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This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
The AIVAS that the people of Pern discovered at Landing has only emphasized to them how much knowledge and how many skills they've lost since the days of their ancestors. It filled in many of the blanks in their records and armed them with new skills, but there were things that Aivas itslef didn't know and couldn't know because it, too, has lapses in its memory. Now, thanks to the marvelous pen of the author, readers get the inside scoop on stories that previously only those that lived them knew about. For example, why the very first humans to set foot on the planet designated it Pern, or how crucial a role the dolphins played in assisting the settlement of humans on the Northern Continent. Then there's the history of the founding of holds other than the original Fort, and the establishment of the other dragon Weyrs of Pern. And, maybe you've forgotten, but whatever happened to Stev Kimmer, Avril Bitra's erstwhile partner in crime? Didn't he vanish into the southern mountains? Find out what happened to him and those who chose to remain south during the Crossing.
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall isn't quite the same sort of novel as the other Pern novels were. Instead, it is a collection of short stories and novellas that provide more information into the history of the Pernese people. For example, have you ever wondered who Torene was? Her name popped up a few times in Dragonflight and Dragonquest as a queen rider able to speak with any dragon, but nothing more was ever revealed about her until now. And remember what happened after the queens' battle in Dragonquest when the Northern Oldtimers mentioned that there were precedents? Did you wonder what they were talking about? Well, this book addresses some of these issues and resolve others, such as Stev Kimmer's ultimate fate.
As enjoyable as I found these stories, I must admit that I could wish for greater treatment of Torene's story in a longer novel. Perhaps someday Ms. McCaffrey will oblige her readers with a fleshing out of this wonderful tale in Pern's history. It wouldn't be the first time she turned a short story into a novel. The origins of Dragonflight lies in such a story, as do some of her other novels. Well, here's to hopeful thinking!
The Chronicles of Pern: First Fall makes an excellent addition to the already extensive series. It bridges the gap between the events of Dragonsdawn and Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern to some extent, fleshing out what we already knew of the origins of the Pernese people. Even though it's the twelfth book in the Pern series, consider it the second book in Pern's history!
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