Title: A Gift of Dragons
Author: Anne McCaffrey
Format: HC
Pages: 290
Genre: Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Publisher: Del Rey, 2002
ISBN-13: 978-0345456359
Series: Dragonriders of Pern
Favorite Quote: But maybe raising runners -- both kinds, four-legged and two -- in the west wasn't a bad idea at all.
Synopsis (Amazon): For more than thirty years, Pern has conjured visions of brave men and women mounted upon the backs of dragons. As anyone knows who has been touched by the storytelling magic of Anne McCaffrey, to read of the exotic world of Pern is to inhabit it—and to experience its extraordinary dragons is to soar aloft with them and share their dazzling adventures.
Now, A Gift of Dragons brings together three beloved stories and a thrilling new tale of Pern in a single volume illustrated with beautiful artwork by Tom Kidd. In “The Smallest Dragonboy,” Keevan is the youngest dragonrider candidate, determined to impress a dragon when the next clutch of eggs hatches. But what transpires will surprise everyone—Keevan most of all. In “The Girl Who Heard Dragons,” a young girl’s rare ability to communicate with dragons puts her family in danger and will bring her face to face with her greatest fears—and with her most secret desire. The “Runner of Pern” is a girl named Tenna, who follows family tradition by delivering messages—and who will find her destiny on the mossy traces that runners have used for centuries under the dragon-filled sky. And finally, a very special gift: an exciting new Pern adventure, published here for the first time, fresh from the imagination of Anne McCaffrey.
Review: This book contains four short stories, all related to the Dragonriders of Pern series. "The Smallest Dragonboy", "The Girl Who Heard Dragons", "Runner of Pern", and "Ever the Twain" are all fine examples of fantasy fiction. Plus, while I usually am not a huge fan of short stories, the stories in this book all caught my interest. They drew me in and made me remember, once again, why I love this author and especially her dragon stories.
While I have been reading this series for more years than I care to count, these were all stories I'd never read and I'm pleased to have found them. As ever, Anne McCaffrey proves herself to be the Queen of SFF. I loved it.
Rating: 9.5 / 10
I need to read this! I've read "The Girl Who Heard Dragons," but not the other stories. The Pern series is by far one of the best series I've ever read. Great review! :)
ReplyDelete