why_not's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
mysticslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Upon re-reading this I have lowered my score from 5/5 to 4/5. I feel like now that I am reading this as an adult (I read it the first time as a teenager), I have a different viewpoint. It is STILL a favorite of mine, and always will be, though.
That being said, there were a few things in the book that just didn't sit well with me this time around, mainly revolving around F'lar's treatment of Lessa. That is the only reason I lowered my score a bit. I am fully aware that this book was written decades ago and that things were different then, but that's the point. It just didn't age well.
I still plan on re-reading this entire series. I'm really curious if my opinion has changed on my favorites in the series.
That being said, there were a few things in the book that just didn't sit well with me this time around, mainly revolving around F'lar's treatment of Lessa. That is the only reason I lowered my score a bit. I am fully aware that this book was written decades ago and that things were different then, but that's the point. It just didn't age well.
I still plan on re-reading this entire series. I'm really curious if my opinion has changed on my favorites in the series.
yuna's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
rdfalgout's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aaron_j136's review against another edition
DNF @ pg 174
Didn’t feel connected to the story and was just really bored. I always feel guilty when I don’t finish a book but I don’t have time for bad books
Didn’t feel connected to the story and was just really bored. I always feel guilty when I don’t finish a book but I don’t have time for bad books
keelirae113's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Classism, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Grief, Kidnapping, Animal death, and Child death
tine1789's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
The hangover after inhaling Fourth Wing pushed me to finally read this one. It filled the dragon-shaped hole and there were some very minor similarities but overall it is a VERY different vibe and story.
The writing is a bit stiff and sparse. Some of the "big" scenes happen without much set-up , tension or emotions, which makes for a very plot-driven story. It progresses quickly and is easy to grasp. Honestly it took a direction I really didn't expect. There are also some very fun details in the world-building thanks to the sci-fi & fantasy mix. And I kind of love the "stereotypical" fantasy naming system for the sake of it, haha. Apostrophes GALORE.
I do miss the emotional connection and more detailed world-building that really gives that immersive feel to fantasy. Although there are plenty more books in the series to fill those little holes, I guess. On another note, there are some very questionable behavior patterns and morals, namely with a good coating of mysoginy.
The dragons are perfect though and I Love them. <3 Ramoth <3 Mnementh <3 Snooze & food <3
The hangover after inhaling Fourth Wing pushed me to finally read this one. It filled the dragon-shaped hole and there were some very minor similarities but overall it is a VERY different vibe and story.
The writing is a bit stiff and sparse. Some of the "big" scenes happen without much set-up , tension or emotions, which makes for a very plot-driven story. It progresses quickly and is easy to grasp. Honestly it took a direction I really didn't expect. There are also some very fun details in the world-building thanks to the sci-fi & fantasy mix. And I kind of love the "stereotypical" fantasy naming system for the sake of it, haha. Apostrophes GALORE.
Spoiler
ALSO: the first established Weyr is Fort Weyr and the others are always "location name" + Weyr. But I would think Fort is the orignal type-definer? And Pernese society accidentally kept the wrong part of the name because they didn't know a fort is a big fortifications to hous your military on earth? Or that is my headcanon about it at least.I do miss the emotional connection and more detailed world-building that really gives that immersive feel to fantasy. Although there are plenty more books in the series to fill those little holes, I guess. On another note, there are some very questionable behavior patterns and morals, namely with a good coating of mysoginy.
Spoiler
Why is Lessa being physically shaken so often?? Why are other female characters described so negatively? Jora I do partially get - her (in)actions had severe consequences. And I like that it was touched on that she was burdened by grief. It would be interesting to get narration from someone who knew her and cared about her, not just her position and duties. But WHY oh WHY was Kylara dismissed so quickly as a selfish brat who is out to seduse F'lar? We barely even know her, and the first half-opinion we get on her is presented as the final truth. Combined with the whole jealousy thing, it reeks of misogyny. And in a book with so little emotional detail, it just kind of sucks that the little there is, is this brand of it. Alas.The dragons are perfect though and I Love them. <3 Ramoth <3 Mnementh <3 Snooze & food <3
sillypunk's review against another edition
1.0
Do not read this book, it is fucking terrible: http://blogendorff.ghost.io/book-review-dragonflight/
1morepaige's review against another edition
1.0
I am so glad I borrowed this book and did not buy it.
I cannot believe people would let their children read this book.
SUPER MISOGYNY to a scale that I found unbelievable. Includes but is not limited to repeated rape, slut shaming, and fat jokes about some dead woman!
I cannot believe people would let their children read this book.
SUPER MISOGYNY to a scale that I found unbelievable. Includes but is not limited to repeated rape, slut shaming, and fat jokes about some dead woman!
enbyglitch's review against another edition
4.0
It feels incredible every time I see sci-fi and fantasy mixed well. I really enjoy the unique setting McCaffrey created - in 1968 no less! A lot of things in this book certainly inspired other authors whose work I adore, and it is impressive to see their origins.
As for characters, plot, morals.... it's weak. I'm glad the 'lead' is female, but there's a lot of weird gender/sex aspects that are pretty uncomfortable, and the classic sf&f male action hero does end up taking most of the spotlight.
I enjoyed the plot for what it was, but it's exactly the wrong one to get me excited about a series. It also seems insane that a certain ability is only discovered now.
Frankly, I enjoy the world enough that I might check out the sequel one day! But I think this is a rocky foundation on which to have people jump into the 25+ book series that makes up Pern.
As for characters, plot, morals.... it's weak. I'm glad the 'lead' is female, but there's a lot of weird gender/sex aspects that are pretty uncomfortable, and the classic sf&f male action hero does end up taking most of the spotlight.
I enjoyed the plot for what it was, but it's exactly the wrong one to get me excited about a series. It also seems insane that a certain ability is only discovered now.
Frankly, I enjoy the world enough that I might check out the sequel one day! But I think this is a rocky foundation on which to have people jump into the 25+ book series that makes up Pern.