Title: The Smallest Dragonboy
Author: Anne McCaffrey
First published January 1, 1973
Audiobook
Rating: 4.28
Overview
In “The Smallest Dragonboy,” readers are transported to the Ninth Pass and introduced to Keevan, a young boy vying to become a dragon rider alongside his peers. Despite being the smallest candidate, Keevan works tirelessly to prove himself and earn a place in Ramoth’s clutch at Benden Weyr.
However, his size often leads him to be underestimated and bullied by his fellow candidates. As the Impression draws near, Keevan overhears a conversation that leads him to believe he may be dropped from consideration.
Will Keevan be able to overcome the odds and prove his worth as a dragon rider? Find out in this thrilling tale by Anne McCaffrey, originally featured in the “Get off The Unicorn” collection.
About the Author
Anne McCaffrey, a beloved author, was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on April 1st, 1926. Her parents were George Herbert McCaffrey, a retired Colonel of the USA Army, and Anne Dorothy McElroy McCaffrey, an estate agent.
She had two brothers, Kevin Richard McCaffrey and Hugh McCaffrey, who passed away in 1988 and was a Major in the US Army. Anne received her education from Stuart Hall in Staunton Virginia and Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey.
Later, she graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College with a major in Slavonic Languages and Literatures.
Anne started her career at Liberty Music Shops and Helena Rubinstein from 1947-1952. She married in 1950 and was blessed with three children: Alec Anthony, Todd, and Georgeanne.
In 1967, Ballantine Books published her first novel, and before her children were comfortably in school all day, she had already achieved success with short stories. Anne’s first novel, Restoree, was written as a protest against the unrealistic and absurd portrayals of women in s-f novels in the 50s and early 60s.
Her talents as a storyteller are best displayed in the handling of broader themes in the worlds of her imagination, especially in her two series, The Ship Who Sang and the fourteen novels about the Dragonriders of Pern.
Anne passed away at the age of 85 on November 21st, 2011, after suffering a massive stroke.
Editoral Review
Anne McCaffrey’s classic novel, The Smallest Dragonboy, is a delightful addition to the canon of science fiction and fantasy literature. Originally published in 1973, the novel tells the story of Keevan, a young boy who dreams of becoming a dragonrider in the noble ranks of Pern’s society.
The novel’s themes of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity are timeless, and continue to resonate with readers today. At its core, The Smallest Dragonboy is a coming of age story.
Keevan is a small and physically frail boy, often overlooked and underestimated by his peers and superiors in his quest to become a dragonrider. He is determined to prove his worth, however, and rises to the occasion when the opportunity presents itself.
McCaffrey’s world-building is also a major strength of the novel. She creates a vivid and detailed world that is full of imaginative creatures and landscapes.
From the impressive and awe-inspiring dragons to the vast open plains of Pern, McCaffrey’s descriptions transport the reader into this fantastical world and make it feel real. Despite its strengths, The Smallest Dragonboy is not without its flaws.
At times, the pacing of the novel can feel slow and the secondary characters could benefit from more development. Additionally, some readers may find the gender roles and social hierarchy of Pern to be outdated or problematic.
Overall, however, The Smallest Dragonboy is a charming and engaging read that will appeal to both young and adult readers. It reminds us that even the smallest and seemingly weakest among us can achieve great things with determination and hard work.
For fans of the science fiction and fantasy genres, The Smallest Dragonboy is a must-read. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
