Dragon's Kin

October 13, 2003
Beloved bestseller McCaffrey has joined forces with her son, Todd, to produce another delightful entry in the Pern series, which began with Dragonflight
in 1968. The action here centers on Camp Natalon, the site of a coal mine. Now that the surface seams of coal have begun to run dry on Pern, it's imperative to start extracting coal from deep underground, despite the increased danger. Some of the miners rely on the expertise of the watch-whers, smaller versions of dragons, to help keep them safe in the mines. As Kindan, blind Nuella and master harper Zist puzzle out the lore, habits and abilities of these nocturnal creatures, they find out more about the watch-whers (and themselves) than they thought possible. Fans who have become comfortable with McCaffrey's smooth trademark style over the years will notice no seams—which bodes well for any solo novels her coauthor, the heir apparent, may contribute to the Dragonriders saga.

July 1, 2003
McCaffrey joins forces with son Todd (a computer engineer, no less) in a new dragonrider tale that investigates the dragons' cousins, the watch-whers.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2003
The latest Pern novel is something of a family affair, with the creator of one of sf's most splendid and longest-lived sagas collaborating with her son on the latest installment. The story takes place during an unexplored period in the history of Pern, before the coming of the Thread. The " watch-whers" are already playing a prominent role, however, keeping watch at night at the holds and " weyrs" and helping in the mines. The protagonists are Kindin and Nuella, young people living in a mining camp. A cave-in wipes out Kindin's father and brothers as well as the old watch-wher, and Kindin moves in with camp Harper. There he learns the skills of being a Harper, including discretion and mediation. Eventually, he and Nuella learn the secret of how watch-whers see in the dark, and about their communication with dragons, which opens a wholly new range of capabilities for the dragon-riders. What with sound narrative technique, above-average characterization, and several of the Pern fans favorite ongoing saga themes, the new book is a guaranteed pleaser as well as a harbinger that Pern, an enduring monument for two generations of sf readers so far, will continue after its originator's departure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)

Starred review from October 15, 2003
On the planet Pern, the colonists prepare for the return of the Red Star and the deadly fall of Thread, which consumes any organic matter it touches. When the mines that provide the planet with minerals for metalworking and coal for heat play out, a pair of young people discover a heretofore hidden power of the watchwhers, the lowly kin of dragonkind, and learn a new way to provide assistance for the people of Pern. Writing together with her son Todd, McCaffrey explores a new period in Pern's past and finds a tale of courage and sacrifice in the story of Kindan, Nuella, and their companion, the watchwher Kisk. Personable characters and superb storytelling make this an excellent choice for sf collections and essential for Pern fans of all ages. Highly recommended. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 7/03.]

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.