Anne McCaffrey – Freedom’s Challenge

Genre: Science Fiction (3rd in a series)

Basic Plot: It’s been quite a while since the first drop landed on the planet of Bontany. The humans, Deski, Rugarians and the sole Catteni alike were managing to live in relative peace, especially with the protective ‘bubble’ around the planet, placed there by the mysterious ‘farmers’. Then an idea is formed to help to free the Catteni from the subtle enslavement of the powerful Eosi…but to do so would mean a dangerous mission. One that the chance of survival for those involved is very, very slim.

Characters: With the characters in this book already being established in the previous two of the ‘Freedom’s’ series, the reader doesn’t really get to know much more than they did already. This isn’t to say that there’s stagnation, whereupon the reader ceases to care what happens to the characters. Like any real person, the challenges that are faced by the characters – and in particular the protagonist Kris – are able to show the reader different facets of their personalities. There were a few occasions where reactions seemed to be a little contrived to fit in with the story, but they’re easily forgiven.

Style: Fast paced but comprehensive, this book doesn’t make you have to re-read every second page in order to keep up with it, despite the speed at which the story progresses. In one or two places the action does seem to be almost paraphrased, as though the author was trying too quickly to get onto the next part. Despite this, the book flows well and certainly keeps a firm grasp of the reader’s attention, making it a book that’s difficult to put down.

Opinions: Another great novel by Ms. McCaffrey. The great thing about this particular instalment is the fact that although it’s certainly better to have read the previous two books of the series, it isn’t imperative that the reader does so. I also found it to be one of those books that you can keep and re-read. It certainly falls into the category of; ‘if you see it around, pick it up and give it a go’.

Audience: Teenagers +