Thirty years ago, in Dragonflight, Anne McCaffrey first introduced readers to the world of Pern and the flying dragons that protected it from the ravages of Thread. In the ensuing years she has written over a dozen books set in that same world–each one giving her readers more insight into the people and dragons that populate Pern. The world of Pern and the threat of the Red Star have become mainstays in the science-fiction genre.
MasterHarper Robinton, a much-beloved supporting character in many of the other books, is now given his own volume in The MasterHarper of Pern. In this book we are shown Robinton’s life, from his birth all the way until the beginning of the Pass when the dreaded Thread is due to fall again.
Robinton is a musically-talented child, the son of MasterComposer Petiron, and MasterSinger Merelan, and conflict is seen almost immediately as Robinton’s father becomes jealous of the attention that Merelan gives the young Robinton. Throughout the book we see the development of Robinton’s musical and diplomatic prowess, even as the relationship between father and son disintegrates. During this time there is also a great deal of upheaval in the world of Pern, with the approach of the Red Star and the disbelief of many that Thread will ever fall again. Adding to the mix is the ruthless Fax, who intends to carve an empire out of the northern continent. Robinton finds himself at the heart of the conflict and ends up shaping the destiny of Pern as only the MasterHarper can.
Fans of the Pern books will enjoy this prehistory of the world we were first introduced to in Dragonflight. We are given an insight into the character of Robinton that we only had glimpses of previously. We share his joys and heartbreaks, and his passion to see the people of Pern protected both from Thread and conquerors such as Fax.
Another delight for fans familiar with the Pern books is to see characters as children, who later grow to positions of power as the Pass comes. Characters who were previously only referred to in passing, such as F’lar and F’nor’s father, and Lessa’s parents now have life breathed into them. Throughout the developments of the fifty years before the Pass begins with its deadly rain of Thread we’re allowed to see what it is that causes these characters to be so thoroughly convinced that the threat of Thread is a genuine one. The last chapter of the book comes across as a bit contrived as it ties into the beginning of Dragonflight, but overall it is an entertaining read that is sure to satisfy the many fans of the Anne McCaffrey and her Dragonriders of Pern.
Other books by Anne McCaffrey:
Dragon Harper
Dragondrums (Book 3, sequel to Masterharper of Pern)
Dragonsinger (Book 2, sequel to Masterharper of Pern)
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Pammy, the main character in the 
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Editor of The Blue Rose Bouquet since 1998 and a professional writer since 1984,