A Time When, Being A Tale Of Young Lord Jaxom, His White Dragon, Ruth And Various Fire Lizards : Book Review

"A Time When: Being a Tale of Young Lord Jaxom, His White Dragon, Ruth, and Various Fire-Lizards" is an enchanting science fiction novel written by the talented Anne McCaffrey. Set in the fantastical world of Pern, the story transports readers to a realm where humans coexist with majestic dragons and vibrant fire-lizards. The novel follows the incredible journey of young Lord Jaxom and his extraordinary bond with his dragon, Ruth, as they navigate a myriad of challenges and embark on thrilling adventures.

From the very beginning, Jaxom finds himself struggling to fit in with his peers due to his small stature. However, his life takes a monumental turn when he stumbles upon a rare white dragon egg, which soon hatches into Ruth. The bond that develops between Jaxom and Ruth is awe-inspiring, allowing them to communicate telepathically and share a deep emotional connection. Together, they face numerous obstacles, including a perilous mission to combat a deadly menace threatening the land of Pern.

McCaffrey's superb storytelling skills create a vivid and mesmerizing world, brimming with complex characters and intricate relationships. The relationship between Jaxom and Ruth is particularly captivating, as they challenge conventions and defy societal expectations. The author seamlessly delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the discovery of one's true self.

Through her masterful descriptions, McCaffrey transports readers into the vibrant world of Pern, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in its fantastical wonders. The book's pacing is flawlessly balanced, effortlessly blending moments of heart-pounding action with quiet and introspective scenes. The author skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, skillfully resolving them all in a satisfying and fulfilling manner.

"A Time When" is a remarkable addition to the beloved Pern series, offering a captivating and engaging narrative that will leave both new readers and devoted fans spellbound. With its rich world-building, well-developed characters, and a touch of enchantment, this novel is an absolute must-read for lovers of science fiction and fantasy alike.

What are readers saying?

Anne McCaffrey's novel "A Time When" has garnered a range of reviews, reflecting a varied reception from readers. The story follows the adventures of Jaxom, a young Lord, along with his white dragon Ruth and a group of fire lizards. Here is a summary of the opinions expressed in these reviews:

Firstly, the majority of reviewers commended the book's world-building and character development. They praised Anne McCaffrey's ability to vividly describe the story's elements, which allowed readers to effortlessly immerse themselves in the fantastical setting. The bond between Jaxom and his dragon, Ruth, stood out as a unique and heartfelt relationship, greatly appreciated by many readers.

Secondly, several reviewers found the coming-of-age aspect of the story to be a strong point. Jaxom's personal growth and journey of self-discovery captivated readers, who found themselves rooting for his success. The exploration of themes such as duty, friendship, and perseverance resonated with many, adding depth to the narrative.

However, some readers did express dissatisfaction with the pacing of "A Time When," particularly in the first half of the book. They felt that the story took too long to gain momentum and that insufficient action occurred until later in the plot. This slower pacing detracted from their overall enjoyment and made the reading experience feel tedious at times.

Furthermore, a few reviewers commented on the writing style, noting that while they appreciated the detailed descriptions, they found the prose to be overly verbose. They believed that the story could have been more concise without compromising its quality. This aspect might have contributed to the aforementioned issues with pacing.

TimeofTales YoungLordJaxom DragonChronicles