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Acorna #2
Acorna's Quest
Acorna blasts off with human friends in search of her own race, who shortly turn up looking for her. These gentle, horned nonhumans are fleeing other aliens who are wanton murderers and torturers that resemble huge cockroaches. Meanwhile, a starship full of dispossessed human miners picks up a scientist whose devastating system of planetary weather control inspires some on-board criminals to stage a coup and use the weather machine to blackmail whole planets; Acorna stumbles into this conflict. Meanwhile, a spacefleet of killer roaches is on its way.
These storylines mix romance, light comedy, and some violent action, which is generally downplayed or dealt with offstage. Of course, the verminous villains find humanity a tougher proposition than nice unicorn-folk and complain bitterly: "They are barbaric and vicious beyond belief; when attacked, they actually fight back!" Happy endings emerge, with room for more sequels. Overall, Acorna's Quest feels like a romping, uncomplicated SF adventure intended for younger readers and Anne McCaffrey devotees. --David Langford, Amazon.co.uk
293 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
138 people are currently reading
1631 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
482 books7,811 followersAnne Inez McCaffrey was an American writer known for the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction (Best Novella, Weyr Search, 1968) and the first to win a Nebula Award (Best Novella, Dragonrider, 1969). Her 1978 novel The White Dragon became one of the first science-fiction books to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
June 24, 2023
For those who don't know, I've been doing a literary theme every month this year. So far in 2020, I've done everything from Star Wars (in May, of course) to superheroes (in February, to fight the lovey-dovey focus of that month) to even manga (in March). While my plans have been altered a bit since I first composed them in late 2019--partly due to the current global situation, and partly due to personal realizations--I've still read right many books this year, and plan on reading even more, some of which won't be part of those themes. I was inspired by the special events on the cable networks I used to watch back in the day, such as Cartoon Network's marathons of Scooby-Doo or Looney Tunes, not to mention Disney Channel's numerous similar promotions, especially of Lizzie McGuire.
This month's focus is none other than the Dragonlady: the late, great Anne McCaffrey. If you've never heard of her, she was--and still is--considered to be one of of the best science fiction and fantasy writers of the twentieth century. Her writings have appeared everywhere from magazines to even literature textbooks, and have even inspired computer games. While I've read much of her works in previous years, it had been a while, so, I figured: Why not rediscover some old favorites?
This second novel in the Acorna series--I finished the first one earlier today! I know; I'm fast!--continues the story of the Unicorn Girl, and is exciting and fun. Acorna continues to be a likable heroine, and I'm excited to see where the story goes from here, even if I have read all the books in the series already. There were some minor content issues--namely, suggestive references and uses of the s-word--but, overall, this was rather enjoyable. If you've never read any of Ms. McCaffrey's works--or, you've only read Pern--you should try this series.
This month's focus is none other than the Dragonlady: the late, great Anne McCaffrey. If you've never heard of her, she was--and still is--considered to be one of of the best science fiction and fantasy writers of the twentieth century. Her writings have appeared everywhere from magazines to even literature textbooks, and have even inspired computer games. While I've read much of her works in previous years, it had been a while, so, I figured: Why not rediscover some old favorites?
This second novel in the Acorna series--I finished the first one earlier today! I know; I'm fast!--continues the story of the Unicorn Girl, and is exciting and fun. Acorna continues to be a likable heroine, and I'm excited to see where the story goes from here, even if I have read all the books in the series already. There were some minor content issues--namely, suggestive references and uses of the s-word--but, overall, this was rather enjoyable. If you've never read any of Ms. McCaffrey's works--or, you've only read Pern--you should try this series.
February 26, 2017
5 Stars!
A little tricky to stay with the words in this book, but not a bit of it is misused and is properly written and well written very much. You get into this book by the characters and the names and you feel familiar with them instantly. The science and fiction in here is great, it's a very amazing world to experience reading and feel the same things the characters feel and what goes on between the characters especially. Some parts are taking very sharp turns when you would not ever expect, and it leaves you thinking for awhile, "Did that really just happen?". A very exciting read, tons of action and twists to make this book definitely one of my most favorite books I have ever read. The ending was a little shocking however, I would have thought Acorna and Pal would be super cute together.... I don't know if that's going to change or not, but I hope it does! So onto the next book in the series, Acorna's People! So Excited!
A little tricky to stay with the words in this book, but not a bit of it is misused and is properly written and well written very much. You get into this book by the characters and the names and you feel familiar with them instantly. The science and fiction in here is great, it's a very amazing world to experience reading and feel the same things the characters feel and what goes on between the characters especially. Some parts are taking very sharp turns when you would not ever expect, and it leaves you thinking for awhile, "Did that really just happen?". A very exciting read, tons of action and twists to make this book definitely one of my most favorite books I have ever read. The ending was a little shocking however, I would have thought Acorna and Pal would be super cute together.... I don't know if that's going to change or not, but I hope it does! So onto the next book in the series, Acorna's People! So Excited!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2021
Though my feelings are largely the same as I mentioned in my review of the other edition, I will say that I won't do any more theme months; not for TV shows and movies nor for literature. As much as I love my entertainment, my life shouldn't revolve around it, nor should it be such a big priority.
February 24, 2018
An impressive follow-up to the first Acorna novel.
September 29, 2022
Last book of 2012 for me... And I finished it right before my midnight kiss, too!
I'm rereading the Acorna series and still loving them, but I'm noticing things that I've not noticed before about the characters - namely that they aren't as well developed as I remember them to be. I guess it's a good thing they're already fleshed out in my mind! :-p The story is still great, though.
I'm rereading the Acorna series and still loving them, but I'm noticing things that I've not noticed before about the characters - namely that they aren't as well developed as I remember them to be. I guess it's a good thing they're already fleshed out in my mind! :-p The story is still great, though.
February 18, 2011
The whole time I wanted to know more about the little unicorn girl and where she came from. Was she the last of her Kind. None of those questions were answered. Still, the novel was fast paced and full of inrigue. The characters were developed well and she painted a godd picture. I do see why she left it open and didn't answer all the questions. So I'll go find the next one in the series...lol..
I would say yes if I was asked whether or not to purchase it.
Hope this helps.
I would say yes if I was asked whether or not to purchase it.
Hope this helps.
September 18, 2022
I read this as a break from We Hunt the Flame and it may have been the contrast, but I quite enjoyed this one. Ms. McCaffrey is an interesting writer and some of her books have aged oddly but generally I liked this one. The length of the book means there is some imbalance between "showing" vs "telling" but generally I didn't mind it as much as we did keep moving along.
The resolution of some of the plot elements are convenient to the point of being silly () but then I find that par for the course with Ms. McCaffrey so I was not annoyed. It's kind of her schtick - at least this was better than Tower And the Hive in terms of plot.
But let's see - this series too could jump the shark. Looking forward to finding out tbh! 😂
All in all - this was a fun book. I enjoyed the quick pace of it - even though the plotting was a bit simplistic, but even that, I found that charming. This could have actually used another 4o-50 pages to explain some of the action, because it felt there were some skips which didn't make sense.
This was what I call a good "time pass" - 3.5 stars! No real suspense or dread in the plot but I liked its simplicity which makes for a easy read.
The resolution of some of the plot elements are convenient to the point of being silly () but then I find that par for the course with Ms. McCaffrey so I was not annoyed. It's kind of her schtick - at least this was better than Tower And the Hive in terms of plot.
But let's see - this series too could jump the shark. Looking forward to finding out tbh! 😂
All in all - this was a fun book. I enjoyed the quick pace of it - even though the plotting was a bit simplistic, but even that, I found that charming. This could have actually used another 4o-50 pages to explain some of the action, because it felt there were some skips which didn't make sense.
This was what I call a good "time pass" - 3.5 stars! No real suspense or dread in the plot but I liked its simplicity which makes for a easy read.
April 30, 2018
Acorna is now an adult and wants to find out if any of her own species survived and if so why was she sent away. With the help of Calum Acorna manages to get away in a ship that unbeknown to them is not quiet ready for take off. No sooner have they left and the Linyaari, the very people Acorna is looking for turn up. The Linyaari came to warn of the imminent attack from the Kleev. The last thing they expected was to find the missing child of a sister.
December 6, 2011
Book 2 of the Acorna series. In this book, Acorna is now all grown up and itching to find out where she came from. The mission to find the land of her birth is delayed -- purposely? -- so she and Calum take matters into their own hands and sneak off -- with the partially prepared ship -- to complete the quest. No sooner are they gone -- encountering problems of their own due to the partially prepared ship -- when the Linyaari -- her people -- arrive looking for her. Hot on the heels of the Linyaari though are the deadly Kleev who do not negotiate. They only kill everyone and everything in their path...
An enjoyable book in which most of the mysteries concerning Acorna (or Khornya as her people call her) and her folk are revealed. Never did get to find out whether the scientists found a way to penetrate the "shield" though.....
An enjoyable book in which most of the mysteries concerning Acorna (or Khornya as her people call her) and her folk are revealed. Never did get to find out whether the scientists found a way to penetrate the "shield" though.....
January 1, 2018
Excellent story, was my first entry into a space faring race when I read it many years ago, re-reading it did not destroy my enjoyment of the series.
March 8, 2022
Light easy fun read. Not as good as the first one; I was more interested in the subplot on the Haven then I was in the main plot. Didn’t have emotional pull of fighting child sex traffickers, bud did have some great humorous scenes.
Biggest complaints: lacking in character development, and dated 90s cultural sensitivity levels. Mr. Li was described as “yellow skinned” for example. And while the idea of Islam in sci fi is cool, Rafik and Hafiz’s characterizations felt like they perpetuated negative Muslim stereotypes. Both things rubbed me the wrong way.
I also struggled to like the Linyari or even keep them apart, and really disliked the male and the dynamic of the how older female crew members treated them. Granted there was an explanation in plot for why characters were irritable, but not till I had already become annoyed with them.
Biggest complaints: lacking in character development, and dated 90s cultural sensitivity levels. Mr. Li was described as “yellow skinned” for example. And while the idea of Islam in sci fi is cool, Rafik and Hafiz’s characterizations felt like they perpetuated negative Muslim stereotypes. Both things rubbed me the wrong way.
I also struggled to like the Linyari or even keep them apart, and really disliked the male and the dynamic of the how older female crew members treated them. Granted there was an explanation in plot for why characters were irritable, but not till I had already become annoyed with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2018
Not as good as the first one, but still loved it.
August 24, 2024
Acorna's quest
I am truly loving this exploration into another great series of Anne McCaffrey. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
I am truly loving this exploration into another great series of Anne McCaffrey. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
August 17, 2021
This was almost as good as Acorna, and introduced us to her actual family, who appear to warn the humans of the imminent attack in their planetary system, of their terrible enemies, the Khlevii.
Between helping to train all of the bonded children she had rescued, and helped rehome on the Maganos Moon Base, two years have passed for Acorna since the ending of the previous book.
Because everything seems at last to be going smoothly, she wants to go and try to discover the birthplace of her own people.
As Gill is needed, with Judit, to help train the children, and Rafik is now Hafiz Harakamian's heir, so needs to learn his wide slung business affairs, it's down to Calum to go with her in her search.
But, because Acorna is so very much loved, all of her adopted family keep using one excuse after another to stall their journey. Even Delszaci Li, that wonderful old man who has taken them all under his wings, is quietly doing his best to delay his Ki-lin from leaving.
So Calum and Acorna decide to quietly slip away without their too protective family knowing. Unfortunately, unknown to Calum, there was a problem in the hydroponics system that had been planned to be fixed, but Calum and Acorna's getaway prevented it.
When the fault is discovered, they are on the outskirts of explored territory, but they find one settled planet that they stop at, in the hopes that they can get replacement seeds and minerals. Unfortunately, the planet is in a terrible state and, Acorna being the person she is, insists on helping them out.
But this is just the start of an adventure that will see Acorna helping yet more young people to save themselves, plus being both reunited with her people, and fighting to save humanity, when the Khlevii come calling!
Between helping to train all of the bonded children she had rescued, and helped rehome on the Maganos Moon Base, two years have passed for Acorna since the ending of the previous book.
Because everything seems at last to be going smoothly, she wants to go and try to discover the birthplace of her own people.
As Gill is needed, with Judit, to help train the children, and Rafik is now Hafiz Harakamian's heir, so needs to learn his wide slung business affairs, it's down to Calum to go with her in her search.
But, because Acorna is so very much loved, all of her adopted family keep using one excuse after another to stall their journey. Even Delszaci Li, that wonderful old man who has taken them all under his wings, is quietly doing his best to delay his Ki-lin from leaving.
So Calum and Acorna decide to quietly slip away without their too protective family knowing. Unfortunately, unknown to Calum, there was a problem in the hydroponics system that had been planned to be fixed, but Calum and Acorna's getaway prevented it.
When the fault is discovered, they are on the outskirts of explored territory, but they find one settled planet that they stop at, in the hopes that they can get replacement seeds and minerals. Unfortunately, the planet is in a terrible state and, Acorna being the person she is, insists on helping them out.
But this is just the start of an adventure that will see Acorna helping yet more young people to save themselves, plus being both reunited with her people, and fighting to save humanity, when the Khlevii come calling!
December 20, 2013
At the end of the last book, the children on the planet Kezdet were being liberated, enrolled in school and are learning actual trades. This next installment involves Acorna wanting to find her own kind, humanoids like her. There are practical as well as sentimental reasons for this. Her “Uncle” Calum believes he knows the general area of space where they will find her home planet. The two of them set off to find it, rather impulsively since it appears everyone else doesn’t want them to go and end up on a planet they were not planning to go to. This lands them smack dab in the middle of a armed conflict.
Meanwhile, the Linyaari appear with a warning about the Khleev and in doing so discover that a little girl they thought was dead is alive, but missing. Acorna needs to be found and something needs to be done about the Khleev, who are coming and are deadly.
Once again we have Acorna acting impulsively, this time she drags Calum along with her. We meet some old friends and foes and discover new friends and foes. The action is fast paced. The characters are again not well developed, you have good, who are very good, and evil who are very evil, and the ones who are good as long as it profits them. But still this was an enjoyable read.
This could almost be considered a young adult book, but there is some violence and adult situations in it.
Meanwhile, the Linyaari appear with a warning about the Khleev and in doing so discover that a little girl they thought was dead is alive, but missing. Acorna needs to be found and something needs to be done about the Khleev, who are coming and are deadly.
Once again we have Acorna acting impulsively, this time she drags Calum along with her. We meet some old friends and foes and discover new friends and foes. The action is fast paced. The characters are again not well developed, you have good, who are very good, and evil who are very evil, and the ones who are good as long as it profits them. But still this was an enjoyable read.
This could almost be considered a young adult book, but there is some violence and adult situations in it.
October 31, 2018
It has been a couple months since I finished reading this book. I must admit to not remembering much about it at all. I'm currently reading the next book in the series and so I'm confusing the storylines.
As much as I loved Anne McCaffrey's dragon books, the Unicorn Girl series is less about the Unicorn Girl than it is about people who want to use or abuse said star of the books. As much as I love space travel books, this was more about bad guys and good guys who happen to know the girl while in space or on other planets. So sad.
I was fortunate enough about a decade ago to buy first editions of the hardbacks of a lot of McCaffrey books. But now that I have the time, my eyes have a hard time with printed tomes. I bought this Kindle version to aid in my reading. I wish there had been an Audible version as it might have helped.
Just to encourage those stuck in this book, the next in the series does give you a bit more time with the Unicorn people. I hope I haven't discouraged readers of this series. Keep on and find the good parts and hang on. We need fantasy/sci-fi to escape the noise of our every day lives stuck on Earth.
As much as I loved Anne McCaffrey's dragon books, the Unicorn Girl series is less about the Unicorn Girl than it is about people who want to use or abuse said star of the books. As much as I love space travel books, this was more about bad guys and good guys who happen to know the girl while in space or on other planets. So sad.
I was fortunate enough about a decade ago to buy first editions of the hardbacks of a lot of McCaffrey books. But now that I have the time, my eyes have a hard time with printed tomes. I bought this Kindle version to aid in my reading. I wish there had been an Audible version as it might have helped.
Just to encourage those stuck in this book, the next in the series does give you a bit more time with the Unicorn people. I hope I haven't discouraged readers of this series. Keep on and find the good parts and hang on. We need fantasy/sci-fi to escape the noise of our every day lives stuck on Earth.
May 27, 2017
I didnt enjoy this book as much as I did the first of the series. It was my bathtub book, so I read a portion of it every day for an hour or so. I think it's a book that needs to be read in larger chunks of time because there are so many characters and they got mixed up with my inconsistent reading.
November 1, 2011
This book was alright. It had a lot of boring technical bits that I could've done without.
April 19, 2013
I just couldn't like this book and won't read the others. It was slow and boring for me.
March 6, 2025
⚠️ Content Warning: This book includes themes of famine, genocide, war, and murder. ⚠️
I was really excited to dive into this one after finishing Acorna, and while the pacing was different, I found it even more enjoyable to read. This book shifts away from the themes of childhood exploitation and instead focuses on war, survival, and finding one’s place between cultures. The action is faster, the stakes are higher, and there are space battles—so that’s a win!
The big moment—Acorna finally finding her people—was satisfying but felt a little rushed. As a therapist who works with AANHPI populations, including transracial adoptees, I saw a lot of familiar emotional struggles in Acorna’s journey. Her desire to reconnect with her roots but also the fear that she wouldn’t belong, that she would be seen as less than or too human, really resonated. The moment she could immediately communicate telepathically was a relief, but that relief was quickly replaced by new anxieties—another experience that felt very true to life.
This book was much faster-paced than the first, with less character exploration and more external action. The shift in tone made it a quicker and easier read, though I did miss some of the deeper emotional moments from Acorna. The story also had more physical descriptions of characters—skin tone, height, weight—which seemed to stand out more, possibly because the Linyaari (Acorna’s species) notice those things differently than humans. I’m not sure how I feel about that yet.
One thing that disappointed me was the decreased focus on female characters. While the first book featured multiple strong women, this time around, their presence was less prominent. There was one particularly interesting woman character, but it was hard to tell if she was meant to be respected or if she was written as comic relief (she believed herself to be psychic). I tried to read her as unique rather than pseudo-psychic, but the way she was portrayed left me wondering.
Despite that, the book had a lot going for it. The new group of teens and their fight for survival added a great element of resilience, and their liberation from the coup was satisfying to read. The space battles were fun, well-paced, and didn’t feel overly complicated or drawn out. And I have to admit, I laughed at how fast Acorna’s newfound aunt immediately started matchmaking for her—classic meddling auntie vibes!
A really useful addition to this book was the glossary and explanation of the Linyaari language in the back. It was helpful to reference, especially as more of Acorna’s people and their culture were introduced.
I finished this book much faster than the first, probably because I was just eager to see where it would go. The ending sets up an exciting next chapter, and I’m really looking forward to learning more about Acorna’s people and what her role will be moving forward. On to book three!
I was really excited to dive into this one after finishing Acorna, and while the pacing was different, I found it even more enjoyable to read. This book shifts away from the themes of childhood exploitation and instead focuses on war, survival, and finding one’s place between cultures. The action is faster, the stakes are higher, and there are space battles—so that’s a win!
The big moment—Acorna finally finding her people—was satisfying but felt a little rushed. As a therapist who works with AANHPI populations, including transracial adoptees, I saw a lot of familiar emotional struggles in Acorna’s journey. Her desire to reconnect with her roots but also the fear that she wouldn’t belong, that she would be seen as less than or too human, really resonated. The moment she could immediately communicate telepathically was a relief, but that relief was quickly replaced by new anxieties—another experience that felt very true to life.
This book was much faster-paced than the first, with less character exploration and more external action. The shift in tone made it a quicker and easier read, though I did miss some of the deeper emotional moments from Acorna. The story also had more physical descriptions of characters—skin tone, height, weight—which seemed to stand out more, possibly because the Linyaari (Acorna’s species) notice those things differently than humans. I’m not sure how I feel about that yet.
One thing that disappointed me was the decreased focus on female characters. While the first book featured multiple strong women, this time around, their presence was less prominent. There was one particularly interesting woman character, but it was hard to tell if she was meant to be respected or if she was written as comic relief (she believed herself to be psychic). I tried to read her as unique rather than pseudo-psychic, but the way she was portrayed left me wondering.
Despite that, the book had a lot going for it. The new group of teens and their fight for survival added a great element of resilience, and their liberation from the coup was satisfying to read. The space battles were fun, well-paced, and didn’t feel overly complicated or drawn out. And I have to admit, I laughed at how fast Acorna’s newfound aunt immediately started matchmaking for her—classic meddling auntie vibes!
A really useful addition to this book was the glossary and explanation of the Linyaari language in the back. It was helpful to reference, especially as more of Acorna’s people and their culture were introduced.
I finished this book much faster than the first, probably because I was just eager to see where it would go. The ending sets up an exciting next chapter, and I’m really looking forward to learning more about Acorna’s people and what her role will be moving forward. On to book three!
July 24, 2024
I liked it. I didn't love it.
The story: Acorna, the unicorn girl, is an alien found as an toddler and raised by humans. Her horn seems to have magical healing powers. (Note: The cover shows her purifying the water on a planet whose ecology has been destroyed by marauders.) She is now fully grown, and she wants to find her people. Her "uncle" Callum has figured out one possible area where her people might be, but the rest of Acorna's friends don't want her to leave on this dangerous quest. Acorna sets out anyway, but gets side tracked before she gets very far. As it turns out, she didn't have to go very far after all to find her people.
Any problems with this story? It seems to be a transitional story. There were a lot of loose ends left over from the previous book, "Acorna: The Unicorn Girl" such as the evil aliens that were introduced and then promptly ignored. Old characters were cast aside or moved to the sidelines while new characters were introduced. In this case, a group of intrepid unicorn adults were wandering around trying to warn people that the evil aliens were right behind them and coming fast. But they didn't even realize that Acorna existed. And the Starfarers were introduced. They seemed to be a bunch of hippies with a space ship... a really big space ship... and no real idea how bad other people could be.
The other problem was the bad mood that Acorna seemed to be in... real crabby. What happened to that sweet, innocent maiden girl? Gone. But growing up shouldn't mean yelling at people... at least it shouldn't mean Acorna should do that. She always seemed quietly assertive in the previous book. That conveyed a sort of maturity.
Any modesty issues? The S-word was used quite a bit. Also one of the unicorn men exposed himself to children, not realizing that humans had a nudity taboo. It was a little immature. Finally, Acorna did her impersonation of a "Didi" again. (A Didi is woman who runs a child prostitution ring.) I believe she was trying to give the pirates a reason for not killing her outright by implying that she was bad just like they were, but it didn't help.
The ending mostly involved a big battle on a planet, but it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Overall, I liked the middle part. I hope the next book "Acorna's People" is better.
The story: Acorna, the unicorn girl, is an alien found as an toddler and raised by humans. Her horn seems to have magical healing powers. (Note: The cover shows her purifying the water on a planet whose ecology has been destroyed by marauders.) She is now fully grown, and she wants to find her people. Her "uncle" Callum has figured out one possible area where her people might be, but the rest of Acorna's friends don't want her to leave on this dangerous quest. Acorna sets out anyway, but gets side tracked before she gets very far. As it turns out, she didn't have to go very far after all to find her people.
Any problems with this story? It seems to be a transitional story. There were a lot of loose ends left over from the previous book, "Acorna: The Unicorn Girl" such as the evil aliens that were introduced and then promptly ignored. Old characters were cast aside or moved to the sidelines while new characters were introduced. In this case, a group of intrepid unicorn adults were wandering around trying to warn people that the evil aliens were right behind them and coming fast. But they didn't even realize that Acorna existed. And the Starfarers were introduced. They seemed to be a bunch of hippies with a space ship... a really big space ship... and no real idea how bad other people could be.
The other problem was the bad mood that Acorna seemed to be in... real crabby. What happened to that sweet, innocent maiden girl? Gone. But growing up shouldn't mean yelling at people... at least it shouldn't mean Acorna should do that. She always seemed quietly assertive in the previous book. That conveyed a sort of maturity.
Any modesty issues? The S-word was used quite a bit. Also one of the unicorn men exposed himself to children, not realizing that humans had a nudity taboo. It was a little immature. Finally, Acorna did her impersonation of a "Didi" again. (A Didi is woman who runs a child prostitution ring.) I believe she was trying to give the pirates a reason for not killing her outright by implying that she was bad just like they were, but it didn't help.
The ending mostly involved a big battle on a planet, but it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
Overall, I liked the middle part. I hope the next book "Acorna's People" is better.
November 4, 2017
Acorna is the miraculous unicorn girl with a healing horn searching for her origins, and this means finding her home planet, however, she is frustrated that her friends keep holding her back in the interests of protecting her, but she’s grown up now and it’s time for her to go out on her own. She and Calum (one of the three miners who discovered and raised her) escape, and do what they can to make sure the others don’t follow them.
Much of the story is about endearing trivial happenings surrounding Acorna and her friends, but there is also a coup on a spaceship and events surrounding Dr Hoa and his weather modification technology and how it affects the agricultural planet of Rushima.
Also, the evil Khlevii aliens are on the hunt, and they’re coming closer to human habitable systems, and as a result Acorna may learn about her origins sooner than later and in a way she didn’t expect.
The more I read the more I understood the characters and their dynamics, and the humour came from unexpected sources, making me laugh and like the characters more. I haven’t yet read the first book Acorna but may well do so. Acorna’s Quest was thoroughly entertaining, and reminds me of Futurama.
Much of the story is about endearing trivial happenings surrounding Acorna and her friends, but there is also a coup on a spaceship and events surrounding Dr Hoa and his weather modification technology and how it affects the agricultural planet of Rushima.
Also, the evil Khlevii aliens are on the hunt, and they’re coming closer to human habitable systems, and as a result Acorna may learn about her origins sooner than later and in a way she didn’t expect.
The more I read the more I understood the characters and their dynamics, and the humour came from unexpected sources, making me laugh and like the characters more. I haven’t yet read the first book Acorna but may well do so. Acorna’s Quest was thoroughly entertaining, and reminds me of Futurama.
May 10, 2022
This started off so well, with Acorna and Calum essentially running away to go find her home planet. But they get embroiled in a slightly weird space-pirate-ish sub-plot that then takes over the main story. I didn't mind it really - it was full of action and lots of things going on, but it would have been great to have Acorna the focus of the story, not just what she could do to make the victims of the fighting more comfortable. I would have liked a bit more suspense about her origins, maybe a bit more mystery but no, bang, here you go - some relatives turn up out and you have a ready made family.
So, a bit of a one dimensional read, but entertaining, full of action and humour, and worth the read. Looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series takes us.
So, a bit of a one dimensional read, but entertaining, full of action and humour, and worth the read. Looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series takes us.
February 20, 2026
I really enjoy Anne McCaffrey’s writing style - although there isn’t a lot of detail, I have no problem imagining the worlds and characters she has created, and the stories are always unique and move at a good pace.
In this story, I was excited to learn about the Linyaari and for Acorna to meet her people. Of course, there were unexpected twists and turns along the way! The author created some excellent tension by having the Linyaari be able to walk through the human base while essentially invisible, making me worry that Acorna’s friends would miss out on connecting with them. And I also enjoyed the story of the Starfarers navigating the coup on the Haven. I like when a story seems to be heading in one direction and then ends up on a completely different track.
In this story, I was excited to learn about the Linyaari and for Acorna to meet her people. Of course, there were unexpected twists and turns along the way! The author created some excellent tension by having the Linyaari be able to walk through the human base while essentially invisible, making me worry that Acorna’s friends would miss out on connecting with them. And I also enjoyed the story of the Starfarers navigating the coup on the Haven. I like when a story seems to be heading in one direction and then ends up on a completely different track.
January 22, 2021
Acorna’s Quest
Acorna has grown up and wants to find her people however no one knows exactly where they come from. A ship must be built to go a long distance, have weapons in case of any problems and of course who is to go with her on the long voyage. All three of the men who adopted her plus the men that are trying to protect her from the unscrupulous people of all planets want her to be protected but find it difficult to let her leave until she is forced to go. After she had left it is found out that her people actually had found out she was alive and wanted to see her but can they find her in time before a new disaster occurs?
Acorna has grown up and wants to find her people however no one knows exactly where they come from. A ship must be built to go a long distance, have weapons in case of any problems and of course who is to go with her on the long voyage. All three of the men who adopted her plus the men that are trying to protect her from the unscrupulous people of all planets want her to be protected but find it difficult to let her leave until she is forced to go. After she had left it is found out that her people actually had found out she was alive and wanted to see her but can they find her in time before a new disaster occurs?
April 14, 2021
The sequel to Acorna The Unicorn Girl in which Acorna and Calum set out to find Acorna's home world but run into a hydroponics problem and have to stop at an agri planet to new supplies.
Meanwhile an alien ship has appeared at Hafiz Harakamian's planet and displayed vids of another alien race torturing and killing other horned aliens who look just like Acorna.
The Linyaari (Acorna's people) are travelling to warn any sapient species they encounter of this threat that's fast approaching.
Another excellent novel by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough that's right up there with the best sci-fi.
Highly recommended.
Meanwhile an alien ship has appeared at Hafiz Harakamian's planet and displayed vids of another alien race torturing and killing other horned aliens who look just like Acorna.
The Linyaari (Acorna's people) are travelling to warn any sapient species they encounter of this threat that's fast approaching.
Another excellent novel by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough that's right up there with the best sci-fi.
Highly recommended.
May 2, 2025
SPACE UNICORNS
They are delightful.
This book breaks a lot of rules of adult, literary writing. It tells instead of showing. It gives only minimal descriptions of character and setting. It is plainly by a lot of luck that the characters manage to accomplish anything.
And yet
The explorations of telepathy, of the spectrum from person to monster, of the potential for compassion to win the day, were inspiring and fun regardless.
On a more personal note, I enjoyed the tension between Karina's actual telepathic abilities, versus her spiritual-ish meditations, as opposed to one another. It appealed to my own dual nature as both spiritual and skeptic.
They are delightful.
This book breaks a lot of rules of adult, literary writing. It tells instead of showing. It gives only minimal descriptions of character and setting. It is plainly by a lot of luck that the characters manage to accomplish anything.
And yet
The explorations of telepathy, of the spectrum from person to monster, of the potential for compassion to win the day, were inspiring and fun regardless.
On a more personal note, I enjoyed the tension between Karina's actual telepathic abilities, versus her spiritual-ish meditations, as opposed to one another. It appealed to my own dual nature as both spiritual and skeptic.
November 18, 2020
After Acorna has helped the enslaved children on Kezdet Callum, one of the uncles who found and reared her, want to help Acorna find the rest of her people. The rest of her friends, uncles and guardians want to make sure she is safe and keep finding reasons to stop them to they sneak off. Problems with the hydroponics on their space ship cause then to drop in on an agricultural planet with major weather problems. The start of another excellent story that kept me gripped to the end. I love the wry humour and the mix of characters and events.
May 30, 2021
Surprisingly, I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first book. It's way more comedic with all the miscommunications and the Linyaari wandering around trying to figure out humans. It's also nice just to see way more of Acorna herself. She does a lot more in this one and we get to see more from her point of view.
Sidenote: I'm so glad Pal and Acorna don't actually end up together. Pal is so freaking annoying and possessive.
Sidenote: I'm so glad Pal and Acorna don't actually end up together. Pal is so freaking annoying and possessive.
January 21, 2018
Fantastic entertainment carrying a balance of humor and deep worldcrafting. Unicorn people will understand... with their minds. Reflects the struggles of the newly adult finding their own kind, ethical dilemmas in science & politics, and different people complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses.
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