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Dragonquest is an improvement upon Dragonflight. There is now an ensemble cast, which adds more complexity, and interesting minor plot points.

Is there a quest that involves dragons? Questing generally involves a long search for something. Most notably a journey of some sorts with lots of characters and events. Does this happen in Dragonquest? No, not at all, so I have no idea why this is named Dragonquest. It sounds cool, though. Dragons and Grubs Forever? That would sum of the major finding of this entry.

F’lar discovers particular grubs in the Southern areas that eat Threads. Now Pern has the ultimate fighting force against Threads. This is a rather boring impetus for the story to continue. He goes a bit crazed (with good reason, they do work) and peddles them off to all the Holds and Weyrs, usually puffing his cheeks out and blowing steam.

The real interest of Dragonquest is Brekke, F’nor, and Kylara. I really was hoping for Kylara to cause a lot of evil action and conflict for books to come, and maybe she will, but it doesn’t seem likely now. The main conflict of Pern versus the Threads is a bit of a snoozer because the time fighting the Threads in Dragonflight and Dragonquest amount to maybe 10 pages.

I really liked F’nor and Brekke, their relationship particularly, and I thought their personalities were of great contrast to F’lar and Lessa. They should have been the main protagonists, they actually seem human, and not like robots. The fight between Wirenth (Brekke’s dragon) and Prideth (Kylara’s dragon), and their demise, actually made me sad. I was surprised the dragons both ended up dying – even more so because the tension between Brekke and Kylara kept me reading, whereas all the grub nonsense made me snooze. F’nor lives, which makes me think McCaffrey isn’t going to kill off main characters.

Lessa doesn’t have much of a role in Dragonquest. She is certainly more tame and skillful in negotiating, and I liked this progression from the crazed rebellious person from Dragonflight. F’lar is the same. He needs to seriously loosen up a bit.

I liked Jaxom. He doesn’t seem too annoying, although his speech near the end about keeping a fire lizard made me question how old he really was. He seemed maybe about 10 or so….and then he makes a decent logical argument way out of his cognitive level, which is good for him, but odd. His parts with Falessan give a different angle to all the adult’s pedantic and argumentative gatherings.

The issues with the Oldtimers were never really resolved. It was set up as main issue in the beginning, and then pushed aside. Although the use of the fire dragons hasn’t been understood yet, I imagine them to be super cute, so I hoping for no descriptions about them. I didn't mind that they were somewhat off-topic because they are being set-up for something in future stories, hopefully.

The role of Robinton and other Harpers is very intriguing. He is essentially a bard with a lot of political power, acting like an advisor to Benden Weyr. A different take on the role of a bard for a fantasy story. However, his relationship wasn’t explained very well, other than the fact that Harpers are well respected. I would like to know why they are so respected. Certainly, Robinton shows his worth in the way he spins the conversations to go in Lessa and F’lar’s favor. Is it because everyone wants a beautiful ballad or tale about them? They have friends in many places? They are good luck?

There isn’t much of a directing story in Dragonquest. Really, it feels like the book ended prematurely. Sure, there is always the threat against the Threads, but there needs to be more conflict than ambiguous fungi.

It doesn’t help that whenever I read the word dragon, the theme song to Dragon Tales immediately pops into my head. Dragonflight was published in 1968, and the only other science fiction and/or fantasy book I have read in that same time period is Dune, published in 1965. Truly, I don’t have much to compare it to, time-wise when it was published, and it would be unfair to compare to today’s novel.

I had a difficult time understanding the world of Pern. The backstory is certainly intriguing: humans have migrated from Earth into outerspace and settled Pern. Sometime after the initial settlement, Threads descend from the Red Star, a planet which orbits closely to Pern, and destroys everything. Threads are defined in the glossary as “mycorrhizoid spores from the Red Star, which descend on Pern and burrow into it, devouring all organic material they encounter.”

I assume all the technology was destroyed by the Threads? I would think if humans had developed space travel we would be able to defeat spores, considering the invention of fire was one of the first things we did along the road of evolution. Also, did all humans settle on Pern? If not, where did everyone else go?

There isn’t any real description about these sorts of questions. So-called dragons have been found to fight the Threads and burn them down, but the dragons have to chew on special stones to shoot fire.

The story opens with two dragonmen F’lar and F’nor looking for a Weyrwoman, essentially the dragon queen. They find her, Lessa, who has the ability to control others with her mind (not explained or explored too much) and the rare ability to communicate with all dragons, not just the one that partners with her. On goes the story, and Lessa and F’lar try to figure out how to defeat the Threads that are due to descend on Pern again.

The Threads didn’t seem too scary. Really, I imagined giant spiderwebs coming out of the sky and the dragons shooting it down like a mini-game. No real strategy on the Threads’ part to counterattack or anything. They’re just dropping like silly string apparently.

Lessa and F’lar’s relationship was weird. I take it with a grain salt since of the time period in which it was written. All of the sex is implied, and it definitely makes it seem like rape. I thought it was ridiculous how Lessa “gets shaken” by F’lar all the time when he’s mad. It is somewhat amusing that she is shook all the time because you would think it would be an epithet for a punch or a beatdown, but no, she gets shook. At one point she expresses fear that she will get shook by F’lar by disobeying him. What is even stranger is that she is a defiant, arrogant, determined individual who is always doing things her way. It is contrasted with this sexual domination by F’lar because of the culture of the dragons and whatnot. However, it is all subtle in the story, and I would think most kids would miss the implications, although they may pick up on the relationship as not a normal, modern one. It is like a soap opera fantasy romance.

It took me awhile to get into the story, but there is action and the second half kept me entertained. The time travel deus ex machina was unexpected. It does seem there are limitations to how far back on can travel, but the implications of bringing people to the future wasn’t explored. It was interesting that no one resisted the time travel, they just went along with it. Time travel is a confusing concept and can make your head spin, but McCaffrey never got into the details about it, which is probably for the best because this wasn’t a heavy story that could handle such philosophical dealings.

So, is the solution for any further Thread attack to travel back in time to gather more fighters? Will this be something they are going to use again and again? What about for situations not relating to Threads? Who will regulate it?

The characters are never developed well. F’lar is pretty much a macho man who shakes Lessa and looks at her tenderly when she’s asleep. Lessa yells and stomps to get her way but saves the day because she takes action. She gets a point for that because she really is the opposite of a damsel in distress, she is an out of control damsel. The other characters are not too interesting. The dragons could have gotten more page time. They seem like they are rolling their eyes all the time at all the humans.

I liked the story but in weird wringing my hands hemming and hawing about it. An epic battle is always fun, but we never get there! The story moves rapidly and doesn’t linger too long. And the story is certainly original. The world-building is meager. Dragonflight could have been helped by some more exposition and character insight.

After reading Downbelow Station, I was surprised to see that my library had Merchanter's Luck, considering it is now out of print as of this review. Although there are references to what occurred in Downbelow, you don't need to have read that book to understand what is happening. In fact, I think this novel is much easier to follow, although Cherryh is a master at subtlety, so make sure you are paying attention!

Compared to the large cast of Downbelow, Merchanter's Luck is focued on two characters, Sandor and Allison. Their situations are polar opposites. Sandor is surviving alone on his ship Lucy. His family had been murdered by the Mazianni, and those who had survived are now no longer alive by the beginning of the story. He makes money any way he can, most times illegally, and is only a step away from being caught. He is isolated, depressed, and a bit crazed. Allison is from the famous merchanter family, the Reillys, and their ship, Dublin, is know everywhere. She has worked hard to get into a position of power in her large, wealthy family, but realizes that the line of succession is too long, and she probably will never be in charge.

The beginning of the story is focused on romance, but it completely takes a left turn, and I really liked that about this book. Allison, although privileged, is not shallow, but truly attempting to lead and be respected. Sandor's personality, influenced by his past experience, is very touching, and quite believable. I don't want to give away spoilers. The ending is a great twist. I am looking forward to reading more of the Company Wars books.

A refreshing perspective to the thousands of diet and health books that are pervading the market. Lustig focuses on the ills of sugar, specifically fructose, and its devastating impact on our bodies. If there is one thing to take away from this book, it is to eat less sugar, and if you are going to eat some, pair it with something high-fiber.

I was surprised by how loaded juice is with sugar. No wonder a carton of orange juice disappears so quickly! He does mention "food deserts" in poor income areas, a topic I have heard frequently about. Access to healthy food is more limited than you think, when you are surrounded by over-priced Whole Foods on every corner. Additionally, when everything on sale at the store is in the frozen aisle, how can you justify spending money on fresh produce when you only have a limited income on food?

I liked how he got into the psychology and chemistry of addiction, and how sugar fits into the same model as alcohol and drugs. Although seemingly far-fetched, it all comes down to reward!

Bridge of Birds is a fun, delightful, and charming novel. The journey of Number Ten Ox and Li Kao to find the root and heal the village children reads like out of a movie. Much of the story is episodic, with the characters jumping from one well done scheme to another harrowing escape.

I enjoyed how the ending of the story is about something much larger than the original intent of the journey. I thought the story was explained well and the plot moved along rapidly. In a way, it was very simplistic, without ponderous religious or philosophical sections. It is a straightforward action/adventure story.

I recently finished reading Going Clear and wanted to read more about Scientology because it is absolutely amazing how much has been covered up about this pseudo-religion. Beyond Belief doesn't go into specifics about the actual philosophy and teachings of Hubbard. Instead, Hill poignantly relates her experiences growing up surrounded by the Church. I would suggest reading Going Clear if you want more details about the history of Hubbard and the teachings of Scientology.

Hill describes a childhood that reads out of a science fiction novel or another country. Separated from her parents, who were both devoted to the Church, she was forced to do manual labor and live in a militaristic-like culture along with other Scientology children. All education was centered on Hubbard's writings, with little focus on critical thinking, and hyperfocus on memorization. She grew up thinking she could make a difference, but realized over time that everything was arbitrary and dishonest in her world.

It is interesting to see Hill evolve throughout the novel, and how she begins to question her loyalty to the Church. The contrast between the ordinary "rank-and-file" Sea Org members and public Scientologists and celebrities, is enormous. The members of the Sea Org are practically slaves, working on less than 50 dollars a week. The individuals in charge act like third-world dictators, creating a hostile and demanding environment, while covering up any possible scandal. Scientology constantly demanded donations and would require all members to buy Hubbard materials, while putting on grand displays of wealth and opulence. There doesn't seem to be any religious experience going on here. Reading about Hill's experience with auditing makes it seem akin to an Ouija board.

Because this book is from Hill's perspective, you won't be getting a full idea of what was happening in Scientology at the time. However, I like that she stays true to her own experiences and doesn't speculate on what she could not know.

Wow! Memory of Light lived up to its hype, mostly. The majority of the book enthralled me, although there were parts that seemed dull and repetitive.

I was disappointed by the role of Moiraine and Nynaeve in the Last Battle. Yes, they did have a purpose, but Nynaeve, who is supposed to be one of the strongest Aes Sedai is just sitting for the whole battle next to Rand. Couldn't it have been any two Aes Sedai? Also, Moiraine suffered from the same fate.

Very sad that Egwene and Bela died! The others I wasn't too concerned about.

I really enjoyed Pevara and Androl's parts, surprisingly, because usually when minor characters are introduced, I get bored and annoyed that even more people are being added to the story.

Logain, Taim, and the Black Tower mess...I just don't understand the reasoning for why Rand left it alone for so long. He created it, and then left it alone because he was too uncertain or whatever. Also, I was disappointed by Logain's involvement at the end. I was expecting more from him.

Gawyn and Galad, I never cared much about them throughout the books.

Perrin got a little better in this book, and I liked his fights in the dreamworld. It was interesting that he and Gaul were the lone people fighting in there, although every one seemed to have been using the dreamworld heavily in the series. No battlefront there?

The Sharans? Where did they come from? Lack of build-up about their involvement. Did anyone else feel like there was a lack of people fighting on the battefield? Like there were maybe 500 Trollocs, 20 Aes Sedai, 50 soldiers, and some random others? The perspective seemed off. Where were the Sea Folk, the Kin?

I think what is missing from the series is a bleak, dark tone. The story is obviously that way, but I never really got heavy despair. There wasn't anything extremely evil or horrific in the series. It was like evil-lite, evil pg-13.

I though the Epilogue was very short. There are so many characters that I would have like a bit from each of them.

I finished the series and I think I need a badge for it. I wouldn't recommend the Wheel of Time to others because all the work to get to the ending isn't justified. Sanderson did well taking over for Jordan, but I think the last two books could have been combined.

I read one or two sutras before each yoga practice. After finally finishing it, I know I need to go back to it and study the sutras with some intensity. There is much wisdom bestowed in these pages, and there were many moments while reading, I gained clarity on the way I interact and respond with my environment.

Highly recommended for any devoted yoga practitioner, but also for those who are interested in asian philosophy. Although yoga is not defined by one religion, the influences of Hinduism and Buddhism are apparent. I liked how Satchidananda used present day examples to explain the sutras and did not hesitate to incorporate science.

The pace has slowed down some. Never was a big fan of Nanami...

Your Money or Your Life is a different kind of finance book. It's not a get-rich-quick scheme or a lecture about how utterly stupid you are with money. It's a healthy perspective on the value of money. The tone of the book can be overbearingly optimistic and idealistic at times, especially for a cynical person, as I am, but even so, it delivers on getting you to think about what you are doing with your life and your money.

Recently, I have been budgeting and attempting to get my life together financially. It's all very painful. YMOYR states that is is not a budget book. Indeed it is not. For all of you that run away screaming at the sound of budgets, but really want to get your finances together, this is a book that doesn't ram it down your throat.

It made me analyze my job and my spending habits. A step in this book is to calculate how much you REALLY earn per hour, by calculating the transportation costs you need to get to work, work clothes, food at work, money spent on decompressing yourself after work, etc. It's amazing when you get down to it, you are making less because so much of that money earned is for work! Trust me, do the numbers and think about it. Is it worth slaving away at your job to spend so much of your paycheck on it? Taking a part-time job with less stress, at a lower paycheck, may net you the same amount of money.

Although the end is very Pollyanna - live off your investments - I think it is still something to strive for. Most of us would never, ever dream that would be possible. This book puts it into perspective. It is obtainable. You just have to stop spending your money on crap and stop draining your life away. Most of the stories are geared to those who want to retire early. As someone in my 20s and a large student loan, it seems so very, very, very far away.

I did like the focus the book had on relationships and finding your passion, and not by defining yourself by what you do. Again, it seems like common sense, but most of us schlep away to the 9-5, and think we are doomed forever, so this is an uplifting read.

Close to getting 4 stars, but I never was rooting for any one character. Maybe that's just how Cherryh depicted every one? There's not necessarily a "hero" per se, and I did like that about the novel. Yet, all the characters seemed so cold.

At first this is a hard book to follow because Downbelow doesn't give a lot of exposition or explanation for what happens. Generally, if it seems like the story is alluding to something, then the reader can assume it is true. I don't think Cherryh was trying to trick anyone, but write subtly. In that way I understand why it may be difficult to get into the book because you have to pay attention. There's a lot happening!

The hisa were my favorite. Even though they seemed like hairy carebears and sappy sweet, they got to me. I wish more of the book was told through their pov.

I was surprised by how focused the whole story was mainly on the station, the planet secondary. It was interesting to have a sci-fi space oriented novel have everything occur in a small area. Usually everyone is shooting all over the place.

I think Cherryh did well depicting the military and social issues of war. There isn't always a clear decision and it is impossible have things be fair for everyone. I think the characters acted true to their personalities. No one had over the top deus ex machina parts.

It was nice to finally get some insight into Yuzuki's family. She made it seem like they were locking her up in the basement! I guess every teenager makes it sound worse than it really is. The letter to her father was very touching. Yuzuki is always so sweet. She's never mean!

Not a very exciting volume, but it is nice to see the series veering off in a new direction. Miyu is funny, but strange. Hopefully she grows up! I am wondering where the tension is going to come from in the future because it's always there.

Not surprised with Asuka. Seems like Haruto's life is going to take a big change. Wonder if he thinks it is for the better? Yuzuki is always the same. Cute but static. Will she ever change?

Yuzuki is finally back, and she is acting normal again, yay! I am ready for some new scenery with this story. Seems like it is getting somewhat repetitive. I was waiting for everyone to go on a trip, but then they all just went back to Haruto's home. Asuka just isn't interesting enough for me. I would like to see some of the other characters get involved in some complicated relationships - Takashi and Kiyomi is a decent start.

Not so much drama in this one, just the developing relationship between Haruto and Asuka that often seems forced and uncomfortable. They don't have that romantic chemistry that should be there. The relationship seems doomed to me, knowing how Haruto runs off with every girl that requests something of him, even if he is being innocent. I don't trust Rin. It is obvious she is going to sabotage Haruto and Asuka!