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The Dragonriders of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern, #1-3)

Anne McCaffrey

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Jul 23, 2019 Michael Drakich rated it really liked it

For me, this was a re-visit to books I read back in the 70's when they were first released. A lot of years have passed since then and I wondered how I would view the books a second time around. Not only has society changed since then, but so have I. The perspective of me in my 60's versus the me in my teens must surely be different. I loved the books back then, but would I love them now?
Going in, I could recall the general storyline of each book, but not the fine details. Each time I would come For me, this was a re-visit to books I read back in the 70's when they were first released. A lot of years have passed since then and I wondered how I would view the books a second time around. Not only has society changed since then, but so have I. The perspective of me in my 60's versus the me in my teens must surely be different. I loved the books back then, but would I love them now?
Going in, I could recall the general storyline of each book, but not the fine details. Each time I would come across certain things I would have instant recall, though prior to reading could not remember. It's funny how the mind works that way. All it needs is the right trigger to activate memories.
Anyway, I digress. The question returns to what my opinion of the novels is today. I know that back then it would be 5 stars. Today, it drops to 4.5 and because Goodreads doesn't allow half stars, then the final verdict is 4.
So why the change? First of all, one must remember this is a collection of three books, DRAGONFLIGHT, DRAGONQUEST, and THE WHITE DRAGON. If I were to break them apart individually, it would be 5 stars, 5 stars and 3 stars. The first book, Dragonflight, is a superb introduction to a science fantasy world and unique social structure. A classic, recommendable to young adults and up. The second novel, Dragonquest, is, if anything, one of the better sequels I have ever read. Its like comparing The Empire Strikes Back to Star Wars. Another whole level of intrigue raised the bar. Unfortunately, The White Dragon, loses the intensity. If anything, I found it drawn out and too much dedicated to the sub-plot surrounding the Head Harper Robinton.
So wait a second. 5 + 5 + 3 = 13 / 3 = 4.2, that's less than 4.5 and closer to 4, why the 4.5 rating? Simple, because of the quality of the first two books, I would not want the meh third to detract too far from what I consider necessary reading in the science fantasy genre.
In the end, I enjoyed the books just as much as I did the first time around. Time, and changing attitudes did not lessen my opinion significantly. ...more

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