Review of Dragonwriter: A Tribute To Anne McCaffrey and Pern by Todd McCaffrey 5*
BLURB: When Anne McCaffrey passed in November 2011, it was not only those closest to her who mourned her death; legions of readers also felt the loss deeply. The pioneering science fiction author behind the Dragonriders of Pern® series crafted intricate stories, enthralling worlds, and strong heroines that profoundly impacted the science fiction community and genre.
In Dragonwriter, Anne’s son and Pern writer Todd McCaffrey collects memories and stories about the beloved author, along with insights into her writing and legacy, from those who knew her best. Nebula Award winner Elizabeth Moon relates the lessons she learned from Pern’s Lessa (and from Lessa’s creator); Hugo Award winner David Brin recalls Anne’s steadfast belief that the world to come will be better than the one before; legendary SFF artist Michael Whelan shares (and tells stories about) never-before-published Pern sketches from his archives; and more.
Join Anne’s co-writers, fellow science fiction authors, family, and friends in remembering her life, and exploring how her mind and pen shaped not only the Weyrs of Pern, but also the literary landscape as we know it.
Contributors include:
Angelina Adams
David Brin
David Gerrold
John Goodwin
Janis Ian
Alec Johnson
Georgeanne Kennedy
Mercedes Lackey
Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
Lois McMaster Bujold
Elizabeth Moon
Charlotte Moore
Robert Neilson
Jody Lynn Nye and Bill Fawcett
Robin Roberts
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
Wen Spencer
Michael Whelan
Richard J. Woods
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro(less)
Paperback, 288 pages
Expected publication: August 6th 2013 by Smart Pop
My Review: Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley I have loved Anne McCaffrey since the late 1970's when I first read her book Dragon Singer. I was hooked and, after reluctantly returning my copy to the library, I went out and bought everything I could from her. I continued my love affair with this brilliant writer until the day she died. So as you can imagine I couldn't resist reading this book telling me stories about her from people who REALLY knew her. It was poignant and informative and is a truly wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful woman.
Showing posts with label Pern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pern. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Simultaneous Reading Leads To Multiple Reviews!
Dragon's Time by Todd & Anne McCaffrey 5*
BLURB:For the first time in more than three years, bestselling authors Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey, mother and son, have teamed up again to do what they do best: add a fresh chapter to the most beloved science fiction series of all time, the Dragonriders of Pern. Even though Lorana cured the plague that was killing the dragons of Pern, sacrificing her queen dragon in the process, the effects of the disease were so devastating that there are no longer enough dragons available to fight the fall of deadly Thread. And as the situation grows more dire, a pregnant Lorana decides that she must take drastic steps in the quest for help. Meanwhile, back at Telgar Weyr, Weyrwoman Fiona, herself pregnant, and the harper Kindan must somehow keep morale from fading altogether in the face of the steadily mounting losses of dragons and their riders. But time weighs heavily against them until Lorana finds a way to use time itself in their favor. It's a plan fraught with risk, however. For attempting time travel means tampering with the natural laws of the universe, which could drastically alter history and destiny forever. Or so it has always been thought. But Lorana discovers that if the laws of time can't be broken without consequences, it may still be possible to bend them. To ensure the future of Pern, she's willing to take the fateful chance even if it demands another, even greater, sacrifice
My Review: As I mentioned previously I love anything Pern so I was predisposed to enjoy this book. The story is a direct follow on from Dragongirl and I wouldn't recommend reading it as a stand-alone. The Timing gets a little confusing if, like me, you are a fast reader but the logic is there. I look forward to reading Sky Dragons when my husband finishes with it.
Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts by Lyn Gala 4*
BLURB:Liam loves his life as a linguist and trader on the Rownt homeworld, but he has ignored his heart and sexual needs for years. He won't risk letting anyone come too close because he won't risk letting anyone see his deeply submissive nature. For him, submission comes with pain. Life burned that lesson into his soul from a young age. This fear keeps him from noticing that the Rownt trader Ondry cares for him. Ondry may not understand humans, but he recognizes a wounded soul, and his need to protect Liam is quickly outpacing his common sense. They may have laws, culture, and incompatible genitalia in their way, but Ondry knows that he can find a way to overcome all that if he can just overcome the ghosts of Liam's past. Only then can he take possession of a man he has grown to love
My Review: I was sorry that this wasn't a longer story as the author did a wonderful job creating a believable alien culture and physiology. The interaction between the main characters was well written and rang true to how I believe an alien and a human would feel in these circumstances.
Be My Vampire by Myla Jackson 4*
BLURB:Elite Paranormal Investigative Agent Reggie Gallagher hates vampires. After thirteen beautiful women are kidnapped off the streets of Houston, Reggie and her sister set themselves up as bait to catch the kidnappers. The mission goes sour, her sister vanishes and Reggie is surrounded by a rabid pack of vampires only to be rescued by the most desirable vampire Reggie’s ever encountered. Captivated by his incredible magnetism, Reggie can’t deny her body’s response to the vampire’s nearness. When the sexy beast insists on providing protection and assistance in finding the missing women, Reggie can’t refuse. After the woman he loved turned Yuri Kovac into a vampire four hundred years ago, he swore he’d never trust another woman with his heart. Then he saved a sensuous hellcat from a band of vicious vampires only to find himself mesmerized by her curvaceous body, hot temper and fierce love for her family. Together Yuri and Reggie seek Reggie’s missing sister and face down the evil behind the disappearances while fighting their growing attraction for each other.
My Review: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review so here it is: I loved the way the story opened straight into action and the way the author wove in all the background on the characters without detracting from what was happening. This was obviously part of a series and I will be looking for Madison's story to find out how she copes with the changes caused at the end of the story.
The Stable Boy by Megan Derr 3*
BLURB:On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory's life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live. But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.
My Review: This is a free story written for the Sandy Relief Auction. Another clever m/m twist on a Fairytale. This one was based on The Goose Girl and was very close to that storyline. It was perfect as a sweet, short read.
Salome at Sunrise by Inez Kelley 4*
BLURB:Bryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself.
Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth’s breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton’s pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands’ compound, and Salome fears her love won’t be enough to save him
My Review: The magic of this story is created by the ability of the author to make the reader believe in a living spell. I was pulled into the problems and anguish of Bryton's fight against the evil that took his wife and his guilt at his growing feelings for Salome. By the end of the story I was emotionally drained but happy.
BLURB:For the first time in more than three years, bestselling authors Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey, mother and son, have teamed up again to do what they do best: add a fresh chapter to the most beloved science fiction series of all time, the Dragonriders of Pern. Even though Lorana cured the plague that was killing the dragons of Pern, sacrificing her queen dragon in the process, the effects of the disease were so devastating that there are no longer enough dragons available to fight the fall of deadly Thread. And as the situation grows more dire, a pregnant Lorana decides that she must take drastic steps in the quest for help. Meanwhile, back at Telgar Weyr, Weyrwoman Fiona, herself pregnant, and the harper Kindan must somehow keep morale from fading altogether in the face of the steadily mounting losses of dragons and their riders. But time weighs heavily against them until Lorana finds a way to use time itself in their favor. It's a plan fraught with risk, however. For attempting time travel means tampering with the natural laws of the universe, which could drastically alter history and destiny forever. Or so it has always been thought. But Lorana discovers that if the laws of time can't be broken without consequences, it may still be possible to bend them. To ensure the future of Pern, she's willing to take the fateful chance even if it demands another, even greater, sacrifice
My Review: As I mentioned previously I love anything Pern so I was predisposed to enjoy this book. The story is a direct follow on from Dragongirl and I wouldn't recommend reading it as a stand-alone. The Timing gets a little confusing if, like me, you are a fast reader but the logic is there. I look forward to reading Sky Dragons when my husband finishes with it.
Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts by Lyn Gala 4*
BLURB:Liam loves his life as a linguist and trader on the Rownt homeworld, but he has ignored his heart and sexual needs for years. He won't risk letting anyone come too close because he won't risk letting anyone see his deeply submissive nature. For him, submission comes with pain. Life burned that lesson into his soul from a young age. This fear keeps him from noticing that the Rownt trader Ondry cares for him. Ondry may not understand humans, but he recognizes a wounded soul, and his need to protect Liam is quickly outpacing his common sense. They may have laws, culture, and incompatible genitalia in their way, but Ondry knows that he can find a way to overcome all that if he can just overcome the ghosts of Liam's past. Only then can he take possession of a man he has grown to love
My Review: I was sorry that this wasn't a longer story as the author did a wonderful job creating a believable alien culture and physiology. The interaction between the main characters was well written and rang true to how I believe an alien and a human would feel in these circumstances.
Be My Vampire by Myla Jackson 4*
BLURB:Elite Paranormal Investigative Agent Reggie Gallagher hates vampires. After thirteen beautiful women are kidnapped off the streets of Houston, Reggie and her sister set themselves up as bait to catch the kidnappers. The mission goes sour, her sister vanishes and Reggie is surrounded by a rabid pack of vampires only to be rescued by the most desirable vampire Reggie’s ever encountered. Captivated by his incredible magnetism, Reggie can’t deny her body’s response to the vampire’s nearness. When the sexy beast insists on providing protection and assistance in finding the missing women, Reggie can’t refuse. After the woman he loved turned Yuri Kovac into a vampire four hundred years ago, he swore he’d never trust another woman with his heart. Then he saved a sensuous hellcat from a band of vicious vampires only to find himself mesmerized by her curvaceous body, hot temper and fierce love for her family. Together Yuri and Reggie seek Reggie’s missing sister and face down the evil behind the disappearances while fighting their growing attraction for each other.
My Review: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review so here it is: I loved the way the story opened straight into action and the way the author wove in all the background on the characters without detracting from what was happening. This was obviously part of a series and I will be looking for Madison's story to find out how she copes with the changes caused at the end of the story.
The Stable Boy by Megan Derr 3*
BLURB:On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory's life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live. But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.
My Review: This is a free story written for the Sandy Relief Auction. Another clever m/m twist on a Fairytale. This one was based on The Goose Girl and was very close to that storyline. It was perfect as a sweet, short read.
Salome at Sunrise by Inez Kelley 4*
BLURB:Bryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself.
Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth’s breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton’s pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands’ compound, and Salome fears her love won’t be enough to save him
My Review: The magic of this story is created by the ability of the author to make the reader believe in a living spell. I was pulled into the problems and anguish of Bryton's fight against the evil that took his wife and his guilt at his growing feelings for Salome. By the end of the story I was emotionally drained but happy.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Pern is awesome!
Even when it's Todd and not Anne writing about it.*Is biased about Pern*
Review of Dragongirl by Todd J McCaffrey 4*
BLURB:Young Fiona, rider of the gold queen Talenth, has returned from the past, where she and a group of dragons and riders fled so that the wounded could heal from their previous battles with Thread and the younger dragons could safely grow to fighting age. Gone only three days, yet aged more than three years, Fiona is no longer a child but a woman prepared to fight against the Thread that threatens to destroy her world. Fiona’s life takes a pivotal turn when a shocking tragedy thrusts her into a position of authority. Now she finds herself leading weyrfolk who have a hard time trusting a senior Weyrwoman who is both young and an outsider. But even greater challenges lie ahead: Thread is falling and there are too few dragons to stem the tide. Many have died from the recent plague, and even with the influx of newly mature dragons from the past, the depleted fighting force is no match for the intensifying Threadfall. Fiona knows that something must be done, and what she proposes is daring and next to impossible. But if her plan succeeds, it just might save them all.
My Review: Todd has taken his mother's invention of Pern and her Dragons and brought another exciting episode to life. We meet up with lots of characters from previous Pern books and learn a bit more about timing and the problems of running a Weyr. It's not the best Pern novel but, for someone who can never get enough of Pern, this is a great addition to the bookshelf.
Review of Dragongirl by Todd J McCaffrey 4*
BLURB:Young Fiona, rider of the gold queen Talenth, has returned from the past, where she and a group of dragons and riders fled so that the wounded could heal from their previous battles with Thread and the younger dragons could safely grow to fighting age. Gone only three days, yet aged more than three years, Fiona is no longer a child but a woman prepared to fight against the Thread that threatens to destroy her world. Fiona’s life takes a pivotal turn when a shocking tragedy thrusts her into a position of authority. Now she finds herself leading weyrfolk who have a hard time trusting a senior Weyrwoman who is both young and an outsider. But even greater challenges lie ahead: Thread is falling and there are too few dragons to stem the tide. Many have died from the recent plague, and even with the influx of newly mature dragons from the past, the depleted fighting force is no match for the intensifying Threadfall. Fiona knows that something must be done, and what she proposes is daring and next to impossible. But if her plan succeeds, it just might save them all.
My Review: Todd has taken his mother's invention of Pern and her Dragons and brought another exciting episode to life. We meet up with lots of characters from previous Pern books and learn a bit more about timing and the problems of running a Weyr. It's not the best Pern novel but, for someone who can never get enough of Pern, this is a great addition to the bookshelf.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)