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waaaaaaaif's review against another edition
2.0
I'm still mildly interested in the world, but god this is bad writing.
rachel_from_cambridge's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this a lot better than the first book.
I didn't have the same problems with gender/sexual relations or completely unjustified weyr privilege I had during the first book.
Looking forward to rereading some more now.
I didn't have the same problems with gender/sexual relations or completely unjustified weyr privilege I had during the first book.
Looking forward to rereading some more now.
dwheeler88's review against another edition
2.0
A few sections were really interesting, but overall not very enticing. I skimmed quite a bit...
eowyndoodles's review against another edition
3.0
This was put together better than the first one and some of the background info/world was more fleshed out, but occasionally it was done it ways that contradicted (small) details in the previous book, which was frustrating. Also still frustrated by all the gender stuff still. (Sure, women can go have adventures I guess in special occasions, but gosh darned they better still be responsible for keeping the house made up properly and the menfolk all fed while they are doing it)
novelinsights's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting second book in the series. I really enjoyed the world-building that happened in this book as new creatures and technological discoveries were added. It was fun to see characters in a medieval-inspired fantasy world uncovering present-day technology; I love science fantasy as a genre and it isn't done nearly often enough.
I did, however, feel that the pacing/structure of this book was a little less traditional than that of Book 1. Dragonflight had a very clear three act structure, whereas this book felt more like we were just following developments in the society in general. Some characters had goals during the book, but I didn't feel like there were any specific driving forces that moved the characters reliably throughout the whole book. I didn't mind this that much, however, because it was still very interesting to see the daily life of this society and the drama that occurred.
Probably the most common complaint I've seen about these books (especially the early ones) is that they are sexist, and while this society is inherently very misogynistic, I definitely disagree that the books are sexist in themselves. It was clear to me from the second half of Book 1 that McCaffrey's point was to undermine the sexist norms of the society she created, and more of those norms were being challenged and broken in Dragonquest. In fact, a prevailing theme throughout this book was that it's dangerous and problematic to be stuck in the traditions of the past. I'm excited to see where she goes with this in the future, as there is much room to revolutionize the world that she's created over the 20-some books that take place there.
In general, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique take on dragon fiction that doesn't mind exploring politics and drama at the potential sacrifice of plot.
I did, however, feel that the pacing/structure of this book was a little less traditional than that of Book 1. Dragonflight had a very clear three act structure, whereas this book felt more like we were just following developments in the society in general. Some characters had goals during the book, but I didn't feel like there were any specific driving forces that moved the characters reliably throughout the whole book. I didn't mind this that much, however, because it was still very interesting to see the daily life of this society and the drama that occurred.
Probably the most common complaint I've seen about these books (especially the early ones) is that they are sexist, and while this society is inherently very misogynistic, I definitely disagree that the books are sexist in themselves. It was clear to me from the second half of Book 1 that McCaffrey's point was to undermine the sexist norms of the society she created, and more of those norms were being challenged and broken in Dragonquest. In fact, a prevailing theme throughout this book was that it's dangerous and problematic to be stuck in the traditions of the past. I'm excited to see where she goes with this in the future, as there is much room to revolutionize the world that she's created over the 20-some books that take place there.
In general, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique take on dragon fiction that doesn't mind exploring politics and drama at the potential sacrifice of plot.
valjeanval's review against another edition
4.0
I decided to head back to Pern because I wanted something to read on my trip to Fantasy Con in Salt Lake and dragons just seemed appropriate. Reading Anne McCaffrey always makes me revert to being 12 and picking out books from the Science Fiction and Fantasy catalog with my dad. You could call the style a little dated, but I prefer to think of it as a piece out of time.
The Dragonriders of Pern has a lot to do with tradition, change, and consequences. The primary focus of this book is dealing with the consequences of bringing people forward in time, and I think that's a pretty obvious setting for 1971. Everything in Pern is out of alignment and no one can figure out why. Oldtimers cling to tradition in the face of very obvious paradigm shifts. It's a book about coping and ingenuity and dragons. Lots of dragons.
Admittedly, there are some awkward moments (F'nor and Brekke's scene for example) that just don't read right with modern eyes. The book is also much more about F'lar and Lessa becomes a more subservient character. However, I still think she holds her own and the equality of both Weyrleaders is stressed throughout the story even if Lessa isn't the star of the piece. I remember The White Dragon being a personal favorite of my chibi self, so I'm looking forward to this little waltz down memory lane.
I still think I could handle a fire lizard... get on it, science.
The Dragonriders of Pern has a lot to do with tradition, change, and consequences. The primary focus of this book is dealing with the consequences of bringing people forward in time, and I think that's a pretty obvious setting for 1971. Everything in Pern is out of alignment and no one can figure out why. Oldtimers cling to tradition in the face of very obvious paradigm shifts. It's a book about coping and ingenuity and dragons. Lots of dragons.
Admittedly, there are some awkward moments (F'nor and Brekke's scene for example) that just don't read right with modern eyes. The book is also much more about F'lar and Lessa becomes a more subservient character. However, I still think she holds her own and the equality of both Weyrleaders is stressed throughout the story even if Lessa isn't the star of the piece. I remember The White Dragon being a personal favorite of my chibi self, so I'm looking forward to this little waltz down memory lane.
I still think I could handle a fire lizard... get on it, science.
vycee's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
rouver's review against another edition
2.0
Now that the imminent destruction of humanity on Pern has been averted, people once again feel free to war with one another. Dragon riders from different lairs try to instigate leaders to kill one another--something completely taboo & would undermine their authority over the land-bound lords they work with. As an adult with more limited time to read, these books don't really make the cut-the misogyny is all the more irritating as this was written by a woman.
gsanta1's review against another edition
4.0
Better than the first, and I liked the first.
So many great scenes, and interesting characters.
Learning more about the Red Planet, grubs, drama with the Oltimers, drama with unstable weyrwoman.
Much, much more.
I was surprised every chapter.
Oh, and fire-lizards too!
So many great scenes, and interesting characters.
Learning more about the Red Planet, grubs, drama with the Oltimers, drama with unstable weyrwoman.
Much, much more.
I was surprised every chapter.
Oh, and fire-lizards too!