Rowan by Anne McCaffrey

The Rowan was an incredible book that gave an in-depth view of a different direction that humans could go. The characters where more then believable as real and where very easy to like. And the information on tech and environment is very good and very easy to place ones self-in. what’s more is that the story line is very smooth and does not leave any thing out allowing the reader to stay immersed and lose themselves to the story.

Unfortunately the story also has certain flaws that keep you from being able to truly see it as a future and thus truly believe that the story would come to pass as so many Sci-Fi stories do.

The Rowan series is, in my opinion, Anne McCaffrey's masterpiece. I am awed by her insight into human emotions and the human condition, plus her awesome knowledge and grasp of things technical.

I am not ashamed to admit I get tears in my eyes from many passages in the Rowan books. Granted, it's science fiction, but the characters are utterly believable and real. This from a hard-bitten, retired old soldier of 70 years.

The Rowan series starts with the story of a little girl (no more than 2 or 3 years old) who has a high amount of Talent (Telekinetic, Telepathic, Empathy, and other "powers." The next few books talk about her daughter's life (Damia) and her grandchildren (Damia's Children, Lyon's Pride, Tower and The Hive) In truth, I could not help but love these books. The way that Anne McAffery gives her characters life is just, amazing. When Purza and Lusena die, I couldn't help but cry (I guess I'm of the emphatic talent as well). However, even if you haven't read any of Anne McAffery's books (which is your own loss) you had better start with The Rowan. Just a tip.