2008 Woodie Awards
Lakeland Book Looks
Dragon's Kin
Mara Carpenter
Issue date: 2/5/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
Anne McCaffrey teams up with her son, Todd McCaffrey to write another novel in her beloved "Dragon Riders of Pern" series entitled "Dragon's Kin." Todd intends to continue Anne's renowned series with his own forthcoming novel about Pern called "Dragonsblood."
Anne began her "Dragon Riders of Pern" series with "Dragonflight" in 1968. Her book series details the life of human colonists from Earth and their descendants who settled on a planet called Pern.
When colonists first came to Pern, they thought the seemingly docile planet would be perfect for a utopia, but they soon discover a deadly, silver organism called thread, which devours the flesh of man, beast, and crops. One of the only substances impervious to the alien life form is stone.
The colonists seek shelter in caves, but they can't hide forever. Eventually they find a way to genetically engineer dragons from native Pernese lizards that can breathe fire. They discover that fire is the best method of destroying thread falling from the sky.
"Dragon's Kin" explores the nature of a species, called watch-whers, accidentally formed during a genetic experiment with the Pernese lizards. These ugly, nocturnal creatures were thought to be useless because thread fell during the day. But the Pernese soon discover a purposeful use for the creatures.
Miner Natalon discovers that watch-whers are useful for working in the mines; they can smell explosive gases and help dig people from caved in rubble. Not everyone is ready for change. Natalon's brother, Tarik, believes the creatures were useless, and he will stop at nothing to destroy Natalon's progress.
A young orphan boy named Kindan, from Natalon's camp, was apprenticed to the local harpist, a musician who taught history through ballads. Kindan seems to have the skills to become a harper, but his plans are thwarted when he becomes the new keeper of the mine's watch-wher, Kisk.
Together Kindan, Kisk, and a mysterious girl named Nuella, who can talk to watch-whers, prove that watch-whers are useful creatures for mining and relaying emergency messages. Will the youngsters be too late to stop Tarik's scheme to destroy the camp? Will Kindan ever become a harper like he dreamed?
"Dragon's Kin," is a book filled with action, danger, adventure, and self-discovery--not to mention a heartwarming happy ending, but it is hard to believe at times. The pieces fit nicely into a delightful read worth the wait.
Anne began her "Dragon Riders of Pern" series with "Dragonflight" in 1968. Her book series details the life of human colonists from Earth and their descendants who settled on a planet called Pern.
When colonists first came to Pern, they thought the seemingly docile planet would be perfect for a utopia, but they soon discover a deadly, silver organism called thread, which devours the flesh of man, beast, and crops. One of the only substances impervious to the alien life form is stone.
The colonists seek shelter in caves, but they can't hide forever. Eventually they find a way to genetically engineer dragons from native Pernese lizards that can breathe fire. They discover that fire is the best method of destroying thread falling from the sky.
"Dragon's Kin" explores the nature of a species, called watch-whers, accidentally formed during a genetic experiment with the Pernese lizards. These ugly, nocturnal creatures were thought to be useless because thread fell during the day. But the Pernese soon discover a purposeful use for the creatures.
Miner Natalon discovers that watch-whers are useful for working in the mines; they can smell explosive gases and help dig people from caved in rubble. Not everyone is ready for change. Natalon's brother, Tarik, believes the creatures were useless, and he will stop at nothing to destroy Natalon's progress.
A young orphan boy named Kindan, from Natalon's camp, was apprenticed to the local harpist, a musician who taught history through ballads. Kindan seems to have the skills to become a harper, but his plans are thwarted when he becomes the new keeper of the mine's watch-wher, Kisk.
Together Kindan, Kisk, and a mysterious girl named Nuella, who can talk to watch-whers, prove that watch-whers are useful creatures for mining and relaying emergency messages. Will the youngsters be too late to stop Tarik's scheme to destroy the camp? Will Kindan ever become a harper like he dreamed?
"Dragon's Kin," is a book filled with action, danger, adventure, and self-discovery--not to mention a heartwarming happy ending, but it is hard to believe at times. The pieces fit nicely into a delightful read worth the wait.