The Renegades of Pern is the tenth book in the Dragonriders of Pern series, written by Anne McCaffrey. It was first published in 1989 and continues the story of the planet Pern, where humans and their telepathic dragon companions fight against the deadly Thread.
The book is set several years after the events of the previous installment, *All the Weyrs of Pern*. The people of Pern have successfully eradicated Thread, thanks to the efforts of Aivas, an ancient artificial intelligence that provided them with advanced technology. However, Aivas has now been deactivated, and the planet is left to deal with the aftermath.
The story primarily focuses on two main plotlines. The first revolves around a group of renegades led by Jayge Lilcamp. These renegades are survivors from a Hold that was destroyed by Thread during a time when Aivas was still active. They have been living in hiding and scavenging for supplies ever since. Jayge’s group discovers a hidden valley where they can establish a new home, but they must contend with the threat of Thread and other challenges.
The second plotline follows Jaxom, the Lord Holder of Ruatha Hold, and his dragon Ruth. Jaxom is struggling with his responsibilities as a leader and his desire to explore new territories on Pern. He becomes involved in Jayge’s quest to settle in the hidden valley and faces opposition from traditionalists who believe that technology should not be used anymore.
As the story progresses, Jaxom and Jayge’s paths intersect, and they work together to overcome various obstacles. They also uncover secrets about Pern’s history and its connection to Earth. Alongside these main characters, familiar faces from previous books make appearances, including Lessa, F’lar, Menolly, and Robinton.
The Renegades of Pern explores themes of adaptation, survival, and the clash between tradition and progress. It delves into the challenges faced by the people of Pern as they navigate a post-Thread world and grapple with the consequences of relying on advanced technology.
In conclusion, The Renegades of Pern is a captivating addition to the Dragonriders of Pern series. It continues to expand the richly imagined world of Pern while delving into the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters.
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The Renegades of Pern
- Dragonriders of Pern
- Narrated by: Dick Hill
For as long as the people of Pern can remember, the Holds have protected them from Thread, deadly silver threads that fell from the sky and ravaged the land. In exchange for shelter in giant stone fortresses, the people gave tithes to their lord Holders, who then supported the Weyrs, whose dragons were Pern’s most powerful weapon against Thread.
But not everyone on Pern is part of that system of mutual care and protection, especially those who have been punished for misconduct. And there are some, like Jayge’s group of traders, who simply prefer the freedom of the roads over the security of holdings. Others, like Aramina’s family, have lost their dominion because of injustice and cruelty. For all the useless ones, life is a constant struggle for survival.
Then, from the ranks of criminals and disgruntled people, emerged a group of traitors, led by Lady Thella. No one is safe from Thella’s ravages, and now her subject is Aramina, believed to have telepathic connections with dragons. But when Thella accidentally vented her rage on Jayge’s family, she became a dangerous enemy. Because Jayge intends revenge – and he will never let her get the girl who hears dragons!
I’ve loved this series for years, Anne McCaffrey is an excellent writer and Dick Hill is amazing at bringing the characters to life through his narration. I recommend the whole series! Dick Hill doesn’t voice all of the books, as those based on female characters are often told by women and they’re equally entertaining. I’ve heard this particular book (along with the rest) 2 or 3 times already and know I’ll be back again and again! I recommend this series to anyone who loves dragons and imagination in general. I hope you’ll love these books as much as I did! Wish You Happy Listening!
Renegades has always been the most difficult book in the Pern series for me because of the graphic descriptions of the terrible things Thelma and her bandits did, but somehow it’s not so bad to “hear” it being read in someone else’s voice. And the big discovery at the end makes it important to read, especially when reading the series in order of publication. Thank you for making it cuter, at least for me!
The fall begins and all Pern regroup to deal with the threat. Thela is greedy and cruel, she hates that she can’t become Lord Holder. Instead, she decided to terrorize Pern and get what she wanted. The southern continent is rediscovered. A great Pern story.
