a simple "our ancestors sure were smart now let's go ride our dragons into the sunset." That is how these things were always explained away before. Well, I thought, I'm going to continue giving this a shot because maybe the characters will be memorable. Unfortunately...no. Every character is a lesser version of their counterparts in the original trilogy. The bad guy is TIRED, and I was completely disinterested in his multitudinous villainies. He is the exact same creep as the bad guy in every other Pern novel, with a slightly different name. I was bored with that formula ages ago, when Toric became the villain.
The other characters are introduced so quickly and haphazardly that none of them were the least bit memorable. Dragon riders and their mounts are thrown at us in list form, and then we are supposed to remember not only which rider has which dragon, but also what color that dragon is and which Weyr they hail from. If you introduce 15 characters within a chapter, I'm not going to remember every detail, that's just how it is. Where's the editor here? Check out this list of all the characters. It's gigantic. And there is never another novel set in the second pass, so most of those characters are wasted. I would have vastly preferred getting to know a handful rather than be bombarded by a million nonessential and inconsequential redshirts.
I give it 2 stars only because it is Anne and she has a warm place in my heart. I consider myself a HUGE fan of Pern, but this simply didn't cut the mustard. Do not read unless you are more fanatic of Anne McCaffrey's works than I am.
Edit: 4 years later
This was the last Pern novel I could stomach. I just reread my own review and I was right, this book was so unmemorable I don't even remember writing this review.
Every Pern book I read, I wonder if it is going to be the last. I want to be able to finish the series, mostly because I like completing things. It is becoming a chore of epic proportions to get through each successive novel; this one was by far the worst yet.
It is a familiar story at this point. Thread is on the way, and one holder, Chalkan of Bitra, doesn't believe it's coming. The "pass" this time is the second one ever in the history of humans on Pern. Landing was made about 250 years ago, so there are still some remnants of the knowledge of the First Crossing, but a lot of it has faded. They still have access to a few decrepit old computers (a computer that ran for 250 years?! Who made it? I want one) and solar panels, for example, but everything from Earth is becoming more and more rare. Weyrs are set up, and most of the holds the readers have become familiar with over the course of the series are there. The southern continent is completely abandoned and things like craft halls have not yet become the norm. There is no Harper Hall yet, for example.
Dragonseye essentially tells us the story of how Pern started down the path to become the Pern of Lessa and F'lar about 2,000 years/turns in the future. The creation of the star stones is explained so no one can doubt that Thread is on its way. The craft halls are formed so vital information is not lost to the rigors of time.
The problem is, I was okay leaving those mysteries to a simple "our ancestors sure were smart now let's go ride our dragons into the sunset." That is how these things were always explained away before. Well, I thought, I'm going to continue giving this a shot because maybe the characters will be memorable. Unfortunately...no. Every character is a lesser version of their counterparts in the original trilogy. The bad guy is TIRED, and I was completely disinterested in his multitudinous villainies. He is the exact same creep as the bad guy in every other Pern novel, with a slightly different name. I was bored with that formula ages ago, when Toric became the villain.
The other characters are introduced so quickly and haphazardly that none of them were the least bit memorable. Dragon riders and their mounts are thrown at us in list form, and then we are supposed to remember not only which rider has which dragon, but also what color that dragon is and which Weyr they hail from. If you introduce 15 characters within a chapter, I'm not going to remember every detail, that's just how it is. Where's the editor here? Check out this list of all the characters. It's gigantic. And there is never another novel set in the second pass, so most of those characters are wasted. I would have vastly preferred getting to know a handful rather than be bombarded by a million nonessential and inconsequential redshirts.
I give it 2 stars only because it is Anne and she has a warm place in my heart. I consider myself a HUGE fan of Pern, but this simply didn't cut the mustard. Do not read unless you are more fanatic of Anne McCaffrey's works than I am.
Edit: 4 years later
This was the last Pern novel I could stomach. I just reread my own review and I was right, this book was so unmemorable I don't even remember writing this review.
April 21, 2024
A step down for this series.
November 8, 2018
Another fantastic book from the Dragonriders of Pern series. This story begins 250 years after the first fall. That is a lot of time in between each fall of thread. With so much time it is understandable that some begin to question if thread will ever fall again.
One of those that doesn't believe thread fall will return is a cruel Lord Holder. A lot of the story is around this despicable and cruel man. They go into how he treats his guests as well as his own holders. He doesn't get ready for the imminent fall and thus puts his own people in jeopardy.
I loved getting to know the other Lord Holders and the Dragon riders who are all getting ready for the thread fall to come. They train and clear land around each hold. They have lost so much of the technology that they came to this planet with. It is interesting to hear how they get along without that technology and the steps they take to fix issues that they have with more simple or non technological ideas. It is a lot for these people to take with never having faced thread before and having to train and get ready for something that is so frightening.
The characters are fantastic and the story is wonderful. I am really enjoying reading these books in chronological order.
One of those that doesn't believe thread fall will return is a cruel Lord Holder. A lot of the story is around this despicable and cruel man. They go into how he treats his guests as well as his own holders. He doesn't get ready for the imminent fall and thus puts his own people in jeopardy.
I loved getting to know the other Lord Holders and the Dragon riders who are all getting ready for the thread fall to come. They train and clear land around each hold. They have lost so much of the technology that they came to this planet with. It is interesting to hear how they get along without that technology and the steps they take to fix issues that they have with more simple or non technological ideas. It is a lot for these people to take with never having faced thread before and having to train and get ready for something that is so frightening.
The characters are fantastic and the story is wonderful. I am really enjoying reading these books in chronological order.
February 23, 2022
Very good book on the early days of the planet as the colonists have to begin to learn to live without the tech they brought with them. Good characters and plot. Very recommended
November 17, 2017
Dragonseye recounts the time just before the Second Pass of Thread.
The plot is ultimately centered on preparing for Thread which involves getting Chalkin, Lord Holder of Bitra, to comply. As it is with these recent Pern books, the plot feels lazy and it meanders. There's a few council meetings, a feast, someone gets hurt, someone falls in love, and then the dragonriders are triumphant. Chalkin refuses to believe Thread is coming because there is always that person, on Pern or on Earth.
When Iantine takes a job to paint Lord Chalkin and his family, everyone warns him. The family is horrible and they do their best to interpret the contract in their favor. Iantine suffers through it, worried regarding the impending winter.
Meanwhile, the other Lords and dragonriders discuss how to make Chalkin see his wrong.
I thought Iantine's parts were the most interesting part of the book by far. It's a relief to have a Pern character that has some nuance, rather than being a goody two shoes or an evil bad guy.
The subplot of how the technology is fading away because all the equipment was breaking interested me, but those characters' issues are not explored much. It's crazy that a computer lasted that long - I guess a few hundred years? Considering that trees are burned away by Thread so they don't have a consistent source of paper, this society of people has to rely heavily on collective memory. Really regressive, unfortunately for them.
Clisser, the head teacher of the College at Fort Hold (like a pre-Harper Hall), just completely gives up on attempting to salvage any knowledge. They'll just play some music and that's the best they can do! I understand not having the technology to run advanced mathematics but at least try to keep the basic knowledge somewhere. Freaking put that in a song.
Dragonseye does finally feature a gay couple and it's very obvious they are. I found it strange
The story did discuss the issue of having a young dragon and needing to be careful with any sexual activities, as it could scar the young dragon. That's a bummer, but the dragons grow up quickly.
While the foray into this culture's sexuality were intriguing in Dragonseye, issues are never fully explored. It gets the regular treatment of a few paragraphs and then it's close scene.
There were way too many characters. Many of who were just randomly referenced and had very few lines of dialogue. It was impossible for me to keep anyone straight. I had to resort to writing names down, but then for so many I didn't have a reference for who they were, just who they appeared near too in the story.
Overall, not a strong book, but Iantine's plot kept me reading his part straight through. Dragonseye is stronger than Dolphins of Pern, but the characters aren't superior, as everyone is a new character that hasn't been established in a previous book.
The plot is ultimately centered on preparing for Thread which involves getting Chalkin, Lord Holder of Bitra, to comply. As it is with these recent Pern books, the plot feels lazy and it meanders. There's a few council meetings, a feast, someone gets hurt, someone falls in love, and then the dragonriders are triumphant. Chalkin refuses to believe Thread is coming because there is always that person, on Pern or on Earth.
When Iantine takes a job to paint Lord Chalkin and his family, everyone warns him. The family is horrible and they do their best to interpret the contract in their favor. Iantine suffers through it, worried regarding the impending winter.
Meanwhile, the other Lords and dragonriders discuss how to make Chalkin see his wrong.
I thought Iantine's parts were the most interesting part of the book by far. It's a relief to have a Pern character that has some nuance, rather than being a goody two shoes or an evil bad guy.
The subplot of how the technology is fading away because all the equipment was breaking interested me, but those characters' issues are not explored much. It's crazy that a computer lasted that long - I guess a few hundred years? Considering that trees are burned away by Thread so they don't have a consistent source of paper, this society of people has to rely heavily on collective memory. Really regressive, unfortunately for them.
Clisser, the head teacher of the College at Fort Hold (like a pre-Harper Hall), just completely gives up on attempting to salvage any knowledge. They'll just play some music and that's the best they can do! I understand not having the technology to run advanced mathematics but at least try to keep the basic knowledge somewhere. Freaking put that in a song.
Dragonseye does finally feature a gay couple and it's very obvious they are. I found it strange
The story did discuss the issue of having a young dragon and needing to be careful with any sexual activities, as it could scar the young dragon. That's a bummer, but the dragons grow up quickly.
While the foray into this culture's sexuality were intriguing in Dragonseye, issues are never fully explored. It gets the regular treatment of a few paragraphs and then it's close scene.
There were way too many characters. Many of who were just randomly referenced and had very few lines of dialogue. It was impossible for me to keep anyone straight. I had to resort to writing names down, but then for so many I didn't have a reference for who they were, just who they appeared near too in the story.
Overall, not a strong book, but Iantine's plot kept me reading his part straight through. Dragonseye is stronger than Dolphins of Pern, but the characters aren't superior, as everyone is a new character that hasn't been established in a previous book.
July 13, 2022
This is one of those books that you want to know the ending, but you don't really want the book to end. I enjoyed this book immensely, no confusion of characters or time as this was set apart from the other Pern books I'd read. That said, I do believe that after reading the Dragonriders trilogy, chronological order is the best way to go.
I enjoyed all of these characters. Of course, there is always the bad egg. Makes for the proper tension. This fills in where the warning rock for Thread comes in and also the formation of some Pern traditions. Altogether a great Pern book.
I enjoyed all of these characters. Of course, there is always the bad egg. Makes for the proper tension. This fills in where the warning rock for Thread comes in and also the formation of some Pern traditions. Altogether a great Pern book.
December 31, 2021
“The First Pass of Thread lasted nearly fifty years, and what scientific information the colonists were able to gather indicated that Thread would be a cyclic problem, occurring every 250 years as the path of the wanderer once again approached Pern.
This is what happened 257 years later.“
Dragonsdawn is the first book of the series, if you read in chronological order, followed by The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall, a collection of short stories. Dragonseye follows as book #3 (chronologically), set after the longer period of 250 years with no Threadfall.
I am not 100% certain, but I think I have not read this one before. I do like the characters and the more serious tone, although the political shenanigans are a bit too drawn out. The stories of the portrait artist and the green rider were especially nice, as well as the storyline with the gay couple. The writing felt noticeably more modern—the book was published nearly 30 years after the first book of the series, which also resulted in stronger female characters. I am happy that I finally read this.
“For two centuries they had waited for this moment: centuries of training and lives lived so that dragons—and riders—would be here, right now, waiting to defend Pern.“
And so the Second Pass commences!
Just as an aside, Anne McCaffrey recommended reading her series in publication order. I tend to agree, as you start with the main storyline that way and the journey of discovery
This is what happened 257 years later.“
Dragonsdawn is the first book of the series, if you read in chronological order, followed by The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall, a collection of short stories. Dragonseye follows as book #3 (chronologically), set after the longer period of 250 years with no Threadfall.
I am not 100% certain, but I think I have not read this one before. I do like the characters and the more serious tone, although the political shenanigans are a bit too drawn out. The stories of the portrait artist and the green rider were especially nice, as well as the storyline with the gay couple. The writing felt noticeably more modern—the book was published nearly 30 years after the first book of the series, which also resulted in stronger female characters. I am happy that I finally read this.
“For two centuries they had waited for this moment: centuries of training and lives lived so that dragons—and riders—would be here, right now, waiting to defend Pern.“
And so the Second Pass commences!
Just as an aside, Anne McCaffrey recommended reading her series in publication order. I tend to agree, as you start with the main storyline that way and the journey of discovery
April 9, 2022
Actual Star rating is 2.75.
This is basically a story about the time before the beginning of the second time thread fell. I found it an enjoyable read but it starts out with one group of major characters and about halfway through some of them that I felt the story revolved around are gone. The addition of the star stones was just a bit of a side story which to me, should have had more attention paid to it.
Then after they get closer to the first thread falls is when some of the major characters disappear and new ones are added. Leaving me questioning what happened to them, why were they not just cut down to minor characters and add in the new major characters. Maybe this book was written to fast or Anne McCaffrey didn't have a idea on keeping those people in the storyline and add in those she needed to add in for the ending she had planned.
This is the first book of the Pern series which I am disappointed in. Though others have gotten 4 stars, this is the first one I've given less than a 3 star total score.
This is basically a story about the time before the beginning of the second time thread fell. I found it an enjoyable read but it starts out with one group of major characters and about halfway through some of them that I felt the story revolved around are gone. The addition of the star stones was just a bit of a side story which to me, should have had more attention paid to it.
Then after they get closer to the first thread falls is when some of the major characters disappear and new ones are added. Leaving me questioning what happened to them, why were they not just cut down to minor characters and add in the new major characters. Maybe this book was written to fast or Anne McCaffrey didn't have a idea on keeping those people in the storyline and add in those she needed to add in for the ending she had planned.
This is the first book of the Pern series which I am disappointed in. Though others have gotten 4 stars, this is the first one I've given less than a 3 star total score.
October 14, 2013
Just going by my personal Pern favorites, I think McCaffrey does her best work when packing a standalone story into a standalone book. Set all by itself in the 3rd century of the planet's history, McCaffrey's forced to invent an all new cast of characters and flesh them out. The result is lovely and unique. Debra and Iantine, the entire cast of teachers and doctors, the vile Bitrans... Fantastic. The book explores how a wise group of people can face up to a civilization's challenges and proactively work to keep society on a good track, which sounds as dull as the Fountainhead, in theory, but the action and adventure, and aforementioned characterization, makes this work.
April 29, 2014
I can't tell you how many times I've read this series. Just read this title again, and it still doesn't disappoint. Telepathic dragons, strong female characters, great relationships, and the Harpers' guild and music as a strong guiding force. What could be better?
In hindsight, I still enjoy reading the series in order written (versus actual chronological order of events). I especially like how McCaffrey shifts her point of view in different books, retelling the same events from someone else's perspective.
This title retells events from before the second pass of Thread, after "Dragonsdawn," and before "Dragon's Kin."
On to the next Pern title!
In hindsight, I still enjoy reading the series in order written (versus actual chronological order of events). I especially like how McCaffrey shifts her point of view in different books, retelling the same events from someone else's perspective.
This title retells events from before the second pass of Thread, after "Dragonsdawn," and before "Dragon's Kin."
On to the next Pern title!
November 18, 2024
One of the pest Pern books in the series. It appears from reviews that you either love or hate. I myself could not put it down.
The story takes place 258 years after the initial Landing. The population is now adapting to losing all the technology the original settlers brought with them, They are also preparing for the first fall of Thread that they will experience. As always there are side stories of the settlers and their private lives. Romance, a rouge Holder who doesn't believe Thread is real.
I love this series as an escape and will continue with it until the end.
The story takes place 258 years after the initial Landing. The population is now adapting to losing all the technology the original settlers brought with them, They are also preparing for the first fall of Thread that they will experience. As always there are side stories of the settlers and their private lives. Romance, a rouge Holder who doesn't believe Thread is real.
I love this series as an escape and will continue with it until the end.
September 2, 2016
If there ever was a beautifully realised fantasy world Pern is it. Everything hangs together perfectly and the place is believable. The stories are, maybe, brain candy, but we need some of that in our world.
Love it
Love it
Read
November 4, 2009"The main plot of this Pern novel, set just prior to the Second Pass of thread, is about a despotic Lord Holder who refuses to believe the danger is real. Unfortunately, the villain is a little too villainous - he's really a caricature, with no redeeming qualities, making you wonder why his subjects aren't willing to rebel more. Though seeing him brought down is still quite satisfying.[return][return]However, the secondary plotline about preparations for Thread is pretty interesting. The second pass is coinciding with the breakdown of the last of Pern's advanced technology - they have a few computers, but all are on their last legs. Several characters are busy reinventing substitutes such as the abacus and the fountain pen. Not to mention revamping their entire educational system to ensure that all have the necessary survival skills, at the possible expense of the knowledge of life elsewhere. The characters involved in this plot - mostly educators and musicians - are much more well-rounded, with both strengths and weaknesses. And some of their solutions are very creative - I think it's worth reading for that aspect alone."
February 9, 2022
Not bad, but not one of her best.
May 11, 2022
I've been reading the Pern books since I was little, and I have indeed read this before, multiple times.
This just doesn't seem like the strongest entry in the Pern storyline. It's a lot of talking. The politics and the what-will-become-history and the transition of the story from scifi to fantasy (or a hybrid of both, really) are fascinating, but so much talking! Needs more dragons. Or less dragons. I can't decide.
This just doesn't seem like the strongest entry in the Pern storyline. It's a lot of talking. The politics and the what-will-become-history and the transition of the story from scifi to fantasy (or a hybrid of both, really) are fascinating, but so much talking! Needs more dragons. Or less dragons. I can't decide.
July 25, 2011
It's 258 AL, 258 years after landing, in the Dragonriders of Pern fantasy series.
The Story
I do love McCaffrey's Dragonriders series and I'm afraid I spent more time cataloging the differences than I did analyzing the story.
Changes are occurring in this Second Pass of Thread. Some people are starting to use "Turn" instead of "year". Fort Hold is building a separate College building for teaching and laboratories because the cave system at Hold is unstable. It will become the Harper Hall somewhere down the road. The dragonriders are complaining about how difficult it is to get girls to impress at a Hatching because dragonriders can't own land. Fire lizards have disappeared due to some Northern illness.
The computers have finally failed completely…I want one of their computers! And the College is talking of changing the types of subjects taught and the way in which they are taught. They remember AIVAS and its shutting itself down so people stop relying upon it for all the information needed to survive. The Duty Song is written as well as other songs to help people remember what they owe to each other, to their Lords Holder, the weyrs, and the protections within their Contract. There is talk of a riddling song.
Permission is granted to start up Crom Hold. With the loss of the computers, the lords, dragonriders, and teachers are discussing more primitive, more permanent ways in which to track the Red Planet so they will know when an attack is imminent leading to Eye Rock and the Star Stones at all the weyrs. And they're still waiting on Tubberman's grubs to increase and migrate enough to protect Southern.
Every word just makes me want to start all over from the beginning…it's been so long since I've read those books I own in the series. I can't believe I let McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern escape me for this long!
McCaffrey did the most amazing work of writing/creating this whole new culture. Language, customs, mode of dress, manners, the varying mores. The evolution of history on Pern has been amazing.
The Story
I do love McCaffrey's Dragonriders series and I'm afraid I spent more time cataloging the differences than I did analyzing the story.
Changes are occurring in this Second Pass of Thread. Some people are starting to use "Turn" instead of "year". Fort Hold is building a separate College building for teaching and laboratories because the cave system at Hold is unstable. It will become the Harper Hall somewhere down the road. The dragonriders are complaining about how difficult it is to get girls to impress at a Hatching because dragonriders can't own land. Fire lizards have disappeared due to some Northern illness.
The computers have finally failed completely…I want one of their computers! And the College is talking of changing the types of subjects taught and the way in which they are taught. They remember AIVAS and its shutting itself down so people stop relying upon it for all the information needed to survive. The Duty Song is written as well as other songs to help people remember what they owe to each other, to their Lords Holder, the weyrs, and the protections within their Contract. There is talk of a riddling song.
Permission is granted to start up Crom Hold. With the loss of the computers, the lords, dragonriders, and teachers are discussing more primitive, more permanent ways in which to track the Red Planet so they will know when an attack is imminent leading to Eye Rock and the Star Stones at all the weyrs. And they're still waiting on Tubberman's grubs to increase and migrate enough to protect Southern.
Every word just makes me want to start all over from the beginning…it's been so long since I've read those books I own in the series. I can't believe I let McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern escape me for this long!
McCaffrey did the most amazing work of writing/creating this whole new culture. Language, customs, mode of dress, manners, the varying mores. The evolution of history on Pern has been amazing.
December 14, 2025
This was not one of my favorites in the series. I think partially because there was no one focus, especially of character. However, I loved reading about how the Pernese settled on concepts such as using music to set basic history, law and other concepts in kids' minds. I wish more of our schooling was musical based! I think one of my disappointments is that McCaffrey described the origins of the Eye and Finger Rock but doesn't show it in action. Bitra and Bitrans just do not seem to learn from history! They continue to have a bad reputation in many of the books of the Pern series. I am fairly sure I read this before, years ago but I didn't remember many parts of it. I'm glad I reread it and I'm keeping the book as part of the series. Addendum 1/2020. I think I liked it a bit better than the last time I read it. However, other than the young idiot lovers being the impetus for Zulaya to fall in love with K’vin, not just tolerate him, they really could have been left out of the story. I do find it annoying the way Mccafrey recycled scenes and even entire books (e.g. Nerilka’s story) in the Pern series. Here is the first time that two lovers got attacked by Tubberman’s hybrid sport felines. It also happens, and is better written, later on in Skies of Pern. As usual, there are loose ends. Did Iantine get to partner Debera (Iantine is the one character in this story that feels original)? You get the impression the answer is yes, but I’d have rather read that romantic scene than the two idiot lovers mentioned above! But I did basically enjoy this book! 12/25 I am rereading this series in chronological order and I’m rather astounded by how poorly done this book is! I suspect Anne McCaffrey was perhaps simply out of ideas in this one. I’m lowering the number of stars from 3 to 2. There was very little that was original and creative in this story. Almost all had been recycled from other stories, not just the two idiot lovers. I’ll wait to decide but might toss this book rather than keep it wasting good space.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
While not quite as stunning as either the earliest published books in the Pern series or the earliest book in chronological order, Dragonseye – the second book in the series in chronological order – is still an excellent book.
The events in this book take place as the second thread fall is about to occur, about 200 years after the first round unexpectedly nearly wiped out the fledgling human colony on Pern. The people in the various settlements and their dragons have been preparing and training for this event for all that time. But as the time approaches, problems begin to appear. The last of the computers start to fail (must have been some formidable computers, and some excellent technicians to keep them going that long). And some people refuse to believe that thread will fall again. Or that it will be as destructive as the leaders say. Or that they should have to be bothered to do anything about it. Only, if they don’t rigorously destroy any thread that lands in their area, it could burrow underground and destroy all the crops and useful plant life the settlers have built up all over the planet.
Many other aspects of Pern culture are begun here too – things that weren’t started in the very early days of the colony, or that were only barely suggested. Of particular interest is the beginning of the custom of passing on knowledge through teaching songs that later became the province of the Harper Hall.
The events in this book take place as the second thread fall is about to occur, about 200 years after the first round unexpectedly nearly wiped out the fledgling human colony on Pern. The people in the various settlements and their dragons have been preparing and training for this event for all that time. But as the time approaches, problems begin to appear. The last of the computers start to fail (must have been some formidable computers, and some excellent technicians to keep them going that long). And some people refuse to believe that thread will fall again. Or that it will be as destructive as the leaders say. Or that they should have to be bothered to do anything about it. Only, if they don’t rigorously destroy any thread that lands in their area, it could burrow underground and destroy all the crops and useful plant life the settlers have built up all over the planet.
Many other aspects of Pern culture are begun here too – things that weren’t started in the very early days of the colony, or that were only barely suggested. Of particular interest is the beginning of the custom of passing on knowledge through teaching songs that later became the province of the Harper Hall.
October 3, 2022
This story takes place about 200 years after Dragonsdawn, with the first Interval nearly over and the 2nd Pass imminent. Dragons are an established part of Pern life, but the computers and technology still left over from Landing are rapidly failing. As the leaders of Pern not only prepare for the coming Threadfall, they have to come up with some way of keeping the old knowledge and skills alive so that their descendants can do the same. And if that is not enough, there is one Holder that refuses to believe in Thread at all, putting everyone at risk from the voracious organism.
I really liked this story as it's a real in-between tale (no pun intended!), where the modern technological colonists are being superseded by a more pastoral generation of Holders and Riders. For those of us who read the series as it was published, this shows how the Holder. Weyr, Craft holds became to be, and how the Harpers started to become such an important part of Pern life, which is fascinating. But it's also a bloody good story in itself, with an obstinate, cruel and greedy Holder putting so much at risk because he doesn't want to put so much power back in the hands of the Dragon Riders.
The characters were great and I would love to know more about them, to see where their stories go, but like most prequels, this kind of has to stand on its own.
Highly recommended.
I really liked this story as it's a real in-between tale (no pun intended!), where the modern technological colonists are being superseded by a more pastoral generation of Holders and Riders. For those of us who read the series as it was published, this shows how the Holder. Weyr, Craft holds became to be, and how the Harpers started to become such an important part of Pern life, which is fascinating. But it's also a bloody good story in itself, with an obstinate, cruel and greedy Holder putting so much at risk because he doesn't want to put so much power back in the hands of the Dragon Riders.
The characters were great and I would love to know more about them, to see where their stories go, but like most prequels, this kind of has to stand on its own.
Highly recommended.
February 25, 2019
I found this book laying around in my house and decided to give it a shot. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to start a series from the thirteenth (!) book, but I still did it.
This novel tells a story about dolphins and their importance on the planet of Pern. Thorough out the book humans learn how intelligent dolphins are and how helpful they can be for the whole community.
The annoying thing about this book was that it didn't really have one main character, but instead it jumped from one person to another and that made it quite hard to follow. Also there were a few plot points that wasn't really necessary for the whole story and I disliked it when random event occurred that didn't contribute to the main story.
I would probably enjoy it much more if I started the series from the beginning, but still it wasn't that bad as I thought it would be. I might give this series another try some time in the future.
This novel tells a story about dolphins and their importance on the planet of Pern. Thorough out the book humans learn how intelligent dolphins are and how helpful they can be for the whole community.
The annoying thing about this book was that it didn't really have one main character, but instead it jumped from one person to another and that made it quite hard to follow. Also there were a few plot points that wasn't really necessary for the whole story and I disliked it when random event occurred that didn't contribute to the main story.
I would probably enjoy it much more if I started the series from the beginning, but still it wasn't that bad as I thought it would be. I might give this series another try some time in the future.
May 15, 2021
I feel like there were too many character arcs to keep track of in this one. I liked them all, but... I don't know. Too many character arcs, not enough time? I don't have a problem with a lot of character perspectives in a book, but I feel like this one didn't give me enough time to really latch on to any of the ones presented here. And then the book is over. Like? These are all new characters from a different time in Pern than the era with F'lar and Lessa, and the overarching plot and subplots aren't really -that- interesting. So it just kind of lacks what some of the others had. I think it would have done better if there had been more focus on Iantine and Debera, for example. Now I know why I didn't remember anything from this book. Nothing really sticks here.
June 12, 2016
Four starts because it was indeed above average. This is not the first time I read a summary of a Pern novel, thought it sounded boring, and was pleasantly impressed by the book. However, there were way too many characters in this book; I thought it was even worse than most of the others. I finished the book and I still don't know who many of them were! Regardless, it was a wonderful story that drew me in and made me wonder how everything would work out.
And I do think Red Star Rising is a better title than Dragsonseye. The "Dragon" titles get confusing!
And I do think Red Star Rising is a better title than Dragsonseye. The "Dragon" titles get confusing!
November 8, 2017
This story has nothing new in it that hasn't happened in other Pern books. There's some new characters, of course, but since all of McCaffrey's characters end up feeling the same, it doesn't really matter. It took me a fair amount of time to get through this since I just didn't care enough about any of it to keep going. It's not terrible, just repetitive if you've read all the other books.
September 17, 2025
Next up in Dragonriders of Pern: something completely different!
The “mainline” portion of McCaffrey’s series takes place during the Ninth Pass, over 2000 years after the planet Pern was colonized by space refugees. Other than a prequel covering that colonization, along with a couple stories from the Fourth Pass (1000 years post-colonization), we rarely stray from the “present day” of the series.
Dragonseye decides to jump all the way back to the Second Pass, 250 years after the colonists landed, and honestly, it’s a very refreshing change of pace, especially since the main series is rapidly running out of stories to tell.
This book follows the dragonriders and Lord Holders (basically governors) as they try to prepare for the oncoming extraterrestrial threat of Thread, a spaceborne parasite that devours biological life. With a gap of 250 years between Passes, no one alive has ever witnessed Threadfall, and they face several challenges in preparing the planet for danger.
I really enjoyed the ways this book set things up for the future. We see things like the birth of Harpering and the refocusing of education toward Pernese tradition than old Earth history. We see the citizens adapting to the last pieces of space age technology shutting down for good. Best of all, we get to see some actual conflict when one of the Lord Holders turns out to be a brutal and greedy warlord, an unheard of situation on Pern. I like the ways this broke from the series conventions while also setting up other ones.
A very enjoyable read! Maybe a tad long sometimes, and one character was especially annoying to me, but I had trouble putting this down all the same.
The “mainline” portion of McCaffrey’s series takes place during the Ninth Pass, over 2000 years after the planet Pern was colonized by space refugees. Other than a prequel covering that colonization, along with a couple stories from the Fourth Pass (1000 years post-colonization), we rarely stray from the “present day” of the series.
Dragonseye decides to jump all the way back to the Second Pass, 250 years after the colonists landed, and honestly, it’s a very refreshing change of pace, especially since the main series is rapidly running out of stories to tell.
This book follows the dragonriders and Lord Holders (basically governors) as they try to prepare for the oncoming extraterrestrial threat of Thread, a spaceborne parasite that devours biological life. With a gap of 250 years between Passes, no one alive has ever witnessed Threadfall, and they face several challenges in preparing the planet for danger.
I really enjoyed the ways this book set things up for the future. We see things like the birth of Harpering and the refocusing of education toward Pernese tradition than old Earth history. We see the citizens adapting to the last pieces of space age technology shutting down for good. Best of all, we get to see some actual conflict when one of the Lord Holders turns out to be a brutal and greedy warlord, an unheard of situation on Pern. I like the ways this broke from the series conventions while also setting up other ones.
A very enjoyable read! Maybe a tad long sometimes, and one character was especially annoying to me, but I had trouble putting this down all the same.
April 6, 2017
Reread
August 17, 2018
Dit is weer een geweldig boek en de laatste die vertaald is in het Nederlands. Ik heb echt van deze serie genoten. En nu op zoek naar de andere niet vertaalde delen.
April 8, 2020
Interesting
I read this after the Dragon harper series and enjoyed the backstory to them. But there was a bit of jumping around.
I read this after the Dragon harper series and enjoyed the backstory to them. But there was a bit of jumping around.
May 14, 2023
This is part of a chronological read-along I am doing with my partner using this list: https://www.howtoread.me/dragonriders...
Previously:
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dragonsdawn - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I don't necessarily think that Anne McCaffrey is trying to tell a cohesive story or use any sort of symbolism. I think these characters are alive and Pern is real. Everyone's living their lives and this is what they do, and things are breaking down just because things break down. Honestly, there's some charm to that.
The hatching and the baby dragons were awesome, as usual. I'm here for the dragons. There's also a fight with some lions that was pretty epic. Everyone's amped up for the thread fall. A monument is being set up to foretell future falls (that's the Dragonseye actually.) Some criminals need to be dealt with. It all goes at a pretty leisurely pace.
This book does suffer some from having too many characters. It's not nearly on the scale of Dragonsdawn, though, and I didn't really lose track of anyone even as some characters were built up and then later dropped out of the story.
It was nice to see a gay couple getting some of the spotlight, and they were low key the least toxic of all the couples. The straight guys are all "romantically" jerking around the women they like.
Ladies seem to be getting the shaft across the board. I have to talk about the how the dragons impress on people.
Golds -> Girls
Bronzes -> Straight Guys
Browns -> Straight Guys
Blues -> Straight and Gay Guys
Greens -> Gay Guys and Girls
Are we seeing any trends above? Also, gay girls don't exist apparently. It's explained that girl dragon riders are problematic because "they always be pregnant."
But then poor deformed Bethany (per the book) won't get into any romantic relationships even though contraceptives exist to prevent any horrific deformed children from being born. So do contraceptives exist or not? Or only for deformed people?
Following that line, the author seems to be pushing for Bethany (a teacher) to be involved romantically with a student (an older one, but still). This never goes anywhere as these characters are ones that get dropped.
That student actually gets called a r*t*rd for having autistic-like tendencies.
But going back a bit, this book is really hitting the reader over the head with this attractive is good and ugly is bad mentality. This is used mostly against the Bitras, but Bethany gets lumped in a bit, and when P'tero may have a scar from a fight, he freaks out that M'leng will no longer find him attractive. It's so tragic.
The reader also gets hit over the head constantly by how bad the Bitras are in general with the stinginess and the gambling compared to literally anyone else. No really, I get it. Bitras are bad, everyone else is good.
So, even though I love Anne McCaffrey's prose and her slice of life style, I feel like I can only rate this 3 stars.
Next:
"Ever the Twain" - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dragon's Kin - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Previously:
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dragonsdawn - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I don't necessarily think that Anne McCaffrey is trying to tell a cohesive story or use any sort of symbolism. I think these characters are alive and Pern is real. Everyone's living their lives and this is what they do, and things are breaking down just because things break down. Honestly, there's some charm to that.
The hatching and the baby dragons were awesome, as usual. I'm here for the dragons. There's also a fight with some lions that was pretty epic. Everyone's amped up for the thread fall. A monument is being set up to foretell future falls (that's the Dragonseye actually.) Some criminals need to be dealt with. It all goes at a pretty leisurely pace.
This book does suffer some from having too many characters. It's not nearly on the scale of Dragonsdawn, though, and I didn't really lose track of anyone even as some characters were built up and then later dropped out of the story.
It was nice to see a gay couple getting some of the spotlight, and they were low key the least toxic of all the couples. The straight guys are all "romantically" jerking around the women they like.
Ladies seem to be getting the shaft across the board. I have to talk about the how the dragons impress on people.
Golds -> Girls
Bronzes -> Straight Guys
Browns -> Straight Guys
Blues -> Straight and Gay Guys
Greens -> Gay Guys and Girls
Are we seeing any trends above? Also, gay girls don't exist apparently. It's explained that girl dragon riders are problematic because "they always be pregnant."
But then poor deformed Bethany (per the book) won't get into any romantic relationships even though contraceptives exist to prevent any horrific deformed children from being born. So do contraceptives exist or not? Or only for deformed people?
Following that line, the author seems to be pushing for Bethany (a teacher) to be involved romantically with a student (an older one, but still). This never goes anywhere as these characters are ones that get dropped.
That student actually gets called a r*t*rd for having autistic-like tendencies.
But going back a bit, this book is really hitting the reader over the head with this attractive is good and ugly is bad mentality. This is used mostly against the Bitras, but Bethany gets lumped in a bit, and when P'tero may have a scar from a fight, he freaks out that M'leng will no longer find him attractive. It's so tragic.
The reader also gets hit over the head constantly by how bad the Bitras are in general with the stinginess and the gambling compared to literally anyone else. No really, I get it. Bitras are bad, everyone else is good.
So, even though I love Anne McCaffrey's prose and her slice of life style, I feel like I can only rate this 3 stars.
Next:
"Ever the Twain" - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dragon's Kin - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 14, 2024
I'm continuing reading the series in chronological order. So this was book 3. And I don't have any memory of having read this before, so that was nice. I'm enjoying getting the history of Pern leading up to the books I remember the most; the ones I read over and over.
This books starts off 257 years AL (After Landing). Technology has finally reached the point where the settlers can't keep it working anymore. They are resorting to more primitive methods of living. They remember the first settlers and human history in coming to Pern. Teachers are realizing that ancient history isn't relevant to the people of Pern anymore, and they begin to change the teaching curriculum to focus more on Pern events. They also realize that people learn better to music, so they focus on teaching learning ballads.
One very odd thing I found, is from when people moved to the north 250 years ago and now, new holds were established. I am absolutely baffled why anyone would name a hold 'Bitra' after Avril Bitra. She was single. Came with no family. And she betrayed every single person on the planet. Why would a hold be named after her? And sure, it became the hold of a vile and horrible man, but still. I do wish there had been an explanation. I think her comrades also got Holds named after them, like Lemos, and again this doesn't make sense to me. But letting it go.
K'vin, rider of bronze Charanth, is the new Weyr leader of Telgar Weyr. B'ner died, and when Meranath rose Charanth flew her. K'vin wants to be more than official Weyr Leaders with Zulaya, but he hasn't quite figured out where he stands with her. He also hadn't really wanted to be Weyr Leader (he thought he was too young, Zulaya is older than he is) so he's filled with insecurity and doubt. He's determined to do his best though. All the weyrs and holds are preparing themselves for Thread next Turn (year). Most everyone is doing their duty to prepare, however Lord Chalkin of Bitra refuses to believe Thread is a threat. This is driving everyone crazy as there are still videos and pictures that show examples of thread that most everyone has seen. It is not a made up threat. This has brought forth a concern for what will happen in 300 years. How will the people know that thread is coming (as the old technology will be gone by then) and know how to prepare. Teaching ballads again solve this problem and one student thinks of Stonehenge and applying the premise to Pern. Using stone markers to line up the heavens to show when Thread is coming; the finger rock and Eye rock.
Meranath's clutch is hatching. This book talks a bit more about the blues and green. I don't remember it being openly acknowledged in later books (but I was young, and i have the memory of a goldfish) but it seems that male riders of the blue and green dragons tend to be homosexuals, or at least willing. But if not, arrangements are made ahead of time so the riders of the dragons involved can be with the person they want to be with. This seems very logical and sensible to me.
Anyway, back to the hatching. Most dragons had paired off but a green hatchling was looking for her person and was heading toward the entrance. A girl named Debera came running out onto the sands and immediately impressed the young dragon, Morath. Three men came chasing after her and Morath attacked them for going after Debera. Turns out her father didn't tell her that she had been searched (eligible to be a candidate for impression) and when she discovered the letter she immediately set out for the weyr, hoping she wouldn't be too late. Her father had promised her to a man, and without any other option Debera would have gone. But she would much rather be a rider. So the men were sent away in disgust and Debera was now a rider.
Iantine is an artist who needed to make money quickly. There was a commission from Lord Chalkin to paint four miniatures of his children. No one else was willing to take it and though he was warned, Iantine agreed to it. He soon regretted his mistake. His accommodations were miserable, he had to pay for everything he needed or wanted (think soap, food, drink, etc), the family was not attractive nor polite nor nice nor biddable, and he soon ran out of materials. The Lord and Lady would not deem his work 'satisfactory'. He needed to be paid so he kept trying. Evenually, though it went against everything he stood for, he took creative license in the paintings to make the children look better. But then he got snowed in and had to make a new deal to keep shelter and food. The second he finished his job and got paid he literally ran out the door. He was trapped in a herder's cottage for days due to the storms and was finally rescued by a dragonrider.
He was taken to Telgar Weyr where he was nursed back to health. He had frostbite and a flu. The hospitality at the weyr was night and day from what he just left, and to thank the riders he began sketching them. His talent was quickly admired by all and he agreed to make portraits of every rider before thread fell. He also fell in love with Debera. And Morath approved and would also speak to him. Because Morath was young and a green, Debera could not have a sexual relationship as it would trigger her dragon too early in her development. (I hadn't know this, I thought that was interesting). Ian had also made an agreement to do portraits at Benden Hold, so he left to do that.
Lord Chalkin was a huge problem. He treated his people horribly, they were starving and they were not prepared for threadfall. Almost all the holders and weyrleaders wanted him impeached. But there were a few holdouts to keep this from a unanimous view. Things came to a head when over a hundred of Chalkin's holders tried to leave Bitra lands (which is their right) and he had them locked in animal pens with no food or water or shelter or warmth. Some died. Three pregnant women were raped (pregnant women were chosen so they wouldn't bear their children). Riders came and rescued the people and captured the guards. The rapists were tried and found guilty and their punishment was castration. (loved this). The other guards were whipped. Many returned to Chalkin, others left for other holds.
When the order finally came to impeach Chalkin, they found him in bed with two young women. And in small cold rooms in the cellars, were 'cold storage'. Bodies were found as were people who were being kept there. Two of the rapists were there and they did not survive. Chalkin was taken to an island and left with supplies. His uncle was found and reinstated as Lord. Vergerin quickly turned things around and within a short time had a well run functional hold.
The story ends with dragons and riders finally fighting thread for the first time, with almost no injuries. A successful beginning of the new pass.
I won't lie, I would have liked more closure with some of these stories. How did Ian and Debera make it work? Or did they? Was Chalkin ever heard from again? There was a trip to the southern continent where two riders were attacked by a pride of lions. Both recovered but when did trips to the south stop happening? I guess I will keep reading to see if some of the answers come up in the next books.
This books starts off 257 years AL (After Landing). Technology has finally reached the point where the settlers can't keep it working anymore. They are resorting to more primitive methods of living. They remember the first settlers and human history in coming to Pern. Teachers are realizing that ancient history isn't relevant to the people of Pern anymore, and they begin to change the teaching curriculum to focus more on Pern events. They also realize that people learn better to music, so they focus on teaching learning ballads.
One very odd thing I found, is from when people moved to the north 250 years ago and now, new holds were established. I am absolutely baffled why anyone would name a hold 'Bitra' after Avril Bitra. She was single. Came with no family. And she betrayed every single person on the planet. Why would a hold be named after her? And sure, it became the hold of a vile and horrible man, but still. I do wish there had been an explanation. I think her comrades also got Holds named after them, like Lemos, and again this doesn't make sense to me. But letting it go.
K'vin, rider of bronze Charanth, is the new Weyr leader of Telgar Weyr. B'ner died, and when Meranath rose Charanth flew her. K'vin wants to be more than official Weyr Leaders with Zulaya, but he hasn't quite figured out where he stands with her. He also hadn't really wanted to be Weyr Leader (he thought he was too young, Zulaya is older than he is) so he's filled with insecurity and doubt. He's determined to do his best though. All the weyrs and holds are preparing themselves for Thread next Turn (year). Most everyone is doing their duty to prepare, however Lord Chalkin of Bitra refuses to believe Thread is a threat. This is driving everyone crazy as there are still videos and pictures that show examples of thread that most everyone has seen. It is not a made up threat. This has brought forth a concern for what will happen in 300 years. How will the people know that thread is coming (as the old technology will be gone by then) and know how to prepare. Teaching ballads again solve this problem and one student thinks of Stonehenge and applying the premise to Pern. Using stone markers to line up the heavens to show when Thread is coming; the finger rock and Eye rock.
Meranath's clutch is hatching. This book talks a bit more about the blues and green. I don't remember it being openly acknowledged in later books (but I was young, and i have the memory of a goldfish) but it seems that male riders of the blue and green dragons tend to be homosexuals, or at least willing. But if not, arrangements are made ahead of time so the riders of the dragons involved can be with the person they want to be with. This seems very logical and sensible to me.
Anyway, back to the hatching. Most dragons had paired off but a green hatchling was looking for her person and was heading toward the entrance. A girl named Debera came running out onto the sands and immediately impressed the young dragon, Morath. Three men came chasing after her and Morath attacked them for going after Debera. Turns out her father didn't tell her that she had been searched (eligible to be a candidate for impression) and when she discovered the letter she immediately set out for the weyr, hoping she wouldn't be too late. Her father had promised her to a man, and without any other option Debera would have gone. But she would much rather be a rider. So the men were sent away in disgust and Debera was now a rider.
Iantine is an artist who needed to make money quickly. There was a commission from Lord Chalkin to paint four miniatures of his children. No one else was willing to take it and though he was warned, Iantine agreed to it. He soon regretted his mistake. His accommodations were miserable, he had to pay for everything he needed or wanted (think soap, food, drink, etc), the family was not attractive nor polite nor nice nor biddable, and he soon ran out of materials. The Lord and Lady would not deem his work 'satisfactory'. He needed to be paid so he kept trying. Evenually, though it went against everything he stood for, he took creative license in the paintings to make the children look better. But then he got snowed in and had to make a new deal to keep shelter and food. The second he finished his job and got paid he literally ran out the door. He was trapped in a herder's cottage for days due to the storms and was finally rescued by a dragonrider.
He was taken to Telgar Weyr where he was nursed back to health. He had frostbite and a flu. The hospitality at the weyr was night and day from what he just left, and to thank the riders he began sketching them. His talent was quickly admired by all and he agreed to make portraits of every rider before thread fell. He also fell in love with Debera. And Morath approved and would also speak to him. Because Morath was young and a green, Debera could not have a sexual relationship as it would trigger her dragon too early in her development. (I hadn't know this, I thought that was interesting). Ian had also made an agreement to do portraits at Benden Hold, so he left to do that.
Lord Chalkin was a huge problem. He treated his people horribly, they were starving and they were not prepared for threadfall. Almost all the holders and weyrleaders wanted him impeached. But there were a few holdouts to keep this from a unanimous view. Things came to a head when over a hundred of Chalkin's holders tried to leave Bitra lands (which is their right) and he had them locked in animal pens with no food or water or shelter or warmth. Some died. Three pregnant women were raped (pregnant women were chosen so they wouldn't bear their children). Riders came and rescued the people and captured the guards. The rapists were tried and found guilty and their punishment was castration. (loved this). The other guards were whipped. Many returned to Chalkin, others left for other holds.
When the order finally came to impeach Chalkin, they found him in bed with two young women. And in small cold rooms in the cellars, were 'cold storage'. Bodies were found as were people who were being kept there. Two of the rapists were there and they did not survive. Chalkin was taken to an island and left with supplies. His uncle was found and reinstated as Lord. Vergerin quickly turned things around and within a short time had a well run functional hold.
The story ends with dragons and riders finally fighting thread for the first time, with almost no injuries. A successful beginning of the new pass.
I won't lie, I would have liked more closure with some of these stories. How did Ian and Debera make it work? Or did they? Was Chalkin ever heard from again? There was a trip to the southern continent where two riders were attacked by a pride of lions. Both recovered but when did trips to the south stop happening? I guess I will keep reading to see if some of the answers come up in the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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