Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey (audio)

Bibliographic Information:
McCaffrey, A. (2005). Dragonflight. Read by Dick Hill. Brilliance Audio. ISBN-10: 1597379514

Book Awards:
None, although the first section of it won the 1968 Hugo award when published as a novella titled, "Weyr Search".


Plot Summary:
The dragonriders of Pern are in desperate straits. From a fighting strength of 1800 dragons 400 years ago, they are down to a scant 230, with only one queen to continue the race upon which all of Pern depends. The last queen egg is about to hatch, and a strong queen rider must be found, one who can lead the dragons back from the brink. Lessa, an orphan bent on vengeance for her murdered family, fits the bill, but F'lar, bronze Mnementh's rider, must convince her to forsake her revenge in favor of saving the planet.

Critical Evaluation:
The relatively sophisticated prose will leave younger readers behind, even if they are captivated by the story. Although they are delicately phrased, there are some adult situations that may also make this story more suitable for older tweens. That said, McCaffrey has created a unique and complete world with a gripping writing style and storyline. The descriptions are interesting, and woven into the plot; the reader develops a clear picture of Pern, its people, and its culture without feeling overwhelmed by prosy description. The reader, Dick Hill, has a strong voice and excellent enunciation, but I did not like his interpretation of F'lar's voice and personality. The other characters were pretty good.

Reader's Annotation:
Will Lessa choose to regain her birthright or save Pern? Hold, or dragon? Vengeance, or love?

About the Author:
Anne McCaffrey was born in Massachusetts in 1926. She graduated from Radcliffe college with a degree in Slavonic languages and literature. She studied voice and opera as well as writing. She has three children, and lives in Ireland on her horse farm. The Dragonriders of Pern series has fourteen books.

Genre:
Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:
None

Booktalking Ideas:
Ride a dragon
Share brain space with another species

Interest Age:
13+

Challenge Issues:
None
However, if a challenge should occur, read the book! Urge parent to do the same. Cite awards and reviews. Refer to collection development policy. If dispute continues, parents' wishes regarding their own children will be respected.

Reason Included:
One of my favorite novels as a teenager, I was pleased to see it in the YA audiobook section of the library, and anxious to discover if the new format added anything.