Robinton is a musical prodigy born to two Master musicians in the Harper Hall on Pern. He can talk to dragons, compose music, and play any instrument. His mother loves him and is proud of his accomplishments, but his father ignores and belittles him. Robinton succeeds in everything he does, becoming the Masterharper and leader of the Harper Hall, but he has to deal with the many problems that face Pern as the Ninth Pass of Thread approaches. He and his friend F'lon work together to protect the people from the greedy tyrant Fax, but Fax continues to gain power and teaches the people to hate harpers and not listen to their teachings. Robinton finds love with his wife Kasia, but is devastated by her death, and his own son is disappointingly retarded. But he continues to lead the harpers and people of Pern to prepare for the imminent Threadfall. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book - very upbeat FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Coming of age Yes Youngster becomes - a great scholar/artist Spying & Investigations Yes What is main char. doing? - spying/espionage in enemy territorry Adversaries are… - dragon buddy Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book GIANT monster(s) Yes Family relations Yes Descript. of chases or violence - 20 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20 % Main Character Identity: - Female Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's If magical mental powers: - can talk to animals Really unusual traits? Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting Terrain A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a futuristic society - humans in a primitive/fantasy society - inhabited by friendly aliens - empty, or nearly empty world Planet outside solar system? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only - descript of kissing How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |