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Brainship #3
The Ship Who Searched
A tale of courage and adventure, set in the same universe as The Ship Who Sang . A precocious seven-year-old girl has been afflicted by a paralyzing alien virus, and cannot survive outside a mechanical support system. She straps on a spaceship and sets out to find what it was that laid her low.
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 1992
96 people are currently reading
2484 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,753 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 180 reviews
February 15, 2013
I think this has to be one of my favorite books. I first read it about ten years ago, and have read it at least once a year since then. The first chapter snares the attention and reels you in. I was reading another novel, and an excerpt from this book was in the back. I read it, and had to have it. I devoured it as soon as I got my hands on it, finishing it in an afternoon. And I wasn't disappointed.
One thing I love about Anne McCaffrey is the way she wrote female characters. So often, in sci-fi and fantasy, I find myself hating female characters, especially leads. Because the lead should never be the weakest part of the story, and I feel they frequently are, in those genres. But Anne McCaffrey didn't have that problem. Tia, despite being a ship, is so human, so real. There is never a point in the book where I dislike her, or Alex.
The plotline isn't a space opera. There is no war. The conflict is on a smaller scale, and I like that. I love me some space opera, but sometimes I want a story about a courier ship dealing with plague and human interests.
One thing I love about Anne McCaffrey is the way she wrote female characters. So often, in sci-fi and fantasy, I find myself hating female characters, especially leads. Because the lead should never be the weakest part of the story, and I feel they frequently are, in those genres. But Anne McCaffrey didn't have that problem. Tia, despite being a ship, is so human, so real. There is never a point in the book where I dislike her, or Alex.
The plotline isn't a space opera. There is no war. The conflict is on a smaller scale, and I like that. I love me some space opera, but sometimes I want a story about a courier ship dealing with plague and human interests.
April 21, 2010
This is another of the "Brain and Brawn" series created by Anne McCaffrey in The Ship Who Sang. The premise behind the books is that in a future time, severely handicapped people are given a chance at a fulfilling life by becoming cyborgs: an entire city or a ship becomes their "body" that they control.
Only that first book is solely written by McCaffrey--the others in the series are co-written by her or by others. Of those other books, this is my favorite--I love it just as much as the first, and this is among my favorite stories by either McCaffrey or Lackey. The reason is Tia, the "brain" part in this novel; I find her an appealing character, and I loved how this book dealt with her dilemma as a person cut off from touch but not the emotions of love.
This book also presents quite a departure for Mercedes Lackey--almost all her work is fantasy, not, like this one, science fiction. If you want to try more by her, Sacred Ground and Children of the Night, though not as popular as her Valdemar books, are in a contemporary setting--urban fantasy. Arrows of the Queen is her first Valdemar book, the series which she's best known for, just as for McCaffrey she's most famous for her Pern books, which begins in Dragonflight.
Only that first book is solely written by McCaffrey--the others in the series are co-written by her or by others. Of those other books, this is my favorite--I love it just as much as the first, and this is among my favorite stories by either McCaffrey or Lackey. The reason is Tia, the "brain" part in this novel; I find her an appealing character, and I loved how this book dealt with her dilemma as a person cut off from touch but not the emotions of love.
This book also presents quite a departure for Mercedes Lackey--almost all her work is fantasy, not, like this one, science fiction. If you want to try more by her, Sacred Ground and Children of the Night, though not as popular as her Valdemar books, are in a contemporary setting--urban fantasy. Arrows of the Queen is her first Valdemar book, the series which she's best known for, just as for McCaffrey she's most famous for her Pern books, which begins in Dragonflight.
October 20, 2016
I couldn't put the book down once I started, and ended up surfacing from this thoroughly involving story at 4am the next day. Whoops!
The Ship Who Searched starts simply enough: we are introduced to the protagonist (Hypatia Cade) as a child, living with her xeno-archaeologist parents on a remote dig site, with the story introducing the precocious brat, her life alone with her loving parents, and the onset of the disease which turns her into a quadriplegic. Anne & Mercedes know how to pull those heartstrings, to the point where you can't help but want to move the universe to get the poor child into a brainship yourself.
The advantage for this book over the first Brainship book is that it was written from start to finish as one novel, while The Ship Who Sang was an omnibus of short stories modified to work in together. Once again, you have to remember that Anne Mccaffrey wrote Science Fantasy more than Science Fiction. Anne & Mercedes tell a wonderful story about the people, with "outer space" being the flavour of the story while the character development is the substance. Expect to see some “Mary Sue” action, since Hypatia and her companion do have fantastic adventures. But also expect to have some fun and shed a few tears along the way.
A thoroughly enjoyable piece of escapist fantasy with a science fiction feel.
Oh, and bring your teddy bear with you!
The Ship Who Searched starts simply enough: we are introduced to the protagonist (Hypatia Cade) as a child, living with her xeno-archaeologist parents on a remote dig site, with the story introducing the precocious brat, her life alone with her loving parents, and the onset of the disease which turns her into a quadriplegic. Anne & Mercedes know how to pull those heartstrings, to the point where you can't help but want to move the universe to get the poor child into a brainship yourself.
The advantage for this book over the first Brainship book is that it was written from start to finish as one novel, while The Ship Who Sang was an omnibus of short stories modified to work in together. Once again, you have to remember that Anne Mccaffrey wrote Science Fantasy more than Science Fiction. Anne & Mercedes tell a wonderful story about the people, with "outer space" being the flavour of the story while the character development is the substance. Expect to see some “Mary Sue” action, since Hypatia and her companion do have fantastic adventures. But also expect to have some fun and shed a few tears along the way.
A thoroughly enjoyable piece of escapist fantasy with a science fiction feel.
Oh, and bring your teddy bear with you!
January 24, 2020
Perhaps not quite 4 stars but pretty close. Tia is an unusually well adjusted bright 7 year old. Fortunately, since she is about to have a life altering horrendous neural disease that ends her in a shell person and a brain ship. Having learned from watching a friend of hers, she is extremely picky about who becomes her brawn. Has she made the right choice in career and brawn? Read to find out!
This lost a star by leaving some important points completely unfinished. One minute Tia and Alex (the brawn) are feeling very sorry for a guy named Hank who likely has a nastier disease than Tia did and are checking out a planet to see if the plague Hank has is from there. Then we never hear of Hank again. For that matter we never get a resolution for the baddies trying to attack Tia. Then we all of a sudden are out of space in a pricey yet ordinary boardroom. Finally we jump to the brainship which is very ominously empty of Tia. I’ll admit the ending is nice and romantic but I’m not so convinced it is the logical ending to the story. The ending almost belongs in another book. But I couldn’t put the book down. Tia is a very sweet person and you’re cheering for her all the way. It deserves the 4 stars in spite of the plot holes.
This lost a star by leaving some important points completely unfinished. One minute Tia and Alex (the brawn) are feeling very sorry for a guy named Hank who likely has a nastier disease than Tia did and are checking out a planet to see if the plague Hank has is from there. Then we never hear of Hank again. For that matter we never get a resolution for the baddies trying to attack Tia. Then we all of a sudden are out of space in a pricey yet ordinary boardroom. Finally we jump to the brainship which is very ominously empty of Tia. I’ll admit the ending is nice and romantic but I’m not so convinced it is the logical ending to the story. The ending almost belongs in another book. But I couldn’t put the book down. Tia is a very sweet person and you’re cheering for her all the way. It deserves the 4 stars in spite of the plot holes.
October 5, 2007
One of my favorite books of all time, and one I can easily read over and over! This is my favorite of all the brainship books. I love the characters and the story...it is just wonderful!
January 3, 2025
Sweet and silly, more like a collection of stories than a novel
November 20, 2015
I gave this one 3 stars because of the ending (mentioned in spoiler tags below). Up until the ending, I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars.
It is hard to get used to these books as full length novels, after reading The Ship Who Sang, which was a collection of short stories about one particular Brainship. But it was well done as a novel, employing multiple plotlines and mysteries to great effect as the Brainship and her Brawn explore the Universe. I liked the main character in this one, Tia, as her background is interesting and her story allowed for a lot of discussion of disability and the treatment of the differently abled. She was a strong female character because of her science background and the use of her intelligence to move the plot forward.
The ending was a big disappointment for me, because I thought it undermined a lot of the themes that were being built during the course of the book. It was almost like the authors had this interesting plot idea, and they figured they would throw it in at the end even though it didn't fit with the characters in this story. I thought it was a cheap gimmick.
It is hard to get used to these books as full length novels, after reading The Ship Who Sang, which was a collection of short stories about one particular Brainship. But it was well done as a novel, employing multiple plotlines and mysteries to great effect as the Brainship and her Brawn explore the Universe. I liked the main character in this one, Tia, as her background is interesting and her story allowed for a lot of discussion of disability and the treatment of the differently abled. She was a strong female character because of her science background and the use of her intelligence to move the plot forward.
The ending was a big disappointment for me, because I thought it undermined a lot of the themes that were being built during the course of the book. It was almost like the authors had this interesting plot idea, and they figured they would throw it in at the end even though it didn't fit with the characters in this story. I thought it was a cheap gimmick.
July 9, 2016
The ship who searched is about the brain ship Hypatia, or Tia. She is an exceptional brain ship, because she was quite old when she became a shell person: 7. She is interested in archeology and finds a brawn who is interested in the same. Together they get into a few scrapes...
The book was written in typical McCaffrey style, not over-emotional, but compelling nonetheless. I love this world with people who become ships and I like seeing how they interact with the world. The story itself is not overly brilliant, it is more a collection of adventures that show off the world, much like the first book. Only in this book, the adventures are more connected. I thought the ending was a bit too happy, but other than that, this was a very nice book.
The book was written in typical McCaffrey style, not over-emotional, but compelling nonetheless. I love this world with people who become ships and I like seeing how they interact with the world. The story itself is not overly brilliant, it is more a collection of adventures that show off the world, much like the first book. Only in this book, the adventures are more connected. I thought the ending was a bit too happy, but other than that, this was a very nice book.
September 7, 2021
This is so good. Tia is an amazing character, and IMO this is the best of the series after the Helva tales. Makes me really wish that McCaffrey had written or collaborated on many more of these stories.
March 27, 2013
McCaffrey is kind of a hack (I say this as someone who ravenously consumed every Dragonriders of Pern book she could as a teen) but oh man this made me cry and cry (in a good way).
I guess I liked it because it's kind of a weird emotional romance novel?
I guess I liked it because it's kind of a weird emotional romance novel?
March 26, 2021
Another comfort reread from my favorite, Anne McCaffrey.
The Dragonriders of Pern and the Brainship series are old favorites and definitely brain candy for me.
The Dragonriders of Pern and the Brainship series are old favorites and definitely brain candy for me.
August 5, 2025
Another revision of an old favourite. As a teenager I missed the indentured servitude of people in this universe, and the horrific commodification of the disabled. But other than that, still a great story!
August 18, 2014
A long time ago I found a collection of Anne McCaffrey which comprised 'restoree', 'decision at doona' and 'the ship who sang'. This last book introduced us to the idea of people who were highly disabled being enabled by forming the 'brain' of a spaceship. The concept was fascinating: a synthesis of organic and mechanical life that allowed highly intelligent people to reach the stars. This book, 'the ship who searched', takes the concept further: rather than being paralysed from birth Tia catches an alien virus which robs her of mobility. Predictable story? Yes, somewhat, but McCaffrey's writing - taking us inside heads, examining motivations, her lovely slightly sarcastic tone on occasion - is delightful.
As an example of character writing, this is great. As a plot… it's a bit lazy on occasion.
As an example of character writing, this is great. As a plot… it's a bit lazy on occasion.
May 23, 2023
I do enjoy these Brainship tales. It's such a lovely idea that a perfectly good brain can be active & mobile within the confines of the ship. Hypatia Cade, AH1033, is a bit different to the other ships as she was much older when a plague stole her body from her. Usually, an older child is unable to cope psychologically with the radical changes involved in becoming a brainship but Tia managed beautifully. The relationship between Tia & her brawn, Alex, was of two equals & so they worked very well together. I enjoyed their adventures very much.
May 29, 2018
Another lovely story about two souls meeting and falling perfectly for each other.
There's no real 'bad guy' in this one. Just a string of adventures and a happy ending for a child who, at one point, thought it was all over before she'd even begun.
I'd be happy to continue on with Tia and Alex to find the EsKays.
Overall, a good edition to the Brain and Brawn series. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
There's no real 'bad guy' in this one. Just a string of adventures and a happy ending for a child who, at one point, thought it was all over before she'd even begun.
I'd be happy to continue on with Tia and Alex to find the EsKays.
Overall, a good edition to the Brain and Brawn series. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
January 31, 2008
I love Anne McCaffrey’s books & this was a fabulous read that I couldn’t put down.
Synopsis
A tale of courage and adventure, set in the same universe as “The Ship Who Sang”. A precocious seven-year-old girl has been afflicted by a paralyzing alien virus, and cannot survive outside a mechanical support system. She straps on a spaceship and sets out to find what it was that laid her low.
Synopsis
A tale of courage and adventure, set in the same universe as “The Ship Who Sang”. A precocious seven-year-old girl has been afflicted by a paralyzing alien virus, and cannot survive outside a mechanical support system. She straps on a spaceship and sets out to find what it was that laid her low.
March 16, 2012
Two of my very favorite authors, and for me the best book in the series. There is so little really good YA science fiction out there, and this book is one of the best. Tia's story is just heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. It's also possible that I'm biased because I have a Very Special Teddy Bear of my own.
March 30, 2013
I found the ending a little unsatisfying as we don't get to know if Tia found a cure for the illness that crippled her. Apart from that it was a satisfying read.
August 25, 2014
Fun, but with a sort of simplistic conflict and solution and some iffy perspectives on disability.
May 12, 2021
wow, that was quick
didn't have the emotional impact reading the book did and the reader's pronunciation of Hypatia and her robot-voiced AI detracted from it, but wow, since I love the book...
didn't have the emotional impact reading the book did and the reader's pronunciation of Hypatia and her robot-voiced AI detracted from it, but wow, since I love the book...
May 26, 2020
One of the best of the brainship series. Loved Alex. Adored Hypatia. Has one of the best happy endings in sci-fi
June 11, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/se-donelle-4...
https://numberoneboats.com/donelle-43...
https://theboatyacht.com/used-regulat...
https://numberoneboats.com/used-regul...
September 24, 2017
A precocious only child of a pair of archeologist who search for archeological dig sites spends significant time alone with the AI and has friend that is a brainship. She contracts an untreatable virus which wrecks havoc with her nervous system. A bright mind with a challenging, interesting future ahead of her, Tia our heroine is now trapped in body that does not move or feel. Her teddy bear is a symbol of her childhood, her vulnerability and her strength, never give up, be strong. It is a symbol of her humanity throughout the story. It is at this point that the science fiction component arises, what if?
(We are now about 1/4 through the story The reader has gotten to know Tia and the supporting characters. You feel this moment.) The big decision to release her body and become a shell person is a turning point. Tia opts for a ship because she wants to travel and explore. The ship becomes her body. The ships sensors how she feels.
In the story we next see Tia as she is ready to select her brawn who is her mobile human partner. She has had her training and is ready to go to work. She has a lot of debt to repay. We learn more about the community of shell people and meet people who will become important in her future.
The reader follows Tia and Alex, her brawn, through their adventures. There are underlying themes of doing what is right (not easy), helping others and pursuing dreams. Love and caring are a large part of the book. Being friends and loving someone for who they are and not how they look is a constant theme. Tia often recognizes or acknowledges idiosyncrasies in others as she figures out how they will fit into her web of relationships. People as people are important.
We leave Tia and Alex as the story closes at a point that they weren't sure that they would ever achieve but even more interesting at the cusp of something even greater, with an invention that will change society. And again, what if?
This is a harder book to use in a class or small group. People may be able to relate more closely to Tia's situation because of experience. It could be emotional. There are a lot of "hard" decisions in the story, lots of opportunity to explore where the story might have gone if a different decision was made by one of the characters. Or a different tact is to explore the technology versus humanity theme. The story was written in 1992. There has been huge growth in prosthetics and robotics just in the past few years. This was more of a fiction story when it was written 25 years ago. Where do you think we will be in another 25 years with our technology? Could this story become a reality? How? Why? Is the human component (empathy, compassion, love, friendship) important? How does technology inhibit/aid these components of humanity? Traditional shell persons often are disassociated from their humanity. How or why do you think this occurs? Can you think of instances of this happening today in our world? What is beauty? What is beautiful? Tia often comments on be beautiful people. Why do you think she does this?
(We are now about 1/4 through the story The reader has gotten to know Tia and the supporting characters. You feel this moment.) The big decision to release her body and become a shell person is a turning point. Tia opts for a ship because she wants to travel and explore. The ship becomes her body. The ships sensors how she feels.
In the story we next see Tia as she is ready to select her brawn who is her mobile human partner. She has had her training and is ready to go to work. She has a lot of debt to repay. We learn more about the community of shell people and meet people who will become important in her future.
The reader follows Tia and Alex, her brawn, through their adventures. There are underlying themes of doing what is right (not easy), helping others and pursuing dreams. Love and caring are a large part of the book. Being friends and loving someone for who they are and not how they look is a constant theme. Tia often recognizes or acknowledges idiosyncrasies in others as she figures out how they will fit into her web of relationships. People as people are important.
We leave Tia and Alex as the story closes at a point that they weren't sure that they would ever achieve but even more interesting at the cusp of something even greater, with an invention that will change society. And again, what if?
This is a harder book to use in a class or small group. People may be able to relate more closely to Tia's situation because of experience. It could be emotional. There are a lot of "hard" decisions in the story, lots of opportunity to explore where the story might have gone if a different decision was made by one of the characters. Or a different tact is to explore the technology versus humanity theme. The story was written in 1992. There has been huge growth in prosthetics and robotics just in the past few years. This was more of a fiction story when it was written 25 years ago. Where do you think we will be in another 25 years with our technology? Could this story become a reality? How? Why? Is the human component (empathy, compassion, love, friendship) important? How does technology inhibit/aid these components of humanity? Traditional shell persons often are disassociated from their humanity. How or why do you think this occurs? Can you think of instances of this happening today in our world? What is beauty? What is beautiful? Tia often comments on be beautiful people. Why do you think she does this?
July 11, 2021
This has to be even better than the Ship Who Sings, for me.
Hypatia Cade, known as Tia to her friends, is the 7 year old daughter of a couple of archeologists, and she lives with them at their Esk Dig. Tia is an extremely bright, and emotionally stable child, and her best friend is a Brainship called Moira who, on visiting the Site just after Tia's birthday, gifts her with a wonderfully soft, blue bear, who is dressed in a Courier Service uniform.
Soon after Moira and her Brawn go off on their rounds of Digs again, Tia finds a junk site that she feels belongs with the Esk site that her parents are studying and, in order to save time, she collects a couple of samples, although one crumbles as she tries to move it, and she breathes in some of the dust.
A few weeks later, Tia has trouble with her feet, as they first start feeling prickly, and then slowly go numb. Because she doesn't want to disturb her parents in their important work, she consults the Medtech box in the site but, because she didn't know what had caused the problem, she didn't tell the Medtech, and it assumed she was going through a growth spurt.
As time goes on, and because her parents were working so many more long hours, that she didn't want to disturb them, it got to the point where her hands went numb too, and then the numbness crept up her legs and arms. It was only because her parents had a day off, and she stumbled in front of them, that they realised there was a problem, and so Tia was shipped out to a Central Worlds hospital where, eventually, whatever had caused her problem was stopped - but not before she was numb to her neck, and had become a quadriplegic.
Her Consultant, Doctor Kenny, who is a paraplegic - disabled through an accident - gets his friend, Lars, the Central Worlds Medstation Brain, to help him recommend Tia to the Shell programme, as her mind was still perfectly clear, and he hated the thought of her being stuck in a room for the rest of whatever life she might have left.
He knew that, if she were accepted as a Shellperson, she would have many, many more decades of life to live, with the choice of any job that she fancied.
Through Kenny and Lars' insistence, and Tia's natural character, even despite her age, she is accepted in to the programme and, on her graduation, accepts a job as a Brainship, to the Archeology and Exploration Service that her parents worked for. She was fitted as a Brainship, to work for A and E as a Courier Ship, just as her friend Moira was.
From then on, Tia chooses her Brawn, a man called Alexander, who was also an archeology buff, and their service life together begins.
They have many adventures, and discover many things, and the rest of the book tells all that happens to them, with all the same gentle humour, and love of people, that both Anne McCaffrey, and Mercedes Lackey, are capable of showing in their writing.
The fact that it's two of my most favourite of authors writing together, is definitely a bonus for me. And I both laughed, and also shed many a tear, in its reading.
Totally unputdownable!
Hypatia Cade, known as Tia to her friends, is the 7 year old daughter of a couple of archeologists, and she lives with them at their Esk Dig. Tia is an extremely bright, and emotionally stable child, and her best friend is a Brainship called Moira who, on visiting the Site just after Tia's birthday, gifts her with a wonderfully soft, blue bear, who is dressed in a Courier Service uniform.
Soon after Moira and her Brawn go off on their rounds of Digs again, Tia finds a junk site that she feels belongs with the Esk site that her parents are studying and, in order to save time, she collects a couple of samples, although one crumbles as she tries to move it, and she breathes in some of the dust.
A few weeks later, Tia has trouble with her feet, as they first start feeling prickly, and then slowly go numb. Because she doesn't want to disturb her parents in their important work, she consults the Medtech box in the site but, because she didn't know what had caused the problem, she didn't tell the Medtech, and it assumed she was going through a growth spurt.
As time goes on, and because her parents were working so many more long hours, that she didn't want to disturb them, it got to the point where her hands went numb too, and then the numbness crept up her legs and arms. It was only because her parents had a day off, and she stumbled in front of them, that they realised there was a problem, and so Tia was shipped out to a Central Worlds hospital where, eventually, whatever had caused her problem was stopped - but not before she was numb to her neck, and had become a quadriplegic.
Her Consultant, Doctor Kenny, who is a paraplegic - disabled through an accident - gets his friend, Lars, the Central Worlds Medstation Brain, to help him recommend Tia to the Shell programme, as her mind was still perfectly clear, and he hated the thought of her being stuck in a room for the rest of whatever life she might have left.
He knew that, if she were accepted as a Shellperson, she would have many, many more decades of life to live, with the choice of any job that she fancied.
Through Kenny and Lars' insistence, and Tia's natural character, even despite her age, she is accepted in to the programme and, on her graduation, accepts a job as a Brainship, to the Archeology and Exploration Service that her parents worked for. She was fitted as a Brainship, to work for A and E as a Courier Ship, just as her friend Moira was.
From then on, Tia chooses her Brawn, a man called Alexander, who was also an archeology buff, and their service life together begins.
They have many adventures, and discover many things, and the rest of the book tells all that happens to them, with all the same gentle humour, and love of people, that both Anne McCaffrey, and Mercedes Lackey, are capable of showing in their writing.
The fact that it's two of my most favourite of authors writing together, is definitely a bonus for me. And I both laughed, and also shed many a tear, in its reading.
Totally unputdownable!
November 14, 2023
I loved the first novel in Anne McCaffrey's Brainship series, finding it full of heart and fun, as well as a decent storyline and it's a book I regularly return to. The second in the series, "PartnerShip" didn't have nearly as much going for it, as the plot revolved more around politics and the characters were people in high places with little personality and nothing to like about them.
The third in the series, "The Ship Who Searched", had an unusual perspective in that the brain in question had not started out that way, but was instead a young girl named Hypatia who had been taken ill and left paralysed and entering service as a brainship later in life. This had given her a cause on top of wanting to control a ship and she was determined to find a cure for the illness which had paralysed her, as well as finding the origins of the EsKay people who her and her parents had been investigating when she first became ill.
The story follows Hypatia, or Tia as she prefers to be known, from her early years as a precocious child, until her illness took hold of her aged 7 and then her career as a brainship. This unusual starting point allows for a little more perspective into how children become part of the brainship program, if only very briefly and the life she had before entering the program gives her a focus that hadn't been present in any of the earlier books, both of which were welcome differences.
What made this book enjoyable was that Tia was full of the personality that was missing from the previous book and she was also able to build up a relationship with her brawn partner Alex. Despite being focussed on one particular outcome, this took them to several places and events that also added to the story and kept the plot flowing and it was the constant changes and variations that had also made the initial book as interesting as it was.
There were some issues with the novel and it's the relationship between Tia and Alex which was a little worrying and this has been a theme across all the novels. For all that McCaffrey makes her brainships largely female and gives them the bulk of the intelligence, power and control, she also writes them as objects of desire which, when you are dealing with a character that you have only really seen as a 7-year old girl, is a very uncomfortable situation, even before you start considering that she is also paralysed.
This is a shame, as the series as a whole could have been quite promising but this situation takes the edge off things. I enjoy the characters and the plot and the extra details the novel gives into the universe, as well as the excitement and variation in the plot, but whilst the central tenets of the novel are very good, the icky bits around the edges are very off putting.
The third in the series, "The Ship Who Searched", had an unusual perspective in that the brain in question had not started out that way, but was instead a young girl named Hypatia who had been taken ill and left paralysed and entering service as a brainship later in life. This had given her a cause on top of wanting to control a ship and she was determined to find a cure for the illness which had paralysed her, as well as finding the origins of the EsKay people who her and her parents had been investigating when she first became ill.
The story follows Hypatia, or Tia as she prefers to be known, from her early years as a precocious child, until her illness took hold of her aged 7 and then her career as a brainship. This unusual starting point allows for a little more perspective into how children become part of the brainship program, if only very briefly and the life she had before entering the program gives her a focus that hadn't been present in any of the earlier books, both of which were welcome differences.
What made this book enjoyable was that Tia was full of the personality that was missing from the previous book and she was also able to build up a relationship with her brawn partner Alex. Despite being focussed on one particular outcome, this took them to several places and events that also added to the story and kept the plot flowing and it was the constant changes and variations that had also made the initial book as interesting as it was.
There were some issues with the novel and it's the relationship between Tia and Alex which was a little worrying and this has been a theme across all the novels. For all that McCaffrey makes her brainships largely female and gives them the bulk of the intelligence, power and control, she also writes them as objects of desire which, when you are dealing with a character that you have only really seen as a 7-year old girl, is a very uncomfortable situation, even before you start considering that she is also paralysed.
This is a shame, as the series as a whole could have been quite promising but this situation takes the edge off things. I enjoy the characters and the plot and the extra details the novel gives into the universe, as well as the excitement and variation in the plot, but whilst the central tenets of the novel are very good, the icky bits around the edges are very off putting.
May 18, 2023
Note: While this book actually stands alone just fine, I appreciated having some of the previous worldbuilding info from The Ship Who Sang for this to build upon.
A precocious young girl named Tia suffers the terrible degradation of her body after unwitting exposure to an alien virus. And though she's officially much too old for the potential freedom offered by the Brainship program, a few well-placed people are taken enough with her situation, charm, and intellect, that an exception is eventually made. She takes to the program, and her eventual ship, as well as anyone could have hoped. But her goals are higher than merely paying off her debts to the program and buying her freedom. And with the help of a carefully selected brawn, she has a chance of gaining all she wants out of her new lease on life.
Much like the first book in the series, a chunk of the book is made up of our MC brainship going on various missions/assignments, where she learns more about her own capacities and those of her Brawn. But because she has had the experience of both having and remembering a tangible body AND being the master controlling mind behind an entire spaceship, hers is a different perspective. She, unlike the rest of those in the program, knows what she's missing. And that lack of a body becomes a point of longing and limitation when she realizes the depths of her feelings for her chosen Brawn.
This story was truly brilliant. Mindfully well-paced, emotionally engaging, and rich with interesting characters one doesn't mind investing in. Currently the best in the Brainship series, in my opinion (and likely to remain so.) All thanks to the exceedingly agreeable collaboration of Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey. Lackey seems to add a bit more heart and humor to McCaffrey's vision. I wish I could find more books co-authored in this way, but from what I can tell, this was sadly the only one they did together.
IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND KNOW OF ANY OTHER MCCAFFREY/LACKEY COLLABORATIONS, PLEASE SHARE IN THE COMMENTS. I WANT TO BE WRONG!!!
A precocious young girl named Tia suffers the terrible degradation of her body after unwitting exposure to an alien virus. And though she's officially much too old for the potential freedom offered by the Brainship program, a few well-placed people are taken enough with her situation, charm, and intellect, that an exception is eventually made. She takes to the program, and her eventual ship, as well as anyone could have hoped. But her goals are higher than merely paying off her debts to the program and buying her freedom. And with the help of a carefully selected brawn, she has a chance of gaining all she wants out of her new lease on life.
Much like the first book in the series, a chunk of the book is made up of our MC brainship going on various missions/assignments, where she learns more about her own capacities and those of her Brawn. But because she has had the experience of both having and remembering a tangible body AND being the master controlling mind behind an entire spaceship, hers is a different perspective. She, unlike the rest of those in the program, knows what she's missing. And that lack of a body becomes a point of longing and limitation when she realizes the depths of her feelings for her chosen Brawn.
This story was truly brilliant. Mindfully well-paced, emotionally engaging, and rich with interesting characters one doesn't mind investing in. Currently the best in the Brainship series, in my opinion (and likely to remain so.) All thanks to the exceedingly agreeable collaboration of Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey. Lackey seems to add a bit more heart and humor to McCaffrey's vision. I wish I could find more books co-authored in this way, but from what I can tell, this was sadly the only one they did together.
IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND KNOW OF ANY OTHER MCCAFFREY/LACKEY COLLABORATIONS, PLEASE SHARE IN THE COMMENTS. I WANT TO BE WRONG!!!
December 15, 2025
The third installment in the universe of the Ship Who Sang, this one combines science fiction with archaeology - what's not to like?
Blurb:
Tia, a bright and precocious seven-year-old, becomes afflicted by a paralysing alien virus while accompanying her archaeologist parents on a dig. Too proud to bother them, she hides her symptoms until it is too late - until she can be given no life at all outside a mechanical support system.
But Tia won't be satisfied to glide through life like a ghost in a glorified wheelchair. She would rather strap on a spaceship. And Tia has a special mission: to seek out whatever it is that laid her low, to understand and then eliminate it, to make sure that no other young girl will suffer the fate of the Ship Who Searched.
Set in the same universe as the Ship Who Sang, the Ship Who Searched is a tale of courage and adventure from one of the best-loved and most inspirational writers of science fiction today.
Another enjoyable, comfortable re-read, perfect for a bit of light escapism. Don't expect anything complicated, but do settle in for a complex world-building with some fun characters and a cracking little plot. Perfect for dark winter evenings with a cup of hot chocolate!
Blurb:
Tia, a bright and precocious seven-year-old, becomes afflicted by a paralysing alien virus while accompanying her archaeologist parents on a dig. Too proud to bother them, she hides her symptoms until it is too late - until she can be given no life at all outside a mechanical support system.
But Tia won't be satisfied to glide through life like a ghost in a glorified wheelchair. She would rather strap on a spaceship. And Tia has a special mission: to seek out whatever it is that laid her low, to understand and then eliminate it, to make sure that no other young girl will suffer the fate of the Ship Who Searched.
Set in the same universe as the Ship Who Sang, the Ship Who Searched is a tale of courage and adventure from one of the best-loved and most inspirational writers of science fiction today.
Another enjoyable, comfortable re-read, perfect for a bit of light escapism. Don't expect anything complicated, but do settle in for a complex world-building with some fun characters and a cracking little plot. Perfect for dark winter evenings with a cup of hot chocolate!
October 26, 2024
I want to start by saying I really enjoyed this book. That being said I gotta address the issues. This book/series has received a bit of criticism about its premise that claims the enslavement of children born disabled, that the future and technology should be used to make the world more accessible for such. While I don’t disagree that it is very harsh how the parents can sign the infants up for such a program that seems to take away all agency, I STRONGLY disagree with the judgement rendered by critics. The whole focus is that this is how technology advanced to make things more accessible. This book was setting up for a very important step that would essentially make new bodies for the children through cybernetic advancements. And of course they will have to work off their debts, that is something that is unavoidable either way you look at society. When you come of age you are responsible for these things. It is just a different angle and the brains still mature while their body grows inside their protected shells. The premise is very unique and interesting and makes for a complex story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
If you finish a book in little over two days, I think there's no need to expound on how you found it. I rarely read sci fi. Thanks to Fiona for recommending it. Actually I picked it up because I wanted to write about women and technology conflict. This was perfect for my purpose but sadly I forgot about writing and became immersed in reading which says much about the readability of the work. I would have liked a more definite conclusion as far as the quest was concerned but since this is a series, maybe that was deliberately left loose. Otherwise, the central characters take the day and make it an engrossing book.
April 6, 2022
Reread after many years. Why does heterosexual longing have to be included in this friendship between a woman who has total control over her hormonal composition and a straight man? Why is there ugly subtext for another woman who likes to wear leather and be in charge? Why is the hero so impacted when he learns a woman who’s encased in a titanium column was a very pretty little girl before that?
It’s full of gross attitudes that I am saddened to think I read less critically and took in years ago. Yuck.
It’s full of gross attitudes that I am saddened to think I read less critically and took in years ago. Yuck.
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