Dragonsdawn unfolds in a triptych of tales. "Landing" sets the stage with the founding of the pivotal hub, a bustling epicenter where pioneers carve out their future, marking their territories and venturing into the unexplored lands. As we turn the page to "Thread," eight years have swept by, ushering in the harrowing arrival of the first Threadfall and the devastation it brings. Then, "Crossing," the final act, intensifies the saga with the unforeseen fury of a volcanic eruption near Landing, forcing a hurried retreat to the North Continent. These calamities shed light on the settlers' endurance, solitude, and unwavering resolve. Amidst the toil and turmoil, enchanting glimpses of burgeoning dragons weave through, rekindling the awe of dragon-love and the exhilaration of flight. Amidst these challenges, the colonists cling to the hope that their dragon allies will safeguard their world.

The novel's rhythm and storyline are driven by the ever-changing landscape of Pern, a realm of both benevolence and peril. The settlers, faced with the ominous threat of Thread, must make swift, impactful decisions. The revelation of protective caves offers a sanctuary from Thread's menace, while the looming volcano endangers Landing, pushing the settlers northward to safety. Although the North Continent's rugged terrain promises better defense against Thread, its soil lacks the fertility of the South, posing challenges for farming and necessitating vigilant crop protection. Ultimately, the colonists choose to establish Fort Hold, laying the foundation for what would become the most ancient bastion of the dragonriders in contemporary times.

Dragonsdawn finds its most captivating precursor in Johann Rudolph Wyss's Swiss Family Robinson from 1812. Much like the resourceful family in that classic tale, the colonists in this story are well-prepared to carve out lives in their new world. They demonstrate remarkable creativity and adaptability, molding their surroundings to suit their needs. Echoing the resilience of Robinson Crusoe, these settlers exhibit a fierce independence, severing ties with Earth after the catastrophic devastation of Thread leaves their homes and loved ones in ruins.

Survival and Community

The narrative of a colony's struggle for survival conjures images of the American pilgrims, Puritans, and the adventurous pioneers venturing westward. It resonates particularly with tales predominantly chronicled by women, a genre of American literature that has recently regained attention. Contrary to the boomtowns of the Wild West, with their saloons and houses of ill-repute, McCaffrey envisions a settlement rooted in the principles of homesteading. Here, the initial focus is on cultivating farms and establishing schools, following the age-old maxim that land ownership is determined by one’s ability to work the land, but nothing beyond that.

The Origins of Pern and the Birth of a Novel

In the realms of science fiction and fantasy, authors often weave their concise tales into sprawling novels. From the very first pages of the Dragonriders of Pern series, Anne McCaffrey crafted an evolving introduction, a doorway into the origins of the Pernese people and their relentless battle against the menacing Thread. Devoted followers, who have meticulously traced these evolving prefaces, are now rewarded with a complete novel charting the genesis of Pern itself. Dragonsdawn heralds a fresh chapter in the Pern saga, unveiling untold stories and intriguing new personas. As a prequel to the existing Pern novels, McCaffrey breathes life into a new ensemble. These characters, though fresh, echo familiar names that resonate through Pern's weyrs and holds. Ironically, these pioneers have faded from memory, yet in The Renegades of Pern and subsequent tales, their descendants will embark on quests to rediscover forgotten legacies.

Unveiling the Ancients: The Chronicles of Pern

The saga of the Ancients unfolds further in The...