Dragon Harper (Dragonriders of Pern): 01 [Special Limited Edition] [Hardcover]

Dragon Harper is the third collaboration between Anne and Todd, and like the previous novels set in the Third Pass era of Pern's vast history. This story is very much a direct sequel to Dragon's Fire (although the epilogue in Dragon's Fire is in fact set several years into Dragon Harper), and tells the story of Kindan's apprentice years at the Harper Hall and of the flu-type plague that wipes out a large portion of the population.
Like Dragon's Kin and Dragon's Fire, Dragon Harper is set before the events of Dragonsblood and references events mentioned in that book. The focus of the story is on Kindan, and Dragon Harper is very much his story from beginning to end. There are small moments when we see events from another characters point of view - but this novel is very much all about his apprenticeship at Harper Hall, and a terrifying situation that he must live through and deal with.
Since the publication of Dragon's Kin, it's been clear that Kindan would be one of the main characters of the Third Pass books being written by Anne and Todd, and this book doesn't disappoint in that respects. However, where the book does disappoint (and it pains me to say this, as I am very much a fan of the recent Pern novels), is that I got the feel that parts of the story had been cut, and trimmed away, leaving the focus on Kindan, and Kindan alone. Todd and Anne have created several interesting characters for the Third Pass stories, and it is a shame that they were pretty much ignored in this novel. I can only hope that they have plans to expand on characters such as C'tov (formally Cristov), J'trel and M'tal in later stories. And of course it would be nice to see more of Kindan as well, as he continues to shape up into one of the more interesting characters. Vaxoram and Conor are two characters who would have benefited from more time within the story as well. Again, I got the feeling that something more was supposed to happen with them.
Those small gripes aside, Dragon Harper is an engaging novel from beginning to end, telling a story that in part we already know (thanks to Dragonsblood). In that respects it makes it easier to read as we already know the fate of some of the stories characters, but what happens to others is moving, and touching. Kindan is shown to be very human, and thus very flawed. He is an imperfect hero, and as such falls from grace (in a big way) because of his feelings for Koriana. That both of them mishandle there situation, and cause Kindan to be dishonoured is very typical for teenagers. Kindan's handling of Vaxoram is nicely done, and the relationship that builds between them is perhaps the most touching of all, because it is Vaxoram who has the most interesting journey.
Whilst many will see similarities between this tale, and Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern, there aren't really that many. The whys of the plague and how it is delt with are unique to this story. Ultimately this is a disaster because all the characters can do is deal with the situation and try and survive it, which sometimes can be the hardest thing of all.
To my way of thinking this is probably the most rewarding story to have been written by "Team McCaffrey" and shows a great deal of insight and depth to there collaborations. This is defiantly a "box of tissues" read.
Once again, another fine addition to the saga of Pern.

Some years ago I was a real fan of Anne McCaffrey, reading everything she wrote. However, a lack of time and a feeling that the books were losing their edge meant I moved on to other stuff. However, with time on my hands I decided to read Dragonharper and see what had resulted from the collaboration of Anne and her son.

What can I say? I was so disappointed - the characterisation (even allowing for this being a sequel of sorts) was poor, the story line weak and the writing awful - what was the editor thinking to allow this through? I suppose my main gripe is that this story is supposed to be about a virulent plague which spreads quickly and devastates populations, killing those in their prime while a harper apprentice struggles with his work and feelings. Yet there was no feeling of urgency; no suspense or even any consistency in the plot line. The characters were weak and frankly I had no interest in whether they survived or not. The motives of characters were not explored, rather they were stated (for example, the bully becomes a friend when forced to work as the main character's apprentice - but he seems to do this overnight with no qualms or emotional journey) and outcomes were one liners as if the authors couldn't really be bothered to think about the resolution.

I'm really sad that a once engrossing series has come to this, but most of all I'm really cross that I wasted my time in reading this drivel!

I've never actually written a review on anything before, but I thought that this book deserved it. I was tempted to just buy it, but I decided to borrow it from the library. Well, borrowing it wasn't enough! I HAD to buy it, and I'm glad I did. The book is a lovely story with charming characters (Kindan obviously, and his friends, Nonala, Kelsa and Virilan). But this wasn't just a 'friendly' story. There were daunting problems and haunting consequences. I think my only problem with this book is that a couple of characters died who, by rights, at least one should've lived. I won't say anymore, 'cause that will spoil it for others. But truly, if you like the Dragon's of Pern series, then this is the next one in line to get. Trust me.
But why trust me? I correct myself, don't trust me! Find out for yourself that this book truly is a Pern novel. Don't rely on us to tell Kindan and friends' story. Rely on the characters themselves. Only they can tell you their story - so let them. You won't be dissapointed.