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Acorna #10
Third Watch: Acorna's Children
Acorna’s twin daughters race to protect her legacy—and save their world—in this epic series finale with “plenty of stirring adventures” (Publishers Weekly).Khorii, the rebellious daughter of Acorna, the near-mythic heroine of her people, has tried to follow in her mother's footsteps in this time of plague and terror. But the pressure on the courageous young woman to succeed is tremendous, and the legacy she is expected to fulfill is overwhelming.The insidious enemy that has ravaged countless known worlds has left Khorii’s illustrious parents too weak to oppose it. Now, as the deadly foe prepares to launch its devastating final assault, it falls to Acorna's children—Khorii and her newly discovered sister, Ariin—to halt the brutal attack once and for all. But victory may prove too difficult, elusive, and ultimately fragile—and even time itself may be conspiring against the daughters in their desperate battle to save their family . . . and their universe.This is the dramatic conclusion to the breathtaking saga of the children of Acorna and Aari, from the Nebula Award–winning, New York Times–bestselling authors.“This popular adventure series demonstrates the storytelling expertise of co-authors McCaffrey and Scarborough.” —Library Journal“Fans will appreciate the authors’ genuine feeling for their human characters as well as for cats and dragons.” —Publishers Weekly
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2007
65 people are currently reading
1544 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,763 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 34 reviews
August 24, 2007
This lousy ending to a series which started off badly and got steadily worse is a confusing, disconnected, and unresolved mess. We are never reintroduced to the characters we read about a year ago, when the second book came out, and are scarcely given enough clues to recognize them at all. Many main characters from the previous books in the series are forgotten, or mentioned only once or twice, as a side note. The "cure" to the "plague" is discovered suddenly in the last few pages, applied to perfect effect, and a happy ending assumed, with little attention given to the emotion of the characters. Actually, part of the confusion in the whole novel is the lack of emotion--who cares what happens to Khorii and her friends, anyway? Even so, it was frustrating when the instigator was found--and then lost again, with no further efforts to find and punish him planned. I would not recommend this book to anyone. ::disgruntled and disappointed::
May 3, 2021
This series passed its shark-jumping point a while ago.
February 14, 2009
Even though it had been a few years since I read book two and struggled a little trying to remember specifics of what had already occurred, I enjoyed this book until the last four pages. The ending felt like it was just slapped on to rush the end of the book. Little was explained to tie up the story; a very abrupt ending. It was more like someone forgot to finish writing and just decided to publish the outline they drafted out. I was sad to see it that way. I love Anne McCaffrey's books and this is the first of the many, many I have read by her that I felt wasn't her best work.
Before the ending however, she does well with Ariin and Khorii's relationship and it grows at a believable pace. Khindii/Grimalkin was a wonderful asset to the solving of the mystery. There were a few other moments that could have done with a little more developing story wise that felt abrupt (like the sudden curing of Acorna and Aari), but overall this story is a nice addition to the Acorna series.
Before the ending however, she does well with Ariin and Khorii's relationship and it grows at a believable pace. Khindii/Grimalkin was a wonderful asset to the solving of the mystery. There were a few other moments that could have done with a little more developing story wise that felt abrupt (like the sudden curing of Acorna and Aari), but overall this story is a nice addition to the Acorna series.
May 27, 2017
Khorii and Ariin use the chrono to travel back in time to find out about the mysterious inorganic eating "inogre"; Khiindi comes with them and becomes Grimalkin again. Ariin recognized the movement pattern and compared it to the Friends' shape-shifting houses, so they travel back to the Linyaari homeworld when the Friends were there, returning just at the point that Ariin left. Trading places, Ariin sneaks around trying to find out about who discovered the mutable substance while Khorii takes Ariin's place. Ariin decides to go chase a lead, while Khorii must find Khiindi or Grimalkin and then join her. Grimalkin has developed a crush on a unicorn(Ancestor/Other). Once Ariin and Khorii are reunited along with Grimalkin and Pircifer (Friends), they run into a particular snake at a carnival, Khorii heals it, and then, after some flying tigers, healing for pay, and other gypsy shenanigans, they go to the snake's home planet to return her to her people. The snake helps with packing up the sample of the mutable shelter (book describes her as throwing things out of it and then squeezing it down). So they know the coordinates of the planet.
The two gypsies had one of the chronos, and shifted to when the unicorns were on earth. The adventurers came to rescue them, and ended up rescuing the Ancestors, though Pircifer was killed. They returned to their own time, where Khiindi began mourning the loss of his companion Friend. Aari and Acorna were also healed of the plague.
Since they knew the location of the planet, they journeyed there, and discovered that the Khleevi had also been there. It wasn't certain, but suspected that the Khleevi had precipitated the extinction of the snakes.
Grimalkin pieced together that Odus, a rather unempathetic Friend, had tinkered with the genetics of the snakes/former skins that were malleable. Akasa, another rather self-centered Friend, had then journeyed and spread the plague, which also affected her looks. While Grimalkin tried multiple times to get Odus to stop, eventually, he always turned into Khiindi before he had completed his persuasions. A technician came for the heroes and Akasa had the tech that froze Grimalkin into Khiindi - this was used to shrink the mutable inogres where they had nearly destroyed planets.
Khorii wished Khiindi would stay with her, but recognized he may not want to. She released him, and he returned to the unicorns, from whence the Linyaari race came.
The two gypsies had one of the chronos, and shifted to when the unicorns were on earth. The adventurers came to rescue them, and ended up rescuing the Ancestors, though Pircifer was killed. They returned to their own time, where Khiindi began mourning the loss of his companion Friend. Aari and Acorna were also healed of the plague.
Since they knew the location of the planet, they journeyed there, and discovered that the Khleevi had also been there. It wasn't certain, but suspected that the Khleevi had precipitated the extinction of the snakes.
Grimalkin pieced together that Odus, a rather unempathetic Friend, had tinkered with the genetics of the snakes/former skins that were malleable. Akasa, another rather self-centered Friend, had then journeyed and spread the plague, which also affected her looks. While Grimalkin tried multiple times to get Odus to stop, eventually, he always turned into Khiindi before he had completed his persuasions. A technician came for the heroes and Akasa had the tech that froze Grimalkin into Khiindi - this was used to shrink the mutable inogres where they had nearly destroyed planets.
Khorii wished Khiindi would stay with her, but recognized he may not want to. She released him, and he returned to the unicorns, from whence the Linyaari race came.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2021
Sadly, the ending to this story was both protracted, and brief, at the same time.
Protracted, in that not a lot happened, for quite some time, with all the Linyaari, plus Acorna's adopted family, going here, there, and back again, looking for a solution to rid the Universe of what they decided to call the Inogre.
Khorii and Ariin go back and forth in time with Khiindi / Grimalkin, as they search for the designer of the Inogre, to try and get him to make something that would kill it - unfortunately, Odus has disappeared without a trace.
They even try the Khlevii killing sap, to try and get rid of Odus' creation but, although it weakened it slightly, it didn't work, either.
Then, just as everyone starts to despair - with about five pages left in the book - they all visit Akasa, Odus' partner, who was much reduced, and aged, by her bout of the plague and, before anyone could stop him, Khiindi runs into Akasa's home, then runs out, straight towards Khorii, and drops a small, silver, tube into her hand.
They show the object to Akasa, who then tells them that this is the gadget that they used to freeze Grimaldi into his feline personality, Khiindi. Immediately, everyone realises that this might just be what is needed for the shape changing Inogre.
Before much time has passed, they all fly to the planet Rushima, and try out the gadget on the huge Inogre there and, to their joy, it works!
When they all gather together again, after the Universe is saved once more, Khorii hands the time crono she's been using, back to Khiindi, whereupon he gathers everyone together, takes them all back in time to his favourite Ancestor, where he turns into a Unicorn himself, and runs off with her, and the time crono.
That's where it ends.
All that book, to make like a journey that isn't then, bang, in five pages, the problem is solved!
To be honest, I hadn't read this last book before, so hadn't expected this. It wasn't the worst ending I've ever read, hence the three stars, but I was disappointed with it.
The whole thing could have been a part of book two, and not lengthened it overmuch, especially after a decent editing, so I'm left with the feeling that this was just padded out, to sell another book - and that WAS disappointing 😕
Protracted, in that not a lot happened, for quite some time, with all the Linyaari, plus Acorna's adopted family, going here, there, and back again, looking for a solution to rid the Universe of what they decided to call the Inogre.
Khorii and Ariin go back and forth in time with Khiindi / Grimalkin, as they search for the designer of the Inogre, to try and get him to make something that would kill it - unfortunately, Odus has disappeared without a trace.
They even try the Khlevii killing sap, to try and get rid of Odus' creation but, although it weakened it slightly, it didn't work, either.
Then, just as everyone starts to despair - with about five pages left in the book - they all visit Akasa, Odus' partner, who was much reduced, and aged, by her bout of the plague and, before anyone could stop him, Khiindi runs into Akasa's home, then runs out, straight towards Khorii, and drops a small, silver, tube into her hand.
They show the object to Akasa, who then tells them that this is the gadget that they used to freeze Grimaldi into his feline personality, Khiindi. Immediately, everyone realises that this might just be what is needed for the shape changing Inogre.
Before much time has passed, they all fly to the planet Rushima, and try out the gadget on the huge Inogre there and, to their joy, it works!
When they all gather together again, after the Universe is saved once more, Khorii hands the time crono she's been using, back to Khiindi, whereupon he gathers everyone together, takes them all back in time to his favourite Ancestor, where he turns into a Unicorn himself, and runs off with her, and the time crono.
That's where it ends.
All that book, to make like a journey that isn't then, bang, in five pages, the problem is solved!
To be honest, I hadn't read this last book before, so hadn't expected this. It wasn't the worst ending I've ever read, hence the three stars, but I was disappointed with it.
The whole thing could have been a part of book two, and not lengthened it overmuch, especially after a decent editing, so I'm left with the feeling that this was just padded out, to sell another book - and that WAS disappointing 😕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
This was one of the most chaotic books I've ever read, and I think I loved it. It fully leaned into the bizarre time travel, which at first I thought was going to suck but then turned out to be strangely enjoyable. Ariin, who was the worst in the last book, actually turned out pretty cool. She's nasty and annoying, but...in a refreshing way, I suppose.
As usual, the main thing to ruin the whole experience was the ending. Everything got wrapped up real quick without much fanfare, and it was seriously stressing me out when there were ten pages left and they were no closer to solving anything than in the very beginning.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the Acorna's Children trilogy. It retained the bizarre-ness and creepiness of the original series and introduced new refreshing characters. Even though it felt rushed and too convenient, the ending also gave closure not only to the trilogy, but the entire world of Acorna as well.
As usual, the main thing to ruin the whole experience was the ending. Everything got wrapped up real quick without much fanfare, and it was seriously stressing me out when there were ten pages left and they were no closer to solving anything than in the very beginning.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the Acorna's Children trilogy. It retained the bizarre-ness and creepiness of the original series and introduced new refreshing characters. Even though it felt rushed and too convenient, the ending also gave closure not only to the trilogy, but the entire world of Acorna as well.
September 29, 2017
Ahhhh, I finished the ENTIRE series!!!! I feel like I just reached the end of a marathon and I don't know what to do with myself. All these characters have become such a big part of my head space. No matter how twisty the plot had gotten (and sometimes confusing), it was such a fun ride and I'd say that most, if not all, of the plot threads have been tied up - ending at the true origin of Acorna's race (what a surprise! and a strange way to end the book, haha.
Acorna herself will always be my Wonder Woman and I'd love to see these books adapted on screen someday. I loved following her daughters' adventures more than I thought I would and I'm happy to have even gotten one more ship out of it (yaaaayy Khorii and Mikaaye.
Acorna herself will always be my Wonder Woman and I'd love to see these books adapted on screen someday. I loved following her daughters' adventures more than I thought I would and I'm happy to have even gotten one more ship out of it (yaaaayy Khorii and Mikaaye.
December 4, 2025
I've had the books for many years. Now that I'm retired finally read them. Acorna was good, but the entire Acorna's Children line felt forced. Then you reach then end of the 3rd one and you are left with a "What the Frack"? But, since it kept talking about Grimalkin being the only one who could make children, he seemed to have alluded that when he mated with Halili, he was the father of the future Linyaari. He was the missing link.
But really, I had to skip so much of the text as it was so boring.
But really, I had to skip so much of the text as it was so boring.
August 24, 2020
I started this series years ago when it was first published. I enjoyed the first and third books and then did not keep up with the series. Finding this book at a thrift store, fueled my interest again. Because I have not read previous books about Acorna's children, I was at a loss of understanding, in several portions of the book. For fans of this series, you will enjoy the further adventures of Acorna's children, as they find a place for their people, and mend severed relationships.
February 14, 2021
Third Watch
Khorii and Ariin have to find out what happened with the plague that destroyed most of the Federation and other worlds. Ariin was determined to get all the credit for figuring it out herself but there was just so much information and so many people were needed. It all came down to realizing that it happened by mistake and figuring out the right combination of ingredients to use. Now the worlds are safe and everyone can live a happy life.
Khorii and Ariin have to find out what happened with the plague that destroyed most of the Federation and other worlds. Ariin was determined to get all the credit for figuring it out herself but there was just so much information and so many people were needed. It all came down to realizing that it happened by mistake and figuring out the right combination of ingredients to use. Now the worlds are safe and everyone can live a happy life.
March 2, 2023
This was leagues better than the previous in the series, but it still lacked McCaffrey's usual deft touch.
There were far fewer simple mistakes, but there were still a few, and the ending felt rushed.
Overall though my initial impression was that this book must have largely been written before the previous, as it reads much better.
Worthwhile reading to finish the series off, but if somebody wanted to read only one McCaffrey book, I wouldn't suggest this or the prior.
There were far fewer simple mistakes, but there were still a few, and the ending felt rushed.
Overall though my initial impression was that this book must have largely been written before the previous, as it reads much better.
Worthwhile reading to finish the series off, but if somebody wanted to read only one McCaffrey book, I wouldn't suggest this or the prior.
July 23, 2018
Another great addition to the series. The ending was a bit disappointing though. It was kind of sudden and left a lot of questions unanswered. I hope there will be more books for this universe someday.
March 28, 2021
Loved it!!
I really love the Unicorn people books. This was awesome as all the rest! I hope someday there will be more adventures to read about! Thank you Anne and Elizabeth for your wonderful books!!!
I really love the Unicorn people books. This was awesome as all the rest! I hope someday there will be more adventures to read about! Thank you Anne and Elizabeth for your wonderful books!!!
August 29, 2025
"We are your future, be not afraid."
To be perfectly honest, I was the most excited to see Grimalkin get a HEA and literally trot off into the sunset.
To be perfectly honest, I was the most excited to see Grimalkin get a HEA and literally trot off into the sunset.
October 28, 2019
This book is so stupid. It’s poorly thought out and badly written. As an example, our heroes must deal with an enemy sludge that eats ‘inorganic’ materials. So it devours whole cities and spaceships. Even the domed structures of a moon colony (but not the moon beneath, or any of the asteroids it’s living on, for some reason). The way to kill it? Synthesise in the lab a substance that is chemically identical to a particular plant sap - because if it’s synthesised, it’s now inorganic, get it? Nevermind that this inorganic sap contains a ‘viral component’ (that is more interesting than it seems, as in a lot of ways virises aren’t necessarily ‘alive’, but this is me putting in more thought than the authors managed).
It’s just all dumb, and a poor effort to finish off the series.
It’s just all dumb, and a poor effort to finish off the series.
October 25, 2009
Admittedly, It's been many a moon since I last read a McCaffrey novel. I was way into her when I was a teen, now I'm 24. I picked up this series and with the first novel I started to remember what I liked about Anne. By the second book I was starting to feel like maybe I was mistaken. By this one I was wondering what on earth happened.
The reasons for the plague and the stages are just so out there (I know, in a book about unicorn people, who am I to complain?). It just all seems so hastily slapped together. In fact, this entire last novel seems completely haphazardly stitched together...
The reasons for the plague and the stages are just so out there (I know, in a book about unicorn people, who am I to complain?). It just all seems so hastily slapped together. In fact, this entire last novel seems completely haphazardly stitched together...
July 24, 2011
Probably the best book of the Acorna series yet. This book was in two parts, the first half of which they are flitting all through time gets confusing, but the point is that they are learning things about this plague. The second half is when they are actually trying to stop this plague. There is a lot of drama and adventure and that really kept me interested. Then again, I can never seem to put a McCaffrey down.
January 8, 2011
Khorii has a sister? Ariin comes out of no where. These stories are getting stranger and not really up my alley anymore. This is the last one I'm going to read. I really love Ms. McCaffrey and I try to read anything that she publishes. I have to say the last couple of these books are just not as good as her other work.
July 14, 2015
The plague is finally killed! Lots of twists and turns take place in the plot before this is accomplished.
I enjoyed this episode of the plague books more than the earlier ones but still found the temporal jumps hard to follow. I was glad Kornya and Ahrii finally got out of quarantine so they could join the others in the fight against the plague.
I enjoyed this episode of the plague books more than the earlier ones but still found the temporal jumps hard to follow. I was glad Kornya and Ahrii finally got out of quarantine so they could join the others in the fight against the plague.
January 11, 2010
This is one I haven't bought yet, because I couldn't find it when it came out in paperback. This story is getting a bit attenuated by the 10th volume. It was a bot difficult for me to keep track of all the characters. But I'll happily read anything with McCaffrey's name on it.
March 1, 2015
Third Watch: Acorna's Children (Acorna, #10)
McCaffrey, Anne
a great continuation of the acorna's story showing the dynamic nature of her children and their ability to stand up to things similar to their parents. They attempt to reconnect time, and Acorna and Ari
McCaffrey, Anne
a great continuation of the acorna's story showing the dynamic nature of her children and their ability to stand up to things similar to their parents. They attempt to reconnect time, and Acorna and Ari
September 24, 2016
Interesting enough to finish the series, but I felt that the author wanted to finish this off as much as I did. Interesting read, but I would not go out of my way to track down another series by these authors. It ought not be filed under Anne McCaffrey, it is not up to her engrossing style.
January 19, 2008
Great finish - More could still be done with character development...I wonder if there will be new books in this series?!
April 14, 2008
I usually like this author and had read the prequels to this book. It was okay. I guess I am just not as interested in her books. I did find the end had an interesting twist.
August 16, 2008
Took a while for me to get into the book, but by the end it got pretty good. Not as spectacular as the earlier books, however.
Want to read
October 27, 2008On the second book in the series. Bought the third while it wa there and it's waiting to continue.
December 11, 2008
Love these books. Acorna's twins show themselves to be completely different personalities. It's nice to see one of them has a bit of nastiness about her which makes her more real to the reader.
April 24, 2011
Satisfying conclusion to the trilogy and an extremely fitting ending. The loose strings were all wrapped up, and nicely integrated information from the extended series.
November 6, 2013
Overall I loved this series more than the original Acorna series.
July 18, 2014
The third and final story in the Acorna’s children series – where they finally defeat the plague that is decimating the universe
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews