Rating: 
Summary: A rare vote from the heart
Review: For me, the thing that makes a book a classic is whether or not it comes to mind occasionally in the year after I have read it. If I don't then find myself comparing it to recently read plotlines or movies from the same genre, it would not be worth a five star rating. In this case, I have (drumroll please) over 10 years' worth of ponderings and influence to demonstrate that Dragonflight -- and the entire trilogy -- is an unparalleled classic. Thumbnail sketch of the plot: a futuristic world barely settled by mankind, which was then cut off from all contact and aid from the motherworld (Earth). Genetic engineering of native life forms to create "Dragons" which form psychic links to individual humans (dragonriders)for life, to aid in fighting a recurring biological threat. Centuries pass between attacks, causing subsequent generations to forget the dragons' purpose, take the dragonriders for granted and weaken their defenses gradually. Now there are signs that the attacks will begin again soon, and the people are caught unprepared. The stage is set for Lessa, a young insignificant, to rise to the top of the dragonrider heirarchy along with F'lar, a seasoned rider, as his mate. I was tempted to dock a star from the rating based on some formulaic elements: the young, fiery, independant-spirited heroine challenging the restrictive views of her medieval society, the super-Alpha male hero who tries to dominate her but comes to appreciate her in the end...if you've read one, you will recognize the Lessa and F'lar characters, as well as some others as such Romance novel archetypes. Despite this, McCaffrey draws them well and uses her characters perfectly to play up the tension and confusion that Pern is going though. HOWEVER. Even if you could hate everything else about this book (not that that's really plausible), you would still have to hand it to McCaffrey for her magnificent, mysterious, humanchild-esque dragons. It could have had something to do with my youth at the time, but those dragons made and impression on me that lasts to this day and is still the standard in my mind for the believability of any alien character in a novel.
Anne McCaffrey wrote the Harper Hall trilogy and the first Dragonrider trilogy in the earlier days of her writing career. Some have opined that her latter writings show improvement; I disagree with extreme prejudice. Or rather, it is not her writing style (mediocre) that elevates the best McCaffrey books, but that infuriatingly elusive freshness that somehow trickled away after that first decade of mainstream success. The unjaded, imaginative approach to her (un)mythological dragons challenged the reader to discard the "monster" bias and even fall in love a little. No small feat, that. Thank you, Anne, for the wonder and delight of Pern and its dragons.
Rating:
Summary: First I've read of its kind
Review: 1) First time I can remember reading a Sci-Fi/Fantasy combo story...and I wasn't disappointed. Great Read!
2) Once the main characters figured out one "new" way to use dragons it was fairly easy to anticipate what could/would/did happen next. This is my only gripe with the story, but it is minimal because at least the author kept the plot logical in its progression.
3) Characters had things you could admire about them all even if less likable characteristics is what the reader may first see. Great, easy read. Worth the time. I buy all my books at the used book store but this one is worth buying new, especially if you like to keep something to read again down the road.
Rating:
Summary: Anne McCaffery's DRAGONFLIGHT!
Review: I first started to read Anne McCaffery's books towards the end of grade 8. I had a goal to read all of them. I started to read the HarperHall Trilogy first ans i was totally amazed! Ms. McCaffery's writing style was so different from the other author's I read. She can make the book so interesting and keep developing the main plot while interwining the sub plots. Well, if you don't understand what I said, her books are just plain good! She builds up the characters, making you feel like you've known them alll your life. The chapters flow nicely into each other and once in a while something romantic about the characters. I literally couldn't tear my eyes off the book. Dragonflight is about a girl named Lessa. When she was about ten or so, this ambitious man named Fax took over her hold (A settlement of people) and murdered her family. She was the only surviving member of the Ruathan bloodline. She went into hiding for ten years and when Fax died, she was ready to claim her birthright to Ruathan Hold. As it turns out, F'lar a dragonrider was on Search (a search for able woman to impress a queen dragon) and he told Lessa she could become a weyrwoman (female leader of a settlement of dragonriders). Lessa agreed and became weyrwoman of Benden Weyr. THus begins a fantastic plot of developing romance between Lessa and F'lar and threatening thread! I never had a favorite author before but now it's for certain Anne McCaffery! As for a favorite book, there's too many of her books to choose from! I really recommend this book to others who would like to get themselves lost in the midst of dragons!
Rating:
Summary: I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Review: I must say that this book is one of my ABSOLUTE favorites! I have read it so many times that I almost know it all by heart! This book tells the story of Lessa, (my fav. character) who Impresses the last golden-queen dragon of Pern, Ramoth and how, basically, they defy all and, against all the odds against them, the save the world. This was the 1st Pern book I have ever read, and I say you should definetly read this one first. It makes understanding the different ranks and colors of the dragons easier...it makes you understand the real, emotional bond that the dragons and their riders have...how their minds are linked and how they understand everything about the other... This world is so believable that it makes me want to go to Pern and Impress a dragon! (lol) One of my favorite parts would have to be when Ramoth rose in flight to be caught by Mnementh, whose rider is F'lar, who was the only bronzerider who believed that the ancient menace of Thread would fall once again in the skies of Pern. And lo, was he ever correct! He and Lessa and Ramoth and Mnementh make the BEST couple, and their fierce wit and sense of knowing make the story fast-paced and wonderful! You get to really know all the characters like you are actually standing there, with them...its great! This is a TOTAL read for dragon fans and even sci/fi and fantasy fans! Its great for all ages, though I do warn against the 10 and under year olds-they might not get the concept. PLEASE READ! ITS SO WORTH A HARBACK VERSION! (I have all these books, so trust me!) :OD
Rating:
Summary: Will leave you smiling! And wanting more...
Review: There just aren't enough great words to describe this book and the continuing series. I was fortunate to meet up with Lessa, F'lar, Ramoth and the rest in the 1980's, and I never recovered (thank goodness)! This first book of The Dragonriders of Pern will leave you wanting more. I would suggest you not buy just the first, you won't be able to wait for the delivery of the rest! Not patiently anyway. This book has captured the imagination of several generations, and still continues to captivate us today, for good reason. In brief, our heroine Lessa, her mate, and friends must convince the people of Pern that they are in imminent danger from a deadly spore that falls from the sky (thread). It has been so long since the last occurrence of "threadfall" that the populace believe there is no threat, and withdraw their support from the very people who can keep them alive. As you might have guessed, there are dragons, and lots of them. Beautiful, colorful, amazing, intelligent dragons. And it is on their shoulders, and those of their riders, that the fate of Pern rests. Their (people and dragons!) relationships, adventures, loves, joys and sorrows make this a book you shouldn't miss. There's even a great love story, or two, that keep you guessing (and cheering) at every turn. The character development is incredible, the plot is outstanding, and it's guaranteed to leave you smiling. The number of related and subsequent books attest to the quality of this series. Do yourself a favor and give this one a chance. Enjoy reading this first installment, you'll never be the same once you've finished!
Rating:
Summary: The best Pern book
Review: This is the first book in the series and it is the best. Lessa is a drudge in her hold. Her parents have been murdered by the current masterholder Fax when the latter conquered the hold. Unknown to Fax however she lives, hides her beauty and plots revenge. The chance comes in the first part of the book when a dragonrider F'lar comes to take her to be queen of Benden Weyr. Before she goes, Lessa cunningly causes F'lar to kill Fax in a duel. This is the start. Lessa is beautiful but she is also tough and cunning. She needs her toughness since Benden Weyr has its own inner-politics. She finds that the Lord of Benden Weyr is a hidebound man. This hardly suites the independant Lessa. " Why does dragonqueens have wings? Don't they fly?" she asks. "That is simply not done. You are far to important to risk" says the lord. Lessa wants to fly and she starts arranging matters to suite herself. She teams up with F'lar and and causes Benden Weyr to break with tradition. She also saves Pern from the dreaded Threads. That is the meat of the matter. A well told story by McCaffrey. The chief attraction is the indomitable character of Lessa as she overcomes obstruction after obstruction to gain her goals. Superb.
Rating:
Summary: Dragonflight
Review: Dragonflight is a good book. At first you might not know what is going on, but as the book progresses you will start to understand. As you read you should have your dictionary with you. This book is for a 8th grade and up and for a somewhat mature reader. Anne McCaffrey did an excellent job of telling this tale of action, romance, and confusion. If you buy The Dragonriders of Pern three in one book there is an index and glossary at the end and would probably be better, but for a trial read just get the first book and don't give up on it. F'lar, the dragonriders, Lessa, and all of Pern and its people will not let you down.
Rating:
Summary: Gotcha!
Review: Obviously one of the best sci-fantasy books of all time. When you first pick up the book and start reading, it grabs your attention. McGaffrey starts and empire with this book. The characters are strong and you learn to love or to hate them. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's full of suspense. Anne McGaffrey vividly describes the characters, places, and things of Pern. At the end of the book you won't be able to wait. You'll want to go grab the second one!
Rating:
Summary: Enter the world of Pern...
Review: Two of my friends love this series, and when I showed interest because i had nothing better to read I borrowed this book. wow! This book was so complicated and intricate and detailed... not enough words to describe it! The print may be small and the book filled with pages, but you just keep on reading, and before you know it you're asking your friend for the next book in the series! I never was into the whole "sci-fi" thing (this book is not totally science fiction however) but now I love al things with dragons, and magic. This book opens so many doors, its amazing!
Rating: 
Summary: Here there be dragons
Review: The first book in the "Dragonriders of Pern" series chronicles Lessa's reclaiming of her birthright and her becoming 'impressed' (connected) to the dragon Ramoth, thereby achieving the title of Weyrwoman of Benden. With their depleted dragon population, the Dragonriders are hard pressed to stop the threat of the stellar threads from destroying Pern, until Lessa discovers a way to bring more dragons... I did enjoy the story, but I found it awkward at the beginning, and it moved too quickly for me in some places so that I didn't always get a clear view or sense of place or action. And I never did get around to liking Lessa. She's very petulant, and hardly wavers from there. Despite these misgivings, I still found "Dragonflight" rather compelling and I do plan on reading more about Pern at some point.
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