Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson

Book 5 of the Malazan Book of the Fallen

Rating: 4 out of 5

The world where the Malazan Empire exists is a vast world and includes continents where the Malazan name has never been heard. Here in this fifth novel of the epic Malazan Book of the Fallen, Steven Erikson takes us to those other places and displays more of his breath-taking and vivid imagination through world-building and myth-making. Erikson takes epic fantasy to the limits and beyond.

By doing so, Midnight Tides, seemingly represents a break from the continuity of the previous four novels. It is a different place, the story seems to have occurred in an earlier time period than that of its predecessors, and only one persona is familiar to the readers – an earlier, younger version of a Tiste Edur character named Trull Sengar, who only had a relatively small role in the fourth novel. Midnight Tides is the story of two empires, a kingdom based on total control of the resources of the continent – the Letherii Empire; and the newly-formed conglomeration of tribes previously warring against each other – the Tiste Edur (a group of people also fleetingly glimpsed in the preceding books). Lether, who has succeeded in campaigns of subjugating its neighbors in order to control their natural resources has only one great obstacle left before the total domination of the continent, the tribes of the Tiste Edur. However, the Edur have finally realized the only way stop the coming inevitable onslaught is to stop their in-fighting and unite against the larger enemy.

The tale unfolds mainly through the stories surrounding two families. The Sengars of the Tiste Edur – the warrior brothers Fear, Trull, and Rhulad, who become pivotal in the realization of the formalization of the Tiste Edur empire through their trials and most of all, disappointments; and the Beddicts of Lether, brothers also – Hull, who plans to betray Lether to the enemy; Tehol – making his way through Lether society as a seemingly-failed businessman, and Brys – the Emperor’s Champion. However, as it turns out in the other novels, the unfolding war is just a part in the bigger conflict among the gods who seem to manipulate the destiny of mortals. And it is through these immortals that Erikson reveals the background behind the history and myths of the peoples of this world, and connects the fifth novel to the vast unfolding story of the Malazan Empire.

Midnight Tides also is a novel where Erikson presents a society that is so overtly familiar to the contemporary world. He presents a society eerily and uncomfortably familiar to some readers, more particularly American society and the various mother nations of Britain and Western Europe that contributed to its culture and people. In explaining Letherii society, he presents the forces that molded today’s Western-driven culture. He presents a people relying not only in a monetary system, but on a systematic system of managing debts and credits; a society believing in the supposedly inherent greatness of its culture and its “manifest destiny” to impose that culture throughout their world; he presents a government that aims to protect the “interests” of its society by assuring that other cultures become subordinated and taken advantage of; a military that increasingly relies on impersonal destructive weaponry, taking away what little was left of humanity in what was already the most inhumane acts of society. Erikson gives a scathing rebuke of today’s ultra-competitive society bred in today’s media:

…You take your natural vices and call them virtues. Of which greed is the most despicable. That and betrayal of commonality. After all, whoever decided that competition is always and without exception a healthy attribute? Why that particular path to self-esteem? Your heel on the hand of the one below. This is worth something? Let me tell you, it’s worth nothing. Nothing lasting. Every monument that exists beyond the moment – no matter which king, emperor or warrior lays claim to it – is actually a testament to the common, to co-operation, to the plural rather than the singular.

Steven Erikson, by the way, is an archeologist by profession before he became a writer and has studied past cultures and histories. He probably knows what he is talking about. This background in archeology also shows in his writing in this novel and all the rest. His places are dotted with ruins here and there and helps define the culture of one of the people of his books and help tell their history. His writing has also shown a vast improvement from the first novel, and considering the story of Midnight Tides is, in the surface, just barely connected to the past four books, it’s almost seems like this is the way Erikson would like to start a series had he had the chance. His writing becomes crisper and clearer. And humor (albeit dark and sarcastic) has now become fully integrated.

On the other hand, some of the chinks in his writing still remain. Particularly the problem of giving ample time to develop a vast number of characters – nine hundred pages of fine print still isn’t enough. He still leaves explanation to things and events up in the air leaving this for further novels, or for the reader to research back.

Fortunately enough, Erikson’s story is so entertaining and so engrossing that the reader just moves on and enjoy the remarkable tale conjured from the creative imagination of a great writer and discovers a world so vast and dynamic, it rivals and probably surpasses any other fantasy world created before it. And the journey is only halfway over, which is great news for fantasy fans.

This review ends with Erikson's astute observation of man's progress through history:

We have a talent for disguising greed under the cloak of freedom. As for past acts of depravity, we prefer to ignore those. Progress, after all, means to look ever forward, and whatever we have trampled in our wake is best forgotten.

Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Book 3 of the first Foundation trilogy

Rating: 3 out of 5

This is the final book of Isaac Asimov's first Foundation trilogy, which was started with Foundation and continued with Foundation and Empire. The first story arc of that small outpost of knowledge at the edge of the galaxy, trying to shorten the projected 30,000 years of chaos to a mere 1,000 years by following the plans of Hari Seldon and his science of psychohistory, is coming to a close. But the Foundation, based on the planet Terminus, which has risen from obscurity to replace the Galactic Empire as the premier civilization in the galaxy has fallen to the powerful mutant known as the Mule. The long-dead Hari Seldon's well laid plan for the future is in ruins.

Or is it? For it seems that Hari Seldon has indeed planned for every contingency and has established a Second Foundation in an unknown location. This Second Foundation is the direct opposite of the First Foundation which had depended on physical science to develop their society. Instead of using physical science, the Second Foundation was composed of "psychohistorians" and developed a few mental capablities that access the human mind and having the directive of making sure Hari Seldon's plans would be fulfilled under any circumstances. These are capabilities which the Mule, now the undisputed ruler of the galaxy, consider a threat to his existence. So he devices a plan to find the Second Foundation and crush it once and for all.

The book Second Foundation, similar to the second book, is actually divided into two story arcs. The first details the aforementioned search of the Second Foundation by the Mule, followed by the story of the inheritors of the First Foundation making their own search for the Second Foundation, which they deem, for reasons to be mentioned in the book, as a threat to their own humanity.

The clean and simple style of Asimov's writing remain. It is, however, still flavored with that mid-20th century style that admittedly makes his writing somewhat outdated and the dialogue a little bit cheezy. And it is clear that sometimes the best scientific minds don't make the best artistic style which may turn away contemporary readers and may not have the impact it had 2 to 5 decades ago. Asimov could be very logical in his approach to storytelling that he sometimes forgets that actual people are involved in the events he presents. For example, his telling of a battle scene in space has the atmosphere of watching a video game where the destruction of vessels and the losing of lives are presented as casually and "unfeelingly" as can possibly be.

Having said that, Asimov presents ideas that are astounding even today and presents his own thesis in some aspect of the story of humanity. This landmark work, along with other books of the series, is a must-read for science fiction fans, if only for the importance it had with the genre. And with this series, along with his other works, Isaac Asimov demonstrates why he is one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century and one of its greatest writers, if just in terms of ideas, and not in style. His first Foundation trilogy is a true classic.

House of Chains by Steven Erikson

Book 4 of the Malazan Book of the Fallen

Rating: 4 out of 5

Steven Erikson returns to the Seven Cities for his fourth book of The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, House of Chains. The last time readers visited the continent was on the second novel Deadhouse Gates, where they were witness to the grueling march of Fist Coltaine's army and refugees now known as the Chain of Dogs with its tragic end at the gates of the city of Aren.

Now, the Adjunct Tavore Paran - sister of the Bridgeburner captain, Ganoes Paran (last seen with the rest of his company in Memories of Ice) - has arrived. And she must bring together a band of new recruits with the few remnants of Coltaine’s forces for the purpose of marching against the massed armies of the Chosen One of the Whirlwind Goddess, the Sha’ik, who also is, unknowingly to the Adjunct, actually her sister, Felisin Paran.

Meanwhile, the gods are making their moves. The Chained God, of the House of Chains, (the house of gods from which this book is titled after) is recruiting and building his forces. Yet, he is not the only one with plans and schemes. Cotillion, Patron of Assassins is sending his own people to shadowy missions for purposes only known to him. Among them, the Bridgeburner assassin Kalam Mekhar, and the pair of Apsalar and Cutter (formerly known as Crokus of Darujistan).

These are just some of the numerous characters whose stories are told in House of Chains, and Erikson shows his ability in being able to blend all their tales into one great book. He had lots of practice, with three enormous tomes preceding this one and his improvement shows with each installment of his tale. He’s style is smoother and less cluttered, especially if compared to the first novel of the series - readers who loved the tale has to sometimes wonder in amazement, by this time, how one ever got through reading Gardens of the Moon. And the answer is: because it has all been such an incredible epic, so far.

The tale is divided into four parts, and for the first quarter of the book, Erikson diverges his style and presents it in a straightforward tale following the actions and events surrounding one character, Karsa Orlong of the Uryd tribe of the Teblor as he leaves on a quest for glory. His is a journey that starts in the continent in Genebackis and ends up affecting the events in the Seven Cities. Karsa even becomes the most developed character of the whole series up to this point. Then for the next three chapters Erikson goes back to his familiar style where he juggles the readers from one story thread to another, a style admittedly frustrating and confusing to some, compounded by the fact that Erikson, as is already well-known, doesn’t engage in exposition in order to explain what is really happening.

However, by now, this unapologetic style by the author seems to have a purpose. By telling his tale without any explanation of a few things, the reader is placed in the shoes of the characters. If the character is bewildered, the reader feels that confusion. Revelations occur at the same time for the character and reader creating a kind of bond between the two.

And as always, approaching the end of the book, Erikson slowly merges each storyline to an exciting and action-packed conclusion full of amazing and spellbinding scenes and also not without great pathos in the unique way which is also, by now, expected of the author.

House of Chains is a more-than-worthy continuation of a storyline that has captured the attention of readers for some time now. Unlike the two previous books preceding it which were essentially war stories, this episode is more of an adventure saga of different characters even if written against the backdrop of the approaching confrontation of two armies, but it is no less as good as the others. Erikson expands his world even more introducing his readers to some more races and creatures, highlighting the depht of the world the author created. What is even more amazing is that by this time, old characters from the previous books have managed to reach legendary status story-wise, and in the hearts of those who love the books. The name “Bridgeburner” and “Whiskeyjack” now evokes incredible emotions from everyone who knows their story. Such is the effect of Steven Erikson work. That is how amazing this series has been. And the fun shows no sign of slowing down.

Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov

Book 2 of the first Foundation Trilogy

Rating: 3 out of 5


The Galactic Empire had been dying and they didn’t know it. And how could they? It was an empire so vast that it encompassed the Milky Way and had colonized worlds; the human population had reached an extraordinarily vast number. But one man saw the signs. That man was Hari Seldon. Using the science of psychohistory, Seldon was able to determine that the Galactic Empire would fall within three hundred years and would be followed by thirty thousand years of barbarism before a new and prosperous power would emerge from the ashes and restore order.

However, Hari Seldon, can plot a course that would control the events of the future and be able to reduce the age of barbarism to a mere one thousand years. He can do this also by using the science of psychohistory, because psychohistory is the science of the behavior of human masses, of mobs, of human society. And in the future, the number of human population has grown so vast that the actions of a single individual would become less significant when measured up to the action of the group as a whole. And by controlling the factors or stimuli that affect the probable reactions of a human society, psychohistory can plot that society’s future. Central to Sheldon’s plan is the establishment of two Foundations at “opposite ends of the Galaxy" and their existence is so devised so as it would bring about a new, powerful and stronger Second Empire within a millennium

Such was the premise of Isaac Asimov. And in his first book, Foundation, he tells the story of one of those Foundations in the first few centuries of its existence as they began simply as a settlement for scientists at one end of the galaxy, through how it was separated from the hegemony of a rapidly disintegrating Galactic Empire; to how they managed to maintain their independence from the emerging free “kingdoms” in the periphery, through being the only repository of knowledge and science in the area; to becoming the center of “religion”; to being the controller of trade; to being the most powerful state in its sector.

And now, in Foundation and Empire, the Galactic Empire, though reduced to a fraction of its original size was still the most powerful force to be reckoned with and has finally taken notice of what it perceived to be a challenge to its dominance, dwindling though it may be. An ambitious general has taken it upon himself to restore the glory of the empire by forcing a confrontation with the Foundation, destroy it once and for all, and assimilate its territory back under the Galactic Empire’s jurisdiction. And for the Foundation’s citizens, their hope rests upon on whether the events facing them were within the now-long-dead Hari Seldon’s plans and prophesies.

However, someone of extraordinary talent is emerging from the shadows: a mysterious individual known only as The Mule. And he seems to have the power greater than the might of whole planets, a power that may have been unseen in Hari Seldon’s plan. The power to unravel and spoil the well laid plans of psychohistory.

Isaac Asimov continues his brilliant exposition on the behavior of human society and expounds on the causes of its rise and fall. And through this book he presents various ideas on the course of humanity: (1) No matter how advanced or powerful a nation becomes, if it fails to grasp the lessons of history, it will sow the seeds of its own destruction from within, and (2) there are moments in history when an individual will emerge who has the capability/talent/charisma/character to change the course of nations, for better or for worse, an individual whose very life becomes a focal point in history, capable of controlling by sheer force of will the destinies of societies; individuals who are in themselves, for lack of a better term, sheer forces of nature, “mutants” of history.

Asimov presents his story in a crisp and clear way making the book an easy and fast read and, this time, he even placed a little feel of a mystery story into his work. However, as interesting as these themes may be, there are sure to be flaws. And this time, they are more visible than in the first book. As the format of Foundation and Empire has changed from a series of independent but related short stories with different central characters for each in the first book, to two sets of storylines with a definite set of characters that are constant to each plot, Asimov shows his weakness in characterization. His idea of character development is giving each character mannerisms or speech patterns that may sometimes become so repetitive and annoying. And it doesn’t help that his style of writing is so defined by the styles of his time that it has a sense of being dated. This might pull down the quality a bit for some.

Still, Foundation and Empire, along with the others of its series, is an interesting exploration into the profound ideas of one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century and one of the cornerstones of modern-day science fiction. It is recommended for anyone interested not only in a good story but of understanding the story of humanity. And these are only small glimpses into the ideas of a great man. He has lots, lots more stories and ideas for readers. Who knows? This series might just get you interested in exploring the author more.

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Book 1 of the first Foundation Trilogy

Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Thirteen thousand years in the very far future, man will colonize tens of thousands of world in the galaxy. Man would have forgotten the planet of his origin, Earth would just be a far memory in history. His kind would be very successful that they would number in the thousands of millions, all ruled through the Galatic Empire. No, it's not Star Wars, but one of the significant books that signaled the beginnings of the modern form of the science fiction genre. It is Foundation, and it is written by one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century, Isaac Asimov. The same man who was able to have an amazing number of books to his writing credit - more than 400 of them.

In this future, the great mass of human population, along with the studied patterns of humanity's behavior and society, makes it possible to calculate exact predictions of future events by applying mathematical statistics. This is so because the great weight of numbers of a society, like a mob, would simply drown out any individual initiative. This science would be known a psychohistory and its progenitor is a man named Hari Seldon.

Seldon, by using psychohistory, has predicted that within 300 years, the Galatic Empire will fall. It would be replaced by a 30,000 years of barbarism and Dark Ages throughout the galaxy. This fatalistic foreboding did not suit quite well with the rulers of the Galactic Empire and Hari Seldon was exiled to a far isolated planet in the periphery of the galaxy known as Terminus.

However, this did not worry Hari Seldon. In fact, this is exactly what he wanted. By using methods of psychohistory, he has devised a plan that would reduce the Dark Ages to only 1,000 years and the first step of that plan was to establish a Foundation in a remote place of the empire where a selected group of historians could, without interruption, compile all human knowledge of the whole galaxy into one enormous tome called the Encyclopedia Galactica, as the Dark Ages is being defined as a state of society where knowledge is lost. This premise sets up the whole Foundation series. A study of the breakdown of human society and the important role knowlege and information plays in the formation of civilization.

This book, influenced by Edward Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was published as separate short stories in Astounding Magazine between 1942 and 1944, was first compiled as an entire book in 1951 as Foundation and became the first of what was initially three books of a series, and subsequently, along with another Asimov story - the Robot series, of which the book I, Robot is a part, became a cornerstone of modern science fiction.

Asimov's style of writing is marvelously clear and crisp and easy to follow. It is short enough to say that one may be able to finish reading the book in a day or three, if one has the inclination. Although modern readers, used to the flash and dash of modern-day style stories may find the lack of action a strain. Asimov's story isn't action-based, or character-based (in fact, there are different protagonists in each different chapter). His is a plot-and-dialog based tale that focuses on themes rather than protagonists. One such theme, for example is the idea of how a more knowledgeable man would take advantage of an relatively illiterate man and take advantage of his superstitions to form or manipulate a religion and control an entire society (a social reality particularly hated by Asimov).

Still, Foundation, along with its two sequels, is a brilliant book and a facinating thesis into man's social tendencies (for better or for worse), and a look at the importance of the role of knowledge on the historical development of man's civilization. It is one of the most important books in the whole of speculative fiction and a great influence in modern culture.

Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson

Book 3 of the Malazan Book of the Fallen

Rating: 4.5 out of 5


It's only his third book of a planned ten-part Malazan Book of the Fallen series but Steven Erikson is redefining the word 'epic'. One can only begin to realize that this is really only the proverbial "tip of the iceberg" that the readers are seeing at this point of the story. It's a marvel to witness the uncovering of his imagination and realize the depth of what he has created. Erikson has created a world that probably surpasses any other fantasy world that ever existed and he has yet seven more books in which he can allow his readers to explore.

In Memories of Ice, he returns to the continent of Genebackis, the setting of his first book, Gardens of the Moon. The Malazan army of Genebackis have now gone renegade under the leadership of Dujek Onearm and Whiskeyjack are trying forge an alliance with their former enemies led by Caladan Brood and Anomander Rake. They would need to find a way to come across a common ground and forget their differences because a new enemy is coming from another direction. The new empire of the Pannion Domin is flexing its muscle and it is a threat more terrible and horrifying than anything they have ever seen before. The first target of the Domin's armies would be the free city of Capustan, and it seems nothing can stop its hordes from overrunning the it. Armies are being formed. Armies that would include the undead, cannibals and beasts. They would however soon realize that this would only be a part of an even larger war. A war that has been going on for hundreds of thousands of years. A war between gods and demi-gods and everybody is being sucked in towards it.

There would be new players in the scene. There will be the caravan bodyguard captain, Gruntle, who escorts his client towards the beleaguered city and finds himself trapped in a desperate siege unknowing of the large part he is going to play in the whole war. There will be Itkovian, one of the leaders of the army hired by Capustan's leaders to defend the city, as he and his group of paladin-knights prepare themselves on what they think what would be their last act in life. There will be Silverfox of the Rhivi, a girl who is much more than she seems growing into adulthood in days instead of years.

Of course, there would be the returning characters from Gardens of the Moon like the aforementioned four war leaders, the irrepresible and enigmatic Kruppe, and Ganoes Paran, Quick Ben and the Bridgeburners (Malazan's own version of Special Forces) with the part they are going to play in these War of the Gods.

As with his previous books, Erikson has a huge cast and a huge plot, and he handles them well. In fact, a distinct improvement from his previous work can be noticed. As before, Erikson structures his plot with having separate story threads, but this time the threads are more cohesive and doesn't make the reader feel like being tossed from one place or another. Each plot thread is now handled smoothly as they ease their way towards the end of the book.

Also, here in Memories of Ice, Erikson's characters become more alive now. They become personalities. Maybe because the readers have already gotten to know them through the first book, but one can now feel being able to identify with each character, even the minor ones. So real have they become, that some readers might find themselves shedding a tear for some of them by the end of the book.

That is not to say that Erikson has already found the perfect formula for his style. Old flaws from the first two books still emerge every now and then. The story starts out slow and doesn't pick up until the second third of the book. It is also still possible for the reader to get confused at the happenings of the plot. And Erikson still doesn't take time to explain things. But these problems become less of a hindrance here in the third book than it was in the first two.

There is one area, though, where Steven Erikson has established himself in the top echelon, probably more any other fantasy writer before him. He has become a master in writing military fantasy. His battle scenes are glorious, exciting, viceral, terrifying and tragic. He doesn't shy away from the gore. However, at the same time, he emphasizes the dreadful emotions one feels on having to fight for one's life and having to take the life of another. He doesn't glorify battle. In fact, he presents it in all its tragedy for what it really is: that despite the circumstances that sometimes make it a necessity, it is still an act of mass murder. That's what makes his battle scenes compelling, and in this book he gifts his readers with not one, but two extraordinary scenes of battle that is heart-pounding and edge-of-your-seat, and one of the best-written. It even includes a sort of "covert ops insertion mission" that would probably make techno-thriller author Tom Clancy sit up and take notice.

With Memories of Ice, Steven Erikson has come to stay. His imagination is boundless and the world-building he executed to bring to life this Malazan world is nothing short of genius on par of J.R.R. Tolkien. It is a vast amazing world that is full of amazing beings that would surely become imprinted in the minds of those fortunate enough to read their story.

Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

Rating: 4 out of 5

It has been twelve years since the Battle of Arakeen at the end of the first book, Dune. Since then, Paul Atreides's Fremen warriors have burst out of the planet Arrakis Dune and have waged Holy War or Jihad against the Imperium bringing everyone to their knees and resulting in the mass slaughter of millions of lives. And now Paul has not only established himself the absolute ruler of the known universe, but also as the leader of a powerful religion: the religion of Muad'Dib, of which his sister Alia is the High Priestess. Having finally established some kind of order, there can be hope of peace, at last.

Or is there? Factions are plotting against Paul, but they do not wish to eliminate him. Instead forces are seeking to control the most powerful man in history. The Bene Gesserit wish to take back their Kwisatz Haderach. The Spacing Guild wish to take back control of the Spice. The Princess Irulan, wife of the Emperor only on paper, wishes to take what she thinks is hers by right. Further, the shape-shifting Bene Tleilax are entering the power games arena, but their purposes are as mysterious as their race. And the key to everyone's plan is a recreated human made from the cells of someone long-dead. In this case, that particular someone was once a beloved mentor who gave up his life for the sake of Paul and his mother.

That is only a small glimpse of the complexities woven by the masterful hand of Frank Herbert as he continues the saga of Dune. In Dune Messiah, Herbert continues the story of Paul Atreides, a man trapped in his own prophesy which he is trying hard to escape. But if one expected to have an idea of where the story was going after reading the first book, they're in for a surprise. Frank Herbert throws dozens of curve balls into the plot and while characters from Dune make their return, none are quite so familiar anymore. Events of the past twelve years have taken their effect on all of them and it is not sure what their motives are anymore.

Furthermore, Frank Herbert takes the book into a different writing style, moving away from the emphasis on action towards a more cerebral and philosophical story-telling. In effect, Dune Messiah serves to finally explain away the motives and events of the first book, and takes each of the characters to their real conclusions. This departure from the previous style, though it might possibly chase away some readers who are expecting the same space opera-type, fantasy feel that was felt in Dune, elevates the story from what was already a spectacular epic, evolving it into something with more depth and soul and complexity that would become the basis of the colossal storyline that would span seven books (cut short, unfortunately by the untimely death of the great novelist). If Dune is the main dish of the series, Dune Messiah is the (forgive the pun) spice that would give it its lasting taste.

In it, Frank Herbert continues to explore his deep themes. He looks at the dangers of combining religion and government and the effects of each towards each other throughout the course of human history. Herbert dares to ask the question: "What manner of weapon is religion when it becomes the government?" And some people may not like his answer. He continues his exposition on leadership, fanaticism and hero worship. And it is in this story that he introduces one of his enduring creations, a concept that would become one of the major plotpoints, and be the main character in all the suceeding books (in a weird kind of way only Frank Herbert could imagine): the ghola of Duncan Idaho. And it is, ironically, through this cloned human, Frank Herbert examines what it means to be alive.

The problem with sequels is that it places in the reader an expectation of what the succeeding stories would be like setting it up for to possibly become a disappointment for its fans. It is only through the genius of Frank Herbert that he was able to pull of a great book that goes against what was expected of it, both in literary style and the course of the plot. Frank Herbert concludes the story of Paul Atreides in a way nobody expects and does it way that is exhilirating and satisfying, but tragic and bittersweet at the same time.

It is possible that one might read the first book, Dune, love it fiercely, pick up the second book, put it down and stop right there and just be satisfied with adoring the original story. But for those who throw away all expectations, absorb the beauty and artistry of Dune Messiah, one might just find himself lost in the universe that revolves around that haunting desert planet, wanting the stay to never end.

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

Book 1 of Dragonriders of Pern

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Some time in the far future, mankind has conquered space and colonized planets, one of these planets being Pern. Having made lives for themselves away from their home planet, the people of Pern lost contact with Earth along with most of the technological advancements that helped them reach their new home such that humans have settled in a way of life similar to that of the time of Earth’s High Middle Ages.

But Pern has a secret, undiscovered by the first colonizers that came to the planet. She has a sister, the Red Star, whose orbit brings her close to Pern approximately every 200 years. It is during this period that the Red Star’s inhabitants, in the form of silvery “Threads” make the journey to the more fertile Pern where they cause death and destruction in anything that comes across their path. However, Pern’s inhabitants have an answer. One of the technological knowledge that was not lost was the science of genetics with which humans used to evolve small native flying lizards into what would be called dragons. These dragons would telepathically bond with one young human as soon as they hatched from their eggs and forge a bond that would last a lifetime. It is from this partnership that the dragonfolk would emerge and which would make them the masters of Pern. They would be the main defense against the Threads invasion, a cycle that would last millennia.

However, at the start of the book Dragonflight, the Red Star has not come for 400 years and most people, including some of the dragonfolk have begun to think that the Threads will never ever return and becoming lost in the shadows of Pern’s history. Normal folk now have begun to ignore old traditions. They began to see dragonfolk as tyrants living off the people’s tributes and livestock when they have no use anymore. What’s worse, of the six dragonfolk Weyrs (realms), five of the six have been abandoned and the last one remains underpopulated.

Some of the minor lords like the ruthless Fax have become ambitious and began grab and consolidate power for him conquering neighboring kingdoms including the mountain Hold of Ruatha, of whom Fax destroyed and killed off the ruling family. Unknown to him, one daughter, Lessa, has escaped and is hiding among Ruatha’s common folk plotting to have her revenge one day.

Meanwhile, one person believes that the Threads will come back and that time is closing. F’lar of the dragonfolk knows in his heart that the Red Star is nearing and is hatching a plan of his own to prepare his badly outnumbered kin. He has to find ways to convince people of the reality of the approaching menace, suppress the rising rebellion among the other lords of the land, and find a way to combat the dangerous Threads with what he has. And Lessa has a part to play in that plan.

Dragonflight, though set in a world that is similar to fantasy, is actually a science fiction story. McCaffrey’s dragons do not have the mystical quality of their fantastical counterparts. They have been genetically engineered from small lizard-like reptiles. They chew something called “firerock”, which the dragonriders carry in sacks, to enable them to breathe fire. They can teleport between spaces and also between times. The latter ability would have a very important role in the story. And the bond between rider and dragon is a psychic bond, not a magical bond, and is something similar to how ducklings or goslings bond to their mother as soon as they hatch.

McCaffrey’s writing in Dragonflight itself is easy reading, though doesn’t have the depth of Herbert or Tolkien. Still it is an entertaining tale and there has been no other like it. And it is good enough to attract its own dedicated followers that the Dragonriders of Pern series, of which it the first chapter, has become one of the most beloved stories in speculative fiction, and whose tale is still on-going at this point of time.