Adrienne Barbeau Book:

Editorial Review:
The third volume in a series of adventures in the land of Pern.

The White Dragon Reviews:
Jaxom grows up
2008-08-20 - This is the third book in the DRAGONRIDERS OF PERN trilogy which began with DRAGONFLIGHT, followed by DRAGONQUEST. At least a familiarity with the PERN universe is needed to fully enjoy this book, reading the first two is a definite plus.

The story picks up a few months after the events of DRAGONQUEST, a young man being groomed to take over the large 'Hold' (fiefdom) left by his father Jaxom had 'Impressed' (permanently bonded with) a dragon named Ruth, which has left Jaxom with a foot in two levels of Pernese society, both a dragonrider and a Lord. No one, least of all Jaxom knows how to reconcile these two demanding and often conflicting positions. To further complicate matters Jaxom finds himself and Ruth in the midst of various political intrigues that threaten to destroy all of Pernese society.

Fans of Pern will not want to miss this wonderful addition to the series, those new to the series will really need to read the first two volumes first. This series is often listed as young adult fantasy but the themes explored are often complex and mature, making this series more appropriate for older teens rather than preadolescents. The entire Pern series is well thought out and logically presented. The basic permise is that colonists have wearied of Earth's over reliance on technology and determined to establish a simpler, more agarian society. They have organized a colony in a distant, obscure planet, which they named PERN not reallizing that periodically it was ravaged by Thread, a lifeform that destroyed all it touched. McCaffrey has devoloped an entire culture, complete with a history, which she has peopled with wonderful characters.

top of the slope?
2008-08-17 - Does anyone else get mental dissonance for the fact she shifts the whole Pern timeline by 4 years? Laying aside that Jaxom is just the wrong age in Quest, but that's a bit nitpicky.

Once you learn that Jaxom is based off her son, the degree of wish-fulfillment in this book becomes understandable.

A very slow book
2008-04-07 - Nothing much really happens here until the second half of the book.
The author's characterizations are pretty good, but as hard science sci fi
this whole series rates pretty low: people call it "fantasy" as like
Edgar Rice Borroughs or Conan the Barbarian? If so it lacks the action that such series demand. I actually don't much like the style of the writing either, as it is very verbose ( says in five pages what could be said in one). This kind of writing makes me want to skip ahead and find something happening...If you are going to base a series on dragons, action seems to be demanded not thoughtful, characterizations and colorful characters.

Fabulous costumer service
2008-01-18 - This was a B-day gift for a close friend. I was worried it wouldn't get here in time for her B-day. It made it on time for her B-day, although it didn't arrive on the day it was supposed to. Without question or having to contact costumer service, my shipping was refunded to me because of the inconvenience. I appreciate Amazon for thier fast action and that I didn't have to complain like people have to do with so many other companies. Thank you!!!

White Dragons are great!
2007-12-11 - As Dragons go, Ruth is smaller and lighter colored.. but that does not stop his being just as useful as any other dragon..and a to be holder can also work thread.. enjoy