Strange things were happening on the icy planet called Petaybee. Unauthorized genetically engineered species had been spotted, while some people we...
read full description
reviews
Jul 08, 2010
Minh
rated it: 
Anne McCaffrey is one of my guilty pleasures. Her Brain Ships series is probably one of my favourite SF series to read, and I'd thought for certain that I'd read most of her early trilogies. Powers That Be has never been a favourite of mine (I think the Crystal Singers is way up there though), I do own one or two of the novels from the Powers series, but for some reason it doesn't pull me as strongly as her other books do.
Yana, the main character is a battle stricken veteran who is sent to Peta More...
Yana, the main character is a battle stricken veteran who is sent to Peta More...
May 08, 2011
Amy
rated it: 
This book is. . . well, it's ok. It's not going to change your world in any way, profound or otherwise, but if you have to point your eyes at something for a while, you could point them at a lot worse things than Powers That Be.
The mostly inoffensive story begins on the frozen ice world of Hoth - er, Petaybee, that is - where our hero, Major Yana Maddock, has just been transferred. Maddock is on a forced medical retirement, having been seriously injured, as well as the lone survivor More...
The mostly inoffensive story begins on the frozen ice world of Hoth - er, Petaybee, that is - where our hero, Major Yana Maddock, has just been transferred. Maddock is on a forced medical retirement, having been seriously injured, as well as the lone survivor More...
Jan 29, 2011
Alysha DeShaé
rated it: 
My full review is here on my personal website. I'll post my conclusion here, though:
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
So, why did I knock off half a point? I think the relationship between Sean and Yana is a little rushed. I guess with everything else that goes on in the story that both characters are involved in that it just feels like they don’t have time to try to be a couple.
However, this book is incredible! If I had a physical edition of this book it would go on my speci More...
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
So, why did I knock off half a point? I think the relationship between Sean and Yana is a little rushed. I guess with everything else that goes on in the story that both characters are involved in that it just feels like they don’t have time to try to be a couple.
However, this book is incredible! If I had a physical edition of this book it would go on my speci More...
Oct 23, 2009
Kate
rated it: 
This is my favorite in the trilogy and, looking back on it, probably was a big influence on my own writing. I think this was likely one of the first books I read that looked at things from an anthropological viewpoint, showing me the reader how to look at a world as an outsider.
I read the book at a time when I was very into all things green - and as such, and being younger, the heavy-handedness of the preservation message didn't quite register as such. I read the book, agreed with More...
I read the book at a time when I was very into all things green - and as such, and being younger, the heavy-handedness of the preservation message didn't quite register as such. I read the book, agreed with More...
Dec 23, 2011
Blake
rated it:
This was great fun to read and makes you a just a tad suspicious about where they got the idea for Avatar from. The one thing I didn't like was how they felt they had to spoon-feed you every plot development. Most of the foreshadowing seemed more like forescreaming, with the result that nothing really shocked you when it finally occurred (after the 10th blatant hint). Or maybe I've just read too many McCaffrey books in a row. That's probably why I'm sick of every character's eyes dancing, flashi
More...
Jan 30, 2011
Grace
rated it:
Certainly not the best of McCaffrey's series. I like Yana's military background and the worldbuilding, but this book and the one following are pretty flimsy. There's a lot of Celtic/Inuit stuff, and some political maneuvering, so McCaffrey was certainly still involved during "Powers That Be" and probably also "Power Lines". Quite a bit more heavy breathing than usual, and the mysticism comes right up against being too ooo-ee-ooo for my tastes. Without the military and politi
More...
Jul 19, 2009
Kris
rated it:
I enjoyed re-reading this book, having just finished the Twins of Petaybee which is a sequel trilogy. It's been years (10?) since I last read it and I can't wait to get my hands on the other two in this first trilogy. Major Yanaba Maddock, her lungs badly damaged in a military incident, is being retired to an out-of-the way planet populated by "ips", short for "inconvenient people". Strange things happen to Company investigators looking for the planet's supposedly rich res
More...
Dec 12, 2011
Gail
rated it:
Oddly apt for a winter read, this book centers on Major Yanaba Maddock, a disabled veteran, sent to the icy planet Petaybee to die, but also on one last mission, to spy on the locals and find out what is really going on there. This book has a naive sweetness to it. It reminds me of early McCaffery books, like the Dragonsinger series. (Which is also my favorite of her work, and feels very YA to me.) Or even like a Mercades Lackey book. The story-line features a native culture full of good people
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 18, 2011
Ruby
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 01, 2010
MarsianMan
rated it:
A novel about a female veteran discharged from duty due to injury in the line of duty. Except the discharge has a small amount of spy work. It seems that mining teams on Petaybee never end up finding the minerals that are seen from satellite. It is Yanaba's job to find out what is going on this icy planet.
A light novel that was quick to read and more interesting for the unique (at least to me) plot line.
A light novel that was quick to read and more interesting for the unique (at least to me) plot line.
Mar 13, 2011
Brilliant! Anne McCaffrey does it again.: I'm a huge McCaffrey fan, and this start to the Petaybe trio is just as good as the dragon books! A great buy, the others in this series are nearly as good, and round the story of Yana and the people and planet of Petaybe off really well. I have read this book dozens of times since I bought it, and it's just as good every time!
Jan 08, 2012
Mara
rated it:
A nice and intriguing plot, but I can't say it's a nice and intriguing book. I could have stopped reading and not really cared of what was going to happen. I did not hook me, the characters are cute but simple, mostly black and white. You know what's going to happen quite early in the story.
I consider it an ok book that doesn't compel me to keep reading the trilogy.
I consider it an ok book that doesn't compel me to keep reading the trilogy.
Aug 06, 2011
Alsha
rated it:
Another fond reread from my early teenage years. Vivid, tangible scene-setting makes for an experience of a unique way of life. The characters are simple but wholesome. Ultimately it's the combination of old-country arctic lifestyle cum space age culture that makes it an imaginative read well suited to winter. Also, sled dogs and telepathic cats!
Mar 17, 2010
Julianne
rated it:
A wounded soldier is sent by her employer to help run the locals out, or find out what their lucrative secret is, one or the other. The problem is, the soldier falls in love with the land, the natives, and in particular, a very mysterious scientist who lives among them.
Feb 03, 2011
Meghan
rated it:
I'm a big fan of McCaffrey anyway, but this book is particularly strong. The premise has a breath of native american or druidic intent, but in that way anne has of making it all bigger than life.
After you get comfortable with the scenery (not a difficult task), the plot really takes over. You're pulling for the characters the whole time. I loved it.
After you get comfortable with the scenery (not a difficult task), the plot really takes over. You're pulling for the characters the whole time. I loved it.
Feb 11, 2011
Amy
rated it:
This book started off really promising and was mostly good. And then the ending was truly awful. Everything I hate about fantasy and romance packed into just a few chapters. Ugh.
<spoiler>
Case in point:
"Then you do want the baby? You don't mind that I sometimes... change into a seal?"
Oh my.
</spoiler>
<spoiler>
Case in point:
"Then you do want the baby? You don't mind that I sometimes... change into a seal?"
Oh my.
</spoiler>
Dec 12, 2007
Roberta
rated it:
The start of a series about genetic adaptations to cold weather planets. The main character is pretty well done and likeable, the world is interesting, and if it weren't for that fact that it was a subarctic climate, Utopian.
The book is a little preachy in the pro-environment sense, which doesn't bother me that much since I do feel that most corporations exploit the environment and their employees. But if that point of you doesn't bother you, then enjoy.
Mostly, it is More...
The book is a little preachy in the pro-environment sense, which doesn't bother me that much since I do feel that most corporations exploit the environment and their employees. But if that point of you doesn't bother you, then enjoy.
Mostly, it is More...
Oct 25, 2009
Daniel
rated it:
Starts out strong with an enjoyable protagonist and interesting setting. But narrowly written "villians" and their illogical reaction ruin it for me. Then add singing. Not McCaffrey's best work.
Jun 10, 2011
Scythan
rated it:
I found it to be too cliche... the sentient planet, the telepathic animals, the mysterious man who knows everything needed but doesn't help until the last minute.
Aug 27, 2011
Rattyfleef
rated it: 
Unbearable hate for the protag's voice and narrative voice both lead to this one being abandoned halfway through. Uhg. Not My Thing but ymmv.
Jun 15, 2011
Betsy
rated it:
This book was a little too preachy, and I couldn't agree with all of the message. One of McCaffrey's lesser books, in my opinion.
Oct 27, 2009
Blackwolfe
rated it:
One of my favorite books, though I've yet to read the rest of the series. Recently got a "new" copy (that is to say, a used copy).
May 21, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
Tried. Too many cooks in the kitchen on this one. The writing was definitly not in anne's style. This is the only one I read.
Jul 23, 2011
Theresa
rated it:
a surviving soljar has landed on the cold planet of Plythbee and learns that the planet is alive and concious.
Aug 23, 2011
Stacey
rated it:
Decent first in a series. Funny that McCaffrey always has animals whose thoughts can be read.
Feb 18, 2012
♆ Bookaddict
rated it:
I enjoyed this book where once again we are pioneers on a new world, trying to cultivate the land. I find this concept interesting and I enjoy it so much when it is fantasy. Somehow, when it is the "wild west" westerners I am totally turned off. Anyway, back to this story, I wanted to learn more about the planet - Petaybee. It is kind of the Mother Gaia concept. I liked Yanaba and her snarky attitude. After reading so many of Ms. McCaffrey's books, I'd have to say that her heroin
More...
Jan 12, 2011
got into a conversation with a friend about this one; sounded intriguing.
Sep 10, 2010
Kendra
rated it:
First in a new series by the author. I've actually read it before, but it had been a while, and I grabbed my own copies of the series.
Sentient planet, corrupt Company, lots of cool happenings!
Sentient planet, corrupt Company, lots of cool happenings!
Apr 07, 2011
Deveny
rated it:
Anne McCaffrey is always a good read; like this enough to try the sequel
