Dragonflight

by Anne McCaffrey
Dragonflight cover
Good Books rating 3.15
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4599
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781448152384
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-07-31
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In the enchanting world of Pern, Lessa, a young woman with a fiery spirit and a thirst for revenge, finds her life forever changed when she bonds with a golden dragon. This telepathic connection offers her a chance to lead Pern alongside the ambitious dragonrider, F'lar. However, their newfound alliance is soon tested by an ancient threat: a deadly silver spore that rains from the sky, destroying everything in its path. Only dragons can combat this menace, but there are too few to protect all of Pern. Lessa and her dragon may hold the key to their world's salvation, but their daring plan comes with a steep price. Dragonflight is the first novel in Anne McCaffrey's beloved Dragonriders of Pern series, praised by authors like Brandon Sanderson and Cassandra Clare for its groundbreaking portrayal of dragons and epic adventure. This timeless tale weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and heroism, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-18
great 4.10

The book is a classic in the fantasy genre, with a strong female protagonist and a unique world. The story is engaging and the characters are well-developed.

Goodreads reviewers generally agree that Dragonflight is a classic in the fantasy genre. The story of a young woman saving an entire world is compelling, and the character of Lessa is strong and well-developed. The world-building is intricate and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The pacing is good, and the plot keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are believable and engaging. The book has some flaws, but overall, it's a great read that stands the test of time.

Quick quotes

    How can one girl save an entire world?

    To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is a strong and well-developed character.

    The world-building is intricate and immersive.

Reddit - Fantasy · 2025-12-17
good 3.00

The novel is not perfect, with the majority of the characters being its weak point. However, there are simple things that add to the setting and make it enjoyable.

This Reddit review points out that Dragonflight is not a perfect novel. The characters are seen as its weak point, which can make the story less engaging at times. However, the reviewer appreciates the simple things that add to the setting and make the book enjoyable. The reviewer also notes that the book has a compelling premise and strong writing in parts, which helps to keep the story engaging. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a good start to a promising series, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    I don't think this novel is perfect.

    I think the majority of the characters are its weak point.

    But very simple things that add to the setting

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
mixed 2.00

The prose is simple, but the attention to detail brings Pern to life. The story feels more like fantasy than science fiction, despite its sci-fi elements.

The reviewer finds McCaffrey's writing style straightforward but appreciates how she brings the world of Pern to life with small, intricate details. They note that while the story is technically science fiction, it reads more like a traditional fantasy, which might disappoint some readers looking for a more sci-fi experience. The reviewer also points out that the characters are not the strongest part of the novel, but the setting and world-building are compelling.

Quick quotes

    McCaffrey's prose are fairly unambitious, though I do admire the way that she picks out smaller details which make Pern feel like a real place as opposed to a fantasy setting.

    The story feels more like fantasy than science fiction, despite its sci-fi elements.

    The majority of the characters are its weak point.

Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2025-03-23
good 3.50

The book is the first in a vast series and feels like it at times. It has great writing and a solid idea with some well-developed characters.

Luke Harkness appreciates the great writing and solid idea behind Dragonflight. He acknowledges that it feels like the first book in a series, which can be both a strength and a weakness. The characters are well-developed, and the story is engaging. However, he also notes that the book has some issues with pacing and world-building that could be improved. Overall, he finds the book to be a good start to a promising series.

Quick quotes

    Dragonflight is the first in a vast series and at times it does feel like the first.

    It's got some great writing and a great idea with some solid characters.

    There are some issues with pacing and world-building that could be improved.

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