Acorna

Anne McCaffrey

Average Rating 7/10 (2 Reviews)

It had started as a pleasure-cruise spaceship, but as the Khlevii moved close to them it threatened to turn into a death chamber. They knew there was no hope for them, the adults, but they took a chance on the youngling, nestled her into a pod and ejected her into space before exploding themselves and the hated Khlevii with them.

It was three young space prospectors in an asteroid mining ship, the Khedive, who hauled the piece of 'space debris' aboard and opened it up. It contained an alien youngling, though of which sex was debatable. Silvery hair curled down over the shoulder blades and, in the centre of the forehead was the beginnings of a small horn. The feet ended in tiny cleft hooves.

The little alien was frightened, affectionate, and she was to become their mascot, their miracle girl. Many people on many planets wanted her and the mysterious powers she possessed, but Acorna had her own ideas of the tasks she was to accomplish in the worlds of space.

Review by Nigel (140500) Rating (7/10)
Review by Chrissi (010500) Rating (6/10)

Review by Nigel
Rating 7/10
I quite liked this story. Alot like a Jack Higgins novel, it didn't really require much effort but was no less enjoyable for it. A good old fashioned space opera crossed with a typical good versus evil Science Fantasy epic. All very improbable with a whole planets economic system (however bad) being destroyed by the leading characters, all of whom wear metaphoric white hats.

A good sunny Sunday afternoon read to take away all your problems for a short while. Recommended.
Nigel(14th May 2000)

Review by Chrissi
Rating 6/10
I have always enjoyed McCaffrey, but unfortunately, those that are hers alone always seem superior to those written in conjunction with other people. Take the Dragon series, absolutely brilliant, if getting a little tired and convoluted towards the end, and the Tower and the Hive, well written and ending in the right place.

This, however, although a sweet story, written in a nice way, allows for a story which is not taxing and which you know will have a nice ending. However, the characters seem a little less well fleshed than normal.

That said, I will look for the continuation of the series, because I enjoy being allowed to turn my brain off and allowing it to coast in neutral for a while. Not vintage Ms. McCaffrey, but certainly not a waste of time or energy.
Chrissi (1st May 2000)