These abridgments are an easy introduction to the science fiction of Anne McCaffrey, who is best known for her fantasy series, the Dragonriders of Pern. Adrienne Barbeau narrates this bundling of two futuristic novels with telepaths and other extraordinary people at their core. She moves the plots at a fast pace with enthusiasm. Special effects are used to highlight telepathic conversations, which are particularly effective at the same time that non-telepathic conversations are being passed on to a wider audience. Because the abridgments are tight, the conclusions seem abrupt. But the plot holds together nicely, and the well-drawn characters are enhanced by Barbeau's performance. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine