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Brainship #5
The Ship Who Won
Like Helva, the Ship Who Sang, (and Nancia from PartnerShip, Tia from The Ship Who Searched, and Simeon, who runs The City Who Fought) Carialle was born so physically disadvantaged that her only chance for life was as a shellperson. And again like those others, Carialle decided she would strap on a spaceship. Her brawn is a guy named Keff. Their mission: to search the galaxy for intelligent beings, to travel where no shellperson and her brawn have gone before...
Alas, intelligent life is thin on the galactic ground, so when Carialle and Keff arrive on a very nice little world with very nice little aliens, fuzzy and polite and eager to please, they are overjoyed. But their joy does not last: their fuzzy friends turn out to be virtual slaves to a race of sorcerers, sorcerers who really do seem to possess magical powers of frightening potency, and who are neither fuzzy, polite, nor the least bit eager to please.
Alas, intelligent life is thin on the galactic ground, so when Carialle and Keff arrive on a very nice little world with very nice little aliens, fuzzy and polite and eager to please, they are overjoyed. But their joy does not last: their fuzzy friends turn out to be virtual slaves to a race of sorcerers, sorcerers who really do seem to possess magical powers of frightening potency, and who are neither fuzzy, polite, nor the least bit eager to please.
330 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 28, 1993
16 people are currently reading
1730 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,758 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 66 reviews
December 2, 2016
review to come :)
September 25, 2013
I love these characters or love to dislike them but, more importantly, I can see them just as I can see the world, a wonderful merging of science fiction and fantasy, that they inhabit. This is an enthralling takes the familiar brainship series somewhere just a little bit different while referencing ideas that will be familiar to McCaffrey's Pegasus and Tower & Hive series.
Anne McCaffrey can create a huge interlinking universe, (both in the literary and the astronomical senses) and dozens of interesting, identifiable characters better than some authors can with a single existing city and a handful of characters. Perhaps it because I really did not enjoy the book I read before this but I found this one delightful, refreshing and remarkably easy to read.
Anne McCaffrey can create a huge interlinking universe, (both in the literary and the astronomical senses) and dozens of interesting, identifiable characters better than some authors can with a single existing city and a handful of characters. Perhaps it because I really did not enjoy the book I read before this but I found this one delightful, refreshing and remarkably easy to read.
February 7, 2014
Some parts of this book are great, some not so much. Carialle is very witty and sharp, and she gives on the spot remarks as she hears everything through her brawn's(her mobile human partner) aural implants(they're referred to as if its common place which makes it feel more real, in my opinion). There is a moment at near the end of the book, a major plot twist which really made me facepalm. It's obvious, and yet not. Pretty much a reflection of the characters as they don't notice it either, though when you think about the facts involved, you think "Well, sh*t, why did I see that earlier!"
So, all-in-all, a good read, though it wasn't amazing. The character development could've been deeper, and a lot were very flat:/
So for me, it's a 3.
So, all-in-all, a good read, though it wasn't amazing. The character development could've been deeper, and a lot were very flat:/
So for me, it's a 3.
November 7, 2017
I enjoyed this one just as much as The Ship Who Sang. Possibly even more. I love how Keff and Carialle bounce off each other. I was pleasantly surprised by each of the revelations, about the planet, the inhabitants.
I'm reminded of this saying: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Until Carialle comes along!
4 out of 5 stars!
I'm reminded of this saying: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Until Carialle comes along!
4 out of 5 stars!
March 9, 2009
I was disappointed in this book. It's the only one of hers I haven't loved. I thought the characters where somewhat insipid and shallow and the book just didn't seem as interesting to me as her others have been.
March 29, 2014
While I did like it I didn't find it as exciting as the The City Who Fought. I thought it was good and I loved how many things were resolved. Since it was so long ago that I have read this series it is as if they are all new to me which is fun.
December 12, 2011
A very good story that combines science fiction and fantasy. I think of it as a YA book. An easy to read adventure with a G rating, It characters character span from the honorable to self serving, though there isn’t any evil or angelic presence.
July 9, 2018
I hadn't read the Brainship books in years so I decided it was time for a re-read and I happy to report that they stood up to the test of time. I really enjoyed the story and found myself very interested in the characters in these books. I am super glad I read them again.
October 18, 2015
Library hardcover
January 12, 2018
Back to great characters, adventure, and fun, even if predictable, story.
December 12, 2023
Having read through the entire “Brainship” series, at least the ones written with McCaffrey’s involvement, I have found them to be of hugely varying quality. The first was interesting with all the varying adventures the ship and her partner had, but the others have been far more static. Worse, the slightly troubling aspects of how the novels treat women and those with disabilities in the first novel became huge red flags of discrimination across the remaining novels, becoming more blatant as they went.
I was vaguely hopeful that “The Ship Who Won” might be a little better, if only because the title offered some encouragement in the ship’s favour. As it turns out, the ship had been mentioned in passing in an earlier novel, as Carialle had experienced a traumatic event which killed her brawn some years before. She is now partnered with Keff and they distract themselves by role-playing as a knight and his Lady and avoiding trauma counsellors.
Having escaped the latter thanks to a distraction from Simeon, the brain of the previous novel, the two head off in a random direction, slightly short on fuel and supplies and stumble across what seems to be a previously unexplored planet. The locals seem friendly, if not entirely intelligent, but it soon transpires that they are under the control of a committee of sorcerers who have a strict hierarchy and are determined to cling onto their power by any means necessary.
The one thing I did like about “The Ship Who Won” is that it was completely different style and focus to the earlier novels, being more of a fantasy novel than a science fiction one. Indeed, for most of the novel, Carialle is planet-bound, held there by some magical force, and is more of an observer than an active participant. Admittedly, part of the reason for this is that the sorcerers would probably mistreat her, which isn’t a great reason, but it does save her from some of the discrimination some of the previous brains experienced in these novels.
The other interesting part to the plot was that there were layers to it, with mysteries unfurling as the novel went along, rather than just the straight adventure novel that the earlier ones had been. This not only made things interesting for the reader, but the reaction of the planet’s sorcerers to the very idea that there were things they didn’t know and couldn’t control and the potential loss of their power and status was very similar to the power structures in modern politics.
Unfortunately, some of the issues from the earlier novels were still present here, particularly the sexism, as it transpires that far from being a chivalrous character, Keff is more of a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type. Whilst the idea of having sex with an unknown species is not unheard of, as “Star Trek” had trod that path in the past, the gaslighting and coercion, as well as the potential power grooming towards the end was unsettling. It was little more subtle than in many of the novels and buried a little deeper, but it was still there and it did mean I felt a little uncomfortable at the end of the novel, but this was an improvement on feeling unclean most of the way through , as has happened before.
“The Ship Who Won” is not without its issues, but it does seem to have fewer of them that some of the other books in the collection. When this is combined with the more-layered plot and the shift in attitude and focus, it makes for a better novel than many in the series. Indeed, in some ways, it feels as if the idea for the novel was there first and it was shifted around to fit into the “Brainship” series rather than the other way around, but however it came about, I preferred this one to most.
I was vaguely hopeful that “The Ship Who Won” might be a little better, if only because the title offered some encouragement in the ship’s favour. As it turns out, the ship had been mentioned in passing in an earlier novel, as Carialle had experienced a traumatic event which killed her brawn some years before. She is now partnered with Keff and they distract themselves by role-playing as a knight and his Lady and avoiding trauma counsellors.
Having escaped the latter thanks to a distraction from Simeon, the brain of the previous novel, the two head off in a random direction, slightly short on fuel and supplies and stumble across what seems to be a previously unexplored planet. The locals seem friendly, if not entirely intelligent, but it soon transpires that they are under the control of a committee of sorcerers who have a strict hierarchy and are determined to cling onto their power by any means necessary.
The one thing I did like about “The Ship Who Won” is that it was completely different style and focus to the earlier novels, being more of a fantasy novel than a science fiction one. Indeed, for most of the novel, Carialle is planet-bound, held there by some magical force, and is more of an observer than an active participant. Admittedly, part of the reason for this is that the sorcerers would probably mistreat her, which isn’t a great reason, but it does save her from some of the discrimination some of the previous brains experienced in these novels.
The other interesting part to the plot was that there were layers to it, with mysteries unfurling as the novel went along, rather than just the straight adventure novel that the earlier ones had been. This not only made things interesting for the reader, but the reaction of the planet’s sorcerers to the very idea that there were things they didn’t know and couldn’t control and the potential loss of their power and status was very similar to the power structures in modern politics.
Unfortunately, some of the issues from the earlier novels were still present here, particularly the sexism, as it transpires that far from being a chivalrous character, Keff is more of a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type. Whilst the idea of having sex with an unknown species is not unheard of, as “Star Trek” had trod that path in the past, the gaslighting and coercion, as well as the potential power grooming towards the end was unsettling. It was little more subtle than in many of the novels and buried a little deeper, but it was still there and it did mean I felt a little uncomfortable at the end of the novel, but this was an improvement on feeling unclean most of the way through , as has happened before.
“The Ship Who Won” is not without its issues, but it does seem to have fewer of them that some of the other books in the collection. When this is combined with the more-layered plot and the shift in attitude and focus, it makes for a better novel than many in the series. Indeed, in some ways, it feels as if the idea for the novel was there first and it was shifted around to fit into the “Brainship” series rather than the other way around, but however it came about, I preferred this one to most.
December 23, 2025
More light and fluffy, bringing the Brainship series into the fantasy realms (are there magic wielders? Or are they utilising tech beyond one's ken?), and the last written with Anne McCaffrey. An enjoyable romp, but I do remember why I haven't read it since it was published - or have I, and I've forgotten all about it?
Blurb:
Carialle was born so physically disadvantaged that her only chance for life was as a shellperson. So, like others before her, she decided to "become" a spaceship, with a guy called Keff as her brawn. Their mission is to search the galaxy for signs of intelligent life.
Unfortunately, their quest is largely in vain, until they arrive on Ozran, a pleasant little world, peopled by some very friendly and polite aliens. But Carialle's delight at this discovery is short-lived when it becomes apparent that the "aliens" are really devolved humans, enslaved by a race of sorcerers. And, as Keff discovers to his cost when he runs foul of them, these sorcerers really do seem to possess awesome powers. But then nothing on Ozran is as it seems...
This was an enjoyable romp, combining fantasy elements with hard sci-fi. The characters can be a bit simplistic, but the world building (especially towards the end) was a bit of fun. An easy read, and don't expect too much from it.
Blurb:
Carialle was born so physically disadvantaged that her only chance for life was as a shellperson. So, like others before her, she decided to "become" a spaceship, with a guy called Keff as her brawn. Their mission is to search the galaxy for signs of intelligent life.
Unfortunately, their quest is largely in vain, until they arrive on Ozran, a pleasant little world, peopled by some very friendly and polite aliens. But Carialle's delight at this discovery is short-lived when it becomes apparent that the "aliens" are really devolved humans, enslaved by a race of sorcerers. And, as Keff discovers to his cost when he runs foul of them, these sorcerers really do seem to possess awesome powers. But then nothing on Ozran is as it seems...
This was an enjoyable romp, combining fantasy elements with hard sci-fi. The characters can be a bit simplistic, but the world building (especially towards the end) was a bit of fun. An easy read, and don't expect too much from it.
July 14, 2021
Surprisingly for me, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous one - that said, it was still a good read, but it didn't have the depth of character I expect from one of Anne's books.
Carielle, the Brain ship, is a fully formed character, and I loved the way she expressed herself, but I didn't warm as much to her Brawn, Keff, as he seemed a little too free with his 'affections', which felt more like using poor Plennafrey, than helping her.
Strangely, as much as I love reading stories of magic, and all that pertains to it, this story felt a little dull to me - Carielle was right in correcting Keff as much as she did, that it was physics, not magic but, the one thing I really loved, hence the three stars, was the ultimate showcase of the 'Ancient Ones' - who'd have guessed it, hey? Lol
I'll keep this book, as it is a part of the Brainship series, but I hope the next one in line: The Ship Errant - one of the series I didn't own until recently, so completely new to me - is a better story for me!
Carielle, the Brain ship, is a fully formed character, and I loved the way she expressed herself, but I didn't warm as much to her Brawn, Keff, as he seemed a little too free with his 'affections', which felt more like using poor Plennafrey, than helping her.
Strangely, as much as I love reading stories of magic, and all that pertains to it, this story felt a little dull to me - Carielle was right in correcting Keff as much as she did, that it was physics, not magic but, the one thing I really loved, hence the three stars, was the ultimate showcase of the 'Ancient Ones' - who'd have guessed it, hey? Lol
I'll keep this book, as it is a part of the Brainship series, but I hope the next one in line: The Ship Errant - one of the series I didn't own until recently, so completely new to me - is a better story for me!
February 9, 2024
Sort of a high 2 versus a firm 3. This book is part of a series but is really more of a standalone story that can be read by itself.
A kind of tug-of-war between sci-fi and pseudo D&D. This book is both charming in parts, but also can fall a bit flat. The premise is fun, and it's neat to see D&D kind of future role-playing in a sci-fi setting, but several parts feel so cheesy...
Anyway, after the first third of the book, it kind of finds it's stride and has a good adventure with a bit of romance and politics. The romance feels... awkward, and is handled poorly later. But the way the book ties up otherwise is kind of nice.
A good read if you're looking for something a bit off from standard, and want something adventure-y with low stress. Grab a bowl of popcorn, find a cozy chair on a gloomy day.
A kind of tug-of-war between sci-fi and pseudo D&D. This book is both charming in parts, but also can fall a bit flat. The premise is fun, and it's neat to see D&D kind of future role-playing in a sci-fi setting, but several parts feel so cheesy...
Anyway, after the first third of the book, it kind of finds it's stride and has a good adventure with a bit of romance and politics. The romance feels... awkward, and is handled poorly later. But the way the book ties up otherwise is kind of nice.
A good read if you're looking for something a bit off from standard, and want something adventure-y with low stress. Grab a bowl of popcorn, find a cozy chair on a gloomy day.
August 13, 2018
This is a good story, but it could have been told with half as many words.
Okay, I'm getting impatient in my old age and you may enjoy it more than I did. I got the feeling that JLN wrote most of it and AMcC fiddled with it a bit and lent her name and the brainship idea to it in return for part of the profits. -OR- I could just be getting contrary in my old age.
The start is engaging and kicks off with action and tension. The middle is world-building and character building (yawn?). The end is where the rest of the real action is.
Okay, I'm getting impatient in my old age and you may enjoy it more than I did. I got the feeling that JLN wrote most of it and AMcC fiddled with it a bit and lent her name and the brainship idea to it in return for part of the profits. -OR- I could just be getting contrary in my old age.
The start is engaging and kicks off with action and tension. The middle is world-building and character building (yawn?). The end is where the rest of the real action is.
October 17, 2025
These stories are all pretty retro, since they are based on an original premise from 1969 which brought differently abled space explorers to the forefront of a Science Fiction story for the first time (at least from my reading experience). Perhaps listening to the story on audiobook influenced my reaction, but this installation to the series came across as very YA, with shallow characterizations and a lack of competence in the lead characters. I am not inspired to investigate the 'sequel', book #6. Conversely, I did enjoy reading the Brainship books co-authored by S.M. Stirling.
February 16, 2021
Ehhh. This one was ok. It's not a bad read. But it really isn't as strong as the first three (we're not counting The City). The premise is a particularly familiar one and I didn't find myself excited or surprised by any part of this adventure.
For now this is my exit from the series, which is a shame with only two to go but since they are sequels for this and The City I'm inclined to let it go and maybe come back to it later.
For now this is my exit from the series, which is a shame with only two to go but since they are sequels for this and The City I'm inclined to let it go and maybe come back to it later.
May 17, 2021
I guessed the frog thing pretty early on. I didn't like the characters of this book, and I thought the 'brawn' was an arse - like it seems pretty dangerous to me to sleep with someone from an unknown planet without knowing their customs and what it might mean for you or them. It would not have been a detriment to the story if the whole planet had blown up.
September 17, 2023
A light-hearted space romp. Somewhat problematic due to the actions of the protagonist. Sleeping with an alien species? Getting your ship to break up with your girlfriend? really?! The whole frog thing made -0- sense and didnt really contribute to the plot in any way. Overall, a bit too whimsical for my tastes, and the ending was completely disney-fied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2019
Retreading old books on the shelf. I think I can let this one go. Not a big favourite of mine. Just feels wrong. The brawn has sex with a new culture that he is visiting. Fair enough she turns out to be human and he has been in space a long time but big interference with another culture.
June 11, 2020
Spoilers: This book wins a small prize for weirdest cover which is also a massive clue to the plot! I mean talk about hiding in plain sight! Good solid adventure along the brain/ brawn theme nice use of magic in a science fiction setting. A solid McCaffrey without being mind blowing.
December 26, 2021
Carielle and Keff are a brainship/brawn duo assigned to searching out new worlds. Their dream is to find a civilization that is as advanced as the humans of Central Worlds. Will their latest exploration be successful?
February 26, 2022
Carialle, the person who is the ship and her brawn Keff are trying to find a new world with alien life. They discover humanoid types on the planet Ouran. Much work has to be done to communicate but new troubles arise. Is there another life form interfering? Where is the power coming from?
October 24, 2022
I liked this book, but only gave it three stars because the authors didn't really make me care much about the ship brain, Carialle or her "brawn", Keff. The plot was more interesting than the people involved. I liked "The Ship Who Sang" much better.
December 14, 2017
Kind of hokey. But it kept me awake while I was driving!
May 26, 2018
An enjoyable read, pretty light on the science side of things.
May 31, 2018
Not my favourite. Mages? Really?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2022
A good addition to this series.The story leads you with unexpected twists. I red it in one day, as I needed to see how it would end. I have added it to my shelves.
January 26, 2023
Quite satisfying and hopeful, if simplistic, addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews