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A review by sarahdm
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
4.0
Here's my no nostalgia review. First time reading this book in 2023.
TLDR: Give the first 2 books a try. You can even listen to the abridged audiobooks. This world is so interesting I think it requires at least a sincere effort to try and like it.
I went in blind. This is the way. What an interesting world. You expect fantasy and then it comes around and slaps you with that sci-fi element. I completely understand why this series is so beloved and a sci-fi fantasy classic.
The, ugh, mind-meld magic dragon sex is really weird and kind of rapey. Its not any weirder then today’s ABO/Omega verse stuff. There is also a LOT of misogyny paired with some early feminist ideas of female empowerment. Lessa is a bitch and I honestly love her for it. This was first published in the 60's so I'm not that surprised about all of these negative elements. Thankfully the world McCaffrey has create out shines all the dated things in these books.
This book and the next one, Dragonquest, are the ultimate test of if you are gonna enjoy this series. These first two books introduce you to the world, a few key characters, and McCaffrey's writing style. With Pern, its all about the world building and lore. The characters and plot are all gonna play second-fiddle. If you aren't totally in love with Pern by these two books, hungry to learn more and willing to get through some unlikeable character and dated ideas, this series isn't for you. I love Pern but I know its really not for everyone.
TLDR: Give the first 2 books a try. You can even listen to the abridged audiobooks. This world is so interesting I think it requires at least a sincere effort to try and like it.
I went in blind. This is the way. What an interesting world. You expect fantasy and then it comes around and slaps you with that sci-fi element. I completely understand why this series is so beloved and a sci-fi fantasy classic.
The, ugh, mind-meld magic dragon sex is really weird and kind of rapey. Its not any weirder then today’s ABO/Omega verse stuff. There is also a LOT of misogyny paired with some early feminist ideas of female empowerment. Lessa is a bitch and I honestly love her for it. This was first published in the 60's so I'm not that surprised about all of these negative elements. Thankfully the world McCaffrey has create out shines all the dated things in these books.
This book and the next one, Dragonquest, are the ultimate test of if you are gonna enjoy this series. These first two books introduce you to the world, a few key characters, and McCaffrey's writing style. With Pern, its all about the world building and lore. The characters and plot are all gonna play second-fiddle. If you aren't totally in love with Pern by these two books, hungry to learn more and willing to get through some unlikeable character and dated ideas, this series isn't for you. I love Pern but I know its really not for everyone.