ALL THE WEYRS OF PERN

The low-tech society of Pern has a lot of adjustments to make after the discovery of an advanced computer system (AIVAS), brought to Pern by their ancestors. When AIVAS discloses a plan for eliminating the natural and deadly threat of thread, the ramifications are widespread. Mel Foster gives a steady narration. Conversations between the humans, particularly those of the older generation, are rather self-conscious, but members of the younger generation, which is without the burden of varying social classes, are less stiff in their interactions. Narrative passages are a little studied at times. The telepathic communications between the dragons and their riders and the communications between AIVAS and those eager to learn what the artificial intelligence has to teach are more relaxed. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2009]