Dragonsblood, by Todd McCaffrey
Book Review by Susie Hawes
Have you read this book?
In the latest Dragonriders of Pern novel, Ms. McCaffrey steps down and hands the reins over to her son, Todd. He does the series justice. Having been raised with the Pern novels, Todd understands the series better than most. He enjoys working within this world, and it shows.
The mixture of fantasy and science fiction we've come to expect from the Pern novels is definitely there. Scientific exposition strengthens the plot as we learn the origins of many of the creatures of Pern. The bioengineering that made dragons and watch-whers possible is discussed at length, and comes into play as the dragonriders face a new threat: a plague that kills dragons. Thread is about to fall. Without the dragons most of the civilization will perish. The nature of the disease is explained, and provides clues to solving this deadly problem.
The story centers around a young artist, Lorana. As she struggles to find her place in this society she must contend with disease, death and politics. The dragonriders are in conflict with the rest of the world. A vicious plague killed a large portion of the people not hidden away in the dragonriders' fortress-like Weyrs. The dragonriders separated themselves from the rest of the world to avoid risking their dragons, and now the people they left to fend for themselves through most of the plague are resentful. Political maneuvering has always been a part of the Pern novels, with Weyrleaders vying for power. As Lorana seeks the cure for the deadly disease, social and political strife interferes. Will she and her friends find the cure in time to save the dragons? What is her own place in this world?
Todd McCaffrey has a strong writing style. The novel is filled with colorful descriptions, well-developed characters and solid plotting. The pace drags a bit at times, but the action sequences are quick, the imagery is wonderful and tension builds throughout the novel as we follow the characters in their race against time. If thread falls before the dragons are strong enough to fight it, the death toll from the recent plague will look like child's play. We feel the danger these people experience. Their emotions ring true. This novel keeps you turning pages as you watch the fate of these people and their world unfold. Any fan of the Pern novels will love this one. If you've never read a Dragonriders of Pern novel, pick Dragonblood up. You will enjoy it.
The mixture of fantasy and science fiction we've come to expect from the Pern novels is definitely there. Scientific exposition strengthens the plot as we learn the origins of many of the creatures of Pern. The bioengineering that made dragons and watch-whers possible is discussed at length, and comes into play as the dragonriders face a new threat: a plague that kills dragons. Thread is about to fall. Without the dragons most of the civilization will perish. The nature of the disease is explained, and provides clues to solving this deadly problem.
The story centers around a young artist, Lorana. As she struggles to find her place in this society she must contend with disease, death and politics. The dragonriders are in conflict with the rest of the world. A vicious plague killed a large portion of the people not hidden away in the dragonriders' fortress-like Weyrs. The dragonriders separated themselves from the rest of the world to avoid risking their dragons, and now the people they left to fend for themselves through most of the plague are resentful. Political maneuvering has always been a part of the Pern novels, with Weyrleaders vying for power. As Lorana seeks the cure for the deadly disease, social and political strife interferes. Will she and her friends find the cure in time to save the dragons? What is her own place in this world?
Todd McCaffrey has a strong writing style. The novel is filled with colorful descriptions, well-developed characters and solid plotting. The pace drags a bit at times, but the action sequences are quick, the imagery is wonderful and tension builds throughout the novel as we follow the characters in their race against time. If thread falls before the dragons are strong enough to fight it, the death toll from the recent plague will look like child's play. We feel the danger these people experience. Their emotions ring true. This novel keeps you turning pages as you watch the fate of these people and their world unfold. Any fan of the Pern novels will love this one. If you've never read a Dragonriders of Pern novel, pick Dragonblood up. You will enjoy it.
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