wonderful story, provides much background for the founding of Pern. I have read and re-read many times this wonderful series and have enjoyed the rich visualizations and characters. With that said... this abridged version, only 2 cassettes, would not be the best choice for someone who has never heard the series or has no idea what the story may involve. It is well narrated and performed by Adrienne Barbeau, but way too short. I kept thinking I had skipped a side or lost another cassette, and I know the story. Very, very abridged and in that spirit it was a disappointment.
If you've read some of the Pern books, then this would be a way to learn how it all began. I started with a later one myself and wondered how they had got from space ships to agrarian society. The trip made for an interesting read. Some swearing ( if this concerns you) and plenty of finely crafted scenes. McCaffrey did a good job all the way to the last sentence.
This prequel to her amazing Pern series really explains the history and foundation of Pern and her people. The reader gets to witness the creation of the indispensable dragons, and the courage and determination of a people who have to fight for their new home against an enemy that neither thinks or feels.
