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For the first time in one volume—two complete novels set on the remarkable world of Doona, by two of the most acclaimed literary imaginations.  

More than twenty-five years ago, the first humans came to the unspoiled planet of Doona. They ignored one important They were not alone. Doona was the home of the catlike alien race of Hrrubans. And so began an experiment in cohabitation that lasted for a quarter of a century.
 
Their contract is now up for renewal.
 
Now, the wild planet they tamed, the home they fought for, and the delicate alliance they share could be destroyed forever as a new threat looms. The Gringgs are not the first alien visitors to the planet, but they are the first to offer friendship—and a proposal for a prosperous future. But not everyone trusts the new guests. Not everyone believes in their motives. And as a battle of diplomatic unrest ensues, Doona once again falls under the dark shadow of uncertainty—and self-destruction.
 
“An excellent read.”— Locus

“[McCaffrey and Nye] blend their skills effectively to produce a brisk, well-told…tale.  Fans of either author, or both, will have fun.”— Booklist

593 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2004

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About the author

Anne McCaffrey

478 books7,755 followers
Anne 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.

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5 stars
294 (43%)
4 stars
199 (29%)
3 stars
161 (23%)
2 stars
20 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
207 reviews
January 7, 2018
A great addition to the series. This two-in-one book tells the last two stories of this trilogy.
Profile Image for Anne Fox.
Author 25 books47 followers
October 28, 2022
I have to chuckle a bit at the characters: an Earthling family that raises and rides horses on a distant planet as well as carries an air of space cowboy about them, spaceship captains that speak a bit like wooden ship pirates, and only the cats it seems are dignified.

This sci-fi mystery had great makings once I got done wading through what I found a boring rendition of a snake hunt. The device of the hunt was only revealed afterward as an explanation as to why certain other events were delayed, thus setting up the contrived case against the human (Todd) and cat (Hrriss) who are central to the story. I still have the definite impression that the addition of so much material regarding the snake hunt (if I recall correctly, four chapters' worth) was more to satisfy the word count than the reader. Without it, I'd have granted a five-star review.

Still, if you also can put up with wading through the snake hunt chapters before getting into the real story, this will be an entertaining book.
Profile Image for Zachary.
702 reviews14 followers
April 5, 2008
McCaffrey is a writer I depend on. That is, whenever I pick up a book by her, I expect to be entertained, swept away, enchanted and completely enthralled by the story which unfolds therein. That said, I was a little disappointed in this book. That's not to say that the book isn't any good - I just want you to know how high my expectations were when I opened it.

All in all, it read more like a a young adult novel than the more sophisticated and intriguing Science Fiction McCaffrey usually weaves. I'm not sure how much that was Nye's influence (I haven't really read any of her other works) or just the target audience. That said, the book itself was a fun and intriguing read, just in places the dialogue and narration felt forced and almost explanatory. I have definitely read better written books.

And this isn't just one book, but actually two: "Crisis on Doona" and "Treaty at Doona". The two primary characters are more like ideals personified, which are then thrown into the most perplexing scenarios which have been incredibly manipulated and the odds stacked against them. Then through a bit of luck, the perseverance of their excellent character, and the help of their loyal friends, they overcome and prevail.

That said, these stories definitely seem to be focused more on the Middle School age and early High School age. I recommend them primarily to those audiences, but, hey, if you're an adult, feel free to dive in - the waters aren't too deep!
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,285 reviews135 followers
June 12, 2012
two stories rolled into one book about the first serious contact with an alien species
Crisis on Doona the the story of mans negotiation work of two separate colonies of separate species to settle all problems.
the story of mans negotiation with another race of beings with the similar technological level, the two best friends who found each other on Doona are faced with a desprate struggle to keep their people in peaceful realtions and their friendship intact.
9 reviews
October 24, 2008
I started reading this book thinking it was going to be something else my mom had me start to ead years and years ago. . . long story short, its not, but its not bad either
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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